Taste of Eastern Europe
Merlijn’s taste of Eastern Europe, a 3-country journey
July 04 - 10 / 2026
Departure date: 04 july 2026
. Endurance level: easy / Agility level: challenging
Highlights
This tour is fully booked by a group and is no longer available. We invite you to view one of our other available tour dates.
Welcome aboard to an unforgettable adventure through Eastern Europe, Merlijn never imagined Bike, Barge & Cruising the Mighty Danube river, let alone through the heart of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria! Since 2026, Merlijn has been the first to offer intimate, small-scale bike cruises in this captivating region. Let yourself be carried away by the flavors of these countries, dishes like Goulash and Bryndzové halusky, with a shot of palinka, will quickly put you in the mood for this tour. Daily guided bike rides will navigate you along quiet country side with sleepy villages in both Slovakia and Hungary, crossing the border several times! Climb to the biggest basilica of Hungary in Esztergom or visit the ruins of the royal palace of Visegrad where once the sacred crown of Hungary was preserved. Visit the capitals of all three countries along this journey; Vienna with its impressive palaces and churches, Bratislava with its giant citadel, UFO bridge and ancient city centre and the beautiful, famous, historical cities Buda and Pest; now Budapest!
Day-to-day itinerary
Day 1: Vienna – overnight dock
Afternoon check in and Merlijn departs. We will pour you a welcome drink and introduce the crew. We will also inform you about the tour and the ship, and give you a safety briefing. We’ll cruise the Danube into the evening, then anchor for your first restful night on board.
*Please note that we will not visit Vienna during the tour, we strongly recommend traveling a few days earlier to see and visit Vienna.
Day 2: Overnight dock - Bratislava. Bike tour: 30-35 km
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and a bike introduction. Your guide will explain the bikes, cycling rules, and how to ride in a group. After a quick bike fitting, you’ll begin the ride in Hainburg, Austria, a charming town with medieval towers and city walls. The route follows the Danube, with a few inland detours. By bike you cross the border into Slovakia! The ride ends in Bratislava, where we’ll meet the Merlijn again. After settling in, we’ll stay overnight in this beautiful, historic city. To wrap up the day, our guide will take you on an informative after-dinner walk through the old city center.
Day 3: Bratislava – Komarno. Bike tour: 30-35 km or 50-55 km
Your captain will start the engines early, cruising through the morning until at least noon. Most of the ‘cruising’ hours (the time you sail with Merlijn) are in the first days of the tour, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views from Merlijn’s terraces as the scenery glides by. We’ll pass a massive lock, built to raise water levels and enable year-round shipping.
After lunch, your bike tour will take you through peaceful countryside and sleepy villages. Depending on the group’s abilities, your guide will choose a shorter or longer route. The day ends in the twin towns of Komárom (Hungary) and Komárno (Slovakia), separated by the border but united by a shared history and impressive forts and bunkers. Later, you’ll explore Komárno’s charming center, including the European Square. Dinner will be served by Merlijn’s chef, with an overnight stay in Slovakia.
Day 4: Komarno – Esztergom/Sturovo. Bike tour: 35-40 km or extend to 55-60 km
Today you will cycle in Slovakia but sleep in Hungary! From Komarno you pass by a Roman ruin. Today you have the option to cruise the morning and take a shorter ride or cycle all day with a longer route. Enjoy cycling along the river, passing small towns, on our way to Esztergom, the Catholic heart of Hungary. From Stúrovo, on the opposite bank, you’ll get a stunning view of the giant basilica. Or what about visiting the basilica and take in the panoramic views from its dome! Esztergom’s charming square and vibrant areas are perfect for exploring.
Day 5: Esztergom/Sturovo – Visegrad. Bike tour: 25-35 km + Hike 4 km
After a delicious breakfast onboard, the crew will unload the bicycles, and your bike tour begins from Esztergom. Cycling your last miles in Slovakia before crossing into Hungary, marking the final border crossing of the tour. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Visegrád with plenty of time to explore the ruins of the royal palace. If you're up for it, your guide will lead a hike uphill through the forest to the old citadel for breathtaking views! In the evening, we may arrange a visit to the local Palinka museum, where you can sample some regional liqueurs. Overnight stay in Hungary.
Day 6: Visegrad - Budapest. Bike tour: 50-60 km
Make the most of your final cycling day, as you experience the famous Danube Bend from the saddle. Visit the cathedral in Vác and wander through the charming streets of Szentendre. Your guide will select the best cycling route based on the group’s preferences. Today’s ride alternates between lush riverbanks and the suburbs of Budapest, bringing you closer to our final destination. Just before getting there, you meet Merlijn for a short afternoon cruise into the lovely city of Budapest! Many say that the best views are from the water, and here that is spot on.
We’ll serve a farewell dinner onboard and there will be time to properly thank the crew. Spend time with your (new) bike & cruise-friends before nightfall.
Day 7: Budapest
Later that morning, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip, or leave for the airport. Note that we will not visit Budapest during the tour, we strongly recommend extending your holiday with a few days to see and visit this marvellous city.
*Note on endurance & agility level:
The bike paths are mostly separate from the road, though not always, and while the path quality is generally good, it can be challenging at times. For this reason, we’ve rated the tour’s agility level as ‘challenging’. The daily ride distances are similar to what we’re used to with Merlijn, avoiding mountains and hills, so the endurance level is considered ‘easy’—ideal for someone who regularly cycles and is comfortable with the daily distances listed in the itinerary.
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.jpg "Vienna - Budapest")
.jpg "Vienna - Budapest")
Included in your tour:
- 6 nights onboard Merlijn
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Full service of staff, maintaining cabins, manned bar (no self-service)
- Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
- Private stateroom of 11 m2 with 2 comfortable beds (80 x 200 cm) that can be pushed together/separated. Individual climate control and private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, heated and illuminated mirror. Coffee & tea-making facilities from Nespresso, a varied package with coffee cups included.
- Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers.
- Daily loading and unloading of your bicycle to and from the ship
- Use of lightweight state-of-the-art bicycle
- Use of a waterproof bike bag, city backpack, towel, water bottle, helmet with communication system.
- English speaking-tour guide (experienced guide who knows the route like the back of their hand)
- Support vehicle, there will be a staffed support vehicle on several days during the scheduled bike tours.
- Brochures of the area available on board
- Harbour, lock and canal fees
Included culinary care:
- Welcome drink with bubbles and warm snacks
- All day unlimited coffee & specialty-coffee prepared with fresh milk, variation of tea, hot chocolate and potable ice water (self-service).
- Extensive breakfast buffet daily with at least; 2 warm dishes, freshly baked croissants or similar pastries, various types of bread, toaster, yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit and various beverages.
- Packed lunch prepared by the staff in a special lunch bag with at least a lavish sandwich, snack and drink.
- 7 day tours include 5 three-course dinners
- Dinners are based on ‘plate service’, meals are served in the dining area.
- Meals are perceived by our guests as “luxurious” or even “gourmet style”.
Included beverages during bar opening hours:
- Several sodas served from a small bottle
- Wide variety of wines (also non-alcoholic wine)
- Beer on tap and various beers from the bottle (also non-alcoholic beer)
Included excursions:
- Ferry costs on the bicycle route
- Visit to Basilica
- Palinka tasting
- Guided city tour
Not included in your tour:
- 1 dinner, the day and location will be announced at the start of the tour
- Excursions, entrance fees and guided tours other than mentioned
- Beverages other than those mentioned (such as spirits and cocktails)
- City maps, bike maps, etc. (we have a lot available however we can’t guarantee every destination)
- Inbound and outbound journeys, such as flights, trains, bus or other type of transfers
- Gratuities (cash only)
- Electronic payments of your onboard expenses (cash only)
- Insurances, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance as well as travel insurance.
Not included extra services on board (payable on board):
- Rental of electric bicycles €30,- per piece, per day. Reservations in advance are advisable
- Laundry service, current price available on board