Hungarian Rhapsody

Hungarian Rhapsody

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8 Days From

$1250

Hungarian Rhapsody

8 Days Starting in Vienna, Austria and ending in Budapest, Hungary

Visiting: Vienna, Bratislava, Győr, Komarno, Esztergom, Budapest

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

DHN

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1250

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-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 "Hungarian Rhapsody" tour, a captivating self-guided cycling adventure through Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. Discover the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Danube River landscape. Visit the historic Basilica in Esztergom, explore the Danube Bend, and uncover the natural wonders of the "Little Alfold" Protected Area and the Danube floodplain National Park. Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, with the option to upgrade to 4-star accommodations in key cities. Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners featuring regional specialties, and benefit from convenient luggage transfers and a detailed information pack. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic cycling, suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness.

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 Alfold" Protected Area, the Danube floodplain National Park, and the Archaeological Park Carnuntum

  • Cycling through the national park "Donauauen" and past the castles of Orth and Eckartsau

  • Viewing the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum

  • Cycling through the marshy landscape of Szigetkoz and the quaint farming villages

  • Admiring the imposing Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary, in Esztergom

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Vienna

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

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.

Day 2 : Cycle Along The Danube To Bad Deutsch Altenburg (42Km/26Mi)

Location: Vienna

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 3 : Continue To Bratislava (26Km/16Mi)

Location: Bratislava

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 4 : Cycle Via The Lowlands Of Szigetköz To Györ (82Km/51Mi) Or Shorten With Train

Location: Győr

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 5 : Stroll Through The National Stud Of Babolna, Cycle To Komarno/Surrounds (57Km/35.6Mi)

Location: Komarno

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 6 : Cycle Through Quaint Villages To Esztergom And The Danube Bend (52Km/32.5Mi)

Location: Esztergom

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 7 : Cycle The Danube Bend, Continue By Boat Or Train To Budapest (62Km/38.5Mi)

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Location: Budapest

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.)

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

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Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 3-4 star hotels

  • 7 breakfasts, 2024: 7 dinners. 2025: dinners not included on 2025: an optional dinner package is available. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will con

  • 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. Children trailers (max 2 children, 60kgs) on request. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies)

  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks

  • Luggage Transfer, 2 pieces max, 30kg total, supplement applies for excess

  • 1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area)

  • Emergency hotline

  • 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)

show more

What's Not Included

  • Dinner in Vienna, lunch and drinks

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not provided.

  • Helmet

    Helmets can be purchased and provided locally but must be pre-booked & pre-paid.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no tour guide is provided.

  • Single supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers (ferries, trains) not listed as included are not provided.

  • 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.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes payable locally (approx.

    €1 - 2.

    5 per person
    ight) are not included.

  • e-bike rental insurance

    Covers you in case of loss or damage when the bike is properly used and secured.

    Excluded from this are lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as purposeful damage or gross negligence.

Accommodation

7 nights in 3-4 star hotels. The hotels have been chosen for their ease of arrival and departure by bike. During the trip you will be accommodated in 4 star hotels in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava and in 3 star inns and hotels, or 4 star hotels if you book with the upgrade option.

Grading

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.

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 to Vienna and from Budapest. Includes 21-speed bike rental equipped with pannier, with options for 7-speed bikes, children trailers, and electric bikes. Luggage transfer and one ferry trip (or train outside ferry season) are also included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels. In Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, you will stay in 4-star hotels, while in other locations, you will stay in 3-star inns and hotels. There is an option to upgrade to 4-star hotels for an additional surcharge.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinners will be 3-course meals featuring regional specialties.

  • What kind of bike is provided for the tour?

    A 21-speed bike equipped with a pannier is provided. If 21-speed bikes are fully booked, 7-speed bikes are available upon request. Children trailers (for a maximum of 2 children, up to 60kgs) and electric bikes are also available on request, with a supplement for the electric bike.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included. Each person is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, with a maximum total weight of 30kg (20kg per piece).

  • What happens if I need assistance during the tour?

    An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.

  • Is the tour guided or self-guided?

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, as well as access to a navigational app and GPS tracks.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?

    Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are meals not listed as included, drinks, travel insurance, entrance fees, transfers not listed as included, rental bike insurance, and items of a personal nature. A single supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Hotel taxes payable locally (approximately €1 - 2.5 per person
    ight) are also not included.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you should 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.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The daily cycling distances range from 26-62km (16-38.5mi), with shorter options available on some days. The route is mostly flat with some rolling hills. The Austrian section is on well-marked dedicated bike paths, while in Hungary, you will cycle on country roads and side roads, sometimes unpaved. The tour is suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness, including older children.

  • Is there an option to shorten the cycling distance on any day?

    Yes, on Day 4, you have the option to shorten the cycling distance by taking a train from Mosonmagyarovar to Győr. Train tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approximately €1 per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approximately 44 km (27mi).

  • 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

C. Fleischmann(Munich, Germany)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

25 Aug 2023

Thank you for the great assistance, organisation and overall excellent trip. I would book again and recommend to friends!

M. Turzhitsky(Meriden)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

18 May 2022

Good job, UTracks! Well planned and organized trip.

P. Brake(Tasmania)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

20 Oct 2016

I highly recommend the Hungarian Rhapsody cycling tour. It is a great way to do a self-guided tour in a supported way - you choose which detours to take or how long to explore each place... so long as you get to your hotel each night. We met some great people en route and enjoyed the option of riding together or alone as desired. The accommodation was excellent, as was the food and the service from UTracks. Great fun!

A. Anderson(Hamilton, Canada)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

3 Oct 2023

The trip was well organized and the GPS tracks were accurate. The accommodations were quite satisfactory and the luggage transfers were seamless.

M. Levitt(Hornsby Heights, Australia)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

5 Jun 2024

Our trip was a great adventure, exploring the Danube cycleway and various historic towns along the way. The accommodation and meals at the end of each day were fantastic and a great relaxation after a day's cycling.

J. Morgan(Hopkinton, United States)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

24 Sep 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed the Hungarian Rhapsody ride from Vienna to Budapest this past August. We loved the self-guided option as it gave maximal flexibility on timing and options for excursions along the way. The bags were always at our hotel prior to our arrival, most hotels were better than expected (though we did pay for the upgrade), and the cycling routes allowed us to explore both touristy areas as well as the countryside "off the beaten path". We enjoyed the option for 1/2 board however would prefer to have more options for dinner (ie dine in the cities when there are ample options). There were a few map/timing glitches but overall we really enjoyed this trip; I would definitely do another.

S. Smail(Croydon, UK)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

05 Jun 2019

This was an extraordinary holiday. You do not have to be a diehard cyclist as the bikes are very comfortable.

C. Rhyne(NC, USA)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

09 Aug 2017

The rivers was so inviting for a swim, so often, it was hard to keep pedaling forward. This for us was such a grand adventure of discovery, seeing the beauty and historical magnificence of Eastern Europe - surprised.

H. Davies(Hertfordshire, United Kingdom)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

16 Aug 2022

Great adventure although the heat made cycling difficult at times. Good organisation with luggage transfers and amazing scenery. Couple of the hotels and some of the half board meals were a little disappointing and the cycling directions a little sparse at times, we were a bit late in discovering there were GPS instructions available on request. Overall though we had a great time and a huge sense of achievement.

J. Evens(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)  

Hungarian Rhapsody

31 May 2023

While the tour is billed as a “bike along the Danube”, you rarely see the river. The accommodation was good, and the staff very helpful. The GPS track needs to be updated for the last day into Budapest. Overall an ok trip, but not outstanding.

Read all 12 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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