CYCLING THE DANUBE - PASSAU TO BUDAPEST

Day 1
From Vienna Airport make your own way to the hotel in Passau.

Day 2
Leave Passau, the city of three rivers, and cycle from Germany into Austria amidst one of the most significant river landscapes of central Europe. The trail runs beside densely wooded slopes and ravine forest passing the only Trappist monastery in Austria at Engelhartszell before continuing to the famous Schögener Loop. Here the Danube does a U-turn around a granite mountain before changing the direction of its flow twice, providing spectacular views from the surrounding hills

Day 3
The valley narrows as it continues downstream and has a wilder appearance passing the beautiful castle of Ottensheim, also one of the oldest places in Austria. A day of river crossing and cycling along country lanes, entering the fertile plains of the grand Eferdinger basin before reaching the historic Cistercian Abbey at Wilhering. The trail continues to Linz, where the central Hauptplatz is a good place to start exploring the old town.

Day 4
Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters into the province of Lower Austria for the first time. In the afternoon follow the river as far as Grein.

Day 5
Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch between wooded mountains. Ride through quiet riverside towns and past one of the most striking edifices on this whole route, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out, you can't miss it!

Day 6
Heading north through the vineyards of the Wachau, the route winds between the pretty villages of Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, which house respectively the local museum and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

Day 7
Ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg. Navigation in Vienna can be tricky (look out for trams). A train ticket is provided for the journey from Krems to Tulln should you wish to shorten your journey. The central area around Stephansplatz is perfect for an evening stroll, and is close to most places of interest. All hire bikes are handed in on arrival in Vienna and exchanged for a new bike for the second part of the trip

Day 8
Full day sightseeing in the wonderful city of Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital. It is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House.

Day 9
Follow the Donauinsel, a long, thin island and continue to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. Much of the track is gravel/grit but is comfortable to ride on.

Day 10
Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, not bad for a day's ride! It is worth making a short detour into the old city of Bratislava. The route moves away from the water to follow roads through villages and woods on the way to Halaszi, which is close to the attractive old town of Mosanmagyarovar, a good introduction to the complexities of the Hungarian language.

Day 11
The route continues through rural villages, then from Dunaszeg a riverside gravel track leads to the historic city of Gyor (you may prefer the longer road route).

Day 12
Follow a rural route to Tata and the first hills on the described route. The ascent is not too difficult, and affords better views across the countryside. There are longer routes via Komarom or Pannonhalma. Tata is an attractive old town set around a small lake.

Day 13
Cycle towards the beginnings of the famous Danube Bend at historic Esztergom with a longer variant heading north to rejoin the river or a more direct route passing over the hills (2 notable climbs and long descents). Esztergom has a magnificent palace and a fine cathedral close to our hotel

Day 14
Ride around the Danube Bend past Visegrad, once the corner of the Roman empire, to the artists' town of Szentendre. The route crosses the river by ferry at Vac, and includes a short section on an island in the middle of the Danube. Arriving in Budapest, you are greeted by the impressive parliament building. Try to arrive in time to return your bike and have a few hours to explore the city.

Day 15
End Budapest.