Cycling from Vienna to Budapest

Experience Overview

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.
Profile
— 7 nights 4-star hotels — 6 days cycling with luggage transfers — 80% cycle path, 20% road — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when entering/leaving the cities — Gentle hills on some days — Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
At a Glance
— 7 nights 4-star hotels — 6 days cycling with luggage transfers — 80% cycle path, 20% road — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when entering/leaving the cities — Gentle hills on some days — Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
Trip For You
Cycling Conditions Classification: Self-Guided Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) Average daily distance: 54km (34 miles) No. of days cycling: 6 Terrain and route: surface: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads and designated cycle paths, however, there are some sections on busier roads. Much of the route is gently undulating, but there are some steeper hills. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. On many occasions in the route it is possible to shortern the day's ride by taking the train or a boat - this will be detailed further in the route notes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Please note that helmets are obligatory for adults cycling outside cities in Slovakia, and at night or if there is bad visibility you are required to have either reflectors or a safety vest. Families Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. Please be aware that some of the cycling on this route is along busier roads so any children must be confident at cycling alongside traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number, available daily from 08.00- 20.00. In emergency, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The hotels are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedalling under your own steam but the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need assistance.
Joining Instructions
Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Vienna and ending in Budapest Your trip normally starts at your hotel in Vienna on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. A hotel list will be sent to you prior to departure. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Flights from the UK Flights from London are available with British Airways. Low cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet are also available which may be a convenient and good value option for some clients.
Transfer Details
Airport transfers are not included in this trip. The start hotel is an easy journey from Vienna airport by taxi (approx. €345) or train/underground. Detailed instructions will be sent to you with your final joining instructions.
Weather Information
The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.
Spending Money
Visits to all the places mentioned in the itinerary are optional. Entrance fees are not included and are usually around €4 to €8 each. Lunches and dinners are not included - allow about €20-25 per day; costs will depend on the standard of restaurant chosen. You may need extra to buy wine each evening. All transportation to and from the airport is not included. A taxi from the airport to the hotel in Vienna will cost approx. €45 or a regular train operates between the airport and the city centre, costing approx. €15, with onward travel by underground to reach the start hotel. In Budapest a taxi from the hotel to the airport is approx. 7500 HUF. Public transport is not really recommended.

Highlights