Bike Tour Reviews  page 71

  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (4/5) Louise C van Vonno July 20, 2023

    Fantastic but more challenging then we are used to!

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    My husband and I have done over 10 bike tours around the world and this was by far the most challenging. If we had received the itinerary earlier than 6:30pm the day before we started we might have requested some route adjustments but there just wasn't time. We were assured by the local cycling company that provided the excellent e-bikes that we should be careful about battery usage but we would be OK. We were ok but truly exhausted at the end of most days. The route was excellent and we wanted to go back to some of the towns we visited when we weren't so tired.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June/ July 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    10+
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much 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
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) (Nancy) Bart Hemmerich July 20, 2023

    Authentic Picturesque Historic Geography

    · Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

    Biking is an ideal way to take in the series of old German towns with over a thousand years of significant history. The quaint old buildings and homes adorned with bright flowers and ancient relics are such a visual treasure.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    6 organized tours, many self-supported
    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?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Mark Krueger July 19, 2023

    Our First E-Bike Trip

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Lake Constance is a beautiful lake with many quaint towns, varied terrain and an active boat scene.
    Our E-bikes performed flawlessly with more than enough battery life. Each hotel provided secure overnight bike storage and battery charging.
    We are seasoned long-haul cross country hikers but experienced daily logistical issues in that using maps and GPS we were unable to follow the bike paths; we often stopped to ask for directions.
    Not sure why this route is advertised as family friendly. During our journey around the lake we did not see any young children riding with parents; certainly this route is not appropriate for pulling a child-trailer behind a bike.
    I’d recommend renting the E-Bike and enjoy the journey as we did.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Discover the highlights of lively Ljubljana
    (5/5) Ian Wilkes July 19, 2023

    Lovely cycle ride around Ljubljana

    · Ljubljana Highlights Bike Tour

    We had a day to see Ljubljana before heading off to Lake Bohinj, so a guided cycle ride around the town was the perfect way to see all the best parts of Ljubljana. The equipment was good. Safety was good, and the guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our trip was on a Thursday morning and traffic was fine. Most of the route was on pedestrian areas., and predominantly flat so it wasn't very strenuous. We even had a stop at a restaurant for a drink. The group size was 6 people. We learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it. Matius was the perfect guide. Would highly recommend.

    •  (photo by Ian Wilkes)
    •  (photo by Ian Wilkes)
    •  (photo by Ian Wilkes)
    •  (photo by Ian Wilkes)
  • Pedal through your own personal Paris
    (5/5) Hally Hanssen July 19, 2023

    The absolute best thing we did in Paris!

    Private Paris Bike Tour

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Christian was a fantastic tour guide-- kind, knowledgeable, fun, gracious, adventurous and so delightful. We were a bit skeptical about how much our 4 boys (ages 9, 13, 15 and 17) would like yet another Paris tour (after a bus tour, boat tour and exploring on foot for hours), but our 4-hour bike tour was an absolute blast. We got to see all of the major historical sights and tourist attractions-- except Christian gave us much more context and fun information. He also took us to some beautiful hidden spots that really captured the essence of Parisian life for locals and some beauty we'd have never found ourselves with a big group. Wish we'd had another day to do a tour to Versailles with biketours.com and Christian.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 18, 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
    • 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)
  • Baltic Capitals
    (5/5) Lindsey Parkinson July 19, 2023

    Fun for everyone!

    · Baltic Capitals: Historic Cities of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn

    My brother and I chose this tour as away to meet in the middle between our travel styles - backcountry adventures and city explorations - without needing to stress about planning. We both had a great time! The tour stopped at well known highlights and less well known gems, all the guides were kind and incredibly knowledgeable. If another family member wanted to do it, I would happily join them for another round :).

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 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?
    Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
    • Latvian Folk Music and Dance Festival (photo by Lindsey Parkinson)
    • Riga - UNESCO World Heritage (photo by Lindsey Parkinson)
    • Spin and wish! (photo by Lindsey Parkinson)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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)
  • UNESCO Sites of Albania
    (5/5) Michele Smith July 19, 2023

    Loved it!!

    · UNESCO Sites of Albania

    It was the perfect mix between challenging, beautiful, educational and pure enjoyment!! Our guide was extremely knowledgable and entertaining. There was great a mechanic for bike maintenance when there were any issues. Not only did I learn a great deal about the country I met a number of wonderful people throughout the trip. Food and lodging was great.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Albania
  • (4/5) Mark Krueger July 18, 2023

    Our First E-Bike Trip

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Lake Constance is a beautiful lake with many quaint towns, varied terrain and an active boat scene.
    Our E-bikes performed flawlessly with more than enough battery life. Each hotel provided secure overnight bike storage and battery charging.
    We are seasoned long-haul cross country hikers but experienced daily logistical issues in that using maps and GPS we were unable to follow the bike paths; we often stopped to ask for directions.
    Not sure why this route is advertised as family friendly. During our journey around the lake we did not see any young children riding with parents; certainly this route is not appropriate for pulling a child-trailer behind a bike.
    I’d recommend renting the E-Bike and enjoy the journey as we did.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems
    (5/5) Michael Schwartz July 18, 2023

    Great Exposure to a Slovenia not seen by tourists

    · Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems

    The bike tour of the Gems of Slovenia afforded us a glimpse into the hidden life of the country, at least the part we saw. The hotels were comfortable, especially the M Hotel in Ljubljana. Breakfast at the M Hotel and the Hotel Piran were great; the others middling to OK. The luggage delivery to each hotel was excellent. The routes from Ljubljana to Piran were good, although our navigation system failed us after the second day. The company faxed us paper directions but they were in black and white and were repeat documents of what we had already.

    A few suggestions for change:
    1. Provision of a cell phone holder (the plastic bag with velcro strips did not work)
    2. A better GPS app
    3. Two, not one, but two panniers
    4. A way to ensure the charger for the E-bike does not fall out or be removed (someone removed my charger whether accidentally or intentionally I don't know)
    5. A way to do laundry, either in town or at the hotel with turn around time to keep the momentum of the trip going

    I would also consider making a town in Slovenia a central location with day trips to the surrounding environments.

    Good job!

    Michael

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 4 - 11
    How many tours have you completed?
    Two including this one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (3/5) Sheryl Slone July 17, 2023

    Disappointed

    · Strasbourg to Mainz: Imperial Cities and Charming Landscapes Along the Rhine

    We were disappointed in the inability of the app to work for route directions. Several detours were encountered that were clearly not recent detours but alternate directions were not given. We ended up just doing a Google bike route to get from city to city.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    France, Germany
    • 1/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 1/5 Route selection
  • Discover the natural beauty of the Netherlands
    (5/5) Nicci Bowley July 17, 2023

    A wonderful way to get a taste of the Amsterdam surroundings.

    · Amsterdam Extended Countryside E-Bike Tour

    We loved every minute of our tour, the riding, the stops, the views, the group! I would highly rate this activity for everyone who's able and who pays a visit to the beautiful Netherlands!

  • Baltic Capitals
    (4/5) Robert Civiak July 17, 2023

    I enjoyed it

    · Baltic Capitals: Historic Cities of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn

    Good trip with excellent guides. The trip is a combination of walking tours of historic cities and biking on paths and quiet road, mostly near the sea near the sea.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
  • Vienna to Budapest
    (5/5) John July 16, 2023

    Dream trip!

    · Vienna to Budapest (Classic)

    Cycling is such a great way to travel in this part of the world. It's safe - almost the entire trip happens on protected bike paths, it's flat - suitable for kids, families, and travelers interested in seeing the countryside and towns along the way as they test their fitness on the trail each day. Each day covers between 40-80k of distance and rides through beautiful natural areas, villages, and farmland. Each evening ends in a beautiful town, village, or capital city with tons plenty of sites to see, delicious food to each, or activities to take part in (like the thermal baths in many of the towns along the way). We traveled as a group of six with 2 kids and 4 adults and everyone had a wonderful time. I highly recommend it.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Hungary
  • Balkan Treasures
    (4/5) Andres Volosin July 16, 2023

    Is all about Montenegro!

    · Balkan Treasures

    Overall was a good trip.
    Organizer lack on some details and punctuality.
    Hotels are OK. Request upgrades for locations and quality since is a small $ difference but big jump y confort. Albania part should be removed. Not the best routes.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia, Albania, Montenegro
    • 4/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (2/5) May July 15, 2023

    First family cycling trip completed!

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    Overall a satisfactory trip! The GPS is very useful for navigation. The hotels are great! Just on first day, we find that 2 of the 4 bikes are not fit. We have enter our age and height and has not been told specifically what kinds of bikes will be assigned. I found that they just give standard bikes for adult female and male disregard our height and age (Asians in average are shorter than Westerners.) The person, Robert, arrived for “bike fitting” was not helpful at all. He suggested my daughter to cycle 30km to their bike shop to change bike. When we asked him to call customer service, he said he didn’t have Wi-Fi. So, Eurobike send a staff without communication methods to help customers’ solve problems? Finally, Robert had to use my phone to call the CS number. And in the phone, he said we are “bla, bla, bla.” Is it the customers cannot voice their requests, even the bikes are not fit and customers have to take the risk of getting hurt or accident? and seems to Robert, customers’ requests are “bla, bla, bla..” And customers need to take the riding risk to go 30km to change bike? Later he mentioned it may need to charge EUR 50 per bike change if need to switch bikes in Passau. I have emailed biketour and I am grateful that next day the 2 bikes were changed without additional charges. In second day, Simon is much more helpful. Simon helps us do the testing & it works. Simon is v polite and helpful. Passau is the starting point of Danube cycle path. I feel strange that the outsource company does not have a bike rental centre there. This is our first family cycling trip and it did create stresses at the beginning. The outsource company probably need to have better communication with biketour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    First bike tour
    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?
    Austria, Germany
    • 3/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Mosel Bike Path
    (5/5) Timothy Paradiso July 14, 2023

    The trip was well planned

    · Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz

    The trip was wonderful unfortunately a member of our trip was injured and we had to stop our trip early. However the portion that we were able to do was wonderful, the hotels was great with a wonderful and very helpful staff. My only wish is that I would really like to have the GPS option, following the path was not difficult but would have been easier with the GPS, and made the trip more enjoyable.

    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Highlights of the Highlands
    (5/5) Katya Spielberg July 12, 2023

    Fantastic Introduction to Ireland Countryside

    · Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike

    A wonderful way to experience Donegal County in Ireland!! In spite of high winds 2 days and some rain most days, the beauty of the landscape and the loveliness of the Irish people made it one of my all-time favorite bike trips. Moreover, the customer service provided by Ireland by Bike was top notch -- from the maps and GPS to the history and daily recommendations provided, everything was made easy and accessible. Definitely appreciated the e-bikes given the number of hills and strong breezes on the coastline!! The quality of the B&B's did vary by location, but all were clean and hosts were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend to my friends and family!!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
  • An adventure to majestic Mount Trebevic
    (5/5) Jack Foley July 12, 2023

    Extremely rewarding and fun ride

    · Trebevic Olympic Mountain Bike Tour Sarajevo

    Perfect mountain bike ride on the doorstep of Sarajevo, Said from Torus Tours was a very friendly, knowledgeable and fun guide who paced the tour really well. It was a long uphill climb but felt like the perfect day on the bike with old friends, even though I was a solo traveller. Views from the top were amazing and the descent was fun. But riding down the bobsled track was the highlight, an incredible experience that you have to try if you visit Sarajevo!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Jack Foley)
    •  (photo by Jack Foley)
    • 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)
  • (5/5) Pieter Van Niekerk July 12, 2023

    Quiet, beautiful and well organized.

    · Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems

    Excellent cycling roads with beautiful scenery. Well-spaced stops. Excellent GPS app. Good hotels. Good bikes and helpful upfront orientation.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Slovenia