Difficulty Rating : 4 Start : Vienna Finish : Budapest Terrain : Mainly flat with some sections of rolling hills Daily Average : 43-47km Weekly Average : 260-285km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : On this classic cycling tour you will experience the combination of nature along the scenic riverbanks of the Danube.
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On this classic cycling tour you will experience the combination of nature along the scenic riverbanks of the Danube as well as the unique opportunity to visit the most important metropolis cities that lay alongside the Danube.

Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest have an overwhelming history with genuine notions of the yesteryear. Nostalgia is combined with a deeply intriguing history along the everchanging riverbanks of the Danube and all are included in the places that you will come across. Just to scratch the surface of this in-depth tour; it takes you to the Castle of Eckartsau, which happens to be the place where Austrian Emperor Karl I and his wife Zite met their fate. And in Bratislava, where the coronation of Hungarian Kings took place and the famous empress Maria Theresia acquired much of her fame, prestice and honour. In Esztergom, the first Hungarian king, King Stephan, was born and accepted his coronation. Empress Sissi of Austria was crowned Queen of Hungary in Budapest. All of this plus much more will certainly make for a trip of a lifetime.

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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Dossiers Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Vienna

ndividual arrival to Vienna, this evening belongs to you! What about a short city walk or a visit at a typical Viennese tavern Heurigen?

Day 2

Vienna to Bad-Deutsch Altenburg approx. 45 km image 1 Vienna to Bad-Deutsch Altenburg approx. 45 km

Not far from Vienna begins an untouched alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve with stunning and diverse Flora and Fauna. Get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful peace and silence, only interrupted by the twittering chirps of birds. The ancient Romans have left their print and also have relaxed in the nice warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. The Archaeological Park of Carnuntum will invite you into an exiting journey of the past.

Day 3

egion Bad D. Altenburg to Bratislava approx. 32 km

Nestled between the hills of Hainbury and the Carpathian Mountains, you start your days journey with a short transfer by train and then cycle on to Bratislava – the capital of Slovakia. The quaint old city centre with numerous sights, a lovely pedestrian zone and countless restaurants and cafes will invite you to an extended stroll. High above the city, stand the towers and walls of an exceptional castle

Day 4

Bratislava to Szigetköz to Györ approx. 45 km + train image 1 Bratislava to Szigetköz to Györ approx. 45 km + train

he 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. After a relaxing and short train ride you reach the day’s final destination, Györ with its gorgeous Baroque-style old town squares.

Day 5

Györ to Komarom/surroundings approx. 57 km image 1 Györ to Komarom/surroundings approx. 57 km

The National Stud of Babolna is world famous for its Arabian horse breeding and is definitly worth a stroll through. While you are visiting the Studs and the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secrets Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After cycling through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom, you will find your accommodations in the favorite village of renowned King Matthia

Day 6

Komarom to Danube Bend approx. 52 km + ship (Cat. A) image 1 Komarom to Danube Bend approx. 52 km + ship (Cat. A)

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Estergom, also known as the “Hungarian Rome” or “Royal City”, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. The Basilica of Estergom, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary, and the rest of the town are a highlight of this trip.

Day 7

Danube Bend to Budapest approx. 62 km + ship (Cat. B)

Amidst the hilly landscape, the river Danube divides itself into parts creating the Szentendre island. On this island you cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and Open-Air Museum Skanzen. A few paricular highlights include some of the most famous attractions in Budapest. All in which you will discover on your boat ride (category B) into the city.

Day 8

Budapest – Vienna

You enjoy this day in the metropolis of Budapest. Departure by scheduled bus daily every 2 hours (11am, 1pm, 3pm), pre-reservation needed at time of booking (€29), later changes or cancellation only possible until 10 days before arrival; 3 hours duration. The return is also comfortably possible by speedboat (extra charge). Schedule subject to change!

For more details please have a look at the tour dossier.

  • 7 nights ensuite 3*& 4* accommodation  
  • All breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer (max. 2 pieces, max. 20 kg/piece)
  • ship / train transfer into Budapest as per itinerary
  • Service Hotline
  • Handlebar bag with travel info (one per room )

    Bike rental is not included in 2022 tour price

  • €  80 7-gear unisex or 21 speed touring bike with pannier bag and odometer
  • €180 e-bike supplement hire ( subject to availability )

    Halfboard option
  • €155 supplement (cat. B - 6 x dinners, in Vienna breakfast only)
    €165 supplement (cat. A - 7 x dinners)
     

    Option to book bus transfer at end of trip from Budapest to Vienna

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VIENNA

Cat.A: 4*Hotel Kaiserwasser

Cat.B ( images left & right )  : 4*Hotel Park Inn by Radisson

VIENNA image 1VIENNA image 1

BAD DEUTSCH ALTENBURG AREA

Cat.A: 4*Hotel Altes Kloster

Cat.B: ( images left & right ) 3*Gasthof Stöckl

BAD DEUTSCH ALTENBURG AREA image 1BAD DEUTSCH ALTENBURG AREA image 1

BRATISLAVA

Cat.A: 4*Austria Trend Hotel Bratislava

Cat.B: 4*( images left & right ) Hotel Saffron

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GYOR

Cat.A: 4*Hotel Famulus

Cat.B: 3* ( images left & right ) Hotel Ibis Györ

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KOMARNO

Cat.A: 4*  Hotel Peklo

Cat.B: 3* ( images left & right ) Hotel Bow Garden

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ESZTERGOM

Cat.A: 4*Hotel Portobello

Cat.B: 3* ( images left & right )  Hotel Szent Adalbert

ESZTERGOM image 1ESZTERGOM image 1

BUDAPEST

Cat.A: 4*Novotel Budapest Danube

Cat.B: ( images left & right ) 4*Hotel Danubius Flamenco

BUDAPEST image 1BUDAPEST image 1

How to get to the start point in Vienna: 

We suggest flying to Vienna International Airport, as it is only approx 25 minutes to first hotel. 
Alternatively you can also fly to Linz Danube Airport (approx 2 hrs to Vienna center) or Salzburg Airport (approx 3 hrs to Vienna center)

For airport bus info to Vienna please check AirportBus.at

 

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

2024 SELF GUIDED TOUR 
SEASON 1:
April 27 - May 3 (Arrival on Saturdays only)
€700 per person sharing (Category B) / €800 per person sharing (Category A)
€1000 for single occupancy (Category B) / €1140 for single occupancy (Category A)

SEASON 2:
May 4 - June 28 & September 14 - October 4 (Arrival on Saturdays & Sundays)
€800 per person sharing (Category B) / €900 per person sharing (Category A)
€1100 for single occupancy (Category B) / €1240 for single occupancy (Category A)

SEASON 3:
June 29 - September 13 (Arrival Saturdays & Sundays)
€870 per person sharing (Category B) /  €970 per person sharing (Category A)
€1170 for single occupancy (Category B) / €1310 for single occupancy (Category A)

Category B: 3* & 4* hotels/inns / Category A: 4* hotels throughout

Bike rental is not included in tour price:
€100 bike rental 21/24 speed
€220 e-bike rental

Self Guided Tour Information

The season is from April 27 - October 4
Season 1: April 27 - May 3, October 5 - 12 (Saturday arrivals only)
Season 2: May 4 - June 28, September 14 - October 4 (Saturday & Sunday arrivals only)
Season 3: June 29 - September 13 (Saturday & Sunday arrivals)

We absolutely loved it! Everything went without a hitch, the bikes were very reliable and comfortable and we had no problem finding the hotels. We were lucky with the weather so all in all it was an amazing trip and great value.

Noelle Mac Donagh (Vienne to Budapest self led 2015)

We had a wonderful time. Beautiful places & hotels, great bikes and maps; though there was 4 of us - we all had a different opinion in which direction we should be going first thing each day! Met some wonderful, friendly people. 

Annette Kelly (Vienna to Budapest Self led July 2016)

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.