Bike Tour Reviews  page 66

  • (5/5) Garry Wyndham September 13, 2023

    Extraordinarily varied and wonderful scenery.

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    This was one of our favorite ever vacations for the scenery, the food and the physical challenge. BikeTours is a great company and the tour is super value.

    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
    •  (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    •  (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    •  (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    • 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
  • National Parks, Lakes, and Canyons
    (5/5) Meir Ben Ari September 12, 2023

    Montenegro bike tour

    · National Parks, Lakes & Canyons of Montenegro

    This tour was excellent. Amazing views, very nice villages, very good food and cheap.
    I would like to mention the support we received from Darzen the local supplier.
    Darzen was very serviceable. Every request he handled with great willing. Every call he respond and gave us a great confidence that there is somebody that is taking care on us.
    I would like to thank Biketour and Darzen for this experience.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Montenegro
  • (3/5) Annik Stahl September 11, 2023

    Could have been better

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    The tour leader (Helmut) was great, as was the boat crew. There were some fun times biking but the miles and miles of harsh gravel was not in the description of the trip. (This was not "country roads" -- this was ROCKS and my back ached for days afterward.) Had I know, I would not have chosen this trip as I just had surgery. I found the food to be absolutely awful. The dinners were beond strange and hey, maybe something besides HAM HAM HAM every day for lunch? I lost 4 pounds during that trip.

    While I know there are some great trips to be had with this company (my dad has been on several and said this one was the worst). this was not one of them. Like I said, some fun time biking but not enough to recommend this trip.

    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 3/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 2/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dordogne Valley
    (5/5) Alvaro Pacheco e Silva Filho September 11, 2023

    Great trip by the Dordogne Valley

    · Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers

    The trip was great and our guide new everything about the places with visited. Highly recommended.

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • UNESCO Sites of Albania
    (4/5) Guy Levy September 11, 2023

    Great trip with some annoying snags

    · UNESCO Sites of Albania

    We were a group of 8 members who did a self guided tour with e-bikes. the route of the tour exposed us to Albania's beautiful landscape, heritage and lovely and warm people. The route is quite challenging due to the mountainous terrain and we were glad that we chose to use e-bikes. All in all we really loved it. Yet, we encountered a few troublesome matters that with due attention can be solved.(i) we had numerous problems with the e-bikes, mostly related to chain falling w/o any reason, back cog-wheel that became loose etc., that ended with replacing two of our bikes and a number cases where on road assistance was required. We understood from comments made by the local agents that these had been common problems with the type of bikes we had been given, hence either bike maintenance needs improvement or a different bike brand should be used. (ii) A much greater portion of the tour then described in the website was on main roads with heavy traffic, which we felt made cycling not very safe and certainly not relaxing/enjoyable. (iii) The maps provided together with the e-files of the routes were not always consistent with actual conditions. A more frequent adaptation, of especially the e-routes, to actual roads conditions seems in order. (iv) the hotels provided could be somewhat upgraded. In many cases they were not up to a par with 3 star hotels in Europe (this had been our 9th cycling tour in Europe so we do have some experience).

    What was the date of your tour?
    August-September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    9
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Albania
    • 4/5 Value
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Jan Sjökvist September 8, 2023

    Perfect tour

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Everything, indeed, worked perfectly. No problems whatsoever with bike, tour information was excellent, very good hotels always close to city centers. My luggage always waiting for me at the hotel of the day. I am impressed of how well everything worked out.
    Generally the bike roads were good, with some exceptions, but a few kilometers with quite bumpy gravel is acceptable.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • Towards Lindau (photo by Jan Sjökvist)
    • Lindau harbour (photo by Jan Sjökvist)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (5/5) Larry Siegler September 8, 2023

    Great trip

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

    The bike and barge trip exceeded our expectations greatly. We highly recommend this trip. The crew was wonderful and the meals were delicious. There were many additional items that made the trip memorable ie canal cruise, nightly walking tours of the towns, great stops on the cycle ride. It was a spectacular experience.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
  • (3/5) Terez Maniatis September 8, 2023

    First trip in the dolomites

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    The scenery was amazing! The local tour company was not.
    By the time we got our bikes they had run out of repair kits. We had to but two tire tubes at different times because of this. Would not recommend this company!

    How many tours have you completed?
    Many
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 2/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
    • 1/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (5/5) Garry Wyndham September 8, 2023

    Extraordinary experience

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Marvelous variety of views and experiences, geology and wonderful food. This was our second time and we had a blast. Despite one hiccup with the wrong hotel, Biketours looked after us well. Highly recommended

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    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
    •  (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    • Near Cortina (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    • Bassano del Grappa (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    • Asolo (photo by Garry Wyndham)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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
  • Tauern Bike Path
    (5/5) Peter Van Zoost September 8, 2023

    Beautiful trip

    · Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)

    The first 3 days of biking were beautiful in the Alps. We stayed a couple extra days in Salzburg. Everything was well organized and went smoothly.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
  • Nature, Villages, and Castles
    (4/5) Tim Cooper September 8, 2023

    Dream trip

    · Nature, Villages & Castles of the Loire River Valley

    The daily route map was good but it needed specific directions about where to turn and specific streets with noticeable landmarks. This is a critical factor especially when arriving in Ambois and. how to get to the designated hotel.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 19,02023
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Dordogne Valley
    (4/5) Tim Cooper September 8, 2023

    Trip of my dreams

    · Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers

    Need daily map detail of route and a GPS. The daily activity needed to have a specific start time, rest time, lunch time etc. and time to explore villages on our own. The guide was helpful to make sure we didn't get lost which was a likely possibility since there was not a detailed route map or GPS.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 26, 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (3/5) Charles Stahl September 7, 2023

    A Bit Dissapointing

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    Compared to the previous five bike/barge trips I have done with company this tour was disappointing. The boat and it's crew were great, the cabins were clean and as comfortable as possible. No problems there. The breakfasts and afternoon snacks were plentiful and good. However, the dinners were often not edible. The Italian cook was very sweet, but the food was often unrecognizable and tasteless. I am not a fussy eater, but I along with my dinner companions often sent the food back uneaten.

    The printed material does say that riding is done mostly along country lanes, but the amount of riding on gravel was daunting. I feel that should be mentioned in the literature. The guide was extraordinary, both knowledgeable and well spoken, not to mention very approachable. The highlights were indeed highlights, but negotiating the busy streets while riding through small towns was scary at best. Perhaps doing this trip is mid-summer would be more picturesque, but the weather wouldn't be as perfect as it was for us in late August/early September. Had this been my first bike/barge adventure perhaps I would be less critical, but with many other tours co choose from, I would not recommend this particular tour.

    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?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Laura Peck September 7, 2023

    One of the best vacations I have ever taken

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    We did the self-guided, and loved it, the maps were fantastic, only got a little lost a few times, someone has done a lot of work on getting the logistics of this week nailed down very well, including luggage being moved. Great way to see parts of Italy no one else sees. Some of the hotels were AMAZING, a couple were a little run-down and needed to be crossed off the list, got locked out of one and ended up having to get another hotel (at our own expense, and without all of our luggage as it was in the original) that night because the front desk clerk went home at 10 pm (this was also one of the run-down places). Breakfasts were perfect at all locations. Route was gorgeous, Italy is absolutely beautiful. Overall, this was great and we are already talking about our next one.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 20 - 27, 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 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
  • Danube Delights
    (5/5) Daniela Veludo September 7, 2023

    Unforgettable Danube

    · · Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty

    Perfect way to see Bavaria and Austria, exercising safely with the bike and enjoying a very comfortable motor boat. Very good organization.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
  • (5/5) Nancy Nestler September 7, 2023

    Where's the sun?!

    · Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails

    Even though we were a bit unlucky with the weather, the trip was fabulous!! The trails were leisurely and well marked. I know we missed out on some views because of our weather, but what we saw was amazing!! I loved staying in different cities and lodging each night. All places were clean and staff was friendly. I'd love to go back and do this trip again -- hopefully with clearer skies.
    I would suggest being sure all bikes are equipped with odometers and a front basket that has a place to display the written directions so they are easily accessible. I had this on prior tours and missed it greatly this time. But overall -- very excellent!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    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?
    Austria
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 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
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) Allen Terrell September 6, 2023

    Great sites, good value

    · · Amsterdam – Gouda – Bruges by Bike and Boat

    We had a wonderful trip. Many Thanks to your staff, Mariam and Taylor, in helping us..

    For the price, the barge was fine, the food excellent and the barge crew terrific.

    Caution you to except overly positive reviews from passengers who all filled out reviews on the last night while receiving free champagne. Aliso, while nice, the leader was not too helpful and not much of a mechanic [4 of the E bikes were not charged on our first ride].

    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
  • (5/5) Jimmie Ring September 6, 2023

    Self guided tour of the Rhine

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    My spouse and I elected to take a self guided tour of the Rhine from Mainz to Cologne. We could not have been happier with the support, hotels or the route. The daily length of the ride was PERFECT for allowing plenty of time to explore along the way. The hotels were awesome - located always close to the things we wanted to see, comfortable, and breakfasts were fantastic. The support- from the information provided before the tour to the daily pickup and drop off of luggage - was perfection. The bikes were also very good and comfortable. We were very happy with the whole experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    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?
    Germany
    • 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
  • Discover the true icons of Tallinn
    (5/5) Sarah Larios September 6, 2023

    Brilliant way to discover Tallinn

    · Welcome to Tallinn Bike Tour

    Great route around Tallinn seeing places we may not have otherwise found. Guide was really knowledgeable and made the tour relaxed and fun

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    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
    • 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)
  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) Jill Kaufman September 6, 2023

    Amazing experience!

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    The small barge experience turned our group of strangers into good friends; the food was excellent; the routes and countryside beautiful; the tour guide was knowledgeable, skilled, and fun! This tour exceeded our expectations.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Late August 23
    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
    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
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)