Hungarian Rhapsody

Name: Hungarian Rhapsody
Brand: UTracks
SKU: DHN
Rating: 4.38 (16 reviews)

Cycling in beautiful Bratislava

Bratislava Burg Castle

Cycling past Parliament in Vienna

Cycling in Slovakia towards Bratislava | Pat Rochon

Cycling in beautiful Bratislava

Bratislava Burg Castle

Cycling past Parliament in Vienna

Cycling in Slovakia towards Bratislava | Pat Rochon

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

7 Dinners
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1390USD

Overview

Trip Code: DHN

Trip highlights

Exploring the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
Visiting the Basilica in Esztergom and the Danube Bend
Discovering the "Little Alföld" Protected Area, the Danube floodplain National park; and the Archaeological Park Carnuntum

Wind your way from the elegant city of Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path. Crossing the Austria - Slovak border the cycle route passes vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains into the capital, Bratislava. Using quiet country roads this itinerary continues into Hungary where you will pedal through numerous delightful towns. Explore the Baroque city of Györ and visit the unusual artist village of Szentendre and its outlying island before heading to Budapest.

Trip Grading

moderate

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Vienna

Make your own way to Vienna and the hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore. You can enjoy a stroll through the imperial city or visit a typical Heurigen (rustic wine taverns) to try some local snacks and goodies - there are lots of options in the 'City of Waltz'. Dinner and overnight in Vienna.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cycle along the Danube to Bad Deutsch Altenburg (42km/26mi)

In the morning you will meet our representative and collect your bike. From Vienna you take the Danube-Cycle-Path through the national park “Donauauen", which was established to protect the Danube floodplain areas and the large diversity of plants and animals found within the ecosystem. Continue past the castles of “Orth” and “Eckartsau” before reaching the health resort town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Nearby you can view the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum, an important archaeological site. Overnight Bad Deutsch Altenburg or surrounds.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Continue to Bratislava (26km/16mi)

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, cycle to the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where you'll find an enchanting, sleepy old town in addition to magnificent modern buildings.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Cycle via the lowlands of Szigetköz to Györ (82km/51mi) or shorten with train

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an ideal environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands, you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. The day's bike tour ends in the beautiful city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its baroque old town. Option to shorten the cycling: by taking the train from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ. Tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 44 km/27mi

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Stroll through the national stud of Babolna, cycle to Komarno/surrounds (57km/35.6mi)

Departing from Gyor needs some concentration then you cycle through the landscape of western trans Danubia. Continue to Komarno (Komarom), on the border between Hungary and Slovakia, the favourite village of King Matthias.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Cycle through quaint villages to Esztergom and the Danube Bend (52km/32.5mi)

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint, typical villages. En route to Esztergom you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. Continue to Esztergom, known as “the Rome of Hungary”, which was the capital of medieval Hungary from the 10th to the 13th century. Here you can admire the imposing Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Cycle the Danube Bend, continue by boat or train to Budapest (62km/38.5mi)

The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend will enchant you. The river divides to create Szentendre island. Take your bike on the ferry across to the island and cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its handicraft boutiques and the open air ethnographic Museum Skanzen. Enjoy a fantastic view of the most famous sights of Budapest on your way to the capital city of Hungary Note: a boat ride at the beginning or end of the stage is included (or outside the boat season a train ticket is included.)

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Trip concludes

The trip concludes in Budapest after breakfast. We can arrange extra nights for you in Budapest if you wish to extend your stay in this fabulous city

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 7 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which include regional specialities
7 nights in 3-4 star inns and hotels (4 star in Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis (option to upgrade to Category A, 4 star hotels - surcharge applies)
21 speed bike rental equipped with pannier (7 speed bikes on request or if 21-speed is fully booked, children trailers (max 2 children, 60kgs) on request. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked. Navigational app login. GPS Tracks are available.
Luggage transfer - 2 pieces per person, max of 30kg total per person (max 20kg per piece)
1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area)
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Vienna and from Budapest
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Helmet - can be purchased and provided locally (must be pre-booked & pre-paid)
Travel insurance
Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees
Transfers (ferries, trains) not listed as included
Rental bike insurance - covers liability in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured). Excluded are lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Electric Bike

A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. Our specially made 8-speed KTM or Flyer models increase your pedaling power 3 fold and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit (per room). Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Alternatively you can purchase one for an additional cost (must be pre booked and prepaid). If you would like a 7 speed bike (with backpedal brake) you need to book this in advance. You should specify which bike is required at the time of booking.

Grading

moderate

Daily cycling distances range from 26-62km / 16-38.5mi, with shorter options available on some days. The route is mostly flat, sometimes with rolling hills. The Austrian section is on well marked dedicated bike paths whilst in Hungary you will cycle on country roads and side roads, sometimes unpaved (after wet weather these can be muddy or with loose sand therefore caution is required). Route finding in Hungary is less straightforward and will require more map reading. Entering and exiting the cities (particularly Gyor and Eztergom), there is some traffic to be aware of! The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness including older children. For parents pulling trailers or trail-a-bikes please be aware that the cycling effort required is increased depending on the weight of the children. If you are not experienced cyclists we recommend the Blue Danube Cycle which is more suitable for families. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Saturday & Sunday 4 May to 4 Oct. Saturday only 27 Apr to 3 May and 5 to 12 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

Grand Prix Peak Supplement

Note:

Mid season 4 May - 28 Jun and 14 Sep - 4 Oct. High season 29 Jun - 13 Sep, supplement applies

Note:

Departures with overnight stays in Budapest during the Grand Prix 19-21 July - peak supplement may apply.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1390USD

Options & Supplements*

Electric Bike SupplementUSD$140
Upgrade Supplement - Category A hotelsUSD$140
Single Supplement - Category BUSD$350
Solo Traveller Supplement - Category BUSD$370
Single Supplement - Category AUSD$400
Solo Traveller Supplement - Category AUSD$420

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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