Compare Cycle Central Europe & the Danube by Intrepid Travel vs Imperial Capitals – Vienna, Budapest & Prague by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Prague

Dobry den! Welcome to Prague. There is an important welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm this evening, where you will meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With not much time spent in Prague, we recommend you spend at least a day or two to get to know this wonderful Bohemian city. With its Baroque buildings, cobblestoned streets and beer – oh so much beer – there’s something for every explorer. If you want to spend more time in Prague, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your important meeting, how about get a group of you together and head to one of the beer halls to get acquainted?

Day 2 Prague

This morning the cycling part of your adventure begins! Have a bike fitting then explore the fascinating street and lanes of Prague on a leader-led orientation ride. You’ll learn about the history of the city, plus have time to take in the Old Town square, looking up at the surrounding spires – there are a lot of spires – as well as the historic building besides the Vltava River. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this eclectic city at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the many museums that dot the city, or wander the cobbled Charles Bridge in the evening when most of the tourist are long gone.

Day 3 Cesky Krumlov

Today is an early morning start, as you head to Ceske Budejovice by local transport (either vehicle or train depending on group size), taking around 2.5 hours. Once arrived, have a bike fitting and take a short ride (approximately 20 kilometres) around Budejovice and surrounds. If you have time, there’s the option to head on a brewery tour, as Cesky Budejovice (or Budweis in German) is the home of Budweiser! Learn the beer’s history and have the perfectly drawn brew in the onsite bar. This afternoon ride through the South Bohemian countryside from Ceske to Cesky – that is, Cesky Krumlov! Through picture-perfect rolling hills and weaving in and out of forest, you’ll cover around 35 kilometres cycling, with some undulations at points. Once arrived, you’ve got the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in this small medieval town. Take your bike or head on a hike up to see Krizova Hora, visit the State Castle, or just simply explore the weaving laneways of the town, all perched on the side of the Vltava River. If you want to check out the river more, why not book in on a canoe trip? Seeing the Czech countryside from the water gives you stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Day 4 Kollmitzberg

Rise and shine, as it’s off for another day of cycling, leaving nice and early. Ride along the Vltava River from Cesky Krumlov through the countryside then over the plateau and down to the wooded shores of the beautiful Lipno Lake near the Czech-Austrian border. You’ll arrive at the small town of Lipno and Vltavou on the southern banks of the lake. After some time to look around, drive approximately 140 kilometres to Kollmitzberg. After two days in the saddle you deserve a relax at this secluded town. Why not get your group together and organise somewhere for dinner in nearby Ardagger – your group leader will know of a place to go.

Day 5 Melk

Get back on your bike and cycle alongside the mighty Danube River on a mostly flat course from Kollmitzberg to Melk (approximately 53 kilometres). You know you're getting close when you can see the towers and dome of the famed Melk Abbey high above the town. Once arrived, you could head on an optional tour of Melk Abbey, where you’ll discover the colourful Baroque structure perched on top of a rock overlooking the Danube, plus its parks and bastions.

Day 6 Herzogenburg

From Melk, cycle along the northern banks of the Danube – mostly on dedicated cycle paths – past small riverside towns and villages (and the occasional sand beach), and to the UNESCO-listed terraces of the Wachau vineyards, where wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Riding up the steep hillsides is definitely a challenge, but there’s some stunning scenery to see along the way. Your final destination for today is Herzogenburg – a thriving town on a small tributary of the Danube. If you have time why not check out the imposing Herzogenburg Monastery before a hearty Austrian dinner.

Day 7 Vienna

Hop on your bike to ride back along the Danube cycle path all the way into Vienna, skirting the river’s southern banks. Today is the longest ride of the tour at around 70 kilometres/43 miles and is mostly slightly downhill. When you arrive in Vienna, be sure to relax and perhaps tuck into a well-earned coffee and sacher torte. Vienna is a classical hub of arts, culture and food, and a perfect place to hop off the bike and explore on foot. If you haven’t discussed it already, why not organise dinner in Vienna with your group tonight – it’s definitely cause for celebration.

Day 8 Vienna

Today is a free day in Vienna until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is so much to see and do in Vienna and it's best explored on your own two feet. A popular highlight is a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. This evening, maybe head out for an optional dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means 'this year's wine', and the Heurigen originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wine with a few snacks. Fortunately, this now includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead.

Day 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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.

DAY 1 – Welcome

Welcome to Vienna! Upon arrival you’ll be met by our Sky Vacations ambassador who will meet you and will take you to your hotel. The balance of the day is yours to unwind.

DAY 2 – Vienna

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a city tour which will give you an overall impression of the most significant sights of Vienna. Along the Ringstrasse we show you numerous magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History; the former Habsburg winter residence (Hofburg), the Parliament, the City Hall and the National Theatre. The highlight of this tour will be a visit of the showrooms of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg family. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3 – Vienna

Breakfast and day at leisure to explore Vienna individually.

DAY 4 – Vienna – Budapest

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Budapest. Upon arrival check-in in to your hotel.

DAY 5 – Budapest

Breakfast and city tour of Budapest. First, we take the Margaret Bridge and drive over to Buda. We stop in the Castle District and during a short walk we show you the main attractions of the area. We walk to Matthias Church and to the Fishermen’s Bastion. Next, we drive to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) and show you the most spectacular view of Budapest. We then take the Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, pass by the Opera House and the St Stephen’s Basilica. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 6 – Budapest – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast and departure towards Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Walking tour of all the all the must-sees of this historic city. Continue to Prague and Check in to our hotel.

DAY 7 – Prague

Breakfast and city tour of all of the most interesting historical sights of Prague – the Municipal House, Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, Charles Square followed by a ride along the beautiful riverside, across the River Vltava to Prague Castle.After a short walk you will return to the city center to the Old Town Square. Here you can admire the Tyn Church, St. Nicholas Church and the Astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 8 – Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to explore gorgeous Prague.

DAY 9 – Prague

After a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, its time to transfer to the airport for your onward journey.