First Timers Bike Tour Reviews (page 2)
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★★★★★ Norm November 2, 2017Great ride.
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
Austria is beautiful with a lot of historic sites. We were late in season so a bit cooler, rained for 2 days but we were prepared. Very impressed with hotels and the mix of modern and historic settings, professionally organized. Only complaint was that on first part of trip, bike trail was not marked well and descriptions were hard to follow eg. go for a short ways and turn right at first farmyard turn left at the country road - keep at the block to the right? To a stranger to the area lot of this didn't make sense. We ended up getting most of our directions from local people who were very helpful. The portion on the Danube bike trail was very easy to follow.
Overall we were pleased with the tour.- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 8 to 13, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- 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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★★★★★ eb53 June 17, 2018
extraordinary trip across Austria
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
This trip was truly stunningly beautiful. We were amazed at how much beauty and variety could be packed into one trip. Even though the directions were sometimes confusing, it was easy to figure your way around--the signage is fantastic and people are exceedingly kind and friendly. We really loved the self-guided option--it increased the sense of adventure, freedom and self-reliance. All accommodations were splendid as were the breakfasts. We were amazed at how great the bike infrastructure is in Austria--way better than in the US. Everyone bikes and cyclists are respected. Motorists were very considerate of cyclists. Temperatures in Austria were WAY ABOVE NORMAL this year. The lakes part of the trip was some of the best riding we have ever done; we also loved the Wachau region. We wished that
this part had been longer. If we had it to do over, we would add a day to the lakes and maybe take a train over sections of the Danube. . . Do not miss the ecological gardens in Tullin! We wished we could have spent a day there.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- this is our first long tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
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★★★★★ Julane January 1, 2019
Valleys and Vineyards
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
We found the scenery on this tour stunning (especially on Lake Traunsee) and appreciated the variety of landscapes (forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, farmland) and terrain (flat to rolling hills). The hotels/inns were very comfortable and most within walking distance of interesting sites in the cities/towns. We combined this tour with another (Tauern Bike Path: Salzburg to Salzburg) which gave us an opportunity to experience a different but equally beautiful region of Austria.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 28-October 3
- How many tours have you completed?
- 30+
- 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
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★★★★★ KLVM July 11, 2019
Biking in the Shoulder Season
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
Cold weather and rain did not prevent us from having a wonderful biking experience. The scenery was beautiful, hotels were in lovely locations, the people were friendly, and the tourist sites were virtually empty.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 12-18, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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?
- Austria
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★★★★★ Hilary Powell November 7, 2022
Amazing
· Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option
This trip was amazing! I had so much fun and it was very well organized. Any problems we ran into we were able to get answered quickly through email or a phone call. Someone was always available. I had never been to Austria and in one trip I saw a little bit of everything the country had to offer.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria
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★★★★★ Smgds November 4, 2015Austria is a perfect country to cycle in!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
This was a highly enjoyable tour. I really thought the inns/hotels chosen were nice and friendly. The only think I would recommend is not getting the pre-paid dinner. The set menus got a little monotonous after a while.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ CyclesInRoswell March 13, 2016
A trip I'd dreamed of for many years brought to reality in every way!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
The tandem bike was reliable and fairly comfortable, the sites were awesome, directions flawless and lodging friendly, clean and lovely. We were very happy with this self-guided trip, our first bike expeirence in Europe. We did have a broken chain on the 2nd day, but my hubby made a trail repair and the company came to our hotel and replaced the chain that night. This is a great tour and I was shocked today when looking for our next one that I hadn't reviewed it. I would recommend this as a first European bike experience to any cyclist.
- How many tours have you completed?
- Only one through a company, 4 total
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, Families with young kids, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Rider May 9, 2016
First Bike Tour
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
This was our first bike tour (September 2015) and I went with my wife and 27 year old son. The route was wonderful, and if you are looking for a beginner trip, this one is great (my son, a more experienced biker, felt it was not challenging enough). We have since take another, more challenging tour, and can see how accommodating the Danube route is.
The route is mostly flat, on dedicated bike trails and very well marked. Your only basic decision each day is which side of the river to ride on. The information provided by the tour company was excellent and we never got lost. The weather was also very good (it only rained one afternoon) which also contributed to the enjoyment. Although they varied in quality, the accommodations were basically very good. I really enjoyed seeing the country on a bike tour. We did cut the last day short, and rather than cycle into Vienna, we took a train. Another group started and rode the same route as us, cycled into Vienna and based on what we heard from them, we made the right choice. We spend a couple of days in Munich at the beginning and a couple of days in Vienna at the end, which were both wonderful cities. All in all, highly recommended especially if you are looking for an introduction to bike touring. -
★★★★★ Kate May 9, 2016
A great trip with lots of memories
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
My husband, two teenage grandsons and I did this trip. It was marvelous. The beautiful Austrian towns were so bike friendly. We are not fast bikers, so we did feel like some parts we did not have time to explore adequately. It would have been nice to stay some place more than one night. We took the deluxe tour version and the hotels were fabulous. Would absolutely recommend this trip for anyone, but especially families.
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★★★★★ The Bicigrinos June 24, 2016
Biking with friends along the Danube
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Our group of five throughly enjoyed our bike ride. The bikes were excellent, with no technical problems. Every hotel that we stayed in was different from the others and offered us an excellent accommodation. We were supplied with a set of maps and various coupons. We particularly loved the free wine tasting and 600 year old cellar tour. The terrain, small villages, and varied weather all played their part in our wonderful adventure.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 8-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first
- 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?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ The Bicigrinas June 24, 2016
Fabulous Trip
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Our seven day trip along the Danube was delightful. Five of us (all over 65) from Northern California began in Passau. Try to get there early as this charming city has much to see.
The hotels were beautiful and most had delicious restaurants and fabulous breakfasts each morning.
If I were to do it again I'd do the trip in 10 days to have more time to explore Linz, Melk, Enns, Tulln and Krems and have a shorter biking day.
Anya and the staff are so wonderful and responsive.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 7-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my First one
- 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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★★★★★ Grani Rae August 7, 2016
Family celebration of my 80th year
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
An excellent trip--great hotel locations, marvelous breakfasts, great views from hotel terraces. An electric assisted bicycle allowed me (age 79) to enjoy bicycling with my two sons, their wives and four grandchildren (ages 12, 14, 14 and 17). The maps and directions provided for the self-guided tour took us on safe bike paths through forests, wheat fields, through small towns, past castles and churches, and of course, along the Danube River.
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★★★★★ chuck August 16, 2016
Excellent bike tour of the Danube and surrounding Austria countryside!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
This was our first bike tour and it was a wonderful experience! The hotels and luggage transport were all top notch. The bicycles were in excellent condition and performed flawlessly throughout the trip, but they were a bit heavy compared to our privately owned bikes. The saddle bags were invaluable and easily detached so you could carry them into the hotel room at the end of the day. The directions to get from city to city was great, but occasionally a little vague on getting to the hotel at the end of the day. Also, it should be noted that crossing the river by ferry was always easier than crossing at the bridges and dams.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug. 1st - 6th, 2015
- 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
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★★★★★ RP8082 August 17, 2016
Danube Ride
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
A great ride. The hotels were wonderful. The scenery was beautiful. The directions for the route were good. A little more detail for directions to the hotel each day could be improved slightly. But the trip was awesome. Bikes were new and well tuned, and luggage was delivered flawlessly each day.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/1/16
- How many tours have you completed?
- This one only.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- 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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★★★★★ kater August 19, 2016
Great trip were almost everything offered was delivered
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
The Danube valley and all the town along the way were beautiful. The Austrians were almost always friendly and helpful. The tandem bike was exceptionally well equipped being in good condition and plenty of detachable bags. The directions for the most part worked and the bike path was fantastic
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★★★★★ Robo October 1, 2016
Fantastic ride
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
This was our second self guided tour with Bike Tours, and once again they provided a well organised tour, hotels were very good value, and our luggage always arrived on time. The bikes were in very good condition, but slightly on the heavy side, the route was easy to navigate and depending how adventuress you are it can be adjusted to see some of the inland towns, and farming area, we added an extra day in Krems to our itinerary to enjoy the Wachau valley.
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★★★★★ Margaret May 15, 2017
A view of Europe that we couldn't get any other way
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
My husband and I chose the self-guided option, and we're happy with that choice -- more flexibility with pace and timing.
Our tour dates were in early May, and this was probably both good and bad. We had some drizzle and a couple days were a bit chilly. On the other hand, the bike path was probably less busy than it will be later. I'm not a fast rider and I'm not comfortable with a lot of other riders whizzing by me. And I suspect that we got upper-end lodging, even though I'd selected middle-grade, because the hotels were eager to have bookings.
I hadn't been able to do all the training I should have, so I opted for an e-bike and it was a very good decision. I still got a workout but I wasn't pushed so hard that I couldn't enjoy the ride.
Couple of tips:
- If you're coming over from the US, give yourself a couple of days to recover before you start the ride. And give yourself a day at the end of the ride before there's anything you have to do.
- Make sure that everybody in your group has all the necessary information about destination, contacts, etc. It's possible to get separated from the others, even when you're trying not to.
- Make sure that you're comfortable with a bit of traffic -- oncoming riders, you passing people, people passing you. The other bikers on the path trust you to do the right thing and stay in your lane, so be sure that you can. When I wasn't confident about this, I got off and walked my bike.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 4-11, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my 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
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★★★★★ Alex655321 June 5, 2017
Excellent mix of challenge, history and culture
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Great way to experience the Danube area of Germany and Austria. Scenery was diverse and there were plenty of extra hills for those that wanted a challenge. Accommodations were clean, local and relevant to the area. Bikes were better than I expected. Looking forward to my next ride.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 22-29, 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 teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Susie June 12, 2017
a 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.
