Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Nuremberg
This Danube bike and boat tour has it all: scenic cycling routes, city tours, and the convenience of a deluxe river cruise.
Guided Bike & Boat
- Group Size: 24
Starting From
11-day Air Package
$5,595
8-day Bike Tour Only
$4,595
Per person, double occupancy

Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Nuremberg
A bike and boat tour on the Danube doesn’t get any better than this! In just a week, you’ll explore four different countries—Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—as well as a world-class cultural capital, Vienna. Cycle the renowned Danube Bike Path, admiring vistas of storybook villages and castles, lush vineyards, and carpeted hills unfurling along the river banks. Pause to explore medieval cities and the spectacular Melk Abbey, and enjoy a private wine tasting. And at the end of the day, return to a deluxe Emerald Waterways river ship, where attentive service, fine dining, and a welcoming ambiance invite you to relax after an invigorating day. There’s no better or more convenient way to experience the heart of Europe!What to Expect
On Shore: This tour offers easy riverside terrain, with a few climbs to reach riverside towns. Riding is primarily on bike paths of both pavement and packed gravel, with some road riding through both urban and rural areas. Our VBT support shuttle is available every day at designated points for those who would like assistance. Onboard Ship: Our group of up to 24 VBT guests will be part of a larger group on board our 182-passenger river cruise ship. Every day will include your choice of exclusive VBT activities as well as opportunities to join other activities that are offered by the ship. VBT activities may overlap with those offered by the ship. While in port our ship may be docked adjacent to other ships. This means we may walk through other ships while boarding or disembarking, and some views may be obstructed while in port.
- Group Size: 24
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Tour Highlights
- Unpack once, then bike and boat along the Danube in four countries and three cultural capitals—all on one trip
- Follow the car-free and scenic Danube and EuroVelo 6 bike paths in this bicycle-friendly region
- Ogle the most scenic stretches of the river: the Danube Bend, the Wachau Valley, and Schlögener Schlinge
- Choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish from our menu of cycling routes and walking tours
- Enjoy a guided tour of the renowned Benedictine Abbey in Melk
- Savor a private tasting of local wines
- Indulge in the comfort and convenience of all-inclusive river cruising—VBT style
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
May67º/49º
Jun72º/55º
Jul77º/59º
Aug77º/59º
Sep69º/53º
Oct57º/43º
Average
Precipitation:
May2.4 in
Jun2.9 in
Jul2.5 in
Aug2.3 in
Sep1.8 in
Oct1.6 in
Tour Only | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Transfers to and from international airport | ||
One night in Budapest and one night in Prague in conveniently located hotels with breakfasts included | ||
1-day Budapest Transportation Pass and 1-day Prague Transportation Pass | ||
7 nights aboard a deluxe river ship | ||
21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners |

Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Road Bicycle (Aluminum alloy frame)
See More >
Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Vehicle Support
Luggage Transfers
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2021 Pre-Trip Extension - Budapest
1 Night From $95 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $95
- 1 night at the Mamaison Andrássy Hotel or Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
- Daily breakfast
- 3-day Budapest Transportation Pass
- Airport transfers
- City Information
Depart home for Hungary. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Upon arrival at the Budapest airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area—VBT representatives are not allowed in the customs area. Make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you as you enter the arrival hall. Your VBT representative will be holding a VBT sign and will help you transfer via taxi or van (approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic) to your centrally located Budapest hotel. If your VBT representative is not immediately in sight, please wait, as the VBT representative may be transferring with an earlier arrival. He or she should arrive within 30 minutes.
Your hotel room may not be available until after 2:00 p.m. If you arrive early, you may store your luggage with the reception desk. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin your exploration of the city with your included Budapest Transportation Pass. VBT provides you with City Information that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do during your stay in Budapest.
Accommodation: Mamaison Andrassy Hotel
Alternate hotel: Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
Today, continue to explore Budapest on your own during your independent trip extension. This cosmopolitan city offers very different experiences on each bank of the Danube, and a wealth of historic and cultural treasures. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will have received a complimentary public transportation pass, sure to make exploring easy.
Outside your hotel, on the Pest side of the river, uncover the history, art, and archaeology of Hungary at the National Museum. Visit the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, named for the first king of Hungary, whose right hand is said to be in the reliquary. Take in the grand Heroes’ Square. Or browse the many stalls and food offerings of Market Hall, the city’s largest indoor market.
Across the river, on the Buda side, you might explore the vibrant Castle District, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched some 550 feet (168 meters) above the Danube. In the Old Town, you can view the Gothic Buda Castle and explore narrow medieval streets and squares, browsing shops and sampling Hungarian specialties at cafés. Head over to Fisherman’s Bastion for sweeping, panoramic views of the ornate Parliament Building, the iconic Chain Bridge, and the rest of the city. The only city in the world with thermal springs within town, Budapest boasts about a dozen spas, gathering places for locals to “take the waters” and catch up on family gossip. Your hotel can help you find the one that suits you.
Accommodation: Mamaison Andrassy Hotel
Alternate hotel: Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center
Included Meals: Breakfast
Air Package Only
2021 Post-Trip Extension - Prague
2 Nights From $195 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $195
- 2 nights at the K+K Hotel Central in Prague
- Daily breakfast
- 3-day Prague Transportation Pass
- Airport and ship transfers
- City Information
Explore Prague’s unsurpassed culture and history. You may wish to visit Prague Castle, perched above the Vltava River across the Charles Bridge. Originally constructed during the ninth century, the castle has been expanded over its nearly 1,200 years from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks into an imposing citadel. Today, it anchors an entire district spread over 18 acres (7.3 hectares) and is the largest ancient castle in the world, stretching some 1,870 feet (573 meters) long and 420 feet (128 meters) wide. Among its fascinating mix of architectural styles, the classical Baroque façade dates to the 18th-century reign of Maria Theresa. It’s easy to spend a day among this fortress-like village’s royal buildings and courtyards. Browse the art galleries at the Convent of St. George and at the Lobkowicz Palace, and peer inside the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral.
Accommodation: K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Included Meals: Breakfast
Perhaps you will visit the Jewish Quarter of Josefov, named after the Emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions there. Located in the Old Town, or Staré Mesto, the Jewish Quarter includes the remains of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto. Since many Jewish people died during World War II or were forced by the Communist regime to leave the country, the current Jewish community in Prague numbers only 5,000 to 6,000 people.
First recorded as early as 1091, the Old Town is the oldest of Prague’s quarters. Its center, the Old Town Square, is dominated by the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, with its distinctive twin gables, and the Town Hall. You might also wish to explore the “New” Town, founded in the 14th century.
Accommodation: K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast*, transfer to the Prague airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight**. Please ensure you are waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated transfer time.
Please note*: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.
Please note**: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder” or with the hotel’s reception desk the night before your flight. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Guest Reviews There are no reviews available for this tour
Other Tours You'll Love
View Related Tours

The Netherlands: Holland’s Golden Age Towns & the North Sea
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 6 days at
$1,845
This bike tour through North Holland’s tulip country takes you to serene canals, Renaissance-era cities, cheese markets, untouched dunes, and breathtaking fields of springtime blooms.


Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,345
Explore three countries in one epic journey encompassing picturesque villages, vineyards, and canals along gentle bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland.


Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,995
Cycle easy routes on this bike tour into the Swiss and French Alps, following the Rhône and Isère rivers to Lakes Geneva, Annecy, and Bourget.
Stories From Europe
View All StoriesWhy Sweden & Denmark Are a Biker’s Valhalla
February 10, 2020
Two Countries, Two Wheels. Longtime VBT tour developer Kevin Wilks found himself dazzled by something unexpected on his recent trip to Scandinavia. Though impressed by classic sights like Denmark's Kronburg castle—the...
Continue ReadingWhy Laura from VBT Loves Croatia
December 5, 2017
Laura Breen, Director of Sales and Customer Service at VBT, fell in love with Croatia during a VBT bike tour of the Dalmatian Islands. Here are some of the reasons...
Continue ReadingWhy is VBT Trip Leader Andrea Excited About our Self-Guided Adventures?
February 27, 2020
An eight-year veteran trip leader with VBT, Andrea is originally from Slovakia. She moved to Spain to attend university, and ended up staying for 20 years. A former professional rock...
Continue ReadingRequest a
Free Catalog
Find Your next vacation with Over 200 Pages of tour information
Get Yours TodayBook Online
Reserve Instantly
Find your perfect tour and reserve a spot with our easy online booking.
Find A Tour