Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Take a walk through the "New Centre" of Passau, the town of three rivers, which has been completely redesigned as a pedestrian, car-free area. In the evening welcome briefing and bike fitting.
Overnight in Passau.
Day 2: Passau – Schlögen (Danube bend) (25 miles/40 km)
You will start your tour along the Danube, first passing Obernzell and finally arriving in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria). You will then cycle through the nature reserve Donauleiten, from where you will reach the Schlögen Bend to the north. This is where granite proved to be too much of an opponent and forced the Danube to change directions by 180 degrees.
While a ferry takes you to the other side of the river to your hotel you have time to look at this natural phenomenon.
Overnight in Schlögen.
Day 3: Schlögen (Danube bend) – Linz (31 miles/50 km)
Today you will cycle through the green Eferdinger basin via the market towns of Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering and all the way to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. The historical Old Town of Linz has many pubs and eateries for you to discover. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the magnificent views from Pöstlingberg Mountain and a stroll through the Donaulände Park.
Overnight in Linz.
Day 4: Linz – Grein/Ardagger (37 miles/60 km)
On the fourth day you will take a little detour away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and to Enns. In Enns you can go to the town square with its 60-meter high town tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria, or you visit the archaeological collection in the municipal museum Lauriacum.
Afterward, you will return to the river, first reaching the beautiful little baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to visit the oldest municipal theater in Austria that is still being used. Or you can visit the maritime museum or Greinburg castle.
Overnight in Grein/Ardagger.
Day 5: Grein/Ardagger – Spitz (37 miles/60 km)
This section of the Danube, the Strudengau, was once feared by sailors, now you can cycle along it. Where they used to fight against the Danube currents you can now take a leisurely cycle ride.
In Maria Taferl, high above the Danube, you will find the magnificent pilgrimage church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. You should make a little stop in Melk and look up or you will miss the beautiful Melk monastery that overlooks the Danube. Your accommodation is located in the heart of the Wachau valley.
Overnight in Spitz.
Day 6: Spitz – Traismauer/Tulln (31-37 miles/50-60 km)
Today you will cycle through the picturesque Wachau region, where you can enjoy the charming atmosphere of the region's typical orchards and vineyards. You will pass through the little wine towns of Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein with its Castle ruin, cycle past the 1000-year old town of Krems and finish in Traismauer or Tulln.
A stay in the Wachau region means that you simply have to take part in a wine tasting, which we would be pleased to organize for you!
Overnight in Traismauer/Tulln.
Day 7: Traismauer/Tulln – Vienna (25-31 miles/40-50 km)
Your bike tour will be a relaxed trip to the Danube metropolis of Vienna. As soon as you arrive you can enjoy all the amenities of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to a Viennese-style Americano coffee and a piece of the famous Sachertorte cake in one of Vienna's typical coffee houses.
Take a stroll along Vienna's Parade shopping street, along Mariahilfer Strasse, visit the St Stephen's Cathedral or see the main sights and take a trip in one of the famous Fiaker cabs.
Overnight in Vienna.
Day 8: Vienna – Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg (31 miles/50 km)
Your bike trip guides you through the national park Donau-Auen. There you will get to know the diversity of the flora and fauna as well as the manifold types of landscape. You pass the castle Orth and the village Eckertsau and reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg.
Overnight in Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg.
Day 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg – Bratislava (22 miles/35 km)
From Bad Deutsch Altenburg/Hainburg you can make an excursion on the Roman bike trail (Römerweg) to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Austria. After Hainburg you reach the border to Slovakia and it's capital city Bratislava that is your next overnight stay. The shorter distance today allows plenty of time to visit the old part of this charming city.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Day 10: Bratislava – Mosonmagyaróvár – Györ (28 miles/45 km + train ride)
You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory before you pass the Hungarian border in Rajká. Within the first few kilometers of your cycle trip in Hungary you will discover charming villages. The complete section is influenced by agriculture.
Your route guides you through the so-called Szigetköz (a small Rye Island). This is characterized by numberless side arms of the Danube. After arrival in Mosonmagyaróvár, which is also called "City of 17 bridges," today's cycle tour ends. We recommend a short walking tour in this charming city before you take the train to Györ. The district capital offers many sights and a breathtaking historic center.
Overnight in Györ.
Day 11: Györ – Komárom (34 miles/55 km)
Soon you reach the Hungarian Böny. From there a route version guides you to Bábolna, a well-cultivated town with a beautiful inner city. The local National Stud is known far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the splendid inner courtyard. The last part of the route takes you back to the Danube. Then you reach the divided town Komárom/Komárno. At night you can relax in the spa.
Overnight in Komárom.
Day 12: Komárom – EsztergomVisegrád (35 miles/55 km + trip by boat)
Today's route runs near riverbanks in the flat Danube valley. In the course of this, you pass different villages and while cycling you can view the vineyards in the background. The sporty bikers can choose a route over Tata but there are some increases. This requires a basic level of fitness.
Those interested in history should plan time for the Roman castle Kelemantia which is on the way. However, the absolute highlight is your destination today: Esztergom (also known as "Hungarian Rome"). Its basilica is the largest church of the country. Take time for a comprehensive visit, before you will board a riverboat, which takes you to your destination Visegrád. Amazing views into the beautiful landscape of the so-called "Donauknie" will impress you.
Overnight in Esztergom/Visegrád.
Note: The overnight stay takes place either in Esztergom or in Visegrád (depending on availability at time of reservation). In the case of Esztergom, shipping takes place on the next day from Szentendre to Budapest. The different distances remain the same in both. You will receive detailed information together with your booking confirmation. Additionally, the boat ride isn ́t possible in Apr, Sep, or Oct, or on Mondays; during these periods/days you will receive a train ticket instead.
Day 13: Esztergom/Visegrád – Budapest (36 miles/55 km)
The Royal Palace and the castle of Visegrád will delight you and the open air museum, as well as the baroque old town of Szentendre, invite you to stay. The first part of today will guide you again through the "Donauknie," probably the most attractive section of the Danube bike trail at all. Soon you will arrive in Budapest, where you can review all impressions of this wonderful bike trip during a walk through the city.
Overnight in Budapest.
Day 14: Individual departure or extension
In the Hungarian capital city, there are many things to discover. If you are interested, we would be pleased to book some extra nights for you.