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    Client Favorites Bike Tour Reviews  page 45

    • (5/5) Natalie123 December 9, 2015

      Outstanding itinerary and tour company

      Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

      I went on this tour as a staff member at BikeTours.com. I did this itinerary, but not on the Fluvius (the boat described on this page). I was on the Magnifique, which can also be booked on this site. Here are the parts of my review that you can find on the Magnifique's tour page that apply to this same program on the Fluvius...

      Biking is such a part of Dutch culture, so we got to explore the country like the locals live it while benefiting from great infrastructure (dedicated bike paths, good signage, friendly drivers). The landscapes were charming: gardens around every cottage, wide green fields divided by canals, windmills. The Belgian countryside was also beautiful and you're often following river paths, but the Netherlands' villages stole my heart.

      The cycling is leisurely: flat, distances not too long, plenty of breaks for snacks and stretching. The guide was great, but my friend and I decided to go off on our own a couple of days, armed with the route numbers that the group would be following so we could catch up to them if needed and find our way back to the boat. We got a bit lost one day on our own, but that became its own adventure and we didn't mind at all.

      The thing I like the least about touring is having to pack and unpack every day, so it was a small luxury to be able to unpack on day 1 and not think about bags again since we were in the same cabin all week.

      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      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?
      Belgium, Holland
      Video: A typical scene along the route - cows and sheep aplenty, quiet and well maintained bike path, and of course windmills!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nczbAMMMCM4 (404)

      Amsterdam to Bruges
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • Photo 1 (submitted by Natalie123)
      • Holland may be famous for its tulips, but early fall is also in full bloom with hydrangeas everywhere and beauties like these in a castle garden. (submitted by Natalie123)
      • Rest stop among a field of scarlet begonias (submitted by Natalie123)
      • Enjoying a juicy pear from a friendly farmer's orchard that lines the bike path. (submitted by Natalie123)
      • Best friends on tour! This was a fabulous girls' trip - active but relaxing, and with most nights docked in cities with as much nightlife as you want to get into. (submitted by Natalie123)
      • The canals and swans of Bruges on an early-morning ride before the tourist buses arrived! (submitted by Natalie123)
    • (5/5) Natalie123 December 7, 2015

      Leisurely luxury through classic Europe

      Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

      I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member. I was excited to check out this ever-popular bike and boat tour because our clients usually give it rave reviews. Now I know why!

      Biking is such a part of Dutch culture, so we got to explore the country like the locals live it while benefiting from great infrastructure (dedicated bike paths, good signage, friendly drivers). The landscapes were charming: gardens around every cottage, wide green fields divided by canals, windmills. The Belgian countryside was also beautiful and you're often following river paths, but the Netherlands' villages stole my heart.

      The cycling is leisurely: flat, distances not too long, plenty of breaks for snacks and stretching. The guide was great, but my friend and I decided to go off on our own a couple of days, armed with the route numbers that the group would be following so we could catch up to them if needed and find our way back to the boat. We got a bit lost one day on our own, but that became its own adventure and we didn't mind at all.

      The Magnifique is cozy. The cabins are small (as expected) but comfortable, the dining room and bar are nice communal spaces for relaxing with new friends, and the hot tub on deck is the very best place to watch the passing scenery! The food is excellent, and the guide took us on a walking tour each night after dinner to learn about whichever city we were docked in overnight.

      The thing I like the least about touring is having to pack and unpack every day, so it was a small luxury to be able to unpack on day 1 and not think about bags again since we were in the same cabin all week.

      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      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?
      Belgium, Holland
      Video: Pedaling along a canal-side bike path in Bruges

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WgZNJQ3t40 (404)

      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
      • Photo 1 (submitted by Natalie123)
      • The Netherlands look shockingly just like what you imagine - lush greens, canals, windmills. Accompanied on this trip by my best friend and traveling companion, Kelly. (submitted by Natalie123)
      • A short test ride on day 1 aboard the boat to get comfortable with our bikes. Check out that beautiful castle! (submitted by Natalie123)
      • A view from the dining area through the bar and sitting area. Our fellow travelers are relaxing between ride time and dinner. (submitted by Natalie123)
      • A quiet morning of cycling in Bruges before the tour buses arrived and the streets became crowded. Highly recommend early a.m. or late night jaunts! (submitted by Natalie123)
      • The bike paths make it pretty clear which way cyclists should go! (submitted by Natalie123)
    • (4/5) John Parsons December 7, 2015

      Really great trip.

      Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option

      To start off with the Sound of Music Tours and then fairly leisurely riverside roads and fantastic food and culture - we just loved it. One of the towns was not as good as the rest but for the most part just great

      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      Countries included in this tour?
      Austria
      Salzburg to Vienna
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
    • (3/5) Chloek1234 December 3, 2015

      Interesting tour for the well-traveled individual

      Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

      I went on this tour as a BikeTours.com staff member. I think that this tour has some wonderful highlights - Prague, Cesky Krumlov, but also is a bit monotonous. I enjoy riding in more varied scenery that this tour offered. However, the bike path network within the country is extensive (and I was impressed). The accommodations and food were basic to nice. The Czech people were very kind and down-to-earth. Our guide, Jitka, was always helpful and informative. This tour is consistently hilly and is a true level 3 in that sense. I would recommend this tour to a intermediate level cyclist, who is well traveled and wants to experience the less traveled side of Europe.

      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      Countries included in this tour?
      Austria, Czech Republic
      Prague to Vienna
      • 4/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 3/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
      • Photo 1 (submitted by Chloek1234)
      • Poppies! These guys were in bloom everywhere. (submitted by Chloek1234)
      • Signs for the Czech Republic's extensive bike path network (submitted by Chloek1234)
      • Cycle path-side adult beverages (submitted by Chloek1234)
      • Our group visiting the only remaining portion of the Iron Curtain in Czechia (submitted by Chloek1234)
    • (4/5) 1961flyer November 11, 2015

      Great ride through Austria.

      Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails

      We had a wonderful time on this ride. The hotels mostly had nice saunas to relax and enjoy. The markings on the trail were very good and it was easy to navigate. We enjoyed the day in Zell am See to recharge and see the sights, (we also got a nice massage in Zell am See). We would recommend an extra day in both Innsbruck and Salzburg as both cities have numerous things to see.

      In preparation for the trip we reviewed Rick Steves books on Bavaria/Austria which offered insights and hints to our vacation.

      The riding was easily done each day and was very comfortable with numerous options to stop and eat and drink along the way. The country side was delightful as we rode.

      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      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?
      Austria
      Innsbruck to Salzburg
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • Good ride (submitted by 1961flyer)
      • Photo 2 (submitted by 1961flyer)
      • Beautiful scenery along the way. (submitted by 1961flyer)
    • (3/5) Canada November 4, 2015

      A bit of a disappointment

      Lake Constance Bicycle Path

      We booked the high end tour and in general were very pleased. Most of the hotels were lovely and located conveniently to the bike path. One exception was the Marina hotel we were sent to. We passed by beautiful villages but instead of staying in these lovely locations, we were sent to a marina where there no amenities nearby. We explored through the nearby campsite and located a restaurant much more reasonably priced than the marina hotel restaurant. When we had asked at the hotel about nearby restaurants, the hotel said there were no others nearby. It was also very noisy as they were working on the boats. Also we were disappointed with how little you actually got to bike along the lake. Being as this is a huge vacation area most of the lakefront had homes on them. So we were sharing the road much more than expected with often little or no views of the lake.
      The bike tour company was great and the bikes were of a good quality (though with the bumpy terrain shocks would have been appreciated).

      A lovely touch was the beautiful room at the Hotel Halm in Constance where there was a bottle of wine waiting and a lovely corner room.

      How many tours have you completed?
      Three
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      Countries included in this tour?
      Austria, Germany, Switzerland
      • BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash November 5, 2015

        Hi Kim! Thanks for your review, and we're glad to hear you were very pleased over all. We certainly appreciate your repeat business. We're sorry to hear about your disappointment with the route and the overnight locations, and we've passed along your feedback to the tour operator. This is one of our most popular tours so hotel availability can dictate those overnight locations. We're glad to hear about the bottle of wine, though. That can certainly help the experience!

      Lake Constance Bike Path
      • 3/5 Value
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 3/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • (5/5) Sandy November 4, 2015

      Great ride with friends of different levels

      Lake Constance Bicycle Path

      The ride around Lake Constance, (the Boden See) was wonderful fun. There were 13 of us and we varied from level2 to level 4 riders. All enjoyed the ride! The quaint towns along the way were fun to stop and visit and the Lake was beautiful! We saw the Alps one sunny day which was a highlight for us.

      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      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?
      Austria, Germany, Switzerland
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • (5/5) MeliBoiles October 19, 2015

      This tour was absolutely as dreamy as described!

      Wine & Bike in Hungary’s Balaton Uplands

      Our family of four (age 68, 55, 26 and 24) from Nacogdoches, Texas took this tour and will remember it dreamily for the rest of our lives. It was our "last hurrah" before 20-something kids got married and started having kids. Our personable tour directors picked us up in Budapest and took us off to our starting point in Veszprem--a gorgeous medieval town with colorful skyline. Every day we had a manageable ride--even for 68 year old dad--giving us wonderful lunch stop suggestions, and winery options. Take the guides' suggestions--they are awesome places! We were definitely off the beaten path, with villages along cobblestone Roman roads and dedicated bike paths most of the way. Hotels were small but elegant and the breakfasts and dinners very nice with quality local wines included. We were given bikes in good condition and a well-programmed GPS that allowed our son to guide us along the way through the quiet countryside, many times with lake views of Balaton. The trip put this beautiful country on the map for us, along with empathy for its history and people and all the trials they have survived. We chose this tour because it was one of the more affordable ones, but it left us with a lifetime of rich experience.

      How many tours have you completed?
      This is our only one
      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?
      Hungary
      Wine & Bike Hungary’s Balaton Uplands
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
      • Veszprem (submitted by MeliBoiles)
      • Wheee! Down the hill from Veszprem to Balanfured. With an unlocked phone, buy a local sim card and track your ride! (submitted by MeliBoiles)
      • This hotel, the Anna Grand, even has a bowling alley! (submitted by MeliBoiles)
      • It doesn't get better than this! (submitted by MeliBoiles)
      • Szigliget Castle (submitted by MeliBoiles)
      • Balatonalmadi after lunch and sunning lake-side (submitted by MeliBoiles)
    • (5/5) MarcieB October 4, 2015

      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
      Lake Constance Bike Path
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • Cycling along the Rhein delta . . . a nature reserve rich in birdlife and agricultural lands. (submitted by MarcieB)
      • The Mainau Insel (7 k from Konstanz) was incredibly beautiful. We arrived at 10:00 (opening time) and enjoyed the place to ourselves for about an hour. (submitted by MarcieB)
      • The magnificent Rheinfall (Schaffhausen) is a must see. A small boat takes passengers to the island where you see the arch! (submitted by MarcieB)
      • Stein am Rhein features painted facades, the Lindwurm Museum and a lovely ambiance. (submitted by MarcieB)
      • Konstanz (3 different overnights at the same hotel) became our home base. Holly's is highly recommended for good food, decent prices and casual ambiance. (submitted by MarcieB)

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