Day 1: Sunday
Vienna - Rust (27 miles)
This day starts on the train from Vienna into the countryside of the Burgenland, the youngest of the Austrian states. Along the western shore of the Neusiedler See, in the foothills of the Leitha Mountains your cycling begins. The first kilometers take you through a lightly rolling landscape to Eisenstadt. In this city, also known as "Haydn-Town", you’ll visit the castle of the well-known Esterházy family. A gentle descent takes you into the "free city" of Rust, a city of wine, storks, Renaissance and Baroque, located along the Neusiedler See. You are a guest at the "Seehotel Rust," a pleasant hotel near the shore (swimming pool, sauna, wellness area).
(On trips DC1 and DC3 two nights will be spent in Podersdorf.) Day 2: Monday
Rust - Podersdorf (25 miles)
Today is dedicated to the Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park. In the morning, ride through the charming streets of Mörbisch - picturesque home of the Seefestspiel concerts. Here you’ll board the ferry and head for Illmitz on the eastern shore. An informational tour through the moist environment of the Steppen National Park gives insight into the richness of the area's flora and fauna as well as the unique and delicate steppe ecosystem. Tonight is your second night at the lake and the Karner family of the “Hotel-Inn Seewirt” welcomes you. The hotel is located directly on the lakeshore in one of the rare places on the lake where direct swimming access is not prevented by the lake's dense reeds. (swimming pool, sauna, wellness area).
(On trip DC 13 we spend two nights in Rust.) Day 3: Tuesday
Podersdorf - Bratislava (27 miles)
The day begins with a visit in Gols, the largest vintner town in Austria, and then you’ll proceed on nearly flat bike trails to the Danube River. In the afternoon, leave the Burgenland by train and arrive shortly in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. With a local guide you’ll walk through the former Pressburg which was long the center of power of the Hungarian empire. Tonight will be spent in the centrally located "Hotel Danube," an impeccable four-star hotel of international standing (swimming pool, sauna). Typical Slovakian specialties are on the menu. Day 4: Wednesday
Bratislava - Györ (48 miles)
From Bratislava, the itinerary takes you downriver along the Danube to Hungary. Discovering the Danube meadow wetlands, you’ll pass thatch-roofed farmhouses on the way to the "three-river" city of Györ. Although this is the longest stretch of the trip in miles, it is exceptionally easy riding along the pancake-flat Hungarian Plain. If exceptional weather conditions make cycling impractical you can travel a short stretch by train. This evening, wander through the beautifully maintained Baroque old town of Györ. At its heart is tonight's hotel, the "Klastrom" - a lovingly restored convent. Day 5: Thursday
Györ - Visegrád (10 miles)
After a yesterday’s long day on the bikes, you can take it easy today. It takes about a half-hour to reach the wonderful Benedictine monastery of Pannonhalma in the foothills of the Bakony Mountains. After visiting the monastery you’ll travel by bus through a stretch that would be unappealing by bicycle. The next stop is in Esztergom, also known as the "Rome of Hungary" due to its famous Basilica. From here you’ll enjoy the magical landscape of the Danube Bend by boat, traveling to Visegrád. Your hotel is either the "Visegrád" or the equally comfortable "Honti." Both are located near the shore of the Danube (swimming pool). Day 6: Friday
Visegrád - Budapest (19 miles)
A beautiful view into the Danube river valley is your reward for a one-hour walk to the Visegrád Castle. Later, after a short bike ride, you’ll head down river on a ferry to the Danube island Szentendrei Sziget. On a quiet path you’ll cycle in the direction of the capital up to Szentendre. This former artist's colony that is now an outdoor museum is your last stop by bicycle. From here it's a short train ride to Budapest. You’ll be a guest at the excellent "Kempinski Corvinus", one of the best addresses in the sophisticated Pest quarter. Famous attractions such as the "Gerbeaud" or the "Váci utca" are right around the corner (swimming pool, wellness area). Day 7: Saturday
Budapest - (0 miles)
Saturday morning is reserved exclusively for discovering this Danube metropolis. Baroque architecture, Art Nouveau facades, splendid boulevards, famous baths, nostalgic cafés and much more make up this fascinating city. A local guide introduces you to several highlights. The program ends at noon in the hotel "Kempinski Corvinus." From here you have flight connections to many major European and international airports. Rotalis recommends taking a taxi to the airport. Your tour guide or the hotel reception will be happy to help you make a reservation. By train you can reach Vienna in three hours. Spending a few extra days in Vienna or Budapest is an excellent way to continue your trip and discover all that these fascinating cities have to offer. In both cities Rotalis’ hotels give tour guests special prices. For further details please consult the "Rotalis Travel Information" which will be sent to you together with your booking confirmation. |
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