TOUR SELECTION
HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY - Vienna to Budapest
HUNGARIAN DANUBE - Spa and Bike
DANUBE WALTZ, PASSAU TO BUDAPEST - Bike and Boat Along The Danube
SOUTH STYRIA - (4 country single hotel based tour)
HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY- Vienna to Budapest
8 Day Independent Tour
This 3-country tour from Vienna to Budapest is very diverse, and at its high points, quite magestic. Your tour starts in Vienna, the world's city of charm. Bratislava invites you to make shopping tours in the picturesque old town, while the metropolis of Budapest is the crowning conclusion of your journey. Untouched nature, little-known artistic treasures and
cultural monuments can be found on this route between Vienna and Budapest. You cycle in the
the Hungarian lowlands and can also visit the famous “Arabian National Stud“
in Babolna where you explore the secrets of traditional horse breeding. The basilica in
Esztergom is the largest Catholic church in Hungary and accommodates many art treasures, all the while enjoying the friendly people and the Hungarian hospitality.
Day to Day Schedule
Day 1: Vienna
Individual arrival in Vienna.
Day 2: Vienna - Bad Deutsch-Altenburg (approx. 46 km/28 miles)
On the Danube-Cycle-Path you bike through the idyllic meadows along the Danube, passing the castle of "Orth" to Petronell-Carnuntum (significant Roman excavations).
Day 3: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg - Mosonmagyárovár (approx. 61 km/38 miles)
Still following the Danube-Cycle-Path you will reach Bratislava. Shortly after, you reach Hungary where you bike through small typical villages using the dam cycle path (gravel) and country roads.
This section can be divided by an additional night in Bratislava (Day 3: 21 km/15 miles, Day 4: 42 km/25 miles)
Day 4: Mosonmagyárovár/Halaszi - Györ (approx. 45 km/28 miles)
You bike through the former marsh region of the "Little Alföld". Taking side roads you pass through delightful villages and arrive at the provincial capital of Györ.
Day 5: Györ - Tata (approx. 61 km/38 miles)
Today you bike through a landscape of rolling hills and reach the picturesque town of Tata, situated on two lakes.
Day 6: Tata - Sturovo/Esztergom (approx. 55 km/34 miles)
Leaving Tata you travel over the densely wooded hills of the "Gerecse" range. Some uphill stretches are rewarded with wonderful descents. In Esztergom you can admire the imposing cathedral.
Day 7: Sturovo/Esztergom - Budapest (approx. 58 km/36 miles)
Steep mountain-slopes frame the picturesque landscape of the Danube Bend up to Szentendre island. Go by bike or boat to Budapest (not incl.). On the boat, the view from the sun deck is overwhelming.
Day 8: Budapest
Individual departure.
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Tour Rating: easy to moderate
Mostly rather flat, but with a few stretches of small hills. Suitable for all levels. Expect some traffic on the roads in/out of the cities.
Austria: on the Danube Cycle Path.
Hungary: cycle paths, field paths and country roads.
Airport / Transfers
Fly into Vienna, and depart from Budapest.
Regular public shuttles and/or train service is available at both these major international airports.
Schedule & Price
| Departure Dates 2012 |
Independent tours depart every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May through September. Saturday departures are also available in April and early October.
|
| Price per person |
CAD |
$850 |
| April & October departure reduction |
|
$75 |
| July & August departure surcharge |
|
$40 |
| Single Supplement |
$250 |
| Half-board supplement (6 dinners) |
$170 |
| Extra nights pre/post per person |
|
$100 |
| Upgrade hotels to all 3 and 4 star |
|
$100 |
This tour includes: |
• 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are family run guesthouses and hotels of good 2 and 3 star standard. In both Vienna and Budapest 4 star hotels are always used. All rooms have private bathrooms.
• breakfast daily.
• luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• return bus ride from Budapest to Vienna (if required)
• modern hybrid bicycle with 21 gears & pannier
• 7 days service hotline
• Detailed travel material, maps, and route descriptions of places of interest
Note: In Slovakia you have to wear a helmet outside of cities!
In Hungary you have to wear a safety vest at night and at times of poor vision outside of the cities.
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HUNGARIAN DANUBE - Spa and Bike
Vienna to Budapest 3 country tour
8 Day Independent Tour
An indescribable, beautiful and varied scenery, a large river, and hot springs are the highlights
of this tour. Between the Austrian and Hungarian alluviallLandscape and the Danube Bend (where the river turns 90 degrees), you can collect numerous impressions of Hungarian art,
culture and nature. After cycling you relax in wellness facilities or hot springs; sometimes in
very traditional and exclusive spas.
The highlights of this tour are the capitals Vienna,
Bratislava, and Budapest, as well as the basilica in Esztergom and the Arabian National stud in Babolna.
Day to Day itinerary
Day 1: Vienna
Individual arrival.
Day 2: Vienna - Bratislava (approx. 39 km/25 miles) Not far from the city of Vienna begins the untouched alluvial landscape, a nature reserve with a stunning biota. Get away from it all and enjoy this wonderful silence, interrupted only by the twitter of hatching water birds. After a short train transfer you cycle to Bratislava. The capital town of Slovakia will impress you with its dreamly old town.
Day 3: Bratislava - Szigetköz (approx. 51 km/32 miles) Idyllic is the landscape of the Szigetköz, a paradise for birds and fishes. In the midst of this wild and untouched landscape with more than 500 tiny islands you will find farming villages and a labyrinth of the countless Danube creeks.
Day 4: Szigetköz - Region Babolna (approx. 58 km/ 36 miles) You are still in the middle of the marsh and creek territory. The industrial town Györ – surrounded by rivers and nature – impresses with a variety of historical sights and buildings. The national stud of Babolna – worldfamous for its arabian horse breed – is worth a visit. When you visit the stud and the stud museum you will find out the secrets of Hungarian horse breeding.
Day 5: Region Babolna - Region Tata (approx. 35 km/22 miles) Tata is called „The City of bodies of water", a wonderful, romantic, small town of gardens. In the city you will find some fisher huts, wind mills, a park for recreation and extensive promenades.
Day 6: Region Tata - Esztergom or Visegrad (approx. 54 km/34 miles) The route leads you through the foothills of the Gerecse mountain range: dense wood gives you cool shade. Esztergom in the middle of the Danube bend is the domicile of the head of the Hungarian catholic church, the archbishop. Depending on the availability we book the overnight for your in Esztergom or in Visegrad. Staying overnight in Visegrad there is a ship ride (or transfer) from Esztergom to Visegrad.
Day 7: Esztergom or Visegrad - Budapest (approx. 50 km/ 32 miles) The quaint village of Szentendre invites you to visit it´s many arts and craft shops, the ideal place to find wonderful souvenirs from Hungary. Staying overnight in Esztergom the day before, there is a ship ride (or transfer) from Szentendre to Budapest. The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly an overnight in the world famous Hotel Gellert, with the magnificent spa facilities in art nouveau archticture.
Day 8: Budapest Individual departure or extension.
Tour Rating: easy to moderate
Mostly rather flat, but with a few stretches of small hills. Suitable for all levels.
Expect some traffic on the roads in/out of the cities.
Austria: cycle on the Danube Cycle Path.
Hungary: cycle paths, field paths and country roads. |
VIENNA
BRATISLAVA
ESZTERGOM
BUDAPEST |
Airport / Transfers
Fly into Vienna, and depart from Budapest.
Regular public shuttles and/or train service is available at both these major international airports.
Schedule & Price
| Departure Dates 2012 |
Independent tours depart every Saturday from April 14th to October 6th.
|
| Price per person |
CAD |
$1025 |
| April 14 – May 04 and September 23 – October 06 departure reduction |
|
$75 |
| July & August departure surcharge |
|
$50 |
| Single Supplement |
$300 |
| Half-board supplement (6 dinners) |
$200 |
| Extra nights pre/post per person |
|
$100 |
| Upgrade to Hotel Gellert, Budapest |
|
$100 |
This tour includes: |
• 7 nights accommodation in a double room with private facilities. The hotels we use on this tour are hotels of good 3 star standard. In both Vienna and Budapest 4 star hotels are always used. 1x overnight in the stud at Babolna
(2 star category)
• Most hotels have spa and wellness facilities, or there are public spa facilities very close by.
• All rooms have private bathrooms.
• breakfast daily.
• luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• 1 x train Bad Deutsch Altenburg – Wolfsthal
• return bus ride from Budapest to Vienna (if required)
• modern hybrid bicycle with 21 gears & pannier
• 7 days service hotline
• Detailed travel material, maps, and route descriptions of places of interest
Note: In Slovakia you have to wear a helmet outside of the cities!
In Hungary you have to wear a safety vest when biking at night and at times of poor vision outside of the cities.
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DANUBE WALTZ - PASSAU TO BUDAPEST
4 Country Bike & Boat Tour Along The Danube
Independent and Guided tours - 7 nights / 8 days
The most famous bike route in Europe along the beautiful Danube, however this time we enjoy our travelling hotel, the MS MY STORY, as we start in Passau, Germany, cruise and cycle through the Austrian countryside into Slovakia and Hungary, before returning to Germany.This journey takes you to the highlights along Europe´s second largest river.
The impressive spectacle of nature of the Schlögener Donauschlinge (Great Loop”), the fascinating landscape of the Wachau with its vineyards, castles and palaces, the untouched alluvial forests of the National Park Donauauen as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube Bend, alternating with metropolises such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The imposant cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes from a distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains the Slovak capitol of Bratislava (formerly Pressburg) invites us for a stroll in its charming Old Town. How about a
small flirt with Vienna, city of Waltz?
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Passau
Where the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube unite, the bishop's town Passau is located at the Bavarian/Austrian border. Embarkation 05:00 p.m. The MV Theodor Körner is waiting for you in the harbour of Passau and the crew bids you welcome onboard. Dinner onboard.
Departure: approx. 09:00 p.m. Cruise to the Austrian resort town Engelhartszell, which is the former summer residence of the bishops of Passau
PASSAU
"Great Loop" at Schlögen
BUDAPEST
ESZTERGOM
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Day 2: Donauschlinge =“Great Loop“ (40 km)
In Engelhartszell the bicycle tour continues through the romantic fluvial topography of the “Great Loop” which is one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube with its small villages and cosy taverns. You reboard at the charming village of Aschach and then you “sail” into the night.
Day 3: Vienna - Bratislava (55 – 75 km)
Walk through the Old Town(optional) Near Vienna you can experience pure nature, wild and untamed at the National Park Donauauen, which is one of the last big unspoilt floodplains in Europe.
Bratislava is an attractive destination and during a walkabout in the evening (optional) you can discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis .
Day 4: Budapest (day of rest). Sight-seeing tour at night (optional)
In the morning you may enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube bend´s gorgeous landscape. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming: many of the famous tourist features are situated directly on the shore. Nearby you find Margarethen Island which is outstanding for short bike tours. The market hall – called “the stomach of Budapest” – is attractive with Hungarian pleasures and handcrafts. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience an illuminated Budapest.
Day 5: Danube bend (57-84,5 km)
Sporty cyclists may leave Budapest by bike, those who are biking just for pleasure can shorten the distance by ship or by train (optional). North of
Budapest, at the bow of the Danube, is the picturesque and slightly hilly landscape of the Danube bend, also called Hungarian Wachau. The small artistic town Szentendre is a paradise for bikers with its open-air museum. The landmark of Esztergom is the basilica, situated at the end of the Danube knee, it is the biggest church in Hungary.
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest). City tours by bike or bus, Waltz Concert (optional)
You can discover this city of vitality during a sight-seeing tour by bike or bus. The most famous places of interest are the Prater Amusement Park, St. Stephens Cathedral and the Royal Hofburg. The gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraße” with its Burgtheater, State Opera House and Town Hall reminds one of Vienna's imperial past.
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There is enough time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Wiener Kursalon (optional) or at a local wine tavern.
Day 7: Wachau: (40 km)
Surrounded by small quaint towns, apricot orchards, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this hilly landscape is enchanting for everybody. This is pure biking enjoyment! In Spitz you may find comfy wine taverns
directly besides the bike path. Take a break - you owe it to yourself!
You have to walk your bike through Dürnstein´s narrow alleys. King Richard
Lionheart was not a voluntary guest here during mediaeval times.
At the end of this stage there is Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine monkhood. After a ceremonial gala dinner lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced on board during a folklore show.
Day 8: Passau (departure)
Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy the sunrise on deck and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight of the Schlögener Schlinge before you arrive relaxed at Passau. Disembarkation: 2:30 p.m.
TOUR RATING: Easy
Flat paved cycle paths along both sides of the Danube, suitable for beginners, children, and experienced cyclists alike.
 
Your boat: MS MY STORY, 3+***
This is a very spacious ship with a very comfy atmosphere. On board
the guest is king! Our crew is keen to satisfy every wish and makes a contribution to the success of this voyage. On joining this popular vessel you are immediately aware
of the cosy and informal ambience on board. The Sun Deck with its awnings allows you to
enjoy the passing scenery in a very relaxed way and soak up the warmth. On deck there are
both deck chairs and ordinary chairs and tables, which encourage conversation and communal
activity in the fresh air.
The Panorama Restaurant and the Panorama Lounge with its bar
provide not only excellent food and drinks but also a sense of conviviality with old friends and
new acquaintances.
The comfortable 87 cabins (approx. 9 m²) are equipped with 1-2 low beds
(during the day one bed can be fold to the wall), air conditioner, private facilities, TV,
hairdryer. The windows can be opened in the cabins on the upper deck. Triple cabins are
equipped with 2 lower beds and one folding bed above. For families the cabins with connecting
door are very adequate.
Technical Details: year of manufacture 1971, length 105 m, breadth 11,6 m, draft 1,70 m, speed approx. 18 km/h; 87 cabins, max. 174 passengers;
Languages on board: German and English.
AIRPORT / TRANSFERS
We suggest flying into Munich. We can supply semi-private transfers from Munich Airport to Passau for $100.00 per person each way (min. 2 persons).
SCHEDULE and PRICE - INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED TOUR
| DATES 2012 |
Independent Tours - every Sunday from April 15th to October 8th
Guided tours are available on the following dates: April 22, May 20, June 17, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23*, Oct. 07* |
| * house wine with meals |
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| Per person, double occupancy |
CAD |
$1110 |
| Single cabin supplement: |
|
$800 |
| Midship cabin on Main Deck |
|
$225 |
| Front/rear cabin on the Upper Deck |
|
$95 |
| Midship cabin on the Upper Deck |
|
$300 |
| High Season supplement (for departures May 20th to August 26th) |
|
$150 |
| Optional 21 speed hybrid style bike |
|
$75 |
| Optional electrobike |
|
$175 |
| Guided tour option (new for 2012) |
|
$500 |
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| This tour includes: |
* 7 nights in outside cabins on the Main Deck (Hauptdeck), front or rear of ship
* Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
* Welcome cocktail
* Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bedlinens
* Full board: breakfast, lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch /lunch box for cyclists; afternoon coffee break or snack; full dinner
* Gala-Dinner with Farewell-Cocktail
* Farewell Crew Show
* Daily Live Music
* Bike rental (modern 7-gear comfort bike with back pedalbrakes and saddlebags)
* 1x detailed map and information material kit per cabin
* Daily tour information meeting
* Cruise director/tour guide on board (does not accompany cyclists)
* Harbour fees and port taxes of Euro 59.00 per person
Optional Services:
• Additional nights in Passau
• Airport transfers
• Entrance and sightseeing fees, optional tours, and ships gratuities are not included
Optional Land Excursions:
The following optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked
directly on board with the cruise director.
Bratislava: City Tour with Old-timer ride and city walk
Budapest: Sight-seeing tour by bike | Illuminated Budapest by night (city tour by bus)
Vienna: City tour by bus | City tour by bike | Waltz & Operetta concert at the Imperial Palace
Wachau: Wine tasting at a local vineyard
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GUIDED TOUR – ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS:
* Cycling tour guide
* 3 ferry rides, 1 train ticket
* Cider-tasting in the Upper-Danube-valley
* City tour Bratislava by excursion train
* Visit of the basilica of Esztergom
* Wine-tasting in the Wachau-region
* Guided city tour Vienna and Budapest by bike
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Your tour guide provides daily route notes, maps, advice etc each morning however the the daily bike tours are unescorted.
All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes.
Please notice that storage space in cabins is very limited.
Please be aware that your ship MS My Story, like all other ships on the Danube, is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power often during night. Especially crossing locks and bridges, the preparation work may cause noise.
Schedule: In case of flood or low tide the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages with buses. In extreme cases the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered (previously not announced) repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine and power unit. We reserve the right to change the Schedule when low/high water bars the ship from passing through a certain area. Some parts can be negotiated by bus (free of charge)
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