Danube Explorer to Budapest

Danube Explorer to Budapest

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8 Days From

$1566

Danube Explorer to Budapest

8 Days Starting and ending in Passau, Germany

Visiting: Passau, Aschach, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, Wachau Valley

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

DEX

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

Interests:

Cultural

From: $1566

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Danube Explorer to Budapest" tour and experience the timeless beauty of the Danube River by bike and boat. This self-guided cycling holiday takes you through Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, offering stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Cycle through the picturesque Wachau Valley, explore the historic cities of Vienna and Budapest, and enjoy the serene countryside of Hungary. Relax on a deluxe riverboat with full board accommodations, including daily briefings, live music, and a gala dinner. With bike rentals, route maps, and optional guided tours, this adventure is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.

Highlights

  • Cycling through the stunning Wachau Valley and along the famous Danube bike path

  • Arriving in Vienna and Budapest by boat and exploring these magnificent cities

  • Experiencing the timelessness of the Danube by bike

  • Exploring the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava

  • Cycling to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene

  • Visiting the imposing Imperial Schloss Hof palace with its beautifully terraced gardens

  • Cycling through the classic scenery of the 'Great Loop' Schlogener Donauschlinge

  • Discovering the baroque architecture and narrow, cobbled streets of the idyllic isle of Szentendre

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive Passau, Cruise To Engelhartszell

Location: Passau

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Dinner

Boarding is between 4-5pm and the boat will depart at 6pm for the first cruise. (Luggage drop-off is available from 3.30pm). Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestone old town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. This evening we will cruise to the traditional town of Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery and where you can taste some delicious liquors and cheese. While cruising, information will be provided about the daily biking, sights and sightseeing trips, followed by dinner.

Day 2 : Cycle From Engelhartszell Through The 'Great Loop' And On To Aschach (43Km/26.8Mi)

Location: Aschach

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will receive your bicycles. Today's cycle tour will begin through the classic scenery of the 'Great Loop' Schlögener Donauschlinge, where small villages developed through the river trade of years gone by. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cosy cider taverns. The famous 'Schlogener View' provides a wonderful vista of the surrounding Austrian countryside. On arrival in the charming town of Aschach you will re-board the boat for an overnight cruise.

Day 3 : Cycle To Bratislava (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Bratislava

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a morning arrival in Devin, you will cycle along the former "Iron Curtain", cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Schloss Hof palace with its beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. Continue along the bike path through Austria's "vegetable garden" to the coronation city of Bratislava, at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. You can discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava or there's an optional city tour. Re-board the boat this evening for an overnight cruise.

Day 4 : Arrive Budapest By Boat, Round Trip To Szentendre (24Km/15Mi) Or Free Time

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Location: Budapest

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We arrive at Budapest in the morning and the panoramic view of the Danube bend is quite stunning. Savour the city's beauty during a bus tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the city's highlights. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre, with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. In the evening, visiting the Jewish Quarter is recommended.

Day 5 : Cycle Through The Hungarian Countryside (50Km/31.5Mi), By Boat To Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning the boat brings us to the Danube Bend. In a wonderful landscape that is a nature lover's paradise you cycle from the village of Vac via the idyllic isle of Szentendre with its baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. Continue to the bishop town of Esztergom with its imposing basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village. During the night we cruise to Vienna.

Day 6 : At Leisure In Vienna, Optional City Tour By Bike

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is at leisure, or you have the option of joining a city tour by bike or bus, to experience some of Vienna’s main sights including the imperial Hofburg, St Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ringstrasse’ (boulevard) and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall, and of course the colourful 'Hundertwasserhaus'. Information will be provided to help plan your sightseeing. Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while an optional evening excursion is available: a classical concert in one of Vienna’s famous palaces. Later we will cruise through the night to Krems.

Day 7 : Cycle Through The Wachau Valley To Melk (37-45Km/23-28Mi)

Location: Wachau Valley

Accommodation Name: MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The last biking day is a highlight, pedalling through the renowned Wachau valley, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages. Cycling from Krems to Melk you will pass small dreamy villages, orchards, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein. In Spitz you will find cosy wine taverns right along the bike path where there is the possibility for wine tasting (optional). Before re-boarding the boat it is worth visiting the Baroque monastery of the Benedictine Brethren of Melk. This evening on board includes a gala dinner and crew show.

Day 8 : Morning Cruise Through The Danube Valley, Disembark Passau, Trip Concludes

Location: Passau

Meals Included: Breakfast

Check-out from your cabin by 8:30 am. During breakfast the boat continues to Passau, with disembarkation at approximately 11am. Your onward travel plans should be made from midday.

What's Included

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, 5 packed lunches and 1 full 3 course lunch and 3 course dinner each night (2-3 choices for main course). Vegetarian or other dietary requirements.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation on board a deluxe category river boat - MV Vivienne (MVV) or MV Swiss Crown (MVSC) and the trip price is based on a standard cabin on the main deck. For other categories and seasons a supplement applies. Cabin upgrade options: MV Sw.

  • Bike Rental

    Bike rental (24 speed) with pannier and a handlebar bag. A limited number of electric bikes are available, approx 12-15 per departure - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies (min height 160cm). Children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) on request.

  • Information Pack

    Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin, navigational app to use on your smartphone, GPS tracks.

  • Cruise Director

    Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group (this is a self guided cycling holiday), provides daily briefings.

  • Entertainment

    Welcome drink, crew show, live music every night, gala dinner on last evening with farewell cocktail.

  • Docking & Harbour Fees

    Docking & harbour fees.

  • Cabin Amenities

    Towels and bed linen, daily cabin cleaning.

  • Emergency Hotline

    Emergency hotline.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Passau

    Travel to and from Passau.

    Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat (reservation necessary, payable locally); Closed parking lot EUR75 approx, Parking garage EUR87 (subject to change).

    Private transfer from Munich Airport to Passau.

  • Meals Not Included

    Meals not listed as included, drinks.

  • Helmet

    Helmet.

    Optional rental (must be pre-booked & pre-paid) or purchase (EUR32 - payable locally but must be pre-booked) available - please request with your consultant.

  • Bike Insurance

    Bike insurance - available to purchase - ask your consultant for details.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance - mandatory.

  • Guide

    Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday.

    A guided cycling package is available on select departures aboard MVV only.

  • Optional Guided Cycling Package

    Optional guided cycling package (supplement applies).

    Inclusions: with a dedicated tour guide cycle in a small group to explore the local culture and discover hidden sites.

    Includes tour guide, tasting at a cider producer in the Upper Danube, ferry rides.

  • Tips

    Tips.

  • Single Cabin Supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin.

  • Entrance and Sightseeing Fees

    Entrance and sightseeing fees not listed as included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions - can only be booked onboard: Bratislava: City tour with scenic train and walking tour.

    Budapest: City tour by bike or bus.

    Vienna: City tour by bike or by bus, Waltz & operetta concert at Schonbrunn Palace.

    Wachau: Wine tasting.

  • Mobile Phone Holder

    We recommend bringing a mobile phone holder to fix to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app (self guided cyclists).

  • Personal Items

    Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, entrance fees etc.

Grading

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. It is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. For this reason the trip is a grade 2 cycle and is considered suitable for beginners and children. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm/3ft 11.3in), as are bike seats (max 18kg/39lb 10.93137oz) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg/88lb 2.95oz). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel by boat along the Danube, with cycling tours at various stops. The boat departs from Passau and cruises to destinations including Engelhartszell, Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights on board a deluxe category river boat, either the MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown, with standard cabins on the main deck. Upgrades are available for other categories and seasons.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation on board a deluxe category river boat, either the MV Vivienne or MV Swiss Crown. The trip price is based on a standard cabin on the main deck, but cabin upgrade options are available for a supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. The trip is based on full board, which includes a buffet breakfast daily, 5 packed lunches, 1 full 3-course lunch, and a 3-course dinner each night with 2-3 choices for the main course. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated.

  • Is bike rental included in the tour?

    Yes, bike rental is included in the tour. You will receive a 24-speed bike with a pannier and a handlebar bag. A limited number of electric bikes are also available, but they must be pre-booked and a supplement applies. Children trailers are available on request.

  • What kind of support is available during the cycling part of the tour?

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, but a cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings. An information pack including route notes, maps, a navigational app for your smartphone, and GPS tracks is also provided.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional excursions that can be booked on board, such as city tours in Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna, as well as a wine tasting in the Wachau Valley. Additionally, an optional guided cycling package is available on select departures, which includes a dedicated tour guide, tasting at a cider producer, and ferry rides.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What happens if I need assistance during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.

  • Are helmets provided or do I need to bring my own?

    Helmets are not included but can be rented or purchased. Rental helmets must be pre-booked and pre-paid, or you can purchase one for EUR 32, payable locally but also must be pre-booked.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The trip involves 5 days of cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain, making it suitable for beginners and children. The tour is graded as a level 2 cycle.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

S. Mills(Williamstown, VIC, Australia)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

31 May 2023

One of the best experiences we have had. Beautiful refurbed boat MS Vivienne, attentive staff, great food and Leslie, the activities lead, was fabulous and available when needed. EBike was new and well maintained, loved it. The active cycle days were our favourites, the freedom of cycling through towns and along the Danube are memories forever. Well organised and informative crew, great sleeping whilst the boat travels overnight. Sensational.

Dorsie Sullenger(Rigby, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

17 Jun 2024

Very well organized. I would suggest that the ship has a nightly Ice cream bar available to guests.

S. Dosso(Hammersley, Australia)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

1 Aug 2023

It was an amazing experience. It was fun and well organised. When unexpected events occurred, our tour guide Lesley was quick to make alternative bike routes so we didn’t miss out on biking days. He was amazing. The staff on the Vivienne were exceptional and the food surpassed any expectations I had. Would recommend this adventure anytime. Just loved it.

M. Mallard(Idaho Falls, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

11 Jun 2024

It was a great trip. Great crew. Good boat. Wonderful food. The routes we rode on our bikes were exceptional. Wish we could have stayed longer in Budapest and Vienna.

C. Williamson(Charlotte, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

31 May 2023

In spite of the chilly rain, it was great. Also the food on board ship was excellent.

J. Schoenberger(Auke Bay)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

31 May 2022

This is our second Bike and Barge and it met all expectations. Seeing the sights of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary was amazing.

L. Hanold(Cashton, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

24 Oct 2024

Very well organized, biking routes were beautiful and easy to follow with the app.

B. Williamson(Charlotte, North Carolina, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

31 May 2023

Very pleased with the ship experience and extremely pleased with the cycling experience!

L. Sutton(Rexburg, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

4 Jun 2024

What a great way to see the beautiful world along the Danube! We had the best time. The e-bikes provided were so easy to ride. The time on the boat was fun and the food was top notch!! The crew were very helpful and kind. We highly recommend this trip!!!

E. Erickson(Rexburg, United States)  

Danube Explorer to Budapest

4 Jun 2024

Wonderful trip of a lifetime, except that we had such a great time we're planning on returning with family next time!

Read all 57 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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