Self-Guided Cycling from Vienna to Budapest

Traveler Reviews

• UK

  Umesh4.0•June 2019
  some part directions were too confusing
  Traveled in June 2019
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  John4.0•June 2019
  1. Pre-trip coordination should have been a lot tighter and take less of clients' time. We found ourselves...
  1. Pre-trip coordination should have been a lot tighter and take less of clients' time. We found ourselves second-guessing what they meant and were assuring ourselves that all will be fine. 2. Hotels are average or above average. Would be nice to have a 4 star hotel for last 2 nights, instead of 3 star Sissi Hotel (sister of Corvin). 3. Food is good. Boat ride was a wonderful suggestion. Could have printed the timings in English, and locations of jetties in Hungary so we could get on boat to Hungary more easily. 4. Bikes were first c;lass. Very comfortable and well maintained. 5. Itinery was clear but the EU 6 route was somewhat disappointing in places as it really didn't exist. 6. Excellent logistics with pick up of luggage and delivery to next hotel.Show more
  Traveled in June 2019
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  Stephen4.0•August 2011
  A relatively easy cycle ride on cycle paths and mainly quiet roads, accommodation and bicycles excellent. Whilst we...
  A relatively easy cycle ride on cycle paths and mainly quiet roads, accommodation and bicycles excellent. Whilst we were not by the Danube as much as we'd expected, particularly when we were, the scenery was fantastic. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The final days cycling which involved 3 ferries across the Danube and, for us, a ferry trip from Szentendre to Budapest ( we were advised by the local Rad Reisen rep to do this rather than cycle into Budapest)We stopped at Lipot and went to open air thermal baths and these were excellent- remember swimming costumes that day   What did you think of your group leader? Self guided so no leader but the representative from Rad Riesen covered all important details at the beginning Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Suggest an extra night in Vienna at the beginning and 1 or 2 nights in Budapest at the endFor us, the airport bus would have been better than the recommended train route to the hotel in Vienna Take swimming costumes for Lipot.Beware that differences between Exodus trip notes and information from Rad Riesen can lead to confusion especially when negotiating routes out of towns.In particular, we were advised to take the train from Tata to Koragom and then cycle along the north of the Danube in Slovakia to Estergom rather than following the route advised by Exodus that day. We were also advised to catch a ferry into Budapest from Szentendre. The instructions for finding the tickets were not very clear.   Is there anything else you would like to add? Overall, very good value holiday and, in particular the bikes and accommodation were fineWe have been on several Exodus holidays and intend to go on more Show more
  Traveled in July 2011
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  Andrew2.0•July 2011
  First of all I would say we had not been on bikes for 20 odd years but the cycling was still a lot tougher than...
  First of all I would say we had not been on bikes for 20 odd years but the cycling was still a lot tougher than expected when combined with very hot weather (fairly fit mid 30 - 40 year olds to put that in context). Looking at the route map and title of the trip I had expected 40-50 percent directly along the Danube but you can't actually see the river for most of day 1. Only the final day was what I expected really - cycling along and crossing a beautiful river. The quality of the food especially in the smaller hotels way exceeded expectations. It's also going to seem like extortion buying drinks back in the UK after seeing the prices on this trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Highlights: Vienna's elegance and the Danube in Budapest.The quality of food was very impressive 10/10.   What did you think of your group leader? Self guided but the bags were delivered to the hotels, on route, on time. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I would advise:1.  Don't under estimate the hot sun making the cycling far tougher than expected2.  Bring your own map(s).  Ambiguous trip notes sent us on the wrong path a few times that could have easily been corrected with a decent ordnance survey type map rather than retracing steps.  The map provided was not good enough to correct inevitable errors on route and caused quite a few extra unwanted miles.  When going into / leaving the larger towns get hold of a map with street names before hand as this will save a lot of time if you slightly misunderstand what the trip notes are saying.  This should all be provided really. (I would add others doing the same route made similar errors, so not just us!)  Is there anything else you would like to add? As mentioned it was a slightly frustrating holiday given the quality of maps and directions causing extra miles and wasted time.  Notes appeared to be out of date (prices quoted for the ferry crossings being one example).Although a lot of time is spent on the roads the drivers are extremely considerate to cyclists, often letting you go when they have the right of way.    Show more
  Traveled in June 2011
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  David4.0•June 2011
  A great way to see the north Slovak/Hungarian border - which remains largely unspoilt. The cities of Vienna,...
  A great way to see the north Slovak/Hungarian border - which remains largely unspoilt. The cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest are all different and well worth spending time in. An easy trip for the cycling novice. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Inspirational would be too strong a word - but Budapest is wonderful and the basilicas at Pannonhalma and Esztergom (view from Slovak side of Danube is breathtaking) are outstanding.  Being out on the road through rural Slovakia and Hungary - reminiscent of UK in the 1950s - was cool.  We had really good weather which made it an easy trip. What did you think of your group leader? This Exodus trip was actually run (well) by Rad and Reisen.  There were 18 of us on the trip (largely German and Dutch, the latter were incredibly rude and unfriendly); we were the only two from Exodus and the UK although there was a couple from NZ.  Alex, an early 20s local lad from Vienna, was very helpful, but was unstructured when it came to the briefing and bike handover - and the rude Dutch with their constant demands and interruptions won hands down.  We were supposed to leave Vienna at 9.30, but we got our bikes last and left last at 11.15 am!  Exodus literature states that you get a "free" high viz vest - you don't; you get an instruction to buy one at the local garage [Alex succumbed and gave us each one on the proviso we returned it a the end of the trip, which we duly did].  Alex was excellent when one of us was sick and he took him, bike and luggage to the next hotel as part of his luggage drop off visit - nice one Alex. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Most Exodus cycle trips are good for the single traveller - if on your own, you might find this trip lonely as the locals are distant at best [but will brusquely give directions if asked] and your travel companions, whom you might not see much of, are likely to be largely Dutch and German.  You don't all stay in the same hotels, or towns for that matter, and this varies from night to night.  On the last two days cycle as you go towards Budapest there are dense swarms of small (non biting) flies close to the Danube - if you use sunscreen or insect spray then expect to arrive like well used flypaper.  Apparently the Passau to Vienna cycle is far more scenic and better serviced - there are few quality stops enroute at which to eat on this one!  Is there anything else you would like to add? The bikes were good, but needed a full service.  Gear changing on both bikes was noisy and problematic - I sat in 3/5 for most of the trip and 2/2 to 2/4 on hills.  Alex sorted one out so that lower gears were possible - but both bikes were overdue a service.  The information/route maps provided by Rad & Reisien were first class - we got lost a couple of times, but easily rectified from the information we had.  Hotels were good - especially liked the Regia Pazio in Halaszi - good dinner and breakfast on a patio overlooking the river.Show more
  Traveled in May 2011
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  Ana3.0•May 2011
  Great holidays to enjoy cycling with great views ! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Going along...
  Great holidays to enjoy cycling with great views ! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Going along the Danube around Vienna was really nice - enjoying the views and the sun.Arriving at Bratislava - the city is really cool. What did you think of your group leader? Martin was really helpful and gave us plenty of information before the travel. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Plan your day to stay a bit longer in Bratislava - really nice place.The route from Tata to Esztergom is really hilly, so it is worth while to train for it. Enjoy the country side and the little villages - we found really good bars and restaurants on the way (even though they could not always speak English, they were very friendly). Is there anything else you would like to add? I would like to have stayed in a different hotel in Budapeste - everything else was great, but the Flamenco hotel was not great - location was not the best and basic facilities was not great. Show more
  Traveled in April 2011
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  Stuart2.0•September 2010
  There was a lot more cycling on major roads than we had expected - for example on day 5, Gyor to Tata, the last 40km...
  There was a lot more cycling on major roads than we had expected - for example on day 5, Gyor to Tata, the last 40km is all along a fairly major road - and the cars and lorries in Hungary seemed to pass very close, which was quite intimidating and a bit unpleasant. The accommodation and equipment (including maps, directions, advice and instructions) were very good, and the waterproof panniers provided with the bikes were invaluable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views of the basilica on the approach to Esztergom are very impressive.The Parliament building in Budapest, viewed along the river as you enter the city at the end of the last day are wonderful.  What did you think of your group leader? N/A - self guided tour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take waterproof clothes, and warm layers - we had four days of rain out of the six cycling, and on one day the temperatures were down to 7 C at midday, at the end of August.Take a high-visibility jacket or vest, these are required in Hungary when it's raining or dark, and you'll appreciate having them on the busy roads.  Is there anything else you would like to add? We had hoped for mostly very quiet or off-road cycling, along the banks of the river, and were therefore a bit disappointed that so much was on busy roads, and not along the Danube. For a quieter cycle-ride, through very pretty scenery, we would probably recommend Exodus' "Cycling the vineyards of Burgundy" (code LSQ) over this holiday. Show more
  Traveled in August 2010
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  Sharon5.0•August 2009
  A friend and I embarked on this journey with a good measure of intrepidation, but were remarkably impressed with all...
  A friend and I embarked on this journey with a good measure of intrepidation, but were remarkably impressed with all aspects. We found the cycling very manageable, the bicycles were excellent, the hotels were very well chosen and welcoming, the luggage transport was reliable, the trip notes were sufficient and there was a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst all of the cyclists making the journey. I want everyone I know who can cycle to make this trip now! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cycling into Budapest and seeing the Parliament Building was exhilarating, a mix of achievement and surprise that we had made it all the wayCrossing the Hungarian Border and seeing the old border crossing buildingsArriving in Bratislava in time for morning coffee and a strollArriving at the hotel in Bad Deutsch Altenburg and sitting down to a cold beer after a day of cycling in 35 degreesSheltering from a thunderstorm under a tree on the side of the road on the way to TataDinner at the Hotel Kristaly in Tata Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We stayed on in Budapest for a few days - spend a day at the Gellert Baths and have a massagePack some snacks in your panniers each day, this means you can stop and eat when you need to rather then have to look for a cafe Arrive in Gyor by lunchtime so you have time to walk around the town and have a restMake sure you have some Forints before you enter HungaryRead through the trip notes at dinner ready for the next day - the trip notes are well written however new cyclepaths etc have been built since they have been written so it is wise to get a sense of directions and possible landmarks before setting off each day, also wise for every person in your group to have a copy of the map and trip notes. Is there anything else you would like to add? Do this trip!! It is fabulous, you will not be disappointed.Show more
  Traveled in July 2009
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  Lucy4.0•September 2008
  Overall, a thoroughly interesting trip! A few curious experiences. The daily mileage was about right for us (we are...
  Overall, a thoroughly interesting trip! A few curious experiences. The daily mileage was about right for us (we are relatively fit and didn't find it overly taxing). Services en route through Slovenia and Hungary can be rather random (don't believe the maps too much!). Great trip to see the realities of everyday life in the areas outside the cities (some good, some bad but all fascinating). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The last day's riding was the best - most of the cycle routes were next to the river, and broken up well with ferry rides and some interesting places to stop for refreshment. The first day's riding was also pretty good, livened up by a cycle route that takes you through the nudist stretch of the Danube through Vienna! (thanks for the suprise Exodus, it wouldn't have been the same if you'd warned us - all part of the fun!). Classic moments included finding a suitable place for breakfast beers at elevenses and seeing how surly/helpful the locals were! We had one fabulous conversation with a Hungarian Farmer, equipped in wellies and dungarees...he didn't speak a word of English but we managed with my pidgeon German and plenty of pointing at maps. The whole conversation lasted at least ten minutes, ended with much laughter (mostly from him when he realised we'd cycled from Wien!) On the other hand, I really don't have any idea what else the 9 minutes of conversation involved. What did you think of your group leader? We didn't have one! Self guided. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? To cut a long story short, always make sure you both have a map; a hotel list and your travelling companion's mobile phone number...Don't always trust the local maps - we found that road layout had changed in some towns making certain routes tricky to follow at first. Don't undertake this trip if you are frightened of roller-bladers. It appears to be the national pastime in Slovenia, infact I have never seen so many people rollerblading in my life. Ever. Particularly when you are cycling on a path, apparently miles from any town, bus stop, boat stop or sign of civilisation....where do they come from? Where are they going? Travel light. It's boring packing and unpacking every day. Worth carrying a few snacks in case the local cafes are shut (particularly out of season) and you don't want to miss lunch! Is there anything else you would like to add? Some of the written directions provided by Exodus appear to need revisiting as some parts are presumptious regarding local area knowledge and not written from the perspective of someone who is a stranger to the route/area (one area approaching Esztergom when the written directions say "turn right by a cross" but they don't say that cross is pretty well hidden, not big and located down a path that looks downright dodgy and something only an actor from a Hammer House of Horror film would venture down in their nightie with a failing torch)Show more
  Traveled in August 2008
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  Paul5.0•October 2013
  Excellently organised trip, the maps were on the whole easy to follow, although we had waypointed the hotels on a GPS...
  Excellently organised trip, the maps were on the whole easy to follow, although we had waypointed the hotels on a GPS so we had a good idea of where to go, and how far we had to go. We did find out that the Canadians had slightly different routes to ours, and the American maps were slightly different again. The hotels (well, the ones we got to - see later) were all really good, and the staff friendly. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were lots of good moments (and one very bad moment - see later): Actually finding our way in Bratislava, crossing borders, cycling further than we'd ever cycled before in a day, and not feeling any pain the next day. What did you think of your group leader? Very good and helpful group leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Advice for travellers:  Just outside Babolna I somehow fell off my bicycle and broke my ankle. After dialling the emergency services on 112 I reaslised I was wasting my time - they did not understand a word of English. We had to flag down a car to speak to them.  It still took 90 minutes for an ambulance.  However, the people we flagged down went and got an English speaking person and a van for our bikes (although mine was confiscated by the police). Do make sure your mobile phones allow international calls - we could not call the RadReisen rep as he had an Austrian mobile number.The next piece of advice is the most important.  Under no circumstances admit liability for falling off your bike!  I was subsequently fined 15,000 HUF for causing an accident.  Even though nothing else was involved. Blame the road, a bird, fox, badger, anything but yourself! The hospital in Tatabanya was not as modern as hospitals I have been used to.  I was offered surgery there, but chose to go back to the UK.  Make sure you have adequate insurance - I needed 3 seats on the plane going home.  Also make sure you're not sqeamish about giving yourself injections - I had to do that to prevent DVT.  On the plus side, the Hungarian crutches are far superior to our UK NHS ones! Also make sure you get a fit to fly certificate - the insurance company were excellent in sorting that out too.   Is there anything else you would like to add? The Hungarian people are really friendly - the man with a van took my partner and her bike to our hotel in Tata and wouldn't accept any money.  The English speaking girl that the driver who we flagged down got sat with me in the ambulance and acted as interpreter with the paramedics.  They were such lovely people - it's a shame we didn't get their details to properly thank them afterwards.Both Exodus and RadReisen were very good in assisting us, and booked us into the Budapest hotel for 2 nights so we didn't have to get to the intermediate hotel. So, for the 2/3 of the trip we completed we thought it was excellent.  It's now 2 months since my accident and I still can't walk, but I'd like to do this trip again to actually complete it!Show more
  Traveled in September 2013