Family Friendly Bike Tour Reviews (page 6)
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★★★★★ GobaGirl June 6, 2017Wonderful way to see the Czech Republic
· Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
We did the self guided trip (more on that option later) and the actual bicycle trip was fantastic. The cities we stayed in were great - Melnik was amazing - and the route along the Elbe was just stunning. The experience was just wonderful. Food, beer, wine, lodgings, villages - all perfect. The only caution is if you opt for the self guided trip. Although the bike paths were generally well marked, it was sort of stressful always having to watch for the twists and turns. A guide would have made the whole experience far more relaxing and enjoyable. And we would not have found ourselves lost quite so often.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 12-18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2 guided tours and many cross state
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Czech Republic, Germany
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★★★★★ rleehello June 8, 2017Danube Bike with upgraded hotels
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
Great scenic routes in Austria. It is one of our best vacations and almost feel like an adventure everyday! Many thanks to the great services from the local bike company to accommodate my last minute hotel change when we arrived in Passau. They really go the extra mile to accommodate you to make your trip a success. We are looking forward to sign up for another trip next year with the same company.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 29, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ CamL June 8, 2017Exceptional bike tour
· Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic
A wonderful bike trip through beautiful scenery including lovely farmlands and iconic french villages. Plus easy cycling.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 29-June 6
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- 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?
- France
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★★★★★ Ken1126 June 8, 2017Bolzano to Venice
· Bolzano – Verona – Venice
Overall the trip was very nice and I plan to use Bike Tours again soon. We arrived Bolzano via train from Munich and the scenery through the Austrian Alps was fantastic. Our first hotel is Bolzano, Hotel Scala, was very nice and we enjoyed the extra night we had booked, including a tram ride. We were a little surprised to have almost 30 people in our tour orientation. With so many people, there was little time for one on one instruction on the equipment and it was a struggle to get questions answered. The bikes, one e bike and one hybrid, were in great condition and were pleasant to ride. We were fortunate to have the tool kit which included a spare tube because on our last day the e bike had a flat in the back. The e bike had an extra (gear??) cable in the back we were not familiar with but managed to figure it out. It would be nice if the bikes had shocks to absorb the rough surfaces but I'm sure there is a reason they don't.
Our second hotel, in Trento, was not as nice as Bolzano and had no air conditioning. Since it was hot and humid the entire trip, ac turned out to be a big issue for us. Some hotels had it but it was not very effective or efficient. The next trip we book will include the upgraded hotel package.
Navigation into and out of the cities proved to be our biggest challenge. Following the arrows was great until you missed one and it required constant vigilance. Trying to follow the road book instructions was difficult, the mileage references never seemed to matched and street names were hard to find. I also found that often it would have been easier to join the route directly from our hotel rather than getting to a central starting point indicated in the road book.
We booked an extra night in Mestre and were glad we did. The Hotel Venezia Mestre had great ac, several English language tv stations, and great location to catch the bus to Venice and airport (VCE-Marco Polo).
Overall a great trip and looking forward to our next one.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 27, 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Susie June 12, 2017a memorable vacation
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
We enjoyed our bike trip along the Danube River in Austria immensely. Dedicated bike paths that were paved and level made for easy biking. Beautiful scenery along the river and thru farms and vineyards , picturesque little towns, lovely churches, monasteries, and castles. Also toured the concentration camp memorial at Mauthausen. The bike tour company did a great job with all the logistics, planning the route, booking our hotels, and transporting our
luggage. -
★★★★★ Beegrl June 15, 2017Dream trip!
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
Our family loved this trip! The daily biking was a perfect amount, allowing time for sightseeing. We really enjoyed the variety of different accommodations and the multitude of historic towns we travelled thru. The food was fabulous everywhere. The weather was sunny and warm everyday. Love love love this trip. Can't wait for the next one!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 9-14
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Pierre June 15, 2017Great experience
· Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz
The best holiday we have ever had. The cycle route is very well sign posted and the tour operators superb.
Hotels are well situated and very well suited for our needs.
Our only request would have been for trip meters on each bicycle to keep track of the kilometers travelled each day- What was the date of your tour?
- 27 may 2017 to 3 June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Richard 69 June 19, 2017Gute fahren... aber.....
· Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps
Let me begin by saying that we have taken several European bike tours and the was by far the most scenic. The Alps in the backround, the farms, the lakes and the quaint villages and towns were absolutely breathtaking. However, there are some things you should know. This is a level three ride. Prior to this we had only done level two and the difference can be measured in light years. This was a very challenging ride on heavy rental bikes. We are experienced cyclists, however we are seniors and found ourselves walking our bikes up many, many hills.Also much of this ride is on public roads and there was traffic and the occasional piece of farm machinery. Although most of the roads were fairly quiet, many times we found ourselves on busy highways with very narrow shoulders. This was mentioned in the tour description but in my opinion it was somewhat glossed over. If we had it to do over again we would have inquired about upgrading to a more roadworthy bike or perhaps upgraded to the e-bike.
The tour company Eurobike provided us with maps and route directions, as well as placing stickers along the route to guide us. This is extremely important because this was a complicated route with many twists and turns. We both had some mechanical issues with our bikes and the company brought us new bikes in a very timely fashion. They also made excellent recommendations for lunch and dinner along the route and in the towns where we spent the night. I must say ate well on this ride. Also the hotels we stayed at along the way were excellent. Small friendly hotels with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.Each hotel provided us with a lovely buffet breakfast. Another point that gets glossed over in the tour description is the hike on the last day's ride. This is a very challenging 3K hike up and over a mountain. I felt like I was climbing Mount Everest.
In conclusion I would say that if you are an experienced cyclist and are looking for a challenge and some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe then this is the tour for you. If you are just a casual or occasional rider, then you might want to choose a less demanding ride.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 25 - 31 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
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★★★★★ Pierre June 23, 2017Best trip ever
· Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)
Best way to see as much as possible in a day is on a bicycle. We choose the A grade hotels which was not necessary as the standard of hotels in general is very good, The A grade hotels were top class but we spent so little time at each hotel that the facilities offered could not always be full utilized. Half pension (diner included) was very good and relaxing after a day cycling. We found the 6 night tour ample time to complete the 300km round lake Constance. Tour operations went without a hitch and cycle worked perfectly. We have travelled alot and can confirm that this holiday was the best
- What was the date of your tour?
- 20 May to 26 May 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Claudia June 25, 2017
We enjoyed the route and the cities on our 11 day Constance tour
· Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)
We rode the unguided 11 day Lake Constance tour in May. Our weather turned in our favor and we had lots of fun riding the bike paths as well as locating the paths and hotels.
The scenery is varied and the towns photogenic. It was wonderful that each day of our trip was somewhat short so we could stop and enjoy everything around us.
People along the way were helpful, even if they didn't speak our language and we knew little German. Routes were sometimes unclear to us, but usually it was not a big deal. We weren't on a tight schedule. I would recommend a smartphone app such as Maps.me be used in conjunction with the provided maps. It helped us not go to far astray. I have described our trip as "a scavenger hunt on 2 wheels". It made it an adventure.
Our bags were usually waiting for us when we arrived at our hotel. Hotels provided were comfortable and convenient.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 20, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ New Yorkers June 27, 2017
Good variety, just enough challenge, 2 amazing cities
· Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
We really enjoyed this trip — this was our first guided tour. Overall, it was a comfortable pace, a few big hills but lots of flat areas, and plenty of stops.
Most of the riding was on paved bike paths, but some bits were on roads with cars, where the guides kept everyone safe and comfortable. Some of the riding was on dirt roads, but this was only a challenge one time, when the road was muddy and slightly uphill. Climbing big hills was always rewarded with amazing views & castles. Our group did all of the challenges, even if they had to walk and push their bikes up part of the hill. It was fine with everyone, and no one took advantage of the van (but you can if you want).
The route took us along the rivers, through small picturesque villages and towns, farmland and forests. The poppies were in bloom when we went, in early June. We took quick ferry rides across the river a few times, which was fun.
The biking started around 9am after a big breakfast. There were plenty of stops, snacks at the van by the side of a road, and coffee at a nice cafe in a beautiful town square. We would usually get to the hotel around 5-6pm and dinner was around 7pm. There was one day with less riding, where we had the option of spending the afternoon visiting the “Bohemian Switzerland National Park” (in the Czech Republic) or spending the time in Bad Spandau — a nice town on the river with hot baths and spa and cafes. We hiked and it was gorgeous.
All of the guides were Czech, and spoke English, some were fluent. They helped translate in restaurants and hotels when needed. They gave us lots of info about sites along the way. One was a “physical geographer” and had lots facts about the geology of the area. We had discussions about the communist history of both Czechoslovakia and Eastern Germany. One guide would ride with us, and one drove the van, and they switched off every day. They were professional, polite, always willing to help — no request was too big or too small. They had funny Czech senses of humor.
The accommodations were different each night, ranging from very fancy to basic, but always located in a beautiful historic town. Lunch and dinner locations were well chosen, the food was always good. We had lots of local specialties, and tried the local beers and wines. There was a vegetarian and a gluten-free person in our group, and their needs were accommodated.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 3, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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?
- Czech Republic, Germany
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★★★★★ JW25 June 27, 2017
Loire Valley Self Guided Bike Tour
· Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic
The trip was so interesting with beautiful scenery and good weather.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 29/17 to June 8/17
- 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
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Bike June 28, 2017
Beutiful
· Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz
Was a beautiful and amazing experience, ride around the Mosel river and arrive to hatel to hotel and town to town every day was a great sensation. Was our firts time in Germany and we really like this way to travel :) Biking:)
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 8 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- just this
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Zacthecat June 28, 2017Great fun rolling down the river
· Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
As a group of four, 2 couples in our early 60s, we self-guided down the Rhine. Three of us had e-bikes and one did it the old fashioned way. We all loved the riding and we were lucky with the weather, which was fine and mostly sunny.
The information provided was very good, but we recommend a better description of how to find the hotels. In two cases the hotel wasn't on the map, so that needs to be improved. Perhaps draw a coloured line from the bike path to the hotel, with a different colour for each hotel.- What was the date of your tour?
- 12th - 17th June 2017
- 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?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Andrew June 29, 2017
Another fabulous trip on the Danube
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
2nd time we have done this trip, this time with 9 family members including 4 children. Fabulous trip with good bikes, excellent directions and supplementary materials. Beyond all that, however, some very special and appreciated treatment by tour provider. A 12 year old grandson sustained a broken arm next to last day (at playground, not on bike). The bike company arranged to pick up him and his mother and their bikes the next morning and transport them to Vienna (our last stop). Very special and very much appreciated.
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★★★★★ djmeissner13 June 30, 2017Perfect Family Trip!
· Danube Family Tour 7 Nights
Our family had an amazing experience. With 2 boys (13 & 15) the distance was easily manageable, and we could focus on the "travel experience" and not just getting there. My first experience with a bike tour company was a good one. Great hotels, good service, super nice people along the route. BikeTours even switched out a malfunctioning bike for us mid-trip. Tour materials were very easy to follow and super helpful. Great memories for sure.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Laird July 5, 2017Stunning scenery!
· Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
This trip was so beautiful! Our start in Krimml was so scenic with a portion of the waterfall visible from our hotel window! Zell am See was gorgeous. Our cycling days were filled with constant wonder and beauty. The bike paths were easy to cycle on. My one suggestion is to review the directions before you get to the outskirts of your destination as it can sometimes be confusing. The hotels were comfortable and the food was good. I would definitely recommend this trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 6, 2017
Thanks very much for your feedback! We're glad you had a great time. This was one of my first bicycle tours--well before I started BikeTours.com--and it remains one of my favorites!
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★★★★★ Mikay July 5, 2017
Beautiful, Romantic, Historic, Adventurous
· Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
This trip was a blast! It was especially cool to see how the geography and culture changed as we moved out of Czech Republic and into Germany. This tour has a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone's tastes. Our favorites were the last two days: Hrensko, thermal bathes in Bad Schandau, Fortress in Koenigstein (well worth the hike to the top), and Bastei in Oberrathen (do the hike and visit the medieval fortress). Also, as far as navigation, we used the maps.me app and mounted our smart phone to the bike, which made getting around super easy. We had turn by turn directions throughout the tour.
A couple tips I wished the tour company had provided, major sites along the route are closed on Mondays. We traveled from Litomorice to Decin on Monday. Unfortunately the Strekov castle and restaurant was closed (we found that out after climbing to the top of the hill). Additionally when we reached Velke Brezno to visit the brewery we found out it also is closed on Mondays. Therefore, if a day of your tour falls on a Monday it would be good to prioritize scheduling one of the hiking days (e.g. Decin to Bad Schandau or Bad Schandau to Dresden). In general, it would be nice to know in advance what days the points of interest are closed, so the group can manage their time at other sites better. If the tour company does not provide this info, I would recommend looking it up in advance.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 23, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Czech Republic, Germany
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 6, 2017
Thanks very much for your feedback! We're glad you had a great time. We'll pass along your helpful suggestions to the local operator.
