[Boggs]

DH has been selected to attend a meeting in Budapest in May, and we've decided to plan a vacation around it. DH thought it might be fun to do a bike tour, and I agree, but since he hasn't been on a bike in a LONG time, it would have to be geared toward novices. Anyone know of any reputable tour operators in that part of Europe? We wouldn't necessarily bike over our entire trip, perhaps some day trips, etc.<br><br>
Also, anyone who has visited that part of the world, feel free to chime in with any "Must do while in Budapest" suggestions.

 

[hobey]

Didn't do a bike tour in Budapest but DH & I did a self-guided tour through Tuscany that we booked using <a href="http://www.go-today.com/site_gtweb/index.asp" target="_blank">go-today.com</a>.<br><br>
It was well organized and definitely geared towards novices.

 

[bcc594]

Budapest is a great city! Make sure you visit the Szechenie (Sp?) baths, which are divine - especially after a long day of sight-seeing. The view from the Fisherman's Bastion is incredible - and it's free if you go at night. If you're going to be doing a lot, they sell a "Budapest Card", which includes public transit and entry to most big museums in town. Well worth it! I've been there twice, and loved every minute of my time there. Just don't try to understand the language, it makes almost no sense.

 

[therambler]

There is a great bike system that goes from Budapest to Vienna. Its called the Greenways starts in Prague goes to Vienna and then to Budapest. I did the part from Prague to Vienna. It wasn't difficult at all. If I remember correctly Vienna to Budapest is mostly along the Danube and consequently is flat. Eastern Europe is beautiful biking you'll love it. There is also a route that goes from Budapest to Krakow in Poland, but that goes over the Tatra mountains. I've heard of cycling routes that go east all the way to the black sea too.<br>
Would you guys be brining your own bikes?<br>
When I lived in Europe I never did find a bike rental place that had proper touring bikes at affordable prices.<br><br>
if you want some idea for places to go:<br><a href="http://www.visitgreenways.com/tour_arch.htm" target="_blank">http://www.visitgreenways.com/tour_arch.htm</a><br><br>
Cycling Maps:<br><br>
these maps are excellent, sorry they aren't in english though.<br><a href="http://www.shocart.cz/e-shop/select.php?z=10&odkaz=2&razeni=a.Kat_cislo&skupina=1&detail_search=true&obsah=3" target="_blank">http://www.shocart.cz/e-shop/select....h=true&obsah=3</a><br><br>
more maps:<br><a href="http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/cycling/b-danube.htm" target="_blank">http://www.omnimap.com/catalog/cycling/b-danube.htm</a><br><br>
When I did the Prague to Vienna trip I just picked up a bunch of cycling maps in a Prague book store and decide my route on the fly. It was much cheaper than doing a "tour." Also, in eastern Europe every little town will have at least one pension and I would recommend seeking them out. They are very cheap about the same price as a youth hostel but they are usually more like a B&B.

 

[Boggs]

Wow, thanks for the great info! BCC--I will definitely be checking out the baths. Since I'm a massage therapist, maybe I could deduct a portion of my expenses for "Research and Experimentation". Heehee!<br><br>
Rambler, thanks for all of the links. We will not be bringing our own bikes, so hopefully I'll be able to find a rental. Double thanks for the tip about the pension. With the dollar as weak as it is, I appreciate any way to make this trip more affordable.

 

[melonella]

No suggestions....just green with envy! Have fun.

 

[spinandrun]

<a href="http://www.Backroads.com" target="_blank">www.Backroads.com</a>. Expensive but my husband and I have done several of these trips and loved each one.<br><br>
Cheryl