First Timers Bike Tour Reviews (page 25)
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★★★★★ Karin September 15, 2018
LIVE AND LOCAL
· · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat
Going with my group made a big difference - we didn't always cycle together, but knowing there were others on the trail helped! Scenery, countryside, conviviality were awesome. Accommodations were spartan, but the meals were terrific, the crew excellent and the experience more than worthwhile. Recommended!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 1-8 Sep 2018
- 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 teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
-
★★★★★ Gretchen September 15, 2018
Wonderful trip!
· Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
A great way to see the Netherlands -- 40-50k per day was very doable, landscape and towns lovely, and the hotels were all very cozy and comfortable. Would highly recommend it, and will be doing another one for sure!
- What was the date of your tour?
- end of July
- How many tours have you completed?
- only this once
- 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?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
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★★★★★ Biker couple September 14, 2018
Great biking on German Rivers
· · Neckar & Rhine Rivers by Bike and Boat
We had an unexpectedly great time biking along the rivers. We were surprised by the food. The excursions were excellent. We loved being in towns every evening. The best was that we biked almost the whole way. Very good value
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 12
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- 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?
- Germany
-
★★★★★ Suse September 13, 2018
Absolute delight.
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
Lake Constance provided perfect backdrop to easy daily rides for this couple plus 55’s. Simple navigating with wel signposted bike paths. Delightful accomodation in beautiful towns. Will be back to do more.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September
- How many tours have you completed?
- Four
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
-
★★★★★ juliewn September 9, 2018
Fabulous Scenery!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
A group of 8 of us did this self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna. The scenery was fantastic, and we were lucky to have great weather on all but the last day. Working with BikeTours was great. They were very responsive to our questions. Checking in and out of hotels, and dealing with the rented bikes were seamless. The bikes were sturdy, and those who rented electric bikes really enjoyed them. The hotels were beautiful, and the breakfasts were wonderful. Unfortunately, we were rained out the last day and couldn't ride into Vienna. But Biketours was willing to transport our two personal tandems to Vienna. The ride itself was pretty flat. There were a few steep climbs in and out of the towns or up to one hotel. We were given 3 manuals of instructions. One of them was rather confusing as it incorporated all possible hotels and destinations, with our specific ride embedded in there. Overall, I loved the ride and would highly recommend BikeTours.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- Only this one.
- 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
-
★★★★★ Marshall September 9, 2018
Our third trip with Bike Tours each one special
· · Danube Delights: Biking through Four Countries
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★★★★★ Family4 September 8, 2018
A great vacation
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
This was a great way to experience Austria. Along the bike path are vineyards, castles, restaurants, monasteries and a concentration camp. We were able to start late morning (to accommodate the teenager sleeping schedules and work commitments) and go at our own family pace throughout the day. We selected the upscale accommodation version and enjoyed something unique at each place. The ride along the path was level, as promised. This is a very popular path and there were many other other cyclist to connect with along the way. We had a great time as a family of four riding, site seeing and reconnecting. I would highly recommend this trip to any active person / family
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★★★★★ Gonzo September 8, 2018
Bike Tours Direct delivered on everything that they promised!
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
We were extremely pleased with Bike Tours Direct on our recent trip down the Danube. Everything that they promised, happened. Their representatives were extremely reliable, and helpful, Our luggage always was waiting at our hotel when we arrived, and their equipment was top notch. The route was well laid out. My wife and I were extremely complimentary of Bike Tour Direct
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 23
- 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
-
★★★★★ Tina September 8, 2018
Danube
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
My daughter and I loved the 7 day biking experience. The days were not too long. A great way to spend a week together exploring the Danube on a bike. Lots of opportunities to take in tourist destinations as well.
-
★★★★★ clk14 September 7, 2018
Beautiful and relaxing trip!
· Wine & Bike in Hungary’s Balaton Uplands
The Balaton is a beautiful area to bike in and to vacation where the Hungarians vacation. Hotel Olivia and the town of Veszprém were perfect places to start and end the trip and we had perfect timing with a weeklong jazz festival occurring on both our start and finish evenings in Veszprém. We liked the Anna Grand Hotel but loved the rest of the hotels and had many wonderful dinners. We chose to go unguided because this summer we needed/wanted to relax and go at our own pace. If you want lots of activities and wine tasting, then go for the guided tours--based on our experience with the tour company, we expect the guided tours would be wonderful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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?
- Hungary
-
★★★★★ Cassie September 6, 2018
A Family Holiday Adventure
· Danube Family Tour 7 Nights
For our family of three this was a great way to see the countryside of Austria. The bikes were in very good condition with packs included. The course guide was clear, with additional information if you wish to site see along the way... we opted out of site seeing as the weather was very hot, so we made regular stops to swim in the river, for ice-cream, and to pick ripe plums off the tree! We rode up to 50km the first two days so be prepared for that if you aren't used to riding... our 9year old did fine with regular stops. The course is very easy and picturesque with plenty of other riders to chat with.
The hotels were charming and the food very nice, the only flaw being no air-conditioning (average team for us was 33).
We really had a great time and I would definitely recommend this tour to other families. -
★★★★★ Einar September 6, 2018
A fantastic trip
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
We were very happy with the trip. We enjoyed cycling in the beautiful surroundings of Bodensee. The trip was very well organized and all the hotels very nice. We were there in august, the warmest time of the year and dificulty sleeping at a couple of hotels that did not have AC. Otherwise the trip was super good and great fun. There is friendly atmosphere everywhere, good service and delicious food.I highly recommend this trip. Einar and Margret
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2 - 8
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ BobD September 6, 2018
Scout trip
· Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
10 members of our Scout troop did this as our 'High Adventure' for the summer. We flew into (and out of) Munich and spent one day there to get over jetlag and then headed to Krimml. Upon arrival we checked in at the hotel and headed up to tour the waterfalls. A surprise benefit was a pass provided by the hotel to cover our entry costs. The bikes, locks, bike bags and maps were already there waiting for us.
We only had one flat time and some gear issues but we were able to take the bikes to a shop in Zell am See where they were checked and corrected.
Two of the hotels were on pedestrian zones, so plenty of cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants within a few minutes walk.
The first three days, up to Salzburg, had the Alps as the back drop to a number of great pictures and the smaller alpine villages. The next three days were along the River Inn and more farm land, but the towns were a bit bigger with more things to see.
The trail is very well marked and with the printed cue sheets and maps, when we got off the trail and into a town, it was easy to get back on track.
All the hotels were excellent with friendly and helpful staff.
There is some road riding but it was nice to note that the drivers would wait behind the bikes until safe to pass and then put as much space between the car and bikes as possible.
There were a few steep hills but since we were in no hurry, we pushed the bikes up the hill and enjoyed the walk.
The trail towards the end was more dirt path or older, cracked cement, so the ride was a bit bumpy.
An excellent trip with many photos and memories. -
★★★★★ Kristin September 5, 2018
Such an incredible experience!
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
I heard about the tour on Travelling Jackie’s Instagram and was intrigued. I love to travel and thought this was such a unique way to see country. The accommodations were fantastic and the path was mostly easy to follow. The bikes were great and the local company that met with us to go over the details was very helpful. BikeTours.com was also very responsive to my emails and calls. I hadn’t been on a bike in two years (though I am physically fit) so I was a little nervous, but the tour along the Danube was no problem! All of the resources on biketour.com were very helpful and the experience was pretty much as described. I have recommended this experience on all of the travel groups I am part of on FB. Would do again in a heartbeat!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 1
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
-
★★★★★ Susana September 5, 2018
Family trip
· Danube Family Tour 7 Nights
This trip is perfect for a family with small children. We have 2 kids, 6 and 8 years old and they have enjoyed everything! The bikes, the swimming pools at Mauthausen, the swims in the Danube, the playgrounds alond the way...We hired a one tag along bike (carried by his father :) and a children bike in order to change during the trip and make it easier for them.
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★★★★★ Yavuz September 5, 2018
The best ever
· Danube Family Tour 7 Nights
We had a self guided tour from Passau to Wien. Except the rainy days, the tour was fantastic. We are ready for the next one ;)
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9-17.07.2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
-
★★★★★ MikeSue5052 September 5, 2018
The Rhine is a very busy river!
· Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne
We were enthralled with the amount of river traffic going in both directions. Barges and river tour boats, constantly plying the wide river. Of course, the historical locations, from castles to churches, are numerous all along the river.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
-
★★★★★ Juls September 5, 2018
Fantastic family trip!
· Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns
Our family of 4 (2 parents, 2 teenagers) had an absolutely wonderful time exploring Holland on bike. This trip was our first trial of a family biking trip, and we’re hooked! The routes took us through incredibly picturesque fields and towns, riding along canals while seeing windmills and farms and cottages galore! Each night we’d arrive in a different enchanting town. Peter of Tulip Tours was terrific - he was waiting for us at our first hotel and made sure we were comfortable on our bicycles (which were quite nice) and understood the GPS and had all of the information we’d need to manage our self-guided tour. We highly recommend this trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Early August
- 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 teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Fabio September 5, 2018
Perfect organization
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path
Perfect organization, good bike conditions (we rented the ebikes).
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 7
- 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 teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
-
★★★★★ Traveling Jackie August 2, 2018
Great for Solo Females!
· Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)
I am a 33 year old female from the US, I did this tour by myself in April 2018 and I LOVED it.
I opted for the regular bike instead of the e-bike, and I was happy I did, as the route is mostly flat and the regular bike is much lighter than the e-bike. My bike seat was padded, and with padded bike shorts as well I was never uncomfortable. The bags I was provided had plenty of space for changes of clothes, hat, water, cameras, everything (bring lots of sunscreen!).
My luggage was always at the hotel ahead of me, even when I thought I was early to arrive. The days did get long towards the end of the trip, it's a long way! But I got stronger as I went, and ended up with some calves of steel. Everyone I met along the way was super nice, most people wanted to chat with me and were very friendly.
I never felt unsafe. The local bike tour company was always just a text or phone call away. They checked in with me throughout the week, I had zero issues whatsoever! There were plenty of people on the path, even in the shoulder season. In fact, I recommend going in the shoulder season because it is less crowded, I imagine it gets super busy in summer.
Definitely stop by the monastery in Engelhartzell where the monks brew their own beer, do the hike above the river bend at the Donauschlinge hotel in Schlögen (it's short and worth it), get to Melk early so you can enjoy the beautiful village, and make lots of stops of food and drinks! On that note - I opted not to get the dinner package, and I usually ended up having dinner at the hotel anyway because it was convenient, but I enjoyed the freedom of getting to choose.
I am new to cycling, but it is a fantastic way to travel and see a new place. These self-guided tours are perfect opportunities for solo cyclists (especially solo females) to get into bike touring. This is definitely just the beginning for me.
P.S. German Lesson 1: "Donauradweg" means Danube bike path, just follow the green signs :)
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2018
- 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, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
Video: Danube Bike Path as a Solo Female Cyclist!