General Information Contents
Is this trip right for you?
How Tough Is The Trip?
Specific Trip Information Contents
Joining Instructions
Finishing Instructions
Important Notes
Packing List
Is this Trip Right For You
To enjoy this trip it is important that you are a competent and confident cyclist.
We have a single leader that guides the group as well as another that drives the support vehicle which will be at the back of the group. On occasion, the vehicle cannot travel directly behind the group (e.g. a cycle path) and in this instance, your leader will designate a person from the group to remain at the back of the group acting as a marker.
While the cycling distances are relatively long, we will follow the Danube downstream and so the route naturally descends as you ride. This means you’ll only need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip but it is importnt to note that some days are over 75km. We will always have the support van if you need to take a short break whilst riding.
The riding is mostly on sealed asphalt or bike paths, with the occasional gravel section. There are therefore no no technical cycling skills required.
Accommodation is shared and so single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex unless they have requested and paid for a single room, and where we have confirmed this upgrade.
How Tough Is The Trip?
The trip is designed for you to enjoy the scenery and there are regular rest breaks each day. There are however relatively long distances and it is important to note that you will be riding on consecutive days which can take its toll. We highly recommend taking it slowly on the first few days while you acclimatise to the rides and the climate.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. Prepare for it by doing aerobic type exercises including cycling, jogging or swimming. We also recommend riding extended distances and on consecutive days. Please also note that it is important that you are confident and competent riding in a group environment.
The information listed on your booking confirmation provides a guide to the approximate distances and terrain cycled each day. However, we may vary the route depending on the physical capabilities of the group, as well as making changes to suit any inclement weather or local conditions. For safety, all cycling is undertaken during daylight hours, so there may be some early morning starts.
Joining Instructions
Joining point
Magdas Hotel (Laufbergergasse 12)
Laufbergergasse 12
Vienna
AUSTRIA
Phone: +43 17200288
Joining point description
Magdas hotel is located near the famous Prater amusement park in Vienna. The modern hotel prides itself on its eclectic up-cycled decor and it is filled with art. The hotel celebrates diversity and provides training and employment for refugees in Austria.
Joining point instructions
A taxi from Vienna International Airport (airport code VIE) will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a dedicated airport train (CAT) to Landstrasse-Wien Mitte. The service takes just 16 minutes. There are also regular (and cheaper) regional train services and the S-Bahn (metropolitan train) from the airport into the city centre at Praterstern, from where it is a 10 minute walk to the hotel. This service takes around 25 minutes. Tickets for either can be purchased at ticket machines in the airport railway station.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Vienna airport: If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +43 699 1386 2065
Finishing Point
Star City Hotel
István utca 14
Budapest
HUNGARY
Finishing point description
The three-star Star City Hotel is located just a few minutes from the Eastern Railway station. Near one of the top transportation hubs, the hotel is easily accessible from any part of the capital. Quiet and comfort are the priority, which shows in the nicely furnished rooms that ensure the guests a calm and relaxing environment.
Finishing point instructions
If you are making your own way to Budapest Airport (airport code BUD) the hotel reception will be able to organise a taxi for you. The ride will take around 30 minutes. Alternatively you can take metro line M4 from Keleti Palyaudvar metro station for three stops to Kálvin Tér, and then M3 to the metro station at Kőbánya-Kispest, from where you take bus number 200E. Bus number 100E is another option, leaving from Deák Ferenc Tér in the city centre directly to the airport. If using public transportation and you change from the metro to a bus you will need a transfer ticket (2 physical tickets, validated one by one as you enter the bus/metro station). Make sure you validate your ticket as ticket checks on the metro are common.
Pre booked departure transfer to Budapest Airport (BUD): You will be collected at your accommodation 2.5 hours before your flight departure time. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +36302801219.
Important Notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Komarom) where you will be in a twin-share room, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so awe can ensure a suitable sized bike is arranged.
3. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
4. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
5. There is an included ride on the morning of Day 8 (the last day of the trip) so it is not recommended to book a flight out of Budapest before 5pm
6. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an ‘on request’ basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
7. Due to client feedback, in 2022 the trip will overnight in Gyor rather than Lipot on Day 4.
Packing List
PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won’t be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are lightly to encounter while carrying your luggage. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Y
Packing for a cycling tour isn’t that different from any other adventure. But if you want to be comfortable and warm, here are a few bike-specific tips.
• Helmet – these are compulsory, but if you don’t have your own you can sometimes purchase an approved and well-fitted one at the start of the trip (our leaders can assist you with this).
There are some destinations where you are unable to purchase or hire appropriate helmets locally so you will need to bring your own – please check the ‘Important Notes’ section to see if this is the case.
• Padded bike shorts
• Quick-dry jerseys – you can definitely get away with a few cotton t-shirts but having a few light and breathable jerseys will make your cycling a lot more comfortable, especially in warmer/humid climates.
• Quick-dry socks
• Cycling gloves – not essential but recommended as padded cycle gloves will make your riding more comfortable and can help protect you in case of a fall.
• Rain gear – pack a light poncho in case the weather turns when you’re out on the road
• Light breathable waterproof/windproof – especially useful for those early mornings or downhill sections when the wind-chill becomes a factor.
• Water bottle – we don’t provide bottles but all our bikes have one bottle holder fitted (and a second one can be fitted if required). Please bring a cycling-specific water bottle as other types will fall out of the holders. A Camelbak will make drinking on-the-go easier.
• Sunglasses – well fitted sports sunglasses help protect against dust, insects and (of course) the sun
• Day pack – our support vehicle will carry your main bag, but a day pack for snacks and clothes is a good idea.
• Suncream – please bring a high protection factor (e.g. SPF 50) sunscreen as long days in the saddle can really expose you to the sun
• Shoes – normal sports shoes can be worn on all of our trips however you may want to consider a flat shoe with a relatively stiff sole as it makes pedalling a lot more efficient. Regular cyclists are welcome to bring their own cycling-specific shoes however we recommended ‘mountain bike’ style shoes that have grip on the sole rather than road bike’ shoes as you will still be walking around while on the rides (cafe/photo/toilet stops, etc.). For safety reasons we require that you wear shoes that completely cover the toes while riding.
• Saddles – are saddles are standard, unisex models –less experienced cyclists may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. Regular cyclists are welcome to bring your own saddle – our leader will assist in fitting it to your bike
• Pedals – all bikes come with flat pedals. Regular cyclists are welcome to bring their own pedals – our leader will assist in fitting them to your bike
As space in our support vehicle/transport can be limited we request that you bring only a small luggage bag with you rather than larger bags or suitcases.
BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
If you would like to bring your own bike please see the ‘Transport’ section of your Essential Trip Information.
Sections of the Danube can become infested with mosquitoes at times, especially in the summer months. We highly recommend bringing a suitable strength insect repellant with you.