Italy  Bike Tour Reviews (page 6)

  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Linda Barone September 19, 2024

    Excellent trip but GPS needs some updating

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

    This was a wonderful trip. The bikes were excellent, most of the scenery was stunning, the hotels were good for the most part. The one challenge we had was many of the directions have not been updated to reflect bike path construction and restaurant closures. The other issue was the distances we actually traveled did not match the distances on the downloaded GPS. One day we rode ~100 km, when the GPS said we would ride ~ 65 to 70 km.
    Still, we had an amazing, nicely challenging adventure and saw some of the most beautiful countryside that we wouldn’t have seen if we weren’t on bicycles. We would recommend this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2024
    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, Slovenia, Austria
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Learning Italian from the Saddle
    (5/5) Bill Allured September 19, 2024

    A great way to experience Puglia in Italian

    · Learning Italian from the Saddle: Language Classes & the Coast of Apulia

    The bicycling was magnificent with varied and spectacular views. A vary civilized break for coffee and Italian language every day, along with delicious lunch stops (with more Italian) really illustrated the concept of “Slow Tourism”, which the local partner specializes in. Our teacher and guide, Giovanna, was a gentle and excellent teacher as well as guide. When thunderstorms were predicted, she anticipated possible stopping places so we were confident in our ride. The only down side was that we don’t know what to follow it up with next year, except maybe do it again!

    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Bill Allured)
    •  (photo by Bill Allured)
    •  (photo by Bill Allured)
    •  (photo by Bill Allured)
    • 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)
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (4/5) William Gibson September 18, 2024

    Dolomites to the sea in Trieste

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

    This was a fun trip overall. The route begins with beautiful scenery thru mountain valleys with it's conclusion into the wine country north of Trieste. Numerous historical sites along the way with castles, churches and town centers to see. The lake in Bled is stunning.
    Accommodations were mostly fantastic with excellent food for dinner and breakfast.
    We had a few problems at the start with missing bike accessories for the e-bikes. Luckily this was easy to sort out at the bike shop in Dobbacio the evening before our ride.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    Some self guided gravel biking in Colorado
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • Sunset at Bled (photo by William Gibson)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Bolzano – Verona – Venice
    (4/5) Larry Warshawski September 14, 2024

    Great trip Bolzano to Venice

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    We enjoyed the bike trip. The GPS courses were very good as were the tour descriptions in Ride with GPS. Unfortunately there was not enough time to see many of the sites. The hotels overall were average with some below average and a couple that were above average. They were all outside of the main old town vicinity and we missed out on the wonderful ambiance of the historical towns.
    The 5 hour ferry ride on Lake Garda was too long and we arrived after sunset in late August. It was dark when we arrived at the hotel, which again was away from the downtown area and we had difficulty finding it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 21
    How many tours have you completed?
    30
    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?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Eugenia Farre September 11, 2024

    Dolomites to Trieste as a couple

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

    We loved this tour. We visited wonderful places. The hotels were excellent and the price/quality ratio was very good. The bicycles are in perfect condition. We always had a quick response when any questions. Highly recommended!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • Bled Lake (photo by Eugenia Farre)
    •  (photo by Eugenia Farre)
    •  (photo by Eugenia Farre)
    • 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
  • Venice to Trieste & Istria
    (4/5) Jay Penner September 10, 2024

    Good ride for e bikes.

    · Venice to Trieste and Istria

    This was the best electronic navigation we had ever seen. A phone holder for the bike made the navigation very easy. The weather was extremely hot the week we rode, but there were usually towns at good intervals to stop and hydrate. The local operator was responsive to any needs along the way and gave a good briefing the night before we started riding. The towns we stayed in offered great local flavor to the trip. The hotels were near the beaches so it was nice to swim in the Adriatic Sea at the end of the day. There were several stretches of road with considerable traffic but also a lot of bike paths and back roads with no traffic. The sights along the way were great and made for a memorable trip.

    The last day had several hills that would have been challenging without the e-bike assistance. The bikes were in good shape and rode well. Wouldn’t recommend this for a first time cycle trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    9
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
    •  (photo by Jay Penner)
    •  (photo by Jay Penner)
    • More than one town in Italy has a tower that leans. (photo by Jay Penner)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 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
  • Bike Paths of the Dolomites
    (5/5) ShopTherapy September 5, 2024

    Stunning Views

    · Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

    This was our first biking trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. No problems with the ebikes although we were concerned that tools and a flat repair kit were not included. Appreciated the pannier to carry our stuff. App worked well at guiding us, just a few wrong turns. The packet with maps and history of sites was great. The Hotel Hubertushof was charming. It was about a mile from the center of town. Staff was friendly and efficient, and the multi-course dinners were a nice ending to each day. Highly recommend this trip.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by ShopTherapy)
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) HM September 5, 2024

    Trip worth taking

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

    My wife and I recently embarked on the Dolomites to Trieste bike tour, and it was an unforgettable adventure filled with both challenges and breathtaking moments. The journey took us through some of the most stunning landscapes, starting from the majestic Dolomites and winding our way to the Adriatic coast.

    The routes were indeed challenging, but the sense of accomplishment we felt at the end of each day was worth every pedal stroke. We made several stops at various nature points, each offering a unique and serene beauty. One of the highlights was swimming in a water park, which provided a refreshing break from the rigorous cycling.

    The bike company did an excellent job of supporting us throughout the journey. They provided detailed maps and exploration tips along the route, which were incredibly helpful. Additionally, they offered an app with even more information, making it easy to navigate and learn about the areas we were passing through.

    The culinary experiences were another highlight of our trip. We savored a variety of foods unique to each country we visited. Slovenia, in particular, stood out with its delicious and diverse cuisine. From hearty stews to delicate pastries, every meal was a delightful discovery.

    The views of the Dolomite mountain range were simply breathtaking. The towering peaks and lush valleys provided a stunning backdrop to our journey, making every moment on the bike a visual feast.

    Overall, this bike tour was a wonderful blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventurous and rewarding experience. I would highly recommend to someone looking for adventure and different experiences.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • Innsbruck (photo by HM)
    • Tunnel Rock Fast biking downhill (photo by HM)
    • Bled Church (photo by HM)
    • Austria Sunset (photo by HM)
    • Amazing Burger (photo by HM)
    • Dolomites Mountains (photo by HM)
    • 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)
  • Gravel Biking Sardinia's Rugged Beauty
    (4/5) John Foster September 4, 2024

    Beautiful bit challenging :)

    · Gravel Biking Sardinia's Rugged Beauty

    Sardinia has long been on our "bucket list" and the scenery, wine, and food did not disappoint! The 3 different accommodations chosen were all great and each was a bit different. The staffs were great at all 3 and the on site coordinators were terrific! The routes were well laid out and Ride with GPS was a breeze to follow (though I use the app at home all the time) Some of the off-road trails were a bit rougher than anticipated and so they took a bit longer to complete than the estimates.

    How many tours have you completed?
    number 6 out of country, but first with Bike Tours
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    •  (photo by John Foster)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Bike Paths of the Dolomites
    (5/5) Allan Starr September 3, 2024

    Enjoyed staying in one hotel for the week

    · Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

    Since we are all paying the same price for the tour, I was disappointed that we all didn’t get the route package as there was only one per room. I shared a room with a friend and we both didn’t ride at the same time and the same speed and there were times when we were separated and missed the correct trail directions because of lack of route information. The local tour company would not supply emergency repair tools if there was a flat tire while we were in an area that was not accessible to contact anyone for help. Since we had ebike’s we asked to coverer the digital display and phone, but they didn’t supply a phone holder for the bike.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    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
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Susan Roberts September 3, 2024

    Terrific!

    · Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

    The hotel was very convenient except for not having an elevator. Breakfast bar and 5 course dinners were excellent. All 5 bike routes and surfaces were good to excellent. Fun Active transportation was excellent. The weather was perfect and the mountain scenery was spectacular!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
  • (5/5) Susan Roberts September 3, 2024

    Terrific!

    · Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

    The hotel was very convenient except for not having an elevator. Breakfast bar and 5 course dinners were excellent. All 5 bike routes and surfaces were good to excellent. Transportation was excellent. The weather was perfect and the mountain scenery was spectacular!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
    •  (photo by Susan Roberts)
  • Bolzano – Verona – Venice
    (4/5) Dean Ross September 3, 2024

    Good ride Bolzano to Venice.

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    Good routing along mostly paved paths through vineyards and orchards away from busy roads. Some of the 70km days were long in the near 40 degree heat, maybe a better tour for Sept. We paid for upgraded hotels some were but not all. Hotel Clarinet in Garda has very small rooms, they also don’t staff the front desk at night and there was no emergency contact given. This all became a reality when we went to leave the room in the morning and the deadbolt on the door just kept spinning. Called the front desk but there was no answer, luckily we had a bike repair tool that we were able to use to break out. Also worth noting that the ferry ride down the lake is a 4-5 hour trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    3 with this company
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Lauren Hickman August 29, 2024

    Incredible trip!

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    This route exceeded our expectations! Each day had so much to see and experience. We so much enjoyed these smaller Italian cities with amazing vibes and hardly any crowds. And the ability to ride up and down the streets and take it in on a bike was a real gift. We were able to see so much more than on foot and go to places we never would’ve seen on a train or taxi. We loved this tour so much! So much architecture, so much history! I especially loved the transition from mountains to Mediterranean. The bikes we got on this trip had less comfortable seats than our last bike tour. Wish we brought our padded shorts! Also, highly recommend the e-bikes. Made the trip so enjoyable. Might have had some difficulty on regular bike. Do-able but quite tiring for a casual cyclist.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    •  (photo by Lauren Hickman)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
    (3/5) Richard Sany August 12, 2024

    Nice Scenery

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

    We have been on a previous biketours.com offered ride in Austria and had certain expectations. The scenery was great but the navigation maps (especially digital) were lacking. The app for navigation and it was not responsive enough for making correct turns. I downloaded the digital files and tried to load them onto a ride app, Ride With GPS, but the files were so disorganized I had to completely re-trace the route for the 3 of the days we rode. Unlike a previous reviewer, I think the last day route from Gradisca d'Isonzo to Treiste was not that treacherous, probably because we took the more hilly alternate route through the countryside. Not very many cars and the rest were respectful of bikes on the road. I was very glad I had a triple front chain ring though because I was in the lowest gear on many hills (my wife had an ebike and met me at the top of every hill :-) ).

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Innsbruck to Lake Garda
    (5/5) Matthew Waterbury August 2, 2024

    Perfect way to experience the Alps and the Tyrol Region!

    · Innsbruck to Lake Garda Across the Southern Slopes of the Alps

    Fantastic experience. Great scenery with great back paths throughout the trip. Every day was unique enough that you felt it was a new experience. All our hotels were fine. A little noisy in IMST from road traffic. A great view from our Hotel room in St. Valentin. Great location in Riva del Garda. Each breakfast provided by the hotels were outstanding (sliced meat, cheese, eggs, etc.). Assistance from Stefano when required was readily available. We had not issues with bikes (better than mine).

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Italy
    • Another great day of biking and outstanding scenery (photo by Matthew Waterbury)
    • 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Palermo's perfect piazzas and palazzos
    (5/5) John Presto July 22, 2024

    Great way to experience a portion of Palermo and its history

    · Palermo Old Town Bike Tour

    Claudio was a great guide, providing information and a taste of a Sicilian food.

  • Dolomites to Venice
    (5/5) Dean Beveridge July 15, 2024

    Amazing experience

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Loved exploring Dolomites to Venice by bike. History, scenery, food and wine. Loved every minute.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • Amazing scenery (photo by Dean Beveridge)
  • Tuscany Getaway
    (4/5) Tera Hurst July 13, 2024

    Amazing trip, highly recommend

    · Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza

    My brother wanted to do a bike trip for his 50th birthday. After months of research I finally landed on this itinerary and I am so glad we did it! Leading up to the trip bike tours staff was very responsive. The info they sent took awhile and wasn’t tailored to our trip, but they make up for that by answering all questions promptly and without making you feel like a burden!! We had some last minute changes they were very accommodating with as well. The local tour company was wonderful! They were very patient with all of our anxieties and questions. We had never done a trip like this and in a foreign country self guided was intimidating. They broke it down for us and it was amazing. The routes they gave us were stunning and we only made a few quick wrong turns. GPS app they use was helpful and easy to use and follow. We were directed to a different hotel than the one we were staying at twice which was a bit annoying but once we found our place it was lovely and so nice to jump in a cold pool after a hot long ride. Their lunch and dinner recs were delicious! And the one time we had an issue where our bike lock wouldn’t unlock they came out to our remote spot and helped! It’s such a magical place to experience by bike! They never made us feel like a burden and were so professional, accommodating and supportive. I highly recommend this trip. It’s totally worth the price.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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
    • Day 4 in Montelciano (photo by Tera Hurst)
    • Heading to Siena (photo by Tera Hurst)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Aaron Hurst July 9, 2024

    A perfect week

    · Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza

    The team was so friendly and helpful. The hotels were clean. The bikes worked great. Routes were incredible.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy