Italy Bike Tour Reviews
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★★★★★ James Ruzevick 9 months ago
Very well organized bike and boat trip
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
I was impressed with all facets of the trip. The boat, guides, food and bikes were all first rate.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Elizabeth Blanchford 2 months ago
Perfect Trip and Exactly what I was looking for!
· Cycling in the Heart of Puglia
This trip was perfect in so many ways. The logistics were amazing from the great hotels to the perfect mileage on the bike each day. I appreciated the level of support that was just enough and not too much given I wanted the time to myself without too much engagement with the company. The bike was wonderful and the routes were full of beauty and adventure. I also really loved the time of year at the end of the season when things were quiet..including the roads! The team at biketours.com made the planning easy and they listened to exactly what I wanted out of the trip...interesting hotels and experiences. I can't say enough positive things about the experience. I will definitely be back for another trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Kenneth Waldhauser 2 months ago
Amazing cycling in Puglia
· Cycling in the Heart of Puglia
We enjoyed the six days of cycling through the heart of Puglia. The local cycling group took great care of us. Our e-bikes were perfect: comfortable and easily powerful enough for this trip. We had great weather which made our travel very enjoyable. Accommodation was excellent. Great rooms and breakfasts. The ability to stop along the many rural paths and explore other towns in route was great. The nav app was good for points of interest, restaurants and the route was definitely off the beaten path and safe. The additional organic wine tasting ( exceptional), tuk tuk tour in Ostuni and olive oil tasting were fun and informative. Only small drawbacks were the nav device with satellite lagged inside the high ways of the old cities. The device worked great on my phone so we used both. Sometimes we saw trash on the roadside of some of the trails but mostly we just soaked in the amazing harvest of the olives, the groves, stone walls and in areas the vast vineyards and amazing stone farm houses including Trulli. The Trulli homes were actually better outside of the tourist areas. The app info of the route, elevation gain/loss was really helpful as you knew what was coming ahead. We swam in both the Adriatic and Ionian seas. App showed us which beaches- helpful. Also fun meeting other cyclists at hotels along the way and getting great info on other cycling adventures. This was our first but won’t be our last! Also recommend renting a pannier each- helps for extra gear. Our bikes had suspension which was essential and worked great on our bikes. This route overall great towns, countryside and we thought six days was perfect length. Ending in Lecce was great and we added another day to rest and explore,
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Bozena 3 months ago
Great local guide on a mission to uncover the history of his hometown
· Palermo Old Town Bike Tour
The bike tour in Palermo is a fantastic way to explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Riding through charming streets, you'll visit iconic landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral and Quattro Canti, while enjoying the lively atmosphere of local markets. Fabio was a knowledgeable guide, who provided fascinating insights into Palermo's history, and the pace is relaxed, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It's a unique, fun way to see the city’s hidden gems and experience its authentic charm up close. Nice touch at the tour's last stop is a homemade almond cookie they gave to all of us.
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★★★★★ Janet Jayne November 26, 2023
Interesting ride through Pisa
· Pisa & Leaning Tower Bike Tour
Guide was well informed and made sure to take us through safe areas. We were able to see many things outside the main square and learned alot of great info.
- 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
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★★★★★ Susan Mielcarek 3 months ago
Anti-Mafia tour
· Palermo Antimafia Bike Tour
Thank you so much to Francesco for showing us Palermo and telling us of it's rich history. We had an amazing time!
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★★★★★ Veljko 3 months ago
A good opportunity to try local food at the best spots!
· Street Food Bike Tour Palermo
You get to taste iconic local dishes like panelle and sfincione, something typical for Palermo solely, while exploring bustling markets and hidden food stalls. The guide shares interesting stories about the food's history and local traditions, making it both a delicious and educational experience. It's perfect for food lovers who want to experience Palermo's culinary scene up close. Highly recommended!
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★★★★★ robert cenna 6 months ago
Book this trip—it’s exceptional!
· Pisa to Lucca Bike Tour
Our guide Dani was wonderful. The bikes were in great condition. The process was easy. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.
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★★★★★ Gregg Duckett 9 months ago
Gourmet dining and bicycles
· · Venice to Mantua 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
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★★★★★ Tom Goodman 9 months ago
Best Crew ever
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
What a wonderful surprise this tour was! The crew were fantastic and made everyone feel welcome and they took care of any of passengers’ needs right away. The rooms, while a little small, met our needs and the shower was large enough and maintained excellent water pressure and temperature without any fluctuations. The meals exceeded everyone’s expectations with fresh ingredients delivered every day. Our chefs Alberto and Sylvia simply hit a home run with each and every meal. Our guides Sylvia (yes two Sylvias) and Marco were so much fun and you could tell that they really enjoyed leading our group. I really can’t say enough about this 7 person crew, they all worked together performing what ever tasks were required with dedication and smiles. The president and vice president of the tour company joined us for dinner one evening which affirmed their commitment to providing a great product for the passengers.
This is not a challenging bike tour so just don’t expect it to be, however we had one of the 30 mile days with some pretty strong headwinds. It should also be noted that Venice to Mantua is against the river flow so you will be climbing slightly the whole way. Some of the dirt roads need to be graded as we had to dodge numerous pot holes and there many shared roads with rude drivers but our guides did a great job keeping us safe. The ride in Mantua was by far the nicest on a dedicated bike path!- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8+
- 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
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★★★★★ Kathleen Cook 3 months ago
Wonderful Trip
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
Everything was great: the guides, food, barge accommodations, crew, bike route, daily itinerary with interesting stops.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- 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
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★★★★★ Nancy October 17, 2023
Our perfect idea of travel
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
From the moment we arrived onboard the Vita Pugna, we felt welcomed by the competent and friendly staff, the outstanding tour guide Hugo, and the rest of our new found friends.
This is our #1 way to travel...scenic, outdoors, experiencing small charming towns and villages, having expert tours on all types of topics from cheese making to carnival ride museum, art and history museums, clock towers, easy relaxing cycling along pathways and feeling like every day counts! Knowing that the entire week is well organized and flawless, adds to the enjoyment of travel in a new country.- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Maria Bachman August 14, 2023
Beyond All Expectations
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This trip was beautifully executed from the minute we came on board. Our outstanding guide, Helmut made us feel welcome and was always attentive to our safety and comfort. The captain Jano was personable and we felt in capable hands with him as well as the engineer, Andrea. The food was 5 ⭐️! Sylvia and Alberto treated everyone with meals based on local traditions and mouth-watering flavors! It was easy to see that a lot of thought and planning went into creating a unique experience traveling through the countrysides of Italy. The charming tours and cappuccino stops along the way were perfectly timed and delightful. The crew fostered an ambience of comaraderie amongst the group. The social aspect of the tour made it even more memorable with lively conversations and the exchange of cultures. We could not have asked for a better vacation - already planning where to go next year!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July-August 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first one.
- 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
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★★★★★ Emil Barbosa and Debbie Gundersen August 4, 2022
Absolutely Lovely
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
Our boat was super comfortable! The food was outstanding. Our guides Elena and Alex we’re professional and fun. Easy riding with many unique stops along the way. We highly recommend this bike and boat tour!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Biking Santa September 5, 2018
Exploring Italy
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
Having two guides was helpful and both were knowledgeable and very personable.
the boat was wonderful as well as the crew and food. Sites chosen were enough without making it too much to soak in. A highly recommended tour.- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 4-11, 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Tim and Kelly August 28, 2017
Bike & Boat is the Way to Go!
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
We had a great time on the Mantua to Venice tour. Having to only unpack once was so convenient- no wasted time packing/repacking and checking into/out of hotels. The staff was top notch, from our guides Sylvia & Fabio, to boat crew. Friendly, accessible and fun to talk with. The food was delicious and plentiful- we even bought the cookbook that was written by one of our guides and the chef on the cruise. Biking was easy and very scenic, with just the right amount of time on the bike and time to explore. We're already planning our next tour with this company!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/19-8/26/17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Jennifer August 27, 2017
Perfect in every way!
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
We enjoyed this tour immensely and would recommend it to anyone wanting a small, personable, tailored tour of some of the most amazingly old and historical parts of Nothern Italy. The bike riding was the best way to see some "out of the crowd" hidden gems, covering much more than able to on foot. The bikes were fantastic, well maintained and easy to ride and adjust if needed. The cabins were comfortable, well setout with ensuite and air conditioning. Ample supplies of food and breakfasts, and deliciously cooked dinners at night made the evenings very relaxing. Drinks aboard were very reasonably priced and tea and coffee never ending. Tour Leaders and all boat crew were totaly amazing! A thoroughly enjoyable holiday!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 19/08/2017
- 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Catlover October 17, 2016
Absolutely fabulous
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
The barge was small and intimate,comfortable and well maintained,the meals were to die for ,thank you Sylvie and Irene. The whole trip was wonderful,bikes were fine,so much to see,our guide was so much fun,he worked tirelessly to make the trip memorable,and made us a video at the end.Thank you Hugo.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 17 to Sept 25 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- 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
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★★★★★ mountain broad December 9, 2015
Perfect Pleasure Times Two
· · Venice to Mantua by Bike and Boat (and reverse)
This was such a wonderful trip when my husband and I experienced it the first time for our thirtieth wedding anniversary, we took it again, in the opposite direction, two years later!
The small towns we traveled through were charming and welcoming. We saw places that were unique and off-the-beaten path of the general tourist. Chioggia, Ferrara, Zelo: they each kept beckoning us back.
Then, too, the Vita Pugna was any thing but "hard life". The staff treated us like treasured family members. The fed us local cuisine that was fresh, creative, and oh, so satisfying. They were enthusiastic and welcoming every day of the journey. Our bicycling guides, on each trip, revealed history, culture, and sites, that only the well-informed local would usually enjoy.My husband and I have traveled on five bike trips with biketours.com, and we have plans of cycling again to an, as yet, undiscovered destination. The company makes our travel dreams affordable, successful, and worth repeating.
These memories are golden!
- How many tours have you completed?
- six
- 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
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★★★★★ 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