Bike & Hotel Tour Reviews page 120
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- ★★★★★ raystrach
Interesting Culture Great Scenery
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
We decided to do two week long bike tours in succession with this trip coming immediately after the previous tour finish in Lecce.
We caught an overnight train from Lecce to Bolzano which worked out quite well initially. The only problem was that our last couple of days were were getting a bit sick of moving in and out every day. We probably should have given ourselves a little more time in between trips.
The tour itself was fantastic, with the main surprise being the cultural differences between the south and north. The germanic influences were much stronger that i had expected. Also, being in the foothills of the dolomites, obviously means different architecture and traditions. This was all good.
The cycling itself was generally very easy and for the first few days followed a dedicated cycle way. There is plenty of time to take detours into the villages off the main track and still arrive at the next destination in plenty of time.
Although the tour was very well organised, the tour directions were quite poor in comparison to other tours we had taken, however because the trail itself is quite well marked, it is probably better to follow your nose and the o site directions rather than using the detailed guide book. (there have obviously been recent changes to the tour route itself)
if your are wanting a taste of the high italian mountains without having to climb any, this would be an ideal trip. there is a lot of spectacular scenery along the valley road and across lake garda before changing to a more typical italian countryside for the final couple of days towards venice.
just a note on the approach into vincenza, my wife decided that she did not want to take the hillier route (there is a choice) but then when she discovered we were staying at the hotel at the top of a big hill, she regretted it. Take the hillier route into vincenza.
for us, the apuglia tour was probably slightly better tour, but we have absolutely no regrets in doing this one as well.
- What was the date of your tour?
- late april 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- 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?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ raystrach
A Great Experience of the Real Italy
Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce
We really enjoyed this trip taken before the start of the high season (mid april).
It really is a great part of Italy with relatively few tourists and quiet roads. Apart from one day when we we battled quite a strong headwind, the touring was really great with many beautiful and/or interesting places to keep us occupied every day.We found plenty of great places to have lunch and dinner along the way and from time to time enjoyed the company of fellow travellers using the same tour company.
A highlight of our visit to Italy.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Sheba
Great trip
Lake Garda (Based in One Hotel)
We had an amazing time on our Lake Garda trip. We were two people who have never done something like this before, but once we got the hang of things it was a dream. The first day (Trento) was tough because we got caught up with the spectacular scenery and forgot to take breaks and refuel. But the following days we got better at stopping at certain intervals to drink and eat.
We also did not understand at first from our contact person what the signs look like. They are stickers on signposts, and looking out for those helped at more complex intersections. We did not use the written directions at all - we just brought with us two bike mounts, put our phones there, and followed along on the app. You just follow the pink line on the map, and most of the time the bike path is very clear and straightforward anyways.
A final tip: we skipped Solferino and went to Sirmione for a day (we were based in Desenzano). Sirmione is a must-see for sure, so we were glad we did that. It is a very short ride (around 8-9 km).- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- 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?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ 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
- ★★★★★ MarcieB
Wonderful way to visit the shores of the Bodensee . . .
Lake Constance Bicycle Path
We like to book tours in September, but weather can be a concern. We selected the 11-day Bodensee tour and only experienced two days of wet weather! The paths were well marked, the hotels comfortable and well-situated, the daily program manageable, the museum pass wonderful, and the meals and Apfelstrüdel delicious. As two 70+ cyclers, this trip was by far the easiest we have done!
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our 6th self-guided tour
- 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
- ★★★★★ Marcie Bushnelll
So many amazing places, so little time . . .
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
Equipped with e-bikes, two panniers, one handlebar bag, a bike lock and a repair kit, we were ready to leave Toblach and head east. We had previously biked from Toblach to Lienz, so decided to take the train from San Candido to Lienz to save some mileage. The train in San Candido had steep narrow steps which we had to muscle the heavy e-bikes over, but in Lienz, the entry/departure is flat with the quais. From there is was a very pleasant ride to Oberdrauburg. Dinner at the Hotel Post was good (we were no longer on the dinner included plan) and bike storage was always in a covered area with outlets to charge the e-bikes (we carried the chargers in our panniers). The next morning we took a local bus (at the Oberdrauburg train/bus station) to the summit of the Gailberg Pass. From the bus window, I was glad we avoided the 7 km (4.2 miles) steep hairpin turn highway as it snaked it way to the summit. Arrived at Feistritz an der Gail at another Post Hotel where we enjoyed dinner and a good rest.
The next day we entered Slovenia and were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the bike paths, signage and bike refreshment places along the path. Again we opted to take the train from Jesenice to Bled to avoid some steep ascents, BUT the Slovenian regional trains are a sight to behold. Heavily graffitied and "vintage," we were thankful a young German exchange student helped us muscle the two e-bikes into an empty compartment at the back of the three wagon train. We purchased tickets for the ebikes on board (believe me when I say the trains may be old, but the ticket collectors are there for every single kilometer to collect bike fees, etc). Easier to get the bikes off than on, so when we arrived at Bled Jezero, we were relieved.
Cannot say enough good things about the Hotel Park and Bled. We opted for TWO nights and I would highly recommend consideration of same. Bled is just too beautiful to spend one short night. We reserved a wine tasting at a local restaurant (a ten minute walk from Hotel Park) and had reserved spots for the Vintgar Gorge the next morning. Easy to take the bikes to the entrance of Vintgar Gorge (again free parking). The 1 ½ hour hike in the Gorge is breath taking, but the 2 hour steep hike out (we didn't take a shuttle this time), was challenging.
Plans change and the train transfer turned into local partner taking the bikes/panniers/handlebar bag on a bike trailer and giving us tickets to a regional bus with instructions to get off at another train station 1+ hours away. Fortunately the train conductor was on the bus and assured us which station it was (everybody got off). Another couple got off two stops before us and a local rep made sure we gave him our luggage at that point. We got off at Kanal ob Soci for our ride into Gradisca d'Isonzo. We were high above the canal and it's a very industrialized zone. Perhaps the least scenic of all the days so far. At one point there was a ! sign with steps!! What? Yes, just around the corner was a series of steps and ramps to ascend a steep part of the trail. Figured out walk assist and managed to get the bikes up and over. That was a surprise.
There was some kind of HUGE market/celebration in progress with street blockages, tents, supply vans, etc. choking the streets of Gorizia. We counted ourselves lucky to have found our way out of this rather large metro area. Spent the night at Hotel Franz in Gradisca d'Isonzo and enjoyed a lovely meal at the hotel (seemed to be a local favorite).
Last day from Gradisca d'Isonzo was along the Coast highway. Had read reviews about traffic and such, but the bike lane was wide and the drivers respectful of cyclists. As we neared Trieste, more cars would be parked in the bike lanes, but we managed without incident. Upon arrival at the Trieste Centrale train station, we returned our bikes to a nearby partner location, emptied our panniers/handlebar bag into our backpacks and walked to our hotel near Trieste's pedestrian zone. Such a lively place come 7 p.m. Dined in a terrace cafe, had gelato, did some shopping and called it a successful tour. Thank you, Biketours.com for a great experience. SHOW MORE
- ★★★★★ Marcie B.
Dazzling Dolomites and so much more!
Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
An excellent introduction to the Sud Tirol region via out-and-back bicycle day tours. Returning to our beautiful nest at the Hotel Laurin every evening was exceptional and we enjoyed a feast for the senses every single dinner. We had a reserved table for our entire stay (breakfast buffet and gourmet multiple course dinners) and the reception and wait staff were friendly, efficient and very customer service oriented. We selected e-bikes and are glad we did (we are 80 and 79 years of age and love E-bikes)! The itinerary had slightly changed from the original program, but it was easy to adjust our expectations based on shuttle availability. The routes were well marked and the app's instructions were clear. We knew there wouldn't be a handlebar phone mount, so brought one. Also we upgraded our T-Mobile coverage for 5G coverage for the month we were abroad.
We also appreciated the brand new pair of panniers and the handlebar bag (one per room).
The only day we encountered an unpaved route was the Cortina d'Ampezzo former rail to trail route. The drop off shuttle pointed in the general direction of the bicycle path, but it took the SIX of us to figure out it wasn't immediately visible. We had to pedal past the bobsled shed/track and push the bikes up a relatively steep embankment to access the then well-marked and mostly packed gravel trail into Cortina.
Fall weather can be fickle, but we biked every day in a different direction without issue. Raingear was indispensable on two of the five cycling days.
The ride to Lago di Braies can involve some traffic the closer one gets, but cyclists don't have to pay for parking and it's well worth the long climb.
All in all, we would rate this tour company, the hotel facilities and the quality of the instructions to all the bike destinations highly.- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10+
- 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?
- Italy
- ★★★★★ Grani Rae
Family celebration of my 80th year
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
An excellent trip--great hotel locations, marvelous breakfasts, great views from hotel terraces. An electric assisted bicycle allowed me (age 79) to enjoy bicycling with my two sons, their wives and four grandchildren (ages 12, 14, 14 and 17). The maps and directions provided for the self-guided tour took us on safe bike paths through forests, wheat fields, through small towns, past castles and churches, and of course, along the Danube River.
- ★★★★★ BobD
Scout trip
Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
10 members of our Scout troop did this as our 'High Adventure' for the summer. We flew into (and out of) Munich and spent one day there to get over jetlag and then headed to Krimml. Upon arrival we checked in at the hotel and headed up to tour the waterfalls. A surprise benefit was a pass provided by the hotel to cover our entry costs. The bikes, locks, bike bags and maps were already there waiting for us.
We only had one flat time and some gear issues but we were able to take the bikes to a shop in Zell am See where they were checked and corrected.
Two of the hotels were on pedestrian zones, so plenty of cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants within a few minutes walk.
The first three days, up to Salzburg, had the Alps as the back drop to a number of great pictures and the smaller alpine villages. The next three days were along the River Inn and more farm land, but the towns were a bit bigger with more things to see.
The trail is very well marked and with the printed cue sheets and maps, when we got off the trail and into a town, it was easy to get back on track.
All the hotels were excellent with friendly and helpful staff.
There is some road riding but it was nice to note that the drivers would wait behind the bikes until safe to pass and then put as much space between the car and bikes as possible.
There were a few steep hills but since we were in no hurry, we pushed the bikes up the hill and enjoyed the walk.
The trail towards the end was more dirt path or older, cracked cement, so the ride was a bit bumpy.
An excellent trip with many photos and memories.
- ★★★★★ Rik D
Everyone should visit Portugal!
Portugal's Coastal Splendor from Porto to Lisbon
Our group of ten had a fantastic time! The scenery was amazing and both Porto and Lisbon are great cities to visit. All the hotels were fantastic. We only had one hiccup on the navigation. Nothing major and we figured it out. We enjoy self-guided trips so we can travel at our pace and explore. We can't wait to take another trip to Portugal.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ Sydneysider
Everthing we were hoping for!
Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
The tour was well organised; well maintained bikes and detailed route information were provided when we arrived at the hotel, supplied with a handlebar and rear-wheel pannier. Tip: we did not know about the handlebar pannier beforehand which has a clear, waterproof cover that fits your provided map and directions. The bikes also have a trip computer so you can match the km's to the directions. The hotels were quality selections, many with character and we enjoyed our time in them. The movement of the bags was efficient and they pretty much always made their way to the new hotel before us, or as we arrived. We loved the route, mainly village roads, tracks through woods, farm roads, bike paths etc. with only occasional sections on bigger roads when needed. The first half of the trip is more spectacular than the second the second half points of interest are more subtle. One regret; we did not bring a European bird book as there was plenty of birds and wildlife on the trip to watch out for.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 11 June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is the first!
- 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, Germany
- ★★★★★ Rebecca Heersink
Great family vacation
Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
We completed this tour with our 2 year old in the infant trailer. The route provided great stops for everyone in the family including great playgrounds for the little one and wine/beer for mom and dad. We enjoyed visiting castles, small medival towns and cable cars rides. The bike riding was manageable but pulling the bike trailer in the heat wave did prove hard some days, maybe an ebike would have helped in retrospect. Hotels were nice and all provided an infant bed. Can't wait to do another cycling tour!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- First one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Rebekah Ross
Beautiful scenery mostly on bike paths
Sweden’s West Coast: Helsingborg to Gothenburg
We have done many bike trips and this one was tops. The route is nearly all on dedicated bike paths, and when not it was on safe roads with little traffic. The maps and GPS and trail markings were easy to follow. Nice variety of country and ocean landscapes. Bikes and hotels (all with sumptuous breakfasts) were good.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Sweden
- ★★★★★ griffin vulture
Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- 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?
- France
- ★★★★★ Christopher
First Rate Bicycle Tour
Castles and Wines of Portugal
The tour company provided excellent service on our guided, group tour in early November. My wife and I were the only two people on the tour, but the tour went ahead with a van and at least two guides every day. Our tour was at the end of the dry season and the landscape was parched. We encountered some rain but most of the time the weather was excellent for cycling. The tour company was very good at accommodating customers bringing their own bike. The company's ebikes also were very good bikes for the terrain. I highly recommend this tour.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ Regan Wilder
A wonderful adventure!
Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Bike Tours was incredibly helpful and their support staff was amazing. We had a few rough days, but they swooped in and assisted us. The local knowledge and recommendations on the tour guide were perfect choices for us. I can't recommend this tour enough for adventure seekers. Even with rain and wind it was still a great adventure! I do recommend getting hybrid bikes if you want to sight see vs a work out for this ride. The hybrid routes were fun and challenging. You see a side of the country few others will. It was difficult to not spend the whole day stopping at all the landmarks and each cafe you pass. Hotels and food everywhere were the best.
- What was the date of your tour?
- November 2nd
- How many tours have you completed?
- My first one and likely hard to beat! I would recommend hybrid bikes for anyone who does not regularly cycle longer distances.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
- ★★★★★ RegW
Fabulous family trip.
Medieval Villages of Catalonia
We had a group age 9 - 60 that thoroughly enjoyed this trip. You have two separate hotels where you stay for two nights each which made for a relaxing vacation. We had no problems with bikes, luggage or accommodations. The local tour company was very professional and the maps and GPS quite thorough. Make sure you know when lunch is in the area as we missed the mark once or twice and arrived for an American lunch hour to find it was siesta time. Also, you might want to verify sea views. The local tour company tries to ensure them but we arrived on a very busy week and it was a problem for our three in one room. The suggestions from Lucy (the local tour operator) were very good and she checked on us a couple of times during the trip because there was a heat wave happening that week. The sights, food and people of Spain were marvelous and I would highly recommend this trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- 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?
- Spain
- ★★★★★ Nancy Reid
Surrounded by beauty: Innsbruck to SalzburgA
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
Our self-guided ride was a beautiful ride along the rivers on well marked bike paths and trails. The scenery was amazing and the hotels were very comfortable. It was a wonderful way to experience the Austrian countryside, towns and people. I enjoyed the ride so much, I'd like to do it again!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- 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
- ★★★★★ Renee
Amazing cycling in Romania
Medieval Transylvania Heritage
I cycled the Medieval Transylvania route solo with the support of local tour operator. I booked at very short notice but everything was perfectly organised. Great welcome, comprehensive travel notes and verbal information and a great Canondale bike (well serviced, all spares available and cycle panniers supplied). The daily routes (with accurate GPX files) were interesting and with diverse scenery. The routes were mainly on small quiet roads with only a few stretches of busier roads. Trip notes highlighted good places to stop for cultural visits, lunch and dinner. Oana helped book ahead at 2 places for lunch, which was greatly appreciated. The accommodation was fantastic (never been on a cycle holiday with such amazing accommodation before) - in castles and guesthouses. The proprietors were all kind, helpful and keen to explain the local history. Baggage transfer was efficient and easy. I've done many cycle holidays (in groups and solo) but this is one of the best! Definitely plan to go back to Romania for further cycle adventures. Thank you so much - especially to Oana who was amazing.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Romania
- ★★★★★ alicia
A great bike ride
Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails
My husband and I took this ride in late June 2017 as we were in the region for a wedding. It was an absolutely fantastic way to see a beautiful part of the world. The towns were charming, the scenery beautiful, and the people friendly. This trip is definitely not well-suited for anyone who is looking for a heavy dose of nightlife as the towns along the route are all fairly small. Think villages and ski towns.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- 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?
- Austria
