We left Passau early in the morning, boarding a river steamer for the trip downriver, passing through a lock, until we reached the Schlögene Schlinge (Schlögen loop), where we debarked at Schlögen in Austria. Picking up our bikes, we continued downriver along a bike path to the town of Aschach, where we had a good lunch. Then it was on the bikes again, continuing on until we were opposite Ottensheim, where we took a ferry across. Going up a hill to the charming town square, we browsed briefly, then got on a bus which took us through Linz and on to the Raffelsberger Hof at Weissenkirchen in the Wachau Valley. After cleaning up, we had a tasting class from Boris on local wines followed by supper at a local restaurant.
In the morning it was drizzling; nevertheless we set off again back upstream along the north bank of the Danube, passing through several towns and vineyards, crossing over the river and riding to Melk, where we parked our bikes. It had cleared up by then and we had a walking climb up a hill where we were given a tour at the monastery (still active) and enjoyed the view of the Wachau valley. Descending brought us to the town where we had lunch, then back to the bikes. We had a choice of taking the van back or riding. I opted to do the ride, as the weather had improved and it was our last riding day. After setting out and with the van long gone, it started to drizzle again, so it was a long and less than pleasant ride back, this time along the south bank. Lots more vineyards and apricot groves until we were opposite Dürnstein. Another ferry ride brought us back to the north bank, and we headed upriver again through vineyards for the short remaining leg to Weissenkirchen, where we turned in our bikes for the last time. That night we had our final dinner. Boris had bought some liqueur shots, and for the €2 gift exchange we each had to chug a shot and then present our partner with their gift. Then on to bed.
The next morning we had our group picture and got on the bus that took us to Vienna.