Bicycle Brussels to Budapest

Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary

A grand adventure following the legendary river valleys of Europe -- the Meuse, Semois, Sure, Mosel, Rhine, Neckar, Jagst, Tauber, Wornitz, Altmuhl and Danube Rivers.  Our cycling route will heighten your sense of the thousands of years of history that have unfolded on the banks of these great waterways.  We will follow in the footsteps of the Romans.

Our journey will take us through seven countries -- Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.  On this three-week trip you may bike a total distance of 2000 kilometers or choose shorter options by using local ferries, trains and our sag wagon.  Each day there will be time for sightseeing, coffee and cake stops, beer sampling and wine tasting.  Don't worry about gaining weight, as you'll have burned lots of calories and will enjoy the hearty dinners each evening.

Plan to arrive in Brussels no later than Thursday morning.  We suggest arriving a day or two early to allow time to acclimate and explore this 1000 year old city.

Thursday, Brussels. This afternoon we take a warm up ride into the countryside. Get acquainted reception tonight, followed by a special welcome dinner.

Friday, Givet (France). We bike the most picturesque and scenic part of the Meuse River valley.

Saturday, Bouillon (Belgium). Bouillon’s castle is Belgium’s largest example of medieval architecture.

Sunday, Martelange. Cycle along the winding Semois River through the historic Ardennes forests.

Monday, Echternach (Luxembourg). Strangely shaped rock formations and beech trees line our route.

Tuesday, Bernkastel (Germany). Follow the Mosel River, with storybook villages and vineyards.

Wednesday, Winningen. Stop in Beilstein to visit the most beautiful marketplace on the Mosel.

Thursday & Friday, Heidelberg. A string of massive castles crown the hillsides as we follow the Rhine. On our a day of leisure there is free time for postcards, shopping and visiting the castle or old university.

Saturday, Jagsthausen. Pedal along the winding Neckar with impressive castle fortresses on the hillside.

Sunday, Rothenburg. Medieval villages lost in time with ancient town gates and high gabled houses.

Monday, Eichstatt. Pass through Germany’s largest nature park. Castles overlook the Altmuhl River.

Tuesday, Regensburg. Meet up with the new Main-Danube Canal, connecting the North & Black Seas. Regensburg is Germany’s largest medieval city and contains more than 1,200 historical buildings.

Wednesday, Passau. Picturesque countryside takes us to the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz.

Thursday & Friday, Linz (Austria). Continue following the Danube with wide valleys on both sides and a dark green carpet of forest.  Day of leisure in Linz.

Saturday, Duernstein. The Danube plain becomes more narrow as we ride below rocky, wooded slopes.

Sunday, Bratislava (Slovakia). Lovely baroque abbeys hug the hillsides. Optional ride into Vienna.

Monday, Gyor (Hungary). The Danube becomes a vast river plain with an abundance of historic sites.

Tuesday & Wednesday, Budapest. On our last day of cycling we pass through the artist colony, Szentendre. A free day in Budapest allows time to enjoy the spa facilities of our hotel on Margaret Island. Farewell dinner with Hungarian delicacies, wine and gypsy music.

Thursday. This morning we transfer to Budapest Airport for the flight home.

Average daily distance – 68 miles (shorter options can be made by using ferries, trains & our sag).

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 22 days/21 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $5,700 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 14, 2007.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and nineteen dinners.
What else is included in the tour price? 

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $23 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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