Along the Danube, Four Country Tour - Our First Tripsite Tour Surpassed Expectations

The 'Along the Danube, Four Country Tour' marked our first expedition with Tripsite and surpassed expectations. On Day One we arrived in and explored Passau. Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau, also known as the 'Venice of Bavaria', is a harmonious blend of modern and medieval times. Sadly, due to flight delays, we arrived in Passau Saturday evening, limiting our opportunities to explore the many Baroque-style churches, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and monuments such as Veste Oberhaus. Nevertheless, we enjoyed a relaxing evening in the Old Town Center while connecting with the unhurried spirit of the nightlife community. Sunday being a day of rest in Germany (monuments have limited hours and stores are closed), we decided to take advantage of the town’s peaceful routine as we meandered through the city's narrow, winding alleys, the ethereal sound of a church choir blended with the echoes of the stunning Gothic and Baroque buildings. We walked along the Inn River, delighted our taste buds with a treat from the local Bäckerei, and found ourselves enjoying a shady spot at a local park. Our time in Passau ended too quickly, and yet, in the same breath, can you say "Welcome aboard!"? They sure know how to do that on the Vivienne.

Having never experienced a river cruise before, we were absolutely blown away by the Vivienne's stunning presentation and welcoming staff, featuring everything from delightful welcome cocktails and music to beautifully prepared meals, spacious modern rooms, top-notch evening entertainment, and well-maintained bicycles ready for our daily adventures (electric/regular)! Every aspect of each day’s bike ride was meticulously explained, leaving everyone excited and fully prepared for their easy-to-follow, self-guided, app-assisted tours. Our first day aboard the boat included breathtaking scenery, navigating our first lock, and meeting people from all over the world in a great atmosphere, forming lasting connections by the end of our amazing 8-day journey.

On Day 2 we kicked off our adventure in Engelhartzell, explored the charming market square, and then rode along a scenic river path brimming with greenery to the Schögen Loop, where we delighted in ferry crossings, savored delicious sandwiches and cider, hiked up to the stunning "Schögener Blick" with its incredible view of the Danube Curve, and wrapped up the day on Aschach's lovely promenade—ideal for enjoying some gelato!

On our third morning we awoke in Devin, Slovakia, promising a day unlike any other. For my husband and me, this journey was more than sightseeing—it was a homecoming to his family's roots, where his great-grandmother once lived. The adventure ahead would result in a tapestry of emotions: fields of golden sunflowers stretching to the horizon, the regal silhouette of Schlöss Hof, a variety of bridges, pebbled paths, farmlands, monuments, and the vibrant and contrasting cityscape as we approached Bratislava.

Bratislava welcomed us with a rush of excitement. We traded in our bikes and hopped on a segway adventure with eager guides. Their curiosity about my husband’s heritage turned the tour into a personal exploration—beyond tourist landmarks, into secret corners meant for locals. We picked wild plums, sampled delicacies at a local eatery, savored locally produced wine at a tucked-away shop, and buzzed through the oldest public park in Central Europe with a spectacular view of the UFO bridge. Through every twist of the cobbled alleys and busy city streets, Bratislava revealed itself as a city of stories (past and present)—one that quickly captured our hearts.

After an exhilarating 53 miles on our bikes thus far, Day 4 began in the vibrant city of Budapest! It's recommended to take a rest day, yet a longer ride is also available. We decided to strike a balance by taking a shorter ride to enchanting Margaret Island, leaving time to tour the city afterward. Upon entering the island, we were instantly captivated by one of Europe’s largest musical fountains—a spectacular sight. As the water danced to enchanting melodies, we continued our journey, discovering delightful restaurants and cozy bars nestled among ancient trees and vibrant flower gardens. The island was a treasure trove, featuring medieval ruins, a petting zoo, a hotel, and swimming pools, all surrounded by the Danube River. After exploring the island, we pedaled back to the Vivienne and embarked on another personal segway tour (Budapest is divided into several districts; this allowed us quick access to them all). We enjoyed both the Buda and Pest sides, taking in the breathtaking Parliament Building, the poignant shoes monument, majestic castles, stunning churches, and the bustling indoor market. Later, we strolled along the lively city streets, working our way back to our boat. The evening treated us to a mesmerizing illumination of the Parliament Building.

On Day 5 we rode bikes for 31 miles from Vac to Esztergom, discovering regional cherry beers and enjoying tree-lined paths that wove in and out of Slovakia and Hungary, with the bike ride concluding at Esztergom Basilica, which is the largest church in Hungary.

Vienna, Day 6. Billy Joel sings, "Vienna waits for you," and oh, did it ever! This city wrapped us up in its charming embrace. We're already planning our return. We chose to start our day with the boat-offered excursion, a bus/walking tour. In hindsight, the bus tour was a bit lackluster; the walking tour was a treat! The crescendo of our day was a mesmerizing Waltz & Operetta concert held in the Schönbrunn Palace, which brought to life the works of Strauss and Mozart, deepening our connection to this historic city.

Day 7 was our last day of riding—35 miles from Wachau to Krems. Despite the dreary weather, there was something exhilarating about pedaling through the rain. This became one of our most breathtaking journeys: we glided through lush vineyards, meandered along the shimmering river, and explored charming towns. We hopped on a ferry to cross the river, and delighted our taste buds with the area’s famous delicacy, the Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings). At mile 27, we arrived in Melk to gaze in awe at the stunning Melk Abbey, where history, opulence, and beauty converge. Mile 35 brought us to our final destination, Krems. Once there, we savored a delicious lunch of Flammkuchen (German Pizza) and our final gelato. Despite being wet most of the day, every moment felt like a celebration.

Our final day brought conclusion. A final breakfast farewell, with a bittersweet tinge as we shared our last stories and said farewell to our new friends and acquaintances, while bidding the exceptional crew farewell. What an adventure it was!

Shelly Beres is an avid traveler who enjoys discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Having grown up in California, she has a passion for the outdoors, open-water swimming, cycling, hiking, pickeball, and spending time with her family and dogs.