Italy  Bike Tour Reviews (page 5)

  • Venice to Mantua
    (2/5) Sparky September 21, 2017

    Boring trip

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

    Although the barge itself was nice and the food delicious, the trip itself is very boring once you leave Venice. Hours and hours of passing soybean fields. Lots of riding in hot weather on unshaded roads....some quite busy. Very few days were on actual bike paths. When we did get to a town, most things were closed as it was between 1 - 4....siesta time in Italy. The cheese tour was nice. That's about it!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 26, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 1/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 1/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Florence to Rome
    (5/5) David C September 22, 2017

    Well supported trip

    · Florence to Rome

    This is the best way to see a country. We experienced the pace of life in the countryside and found wonderful stops along the way. We used our own sense of time and always found our room and luggage waiting for us with no complications. The distances and destinations were well thought out and offered lots of variety for us. Breakfast was served every morning and it was a great way to fuel up and meet with other riders before the day begins. The trip was just as advertised. We rode along quiet country roads and lanes and we didn't get lost-the guide book and signage were very helpful and easy to spot.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 9-16, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    this was the first
    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
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson, Founder and president September 23, 2017

      David, thank you for your review and ratings. We're glad you had a great tour, and we couldn't agree more that "This is the best way to see a country!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • Venice to Trieste and Istria
    (3/5) Cycle2017 September 25, 2017

    Our Venice to Porec Challenge

    · Venice to Trieste and Istria

    This tour proved to be more challenging than anticipated, partly due to torrential rains on 2 days and windy conditions most of the week. Concerns included long riding distances with limited facilities between some of the planned stops -e.g. -few restaurants or stores to purchase snacks and more water. The signage didn't always match the tour directions, creating confusion and likely longer rides than planned. The final day -70 km, with 50% uphill is a challenge for casual riders. Casual recreational riders will find some of the days long and some of the terrain challenging. The local provider provided excellent support when we were flooded out of a hotel and unable to ride due to area flooding, and also assisted with transportation for the final transfer when a member of the group was ill, and weather conditions were miserable. Despite this, our group, 3 recreational riders and 1 experienced rider, enjoyed visiting the beautiful cities along the route -when the weather cooperated.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10-16
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson, founder and president September 26, 2017

      Janet, thank you for your valuable feedback, which we will pass along to the local tour company. We'll also take your comments into consideration when advising future clients.

    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Apulia - Heel of Italy
    (3/5) JackieDog September 26, 2017

    Confusing directions

    · Apulia - Heel of Italy

    Wonderful way to see the countryside but frustrating as the directions were often vague or inadequate.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 16-23
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (4/5) Cosmo September 27, 2017

    great way to see Umbria at a great value

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

    the tour staff were competent, friendly, helpful and responsive. the tour itself gave plenty of options and instructions were usually good although with a very few glitches. hotels were very good three stars. Casco d'Aqua was really a treat and very peaceful. all the towns included were just great.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    5+
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson, Founder and president September 28, 2017

      Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed Umbria--a real treasure.

    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Lake Garda
    (4/5) Gudrun58 September 28, 2017

    Group of friends

    · Lake Garda (based in one hotel)

    Hotel was very good and the staff also. Italy is so beautiful and charming.

    What was the date of your tour?
    14.09-19.09.2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Bolzano – Verona – Venice
    (3/5) Raff September 29, 2017

    Wonderful itinerary, average biking

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    Great towns, but not enough time to see them. The biking scenery was ok. Really poor cue sheets in English.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9-16-17-8-22-17
    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?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany September 30, 2017

      Thank you for your review. We'll work with our partner operator on better translated daily directions. We appreciate your time and hope to help you in the future!

    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (5/5) Anne52 October 2, 2017

    A gorgeous and adventurous trip!

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    This tour took us through stunning scenery on bike paths and small, very quiet roads where we were often out of sight of other bikers. The hotels we stayed at along the way were comfortable, often in beautiful settings and all had fantastic breakfasts. We loved the small towns and off the beaten track places that we were led to. Despite some lack of stickers where they were needed, we generally found the directions and maps to be fairly good. We opted for 7 gear bikes but we would highly recommend the 21 gear bikes. There were more uphills than we had expected and we had to push our bikes at times as 7 gears weren't adequate. Overall, we had a most enjoyable experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 6 - 13, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    One other
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany
    (5/5) mkleyn October 3, 2017

    Better than I expected!

    · Cycling and Cooking in Tuscany

    Our guide,GiGI, was fabulous. He knew everyone's style and accommodated each of us. Loved the cooking in a homey kitchen. The restaurants we were taken to were in small local towns, and the food was fabulous!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 23-29
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first one.
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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
    • 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)
  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (5/5) CapeCodders October 4, 2017

    Best vacation EVER !

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    A big thank you to the entire staff at BikeTours and a special thank you to our Umbrian Tour operators Pablo and Petra. Everything was incredible ! The biking was phenomenal, the scenery, the food, and hotels exceeded all of our expectations. Pablo and Petra went above and beyond providing detailed maps and GPS tracks for our self guided tour in addition to historical facts and sites to be seen in each of the beautiful villages we visited .

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/26/17 - 10/4/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    First bike tour, but avid cyclists
    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
    • Photo 1 (photo by CapeCodders)
    • Photo 2 (photo by CapeCodders)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany October 5, 2017

      We're glad to hear you had a great time on tour and thank you for the pictures! I visited Umbria by bike this year and what a hidden gem. We hope to help you plan another bike tour in the future!

    • 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
  • Bike Paths of the Dolomites
    (4/5) Slick October 9, 2017

    Wonderful scenery

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

    Some directions going through the towns were difficult to follow. Also some of the starting points of the bike route were difficult to find and our driver was vague.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 22 to Sept 29
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much 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
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (5/5) jmain October 9, 2017

    Great way to explore this wonderful part of Italy

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

    Self guided tour with a lot of useful information about places to investigate. Clear route instructions and maps. One bike had a problem with the gears but was quickly sorted by the agents, who were very attentive. A good selection of hotels, and BikeTours was able to negotiate a different hotel for our last night, which was helpful (our request to change not due to the quality of the hotel originally offered, but for some personal practical reasons)

    What was the date of your tour?
    29.9.17
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    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
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany October 10, 2017

      It's great to hear you enjoyed all of the aspects about this tour. Umbria is such a beautiful region to explore. Thank you very much for your review!

    • 3/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Sardinia: A Mine of Memories
    (5/5) NotLance October 11, 2017

    Great way to experience Sardinia

    · Sardinia: A Mine of Memories

    The Sardinia: A Mine of Memories tour was great. We choose a guided trip and the two guides we were assigned were great fun, becoming family. Our group of 17 ranged from casual/infrequent riders to advanced, some on road bikes, hybrids, and some on e-bikes (all bikes in great shape), and it proved to be a great combination with everyone happy. Two days of significant elevation gain (which became known as "beautiful views") , others along rolling mostly coastal or scenic roads, all with fun breaks for coffee, lunch, gelato and beer. Great dinners and accommodations were all good. Sardinian drivers were really courteous in the short heavily trafficked stretches. Our second tour with Biketours.com and we will be back.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 20-27
    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
    • Last day and still smiling (photo by NotLance)
    • Cheers after a fun day (photo by NotLance)
    • Pizza lunch with to-die-for view (photo by NotLance)
    • Sardinia bike tour coastal scene (photo by NotLance)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)