Has Anyone Done the Bike Tours Between Ports on the Danube with AMA?

[cruisingmad]

I will be cruising between Prague and Budapest on November 11, 2011, and there are a couple of bike optional tours, one between Durnstein and Krems and another one as a tour of Passau.

 

Has anyone taken these tours and can they provide their personal perspectives on them? How difficult (physically) are they, do they include a guide, etc.?

 

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

 

Sergio

[aussietraveller58]

I don't know how to insert a link, but if you search all my posts for one August 28th, "Just back: AMA ( APT) Amadante..." you will see my comments on the bike rides which were the highlight of the tour for me!

 

I also kept the maps from each of your rides so let me know if you would like more information. I also took the bike out on my own about 6 or 8 other times.

[cruisingmad]

I don't know how to insert a link, but if you search all my posts for one August 28th, "Just back: AMA ( APT) Amadante..." you will see my comments on the bike rides which were the highlight of the tour for me!

 

I also kept the maps from each of your rides so let me know if you would like more information. I also took the bike out on my own about 6 or 8 other times.

Thanks so much, Aussietraveler. Your review was outstanding, and you've added even more excitement to my anticipation of the cruise.

 

I would like to do the bike ride at least once, but I worry a bit about my stamina (I'm 65 years old). Your description is reassuring, and I'm sure that the staff on board will add valuable context when the time comes.

 

It looks like my itinerary may be slightly different from yours, at least with respect to the optional bike rides, so I'll pass on the maps.

 

Again, thanks for sharing your wonderful review! 10 days and counting...

 

 

Sergio

[Peacemkr59]

We were on the AmaLyra from Prague to Budapest and the only bike tour they offered us was one to when we were in port in Regensburg. It was a 16 mile roundtrip ride to Wahalla. It was a great ride. I wish they had offered more bike tours on this itinerary!

[King of Cool]

I wrote something on this way back in June from the Amaverde:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1421758

 

There are also pictures if you can wade through the posts.

 

All bike rides recommended. Some guides had the radio sets which made the tours much much better and safer. If they do not have them at the start suggest they do.

 

The rides are not too demanding and there are stops on the way at beer gardens which it make it a very pleasant day out. Get out early, pick a bike, have a quick trial and adjust it to to your size. You do have to careful as other riders come the other way quite fast and close but no sweat as long as you are not reckless.

[cruisingmad]

I wrote something on this way back in June from the Amaverde:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1421758

 

There are also pictures if you can wade through the posts.

 

All bike rides recommended. Some guides had the radio sets which made the tours much much better and safer. If they do not have them at the start suggest they do.

 

The rides are not too demanding and there are stops on the way at beer gardens which it make it a very pleasant day out. Get out early, pick a bike, have a quick trial and adjust it to to your size. You do have to careful as other riders come the other way quite fast and close but no sweat as long as you are not reckless.

Thanks! I am encouraged about the bike rides and will definitely give them a try.

 

Sergio

[aussietraveller58]

Thanks so much, Aussietraveler. Your review was outstanding, and you've added even more excitement to my anticipation of the cruise.

 

I would like to do the bike ride at least once, but I worry a bit about my stamina (I'm 65 years old). Your description is reassuring, and I'm sure that the staff on board will add valuable context when the time comes.

 

It looks like my itinerary may be slightly different from yours, at least with respect to the optional bike rides, so I'll pass on the maps.

 

Again, thanks for sharing your wonderful review! 10 days and counting...

 

 

Sergio

 

Seriously at 65 you may be the youngest there!! :) Our group was very firm with the local guide: steady pace, no hills, frequent stops for photos( that was me...) We found that if we just stopped, the local guide had to as well!!! The 30kms just flew by. I was definitily tired at the end of the day but a healthy, fresh air , great to be out tired. The bikes are quite upright and I found them comfy. Make friends with the deckhands and they will adjust the seat height and handle bar angle for you....fun with no shared language , just lots of gestures!!

 

 

We did the ride from Melk to Durnstien. It was beautiful ; all along side the river on the old canal path, and then winding through a vineyard and several orchards where we picked apples to munch on. THE BEST day of my cruise. You are going a little bit further, to Krems, so make sure your guide lets you stop frequently. We raced the ship.....it won.

 

Do post to let me know how you went!

[kuldalai]

The two promoted bike rides offered are not necessarily escorted .

 

1. Pump the bike tyres up, the crew do not maintain the bikes at all .

and take a bottle of water with you .

 

2. From Regensberg a ride out to a temple that looks like the Parthenon .

Probably 90 minutes round trip over relatively flat territory.

 

3. One can ride 30 - 40 kms alongside the boat and river between Melk and Durnstein or v.v. (depending on direction boat sails). Undulating ride through villages and vineyards alongside the river on a dedicated pathway . Order a packed lunch from the ship, or stop at a local hotel/taverna along the way .

 

4. The bikes are available for use free in any port stop . Just be careful when riding in traffic especially if you come from a left hand drive country like Australia .

[cruisingmad]

Thanks, Aussietraveler and Kuldalai, for the tips and encouragement. I'm looking forward to the bike rides. I also like to take photos (I always have my camera with me when I travel), and from your posts there's going to be plenty of opportunities for nice shots....

 

I'll report back when I return...

 

 

Sergio

[cruisr]

I will be cruising between Prague and Budapest on November 11, 2011, and there are a couple of bike optional tours, one between Durnstein and Krems and another one as a tour of Passau.

 

Has anyone taken these tours and can they provide their personal perspectives on them? How difficult (physically) are they, do they include a guide, etc.?

 

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

 

Sergio

 

Hi Sergio,

 

If you are on the AmaLegro the ship does not stop in Durnstein or Krems. I am on the AmaLegro. Which one are you on?

 

Bon Voyage

 

PS I am with a group of people that are all in their 50's so there will be a lot of "younger" actives on this sailing.

[RachelG]

We only had one offered bike tour on our Prague to Budapest trip--at Regensburg and we road to Walhalla and back. Really enjoyed it and wished we had more opportunities to take the bikes out. Since you are riding right beside the river, the path is relatively flat. Our guide was a very fit older gentleman. My husband and I got ahead of the group several times, but we would just stop and wait for everyone to catch up. Great fun!

[cruisingmad]

Hi Sergio,

 

If you are on the AmaLegro the ship does not stop in Durnstein or Krems. I am on the AmaLegro. Which one are you on?

 

Bon Voyage

 

PS I am with a group of people that are all in their 50's so there will be a lot of "younger" actives on this sailing.

Hi, Cruisr,

 

 

I'm on the Amadolce, so we must be sailing on different dates. My embarkation is on November 14, but I'm booked on a 3-day pre-cruise stay in Prague.

 

According to my travel documents, my itinerary includes the two bike "optionals" I mentioned in my original post. I think every itinerary is slightly different. For example, my trip was supposed to include a stop in Bratislava and the detailed itinerary now skips it.

 

Have a great time on your cruise!

 

 

Sergio