Compare Enchanting Danube by Titan Travel vs Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,109 | $ 2,030 |
| Price Per Day | $ 389 | $ 254 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | All breakfasts are included. Breakfast: Continental style buffet breakfast. Lunch and Dinner: there are numerous restaurants along the route with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view. |
| Description | The Danube, through its rich history has remained timeless and truly enchanting. With a backdrop of Austrian Alps, lush vineyards give way to regal cities, ancient castles and hilltop villages, this river has been the inspiration to countless musicians, artists and poets over the centuries. Waltz your way along the Danube, sailing from one captivating city to the next, discovering charming villages in Austria’s stunning Wachau Valley along the way. |
This is a classic ride linking two historic cities. Your journey starts in Vienna, which requires little introduction, with its abundance of famous sites, entertainment and culture. The River Danube serves as the spine of the cycling route as you meander back and forth through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills. A night is spent in the pretty city of Bratislava and in the lovely town of Gyor, as we head towards the Danube Bend at Esztergom. The end point for the trip is the city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and enjoy the stunning architecture.Enjoy meandering rides along the Danube from Austria to Hungary. |
Day 1 UK - Budapest
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Budapest. Meet your Uniworld representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark S.S. Maria Theresa (5T).
Day 2 Budapest
Savour the beauty of both Buda and Pest on a panoramic tour. Alternatively, take a ride on the metro; stop at a lively market hall; visit Károlyi Garden; and explore the National Museum. Or, join ‘Green Budapest’ for a bicycle tour with stops at various sites, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Rose and Japanese gardens, the Olympic pool, Várkert Bazár and Gellert Baths, followed by a picnic on Margaret Island. Cap your day off with the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3 Cruising the Danube River - Bratislava - Vienna
Enjoy a day of leisure aboard your floating hotel. Then explore Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, on a walking discovery tour before docking in the imperial city of Vienna.
Day 4 Vienna
You’re in for a real treat with ‘Morning with the Masters’, an exclusive early opening and art tour of the Vienna Art History Museum, ending with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall. Then choose a guided walk or city tour that highlights Viennese essentials. Later, join an exclusive Mozart & Strauss concert at a Viennese palace.
Day 5 Dürnstein - Cruising the Wachau Valley - Melk
Dürnstein is a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops and maybe hike up to a ruined castle. You can also opt for a tasting at Austria’s oldest winery or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. Later, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library.
Day 6 Linz (Salzburg or Linz)
Salzburg or Linz - the choice is yours. In UNESCO-designated Salzburg, you’ll see Mozart’s childhood home and the garden where the famous ‘Do-Re-Mi’ scene from ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed. If you wish, head to nearby Linz instead, a former Roman settlement that is now a vibrant centre for the arts. After a guided walking tour that stops for coffee and a taste of Linzer torte, venture into the countryside to visit a local farm and sample another delicious treat - hard cider, a speciality of the region.
Day 7 Passau
Cruise the picturesque landscape and hairpin loop in the middle of the Danube. In Passau, discover the medieval city with a walking tour to the baroque St Stephan’s Cathedral, to hear a concert played on Europe’s largest pipe organ. For cyclists, join a local guide for a bike ride along the Inn River; for hikers, go on a guided hike with a nature expert along the beautiful Ilz River. Spend your last night on board at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner. Please note: St Stephan’s organ concert is only available from 1 May-31 October, excluding Sundays and Catholic holidays. An alternative venue will be organised before and after these dates.
Day 8 Passau - Munich - UK
Transfer to Munich Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Day 1 Arrive Vienna
Make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is left free to explore Vienna at your leisure. It is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!
Day 2 Vienna - Hainburg
This morning you receive your bikes before setting off on your first day of riding. On leaving Vienna the route takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park, an area of extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects. From here, pass Orth Castle and the pretty village of Eckertsau before arriving in Hainburg.
Day 3 Hainburg to Bratislava
Follow the Roman bike trail to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. End your day in the Gothic old town of Bratislava, Slovakia's pretty capital city that exudes old world charm.
Day 4 Bratislava to Mosonmagyarovar
After a short cycle through Slovakia, you cross the Hungarian border into Rajka. Cycle past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. Your route guides you through the Szigetkoz (a small Rye island) towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old 'city of 17 bridges'. The city centre is noteworthy for its impressive collection of Baroque buildings.
Day 5 Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor
Today, you follow a flat cycling route as it takes you through the outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube and the Mosoni Duna (Small Danube). Make a stop to see Hedervar Castle, before arriving in the colourful town of Gyor, to take in its sights and breathtaking historic centre.
Day 6 Gyor/Komarom to Esztergom
Take the train to Komarom then pedal along the riverbanks of the flat Danube Valley, passing quaint villages and lush vineyards. Fitter cyclists can choose a route over Tata, but be aware this is more strenuous and there are no shops and restaurants along the way. Those interested in the history of the area should plan some time for the Roman archaelogical site of Kelemantia, where a military camp stood from the 2nd to the 4th Century. The absolute highlight of the day however, is Esztergom (also known as Hungarian Rome), with the largest basilica in the country.
Day 7 Esztergom to Budapest
Head to the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the south. The Royal Palace and castle of Visegrad, and the open air museum are well worth a visit, as is the old Baroque town of Szentendre. Here you take a leisurely boat ride into the centre of the city and appreciate the stunning architecture.
Day 8 End Budapest
End your trip in Budapest. There is much to see in this iconic city and we are pleased to book additional nights for you if you wish. Hungary's capital is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th Century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with the flat Pest. The city is easy to explore on foot; don't miss the chance to visit one of the city's famous thermal baths or walk up to the dome of St Stephan's Basilica for a fantastic panoramic view!
