Reviews

We have done other cycle and boat tours, being quite active this one looked appealing with just about the right amount of cycling and visiting a scenic country. However the ‘First Class’ boat was sadly not. Our cabin, number 2, was small, with a double bed and two bunk beds, this greatly restricted the available space. It gave it the appearance of a backpacker’s hostel not a good hotel room as the holiday descriptions like to portray. The double bed was over a metre above the floor which made it really awkward to get in to and out of, especially as we are in our sixties. Available space to dress etc. was minimal. There was plenty of storage space and the bathroom was good. It was clean. You spend a lot of time on the boat. The cycling was not what we expected, it being very limited. We had weather problems which restricted the places we could go but we were getting a bit stir crazy. There is not much to do if the weather is not too good so you look forward to good cycling. With this tour you get lunch, most thought it a waste of time. You had to get back to the boat which meant that most of the cycling was just a couple of hours a day, mostly mornings and for us one afternoon. Once you leave the coastline on the bikes the scenery is not that interesting certainly on the routes we went on.. We were enforced to stay in Zadar for two days, it is not a big town. The food on board was OK, it is waiter service. There are two nights you have to find places to eat. The biggest disappointment for us was the cabin, we know you cannot trust the photos in brochures, but it was not the luxury we were led to expect. Certainly not for the price you pay. We will not be doing this one again, and sadly, have been left with a feeling of being ripped off.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! The cycling tours had a mix of easy and slightly more challenging days. The boat is an older boat and for the most part beautifully maintained. The bedrooms could do with a little refresh.

Our cruise guide, Andrious, was fantastic! The food was not very good. I don’t think it was the cooks/chefs, it was the quality of the ingredients. The crew for the most part were upbeat and pleasant. But the restaurant manager was less than professional, he yelled at us and we saw him treat others with the same level of courtesy.

The Danube tour was very well organised and was like a standard river cruise in many ways. Personally I prefer not to be on a cruise style boat trip with so many people or with organised boat activities. I understand that, with such vast distances to cover there is a lot of boat time to fill in. This is a personal preference not a criticism of the trip. The staff were lovely, the food was good and, most importantly, the cycling was fabulous. I prefer trips where the guide rides as well and really knows the trails personally. There were a group from The Netherlands who somehow had a riding guide which I would have enjoyed. We visited many interesting places and for late September, the weather was kind to us.

Carissima was clean, welcoming staff, and adequate food and beverage. Would have enjoyed the espresso coffee “hours” machine available a bit longer so that more folks could have a chance to enjoy their coffee of choice! The Bike director Albert was not very easy to work with. He was uninterested in the bikers comments, especially the women, and made us feel as if we were a bother to him. Overall… would recommend this tour to friends! Thank you for a memorable time on the Danube!

Great trip but basic boat. We had a great time on the Gandalph on our recent Hanseatic Holland trip. The food was excellent and the crew both friendly and helpful. The cycling was good with lovely countryside and interesting places to visit. That said, the boat itself is not as good as some of the others on which we have been. It is a little on the small side with no separate salon/seating area – all must be done in the dining area or on deck. The cabins are also small and quite basic. Don’t necessarily let that put you off, but do not expect luxury – it is not that sort of trip.

This is a great way to be active and see the country in a quiet self paced way. The route for the next day was presented to us in addition to having a booklet outlining it and giving highlights and suggestions for the day. Relaxing in small towns for coffee, wine or lunch as well as riding through beautiful treed areas along the Danube was a treat for the mind and body. I would definitely recommend this means of travel. Being able to select and make our own lunches was appreciated as opposed to a pre-packaged lunch. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Enjoyed very much

The boat bike tour exceeded our expectations. The staff were extremely professional and yet friendly and very accommodating. Our cabin was small and surprisingly comfortable.The temperature of the cabin was individually controlled. The common areas were very nice. The meals were outstanding. We always felt very safe and secure with the sailing of the boat even in busy and tight waterways. The bikes were foreign to us yet worked well. Our cycling guides Hester and Nell were extremely professional yet personable. They made an effort to get to know everyone and supported and encouraged us. They also made it a lot of fun. An unexpected surprise was Hester’s oboe concert which was beautiful. We had difficulties with the pace of the cycling as our group of 40 were very fast and we were not. However Hester and Nell always made sure we arrived safely at our destinations.

What a wonderful week–full of adventure. I recommend Boat Bike Tours and The Magnifique.