Taste of Eastern Europe
Merlijn’s taste of Eastern Europe, a 3-country journey
July 17 - 24 / 2026
Departure date: 17 july 2026
. Endurance level: easy / Agility level: challenging
Highlights
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: Budapest – 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 Budapest during the tour, we strongly recommend traveling a few days earlier to see and visit Budapest.
Day 2: overnight dock – Visegrad. 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 Vác. 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 charming towns, with Visegrád as the day’s destination. Once a significant site where Hungary’s sacred crown was kept, it’s now a small village. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, and 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 3: Visegrad- Esztergom/Sturovo. Bike tour: 35-40 km + Hike 4 km
In the morning, you can explore Visegrád further. Visiting the royal palace ruins or, if you're up for it, your guide will lead a hike uphill through the forest to the old citadel for breathtaking views!
Later that morning the bike tour starts and you’ll take a ferry crossing the Danube to Slovakia. From today, the Danube marks the border between Hungary and Slovakia. Enjoy cycling along the river, passing small towns, on your 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 4: Esztergom/Sturovo – Komarno. Bike tour: 35-40 km or extend to 55-60 km
After breakfast onboard, the crew will unload the bicycles, and your bike tour begins from Esztergom. Today you have the option to cycle all day with a longer route or cruise the afternoon and take a shorter ride.
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 5: Komarno – Cunovo. Bike tour: 30-35 km or 50-55 km
Today’s bike tour will take you through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and the views are wide! Depending on the group’s abilities, your guide will choose a shorter or longer route. After a picknick lunch on-route you’ll meet the Merlijn again for a long afternoon cruise into the evening.
This day has the most ‘cruising’ hours (the time you sail with Merlijn) of the tour, giving you plenty of time 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. Dinner will be served during the cruise and late evening we’ll dock in the natural area near Cunovo for the night.
Day 6: Cunovo – Bratislava. Bike tour: 25-30 km
Wake up in a cozy little harbor. While having breakfast, the crew will prepare your bike for a ride to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia! A shorter ride today, mostly along the Danube river. Upon reaching Bratislava you'll visit the ‘Au’ park and the UFO tower for stunning views of the city. In the afternoon you’ll explore this pretty town with its old winding streets and impressive citadel on the hill.
Day 7: Bratislava – Vienna. Bike tour: 50-55 km
We start the last day with a lovely morning cruise. Merlijn plods against the strong Danube current, making hes way upstream. Serene landscapes glide by while breakfast is being served. We cross border into Austria and soon your bike tour will begin. Passing Hainburg, a charming town with medieval towers and city walls. Also Romain remains of a military fort and town are found in this area. Schloss Eckertsau showcases the luxurious past of the wealthy. Approaching Vienna, you’ll cycle along a scenic bike path, partly on an a Danube island, ending in this romantic, historic yet vibrant city. At night a farewell dinner is served onboard and there will be time to properly thank the crew. Spend time with your (new) bike & cruise-friends before nightfall.
Day 8: Vienna
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 Vienna 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")
.jpg "Vienna - Budapest")
.jpg "Vienna - Budapest")
Included in your tour:
- 7 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
- Visit to ufo bridge
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