Self-Guided Cycling from Vienna to Budapest

Make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is left free to explore Vienna at your leisure. 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. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!

On leaving Vienna the route takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park, an area of extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects. From here, pass Orth Castle and the pretty village of Eckertsau before arriving in Hainburg.

Follow the Roman bike trail to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. End your day in the Gothic old town of Bratislava, Slovakia's pretty capital city that exudes old world charm.

After a short cycle through Slovakia, you cross the Hungarian border into Rajka. Cycle past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. Your route guides you through the Szigetkoz (a small Rye island) towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old 'city of 17 bridges'. After exploring the town centre, take the train to colourful Gyor, with its ancient trading streets and breathtaking historic centre.

Follow a new cycle path as it takes you past open farmland, lush fields and woods to today's destination, Komarom. Sitting on the banks of the Danube, the town straggles two countries, with one foot in Hungary, the other in Slovakia and the mighty Danube flowing inbetween. On arrival visit the 19th century Fort Monostor, one of the largest fortresses in central Europe, or unwind in the town's thermal baths. The longer, alternative route (59km/36.7mi) takes you across the river for a wonderfully tranquil ride through the Dunajske luhy protected landscape, with intermittent views of the Danube herself.

Pedal along the riverbanks of the flat Danube Valley, passing quaint villages and lush vineyards. Fitter cyclists can choose a route over Tata, but be aware this is more strenuous and there are no shops and restaurants along the way. Those interested in the history of the area should plan some time for the Roman archaelogical site of Kelemantia, where a military camp stood from the 2nd to the 4th Century. The absolute highlight of the day however, is Esztergom (also known as Hungarian Rome), with the largest basilica in the country.

Head to the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the south. Explore the old Baroque town of Szentendre, before taking a leisurely boat ride into the centre of Budapest and appreciate its stunning architecture.