Italy  Bike Tour Reviews (page 6)

  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Harpa Sigmarsdóttir June 14, 2024

    Amazing landscape

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

    For the first three days you cycle in the beautiful Dolomites and Julian alps. The views are stunning. We only stayed one night at lake Bled, we started early in the morning so we were there at around noon so we had the whole day to explore. The next morning we took the train to Most na Soci and the trail that day was so beautiful and a lot different from the previous days. The last part of the trip, last cycling day, was very stressful because of traffic. I would prefer that the trip would end outside of Trieste, like in the village the day before cause you are riding on main road in high traffic so I didn’t enjoy the surroundings. Accommodations were all nice, very different but all nice. Loved hotel Franz in Gradisca- superb and the staff are amazing! Overall I’m very pleased with this trip and love exploring this way. Would recommend.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    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
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Bike Paths of the Dolomites
    (5/5) Lisa LeRoy June 10, 2024

    Great way to start with self-guide cycling trips

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

    The Hotel Laurin in Toblach-Dobbiaco was a truly wonderful base from which to explore the Tres Clims area of the Dolomites. The hotel was beautiful, new and clean with great views from the balconies. The food was spectacular. Every meal was a work of art. The hotel staff were kind and helpful. The pool, saunas and spa were relaxing. The cycling paths are bike/pedestrian only paths and mostly well marked. The scenery is fantastic on all of the rides. Each town has something special about it. The bicycles are pretty good. The maps were fairly good and the GPS program that is provided is also pretty good. The navigation could be a little better. I'd recommend communicating with the local tour company in advance of starting the trip to get an orientation to ride packet and the GPS program. There are bus and train transfers needed which we didn't realize and did not have one for each person in our group - the hotel provided them when we asked. The tour company was unclear on how many people were in our group and that led to extra clarification that was important. The packets did not include all of the same materials.
    Tour Operator is located near the hotel but they have a call center that is elsewhere and depending what language you speak, you might need staff members in one or the other location. The order of the daily rides may change depending on availability of vans for days when transfers to or from a ride start/end are needed. We didn't realize this before setting off on our first day. We also wished we had known that there was an Austrian holiday the day we went to Cortina because everything was closed and we could not visit the museum or other attractions. More communication with the local company would have helped us with better planning. It was rainy and cold the week of our trip and we had to buy extra waterproof gear which is easy in Dobbiacco because there are several sporting goods shops.We were a friend group of 4 women -- all experienced cyclists and intrepid travelers. This trip is perfect for that type of group.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (3/5) Barbara Stanley June 9, 2024

    Good trip with a few problems.

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Instruction , hotels and app were very good overall. Could improve to have ability to put in hotel for city navigation when it really counts. I had a collision with a tram at the end of the ride but lucky that I had minimal damage. Also , in our group of 5 , one had a horrible bike and the chain kept coming off.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
  • Bike around Milan's best-kept secrets
    (5/5) Lisa Blake June 9, 2024

    Efficient Fun

    · Milan Hidden Treasures Bike Tour

    “Efficient” may not be the first thing people aspire to while on vacation but hear me out: My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our bike ride through northern Milan with Pauline. She took great care to make sure we were always safe. This was important to me because while my husband is accustomed to biking around New York City, I am not an avid biker so the safety aspect allowed me to relax and enjoy what was a fantastic experience. We saw so many neighborhoods we never would have otherwise, beautiful old homes and streets that were utterly charming. She also shared the amazing crypt of Giuseppe Verdi. As huge opera fans this was a real and unexpected treat! Being on bikes allowed us to efficiently see Chinatown and also the Monumental Cemetery . There was a huge concert taking place in Sforza park. Being on bikes meant we could see the park without being bogged down by the crowds. Pauline took the time to share fascinating history along the way as well which really rounded out the experience. At the end she even helped us get a taxi. We highly recommend this experience. Not just for the efficiency but mostly for the fun! Traveling by bike is a wonderful way to explore Milan and Pauline is the perfect guide.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 8
    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
    •  (photo by Lisa Blake)
    •  (photo by Lisa Blake)
    •  (photo by Lisa Blake)
    •  (photo by Lisa Blake)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (1/5) Heather Batchelor June 7, 2024

    Hail, lightning and rain

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

    Didn’t get to do the trip because of terrible weather and the idea of sitting in a hotel room until 6pm without any luggage.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
  • Tuscany Getaway
    (5/5) Bruna Redinha June 6, 2024

    Amazing views!

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

    The itinerary was wonderful, the medieval cities are amazing and very well located hotels. The only thing we didn't like very much was that the way was mostly on narrow paved roads, we were expecting to ride more on dirt roads.

    Apart from that, we liked everything, including the e-bikes and local support.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany
    (5/5) Tom Lester June 1, 2024

    Tuscany visas

    · Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

    Great way to experience Val D'Orca area.
    Tour guides were knowledgeable and supportive.
    Staying at the agriturismo provided an authentic look of Italian farm life.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
  • Venice to Trieste & Istria
    (5/5) Jennifer Dattke May 31, 2024

    Incredible Journey!!💕

    · Venice to Trieste and Istria

    Such a great experience! Yes challenging both the riding and navigating but rewarded with great food and gelato! The hotels were all good and comfortable with great breakfasts. Every community was so cute. Would recommend a lay over night to recoup, enjoy the community and give time for your chamois to dry!? Great experience. I was impressed by how bike friendly the route was on bike paths, along canals and use of rails to trails. Also I felt drivers were very aware of cyclists. The tour company (Anthony) was very accommodating when we had an issue with shifting and brought another bike to us.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
    • Bell tower views of Porec (photo by Jennifer Dattke)
    • Another gelato  earned! (photo by Jennifer Dattke)
    • Trieste to Piran (photo by Jennifer Dattke)
    • Poppies! (photo by Jennifer Dattke)
    • Caorle (photo by Jennifer Dattke)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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
  • Florence to Rome
    (5/5) Ajit Venkatraman May 29, 2024

    Good solid bike tour with great food and tours

    · Florence to Rome: Bike through the Heart of Italy

    Guide was very knowledgeable . The lunches were excellently prepared by driver . The accommodations except at one hotel were all top notch and bags were transported to rooms efficiently .
    My one comment is not on tour itself but the process . I did not know that the guests were all from Germany and Austria and most of the tour was in German . The guide was bi lingual but had to translate just for me .
    If I had known the guest list did not have non English speakers I may have booked another date .

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 18
    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
    • 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 Guides (if applicable)
  • Innsbruck to Lake Garda
    (5/5) Om Apte May 29, 2024

    Perfect way to enjoy Italian Alps

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

    The tour experience was great. All the stays were perfect. The mobile app was very helpful to navigate from point A to B. All instructions in the docket were easy to understand and follow. This was my 2 tour with bike tours and I found the quality of services was as good as it was on our last tour.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Italy
  • Florence to Rome
    (5/5) Ildiko Mikos May 28, 2024

    Picture Perfect

    · Florence to Rome: Bike through the Heart of Italy

    Fabulous ride through the heart of Italy. Rotalis went above and beyond to make the trip comfortable and fun. Snacks and daily lunch picnics were exceptional and a highlight for me. Our group consisted of 12 Germans and 3 Americans, so the guides needed to translate all into both languages. Sometimes that was a bit tedious. Dinners were above average, but I wish we had more opportunities in the cities to select our own restaurants and menu options. This would enable more free time, as well. The hotels were all great, except those in Rieti and Rome. But overall loved the trip and would highly recommend it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Ildiko Mikos)
    •  (photo by Ildiko Mikos)
    •  (photo by Ildiko Mikos)
    •  (photo by Ildiko Mikos)
    •  (photo by Ildiko Mikos)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (4/5) Mary-lou Huculak May 27, 2024

    Amazing scenery.

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    The fresh air and mountain peaks are spectacular. I would recommend upgrading the bike rental as the basic trekking bike were not efficient for the terrain of this route.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May, 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 2/5 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
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Robin Jones May 24, 2024

    What a beautiful trip!

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

    Seeing the Dolomites was always something I had wanted to experience. Starting the trip in Dobbiacco Toblach allowed us to be close up and witness the beauty of this mountain range. The couple who provided us with our bikes the first day suggested riding to Cortina since the weather was perfectly sunny that day. We rode and were able to see the 3 Sisters and it was amazing! The first day of the trip which allowed us to see the Dolomites was sunny and warm despite earlier weather reports calling for rain. It could not have been a more perfect day for a ride.

    We had rain for most of the following days but because it was the beginning day of the season we didn't go in expecting sunshine the entire time. Someone once told me, there are no bad days only bad gear. We had come prepared and did not regret it. Each village we stayed in was nice and the people we came in contact with were friendly and accommodating. The hotels, although many were quite simple, were comfortable and clean. The food in all establishments was good and exactly what we needed. We opted for e-bikes because of the hilly terrain and felt the bikes provided were good quality.

    All in all, even in the rain it was a wonderful trip that was well planned out. We did not use the route maps the tour company provided rather we built our own in Strava. However, the people on the same tour who were using the app seemed quite happy. I'm so happy we chose this tour and look forward to many more.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 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
    • View from Dobbiacco Toblach (photo by Robin Jones)
    • On the way to Cortina (photo by Robin Jones)
    • In the village of Feistritz an der Gail (photo by Robin Jones)
    • In the village of Feistritz an der Gail (photo by Robin Jones)
    • Slovenian waters (photo by Robin Jones)
    • Lake Bled (photo by Robin Jones)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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
  • A Taste of Italy
    (5/5) Joshua Klein May 23, 2024

    Best way to see the region

    · A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna

    This trip was amazing and everything we hoped it would be. The bikes and the hotels were great and everything was very smooth. Having the loop days being optional was great as we were able to choose to explore the different cities those days when we needed a day off from riding.

    We did the optional dinner package and while the food was good the restaurants themselves seemed a bit confused and unprepared, if we were to change one thing we did it would be to not include that and just find dinner ourselves.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 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
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Christopher Schafer May 23, 2024

    Wonderful cycle ride through 3 lovely countries

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

    This was a great first bike tour. It's mostly flat and off road on paved bike trails without cars. I felt safe the entire time. Although I was a solo traveller, I met other cyclists that were on the same tour and staying at the same hotels as me which made my solo cycling tour all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    My first bike tour
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (4/5) Sam Roozendaal May 22, 2024

    Beatiful Views

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Great way to see the Dolomites and Northern Italy. Majority of the ride was on paths, so low stress. There is more climbing than indicated in the description so be prepared. The rental bikes are 21 speed vintage 1990's so heavy and not geared well for the climbs.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Christopher McAdam May 22, 2024

    A great ride!!!

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

    We loved all aspects of the ride. It was great to span 3 different countries. We were glad that we chose the 23 days in Bled, we had a fantastic free day there.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (4/5) Sam Roozendaal May 21, 2024

    Visually stunning trip

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    This is a great way to see the sights of Umbria at a slower pace. The route is well designed with mostly quiet roads. There are some busy roads as you enter or leave towns but that is to be expected. There is a lot of climbing so we were glad we got the e-bikes. The hotels are mostly very good and close to the centre of town.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Mary-lou Huculak May 9, 2024

    Challenging but worth it!

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    Gorgeous views over every hill and string every bend. Challenging even on ebikes but spectacular views.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May, 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • Rolling hills of Todi (photo by Mary-lou Huculak)
    • Charming accommodation in Castiglione del Lago (photo by Mary-lou Huculak)
    • Assissi is magnificent (photo by Mary-lou Huculak)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Venice to Mantova
    (5/5) Gregg Duckett April 29, 2024

    Gourmet dining and bicycles

    · · Venice to Mantova by Bike and Boat (and reverse)

    The staff was kind and helpful, the bike rides were scenic at a relaxing pace and the food on-board was the best I have ever had.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    •  (photo by Gregg Duckett)
    • 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)