With everyone on board the luxurious MS Swiss Crown, we leave Passau early and as the captain takes us out of dock, we commence our adventure with welcoming drinks and snacks in the very comfortable lounge. Passengers are still aghast at the size and comfort of our ?barge´ and all too quickly we realise calling it a ?barge´ is inappropriate. The MS Swiss Crown is a small ship on one of the most famous and well known of rivers in Europe, the Danube.

We settle in to a talk by the cruise director who effortlessly manages to engage our sense of adventure and excitement for what lies ahead over the next 15 days, as the ship points its bow towards the Iron Gates National Park over 1000kms away. As we reach the first of many locks, first time river cruisers are quick to gather outside to watch the captain and his officers navigate us through the gates, and as the water lowers us to the next level in the river, we chatter amongst ourselves on what a great cruise Rad&Reisen have put together.

Dinner was nothing short of spectacular with staff attentive to every need with the chef and his staff delivering a taste sensation that danced and partied on our tastebuds. Every night three course meals and after dinner liqueurs showcased the culture of the country we were sailing through, of which there were six - Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Serbia. Not once in all 15 days was our dinner anything short of wonderful.

On the morning of our first port of call and each morning thereafter we watched in awe as staff members skilfully and efficiently unloaded 100 plus bikes from the upper deck of our ship onto the dock, with a technician standing by to make any necessary adjustments. Then just as efficiently on return to the ship at the end of a wonderful days´ ride, as we happily and contentedly made our way to the heated spa, or after a soothing and cleansing shower, reclined in comfortable chairs in the upper lounge to enjoy afternoon tea/coffee and cakes or, that welcome drink from the bar.

Heading out on our rides each day gave cyclists the opportunity to experience a multitude of varied and different sights.From picturesque natural forests and Baroque gardens to medieval cities and towns and villages full of historical and interesting facts. Not forgetting the Pearl of the Danube, Rad&Reisen included an introduction to Budapest on an itinerary that filled each day with varied and stimulating cycle routes of varying levels.

Day 7 saw words escape us as we marvelled at the beauty of the Iron Gates National Park, one of Europe´s most impressive gorges forming the border between Serbia and Romania. Treated to drinks on the upper deck as the MS Swiss Crown, like an opulent queen, palatially carried its precious human cargo below towering cliffs that form a feature of one of Romania´s most striking natural reserves. Little wonder as our luxury ship turned for its 7 day homeward journey, there was silence aboard for many who reflected upon the memory of what has been witnessed within this area of unbelievable beauty.

Just as we wondered if it could get any better, the return journey didn´t disappoint. Cycling along mostly well maintained cycle paths through charming villages, past imposing fortresses providing stunning panoramic views, through the magnificent Wachau valley and into the romantic city of Vienna, what more could we possibly ask of Rad&Reisen who delivered a tour of exceptional quality. Excellent bikes, outstanding accommodation, full itinerary, well organised.