Client Favorites  Bike Tour Reviews (page 14)

  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) Isaac June 7, 2016

    excellent guided bike trip

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    I am participating bike trip almost 30 years and this was the best one .
    The service , very good guided tour explanations in every spot we visited .
    The food ,restaurants are great. Worth every penny.

    What was the date of your tour?
    21May ,2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    15
    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?
    Portugal
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Whatever May 15, 2016

    Castles and wines

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    The company Turaventur was one of the best that we have worked with anywhere. The bicycles we rented were excellent with front suspension and a suspension seat post they were perfectly suited to the varied terrain (dirt roads, asphalt, lots of cobblestone) we covered. I also appreciated the female specific gel seat. The routes they chose were really beautiful countryside, small towns and directions were well written and easy to follow. Their support was outstanding, they were available by text, email or phone seven days a week and were always very responsive The castles we visited were just phenomenal and though it was hard to believe after one gorgeous site after another, they just kept getting better! I was only able to do one of the wine tastings and enjoyed it a lot. my suggestion is to be sure to sign up earlly as they seem to fill up ahead of time.

    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) sandyp May 2, 2016

    Wonderful family vacation!

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    Our self-guided tour lived up to our expectations and provided us with a great family vacation. They tour company did an excellent job of responding to our questions and requests. The countryside was beautiful, the bike ride was the right level of both challenging and gentle hills, and the people we met were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour if you want to chill out....

    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 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
  • Algarve Coastal Route
    (5/5) Chris M. 2 months ago

    Best of Portugal

    · Algarve Coastal Route

    This was a very good tour of the southern Portugal coastal towns. The scenery is amazing and some of the towns like Tavira are beautiful and perfect for their restaurants and artistry. The ride does fluctuate from paved roads to dirt roads with boardwalks providing very nice scenery on day 3 and 4.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2025
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) Kathy Kinney Bowman 4 months ago

    Gorgeous scenery and a very authentic experience

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    If you are looking for beauty and authenticity, this trip is for you. Our group of 16 had a wonderful time biking through rolling hills overlooking sweeping vistas of wild flowers, vineyards, olive and cork oak groves. The whitewashed and marble hill towns with their castle walls and ruins were charming and authentic. The food was local and delicious and the wines were excellent. But best of all were our guides, Mario, Videl, and Joana, who were fun, informative, well organized, and always enthusiastic. A good example is a rainy day in Monsaraz where we spent the morning walking around the castle and village, ate lunch, then half of the group rode in the van to a nearby pottery village while the others walked to a nearby convent and megalith, then we swapped and when the sun came out around 4:00 any who wanted took a two hour ride in the rolling hills surrounding the castle. Our guides worked it all out over lunch!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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
    • Typical scenery (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • Megalith (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • Picnic lunch (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • Main square of Vila Vicosa viewed from the castle (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • Olive trees and wild flowers (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • Monsaraz castle (photo by Kathy Kinney Bowman)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
    (5/5) GregS June 25, 2018

    Wonderful Trip, Great Experience

    · Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

    Great service, Hotels and staff were the best. Level 3 was a little tough for a beginner, but I made it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    5-8-18/5-18-18
    How many tours have you completed?
    First
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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?
    Spain
    • First Day of our adventure (photo by GregS)
    • We made it to the sea. (photo by GregS)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) george October 3, 2017

    Surprisingly luxurious biking

    · Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

    the biking was largely on old railroad right of ways or farm roads. the sections on paved roads were nearly deserted of traffic. The Costa Brava was gorgeous. Lots of medieval stone hilltop towns. The hotels were just fabulous. Great lunches and dinners for relatively little money. A side trip to the Dali museum.

    What was the date of your tour?
    mid-September
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much 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?
    Spain
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Anne52 October 2, 2017

    An idyllic, romantic and gorgeous bike trip!

    · Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

    This was our first self guided bike trip and what a lucky choice it was! Daniel and Lucy of Creative Catalonia are a dynamic couple who were so personable and helpful. They have organized a fascinating and beautiful bike trip. We were amazed at the often paved bike paths that wound through gorgeous country side, from the mountains to the sea. The places we stayed were super, we were often alone on the paths, the side trips were interesting, the restaurant recommendations were outstanding... We can't rave enough about this outstanding bike tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 14 - 21, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was our 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?
    Spain
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Rosie September 26, 2017

    One of the best researched and organized tours I've ever been on

    · Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

    Creative Catalonia selected absolutely the best routes through beautiful countryside and seaside scenery as well as taking one through picturesque villages and selecting really great hotels in interesting cities and villages. We had a great variety of scenery and experiences. Additionally their equipment was great and their maps and instructions were very clear. Their assessments of distances and difficulty were right on and they kept us on small farm roads or streets with very few cars as much as possible. They also provided one garmen for every group that had the route programmed into it. It was impossible to get lost. They were also helpful with he small changes we wanted to make and had great suggestions for restaurants and other experiences along the way.

    This is an exceptional outfitter.

    Rosemary Heil
    fall 2017

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2017
    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?
    Spain
    • 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
  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) Elizabeth 2 months ago

    Went beyond our expectations!

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    Our guides were fantastic, the rides were pleasant and just challenging enough. We really enjoyed the historical experience.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
  • (5/5) Rob R. 4 months ago

    Exceeded my very high expectations

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    I went in thinking the trip would be fun, a little educational, with good food, an appropriate physical challenge and beautiful vistas.
    The week was all of that and so much more. Our guides were terrific - not just knowledgeable and helpful but delightfully interactive and fun. They provided personal, deep insight into the region and a fantastic connection to the locale. The food was amazing. I mean truly amazing - both the restaurants and the lunches. And Portugal is beautiful. We had a truly amazing time.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    two
    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
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Kathleen C 4 months ago

    Nice ride in Portugal

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    The itinerary was good. Hotels were very nice. Food was great. An enjoyable trip all around.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2026
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Kirk G 4 months ago

    Beautiful spring Portugal journey

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    This trip exceeded my expectations. The three guides (Fidel, Mario, Johanna) were all wonderful, kind and patient with our entire group. Constantly trying to make the trip a pleasurable experience. The hotels were all good, and generally exceeded expectations. The food was also outstanding. High quality, more than enough (no limits) and lots of drink/wine options. Beautiful tour overall, highly recommend.

    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring
    (5/5) StuNH October 14, 2021

    A tour far exceeding expectations!

    · Best of Catalonia Cycle Touring

    Reading previous reviews, what most needs to be said is praise for this tour is not over rated. It was an exceptional tour! We did the tour in late September into October. The high tourist season was past, so our entire tour was quiet, peaceful, relaxing. The weather was very pleasant, and swimming in the Mediterranean was delightful. We had 3 days on the coast to enjoy that. We loved the various cycling experiences - the "Carrilet", the coast (Costa Brava), and the medieval villages. The hotels were all outstanding.
    Even though the tour was self guided, the tour operator remained in touch and was exceptional.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/28/21 - 10/6/21
    How many tours have you completed?
    10+ (I've lost count)
    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?
    Spain
    • Cycling in medieval town (photo by StuNH)
    • The Costa Brava (photo by StuNH)
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) Joelle R 4 months ago

    wonderful experience

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    Great trip - the cycling area was beautiful and the guides were excellent. There was SO MUCH delicious food each day. Everything was well organized and communicated and we didn't have to worry about anything. I highly recommend this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • View from a castle (photo by Joelle R)
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) David Hodgson 10 months ago

    Great scenery in Alentejo

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    Very nice self-guided tour of the Alentejo region. Very good hotels and itinerary, decent bikes, good support from the tour company. We went in October 2024 and it was a bit wet.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Deb S June 5, 2024

    Great way to see the real Portugal

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    This was a wonderful trip. We rented hybrid bikes and they were of great quality-only suggestion is it would have been nice to have a second water bottle holder for the hot days. There was a rear rack with pannier to hold a modest amount of stuff-pretty much what you need for the day (having your luggage transferred of course. The route was so picturesque. We averaged over 40km a day with 2 days close to 60km. Two days were hilly. You need to be in reasonable shape to do this tour-not expert but a regular exerciser. It was well planned out. The accommodations were very lovely-old convents, farm, small inn-really got the feel of Portugal. All of the breakfasts were very good and fueled us for the day ahead. I would highly recommend this tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Sue Larson May 18, 2024

    Exceptional Way to Experience the Glories of Portugal!

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    Our week spent on bikes in Portugal was a dream come true! Every detail was taken care off. The bikes were superlative, the accommodations were great, the food and beverages were yummy, and most especially, our guide Manuel and his assistant Joana, did a magnificent job of leading our small group, and introducing us to various aspects of the region’s culture. Their upbeat personalities, joyful spirits, and skillful knowledge made us feel so welcomed, informed, and valued. The rides were fabulous and this week will live in our memories and hearts for the rest of our days. Two thumbs way, way up!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 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
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    •  (photo by Sue Larson)
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Catherine Buckley April 26, 2024

    Honeymoon biking

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    This was such a a great way to see Portugal. Because of the bike trip we stayed in some towns much less travelled - full of culture, wonderful people and astounding views/ old castles.
    Would highly recommend

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    First bike tour ever
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • (5/5) Patrick Fenton April 17, 2024

    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
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)