Bike Tour Reviews page 63
- Albania
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and H…
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- England
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Holland
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United States
- Vietnam
- ★★★★★ Gib Egge
Nice ride for cultural imersion
Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
Nice ride between two wonderful cities. Mainly along bike paths with the occasional road bike lane and urban, on-the-street moments when riding within larger cities. Ride has a manageable climb the first day but otherwise, not too much climbing unless you decide to embark on some optional side visits along the way. Outside of Prague, few people spoke good English, so have a good translator app with you. One member of our group had to ride the train for part of the journey and it was difficult to get him a ticket not speaking Czech. We were able to find a German-speaking ticket vendor and someone in our group could speak German. Just be aware of the language barrier in this part of Czechia. Parts of the trail on the first couple days were a bit muddy and more like a mountain bike trails. Took a bit more effort to traverse these sections. Hotels were very nice and the towns we stayed in were as well. Didn't see any other Americans along the ride. The food was very good and most places were even able to accommodate a vegan that was riding with us. We did have some mechanical issues with our bicycles that were addressed by the local tour company. Used the vendor for airport transfers and those were perfect. Navigation involved downloading Mapy.cz on our smartphones and uploading their trail maps. Maps were accurate and more or less essential for an optimum riding experience. Our hotel room the last two evenings, and the dinner we pre-paid for with biketours.com were not pre-paid by the vendor at arrival so we needed to pay for it. Currently working with them to get that refunded. If you're looking for less-traveled, easy/intermediate ride, and you are ok with navigating the language barrier, this is a good choice.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Czech Republic, Germany
- ★★★★★ Tina Nef
Fantastic trip
UNESCO Sites of Albania
This was a wonderful tour. Everything was perfect. The biking and scenery were top notch - a few days in the high mountains of Albania and then a few days biking along the coast with swimming in the Ionian Sea after a day in the saddle. The guide was super knowledgeable and organized. He ran a great tour. The food, bikes, hotels etc were all top notch. There is one very long climb on the last day (over 5,000 ft). That would have been a good day for an e-bike!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Albania
- ★★★★★ Robert Arnold
A geart trip!
Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals
Excellent for the most part. Some issues with the boat. 1) Our cabin air conditioning did not consistently work. 2) We shouldn't have to pay for water at meal time. 3) Our group wasn't allowed to change tables at dinner which is something we would have liked to do since we were a group of 40.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 25 - June 1, 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2 bike-boat tours
- 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?
- Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
- ★★★★★ Lisa LeRoy
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
- ★★★★★ Sarah Witter
Pretty good but not great
Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
The dates of the tour were past the prime time for the tulips. This should have been made clear from the very beginning. Our guide had to turn around a few times because his directions were not clear. My bicycle seat was poorly set up. It needed adjusting every day. The gear levers were crooked and never fixed. The bicycles in general were not as good as I have seen on other tours.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 8
- 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?
- Holland
- ★★★★★ David Frac
Wonderful bike trip!
Cycling Paradise of Provence - to and from Avignon
We very much enjoyed the bike trip in Provence. The e-bikes provided were fantastic. The routes selected were so nice! Maybe 10% of the trip was on traffic roads, the rest was on bike paths, quiet country roads or even gravel roads through farmlands. We really appreciated the hand-off of the equipment, everything about the bikes was very well explained. We also appreciated the pre-tour meeting, where we went over every detail of the trip and received recommendations. We really appreciated receiving the GPX files ahead of the trip, so we could download them and follow the GPS guidance. The towns we visited were so very nice, we appreciated the care given to the construction of the route. The accommodations at the various hotels were excellent. The one thing I will mention about this trip is the Mistral Winds, which I had never heard of before. We were lucky, we only had one day of moderate winds, but I understand they can be strong at times. On the first day of our bike trip, from Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we actually found two bike paths that were not on your printed directions or gpx files. The first was apparently some brand new four lane bike path that a local told us about. This is soon after you cross the Rhone river from Avignon. The second was near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we happened to see some cyclists on this path, and took that instead of riding on the road.
I wish I could be more specific about where these two trails were, but the details have slipped my mind. If you can somehow update your routes/directions for these bike paths, I think it would help future bikers.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our third bike tour.
- 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
- ★★★★★ Barbara Stanley
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
- ★★★★★ John Schwartz
First trip to Europe riverboat cruise
Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals
Perfect way to experience Europe for the first time. A nice mix of biking and off days to explore cities and see lovely countryside and smaller towns. Riverboat cruise was very scenic and well planned.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
- ★★★★★ Lisa Blake
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
- ★★★★★ GORD MAXWELL
Adult Family Trip of the Decade
Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Did this trip with spouse and 3 adult children (+ significant other). Hotels were fantastic (call out on breakfasts), scenery awesome and great family bonding
Especially highly recommend Gästehaus Schloss Aschach (an old converted palace) and Hotel Schachner (worth the hill).
We had a few minor challanges but they were quickly sorted out by Biketours.com
- What was the date of your tour?
- May/June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
- ★★★★★ Llewellyn Fernandes
Fabulous Trip
Algarve Coastal Route
One of the best cycling trips we've done! The weather as perfect, the route was great, the bikes were very good for the varied terrain and the hotels were lovely.
Perfect time of year to go... end May, early June. Warmed up quickly in the mornings, so we headed out early as the afternoons would be much hotter to cycle. Arrived at hotels around noon and enjoyed the hotels and towns were would stay at.
Only a couple of challenging hills (walked a bit), but that was just fine as we were there to enjoy our time....it was not a race. We relied heavily on the GPS as there were lots of twists and turns, and the written instructions were only so accurate. As other reviews mentioned, it did take us down a couple of one way streets the wrong way. Overall not many pure bike paths, but lots of quiet roads and highways with broad shoulders so felt very safe and comfortable. The route sometimes followed a posted EU bike route or the blue line on the road, but this tour doesn't always follow them, so always check GPS for this tour.
Leaving the hotel early like 8 or 8:30 meant not much traffic in the towns at that time. Always stopped for a refreshment along the way...lots of cafes, beaches, etc. Just need to plan ahead so you don't arrive at the hotel too early. Lots of dirt/gravel/cobblestone roads so a good workout on the arms. Make sure you have lots of water as it gets dusty and dry. There was never a long stretch of the same terrain. Each day the views were spectacular!
We brought a change of clothes/bathing suit in our panier bags, since we knew we would arrive at the hotel before our rooms were ready. Most hotels were resort hotels with spas, pools, restaurants. Very, very nice hotels. And located by the beach and/or close to everything you need. The hotels were very accommodating when we would arrive. We just stored out bikes, changed, left our panier bags with reception and went by the pool to cool off and have some refreshments and relax. Some would call us when our rooms were ready and luggage had arrived.
The bikes were really good, built for the varied terrain. Not heavy. Many gears...and needed. And we were given lots of repair equipment ... that we NEVER had to use!!!! (we were three so only took a few things with us...the rest we kept in our luggage)
The towns we stayed in were all different and lovely in their own way. There were always well-reviewed restaurants to go to, and easy to make reservations online. Most restaurants only opened at 7pm for dinner, which suited us fine, as they would get busy later. It was easy to get a reservation, time for a pre-dinner drink somewhere, they weren't crowded, allowed us to enjoy the rest of the evening and then up early for the next day.
This was my sixth cycling tour, and it was the best so far. All aspects from weather, cycling route, hotels, restaurants and towns, were all just fabulous! SHOW MORE
Hope you try this one out...
SHOW LESS- 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
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
BikeTours.com staff reply from Jan
Thanks for the fantastic review, Llewellyn. I have done many of the tours we sell but not this one...yet anyway. Appreciate the business and hope you have a great summer.
- ★★★★★ Heather Batchelor
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.
- ★★★★★ Bruna Redinha
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
- ★★★★★ Anne MacInnis
Wonderful Bike and Barge Experience!
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique IV (and reverse)
I participated in the Bruge to Amsterdam Bike and Barge Tour and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The ship was lovely and I was impressed by the room and the lovely ensuite bathroom. The bikes were great and when I asked if it would be possible to switch to an electric bike - there was no problem. The guides - Anna and Hairy were knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. The staff on board the ship were polite, professional, and always willing to help in any way. The chef was extraordinary - lovely dinners each night beautifully presented. I loved the flavoured water and snacks available at the end of each ride. The stops we made along the way were interesting and often historic. I really appreciated the stop at the graveyard where so many young Canadian soldiers were buried - it was very touching. The stop at the dairy farm where they make Gouda was amazing. I think we were exposed to a great deal of the countryside and culture of the countries we visited. A thoroughly satisfying and wonderful trip.
- ★★★★★ Linda Croft
Perfect Blend of Cycling, Cultural Experiences, Friends and Food!
Basque Country: Bilbao to San Sebastián via Olite
From our tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to our last dinner in San Sebastian we packed in a lot of cycling and great experiences! The hotels and Paradors we lovely, well located and comfortable. I'm a solo traveller from Canada and the group was mostly Germans but they spoke English as did the guides so I was always informed. The bikes were great. The cycling was spectacular. We had some gorgeous descents. The food was plentiful and delicious. Many great memories!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Spain
- ★★★★★ John H
Fantastic blend of bike, boat and beautiful scenery
Split to Dubrovnik: The Islands and Coastline of Croatia
Croatia really exceeded our expectations. The scenery, food and wine was great and the hotels on this tour were very nice. (We chose the upgraded options on our tour). Seeing the islands on a bike was the way to go. Also worth noting, we cut out a day on our itinerary due to time constraints and the team was very accommodating.
- 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?
- Croatia
- ★★★★★ Mary Arnold
Cask and Castle 2024
Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals
Wonderful experience of the Danube! So beautiful along the river! I wish we could have biked more.
- ★★★★★ Kimberly Sykes
Well done!
Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
The Swiss Crown ship was beautiful and clean. Our cabin was roomy and very comfortable. Food was delicious. The crew were exceptional! The cycling was easy and the routes were easy to follow. Would definitely do it again.
- ★★★★★ Deb S
Great way to see the real Portugal
Castles and Wines of Portugal
This was a wonderful trip. We rented hybrid bikes and they were of great quality-only suggestion is it would have been nice to have a second water bottle holder for the hot days. There was a rear rack with pannier to hold a modest amount of stuff-pretty much what you need for the day (having your luggage transferred of course. The route was so picturesque. We averaged over 40km a day with 2 days close to 60km. Two days were hilly. You need to be in reasonable shape to do this tour-not expert but a regular exerciser. It was well planned out. The accommodations were very lovely-old convents, farm, small inn-really got the feel of Portugal. All of the breakfasts were very good and fueled us for the day ahead. I would highly recommend this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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