The Danube by bike and boat, between Vienna and Belgrade - Primadonna

The Danube capitals by bike and boat: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia

On the itinerary of this Danube cycling cruise, no less than four countries and their capitals! Starting in Vienna, Austria, you will ride along the most beautiful sections of the Danube to reach Belgrade, Serbia. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to explore Bratislava, the remarkable capital of Slovakia, and Budapest, in Hungary.

Between these cities, the Danube cycle route offers plenty of delightful surprises: authentic villages, medieval towns, a stunning nature reserve, and much more.

Highlights of the trip:

• Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade
• The Danube cycling route and its bike paths
• The medieval town of Baja
• The artists' village of Szentendre
• The picturesque towns of Komárno, Esztergom, and Kalocsa

Day 1: From Vienna to Bratislava (cruise or 67 km by bike)
On this first day, you have two options:

• Option 1 : Drop off your luggage on the boat at noon and cycle to Bratislava. Following the Danube and the EuroVelo 6 route, you’ll ride on scenic bike paths through Hainburg.
• Option 2 : Embark at 2:30 p.m. and enjoy a cruise through the Floodplain National Park and Hainburg Gate, all the way to the Hungarian capital.

Day 2: Budapest (22 to 56 km)
The day begins with a guided bus tour of the city (optional - 3 hours). Then, switch to your bike and choose between two routes:

• loop in Budapest, including Margit-sziget Island, away from the traffic (22 km)
• loop to the picturesque village of Szentendre, known for its many museums, artist studios, and art galleries.

In the evening, take in the city as it reveals another side at night.

Day 3: From Kalocsa to Baja (55 km)
In the morning, an optional guided tour of Kalocsa Cathedral and the Baroque Episcopal Palace is available (1 hour). Then, cycle towards Baja, a medieval town with a stunning old city center. Along the way, you’ll ride through bucolic countryside, possibly encountering pilgrims, as this route is shared with Hungary’s most famous pilgrimage trail.

Day 4: Belgrade and Sava Island (35 km)
As for each of the capitals, you can take the optional guided bus tour of the city, including the Kalemegdan Fortress (about 2.5 hours). In the afternoon, cycle towards Sava Island (a Danube tributary), mainly on bike paths away from traffic. You’ll pass through the recreational areas of the Serbian capital.

Day 5: Loop starting from Mohács, through the Danube-Dráva National Park (22 to 46 km)
Your bike ride will take you off the beaten path, through the Danube-Dráva National Park. This park lies at the intersection of the Danube and its tributary, the Dráva, and is a bird sanctuary, perfect for nature lovers. In Kölked, you may visit the Satorhely Museum.

Day 6: From Esztergom or Štúrovo to Komárno (56 km)  
Your last day of cycling will take you to Komárno, the birthplace of Franz Lehár, a famous operetta composer. Optional: A guided walking tour of Komárno (about 1 hour).

Day 7: Vienna 
The tour ends after breakfast. Disembarkation before 10:30 a.m.

General Information:

• 7 days and 6 nights  
• Comfort level of the boat: Deluxe  
• Languages spoken onboard: English and German  
• Children's rates: please contact us  

2025 Dates:  
Departures from Vienna - 09/02, 09/08, and 10/06/2025  

Included:  

• Full board accommodation (picnic lunch)  
• Self-guided tour  
• 1 hydrojet massage per cabin (approx. 15 minutes)  
• 1 tasting of 4 Serbian and Hungarian wines onboard  
• Free access to the "wellness" area (multiple jacuzzies, sauna, pool)  
• Onboard guide with daily briefing  
• Detailed route maps, descriptions, and GPS data 

Not included:  

• Transportation to the departure point  
• Personal expenses  
• Visits  
• Anything not mentioned in the "Included" section  

Options:  

• Rental of hybrid or electric bikes  
• Bike theft insurance (for rented bikes)  
• Cancellation insurance  
• Excursion package: guided walking tour in Komárno, guided bus tours in Budapest and Belgrade, guided tour in Kalocsa (cathedral and episcopal palace)  

Level:  
1 2 3 4 5 6  

Terrain:  
Flat, smooth roads and paths. Cycling lanes along the Danube.

Climate:  
Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technical details:  

• 22 to 67 km of cycling per day, approximately 2 to 6 hours of riding.  
• Easy-to-follow itinerary. No difficulties, accessible to all.  

Bibliography:  
> Cycling guides and maps for EuroVelo 6

Participants:  
You'll meet an international group of all ages onboard, including men, women, singles, and couples with children.  

Guidance:  
Self-guided tour with daily discussions with an onboard guide about the next day’s route. English or German language.  
Onboard, the captain and crew are responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the vacation and sailing the boat from one stop to the next.  

Meals:  

• Breakfast: A buffet breakfast onboard with hot and cold dishes.  
• Lunch: On the boat, a choice of 3 dishes. On cycling days, a provided picnic.  
• Dinner: 3 courses.  
• Drinks are not included.  

The Bike:  

• The rental hybrid bike is a 7-speed back-pedal brake or a 21-speed freewheel bike.  
• The rental electric bike has 7 gears, equipped with a 250 W motor and a 621 Wh battery.  
• If you bring your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company. You will need to arrange this with your usual insurer.  

Transport:  

• By train: Vienna station is well-connected.  
• By car: Vienna is about 14 hours ride from paris
• By plane: Vienna International Airport.  

Cancellation Insurance:  
To ensure a refund of fees in the event of trip cancellation, you can take out cancellation insurance. For more information on the insurance, click here.

Boat description : click here.