Passau - Budapest

Stroll through the ‘new centre’ of the three-river city of Passau, which has been completely redesigned as a car-free pedestrian zone. Information talk and bike hire in the evening (if booked).

We recommend a short city tour, a visit to the cathedral with a concert on the largest church organ in the world (except Sundays and public holidays). Cycle along the Danube via Obernzell to Engelhartszell (Austria's only Trappist monastery). Through the Donauleiten nature reserve you reach the Schlögener Schlinge on the northern side. Here, the granite has proved to be an insurmountable opponent, forcing the Danube to change direction by 180 degrees. While a ferry takes you to the other bank to your hotel, you have time to admire this natural phenomenon.

Today you cycle through the greenery of the Eferding basin via Donaumarkt Aschach, Ottensheim and Wilhering to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. According to the motto: ‘It all starts in Linz’, the numerous restaurants in the historic old town are the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. Other highlights of the European Capital of Culture 2009 include the marvellous view from the Pöstlingberg or a walk along the banks of the Danube.

For a change of pace, head away from the course of the Danube to St. Florian (Augustinian monastery) and Enns. In Enns, visit the town square with the 60-metre-high town tower, the landmark of Austria's oldest town, or visit the archaeological collection in the Lauriacum town museum. Now you cycle along the Danube again and reach the wonderful baroque town of Grein. Here you have the opportunity to get an impression of Austria's oldest municipal theatre, which is still in use. You can also visit the shipping museum or Greinburg Castle. You will find your next accommodation in Ardagger.

The section of the Danube once feared by boatmen now awaits cyclists - the Strudengau. Where people used to fight against the Danube's currents, you can now enjoy a leisurely cycle. In Maria Taferl, a magnificent pilgrimage church towers high above the Danube, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year. In Melk, you should pause for a moment and look upwards - otherwise you will miss the beauty of Melk Abbey, which towers above the Danube. Just a short distance to go and you have reached your stage destination in the middle of the beautiful Wachau.

Today you cycle through the Wachau countryside, where you can enjoy the enchanting ambience of the typical orchards and vineyards. Via the wine town of Weißenkirchen and past the Dürnstein castle ruins, you cycle via Krems, the 1000-year-old town, to Traismauer and Tulln. Of course, a visit to a wine tasting is a must in the Wachau, and you should plan enough time for this!

The last few kilometres of the cycle tour will take you to the Danube metropolis of Vienna in a relaxed manner. After your arrival, you check into your room and can enjoy all the advantages of the city for the rest of the day. Treat yourself to an ‘Verlängerter’ and a slice of the famous Sachertorte in one of Vienna's typical coffee houses. Stroll along Vienna's parade shopping street, Mariahilfer Strasse, visit St Stephen's Cathedral or take a ride in one of the famous ‘Fiaker’ horse-drawn carriages to see the most important sights.

The first section of your cycle tour takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park. You will encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna as well as diverse landscapes. Passing Orth Castle and Eckartsau, you quickly reach Bad Deutsch Altenburg.

You start with an excursion on the Roman Trail to Carnuntum. The archaeological park is considered one of the most important excavation sites in Austria and is well worth a visit. Back in Hainburg, you will immediately cross the border into Slovakia, whose capital Bratislava is also your next overnight stop. The slightly shorter distance allows you plenty of time to explore this charming city.

Your cycle tour only takes you a short distance on Slovakian territory before you cross the Hungarian border at Rajká. On your first few kilometres in Hungary, you will cycle through charming little villages. The entire section is characterised by agriculture. Your cycle tour will take you through the so-called Szigetköz, the small island of the Schütt. This section is characterised by countless side arms of the Danube and a huge floodplain area. Your cycle tour ends in the pretty little town of Mosonmagyaróvár, also known as the town of 17 bridges. After a short stop, you can travel comfortably by train to Györ, where you should plan enough time for a tour. The county capital has many sights and a breathtaking baroque old town centre.

You will soon reach the Hungarian town of Böny. From there, an alternative route takes you to Bábolna, a very well-kept little town with a beautiful town centre. The national stud farm there is famous far beyond its borders. Racehorses are bred in the magnificent courtyard. The last part of your stage takes you back to the Danube before you reach the divided town of Komárom/Komárno. In the evening, you can relax and be pampered in the local thermal baths.

Today's stage always takes you close to the river in the flat Danube valley. You will pass various villages and can watch the vineyards pass by in the background. The more athletic can cycle a variant via Tata, which, however, includes a few climbs and therefore requires some fitness. Those interested in history, on the other hand, should plan time for the Kelemantia Roman fort, which is on the route. The absolute highlight, however, is Esztergom, also known as the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Its basilica is Hungary's largest church. Take enough time for an extensive visit. You will spend the last few kilometres of today's stage on a Danube boat, from where you can relax and admire the surrounding landscape. The so-called ‘Danube Bend’ is one of the most scenic sections of your cycle tour.

Please note: depending on availability at the time of booking, the overnight stay will be either in Esztergom or Visegrád. In the case of Esztergom, the boat trip from Szentendre to Budapest will take place the following day. The daily distances remain the same in both cases. In April, September and October as well as on Mondays the boat trip is not possible. You will receive a train ticket as a replacement.

The royal palace and castle of Visegrád will amaze you and the open-air museum and the baroque town centre of Szentendre invite you to linger and enjoy. The first part of your cycle tour takes you through the impressive Danube Bend, probably the most attractive section along the Danube. You will soon reach the Hungarian capital, where you can take a stroll through the city in the evening and reflect on the many impressions of this wonderful cycle tour.

After breakfast, individual return journey, return transfer or start of your extension.