Guide

All Intrepid cycling group trips are accompanied by one of our cycling leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Our cycling leaders are all passionate cyclists, as you’d expect, but they also go through some pretty rigorous cycle-trip specific training. Each one has undergone on-road training and supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. And at the end of the day they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Vienna Guided Cycling 6 Days included bike hire Carnuntum entrance Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Esztergom Basilica entrance Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling Budapest - Szechenyi Baths Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others. Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle INCLUDED BICYCLE TYPE: On this trip we use 2017 Felt 7 Fifty mountain bikes. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an ’on request’ basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking. RENTAL E-BIKES: Our Europe rental e-bikes are the 2018 Felt NINE E-: 20, which you may request in the following sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium & Large. Please provide your height at time of booking so the correct size can be arranged. Sizes are limited, so confirmation is subject to availability. For further details on sizing please see https://www.feltbicycles.com/International/Catalog/Bikes/electric/mountain/ninee-20.aspx BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you. SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE: Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a ’mountain’ or ’hybrid’ style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike. We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike. BEFORE THE TRIP: We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy. DURING THE TRIP: Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together). In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees. While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts). TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION: Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes. A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities. Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE: You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE SUPPORT VEHICLE: Due to European driving regulations, the support vehicle can only be used clients when directly supporting the ride itself, or as transport between cycling legs. Clients are unable to travel full-time in the support vehicle. Bicycle , Support vehicle , Ferry , (e-bike option available , subject to availability)

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Vienna
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Vienna

Willkommen! Welcome to Austria. Your cycling adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore the city at your own pace – the best way to see Vienna is on your own two legs! After the meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means ‘this year’s wine’ and it originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wines along with a few snacks. Fortunately, this now also includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead!
Day 2 Day 2: Vienna City Ride
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Vienna City Ride

After breakfast this morning, you’ll have a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to check everything is in working order. Then, you’ll join with your leader and take a tour of Vienna on two wheels. Follow the path of the Habsburg and explore the rich artistic and cultural icons of the city like the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and all that the Ringstrasse has to offer. Tonight, you’re free to explore at your own pace – ask for dinner recommendations from your leader, they will always have the best suggestions!
Day 3 Day 3: Cycle Vienna To Bratislava
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cycle Vienna To Bratislava

Leave Vienna’s city centre and ride along the mighty Danube to the tiny hamlet of Hasslau an der Donau. From here, you’ll journey east along the riverbanks to one of Austria’s most important archaeological sites – Carnuntum, with its eclectic mix of Roman ruins and modern reconstructions. Spend some time wandering among the remains of Roman life on the Danube before climbing back onto your bike and slowly winding along the riverside bike paths to the Slovak border. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in the Slovak capital – cosmopolitan Bratislava. See firsthand how bordering two independent countries has left its mark on Bratislava with a leader-led orientation walk. Tonight, you’re free to rest and recharge.
Day 4 Day 4: Cycle Bratislava To Gyor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cycle Bratislava To Gyor

Follow the flowing waters of the Danube as it turns south today. Your ride today will pass by picturesque villages, lowland forests and across farmland to the Hungarian city of Gyor. This vibrant Baroque city – highlighted by Kaptalan Hill, Becsi Kapu Ter Square and the picturesque Kiraly Street – has been inhabited by varying cultures since ancient times and now offers a fascinating contrast to the slow pace of the river and its surroundings.
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle Gyor To Komarom
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle Gyor To Komarom

Leaving Gyor behind, track back to the banks of the Danube and on to the city of Komarom, which straddles the borders of Hungary and Slovakia. While Komarom is known for its forts and strategic position on the Danube River, it’s also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. Take a leader-led orientation walk when you arrive, across the Elizabeth Bridge, which is the pathway between the two counties. If you feel called to add some pampering to your afternoon, why not head to a local spa and soothe those leg muscles.
Day 6 Day 6: Cycle Komarom To Esztergom
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cycle Komarom To Esztergom

Today there’s an early departure to ride into your next stop – Esztergom. The former capital city of Hungary is the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and boasts an amazing array of architectural gems such as the Royal Palace and Watertown, which is built on the banks of the Danube itself. When you arrive, take a leader led orientation walk of the city and see the crowning jewel at the Esztergom Basilica – a beautiful example of Classicism and the third largest church in Europe. Reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend, the Basilica is a sight to behold from both outside and from within. Your evening is free to find some delicious local cuisine and wander the city streets at your own pace.
Day 7 Day 7: Cycle Esztergom To Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cycle Esztergom To Budapest

Cycle the famous ‘Danube Bend’ today, beneath the wooded hills of Visegrad. Here, the river turns south towards the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. Today will be your longest day in the saddle, but you’ll break it up with a scenic a picnic lunch on the riverbank. After cycling through the city itself, end the day on a high with an afternoon visit to one of Budapest’s famous spas! After indulging with your group, your night is free to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the ruin bars or walk along the river as the sun falls.
Day 8 Day 8: Budapest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Budapest

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

8 days tour

Cycle The Danube

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle The Danube

Day 1: Vienna

Day 2: Vienna City Ride

Day 3: Cycle Vienna To Bratislava

Day 4: Cycle Bratislava To Gyor

Day 5: Cycle Gyor To Komarom

Day 6: Cycle Komarom To Esztergom

Day 7: Cycle Esztergom To Budapest

Day 8: Budapest

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