First Timers Bike Tour Reviews (page 13)
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★★★★★ Vova June 27, 2019· Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
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★★★★★ CPUT June 25, 2019Great multi-generational family trip
· · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat
This trip was such a great experience, especially with the availability of e-bikes, I would recommend it for just about anyone. The food aboard exceeded my expectations every day. It was self-guided, and the provided daily briefings and maps were completely sufficient for us to find our way. We did it with an age range of 9 years to 73 years, and everyone was successful. Bikes are not high-end, but they worked. We had some trouble with seat and handlebar adjustments for the shorter members of our group, but it all worked out in the end. The crew of the Patria was exceptional. They were professional, helpful, and provided excellent service throughout. It was particularly nice that passengers were allowed to stay aboard during the day if they needed a rest day or didn't want to deal with biking on a day of solid rain. Terrific first-time bike tour experience.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 8 -15
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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?
- Germany
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★★★★★ T and C June 23, 2019Well organized, no drama, couple hotels ehh
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
Biketours.com was very helpful. I emailed lots of questions to them and always got a prompt reply.
The ebikes were great, I couldn’t have done the trip without them. We had a couple of 60km days because of sightseeing, which was too far. 40-45 km should be the distance for upscale in my opinion. We also had 3 hotels with NO air conditioning, Surprising and disappointing considering we paid for upscale lodging. Apparently you can state A/C as a requirement at booking time, I just assumed with the upscale hotel fee that would be included..live and learn.
To me the trip was not completely flat, I mean it is mostly flat, but no way would I do this without ebikes.
Route is well marked, but still an adventure. If you like a vacation that is a bit different, do this one!
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★★★★★ Team Hylton June 17, 2019Downhill on the Danube
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
I felt like I was riding through a storybook! We loved the beautiful little villages and cities we biked through! We chose to do the tour on our own and we were delighted that the directions and signposts were easy to follow. We biked in late May and enjoyed wild roses and red poppies brightening our trail! Many times we felt we were riding electric bikes because we were flying on the bike paths! We are in our late sixties, in excellent health and found the trail very do-able even though we don’t bike very often.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 26-June1, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Dave and Chris June 15, 2019Lake Constance/Bodensee
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
This was our third tour as a couple, and my fourth. My favorite was Croatia bike/boat in 2006, followed by Danube - Passau to Vienna, and Saar/Mosel (tossup). This tour was excellent too, but many of the paths/roads weren't along the lakes. The first day from Konstanz to Stein am Rhine and the second back towards Konstanz again was a little hilly, and we had to wait out a thunderstorm with small hail at the border crossing into Stein am Rhine. All the hotels were excellent. Remember to use the boat voucher crossing to Ueberlingen. I didn't, costing me extra. Some interesting birds and wildlife will be seen in the Rhine Delta on the third day, and we often heard cookoos. After we picked up bikes, we were suggested by the tourist office to see Mainau Island after 5pm when admission is half-price. Meersburg Castle is well-worth seeing. The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen was someone interesting, but only for transport fans like me. We enjoyed the tour very much.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 25-30 2019
- 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 young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Scooter June 15, 2019Wonderful staff, Great food
· · Provence by Bike and Boat
The routes were beautiful with little traffic and the towns we stayed in were interesting and historic. The boat was clean with a lovely dining and socializing area. The cabins were very tiny with just one small porthole window which was challenging. The dinners were very good and the staff went out of their way to make us comfortable. A positive experience! The only complaint we had is that the cue sheets were nearly useless. Luckily we had a person to guide us so using them was not necessary.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 12
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- 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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★★★★★ Jackie10 June 14, 2019Recommend with caution
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
This bike tour is through the most beautiful Austrian countryside. The accommodations are great, luggage transfers flawless and great breakfasts included. The directions are horrible, especially the 1st and 3 rd days. Make sure you have a GPS with you. The poor directions added unnecessary frustration to the trip. The bikes are up right commuter bikes and uncomfortable for the mileage involved. If you are accustomed to a decent road bike you probably won't be happy. Most cyclists we saw were on e-bikes which makes the poor ergonomics more tolerable. This tour would be a 5 star with accurate directions and decent equipment. So bring a GPS and your own bike and have a blast!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- Two
- 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
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe June 15, 2019
Glad to hear many aspects of this tour were enjoyable! We will pass your feedback to the tour operator that the directions can be improved upon. We're sorry to hear this was a source of frustration for you. Thanks, additionally, for the notes about the bikes. This tour is offered on hybrid touring bikes and e-bikes, which, if you are accustomed to a road bike, could be uncomfortable.
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★★★★★ The mangles cycle group June 14, 2019
Story book stuff
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
What a fantastic way to explore the German/ Swiss border area. Absolutely fantastic to see so much with no stress of driving or timetables. Brilliant
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- one
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ Nonickname59 June 14, 2019Two wheeled wonder
· Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
Best way to see the sites on the Rhine. Great accommodations along the way.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 30, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Ro Riders June 14, 2019Ro's Riders: Our Wonderful Journey
· Wine & Bike in Hungary’s Balaton Uplands
I want to start with appreciation for our in country tour operator. Gabor and his team went out of their way to make us feel at home (historical briefing, welcome drink, bottle of wine) in his country and to administer to all of our needs. (the weather was so bad one day (rain, 25 mile per hour winds, cold) that he arranged transportation to get us from one hotel to another). The countryside was beautiful and the route was easy to follow. The availability of bike paths for most of the trip was an added benefit. Very little road travel. The accommodations were well situated and excellent. The meal plan that we chose was a life saver. The food was very good and after a long ride, it's nice to have a drink, relax and eat in one place. We spent one night at a winery and that was special. We tasted all their varieties and then had the best meal of the trip. Having the opportunity to talk with the staff in a home setting was also special. The length and level of difficulty was as advertised and did not exhaust our 70 something group.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 12-19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 7
- 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?
- Hungary
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★★★★★ Gecko June 13, 2019
· · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat
Beautiful countryside, quaint villages. Food on the boat (Patria) was excellent. Crew was very friendly and engaging
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 4, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Martin June 13, 2019
Perfect way to experience the Rhine
· Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
This tour was lovely; scenery was outstanding; easy bicycling, mostly next to the Rhine. We lijed the hotel/guest house variety.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 30-June 4
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ ManOnThreeWheels June 7, 2019Excellent Tour and Very Good Service
· Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
Bike Tours personnel provided prompt and courteous service from the start to the conclusion of the tour selection and booking.
Recommend
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 19 to 23
- How many tours have you completed?
- Many
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
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★★★★★ Fletch June 6, 2019Fabulous scenery!
· Tauern Bike Path (Salzburg-Salzburg)
We chose this tour because it stayed in the vicinity of the alps but was in the river valleys. The scenery did not disappoint. It was glorious when we had clear skies. We had some rain and snow when up on the mountains but even then the villages and farmland were wonderful. We spent extra days in Salzburg before the tour and spent an extra day in Zell am See in the middle of the tour. We were so glad we had those extra days because there was so much to see and do. We went up to the ice cave, up to the Krimml waterfall, and up to Kitzsteinhorn and had snow in all three places. It was like a winter wonderland. For the five of us from Florida, it was great.
The hotels were all good and provided great breakfasts. The luggage transfer went off without a hitch. Our bags were always at the hotels when we got there.
After a few days self supported from Passau to Salzburg we decided to upgrade to ebikes for this tour to make the climbs more manageable and to make it more likely that we would take side trips to see additional things along the way. We are really glad that the tour company was able to accommodate this last minute request. They were very helpful.
We found that the signs for the Tauern radweg changed part way through the ride. This is something to watch out for. We made a couple wrong turns but learned to keep our eyes peeled for signs.
It was a wonderful trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 10, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- Several
- 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
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★★★★★ wilsom June 5, 2019Everyone should have a holiday like this
· Romantic Road and Bavarian Lakes
It was such a good holiday. Even though there were challenging times with the weather, it was a great trip and the smile never faded from my face. I loved it so much I'm trying to go again this year.
10 out of 10, would do again, A++
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 18th, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Scott June 4, 2019
Great trip!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Toured the Danube path from Passau to Vienna. Hotels were all excellent. The bike path was mostly easy to follow but be careful to stay on route at any detours. Really enjoyed the flexibility of a self guided tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 5/18 - 5/23/2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- first overseas tour
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Horned Frog June 4, 2019
Fun time... but
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
I enjoyed the tour a great deal, but the route instructions were sketchy at best, and the bike weighed only slightly less than a Sherman tank.... which would not have been much of a problem except that the route had more hills than expected. The hotels selected were all very nice.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 21 May
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe June 5, 2019
We appreciate the feedback on this tour. We agree... the bikes on tour are often heavier than the ones you may use at home, and the first few days of this tour are moderately hilly. We will pass your notes regarding the route instructions on to the tour operator. Overall, we're glad you had fun and enjoyed the hotels!
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★★★★★ Kazookris June 2, 2019Fantastic trip! It was on my bucket list and so happy that I can check off.. Will try other tours.
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
I organized a trip for 24 of us from Michigan on the Amsterdam - Bruges May 4- 11, 2019. The trip was fantastic. We had a few rough days of weather yet were positive and biked anyways. Nice accommodations, staff was very friendly and accommodating to dietary needs ( one vegetarian and the lactose free). Bar prices were reasonably. The tour guides were informative and nice that they did a few evening tours. You could bike on your own and I did this several days. The maps were clear. The extra side trips were nice, strawberry fields, bike museum, sandstone shop etc... There was flexibility for those that didn't want to ride on the rainy, cold morning. I will be doing another tour in the future.
