4 Star Austria Tour Reviews — 121 to 150 of 171
Elyse Jacob B.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
St. Moritz to Innsbruck
Austria, Switzerland
Most Memorable Part: The 3rd day of riding downhill.
Tip: The first two days are difficult. When you train for this trip be sure to train on hills.
Vince K.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Passau, Bratislava, and Vienna (old version)
Austria, Germany, Slovakia
Most Memorable: Arriving in Budapest just at dark and seeing the city all lit up and riding through the Wachow valley. The visits to the cities, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, were too short and left us wanting more. This particular boat was geared more towards German speaking guests and English was a poorly translated afterthought.
Vitali B.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
1. The tour guide (Jan, his first name) was not rude, but more like indifferent to your problems. Very often his answer was ""It's up to you. You want this, go this way, you want that, go that way."" Hr didn't try to understand your problem and to find the best solution for your situation.
2. Bike path pavement sometimes was bad and poorly marked. For people with not good vision (like myself) it was a big problem. European bikers are more aggressive speed wise and more comfortable in the crowded environment. It was a problem to have pedestrians and bikers in both directions at the same time. So, for me it was easy to complete 50-60 kilometers physically, but it was stressful psychologically to be in such crowded place.
3. Unguided tour is a challenge: you can get lost, something Read More can happen to you, your bike, and no help is available. One person locked a bike and lost a key. I even do not know how he came back on the boat. I am writing all these problems to give future fellow travelers more real picture before making a decision to take this trip, and moreover how to prepare yourself for the trip. My mistake was that I was thinking that if I can do 40 miles on the bike, I am ready for the trip. Physical part is not enough. You should be ready physically, but also you should be able to function in the crowded city environment at low speed, be able to repair your bike, if needed, to read a map, and not to expect that all people in the world like Americans. Sorry for being so long, but I really wanted to give the most truthful picture of my experience.
Charles H.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Biking through the Wachau valley and the small towns was most memorable. Staff/guides could be more customer focused and less argumentative with guest/customers. First day of biking was too rushed to complete prior to boat departure ... ride did not accommodate leisurely stops. Guides did not provide enough information on daily routes to assist with historical sites, lunch/rest stops, places to visit or provide assistance on route to ensure guests made it back to the ship. This trip did not meet the standards that previous (5 trips) Tripsite trips offered in the past that we booked.
Frank V.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
The most memorable part was cruising down the river during dinner.
Robin T.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
My first Tripsite vacation, first bike/barge trip, first trip to the 4 countries.....loved it. Somewhat poor attitudes of hotel manager, Peter and the guides did not spoil my trip...in fact, became a bit of a joke to us. I would not let it stop from booking another trip.
Annette Weaver
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Prague to Budapest
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria
A fabulous tour. Friendly countries to cycle in, great history and a variety of terrain. Would recommend an extra night in Znojmo to give you a chance to go discover the catacombs.and a chance to enjoy the magnificent view , wine and delicious food from the local winery. Would check with the tour company to ensure that the bikes will be delivered the night before so they can be checked out.
The Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia were places we had never been to and they exceeded my expectations hugely. Accommodation was chosen well and the bike company was very helpful.
Molly S.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Having a guide for the biking. He was terrific. We had a route change which led to a boring day biking. They do not give you water at the table. Too many people on the boat. Lining up for things to buy tickets. Did not like having to buy a drink package. Too expensive.
Staff was very pleasant. Our guide was fabulous.
John F.
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
The ride through the Wachau valley was by far the most memorable. We were happy with the overall trip. The staff were very helpful and cheerful. The one disappointment was with the info from the cruise director on the trip. At times it was inaccurate. This trip could be improved by updating the notes in the bike route, providing information and maps on side trips to the villages we biked through. Many bikers were concerned to vary from the route to find other attractions for fear of getting lost. One section of the trail was on a small sidewalk yet the cruise director and the printed information did not mention this. A lot of bikers were confused. It seems like the cruise director never biked the route or it has been too long ago.
Carla • 8 years ago Tripsite Staff
Hi John,
Thanks so much for your feedback! I'm forwarding to the cruise director - it sounds like he needs a refresher on the route. This winter we'll be working on getting these route descriptions updated and improved.
Thanks again!
Neil Blanks
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Salzburg & the 7 Lakes
Austria
Just came back from an exceptional Salzburg Lakes holiday.
I'll start with the good - fantastic scenery (so green), friendly well-appointed hotels, not too difficult route (a few hills from time to time but appropriate for the "easy to moderate" level, well sign-posted. Even the continuous rain on the first day didn't dampen our spirits.
This was my second time with "Tripsite" (went to Provence, France two years ago) and I feel compelled to add a few negative comments by comparison. Most of the maps and brochures were in German and not English. The quality of the bikes was less than expected. Far worse was the comedy of errors on the bike handover - no saddle bags, no repair kit, no pump, no apology. We only got the missing equipment at the end of the first day of riding. My thanks to the Tripsite Team, who did their best to intervene on our behalf.
In conclusion - don't let the negative comments stop you from booking this trip. I would however recommend to Tripsite to have a serious word with their local agents to prevent such mistakes in the future. And, yes, I'm already planning the next trip !!
carla • 8 years ago Tripsite Staff
Neil - Thanks so much for leaving your feedback. Our local bike supplier definitely let us down. We've decided to use another supplier for this tour so (hopefully) this mix-up with the bikes never happens again.
Look forward to working with you again!!
pam
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Two ladies and I ( all in our 60's) just finished this tour on My Story. Having no experience with bike/barge I was not sure what to expect. What we got was a fabulous trip through some of the most scenic and beautiful country I've ever seen. Our tour guide, Stephan, was charming and informative. This tour was run by Rad and Reisen. They did a great job of marking the routes, although a few times we did get a little turned around. The food was top-notch and the staff did an excellent job of entertaining the travelers. I was impressed by the over-all professionalism. The riding was easy and on mostly asphalt with very few inclines. Only draw back was the size of the cabins. The pictures are a little misleading. When the second bed was lowered there was almost no room to walk by each other. You needed to be a contortionist to use the bathroom. But, since you really didn't spend a lot of time in the room it was tolerable. All in all would highly recommend this trip.
Pat L.
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
The most memorable part was Day 6 Rossatz - Pochlarn was the most scenic part of the trail. Magical small villages - wish the whole route could have been like this. Most of the trail was uneventful, some of the trail was in poor shape and rough riding.
Unfortunately, there was a language barrier between the Americans and the tour guide, so instructions were not always clear, and we needed to fend for ourselves most of the time. Certain sections of map were confusing and trail was not well marked. We made it though, and enjoyed the adventure!
Beautiful cities and villages to visit - wish we would have had more time to explore! All in all very good trail ride and good trip!
Sinéad D.
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Around Lake Constance
Austria, Germany, Switzerland
This was my 4th cycling holiday but this year the quality of bikes was poor, only had 7 gears, had 21 gears every other year and did not like the back pedal brake.
Most memorable part was Stein am Rhein, and also liked the fact we could stop cycling and jump into the lake whenever we wanted.
R. Kocher
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Danube Bike Path - Passau to Vienna - OV
Austria, Germany
The reason I gave the first question a 4 out of 5 is because the daily rides were long enough that it was hard (tiring) to get back out in the evenings to see the local sites or to see some of the sites along the way. That was probably also a result of trying to coordinate and corral too many people (9 on our trip) to get things done in a timely manner. I suspect the 10-day option for this trip might have been better for us.
Regarding route and description guides, sometimes it was a little too much to remember to coordinate the route book, the additional instructions in the travel documents (voucher) book, and Rad & Reisen's Travel Information book, not to mention the daily itinerary in the literature advertising this trip. In fact, the worst mistake we made was the worst one we could have made: ignoring the instructions to take the Read More van transfer from Grein to Gasthof zum Aigner Kreuz, Bad Kreuzen to avoid very steep inclines. However, some of the literature given to us suggested we go to Klam Castle (a good way up the incline to Bad Kreuzen), which was not on the way to Grein, and that is what we did.
I've now taken 5 bike trips in Europe: 2 using hotels, 3 using boats/barges. Barges are easier: you only have to unpack and repack once while riding.
Thank you for all your help putting this trip together. Overall, it was a great experience.
M. Collins
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
The boat was not in location we were told it would be. But once there the boat was good. The tour guide didn't seem to know the route as well as he should have. The directions on the maps could have been a lot better But we did have a great time but would recommend a different route next time.
Tripsite was great. Would highly recommend booking with them.
S. Burwell
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
The plan changed from recommending biking in Budapest...to it not being recommended - and therefore no briefing/description of the route was provided. While the stickers on signposts helped to guide the way, the book could have been more fully annotated. The boat was too full, there were not enough dishes for all passengers, dinner took 3 hours (2 hours too long). Bikes were generally in good repair and available when promised. Although the food was very good, bottled water was not provided every day as contracted.
R. Bass
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
We had a problem with sewage odor in our room - which they boat crew was unable to fix - Also room was hot and we had to use a fan. When we complained to Rad and Reisen about the temperature they denied that the AC was not working. We complained to Rad and Reisen and they issued us a 10% refund which Tripsite matched. We appreciated your concern attentiveness to these problems and you willingness to offer some compensation.
Despite these problems, overall the trip was great - good people, great rides and beautiful scenery and points of interest. We would definately book another trip with your company, but not with Rad and Reisen.
K. Sattler
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Only thing missing was quality wifi on the boat. The trip more than met our expectations
E. Heide
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Passau to Vienna
Austria, Germany
We would have like more written details of the areas we were seeing. We also would have liked a stronger wifi connection. Food and service was excellent.
Vivien Watts
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Unfortunately one major problem became apparent. The tour director was charming and affable when presenting to an audience, but his manner often vacillated (changed) when talking with individuals. On many occasions he was rude and dismissive, including sometimes making derogattory comments. Due to his public persona (welcoming and friendly), I was really shocked by this. At times he gave the impression that he was putting on an act, that he really did not like or enjoy his job and the guests were an infuriating annoyance to him. Even allowing for tiredness and stress, I do not think there is any excuse for rudeness to friendly (and paying) customers. I was not the only one to observe his changeable attitude or bear the brunt of his dismissive rudeness. As it wasn't possible to pick what his response Read More would be (ie positive or negative), I only spoke to him when spoken to. I shudder to think of his treatment of the genuinely lovely and diligent cleaners and kitchen staff. Perhaps it's time for Leslie to retire.
Deborah Waldo
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Food was not we are accustomed to on trips of this type.
Hazem Zayed
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Around Lake Constance
Austria, Germany, Switzerland
It was a great trip very well organized the team is very supportive, will definitely repeat with my wife and kids I enjoyed big time.
Steve VanderWeide
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
We did have rain quite a few days on her trip. But we were prepared and so we wore our raingear. Our guide Pieter, was very good at watching the weather and getting us inside or out of the rain if he could
Patricia Scullin
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
There was a chemical odor in the hallway outside our room, and the food was not good.
Eileen Biggs
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Around Lake Constance
Austria, Germany, Switzerland
We were pretty unlucky with the weather. Exciting trip in spite of that
Ronald Allard
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Was not always easy to "stay on course" on the bike tours. Directions and/or course markings could have been better.
Carol Reimann
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Awesome experience! Can't wait to plan my next adventure with you.
Steve Slinkard
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Guides should have provided a little more detail (distance between turns, landmarks, areas to pay extra attention, etc)
Gail Black
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
I enjoyed staying put at night better than the barge moving at night. We have done both and I enjoy walking around in the evening.I also would not have so many ferry crossings in the next trip. Puts a time factor in the ride.
Kristi Sinkus
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
AC did not work
BargeBoat needed updating
Crew was accommodating
but moody
Overall my biking experience was terrific!"
All Tour Reviews by Country
Boat/Barge Reviews
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