Bike Tour Reviews  page 54

  • Sweden’s West Coast
    (5/5) Jann Slayton June 4, 2024

    Beautiful scenery - great biking

    · Sweden’s West Coast: Helsingborg to Gothenburg

    The Katgat bike path is a wonderful way to see Sweden. The off road, paved path (about 90% of the 225 miles) is well marked. At times the GPS was off but trusting the signage we stayed on route. We used e-bikes. You have to remove the battery and recharge in hotel room at night. The hotels that were booked were all very nice - each had wonderful breakfast buffets. The location of the hotels to the Katgat trail was good. The hotels were all in convenient neighborhoods with easy walking distance to restaurants and shops.
    Suggestion - if you plan to take the train Bastad to Halmstad as we did, download the app Skare when you have wifi. Trains were convenient and easy to transport bikes. Hotel Halland in Kungsbacka did not have a place outside hotel to park bike. We could either lock at train station (across the street) or carry bikes to basement (which we did). Having a room on the street side of this hotel was very noisy with car and train traffic.
    We were fortunate - last 2 weeks of May - to have ideal weather. The flowers are profuse, the coastal scenery beautiful, and being self guided we could stop for photos or a break whenever we wished. The people at Biketours.com were very responsive and helpful during our planning and with during the trip. I highly recommend this trip!

    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?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Sweden
    •  (photo by Jann Slayton)
    •  (photo by Jann Slayton)
    •  (photo by Jann Slayton)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Best of Slovenia
    (5/5) Dee by the sea June 4, 2024

    Slovenia 9 days

    · Best of Slovenia: Highlights Across the Country From Bled to Piran

    Beautiful country, friendly people, very safe! Would highly recommend visiting!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 16, 2024
    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?
    Slovenia
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 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 Guides (if applicable)
  • The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
    (4/5) Elaine Kubicki June 3, 2024

    Charming Coratia

    · · The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike

    This was my second bike trip with Bike Tours. My first was the Albania tour, which was fabulous! Overall, the Croatia trip was very satisfying, i.e. the yacht was very accommodating, the staff was very attentive and informative including the email personnel who answered questions before the trip, the new chef was great, the e-bikes worked well, the other vacationers made for pleasant exchanges, and the small ports and villages were charming to visit and the staff tours were interesting. On the other hand, there were things that kept this tour from being a 5 rating. My biggest concern was the additional costs, i.e., expected tips and bar/water bills that were not mentioned in the initial cost of the tour and were only made aware a few weeks before the tour and after the initial commitment and payment for the tour was made. Also, along with those concerns, I am curious as to why there was an extra charge for an e-bike when the trip is advertised as “The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike” and everyone rode an e-bike except two people who brought their own bikes? We also had problems mid-week with sewer gases in the bathrooms, which did get repaired within a day or two, and the air conditioning in the cabins worked well only one night out of 7, which made the cabin quite warm and damp. There were 34 bikers riding at the same time and on many more rocky gravel trails and busy highway/roads then I had expected and, at times, felt rather dangerous. However, as you noticed I still gave this tour a rating of 4, so, enough good outweighed to make it a satisfying trip.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
  • (5/5) Mary Lou Taylor June 3, 2024

    More than I could have hoped for.

    · · The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike

    This was my first bike tour, and I was a little apprehensive. But it was great! The boat was first-rate, with a wonderful, accommodating crew and excellent chef. The tour guides were fun, responsible, and caring. And Croatia is beautiful. I would definitely recommend this adventure.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
  • 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
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (5/5) Paula Mckenzie June 1, 2024

    Exceptional trip

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)

    This is a wonderful way to see a country. The boat exceeded expectations, the staff were fantastic and went above and beyond. Our chef made lovely gourmet meals. I would definitely go with this company again.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 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)
  • Cycle through scenic West Flanders
    (5/5) Tracie Bodnar June 1, 2024

    Ride around Bruges

    · Bruges to Dutch Border Bike Tour

    This was my first E bike tour and our tour guide. Kim, was exceptional, both knowledgeable and made plenty of stops for pictures and water breaks. She is very personable and fun to be with his part of our group. Kim, took the time to explain every part of the E bike to make me feel comfortable before we started our adventure

    What was the date of your tour?
    5/29/2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    None
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • I love seeing the horses makes me want to ride (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    • My first e-bike tour (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    • Very informative about the windmill (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    • Waterway leading to the Netherlands (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    •  (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    • Beautiful church (photo by Tracie Bodnar)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique III
    (5/5) Janna Poll June 1, 2024

    Great crew, great boat

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)

    We are on the continent for six weeks and agreed this is the best week of the six. Great flexible, wonderful food, fun guides, and lot of experiences.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    9
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    •  (photo by Janna Poll)
    •  (photo by Janna Poll)
    •  (photo by Janna Poll)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Cycle through scenic West Flanders
    (5/5) Cathy Fagsn May 31, 2024

    My wonderful bike ride Thursday, May 30th. with Kim.

    · Bruges to Dutch Border Bike Tour

    She was fantastic. She was funny, very informative, and efficient. I would highly recommend Bike Tours and especially Kim.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 30th
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Experience Rotterdam from every angle
    (4/5) Englander May 31, 2024

    Fun tour around Rotterdam

    · 360° Rotterdam Bike Tour

    Fun tour around the city with lovely guides. Good quality (3 speed) bikes. Very gentle with lots of stops, taking in many of the big sights

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 31 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    A few
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Best of Slovenia
    (4/5) Lisa Ayton May 31, 2024

    Excellent Trip

    · Best of Slovenia: Highlights Across the Country From Bled to Piran

    We chose the unguided version, using the Guibo Ap on our cell phones. Definitely worth bringing an extra power bank, as the power available on the cell, was our only concern in terms of getting from A to B. Sometimes the Ap, if there was a criticism, was almost 'too detailed' ie) a slight turn might be described in so much detail, that you think you are to do a much larger turn. Overall a very helpful ap and it corrected our direction a few times. The sites we saw from Bled to Piran 10 Bike Day Bike Tour were amazing and the distances were well planned. You did have to do some cycling on major roads at times, but the drivers seem quite used to cyclists. I recommend taking hotel upgrades when available, as we did not do this, but definitely wished we had, when it came to seeing Ljubjana and staying closer to the city. We felt all the hotels were what we expected (we had chosen a mid-range trip) with 1 major exception, that was a three star hotel. We also felt there were at least two stays that were excellent or above a mid-range feel, one with beach views and another with wine tastings. The country is amazing with views and greenery everywhere you look. At times reminding us of the Alps and at others like our home in BC, Canada and then finally the unique beauty of the Adriatic seaside to enjoy at the end. Our Electric Bikes were excellent, my chain came off twice but we got it back on and my husband ran out of brake fluid on the very last day. There were friendly, helpful people in all hotels and bike shops. We would all highly recommend this trip to others. Take an extra day in the City and by the seaside if you can. We also appreciated that help was only a phone call away at all times, we felt very safe and well served.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Slovenia
  • 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
  • Prague to Vienna
    (3/5) Linda Farnworth May 30, 2024

    Not impressed with Ave

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    The bikes were not good. One day the range of ebike battery barely made it, my chain came off twice, seat kept slipping down, other equipment not great, and worst of all the seats were TERRIBLE.
    The ride was nice though with good scenery and a challenging ride.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 18, 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) Nils Bohlin May 30, 2024

    Trip with great scenery

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    All worked out according to expectations. The bikes worked fine, the map useful and the daytrips well balanced.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
  • Nature, Villages, and Castles
    (5/5) Cheryl Sparks May 29, 2024

    Scenery and castles and yummy food, oh my!!!

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    Very very enjoyable trip. All of the hotels were clean, comfortable and beautiful. Whole experience was great. We found that the app “ Geovelo” worked a lot better for navigation than the app from the bike company.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 24
    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?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 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)
  • Northern Spain
    (4/5) Robert Hamilton May 29, 2024

    Nice quiet roads, very good hotels

    · Northern Spain: Cantabrian & Asturian Coasts

    Many of the roads were through farm country and there were a lot more cows than cars, which was lovely.
    The hotels were all very nice in all ways, and overall this was a very good cycle tour.
    3 times during the week we stayed in a hotel for 2 nights instead of moving every day, which was nice.
    I would recommend this tour to others. (this was my 8th one week cycle tour in Europe)

    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
  • 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)
  • UNESCO Sites of Albania
    (5/5) Kathleen Rush May 28, 2024

    Excellent trip

    · UNESCO Sites of Albania

    The tour was very well organized by our local guide and his family. Our hotel and food stops were planned ahead of time and everything was ready as soon as we arrived; we didn't have to wait to eat or to get a shower! Food was plentiful and varied and our accommodations were very comfortable. The cycling part was a bit more challenging than expected but our group worked well together as half were on regular hybrid bikes and half on ebikes. Temperatures were perfect, if not a bit warm, for mid May. I definitely recommend the guided over self-guided for this trip as parts were remote and not a lot of services during the day.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    5 or 6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Albania
    • 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)