Bike & Hotel Tour Reviews page 131
- Argentina
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- Czech Republic
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- ★★★★★ MarcieB
Alles Gute zum Bodensee! Fabulous trip around Lake Constance!
Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)
One of our best self-guided bike tours, ever! Signage was prominently displayed, directions and highlights "worth a stop," equipment top notch and best of all, the regional food, friendly people and amazing sights made this trip highly memorable. I might add we are 70-somethings and found the designated bike paths a wonderful way to experience the many faces (German, Swiss and Austrian) of the Bodensee. The museum pass was truly a wonderful "bonus" experience . . . so many beautiful gardens (Reichenau, Mainau), museums (Hermann Hesse, Otto Dix, Zeppelin, Prehistoric stilt houses, etc), monasteries, churches and castles! We would do this trip again, just to experience more adventures through vineyards, apple orchards and varied cultures.
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was Biketours.com tour #6!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, Families with young kids, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
- ★★★★★ Whatever
Castles and wines
Castles and Wines of Portugal
The company Turaventur was one of the best that we have worked with anywhere. The bicycles we rented were excellent with front suspension and a suspension seat post they were perfectly suited to the varied terrain (dirt roads, asphalt, lots of cobblestone) we covered. I also appreciated the female specific gel seat. The routes they chose were really beautiful countryside, small towns and directions were well written and easy to follow. Their support was outstanding, they were available by text, email or phone seven days a week and were always very responsive The castles we visited were just phenomenal and though it was hard to believe after one gorgeous site after another, they just kept getting better! I was only able to do one of the wine tastings and enjoyed it a lot. my suggestion is to be sure to sign up earlly as they seem to fill up ahead of time.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ Rider
First Bike Tour
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
This was our first bike tour (September 2015) and I went with my wife and 27 year old son. The route was wonderful, and if you are looking for a beginner trip, this one is great (my son, a more experienced biker, felt it was not challenging enough). We have since take another, more challenging tour, and can see how accommodating the Danube route is.
The route is mostly flat, on dedicated bike trails and very well marked. Your only basic decision each day is which side of the river to ride on. The information provided by the tour company was excellent and we never got lost. The weather was also very good (it only rained one afternoon) which also contributed to the enjoyment. Although they varied in quality, the accommodations were basically very good. I really enjoyed seeing the country on a bike tour. We did cut the last day short, and rather than cycle into Vienna, we took a train. Another group started and rode the same route as us, cycled into Vienna and based on what we heard from them, we made the right choice. We spend a couple of days in Munich at the beginning and a couple of days in Vienna at the end, which were both wonderful cities. All in all, highly recommended especially if you are looking for an introduction to bike touring.
- ★★★★★ Kate
A great trip with lots of memories
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
My husband, two teenage grandsons and I did this trip. It was marvelous. The beautiful Austrian towns were so bike friendly. We are not fast bikers, so we did feel like some parts we did not have time to explore adequately. It would have been nice to stay some place more than one night. We took the deluxe tour version and the hotels were fabulous. Would absolutely recommend this trip for anyone, but especially families.
- ★★★★★ dave403
Outstanding route and operator for central Italy - Awesome trip!
Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy
Really excellent self-guided trip run by a first class small operator (Petra and Paulo). Stunning terrain, mostly in Umbria which is quieter and perhaps even more charming than Tuscany. Accommodation was excellent quality and value. Not over-the-top fancy but great. Breakfasts good - usual European-style. Generally on our own for dinners and so many incredible choices - Umbria has first class food and wine. Luggage transfers perfect. Directions provided excellent. Relatively challenging rides which we expected. At the higher end of level 3. Terrain is hilly (and gorgeous) which isn't an issue where roads are switch-backed. Tougher when they're not but we managed fine. Best to be in decent shape. We're 60 and in good fitness. Winter training via spin classes helpful. Would be more challenging on hybrids - we upgraded to road bikes and were happy we did, riding with our own shoes and clips. Took an extra day in Orvieto which helped give a recovery day and was very interesting/worthwhile. Lots of history and art along the way. Great trip! Highly recommend this operator and this trip.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Prakash
Living life in true sense
Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest
Hi
I, along with my friend, had been on ' South of Bohemia' self guided tour last July. It was our first experience of this kind. And it was an absolutely satisfying tour. Few basic points I would like to point out being a first timer-
When they are saying the difficulty level to ' moderate' they are correct.
Whatever services they have committed, they have complied with the same.
Very precise route maps/ guidelines/ photos/ distances had been provided.
We're always available for any kind of help, in case needed.
Hotels were absolutely perfect.
Depending upon the cycling practice/ experience that you have, n to enjoy a little adventure with leisure as well, I would certainly recommend this tour.- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Czech Republic
- ★★★★★ sandyp
Wonderful family vacation!
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Our self-guided tour lived up to our expectations and provided us with a great family vacation. They tour company did an excellent job of responding to our questions and requests. The countryside was beautiful, the bike ride was the right level of both challenging and gentle hills, and the people we met were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour if you want to chill out....
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ Bowsermania
Don't Wait For Albania To Be "Discovered"
UNESCO Sites of Albania
Don't listen to anyone who would have you believe that Albania is not ready for cycling. I've ridden all over North America, Europe and Asia, and I may have found a new favorite.
Cycle Albania, the tour operator, is run by Armand and his brother Junid, who I was fortunate enough to have as my guide. He is fluent in (at least) German, Italian, and English, and has encyclopedic knowledge of the very complicated history, culture, politics and religion of this fascinating place. Ever patient with a diverse group of cyclists, Junid ensured we were treated to some of the best meals I've ever had on tour, and overnights were at some of the best and most unique lodging I've ever experienced.
Beautiful Lake Ohrid, with a side trip to a lovely monastery in Macedonia, then on to spectacular mountain vistas, historic Korce and UNESCO World Heritage city Gjirokaster, on to Butrint, (another World Heritage city), along the beautiful Ionian Sea and the Greek border, and then over the Llogara Pass and down to the confluence of the Ionian and the Adriatic.
There are some challenging climbs, but plenty of time to conquer them, and the always-available SAG vehicle close (but not too close) behind. And the views from above make them each accomplishments to savor.
Better than expected roads, with only limited time on rough surfaces, great bikes, respectful drivers, and incredibly friendly locals---what more could you ask for? Oh, yeah, probably the best value for your money anywhere in the world.
Don't wait for everyone else to experience Albania and tell you about it. Just go!- How many tours have you completed?
- 10+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Albania
- ★★★★★ Julane
A Most Excellent Adventure in Donegal County
Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike
From stunning scenery to quiet roads and a variety of climbing challenges, from lovely B&B’s and gracious hosts/hostesses to charming villages, from dependable bikes to near-perfect cue sheets and maps, Seamus Gallagher, owner of Ireland by Bike, has planned an adventure we will remember for years to come.
- How many tours have you completed?
- Europe-16; USA-7; Canada-1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
- ★★★★★ Go Legs Go
Excellent Company to use for Cycling in France.
South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
My husband and I did this self guided cycle tour. I can not recommend this tour highly enough. The bikes were in perfect condition. Extremely well maintained. The maps and GPS provided made for easy navigation - we did however get lost once. The cycling was sensational. Discover France had obviously put a lot of thought into the routes chosen to avoid main roads and show case the amazing scenery. Accommodation provided was perfect (even stayed in Chateaus). The food variety and quality available was exceptional. We generally ate where we were staying if they had a restaurant in house. At Carcassonne we ate at the Michelin star restaurant in the old town. This was fantastic food and outstanding value. On a personal note I had a day where I "hit the wall" and couldn't continue cycling for fear of fainting. We were in the middle of nowhere and it was 39 degrees.. I rang Discover France and they had us and our bikes picked up within 30 minutes and took us to our accommodation. Now that is service!
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
- ★★★★★ erinmargo
Best vacation ever
Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany
There were so many positives on this trip. We were fortunate to have a fun group of like minded people on our tour. The villa is spectacular, Pometti was a fabulous, down to earth host, the food awesome, wine so good I shipped a bunch home and every location we visited was special. Marco & Guiliana are such a great team and excellent tour leaders. I have told many people about this wonderful experience and recommended to many.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Frankie
Great trip
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
The trip was a lot of fun and our guide was the best
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ CathyB
Fantastic
Bolzano to Verona: Orchards, Mountains & Timeless Culture
I did this tour (self-guided) in the Fall of 2014 and it was the best trip of my life. The Hotels were all clean, safe, and ideally situated in the towns. The maps were great. There were a few frustrations when navigating alone, but nothing I couldn't figure out. The company provided me with a route map and also with written directions; even after I left the map in a bar one nigh (oops) I was able to navigate fine with the written directions. The stickers used to place the route were also very helpful. Difficulty-wise, the first couple days were mostly flat and on well paved, well laid out bike paths; as the tour went on the terrain got hillier, but there were only a couple serious climbs (and even they weren't that bad). It was a great way to see parts of Italy that you wouldn't normally see if limited to a train, and it took me through some charming little towns that would escape most tourists attention. Experiences like hiking up a mountain to visit a mostly ruined castle, or dropping in on a winery outside of Verona and being fussed over by a sweet old Nonna, or an old, chain-smoking man draping his coat over my shoulders in a cafe, will never be forgotten. This was my second time in Italy and my first bike tour. I would strongly recommend learning a little bit of Italian as English is not widely spoken in the smaller towns; my smattering really helped me. Also, don't lose your map in a bar.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ ActionCyclist2
History, Culture and Beauty!
Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Wonderfully organized self-guided experience (with luggage transfer added). Our transfers by vehicle to the start and from the finish were seamless and informative with an insiders view of general and specifics of our tour, Portugal and bikes provided by Kico. The maps, Garmin, and rental bikes worked perfectly for our tour. The riding on this tour is scenic and varied as the route passes through forests, coastlines, villages, working towns, and tourist destinations. The hotels likewise provided varied experiences as well, each with its own unique charm and amenities. We rode in early April which was too cold for the hotel's outdoor pools, but provided excellent riding conditions.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5 - 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ Crewdog10
Great way to visit the Normandy coast and see first hand where it took place.
Coastal Normandy and WWII History
The hotel accommodations were great. Everyone that we came into contact with were wonderful .
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
- ★★★★★ ErinH
Beyond Awesome!
Medieval Villages of Catalonia
I had an absolutely wonderful time! Daniel and Lucy (AKA Creative Catalonia) went out of their way to make this a fabulous trip. The scenery is terrific, the hotels were great! Food was out of this world! Particularly good if you like history, which I do. This was my first trip to Spain, but it will NOT be the last! I went on the off-season, so it was quiet, which I enjoy
- How many tours have you completed?
- this is my second
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
- ★★★★★ CyclesInRoswell
A trip I'd dreamed of for many years brought to reality in every way!
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
The tandem bike was reliable and fairly comfortable, the sites were awesome, directions flawless and lodging friendly, clean and lovely. We were very happy with this self-guided trip, our first bike expeirence in Europe. We did have a broken chain on the 2nd day, but my hubby made a trail repair and the company came to our hotel and replaced the chain that night. This is a great tour and I was shocked today when looking for our next one that I hadn't reviewed it. I would recommend this as a first European bike experience to any cyclist.
- How many tours have you completed?
- Only one through a company, 4 total
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, Families with young kids, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
- ★★★★★ Pedalann
A Spectacular Ride from the Austrian Border to Venice
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
This tour allowed us to experience the changing face of Italy from the quite Austrian north down though many medieval towns and into the coastal plain around Venice. The introduction and orientation by a representative from FunActive Tours was complete and included detailed maps, cue sheets and information about the areas and towns we would be traveling through. We enjoyed each day's ride and learned so much about the history of this part of the country as we went along. We were on the "self-guided" tour and were easily able to follow the route with our maps cue sheets and the route markers posted along the way. We missed our turns only a couple of times and quickly found our way again. The routes were mostly bikeways or very low traffic roads which made the ride especially enjoyable.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 25+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Zephyr
The Two Italys: from Alto Adige to Trentino and South
Bolzano to Verona: Orchards, Mountains & Timeless Culture
- How many tours have you completed?
- six
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Zephyr
Excellent.
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
Beautiful scenery, mostly on cycle tracks, three countries, cultures and languages, nice weather, pleasant lodging.
