Budapest & the Danube River Bend

Hungary Bike Tour

This easy biking tour in Hungary takes place in the region of the Danube Bend, the most beautiful section of the river between Esztergom and Szentendre, where it winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and then turns sharply south towards Budapest. It follows an S shape curve and twists for more than 12 miles (20km) past Visegrad where it splits into two, forming the long and narrow Szentendre Island. The name has actually come to describe the entire region of peaks, resorts and river towns north and north-west of the capital, Budapest.
Clusters of charming towns — particularly Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre, — have an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture. Green valleys and forested hills rise from the river, and commanding fortresses and market squares beckon to be visited.
Budapest, Hungary's capital is regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It is bustling but peaceful, a friendly metropolis and a place where old treasures blend with the modern. Long gone is its communist shadow. Today, Budapest is embracing its role as an important 21st-century city.

Tour Dates

• Arrivals on Sundays:
• Season 1: July 1 - August 26, 2012*
• Season 2: April 15 - June 30 and August 27 - September 30, 2012
• ** Grand Prix occurs in Budapest on July 29th. Travel dates of July 21 and 28 might be affected by price change and availability issues.

Where You’ll Stay

3 star Country House Hotel Rosinante with outdoor pool, whirlpool and sauna. Excellent restaurant on site. This historical hotel is situated in the beautiful Szentendre Island National Park. The landscape of unspoiled nature affords relaxing moments and the discovery of Hungarian culture and art.

What’s Included

• 6 nights accommodations
• Breakfast buffet
• One 3 course candlelight dinner
• Boat transfer from Visegrad to Esztergom
• Train ticket Szob to Vac
• Route descriptions and maps
• One handlebar bag per room
• Hotline service
• One entrance to the Pustza Horse Show including welcome drink and Schnapps
• 21 gear unisex bicycle with panniers, odometer and repair kit

What’s Not Included

• City tour of Budapest, approximately €30 per person
• Transportation from Budapest to Szentendre Island
• Lunches
• 5 dinners available for supplemental fee
• Ferries
• Tips

Skill Level

Easy to moderate self guided hotel based tour. Daily distances range from 9 to 31 miles over flat and sometimes slightly hilly terrain.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Arrival at Szentendre Island.
2. Szentendre - Skanzen, 9 - 12 mi. (15 - 20 km)
3. Szentendre - Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km)
4. Szentendre - Budapest, 31 mi. (50 km)
5. Szentendre - Visegrad, 29 mi. (47 km)
6. Szentendre - Pustza Horse Show, 10 mi. (17 km)
7. Departure from Szentendre.

DAY 1: Arrival at Szentendre Island
Nestled between two branches of the Danube lies Szentendre Island which is just over 36 square miles. You will be based at the lovely Country House Hotel, complete with pool, whirlpool, and sauna.

DAY 2: Szentendre - Skanzen, 9 - 12 mi. (15 - 20 km)
Szentendre, with its colorful houses, narrow alleys, and two dozen museums, is the most frequently visited tourist center along the Danube. This Mediterranean-like town historically has been the home of Serbs who fled from the Turks and settled here in the 14th-17th centuries. You will see this influence in the architecture and beautiful churches. This village is now favored by artists as a place to live and work. The artistic influence is apparent by the number of museums and exhibitions devoted to the life and work of Szentendre-based artists. Outside of Szentendre, you will visit Skanzen, Hungary's largest open air museum. Here you will have the opportunity to truly experience Hungarian history by touring through the rebuilt villages of long ago.

DAY 3: Szentendre - Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km) + Ship and train
Today you will cycle along the Danube river, through beautiful landscapes. You will enjoy a boat ride  to Esztergom, the first capital of Hungary and birthplace of King Saint Stephen, the first king. The Basilica, commandingly situated atop Castle Hill, is Hungary's largest church. Return by train to shorten your trip back to your hotel.

DAY 4: Szentendre - Budapest, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you will experience one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On your way to the city center, you pass by the Parliament and the famous Chain Bridge. You can take advantage of many sights and attractions such as the Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill. Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.

DAY 5: Szentendre - Visegrad, 29 mi. (47 km)
Situated on the Danube's abrupt loop, Visegrád (from the Slavic words for 'high castle') is the most beautiful section of the Danube river bend. Most tourists, however, don't come here for the views (which are reason enough to visit) but rather to explore what remains of the town's history - its Renaissance palace and accompanying citadel. Part of its fascinating history is that Transylvanian prince Vlad Tepes (also known as Vlad the Impaler and the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula) was held there under duress. After climbing the hill, you are rewarded with a beautiful view over the whole Danube River Bend Region. The path leads you back to the baroque village of Vác, a dynamically growing town, teeming with culture and public life. It has spectacularly renewed historical monuments and buildings and a picturesque baroque square.

DAY 6: Szentendre - Pustza Horse Show, 10 mi. (17 km)
After a short but refreshing bike ride, you will arrive at the Bodor farm house and riding ranch where the highlight of your day is to attend the Puszta Horse Show. First take advantage of Hungarian hospitality and taste some regional delicacies like salty cake and Schnaps. Then marvel at the Csikos, the traditional Hungarian horse herders as they showcase their skills and horses.

DAY 7: Departure from Szentendre
You can book an additional night in Budapest or continue your vacation in Vienna, the city of the Waltz. You can travel the Danube to Vienna on a hydrofoil for €89 per person. You could stroll the streets of the city whose glorious history and old roots as a monarchy are manifested around every corner. Some of the city’s greatest highlights include the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (located in the heart of the city), Belvedere Palace (Baroque style with delightful gardens and magnificent views), Schönbrunn Palace (of Rococo style with great gardens), and the Hofburg Palace (the residence of Hapsburg emperors). And of course one of the best highlights of the city is the delectable Viennese cuisine: from Wiener schnitzel and Tafelspitz served with Gerösteten Kartoffeln, Apfelkren and Schnittlauchsauce to its many great pastries: Apfelstrudel and Palatschinken, you will feast and feast!!!!

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Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us