Bike & Hotel Tour Reviews page 81
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- ★★★★★ Erin ELE
Wonderful Trip, Picturesque days and Beautiful Evenings with Great Company
Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
This was a wonderful way to see and experience Provence. The countryside is beautiful and a bike tour allows you to actually be a part of it. Mike, our guide and Bernie (his helper!) were fantastic and really made the trip special. Their personalities were very low key and low stress, yet they were unbelievably accommodating. The company focuses on ensuring your meal experience is amazing and that definitely did not disappoint. Each meal was just lovely from a service and a quality perspective.
We had a large group of 22 which made the management a little challenging, but they responded very well. Ideally, a group of 15 would be perfect, but the people on the trip were wonderful as well. This is a trip for someone that is decently fit. Some of the hills were challenging - but they were doable if you took your time. If you aren't cyclist I would recommend the ebikes for sure.
Our stops were fantastic and allowed for time to relax and enjoy the scenery. As a shopper we had a great day shopping in a small town which made it even more of a plus.
The hotels we stayed in were very quaint. I don't use that term as a way of saying old and tired. They aren't large 5 star hotels, but we didn't want that winding our way through Provence. They were beautiful and clean and perfect hotels that had everything one would need. And they were what was in my mind's eye of a hotel in Provence.
I would highly recommend the trip, but I would be prepared for the rides and a few hills. The wine became that much sweeter that evening! As did Bernie and Mike! Thank you for a perfect trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 31, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
- ★★★★★ DotK
Wonderful views and terrific overnight stops
Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
This is the second self-guided tour that we've cycled with Bike Tours. So glad we chose it. the preparation and advice were so valuable. It's great to be able to focus on the fun of cycling while the arrangements for hotels and luggage are taken care of.
We stayed over in Salzburg on our way to Krimml to break up the train journey from Munich and that worked out really well, giving us a chance to see the highlights of Salzburg before taking the 3 hour train to Krimml the next day. The BikeLine map book that accompanied the tour was very easy to follow and the Tauern route very well marked, staying in the river valley though with a few hills to challenge us (we did walk up a few). The bicycles were very comfortable. We did notice that e-bikes have become very popular with both urban and touring cyclists along the route.
The views of the Alpine foothills were amazing as we cycled along the valley from Krimml. Our ride into Zell am See was charming, and the hotel very welcoming and helpful. We had a wonderful time walking around the pedestrian district along the lake. Each day's ride gave us ample time to explore interesting towns along the path and still arrive at our destination mid to late afternoon.
Once we left Salzburg the river became broader and the route included more forests, hills, and farmland. Luckily when we arrived in Burghausen, we stopped and ate a late lunch at a cafe on the main street before tackling the steep hill to the hotel. The advantage was that the hotel was just outside the castle complex that overlooks the town. What a wonderful walk through the five castle courtyards in the late afternoon sun. Descriptions of the castle's history were positioned along the walk. Then it was on to Bad Fussing, with an indoor-outdoor thermal pools at our hotel. The spa town and the hotel were picturesque. We enjoyed cycling through the open countryside of Bad Fussing so decided to take a different route through farm villages instead of following the river to Scharding and on to Passau. I would recommend taking an extra day in Passau as well to visit the attractions of the city. We were pleased to have the time there before traveling back to Munich.
We had a wonderful time!
- ★★★★★ Issac Newton
Wonderful Ride Through the Scenic Valleys of the Alps
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
- What was the date of your tour?
- 30 Aug - 6 Sep
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ Creaky
Swiss sojourn
Ascona and Lake Maggiore (based in one hotel)
Good organisation and splendid accommodation with some ok rides. Maps too small and blurry to be useful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 1/9 to 6/9
- How many tours have you completed?
- 13
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Switzerland
- ★★★★★ psteckler
Excellent tour with lots of climbing
UNESCO Sites of Albania
This was my second tour booked with biketours.com. My first one was a self-guided tour in Slovenia, which was great, so I thought I'd try this one, which reviews raved about.
The route and scenery were just great. We had superb meals with Mediterranean-style cuisine, either in restaurants or in our hotels. Each day featured a coffee stop, where we snacked on peanuts, bananas, and chocolate.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable about his home country, super well-organized and thoughtfully attended to the needs of the participants. The support van was there when we needed assistance.
There were a couple of thrilling long descents with stunning vistas. The price of those descents was lots of climbing, some of them long, some a bit steep.
A few of the days were extremely hot, around 100F. I had heat stroke symptoms one day, and had to get a lift in the van for the last part of the ride. We had only a few minutes of light rain on our side trip to North Macedonia to see the monastery on Lake Ohrid. Not much the tour operator can do to control the weather, of course.
The bikes had front suspension and a rear rack with an Ortlieb pannier. We did have some gravel and cobble sections where a road bike would not have worked. These bikes were on the heavy side, making the climbing more difficult than it could have been. My one suggestion to improve the tour would be to use lighter bikes. I think the current generation of "gravel bikes" with fat tires, without suspension, would work well, and save a few pounds. Instead of the rack and pannier, a frame bag or seatpost bag would have enough capacity and also save some weight.
The participants on e-bikes seemed to be having a good time of it, though, as they passed me up the climbs!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 26, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 20+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Albania
- ★★★★★ BikerPT
Bike ride in the wind
Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
There were a number of good things about this trip. The two guides were very attentive and knowledgeable of the region, helping the group to experience some amazing sites. The scenery was fantastic; the vineyards and wineries were a site to see/experience. It was a real sense of accomplishment to ride up a 3K class 2 hill that has been a part of the Tour de France. We did ride with head winds blowing constantly at up to 40 mph for three of the six days on the trip; the one day with a tailwind, we biked at 33 kmh with ease.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
- ★★★★★ Jayhawkersara
Awesome! Highly Recomend!
Northern Spain: Cantabrian & Asturian Coasts
Amazing Service, excellent accommodations, I would highly recommend this tour company for any tour they have. From pick up to the route to the drop off at the airport, it was amazing. Best tour ever. Traveled with several experienced people who had used multiple bike tours and they all said this was the best.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/1 - 9/6
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
- ★★★★★ Randa
Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce
Great cycling route. Some hills, but not as bad as I had figured. Disappointed that they did not have the meet and great on the day, as stated. It was on our day 2...when we had 70k to go. Otherwise the arrows showed that we had taken the right turn, and with them and the odometers it made for smooth sailing......never got lost!!! First time ever, in 6 tours that we have never been lost!! Great scenery, great accommodations. Some breakfast needed more protein on their tables to get us going until lunch time! All in all, we would recommend this trip!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug. 24-31, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Bob and Barb
Wonderful Trip
Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz
Everything about the trip was perfect especially the accommodations and bike supplier who was very helpful. The only problem was the trip itinerary schedule did not match the actual hotel destinations which caused considerable confusion for the first day. Once that was realized the trip was perfect..
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 29, 2019-Sept 3, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Creaky
Glorious views
Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps
A good tour through some great countryside with one rather dull stretch. Excellent organisation and accommodation; some bad weather the only downside.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 28/8/19-3/9/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 13
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ Nada
Austria alps
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 30-sept 5 2019
- 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, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ John427
Great adventure
Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps
We had 7 perfect days of weather and beautiful scenery at every turn. We got a real taste of Austria by traveling its backroads and bike lanes. The hotels were excellent and breakfasts were substantial and delicious. One of our best vacations ever, looking forward to another trip in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug. 25 to Sept 1
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ tsn3808
Provence Bike Tour with the Chain Gang
Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
We just completed the Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park guided bike tour. This tour provided outstanding scenery and an opportunity to visit several wineries and do some wine tasting. The food was outstanding and the selected hotels met our expectations. The hotel hosts were very friendly. We had 2 guides due to the large number of cyclists. The Chain Gang guides were very friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable with the route areas. There was great camaraderie among the cyclists and the guides. We enjoyed this tour tremendously and recommend this tour for other cyclists.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8-31 thru 9-6, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
- ★★★★★ BarbaraT
Wonderful biking in Austria!
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
We loved our ride from Insbruck to Salzburg. The scenery was amazing, and the quality of the routes was excellent. All of the hotels were very nice. We left something on a bus at one point, and it was mailed to our final hotel, for which we are most grateful. The paper maps aren't really that great, and I would recommend loading maps onto a Garmin for ease of use and better accuracy. We had van support for luggage and didn't opt to have a guide, which I really enjoyed. I would take another tour with this company in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/30-9/5
- How many tours have you completed?
- lots but not with this company
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ Hutch
Not what was expected.
Aare Cycle Route: Along the Jura, Aare, and Rhine Rivers
This was our 9th bike trip in Europe, previous ratings and reviews of trips had been pretty acurate. But this trip was not what we expected. We might have a different view if we were in our 20s or 30s so any review submitted should be evaluated with that in mind. The trip was very intensive even with ebikes (our first use of ebikes) and only serious cyclists should forego those. There were many large hills and rough surfaces (30-40% gravel). Sporadic beautiful scenery, but not even close to what we have experienced before. Hotels were all clean and about half were really nice, but several were positioned away from main points of interest and the bike route and since the stopover sites were larger cities they were hard to find (maps to hotels were not detailed, thankfully we had google maps). On the positive side, the bike route is signed very well and we had no trouble finding our way between cities. Finding good stops along the route for lunch/coffee/etc was not as easy as we had experienced on previous trips. In short, we would not classify this route as recreational or recommend it as a family trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 11
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- Switzerland
BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe
Hi Hutch, and thanks for the review. We appreciate your feedback that this tour was tougher and the scenery was different than what you had expected. We hope these details may help inform future clients to make the best decision possible. It seems this tour has intermittently beautiful scenery; we certainly do get spoiled on many tours where it's constantly scenic. We're glad you enjoyed the well-signed bike route and were able to navigate with the assistance of google maps. We're hoping the next one suits you better. Thanks again!
- ★★★★★ Joannie
This is our third bike trip, and by far the most scenic.
Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 25 to Sept 2 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
- ★★★★★ Simona
Amazing bike holiday
Lake Constance Bicycle Path
Our bike holiday this summer was a perfect way to discover and enjoy the wonderful landscapes and sights of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, riding along Lake Constance in five days, between August 21 and August 25. The weather was excellent: no rain and not very hot, just perfect.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 21-August 25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
