Danube Explorer to Budapest
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Journey by boat and ship through Austria and Hungary along the mighty Danube
From the cobblestone streets of charming Passau to the Austrian capital of Vienna and the majestic city of Budapest, this journey by ship and bike offers the opportunity to experience life on the Danube and the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Using our comfortable boat, MS My Story as a base, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the legendary Wachau, the untouched woods of the Donauauen National Park, Bratislava, the Slovakian capital at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and the icon studded cities of Vienna and Budapest. Note: This trip is not exclusive to UTracks clients and you will be joining a group of up to 174 passengers from around the world.
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
- Relaxing on board the comfortable MS My Story
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Passau, cruise to Engelhartszell
Boarding will begin at 5:00pm. Refer below for arrival information. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stevens Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ. Cruise to the traditional town of Engelhartszell. As we cruise information will be provided about the daily biking, sights and sightseeing trips. Dinner will follow.
Day 2 Cycle through countryside to Aschach (40km), overnight sail to Vienna
This morning you will receive your bicycles from in front of the ship. Generally we provide bikes with 7 gears. The cycle begins through the classic scenery of the "Great Loop” Donauschlinge where small villages developed through the river trade of years gone by. On arrival in the charming town of Aschach you reboard the boat, and we continue overnight to the Austrian capital of Vienna.
Day 3 Cycle to Bratislava (55/75km)
From Vienna, we cycle through the forests of the Donauauen National Park to Bratislava. It will also be possible to shorten the cycle with a train ride. In Bratislava there is an option to explore the marketplaces and beautifully restored old town on foot in the evening. During the night we sail to Budapest.
Day 4 Arrive Budapest, sightseeing and leisure time
Our boat arrives into Budapest in the morning and the panoramic view of the Danube bend is quite stunning. The day is free to explore the many sights of the city, with the vast majority located on the river banks. In the evening there will be an optional tour of Budapest.
Day 5 Cycle Visegrad to Esztergom (24/57kms), then by ship to Vienna
From Budapest we cycle through the bow of the Danube, a slightly hilly landscape also called the Hungarian Wachau, to the artistic town of Szentendre with its open-air museum. The cycle begins in Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from two routes, the longer including a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác which has been influenced by the architects of Austria’s empress Maria Theresia. The alternative route takes you directly to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village. During the night we sail back to Vienna.
Day 6 At leisure in Vienna, optional 3 hour cycle tour of city
If you choose to join the 3 hour bike tour, you will disembark just after breakfast. The remainder of the day is at leisure in the beautiful city of Vienna. We will provide you with information to plan your sightseeing. You may choose to take a circuit through Hofburg with a visit to the Sisi museum or a short break in the antique bakery Demel. Or there is the middle ages area between Hafnersteig, Heiligenkreuzerhof and the Blut – and Domgasse. Evening options include a visit to a Heurigen or a Heurigenshow in Neustift.
Day 7 Cycle through the Wachau valley visiting Spitz en-route (36km)
Today, the prettiest section of the trip, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, enroute to Krems. You will pass several fantastic sights (abbeys, castles, ruins). Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods. In the late afternoon we commence our sail to Passau. Our last evening on board will include a gala dinner and crew show.
Day 8 Morning sail the Danube valley, disembark Passau, trip concludes
During breakfast our ship continues to Passau and disembarkation is around 12 midday.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 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 (2 choices for main course). Vegetarian or other dietary requirements are catered for but we ask that you advise this in advance (at least 21 days prior to the trip commencement).
- 7 nights accommodation in air conditioned cabins with private facilities, choice of cabin categories (triple, double, single on main and upper deck - price varies according to chosen category)
- Welcome drink
- Bicycle with 7 gears and pannier (21 speed bikes and children trailers (max 2 children, 60kgs) on request)
- Route description, maps & information material per cabin
- Cruise director on board
- Crew show, live music every night, gala dinner on last evening with farewell cocktail
- Docking & harbour fees (EUR 59,- p.p. - subject to change)
- Pricing Notes: High season is from 20 May to 26 Aug, mid season is from 6-13 May and 2-30 Sep - supplement applies
Summary
- BOAT
Trip Main Activities
- SELF GUIDED CYCLE
Group Size Min
85
Group Size Max
174
Accommodation Summary
THE SHIP You have the choice of 3 different styles of cabin – triple berth, twin cabin or single cabins. Please refer to the prices advised separately. There are a total of four decks, two which have the cabins; the main and the upper deck. Note: We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin. You need 3 people travelling together to book a triple cabin. MS My Story is a 174 passenger nostalgic ship with a spacious and panoramic lounge, restaurant area with bar, and sun deck with chairs and tables as well as deck chairs. The cabins are rustic and cosy, around 9-10m² equipped with either 2 lower beds (2-bed cabin), bunk beds (double cabin) or 2 lower beds and 1 upper bed (triple cabin) all with own bathroom, TV and aircon. Technical details: Manufactured 1971, 87 cabins with a maximum of 174 passengers. Length x Width: ca. 105 x 11.6 meters and a ca. 1.7 m draft. Speed 18km/h.
Equipment Required
Bike helmet (can be hired 15 Euro paid locally– advance booking required), wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
What You Carry
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from
USD$1,320
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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