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Bike along the Danube with Alyson Adventures

Biking from Vienna to Budapest

An active, outdoors vacation with Alyson Adventures.

It's easy to get to know the other travelers in our small, friendly, gay and lesbian groups.

This is just one of our many active gay vacations.

A lovely ride along the Blue Danube from Austria through Slovakia to Hungary.

 


Danube Dreams: Bike along the Danube

Bike along the Danube: Frequently-Asked Questions about Danube Dreams

Our bike tour links three of the most romantic capital cities in Central Europe, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, on an enchanting ride through the Danube River valley. Pedal on gently rolling terrain through fairytale forests and rural hamlets. From castles to cathedrals, we'll see a stunning array of architectural styles. We'll enjoy a variety of food, wine, beer and culture as we bike through three countries (and currencies). We'll make our way along the river that has inspired artists and musicians for centuries and create our own Danube Dreams. The trip starts in Vienna and ends in Budapest, two gay-friendly and increasingly popular hot spots in Central Europe.

This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page.

Contents:

Where does Danube Dreams start and end?
This trip starts in Vienna and ends in Budapest. There is also a two-night extension if you want to extend your time in BudapestBack to Top

When does this bike trip start and end?
Each bike trip officially starts at 6:00 p.m. on the starting date given on our schedule and trip overview. We'll have a reception and briefing, followed by dinner. For those who arrive early, we offer an optional walking tour of town (along with a chance to meet other early arrivals). Finally, when our guides' schedule allows, you can give your bike a test ride at 3:00. On arrival at the hotel, please look for our sign in the lobby giving details.

Each trip ends after breakfast. There are no group activities on that day, so if you have tight travel connections, you can get up and leave as early as you wish. When your schedule allows it, you'll probably want to spend some time sightseeing in town, with others from the trip, before departing.Back to Top

What kind of bikes do you use?
We supply 18- and 21-speed road bikes. We find them ideally suited for cycling trips of this sort. They have upright (rather than dropped) handlebars, and a low "granny" gear for hills. The brand and model can change from one location or season to another, and we cannot promise a brand name in advance.

We also supply a lock, spare tube and patch kit, and a handlebar bag or back rack for carrying a few small items.Back to Top

I want to bring a gel seat cover for my bike trip. What size is best?
The seats on most bikes we use are a standard size, neither the narrow racing seat nor the wide touring seat. Therefore we recommend medium-sized gel seat covers if you wish to bring one along.Back to Top

How does the van support work for cyclists?
The support van and driver fill several functions: Carrying your luggage to the next hotel; shopping and setting up a picnic lunch on selected days; and helping cyclists who have encountered unexpected problems, be it fatigue, a mechanical failure, or one too many pastries at lunch.

The specific van schedule varies day to day, based on a number of factors: the route, whether there's a picnic that day, and whether riders are all likely to be on the same road, or off on different options. Typically, the driver stays with or behind most of the group until about lunchtime (or earlier, if there's a picnic to set up), then drives ahead to deliver luggage into your rooms.

If most of the group is likely to be on the same road, the driver may then circle back to see if anyone needs the van. However, we suggest various optional routes each day, and many people on our trips like to explore independently. That means cyclists may be spread out over many miles, and over several routes. In most cases, we find that a cyclist who needs help will get it fastest by calling the driver at the hotel or calling their cell phone, rather than waiting for the van to patrol all the spots where cyclists could be riding.

We'll go over the details in more depth at the briefing when the trip starts. On paper (or on a computer screen) the system can seem uncertain because so many variables are involved. In practice, it works out well. There are many weeks when no one ever needs the van. If you do need assistance, generally you're able to get to a cafe or other comfortable spot while you wait for help.Back to Top

What is the cost and what is included in the post-tour Budapest extension?
The Budapest post-tour option includes two hotel nights, breakfast both days, and a guided walking tour of Budapest for:
* Double occupancy: $330 per person
* Single occupancy: $480
Not included are lunches and dinners, departure transfers, gratuities, and other personal expenses. (The bikes that we use for the tour will be returned to the bike shop on the day we arrive in Budapest, but bikes are readily available to rent in Budapest if you want to do more riding around the city.) During the first full day we will offer a guided walking tour of the highlights of Budapest, with the following day free to explore the delights of this unique capital city on your own. Our hotel is along the river in the heart of the city, so it will be easy to get around.Back to Top

I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it's usually because they're looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn't have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you'll be traveling with friends.

You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself.Back to Top

This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
Our trip officially begins at 6:00 p.m., with a reception and orientation, followed by dinner. We officially end after breakfast on the last day, although you can leave as early as you like. Or stay around all day, for sightseeing with your new friends.

Our "7-day" trip thus consists of 6 full days and two partial days. Some companies promote a trip of this length as being 8 days since it includes pieces of 8 different days. We feel it's more accurate to refer to this as 7 days.Back to Top

Is a stationary bike a good way to get in shape?
It's a good start -- but it won't get you fully prepared. This and other more general questions about biking are addressed on our biking FAQs page.Back to Top

 

 

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