Many years ago I cycled independently along the Danube from Salzburg to Vienna. Belatedly I would like to continue the journey, from Vienna to Budapest, but this time with a guided tour - cycling in a group. Do you know of any cycle tour operators that offer this? Roger Smith, by email

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: It doesn’t matter how long ago your first cycle along the banks of the Danube was, as you’ve picked another very beautiful and easily managed stretch for your next trip.

Top Bicycle (00 42 0519 513 745) is a Czech-based company that’s staffed by a bunch of people who are bananas about bike touring. They offer guided or self-guided trips throughout central Europe, and cover the 220 miles from Vienna to Budapest in eight leisurely stages.

There isn’t a dedicated Danube cycle path along this stretch of the river, but even when you are off down country lanes and exploring pretty villages and towns, the groups meanderings will never be too far from those of the river.

You’ll visit Bratislava, the Danube Bend, cycle through Transdanubia, into picturesque towns like Mosonmagyarovar and Gyor, see the immense cathedral at Esztergom and dally over galleries in the arty town of Szentendre, before winding up in beguiling Budapest.

Prices for the guided cycling start at £1,004pp (based on two people sharing, or a single supplement of £189, and include a Hungarian guide fluent in English, accommodation in comfortable hotels and pensions, breakfasts and dinners, luggage transfer, and bike rental. Flights aren’t included, but Air Berlin flies from Stansted to Vienna and Easyjet flies from Budapest to Luton and Gatwick.

Other companies that have guided cycling tours in the area, include Scottish Cycling Holidays (01250 876100), and Explore (0870 333 4001)

And feel free to write in when you’re ready to follow the Danube on from Budapest to Belgrade.

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