Danube Delights: Biking through Four Countries
Self guided from EUR € 999
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Swiss Crown or Vivienne
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
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Bike from 'Bavarian Venice' to the home of the Viennese Waltz
By bike and boat from 'Bavarian Venice', you'll arrive in the glamorous royal regions of Austria and Hungary via Germany and Slovakia. Discover three of Europe's most spellbinding capitals: Vienna, the 'City of the Waltz'; Bratislava, 'The White City' of Slovakian coronations; and Budapest, the 'Paris of the East'. Along the way, explore the romantic regions of the 'Great Loop' (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the Danube Bend near Hungary's grandest cathedral, and the resplendent winegrowing region of Wachau - part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list owing to its exquisite villages, palaces, and castles.
The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest, separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The important cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes you from the distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the Slovakian capital of Bratislava invites you in with its charming Old Town. And what about a flirt with Vienna, 'City of the Waltz'? A firework of sightseeing opportunities, dreamy coffee bars, and cozy wine taverns await you.
On board your comfortable cruise ship, you'll enjoy a superb atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins, as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Behold fantastic views of breathtaking landscapes from your bike, the deck pool, the comfy seats of the panorama lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first-class restaurant.
This exciting bike trip is a truly unforgettable holiday.
This tour must meet a minimum of 90 passengers 4 weeks prior to cruise start.
A guided package is available on the MV Vivienne on May 28; Jun 18; Jul 16; Aug 6; Sep 03, 24, 2023. Please see the Dates & Prices tab for inclusions.
Highlights
- Passau, 'City of Three Rivers'
- Schlögener Donauschlinge - the 'Great Loop'
- World Cultural Heritage Site of Wachau
- Hungarian Danube Bend
- National Park of Donau Auen
- Bratislava, 'The White City'
- Budapest, city of riverside resplendence
- Vienna, 'City of Dreams'
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Munich, Vienna, and Budapest. -
CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Hlavne Namestie' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - The famous Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Altstadt in Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Melk Abbey, Melk, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wachau Valley near Dürnstein, Lower Austria. CC:Lonezor' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wachau Valley vineyards, Austria. CC:Lonezor' data-type='image'>CC0 - Budapest, Hungary. CC:Wil Fredor' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - The famous Blue Church in Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Thomas Ledl' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Рустам Абдрахимов' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Melk Abbey in Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Melk, Austria. Ian Nigb@Unsplash' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Wachau Valley along the Danube in Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. Jorge Lascar@Unsplash' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Dürnstein, Lower Austria along the Danube River. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'>CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Engelhartszell, Austria. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'>
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Daily program
Day 1: Arrival in Passau; On to Engelhartszell
Boarding time is at 4:00 pm. Picturesque Passau is nicknamed the 'City of Three Rivers' due to its situation at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. In your leisure time, take a stroll around this historic cobblestone town, listening to the peal of bells from the Gothic Town Hall, or to the rich tones of the world's largest church organ inside St. Stephan's Cathedral. At 6:00 pm, you'll cast off!Day 2: Great Loop, Engelhartszell – Aschach (27 miles/43 km)
The first day's tour begins with a bicycle ride through the classic scenery of the 'Great Loop' (Schlögener Donauschlinge), one of the most beautiful and intriguing sections of the Danube. En route, you'll ride through charming villages complete with cozy cider taverns. Arriving in Engelhartszell, home to Austria's only Trappist monastery, you can sample their tantalizing liquors and cheeses. The famous 'Schlogener View' provides a wonderful vista of the enchanting Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.Day 3: Devin – Bratislava (28 miles/45 km)
Pedaling along the former 'Iron Curtain', you'll cross the green line and arrive at the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria's 'vegetable garden' to the coronation city of Bratislava, Slovakia's lively capital. Explore 'The White City', set beneath the slopes of the Little Carpathians, discovering its hidden alleyways and grand sights on an optional city tour.Day 4: Budapest | Szentendre (15 miles/24 km, or rest day)
The entrance to Budapest, Hungary's capital, is stunning. Savor the staggering beauty of this regal city with a guided bike tour or individual bike tour (optional) to discover its sightseeing highlights. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre, with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively arts scene. In the evening it is definitely worth visiting the Jewish Quarter.Day 5: Danube Bend – Esztergom (26 miles/42 km)
Situated in the middle of the Danube River, the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. History, folklore, and the Hungarian way of life will accompany you on your way to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica - Hungary's largest Catholic church - impresses all who encounter its phenomenal facade.Day 6: Rest day in Vienna
Be spellbound by the 'City of Dreams', replete with sightseeing opportunities such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous Ringstraβe boulevard (home to the Burgtheater), the State Opera House, and the Town Hall. Capitalize on your time with a cycling day tour around vibrant Vienna, Austria's spectacular capital. Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna's famous cafes, perhaps sampling the sumptuous 'Sachertorte', while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) at the famous Viennese Palace.Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk (23 miles/37 km)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! An impressive ruin looms above the little baroque town of Durnstein, whilst the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. With dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everyone who visits. You'll be biking on cloud nine! In Spitz (with the possibility for a wine tasting) you'll find cozy wine taverns right along the bike path.Day 8: Departure from Passau
As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you'll disembark at approximately 11:00 am. Connecting travel should be booked after 12:00 pm.Optional excursion programs (bookable on board, not included in the tour package):
- Bratislava city tour with scenic train and walking tour
- Budapest city tour by bike or Hop-On-Hop-Off bus
- Vienna city tour by bike or bus
- Classical waltz and operetta concert in one of Vienna's famous palaces
- Wachau wine tasting with local wine grower
Surface and terrain
This tour follows a completely flat, well-made bike path in Austria. In Slovakia and Hungary, you will often cycle on country and side roads. Entering and leaving cities, there is some traffic to pay attention to.
Boats
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Munich, Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, GermanyPrivate transfers are available from this tour operator for an additional cost. This must be arranged at time of booking.
You can also arrange your own transfer from Munich Airport to Passau by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once per hour, and you can purchase tickets after you arrive in Munich (about €22-28 per person). You'll need to take a 20 minute bus ride from the airport to the Freising station (they leave at 21 after each hour), connecting with a train from Freising to Passau (about 1 hour, 45 minutes). Airport signage is excellent, leading you to the bus and station.
Tips for getting to and from your tour.
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Dates
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Self-guided
Sundays: Apr 28 – October 06, 2024Guided
May 5, 26; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 4; Sep 1, 22, 2024Season 1: Apr 30, 2024, Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024
Season 2: May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024, Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
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Self-guided
Saturdays: May 18, Jun 01, Aug 31, and Sep 14, 2024Season 2: May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024, Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
Prices
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Per person, double occupancy Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Main deck, Standard cabin €999 €1099 €1199 Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1319 €1419 €1519 Middle deck, Superior cabin* €1519 €1619 €1719 Upper deck, Superior cabin* €1519 €1619 €1719 Upper deck, Junior-suite €1819 €1919 €2019 Upper deck, Master-suite €2019 €2119 €2219 Single-use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1548 €1703 €1858 *Superior cabin deck level will be based on availability, though we can request a specific deck level it can not be guaranteed for this cabin style.
Bike Rentals
Standard touring bike, 21-speed €89 Electrically assisted bike €189 Helmet €15 Additional Services
Guided tour package (May 5, 26; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 4; Sep 1, 22, 2024) €299 Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich City center - Passau (1-8 persons) €320 Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €270 Discounts
Child, ages 0-2 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package*) 100% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 2 full paying adult (on base package) 30% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 1 full paying adults (on base package) 10% *MV Vivienne and MV Swiss Crown: Main deck, Standard and Middle deck, Comfort cabins only
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Per person, double occupancy Season 2 Season 3 Main deck, Standard cabin €1099 €1199 Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1419 €1519 Middle deck, Mini-suite €1519 €1619 Upper deck, Superior cabin €1619 €1719 Single use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1703 €1858 Bike Rentals
Standard touring bike, 21-speed €89 Electrically assisted bike €189 Helmet €15 Additional Services
Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich City center - Passau (1-8 persons) €320 Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €270 Discounts
Child, ages 0-2 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package*) 100% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 2 full paying adult (on base package) 30% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 1 full paying adults (on base package) 10% *MV Vivienne and MV Swiss Crown: Main deck, Standard and Middle deck, Comfort cabins only
Included services
- 7 nights in cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
- Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from), late night snack
- Detailed road book (1 per cabin) and GPS tracks
- App Navigation
- Daily information meeting on board the boat
- Port charges
- Program according to the itinerary from/to Passau
- Captain's greeting and welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Board Musician
- Cruise director on board (does not cycle with group)
You may book the Guided Package on several dates. This upgrade includes:
- Cycling tour guide
- Tasting of homemade cider at a cider producer in the Upper Danube Valley
- Ferry rides
- Guided city tour by bike in Vienna and by Hop-On-Hop-Off bus in Budapest
- Wine tasting with a local wine grower
- Bike helmet rental (only adults)
Bike rentals
Bikes available to be rented (reserved in advance at time of booking) include:
- Standard touring bikes, 21-speed with caliper brake
- Electrically assisted bike (Pedelec)*
- Child seat, bikes for children, bike trailer, or trailer bikes (upon request)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
- Handlebar bag
You may bring your own bike for an additional €29(standard) or €39(e-bike).
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available to purchase, payable upon arrival to the boat. Please make a note on the booking form to reserve in advance. We recommend for health and safety purposes that you take your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival. Helmets are mandatory for children up to age 12.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Thayne Lyman 3 months ago
What an awesome trip!
This was our first bike and barge tour and it didn't disappoint! We found that we prefer it to regular river cruising. The tour was very well organized, the bikes were always ready and in great condition. The balance of cycling vs site seeing was perfect for us. We loved it so much that we plan to return next year!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 24, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1 including this tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Michael Pettit 3 months ago
Danube Waltz
The bike and barge (SS Swiss Crown) provided the perfect way to experience the beautiful cities along the Danube. The Swiss Crown was very comfortable and the meals provided were delightful. The bar was managed expertly. Phyo behind the bar was always willing to provide valuable tips for our travel as well as keeping the cocktails flowing.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/16/23
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Corina Santoro 3 months ago
AMAZING! Better than I even imagined it would be.
This was our first ever bike trip and we loved every minute of it. The boat was wonderful and the staff was truly outstanding. Each day was well organized with enough structure so we knew what to do but enough freedom to make the trip our own. The rides each day were unique from each other and each one beautiful. The rest days in Budpest and Vienna were magical. The food, service and attention to detail left nothing to be desired. What an amazing trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ James Potter 3 months ago
Danube bike and boat
It was a great trip! We biked through the most scenic countryside, passing vineyards, old castles, and small villages. Of course all of that with the beautiful Danube by our side.
The crew on the Swiss Crown was extremely friendly and very accommodating.
We enjoyed lots of great views from the boat. We especially enjoyed sitting on the upper deck of boat or on our cabin balcony in the evening.
The meals were great. Starting the morning with the breakfast buffet or a freshly made omelette. For dinner, you had your choice of entrees including regional dishes.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Chuck Gottschall 4 months ago
Great Trip!
Great way to see Europe! The biking was GREAT! The staff was GREAT! The food was GREAT!
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★★★★★ Ellen Speare 4 months ago
Danube waltz bike tour
I chose this trip for my 70th birthday with friends. riding through the beautiful countryside was wonderful. sitting on the deck going through the Danube river was so relaing and lovely. The food and accomadations fro perfect. Loved this whole trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- none
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tim Yancy 4 months ago
Relaxed ride along the Danube River
We enjoyed the structure of the tour, with 3-4 hours of riding per day and details on the many sights to see along the way. Onboard service and meals were excellent, and the boat had a nice mix of people from all over the world. We also liked the time to explore several cities on non-ride days.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Kathy Jones 7 months ago
Wonderful Experience
The staff were very attentive to customer service. The boat was impressive & the cabins were always clean. The scenery was spectacular.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 11, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- First tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Sandra Babich 7 months ago
Great Trip
This was a perfect way to see parts of Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia. Everything is very well organized and there is the freedom to leave the boat and cycle at own pace following the well laid out bike trails. The food on the boat was very good, staff were very courteous and always helpful, and our room was clean. We added extra time to our trip in Vienna because there is so much to see. Would also be a good idea for Budapest. Even though we had a considerable amount of rain and some flooding on our trails it was still a great adventure and enjoyable trip. Our boat was recently renovated and that was a bonus.
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★★★★★ Jaime Bodden August 3, 2022
Fairytale in Bavaria
A great tour! Equal parts countryside with quaint villages and urban culture with metropolitan experiences. Our tour packed in a lot - each day provided a unique experience and bike ride, from forests to fields, riverside and city streets. The recommendations from out boat guide encouraged frequent stops to enjoy local gems - something that is often lacking on bigger tours. The timing in between stops never felt rushed, and there was a nice balance of being on the boat and off.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- first tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Lisa Mendis August 2, 2022
Magical!!
The best ever bike tour!! We biked some of the most beautiful sections of the Danube and we also had other excursions plus the activities on the boat. The Sun deck was lovely - what a treat after biking to sit up there and watch the pastoral sights go by! The food was really good. I am lactose intolerant and the chef always had an alternative for me - even with the multiple course meals. Thank for Biketours.com for finding this fantastic tour!
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★★★★★ jackie20 July 9, 2019
- What was the date of your tour?
- Jun 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Marshall September 9, 2018
Our third trip with Bike Tours each one special
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7/22/18-7/29/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ jfvb October 7, 2017
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/24/2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Ratty May 23, 2017
I want to do this again and again!
Rides were well chosen; route booklet detailed; food, service and staff on boat all excellent. Varied terrain of forest, towns, vineyards made for interesting biking. Europe knows how to accommodate bikers; RadReisen knows how to cater to them. Fab trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7 May 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 14
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ lisalisa July 3, 2016
New favorite way to travel
Loved the trip - The boat was very nice and provided constantly changing scenery without having to pack up and move every day. The bikes were perfect for the situation and well maintained. We enjoyed the bike days much more than the two city days - a great way to sightsee, especially when the temps got hot. Also really appreciated that nearly all of the bike riding was on dedicated trails.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/19/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- this is the first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ debo June 17, 2016
Fun trip
All in all, a great trip. Some communication issues between cruise director and guides and cyclists. Cruise director clearly overwhelmed and attimes, Difficult To Follow. Bike was very comfortable and routes, interesting and scenic. Having trouble adding photos.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 22-29
- How many tours have you completed?
- many, but not lately
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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