Bike & Hotel Tour Reviews page 80
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★★★★★ Laura Snyder
A great, beautiful challenge
Danube Cycle Path Passau – Budapest
This was a great challenge. The Danube Bike Trail is magnificent - it's something that everyone who enjoys biking should do at least once in thier lives. And parts of it they should do more than once. This tour was perfect for obtaining an understanding of the trail. When I do it again, I'll bike fewer kilometers per day in order to have more time and energy to visit the beautiful and fascinating places along the way.
The support provided by the local company was good. Suitcase delivery was dependable. When, two days into my trip, I realized that it would be better to have an e-bike, they delivered one to me that very day. (Unless you are in very good shape and know exactly what you are doing, I highly recommend you go for an e-bike).
I preferred the trail from Passau to Bratislava. After Bratislava the trail changes - it is not as well sign-posted (it's especially poor in Hungary), and the surfaces at times are challenging (several gravel roads, unpaved paths, and at one point you follow a dirt path in between train tacks and an agricultural field without a single sign post to be found). Also after Bratislava siginificant portions of the path are so far from the river you cannot see it, which makes the lack of sign posting a bigger problem. Arriving in Budapest was a shock to my system - after two weeks of peaceful countryside, I wasn't ready for the hustle, bustle and noise of the city.I don't recommend getting the meals package. I did and regretted it. While some of the restaurants offered excellent meals as well as excellent service, most did not. Most of the restaurants offered me highly limited choices of mostly bland, uninteresting food and resentful service, I guess because I was paying less than the customers ordering a la carte? Whatever their reasons were, they definitely made me feel like a second-class customer. I would have been happy to pay more for more interesting food and kinder service.
My biggest critique is that it was impossible to reach anyone at Biketours.com by phone. Covid or not, I strongly fault them for this - it's not right to sell complex and costly tours like this without being willing to speak with your customers. It would have been extremely helpful for me to be able to speak with someone knowledgeable at least once while planning my trip to be sure I was making the right choices for me.
I did this tour as a woman in my mid-50s, traveling alone. I never felt unsafe. If I can do this tour, anyone who can ride a bike can do it. But I do recommend an e-bike.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April-May 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
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★★★★★ Laura Peck
One of the best vacations I have ever taken
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
We did the self-guided, and loved it, the maps were fantastic, only got a little lost a few times, someone has done a lot of work on getting the logistics of this week nailed down very well, including luggage being moved. Great way to see parts of Italy no one else sees. Some of the hotels were AMAZING, a couple were a little run-down and needed to be crossed off the list, got locked out of one and ended up having to get another hotel (at our own expense, and without all of our luggage as it was in the original) that night because the front desk clerk went home at 10 pm (this was also one of the run-down places). Breakfasts were perfect at all locations. Route was gorgeous, Italy is absolutely beautiful. Overall, this was great and we are already talking about our next one.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 20 - 27, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Lauren Hickman
Incredible trip!
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
This route exceeded our expectations! Each day had so much to see and experience. We so much enjoyed these smaller Italian cities with amazing vibes and hardly any crowds. And the ability to ride up and down the streets and take it in on a bike was a real gift. We were able to see so much more than on foot and go to places we never would’ve seen on a train or taxi. We loved this tour so much! So much architecture, so much history! I especially loved the transition from mountains to Mediterranean. The bikes we got on this trip had less comfortable seats than our last bike tour. Wish we brought our padded shorts! Also, highly recommend the e-bikes. Made the trip so enjoyable. Might have had some difficulty on regular bike. Do-able but quite tiring for a casual cyclist.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Laurie S.
Terrific easy ride downriver
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
We really enjoyed the self-guided ride. We were glad to have the e-bikes for windy days although even we could’ve done this on regular bikes. The hotels were great, luggage on time every day, great breakfast buffets. Bikes were in great condition and hotels had an easy setup to allow for charging in a secured area so we never had to move batteries around to charge them.
I got the gpx files from the local provider and uploaded them to Komoot, which worked great. The provider’s app had more local info but we were used to the Komoot interface so preferred it. Definitely pay attention to where you will be on Sundays/holidays as grocery stores are closed and the hotel restaurant might be closed some days too.
We will for sure be back for another tour. This just whet our appetites for the more intimate interaction with your surroundings that cycling provides.
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★★★★★ Ulla Dueck
Great adventure!
Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
This was our first visit to Spain and what a fabulous way to see part of the country. Our guide (Daniel) was the best. The terrain varied many times along the route, but was always manageable. The hotels were great and the food was delicious. Loved the abundance of seafood.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- 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?
- Spain
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★★★★★ Layne Perry
Lake trip of your dreams!
Lake Constance Bicycle Path
A wonderful and unique way to experience Lake Constance, with wonderful food, beautiful water, and relatively flat bike path! A place to stop and eat lunch or take a swim practically anywhere! Opportunities to stand up paddle board or play volleyball!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- First!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ LuAnn
Beautiful countryside & amazing castles and wineries
Castles and Wines of Portugal
We had a great time cycling through The Alentejo region where wildflowers, castles, olive and cork tree groves, and fields of grapes were abundant. The bikes were in great shape, detailed directions and tour guides helpful!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 14-21,2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ ShopTherapy
Stunning Views
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
This was our first biking trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. No problems with the ebikes although we were concerned that tools and a flat repair kit were not included. Appreciated the pannier to carry our stuff. App worked well at guiding us, just a few wrong turns. The packet with maps and history of sites was great. The Hotel Hubertushof was charming. It was about a mile from the center of town. Staff was friendly and efficient, and the multi-course dinners were a nice ending to each day. Highly recommend this trip.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Liliane
great family experience
Royal Zealand and Copenhagen
We had a great family time. Following the tour was easy - one followed the map, the other the instructions - it was worth following the proposed route and not google maps.
On the 65km day, we arrived late at our destination and one of the highlights was already closed. Including a bit of info of the main cultural attractions would be helpful. Have Pellerines ready in your bile box - the weather changes quickly. Tanja was of great help and very responsive! Thank you!- Countries included in this tour?
- Denmark
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★★★★★ Liliane
great family experience
Royal Zealand and Copenhagen
We had a great family time. Following the tour was easy - one followed the map, the other the instructions - it was worth following the proposed route and not google maps.
On the 65km day, we arrived late at our destination and one of the highlights was already closed. Including a bit of info of the main cultural attractions would be helpful. Have Pellerines ready in your bile box - the weather changes quickly. Tanja was of great help and very responsive! Thank you!- Countries included in this tour?
- Denmark
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★★★★★ Tush
Excellent!
Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)
Overall an excellent tour. One thing which would have improved it would have been a little more precise directions - possibly in the form of a printed addendum - giving the INITIAL directions from each hotel to the start point e.g. bike path for each day's ride. Sometimes this was tricky and the scale of the map wasn't helpful. A classic example was the hike day at Rorschach. Most of us missed the hike trail because it was unclear where it started in relation to the Heiden train station.
Having said all that, I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!- What was the date of your tour?
- 677/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Lee Smith
Beautiful views and wonderful hospitality.
Aegean Discovery: Cycling through Eastern Crete
We enjoyed this trip immensely. The views are fabulous and the food is delicious. The people of Crete are very friendly and accomodating. The trip is not overly challenging but an ebike is a worthy investment. Ride with GPS works well but don't follow it blindly. If it is taking you somewhere that you aren't happy about, don't hesitate to zooout and look for an alternative route. Highly recommended tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- Four
- 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?
- Greece
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★★★★★ Leena Dallasheh
Dedicated guides that will make your trip
Danube River and Black Sea
The best thing about this trip were the guides. They were so nice, and they tried to accommodate all our needs. They listened and adapted when needed. And they did it all with a great demeanor. They really made sure we enjoyed!
The trip had a lot of activities. In addition to cycling 20-70 km a day, with a lot of hills, the guides took us on hikes to show us beautiful sites, and we kayaked down the Danube.
Bulgaria is apparently an unusual choice for cycling. But it clearly has a slowly growing cycling niche. It is challenging, with a lot of hills, and having to off-road at times, so don't be ashamed to opt for an e-bike (I didn't, but there were times I wished I did). But as I struggled, the guides were amazing, they supported, they slowed down to my pace, made sure I always had someone with me, and they pulled when the wind was hard! Absolutely wonderful!
The trip went off the beaten path, but the company chose nice locations, the hotels and B&Bs were always clean, and they checked with us to make sure things were ok.
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★★★★★ j59fj2046r
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Great cycling and and absolute best way to see the Dolomites. The routes are great, with a little bit of climbing and some fun downhill sections each day. I commute to work and found the riding matched my ability, leaving enough time to stop here and there, and explore the city at the end of each stage.
TIP: The routes are mostly intuitive and easy to follow, but there are some challenges and confusing areas. If you ride this tour, skip wrestling with the paper map and use a GPS. I set aside some time before each ride to plot my route using the Komoot cycling app on my phone - I found I made fewer wrong turns and had more confidence to have fun with the ride and take in the scenery.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ 2travelers
Loved every minute
Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
This was our first bike vacation and didn't know what to expect, we loved every minute! We chose Bike Tours Direct because they allowed us to change the itinerary to include 2 extr days in Lorch, the town that shares my husbands family name! After all this was his 60th birthday trip. We had a magically stay in Lorch, met the Mayor who gave us the town flag and put our picture on their FB page! Fun.
We never saw the team that picked up our luggage, but sure enough our bags were always waiting for us at our next stop. The entire bike trip was beatiful, historical and we can't wait to go again.
Thanks Bike Tours Direct, you rock!- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- 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?
- Germany
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★★★★★ lenzylamb
Wonderful!
Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)
We had a wonderful time! We got lost a few times due to lack of understanding the road signs(our fault) but once we got the hang of everything we were good to go! Wouldn’t hesitate booking through BikeTours again!!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2019
- 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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Leslie Wiens
Beautifully planned
Algarve Coastal Route
We had a well planned route, with marked maps, written details, and GPS all to support us. The route ensured minimal interaction with vehicles. The accommodation were wonderful and the bag transport worked flawlessly. I will be booking more tours in the future!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Marie DL
Wonderful experience
Danube River and Black Sea
This tour was a great way to experience NE Bulgaria and a slice of Romania. The guides were awesome and we were well cared for. It was extremely hot and they ensured we had sufficient water and breaks at all times. Deyan shared a wealth of information about the cultural and historical aspects of each area. We appreciated having e-bikes (which were in excellent condition) as it was very hilly at times. That said, the other people in our group were very fit and managed fine with standard bicycles. There was more dirt road riding than expected, however that was necessary in this part of Bulgaria/Romania. Hotels were generally decent and the best available considering the rural locations. Scenery was beautiful and there was a wealth of cultural and historical/archeological sites. The Bulgarian and Romanian people we encountered with very friendly and hospitable. Overall we were very pleased with this tour and enjoyed learning more about this part of Eastern Europe.
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★★★★★ Lucretia Germick
Balkans Coast & Mountains
Cycling the West Balkan Triangle
BEAUTIFUL scenery along coasts & mountains. Some challenging climbs mixed with coastal flats. Comfortable accommodations with character. Lunches were delicious & introduced us to some local foods. Alex & Igor provided excellent leadership & support while keeping us laughing with their antics! Always felt safe so could relax & enjoy the views. Would suggest stocking small, medium & large helmets and adding bells on bikes to alert pedestrians.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 10-17, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4 European tours & 20 US tours
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
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★★★★★ Lgoeller
First Bike Tour
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
My husband really prepared for this trip, and I was glad he did. Biking is the only way to go if you want to experience every second of your adventure. We both like to participate, so we thought touring in a car was not a good option. The things you see, people you meet, and experiences you have are great! Be prepared for rain and thankful when it does not. The directions were good, but the English version was not always correct. If you are worried that you won't be able to make it on a bicycle, rent an e-bike!
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Austria
