Italy  Bike Tour Reviews (page 16)

  • Bolzano to Verona
    (5/5) Chuck87 May 29, 2019

    Spectacular!

    · Bolzano to Verona: Orchards, Mountains & Timeless Culture

    My girlfriend and I did the self-guided tour. This was our first bike tour, and we both had an amazing time. The first 3 days were primarily on cycle paths while the last 2 days were mostly on country rides. Do be mindful that the last 2 days are slightly hillier while also having to navigate some traffic. Biking in to and out of Verona was slightly difficult due to the car traffic.

    The experience with the contracted tour company was very efficient and organized. Our luggage were always in the next hotel by the time we arrived. The bikes were sturdy. The directions were accurate (we downloaded the GPS tracks to our phone). The hotels were all very clean, private, and most importantly had very warm showers.

    Our favorite part of the tour was the city of Bolzano. It is unlike other cities in Italy, partly due to its German/Austrian influence. Take time to explore the city and also take the cable car up to Ritten and do some hiking prior to the start of the bike tour. The scenery is ridiculously beautiful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 16th-May 22nd 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    1 including 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?
    Italy
    • 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
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (5/5) Tom33 May 22, 2019

    Our first self-guided tour

    · Umbria’s Green Valleys From the Pilgrimage Town of Assisi

    Umbria was beautiful. Incredible scenery with rolling green hills and fields of red poppies. Most of our biking was in the valley so fairly flat. We had electric bikes expecting more hills. The climb to Montefalco would have been challenging otherwise. Hotels were very nice and it was great to spend 2 nights at each of 3 different hotels so you didn't have to pack up each morning. Our orientation was very thorough from Paolo. There were a few occasions on the road where we had questions about written directions but we figured things out. We were mostly on backroads with little traffic so that was great. A group of 4-6 people doing a self-guided tour would be fun. We rode 4 days out of 5 and took one rain day off. Longest day was 33 miles and shortest about 15. We had plenty of time to stop and explore, take pictures, open church doors, etc. Overall this was a great experience and we look forward to returning to Umbria!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 1-May 7, 2019
    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 teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 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
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Donna T April 30, 2019

    Fabulous trip!

    · Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps

    Excellent cycling paths, gorgeous scenery, outstanding accommodations and delicious breakfasts. Our trip was in mid September and the weather was lovely. Our group of four had a few mechanical issues with the bicycles, but the local tour company was responsive and resolved the problems. Some of the maps and written directions were confusing especially in the larger towns which lacked bike path signs. Getting lost occasionally added to the adventure! Overall, we had a wonderful experience!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2018
    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?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • Photo 1 (photo by Donna T)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Donna T)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Donna T)
    • Photo 4 (photo by Donna T)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (5/5) KSBowman April 29, 2019

    50Th B-Day Celebration

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    It was an amazing trip with excellent weather. The rides were mostly off the beaten path, through rolling terrain with steep uphill climbs to various towns/forts. The hotels were great, we upgraded. We ate locally and did not purchase the dinner with the room package. I will say, we are in very good shape and bike 3-4 days per week at home. It was a difficult ride at times, especially getting into Orvietto, Todi, Cortona, Assisi and Chuisi. Very, Very steep climbs, but well worth the effort. The B and B, Antica Gabella, in Castiglione del Lago was our favorite. Givanna was the ultimate host. The hotel in Todi was also amazing with great views and use of a pool if its warm. I highly recommend taking your time through the small towns and site seeing, wine taste and eat off the beaten path. The written maps and Mapsme got us to our destinations with a few u-turns. Next time we will see if we can have an extra day of not riding scattered in, so we can explore more. We also had a few days on the coast prior to riding and then finished in Rome for a few days. It was perfect!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 14-21
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • Photo 1 (photo by KSBowman)
    • Photo 2 (photo by KSBowman)
    • B and B Antica Gabella (photo by KSBowman)
    • Photo 4 (photo by KSBowman)
    • Todi (photo by KSBowman)
    • The ride to Cortona (photo by KSBowman)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 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
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (5/5) CyclesInRoswell April 5, 2019

    Wonderful Anniversary Trip!

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    We did this tour in June 2016 and I neglected to write a review. Wonderful scenery, great little side trips if you want to add miles, and wonderful service and accommodations. We had a great time on our rented tandem (affectionately nicknamed "The Whale") and would do this tour again. BikeTours Direct service was excellent, and the tour company did a great job. A romantic way to spend our 25th anniversary.

    What was the date of your tour?
    6/2016
    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 teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • Around every bend beauty (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • Bolzano's terraced hills (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • The whale and the tunnel (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • Beautifully marked trail (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • Belluno umbrella street (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • Photo 6 (photo by CyclesInRoswell)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Apulia - Heel of Italy
    (5/5) Kris January 28, 2019

    Great bike ride through historic sites, splendid scenery, and fantastic food.

    · Apulia - Heel of Italy

    We did a self-guided tour with e-bikes–and were happy with our arrangements throughout. We picked this ride because of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the fact we hadn't visited this part of Italy. It's so cool to bike through agricultural areas, small towns and the regional centers. A highlight was the stay in Masseria Bosco in the middle of the vast olive orchards–a lux experience and fine restaurant in an historic agricultural property. All the city hotels were great, too. We loved both Matera and Alberobello and took some extra time there on our own. The ride from sea to sea (Adriatic to Ionian) was truly spectacular. And, wow, the food! In short, the whole experience was well-curated. Anyone wanting to try a bike tour would be wise to start here with the expert recommendations and support by biketours.com and their local partners.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 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 teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • Approaching Ostuni, which looks over ancient olive orchards toward the sea beyond. (photo by Kris)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 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
  • Venice to Florence
    (5/5) Becki54 November 19, 2018

    Perfect way to see Italy for the first time!

    · Venice to Florence: From Rialto across the sea to Ponte Vecchio

    So glad we chose this tour as a way to experience Italy for the first time. Our tour guide was available and helpful. The route was perfect, coincided with the directions and GPS. E-bikes suited our group well. So fun!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Oct. 6-13
    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?
    Italy
    • Photo 1 (photo by Becki54)
    • 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)
  • Apulia and Basilicata
    (5/5) paul22 November 13, 2018

    great trip

    · Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce

    a fantastic part of Italy - unspoiled. tour is well organized, hotels are good. highly recommended

    What was the date of your tour?
    october 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • A Taste of Italy
    (5/5) MarkE November 12, 2018

    Great 1st self guided tour - mixing cycling and culinary experiences

    · A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna

    Mostly flat terrain so easy riding at moderate pace which allowed plenty of time for stops, photos etc. Each of the towns had unique architecture/character. Great selection of hotels in the old town sections. All meals excellent whether part of package or self selected. A little challenging following directions out and back into towns in order to avoid major roads. Each of the tours very educational (and tasty) - we learned so much.

    What was the date of your tour?
    10/13/18
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Apulia and Basilicata
    (4/5) Bubbles November 11, 2018

    Good bike tour, great scenery, with caveats and NOT a level 2 difficulty

    · Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce

    This tour benefits from some spectacularly gorgeous scenery, two unique and fascinating cities, and the excellent bike support staff (they were prompt in communicating and resolving equipment problems). Cyclists need to be aware of some of the drawbacks, too. The difficulty rating for this trip is misleading. It is NOT a level 2; it is definitely at least a level 3. I did a level 2 ride the week before, and a level 4 ride the week after, and this ride was closer to the 4 than the 2. The elevation maps provided appear to be inaccurate (day 2 was at least as hilly as day 1). Cycling expectations, and therefore preparations, matter. The on-route directional sign postings are usually present (kudos), but quite small and easy to overlook. Then, unfortunately, there were some things that detracted from the experience that cannot be fixed by the tour operator: inconsiderate auto drivers, very rough pavement in many places (patches upon patches and big, deep potholes), and a truly remarkable amount of litter (garbage, discarded washing machines and refrigerators, cans, bottles) that mars large swaths of the route in otherwise very scenic countryside. We cycled in the shoulder season, and some coastal in the far south towns were nearly closed down, but the traffic was also nearly absent. All things considered, it was a positive experience and worthwhile, but it doesn’t compare favorably to other equally beautiful trips.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 6, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    9
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Venice to Florence
    (5/5) Gilles November 11, 2018
    · Venice to Florence: From Rialto across the sea to Ponte Vecchio

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 6-13
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (5/5) Giovanni November 7, 2018

    Our best BIKETOURS...so far

    · Umbria’s Green Valleys From the Pilgrimage Town of Assisi

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    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?
    Italy
    • Photo 1 (photo by Giovanni)
    • On teh way to Spello (photo by Giovanni)
    • Sagrantino grapes ready to pick (photo by Giovanni)
    • Lunch in Montefalco with Patricia and Barbara and Sagrantino Wine (photo by Giovanni)
    • 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) Bike man October 3, 2018

    Pedaling through Umbria

    · Umbria’s Green Valleys From the Pilgrimage Town of Assisi

    This trip was perfect from start to finish thanks to Petra and Paolo. Bikes were like new and well tuned. Organizers met us, went over trip details, and made overnight accommodations in beautiful hotels and B&B’s. Luggage was transported and waiting for us at each new stay. Our stay in Italy was wonderful. We were a self-guided group of 4. We will be back.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 9-14,2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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?
    Italy
    • Riding through olive groves (photo by Bike man)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 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
  • Florence to Rome
    (4/5) Charlie October 1, 2018

    Beautiful Ride.

    · Florence to Rome: Bike through the Heart of Italy

    Our ride was a wonderful way to see the Italian countryside from Florence to Rome. The riders were similar in skills (7 of 8 retired) and the routing matched our skill set. The guides (furnished by Rotalis) were knowledgeable and accommodated requests from our team quickly and to everyone’s satisfaction. There were a few very short instances where the ride was on busy roadways when we transitioned from one backroad to another. The guides did not rush the transition and were focused on safety during those transitions.

    At each stop things were in place and there was no confusion. Meals and lodging provided by the tour were greatly appreciated.

    If you want to see Italy at a human scale (not at 60 mph), this is a wonderful way to do it. We will go back!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was #2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Bolzano – Verona – Venice
    (5/5) Biabattistella October 1, 2018

    Great view, food, biking

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    The view was fantastic, especially Dolomitas. The tour was easy, but very nice.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 9th
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Italy
    • 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 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Venice to Trieste & Istria
    (4/5) Juiti September 29, 2018

    Unforgettable!!! The hidden beauty of the Venetian region and Croatian Adriatic:

    · Venice to Trieste and Istria

    I love this route. It combined beautiful nature landscapes with historic spot and charmy littles towns.
    We had great experience sharing time with fun bikers around the world.
    Even if the hotels were in general ok we would have preferred to pay a bit more for better quality and location.

    What was the date of your tour?
    8 september
    How many tours have you completed?
    now 3
    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?
    Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
    • Photo 1 (photo by Juiti)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Juiti)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Juiti)
    • Photo 4 (photo by Juiti)
    • Photo 5 (photo by Juiti)
    • Photo 6 (photo by Juiti)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Inga September 25, 2018

    Fantastic trip !

    · Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps

    We were very pleased with everything. All information from Bike tours was 100% reliable. It was great to visit three countries in 6 days on bicycle. Every day was spectacular and different from each other, but always with beautiful scenery and we felt very safe on the cycling paths. Hotels had good standard, especially the last four hotels, and every village charming and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this trip !

    What was the date of your tour?
    7.sept-13.sept 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 teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (4/5) atlantacyclist72 September 24, 2018

    Beautiful part of Italy

    · Umbria’s Green Valleys From the Pilgrimage Town of Assisi

    The scenery is lovely and the accommodations were very nice. The upper church at the basilica in Assisi is spectacular--don't miss it. Just remember that European air conditioning is not the same as US air conditioning if you go during warm months.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10-17
    How many tours have you completed?
    more than a dozen
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (4/5) karnhaus September 22, 2018

    It was an adventure!

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    Beautiful trip through Umbria and Tuscany; although the elevation on some days was more than we expected. The views were spectacular, and all of the accommodations were excellent. Loved the B&B in Castiglione del Lago - it was our favorite. Could have used more tips of places to see along the way, such as wineries, local farms, etc. Ecologico Tours did a great job organizing the trip, the bikes were top notch, and they were very accommodating in helping us switch out our pedals, provide carriers, etc.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/6 - 9/14
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (4/5) Skippy September 22, 2018

    Loved the Scenery!

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Enjoyed each day! Length was good, even including the king day!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 8-15, 2018
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection