Italy Bike Tour Reviews (page 12)
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★★★★★ Michaela O. 7 months ago
Fabulous way to experience Sardinia!
· Sardinia: A Mine of Memories
This tour exceeded our expectations and was a wonderful way to experience the magnificent landscapes, fresh, tasty food and warm and friendly people in Sardinia. We took the tour in early April, which meant mild days, low traffic volumes and plenty of time to enjoy the fresh country and ocean air. The sea was just warm enough for us to swim. The tour took us through peaceful agricultural areas, spectacular craggy coasts, historical islands and working ancient villages. We stayed in delightful, sometimes funky, boutique hotels and beautiful rural retreats. The rides were manageable each day, with Day 2 being plenty challenging enough for us. Breakfasts were fresh and substantial and we always found places for dinner which offered quality local Sardinian cuisine and wine. The logistics of airport pickup and luggage transfer were perfectly managed. We’re already scheming how we can take this tour again!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ DeniseCS October 19, 2017
By Far, the Best Bicycle Tour Ever
· A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna
We encourage any cyclist with a spirit of adventure to take this tour. We call it a self-guided tour with training wheels! We have used other companies (Back Roads, VBT) but by far BikeTours.com and the local tour company (CycleEurope) was the best experience we ever had.
Even though this is a self-guided tour, the local representative, Giovanni, spent over two hours with us at the inception, going over every detail. They provided us with a huge binder with everything needed: maps, written instructions; points of interest; restaurant recommendations; info on each city we visited.
Their titanium framed bikes looked brand new and were maintained beautifully.
Giovanni informed and reassured us that if we had any trouble along the way, he could reach us within two hours maximum wherever we were.
Do take advantage of their provided GPS. It was the first time we used one on a bike and it was a blast.
The hotels were all 5 Star and our suites in Modena and Reggio Emilia were incredible. The cooking class included with Manuel was one of the best experiences. We learned so much and will use our new cooking skills at home. The included dinners were at top restaurants in that particular city and the food and staff were phenomenal. The included meal at the Agritourismo was one of the best we have ever had. The steak was truly the best beef we ever ate. The owner, Paolo and his wife Cecelia treated us like family.
Please do not miss this experience. The staff at BikeTours.com will make your self-guided tours the most fabulous trip of a lifetime.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/22/17 to 10/1/17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ TomS June 18, 2018
the combination of biking and food was excellent
· A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna
This was our third time out with biketours and each has been unique and fun. The Taste of Italy was well-named. Stops to see the production of parmesan cheese, gelato, and especially balsamic vinegar were terrific. Loved the cooking class! Level of difficulty was not bad--although some of the hills on the first day required us to dismount. The night at the Agritourismo was memorable.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 3
- 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 teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ 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
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★★★★★ csilva September 30, 2019
Best Bike Tour even 3 plus years passed
· A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna
Best way to see the most underrated area of Italy!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 11/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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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★★★★★ Francisco Averhoff April 25, 2023
great riding, great food
· A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna
Great way to see and feel the country and the food was amazing. the restaurants selected by the tour company were all excellent, just a little too much food. the bike paths were also wonderful with very little street riding and when we did need to ride on the street, the traffic was light. The tour company could have given us better instructions regarding use of the GPS and odometer. We were never able to get the odometers to work. we missed the parmigiana tasting since the GPS instructions were not clear. the GPS loop rides were also not clear and we missed the turn offs on a few occasions.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- 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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★★★★★ Daniel Serventi June 30, 2023
An Exquisite Way To See Italy!
· A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna
To be honest we did not fully know what we were getting ourselves in to - but this trip checked every box and surprised us with how well thought out it was. Each hotel was beautiful in accommodations and city placement. Dinner and activity recommendations were on point. And most importantly, the bike support and GPS were perfect. I would recommend this tour to everyone and anyone! Would recommend that you purchase the additional cooking class- It was the highlight.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is our 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Joshua Klein 5 months ago
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
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★★★★★ Rotsen June 21, 2016
A great way to embark on the endless search for a bad Tuscan wine.
· Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena
The only thing that wasn't absolutely perfect on this trip was the weather. The bikes provided were new and light, 25c tires, Shimano 105 11sp compact group w/32T cog for easy climbing.
The route selection was wonderful, with a loop the first day to get acclimated and a loop the last day to provide options. The route cue sheets and maps included profiles and were spot-on so we hardly even bothered using the GPS routes they gave us to upload. We didn't have as much freedom to actually "tour" and stop at all of the sites as we usually do on tours due to the nearly constant threat of rain. Still we mostly avoided the rain until it arrived within last 5 or 6 kilometers on three of the days.
The upside was that we had more time in the towns we spent the nights, for wine and cheese tastings, and of course Gelato (If you ever come across Pear-Pecorino-Honey gelato don't be shy.) The hotel accommodations were terrific! Our luggage always made it there before we did. The breakfasts, the only meals included, were above par Continental with great coffee and, at the least, hard boiled eggs.. A number of times we ate dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. Following our arduous afternoon and evening searches for bad wine we kind of liked being close to our beds.
I am happy to admit that we failed utterly in our quest for a less-than-great Tuscan wine. We didn't bring any of the terrific Brunello's or Rosso's or Chianti's that we drank back, but did return home with 22kg of Pecorino Cheese most notably the Formaggio di Fosse. (My apologies to those who shuttled our baggage.) Someday soon we will return to continue our search, perhaps during a more dependably dry part of the year.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 1
- 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
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★★★★★ Snowball September 27, 2016
Best local bike company ever!
· Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena
The local bike company were responsive to our needs and provided really excellent bikes. Accommodation was inspired.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15
- 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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★★★★★ Rasp November 24, 2017
BEST honeymoon ever!
· Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena
Well planned itinerary. Italian Guides were very friendly and knowledgeable and Set us up quickly and efficiently. Accompanying materials had great suggestions and option to do long or short ride every day was terrific.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October-nov
- How many tours have you completed?
- Several
- 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
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★★★★★ Amanda De Wet August 10, 2022
Best holiday ever!
· Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena
Tuscany is beautiful, and it was amazing exploring by bike. We had the best time! Organization was excellent, local company was amazing and helpful, hotel accommodation was perfect - really cannot fault anything. Highly recommended!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our first.
- 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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★★★★★ Elizabeth August 17, 2017
Awesome getaway!
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
- What was the date of your tour?
- July
- How many tours have you completed?
- Lots
- 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
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★★★★★ Gary O August 1, 2019
An excellent bike tour to include
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
This was our first time in Italy and the self guided trip was and excellent way to experience all the charms and challenges of this amazing place. Everything from our briefing to the charming and very comfortable hotels was excellent and exceeded our expectations. The bike ride was suitably challenging with regular touring bikes, and proved to be an excellent workout. Towns and villages along the way were all an added bonus. Our tour hosts were excellent and even provided a ride back to Sienna to gather my car on the last day. Thank YOU!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 10 - 14
- How many tours have you completed?
- over 12
- 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?
- Italy
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★★★★★ VICTOR GONZALEZ September 21, 2022
Very nice experience
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
The trip was perfect. The hotels, the bikes and the support team, the routes, everything. I will strongly recommned the trip. The hotels locations, breakfasts, the retaurants recomendetions, the APP to get the indications during the routes.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- 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
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★★★★★ Andrew Cochran October 5, 2022
Wonderful experience
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
My wife and I spent 9 days in Italy, with the first three days being our bike tour and that was by far our favorite part of the trip. The tour operators were so kind and friendly and helpful and were also very flexible as our travel plans were delayed last minute. We will absolutely being doing another one of their tours!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 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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★★★★★ Juan Pablo Beca June 7, 2023
A nice and perfect organization
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
Routes and the booklet given to us were very clear and helpful. We would have liked to receive details of each of our two bikes sot to ask for change. In fact we did not need so heavy bikes for the roads of our tour, and one as 27 and the other was 29" wheels for same height of the two of us.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Bruna Redinha 5 months ago
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
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★★★★★ Aaron Hurst 4 months ago
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
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★★★★★ Daniel Dupont 3 days ago
Amazing trip through Tuscany
· Tuscany Getaway: 4 Nights in Siena, Montalcino & Pienza
What a great trip we had! Biking through Tuscany was truly the experience of a lifetime. Although the weather wasn’t great, the accommodations that were provided, along with the bikes and equipment were 5-stars.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy