Client Favorites Bike Tour Reviews page 4
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★★★★★ Patrick Fenton
Portugal bike trip
Castles and Wines of Portugal
It was a great trip. We loved learning about castles, marble, cork, wine and Portuguese food.
- What was the date of your tour?
- February 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Lisa Sobieniak
Great Trip
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Local guides were excellent, responsive and knowledgable. He went out of his way to make everything work for us.
Only problem was that bike tours .com did not let us know we needed to book winery tours in advance. Local guide did his best to fit us in.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Ajit Venkatraman
Turaventur is a great your company
Castles and Wines of Portugal
From start to finish the tour was excellent . Service was outstanding . Mario and Joanna were perfect hosts and guides . Deena at Evora farms house was great cook . Mario was very knowledgeable and gracious and is a perfect bike tour guide
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Gail Skutezky
Best bike trip ever - so much history! Beautiful weather
Castles and Wines of Portugal
The trip was very interesting, lots of very beautiful scenery, warm weather, we saw places that you cannot get to by car. An incredible marble quarry, beautiful cork oak tree forests and chromalechs you don't see from a car road. The cafes were so quaint and welcoming. The hotels were 15th century convents, and a beautiful farmhouse with animals, one night we stayed in a beautiful palace attached to a castle that you could climb.
The bikes were excellent. We had ebikes and they were very light. The food was excellent. The Portuguese love to please you!- What was the date of your tour?
- September 24
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Kenneth Crossman
Portugal Adventure!!
Castles and Wines of Portugal
We enjoyed our ride! The vistas, the accommodations and all the people we met along the way were great!! Wish it had not rained our last two days, but what can you do. We were able to ride with our luggage the day it was unsafe to ride our bikes, which was very much appreciated. Overall, a wonderful experience.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Christy Porucznik
Excellent way to see a part of rural Portugal
Castles and Wines of Portugal
It happened that my husband and I were the only ones on this self-guided itinerary. We were able to follow the provided maps and GPS tracks with the occasional assistance of Google maps. The lodgings were excellent, likely nicer than we would have selected on our own, and the provided breakfasts ranged from adequate to amazing. I should not have been surprised about the hills, after all, castles were built on hills, but I have never spent so much time in first gear. I was glad not to have my kids along on this trip because the cycling was sometimes difficult, and we had to ride with traffic sometimes. Other times were on eco-trails and quiet country roads, so it wasn't constant traffic stress, but there was some riding with cars each day. There was also frequent riding on cobblestone and bumpy village streets, could be tough on tender joints. The provided bicycles were not fancy, but they got the job done, and once we got into the rhythm of when people eat in Portugal it wasn't hard to plan for coffee breaks and lunch. It happened to be quite hot the week we rode, and the sun is intense without much shade for breaks. Overall the support and logistics were well done, and I would recommend this itinerary for someone in fairly good shape who is interested in wine, neolithic sites, castles, and spending time in rural Portugal. It was a shock taking the bus back to Lisbon at the end.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Robert Alexander
Great trip, great guides.
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Tons of fun (notwithstanding that we got COVID on the trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2022
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ James Allan Krause
Safe, well-marked trails, interesting stopover points, great accommodation and breakfasts, friendly culture
Bolzano – Verona – Venice
This was our fourth bike trip and second in Italy. Once again, it was rewarding. This ride began in Bolzano in a northeast region feeling more like Austria than Italy. With an extra day added at the beginning the Hotel Regina provided us with a gondola and train ride up to the mountain plateau to highland communities bordering the city. The nature and view there were worth the time. Back down in the orderly urban centre, we visited a museum devoted to Otiz, the 5000 year old iceman mummy discovered in the Alps several years ago. The exhibit accompanying this added significantly to our understanding of life in the region in former times and its development since. This all provided a wonderful start to the journey to follow we share with you.
The self guided bike tour itself was reasonable for the most part. We felt it was more aptly described as moderate for those choosing regular bikes, as we did. That being said, the equipment supplied was very good but only a single side pack limited carry along extras. One of the few drawbacks found was some of the legs of the journey were too long. Another irritant was the late checkin and early checkout times of hotels stayed in - still a carry over from the effects of covid. Really, the industry worldwide should revert back to former times in order to return some the value lost to consumers then.
One of the eight days was lost due to extreme rain and wind. Rather than brave hostile conditions, we decided to hop on a train and enjoyed a day touring Verona, a fascinating historical centre. Unfortunately, our suitcases were late in arriving so our time there was marked by having to walk about while still clad in our sports attire. Fortunately, this option was available to us on the day prior to a wildcat day long train strike - one of three such days occurring during the three plus weeks spent in Italy this May. The trains are really a great service but having a plan B in mind is a worthwhile travel strategy.
This bike trip had many unique features. A ferry ride on Lake Garda was one and took place on another day of (at time) heavy showers. The effect of this was the views could not be fully appreciated, but we dried off in a warm cabin after the four hour slog to the dock was completed. On board, the boat ride gave us more insight as to the lifestyle enjoyed and appeal of lakeside living on this massive body of water. Many stops were made on the lake to pick up and drop off passengers at communities on both sides of the lake and there was time for a few card games All in all, the added variety of the four plus hour long trip added to the overall experience.
Bike riding in May means being well prepared for all kinds of weather, from cool, rainy days to serious heat. As said, two days were affected by the former. However, the heat dome that followed began the day our trip ended and took temperatures into the 30s. Prepare well for the possibilities. Good rain gear is highly recommended and this includes waterproof jackets, shoe covers and shoes. All in all, there was enough just space in our bike bag to carry the basic equipment needed. SHOW MORE
Two other mentions would be to ensure navigation devices are capable of maintaining power for up to eight hours. Also, having a device carrier for phones on the handle bars is recommended. Although routes were well marked, having a single page backup map for each day stored in a waterproofed folder ensures no time is wasted staying on course.
The food was another reward. Continental breakfasts were rated good to excellent. A daily dose of Italian gelato found most everywhere added another highlight to each day. Every stopover point was well served with good restaurants and we supplemented meals with trips to supermarkets to add extras, such as fruit, nuts and other snacks. One advantage we found was being from northern lands we were used to eating earlier and restaurants were generally empty until after 7 pm.Italy has so much history and discoveries were made in all stopover points experienced. Venice was spectacular and worthy of the extra day spent there. We were able to take the tram directly from Mestre to Venice for a couple of dollars. The station was right around the corner from the hotel. Honestly, it is really hard to believe the city, with all its massive stone structures, was built on wooden pilings. Overall Italy, we found crowds were smaller in the mornings until around noon. Italians and other locals were generally found to come out en mass in the evenings. Tourist attractions and services can feel crowded then.
Italy is a favorite destination. All along the way, we found Italian people especially helpful and friendly, despite all the tourists. This was also a ‘major' highlight of the journey and experience. We highly recommend this tour to those valuing a warm culture in lands steeped with layers of history still so meaningful to the world at large. A memorable adventure.
SHOW LESS- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ scbythesea
Highly recommended tour of an interesting part of Portugal.
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Our local guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. The cycling was great in this part of Portugal, and we loved the charming towns and pousadas we stayed in.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 14-21 September 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ senorbogus
Rolling through beautiful Alentejo
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Our self-guided tour was a wonderful experience. We were very happy with all of the rich, multi-sensory stimulation we experienced every day on the trip. Lots of variety and interest, especially for us who are very interested in history and local culture. Highlights were getting to visit up close and in a very informal and uncrowded manner the many historic sites - castles, prehistoric graves and boulder installations, village crafts workshops, medieval churches and cathedrals as well as the pleasant agricultural countryside. We particularly liked it that we experienced zero crowds of other tourists. By the way, the castle that you show in your photo was where we had lunch one day. We were the only persons there. It was our hottest and longest day, so we really needed the rest, refreshment and tranquility. Special highlights were the beautiful, historic inns where we stayed - converted palaces and convents several hundreds of years old. It almost made us feel like royalty, and for a modest price, too.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct. 6-13, 2018
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Traveling Jackie
Great Introduction to Bike Touring!
Castles and Wines of Portugal
I'd never done a bike tour before, so this was my first experience, and I LOVED IT! Our guide Jorge was funny and kind, the other people on the trip were lovely and encouraging. At the end of the trip I was trying to figure out what the highlight was, and I realized everything I was coming up with was the actual riding itself. The views were fantastic, I liked the varied roads, ups, downs, back roads, cobblestone villages, paved countryside. I opted for a hybrid touring bike, it was hard work in some places but I was happy with my decision instead of getting an e-bike.
We had a couple days of heavy rain where we couldn't ride at all, but I found it nice to have a little break from the saddle on my first tour ever. On those days we got to see more sites than we would have on bikes, because they took us in a van to explore monuments, wineries, museums, chapels, towns, marble quarries, palaces, castles, and more. We shared a lot of delicious meals together, my favorite being a hole in the wall tiny restaurant that you'd never be able to find on a map, and the owner makes his own wine. These are the types of places you can only find with a guide.
The pace was relaxed, I loved the unique accommodations and the restaurants. Besides the rain, the weather was comfortable and cool for riding. It was April when I went, might be a good idea to go a little later to try to avoid rain. My biggest tip is to bring your appetite and eat ALL the delicious food and wine!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 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
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
Video: A little recap of my first ever multi-day bike tour in the Alentejo wine region of Portugal.
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★★★★★ Ottermom
Best bicycle tour company to date!
Castles and Wines of Portugal
This was our 5th self guided tour to date and Portugal's Best Cycling company was the best we have had in customer service. The bikes were perfect for the terrain. We felt safe on all of the routes even the ones that had more traffic than anticipated. All of the hotels were excellent although our personal preference is to stay away from the ones that cater to the large motorcoach tours (we had 2 that fell into that category.) Self-guided is for the adventurous and that is what we got. The dirt tracks were not for the inexperienced. Area had a rough winter and it took some technical riding to manuever safely on them. There were alternative paved routes but where is the fun in that? We added an extra 20 miles on one of our days to ride out to a fortress that was not on our itinerary. It was worth it. I would add pictures but it keeps telling me images are too large. Recommend adding 2 full days in Sintra just to enjoy.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 29, 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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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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★★★★★ Thomas
This is a fun trip
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Weather in October was pretty good , but we did get one day of 90oF which was unusual. The biking is not particularly strenuous, but the road conditions vary between paved and dirt so you are going to be riding double duty touring bikes that can handle the range. These make the 30 mile days feel longer than they would on a carbon road bike. There are lots of stops along the way at small farms, cafes, businesses and museums, neolithic sites, and of course, wineries and castles. I felt like we were exposed to Portugal in a way I would not have been otherwise.
As much as I like cycling, I like food and drink even more! This is where this tour really excels. The picnics every day were great, The organized meals at night were wonderful, and when in Evora without included meals there are great restaurants everywhere. Wine flows freely and is delicous. Everwhere you turn there seems to be something from the 15th or 16th century, and you don’t have to try too hard to find things from Roman times. The hotels are very nice and usually interesting historical buildings. The towns of Evora and Monseraz are especially striking. This is a fun tour and Teresa was a great guide with loads of historical and agricultual knowledge.- What was the date of your tour?
- Mid October 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- First guided tour
- 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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★★★★★ Shiftin
Beautiful Algarve!
Algarve Coastal Route
Cycling in Portugal was an amazing adventure! The scenery was exceptional, the routes were mostly flat, some hills at the end of the week, food along the coast (grilled fresh fish, fruit and vegetables) was all part of a very special week. Fred, part owner in Algarve Bike Holidays, could not have been more friendly and supportive. We were provided with a Garmin that had the routes already downloaded. We were a little challenged with this when construction blocked our route. Regardless, we always made it to our end location which included large resort hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast inns. We went in July which turned out to be exceptionally hot so be sure to carry lots of water and start your trek early in the morning.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10-15
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Cheryl Jaskot
Coastal Dream
Algarve Coastal Route
WE were a group of six with our group ages from 67-43. The local bike company was very communicative and accommodating. We all rode traditional bikes and trained on fairly flat surfaces. The course was fairly flat the first three days along gravel roads and boardwalks. The longest day was 35 miles and a lot of hills. The last two days were also hilly and along gravel roads. We had to walk some of the hills. The accommodations were great and food was easily accessible. Lots of amazing seafood was everywhere. There were also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Wendy Walton
Portugal by Bike
Algarve Coastal Route
Our bike trip along the Algarve coast was just what we hoped it would be. Our self guided trip had just the right amount of contact with staff, our pick ups/ drop offs were seamless, there was more interaction at the start of the trip than we have had with others tours which familiarized us with the gos navigation system and got our bikes just right. There was a nice mix of accommodations and it was easy to add extra days to customize our trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ MEMALgarve
Really Great Holiday Trip on Wheels
Algarve Coastal Route
We had a wonderful 4 day/5 night trip along the Algarve. The GPS was superb, the route was very well thought out, the food amazing and the Algarve everything we had hoped it would be- thank you.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 12/30/19-1/4/20
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ DebbieFL
Debbie & Phyllis' Excellent Adventure
Algarve Coastal Route
This was our 7th trip with Biketours.com, and one of our favorite routes, by far. The route was spectacular, and unlike a few of our previous trips - the towns were we spent the night each offered a delightful mix of sightseeing & dining options to take advantage of. And we can't say enough about Fred and the rest of the group at Algarve Bike Holidays. From the materials they provided ahead of time to the extra TCL by helping us with a flat on Sunday afternoon, so we didn't lose time on Monday waiting for the local bike shop to open - they went above and beyond. The hotels were particularly nice - some of the best breakfast buffets we've experienced so far. This was the first time we took a trip that was guided via GPS - and it is definitely the way to go!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/2 - 9/8 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Linden
Rewarding ride, great boat and crew, fabulous food.,
Venice to Mantova by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
We were very happily rewarded with our choice of boat , direction, and timing for this bike & barge trip across Italy. This was our 4th bike and boat trip and the best! Each of the crew from tour leaders to cooks and boat captain and technician—each fantastic—warm, helpful, supportive, and with good humor. The mix of riders—kismet and wonderful. While we did encounter a few rainy days spirits stayed high and gregarious. And it was far better fir us than extreme hot temperatures of earlier in the year options. The food deserves an award for creativity and top notch flavour, presentation, creativity, and variety. The boat accommodation was very comfortable and in excellent condition. Common space was ample and comfortable. Our biking leaders were fantastic pros—always supportive, knowledgable, and perfect in their guidance of riders. Stefania and Francesco—totally delightful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 18-25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- 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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