Arrive at your hotel in Vienna, capital city of Austria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre before meeting with your local representative for your welcome briefing and bike fitting. Steeped in history, this incredible city is home to a wealth of magnificent architecture from a multi-cultural landscape; notably the Baroque era, the Art Nouveau period, and centuries of the Habsburg Empire. There is plenty to discover - we recommend an extra night here if you can. Within the UNESCO-listed historic centre, you will find the Hofburg Palace, formerly residence of the Habsburg Monarchy and today home of the Austrian president. A visit here will offer an insight into the world of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth, and the imperial history dating back to the 13th century. The Belvedere Palace is also well worth a visit, particularly for those with an interest in art as it houses the world's largest collection of paintings by Gustav Klimt, including his most famous piece: The Kiss. In the evening, take your pick from the many excellent restaurants in this vibrant city, tucking in to delicious cuisine perhaps with some Viennese wine, and a sweet taste of sachertorte for dessert.

Hopping on your bike this morning, your ride will take you out of the city and through the verdant landscapes of the Danube-Auen National Park. As you travel silently on two wheels through this tranquil landscape, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that make their home in this floodplain environment. There is a great diversity of flora and fauna here, from delicate orchids to robust poplars and willows, and creatures great and small including sandpipers, kite, kingfishers, beaver, boar and deer. Reaching the spa town of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, you might like to take a small detour to visit the Carnuntum Archaelogical Park for a taste of Roman history. This important settlement was founded in the 1st century AD, and as a major crossroads for trade on the Danube, became one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Continuing on your journey, you will pass through the medieval city of Hainburg, where you may like to explore the castle ruins perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, offering far reaching views from Austria across the riverine border to Slovakia. Getting back on your bike, it is not long before you roll in to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and your home for the evening. Check in to your hotel and freshen up, ready to explore the city. The imposing Bratislava Castle is strategically positioned overlooking the banks of the Danube; nearby in the old town you will also find handsome historic buildings including the striking pink-hued Primate's Palace. Or if you simply wish to relax and watch the world go by, the main square in the heart of the old town is the ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere over a drink, before choosing a restaurant for your well-earned dinner tonight.

Today you will cross the border in to Hungary. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and continue your ride, leaving behind the city with its old world charm and enter cultivated rural areas, cycling through villages reminiscent of a bygone era. Before leaving Slovakia behind, you may like to pay a visit to the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, positioned on a narrow spit of land in the middle of the wide river, housing a vibrant collection of modern art in both indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces. Entering Hungary, your route takes you along quiet country lanes and through peaceful pastures before you reach your welcoming hotel in the spa town of Mosonmagyaróvár, on the edge of the Szigetköz wetland reserve. Settle in for the night and perhaps take advantage of the hotel spa to rejuvenate your muscles.

Your route today will take you through open green fields and quaint villages situated on Little Rye Island, part of the Little Hungarian Plain; "little" being somewhat of a misnomer for this vast plain that stretches over the three countries of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria, bisected by the great Danube. Sandwiched between the main body of the Danube and the sinuous tributary of Mosoni-Duna (Little Danube), this flat island is a fertile plain and has been cultivated for generations. Passing through the village of Hédervár at the mid-point of your ride, you might like to take a lunch break here, perhaps with a picnic in the tranquil gardens of Hédervár castle. Continuing your ride through the lovely flat plains, it won't be too long before you arrive to the dynamic city of Gyor. Positioned at the confluence of three rivers, it was once an important point for Danubian river trade. Some of Gyor's oldest buildings date as far back as the 13th century, and with some fine examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture on offer, it is well worth allowing yourself plenty of time to explore the city. Checking in to your hotel, you are free to wander along the riverfront or through the cobbled streets and alleys of the old town and soak up the atmosphere, and refuel on some delicious and hearty Hungarian cuisine.

Striking out from Gyor, you will continue your journey on level tracks through cultivated plains and sleepy villages. In Bábolna, there is the opportunity to learn more of the centuries-old history of horse breeding in Hungary, with Arabian horses hailing from the world-famous Bábolna National Stud Farm not only for horse racing but also for the Hungarian Cavalry. Your peaceful ride continues, now approaching the Danube riverbank, with your destination this evening the divided town of Komárom/Komárno straddling the river over the Hungarian/Slovak border. On the Hungarian side, you might like to visit historical sites such as the Roman Lapidary or the strategic military bastions of Monostori Fort or Fort Csillag overlooking the river, so named for its star-shaped layout (csillag meaning star in Hungarian). A similar fortress can be found on the Slovak bank in Fortress Komárno, the biggest historic monument in Komárno.

Not far from Komárno, on the Slovak side of the riverbank, lies the remains of the Roman castellum of Kelemantia, part of the UNESCO-listed Danube frontier of the Roman Empire. A visit here is possible this morning, before settling in to the saddle for your journey to Esztergom (Hungary), passing vineyards and green pastures as you ride leisurely through the flat plains and quaint villages. Reaching the attractive city of Esztergom, you can delve into its rich history. The nation's first king, St Stephen, was born here and it has served as the seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary for centuries, hence it is also known as "Hungarian Rome". The city's most impressive sight is the magnificent basilica, sitting on a commanding position high above the town and the river. This is the largest church in Hungary and boasts a 72m-high central dome and striking neoclassical architectural features. The church also includes beautiful examples of Italian Renaissance marble stonework in the Bakócz Chapel; a rich ecclesiastical collection of precious metals and jewels in its treasury; and a crypt beneath the basilica which houses the tomb of Cardinal József Mindszenty among others. Adjacent to the basilica is the Castle Museum, housed in the old Royal Palace - a labyrinthine collection of alleys, passages and arches forming this defensive bastion overlooking the Danube. Take the time to immerse yourself into the city's historical tapestry: discover the Ottoman-era mosque, Turkish baths and the Christian Museum in the waterfront neighbourhood of Víziváros; the medieval marketplace of Széchényi Square; or learn more of the important waterway at the Danube Museum. Depending on your accommodation arrangements, you will either stay in Esztergom or in Visegrád tonight. If you are staying in Visegrád, you will take either a boat or a train from Esztergom to Visegrád today, depending on the services running on your particular day of travel (boat/train ticket included).

This morning you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Visegrád, and feast your eyes on the famous view of the Danube Bend as the river winds its way through the forested mountainous landscape. Probably the best spot from which to gain a wonderful panorama over the river is from the Visegrád Citadel, perched atop a steep hill above the town. For a thrilling experience, you may like to visit the nearby Toboggan Park with summer and alpine bobsled tracks, it's certainly a different perspective of the Citadel as you race down the tracks! For a more tranquil experience, the Royal Palace and gardens would make for a relaxing stop and an interesting slice of history. Making your way to the attractive Baroque town of Szentendre, it's definitely worth taking a stop here and lose yourself in its cobblestone streets and Mediterranean vibe. This colourful town has a charming old town and a vibrant arts scene, with a wealth of museums and galleries showcasing the works of some of the best contemporary Hungarian artists that were drawn to this very town. Here you will also find the quirky Marzipan Museum, displaying some impressively elaborate confectionery-based works of art. From Szentendre you will make your way to Budapest, the final stop of your week's tour. If your journey today started from Esztergom, you will take the boat or train (included) from Szentendre to reach Budapest, so your overall distance cycled today remains roughly the same. Arriving to Budapest, the jewel of Hungary, check in to your hotel and get ready to immerse yourself into this fascinating capital city. Formerly two independent towns of Buda and Pest, you can still discover the city's different personalities on opposite banks of the Danube. Perhaps you might like to take a stroll down Andrássy Avenue, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy your dinner in one of the restaurants or cafes along this elegant boulevard and soak up the atmosphere.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depending on your time of departure, take a final stroll along the river before making your onward journey. It's easy to see why Budapest has captivated so many and has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value. Unmissable sights include the Parliament building with beautiful neo-Gothic styling right on the banks of the Danube; the Castle District with its emblematic castle, Fishermen's Bastion and the Gothic Matthias Church; St. Stephen's Basilica; Heroes' Square at the end of Andrássy Avenue; and the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge with its stone lions, offering fantastic views of the architectural gems on either side of the river. Budapest also has an abundance of thermal springs and spas - the biggest spa complex in Europe can be found here in Széchenyi Baths. If you have the time, discover a surprising green haven in the midst of the city hubbub on Margaret Island and relax in its idyllic parks and gardens. The Palatinus Baths found here is also excellent for soothing your muscles. With so much to discover in Budapest, why not extend your stay here to really get under the skin of this beguiling city? We can assist with arranging additional nights accommodation for you, just speak to our sales team for more details. BUDAPEST WINE FESTIVAL: Held in September in the grounds of Buda Castle, this is an annual four day showcase of national and international wines, along with gastronomic treats and live music and performances.