Bike Tour Reviews: Danube Delights  Biking Through Four Countries (page 2)

  • Danube Four Countries
    (3/5) PAULINE MOENCH 9 months ago

    TRIP OF DREAMS THAT FELL FAR SHORT

    Not much to say here since our boat never left the dock. Our host, Lesley, was a peach and completely competent. If not for him, we would have left on day two. My biggest disappointment was only having bus tours to Budapest and Bratislava. I would have appreciated a little creativity added in to take us to a couple more places. The tour people were awful with their communication, telling us for three days in a row that we might leave when we knew we were going nowhere. The crew was great, the food was not the greatest, but no complaints. I have a special diet that they were over the top accommodating of. You drastically need to improve your beverage packages—not enough provided for the $$$ we paid up front. 498 euros for the two of us when we wound up spending most of our day off the boat was out of line. If we had been cycling every day, I would not have purchased a package, considering you did not include what are everyday cocktails in the USA, like Manhattans.

    For the rooms, rather than having that dopey pull-out at the end of the bed, leave that area under the bed open for luggage storage. Also, get rid of the carpet. Beds were very comfortable. We would have liked to have left our sliding door open a bit. Some kind of stop at the base so they can be open six or eight inches would have been appreciated. I’m sure the daily bike routes would have been great if we had been able to utilize them.

    What was the date of your tour?
    SEPT 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from jan October 1, 2024

      The epic storm that hit during your trip effected 100s of our guests. The people on the ground were left in a very very difficult situation and we apologize for any inconvenience this caused. Unfortunately we cannot control the weather. Thanks for your business and we hope you travel with us again.

    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 1/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 1/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Kristin Reese 9 months ago

    First time to Europe

    Only reason this wasn’t a 5 star rating is because of the crazy flooding. Despite the challenges Leslie and crew did an AMAZING job coming up with fun things for the group to do. The crew was super helpful, and polite. I truly felt spoiled. Thank you for making my first boat tour and first time in Europe a great experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) Boris Erlank 9 months ago

    Despite terrible weather and floods, we had a good time

    Given the effects of climate change, I think the local operators, will have to work on contingency plans for a good customer experience when the weather is bad. We sat in Passau for 4 of the 7 days and then managed to sail as far as Linz. No Vienna, no Bratislava, no Budapest.

    We managed to have two days of cycling which were great. The cruise director, Juergen, went out of his way to come up with alternatives on the fly. The food was excellent, the staff friendly, and the accommodations very good. But, mainly due to weather, this was a far cry from the dream holiday we had hoped for.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
  • (2/5) MM 9 months ago

    Flood Trip

    We were bussed from Passau to Vienna to meet the boat, which never left port for the week due to flooding. All week we were told their was a possibility of leaving port, so there were days we had to stay around the boat to wait for details, which hampered our daily plans. It would have been better to just tell us up front we would be there all week, so our plans for the day could be made.
    The cruise director did everything he could to make the trip memorable, which is was, with the constraints he had.
    Breakfast's were fabulous, lunches provided were good! Dinners were a little lacking, but adequate. Drinks were fine, but more options for daily drink tickets would have been appreciated. The Vivienne was beautiful!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 2/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 1/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) Kristin Ackerman 9 months ago

    Different but still great

    Unfortunately, our riverboat cruise was unable to move due to flooding on the river. The staff did the best they could with making sure we had food, drinks, and entertainment. I would definitely check out this company again and hopefully the plans go as is. At least we were stuck in Vienna so I cannot complain about that.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Kristin Ackerman)
    •  (photo by Kristin Ackerman)
    •  (photo by Kristin Ackerman)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
  • (4/5) Henry Ronald Samuels 9 months ago

    Bike with HS Buddies all 83

    Food was great on the ship as was the room. Rain first several days ruined a lot of the trip

  • (3/5) James Hutcherson 9 months ago

    Flood of decades

    Can’t change the weather. Boat crew and food was excellent. Everyone tried their best to make the trip as good as they could. Kudos to all involved. Bikes were excellent and well maintained.

  • (4/5) Bernice Will 9 months ago

    Danube Bike and Boat Tour

    Due to the massive rainstorm and subsequent flooding and high water levels, our 4 country bike and boat tour was changed to a two country tour. The captain and tour guide were quick and clear with our options on day 1. Two thirds of the people left the tour the next day to remake their own plans. We decided to stay. Our boat stayed in Passau for 5 days and we used these days to explore by bike the surrounding area. Our tour guide gave us alternative rides to do and the staff on board the boat were amazing and provided us with wonderful food and service. Early on day 6 we woke up in Linz. A bus trip to Vienna for the day was arranged, we decided to explore Linz by bike. Day 7 we were able to bike from Aschach to Engelhartszell before ending the tour the next day. Although this was not the tour we originally booked and expected, we made the best of a situation that was beyond anyone’s control. I commend the staff for doing their best to make our trip memorable.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 14
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) David Thomas 9 months ago

    Fabulous trip!

    What a great way to visit four countries and bike through the lovely countryside. We chose to follow the map on the app ourselves and not have a guide which worked perfectly for us as it gave us more freedom to set our own schedule. We thoroughly enjoyed Leslie, our cruise director, who was full of energy and made each person feel special. The electric bikes were great quality and the crew did all the work moving them on and off the boat for our rides. This is a great introduction for us to the bike and boat world!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    First one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) David Thomas 11 months ago

    Fabulous trip!

    What a great way to visit four countries and bike through the lovely countryside. We chose to follow the map on the app ourselves and not have a guide which worked perfectly for us as it gave us more freedom to set our own schedule. We thoroughly enjoyed Leslie, our cruise director, who was full of energy and made each person feel special. The electric bikes were great quality and the crew did all the work moving them on and off the boat for our rides. This is a great introduction for us to the bike and boat world!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    First one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by David Thomas)
    •  (photo by David Thomas)
    •  (photo by David Thomas)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Sorin Siegler June 27, 2024

    One of the best trip I ever had.

    Combining biking with boating created a unique experience of physical activity combined with comfort and with a unique social experience. The entire staff was excellent and their attitude was to go out of their way to accommodate our wishes and produce a high quality experience. Starting with the director Leslie, there are not enough words to describe how professional, positive, full of energy and accommodating this quality individual is. He was not alone, all the staff, including the wonderful guides, servers, cleaning staff, entertaining individual , in short the entire team was wonderful. I will certainly sign again for a boat bike trip with your excellent first, rate company and I can’t wait for next year to come back.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 16
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) AYCA KASIKCI June 27, 2024

    Great trip!

    Everything was great @Vivienne! We stayed at master suite. Ship selection is important.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) AYCA KASIKCI June 27, 2024

    Great trip!

    Everything was great @Vivienne! We stayed at master suite. Ship selection is important.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Frances Clemo May 21, 2024

    Wonderful trip

    What a wonderful way to experience sites of the Danube. The staff and cruise director (Leslie) of Vivienne were great and very helpful. Our tour guide (Barbara) did a great job and took care of us so well.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 05, 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Thayne Lyman October 5, 2023

    What an awesome trip!

    This was our first bike and barge tour and it didn't disappoint! We found that we prefer it to regular river cruising. The tour was very well organized, the bikes were always ready and in great condition. The balance of cycling vs site seeing was perfect for us. We loved it so much that we plan to return next year!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 24, 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    1 including this tour
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Michael Pettit October 2, 2023

    Danube Waltz

    The bike and barge (SS Swiss Crown) provided the perfect way to experience the beautiful cities along the Danube. The Swiss Crown was very comfortable and the meals provided were delightful. The bar was managed expertly. Phyo behind the bar was always willing to provide valuable tips for our travel as well as keeping the cocktails flowing.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/16/23
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
  • (5/5) Corina Santoro October 2, 2023

    AMAZING! Better than I even imagined it would be.

    This was our first ever bike trip and we loved every minute of it. The boat was wonderful and the staff was truly outstanding. Each day was well organized with enough structure so we knew what to do but enough freedom to make the trip our own. The rides each day were unique from each other and each one beautiful. The rest days in Budpest and Vienna were magical. The food, service and attention to detail left nothing to be desired. What an amazing trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) James Potter October 2, 2023

    Danube bike and boat

    It was a great trip! We biked through the most scenic countryside, passing vineyards, old castles, and small villages. Of course all of that with the beautiful Danube by our side.

    The crew on the Swiss Crown was extremely friendly and very accommodating.

    We enjoyed lots of great views from the boat. We especially enjoyed sitting on the upper deck of boat or on our cabin balcony in the evening.

    The meals were great. Starting the morning with the breakfast buffet or a freshly made omelette. For dinner, you had your choice of entrees including regional dishes.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Chuck Gottschall September 18, 2023

    Great Trip!

    Great way to see Europe! The biking was GREAT! The staff was GREAT! The food was GREAT!