Bike Tour Reviews  page 84

  • A Taste of Italy
    (5/5) TomS June 18, 2018

    the combination of biking and food was excellent

    · A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna

    This was our third time out with biketours and each has been unique and fun. The Taste of Italy was well-named. Stops to see the production of parmesan cheese, gelato, and especially balsamic vinegar were terrific. Loved the cooking class! Level of difficulty was not bad--although some of the hills on the first day required us to dismount. The night at the Agritourismo was memorable.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 3
    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
    • the central square in Parma (photo by TomS)
    • the first stage of Parmesan cheesemaking (photo by TomS)
    • at the Parmesan cheese factory (photo by TomS)
    • our hosts at the traditional balsamic vinegar producers (photo by TomS)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Salzburg to Vienna
    (5/5) eb53 June 17, 2018

    extraordinary trip across Austria

    · Salzburg to Vienna, Lakes Option

    This trip was truly stunningly beautiful. We were amazed at how much beauty and variety could be packed into one trip. Even though the directions were sometimes confusing, it was easy to figure your way around--the signage is fantastic and people are exceedingly kind and friendly. We really loved the self-guided option--it increased the sense of adventure, freedom and self-reliance. All accommodations were splendid as were the breakfasts. We were amazed at how great the bike infrastructure is in Austria--way better than in the US. Everyone bikes and cyclists are respected. Motorists were very considerate of cyclists. Temperatures in Austria were WAY ABOVE NORMAL this year. The lakes part of the trip was some of the best riding we have ever done; we also loved the Wachau region. We wished that
    this part had been longer. If we had it to do over, we would add a day to the lakes and maybe take a train over sections of the Danube. . . Do not miss the ecological gardens in Tullin! We wished we could have spent a day there.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    this is our first long tour
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) Ottermom June 15, 2018

    Best bicycle tour company to date!

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    This was our 5th self guided tour to date and Portugal's Best Cycling company was the best we have had in customer service. The bikes were perfect for the terrain. We felt safe on all of the routes even the ones that had more traffic than anticipated. All of the hotels were excellent although our personal preference is to stay away from the ones that cater to the large motorcoach tours (we had 2 that fell into that category.) Self-guided is for the adventurous and that is what we got. The dirt tracks were not for the inexperienced. Area had a rough winter and it took some technical riding to manuever safely on them. There were alternative paved routes but where is the fun in that? We added an extra 20 miles on one of our days to ride out to a fortress that was not on our itinerary. It was worth it. I would add pictures but it keeps telling me images are too large. Recommend adding 2 full days in Sintra just to enjoy.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 29, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 5/5 Value
    • 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
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) Pearl June 15, 2018

    Danube Bike 8 Day w/upgraded lodging

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 25, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Aare Cycle Route
    (5/5) Stillpedaling June 13, 2018

    Our First European Cycle Tour

    · Aare Cycle Route: Along the Jura, Aare, and Rhine Rivers

    Cycling is a great way to experience central Switzerland, with the Alps in the background and the Aare River alongside us. We took one reviewer’s advice and spent extra days in Interlaken to explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The Aare Cycle Path is well marked, but we had some difficulty in the transition from cycle path to city to hotel. All the hotels were comfortable and ideally located for exploring the Old Towns of each city. The boat ride on Thun Lake was wonderfully relaxing and scenic. Don’t miss the storks at Altreu - they are unique. We thoroughly enjoyed our Swiss vacation.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 15 to May 25, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Switzerland
    • Kaiserstule, along the Rheintal Cycle path (photo by Stillpedaling)
    • Stork of Altreu (photo by Stillpedaling)
    • Staubach Falls (photo by Stillpedaling)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Best of Holland South
    (5/5) TooTall6foot7 May 15, 2018

    Great trip!

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    Our trip was fantastic! Our local tour provider at Tulip Cycling, Peter Vos, couldn’t have been better. The bikes were brand new, the Garmin GPS worked perfectly and the routes and hotels he selected were awesome. The Belvedere Hotel in Schoonhoven was especially memorable. This was truly a trip of a lifetime that we hope is repeated soon! Thanks to Bike Tours for making it happen! We will be booking with you again!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 21 to April 26
    How many tours have you completed?
    One
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
    (5/5) Keliz428 May 5, 2018
    · · Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour

    I have nothing but positive happy memories of our bike tour. Bert, our guide clearly is proud of his country and did a beautiful job showing it off. The crew on the Liza Marleen were exceptional. The group of riders were fun to be around. This was the best trip ever!

    What was the date of your tour?
    4/7/18
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    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)
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (5/5) Sandyp May 3, 2018

    Fun week in Umbria!

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

    This was our third self-guided bike tour with Bike Tours and once again they did not disappoint. The Umbrian countryside was beautiful, the food and wine the best and the people very friendly. We especially enjoyed the Country House and Carla’s hospitality. Her meals were wonderful and we enjoyed meeting her family. Paulo (local tour rep) was also great and he and his wife were able to make some last minute changes for us to take advantage of the weather. Only a couple of climbs all week although the last one into Assisi is a doozy.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 6-12, 2018
    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
    • 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
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Cyndi2838 May 2, 2018

    Fabulous ride in Ireland

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    What a great time we had riding the Irish coastline. Hilly and beautiful, the ride was so fun. Relaxing and really experiencing Ireland

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
    (5/5) Patti_ME April 29, 2018

    A great trip!

    · · Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour

    The boat, the bike, the guide, captain, cook, crew and other riders were the BEST!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 7, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    • Photo 1 (photo by Patti_ME)
    • Dessert! (photo by Patti_ME)
    • Hyacinths (photo by Patti_ME)
    • Photo 4 (photo by Patti_ME)
    • Photo 5 (photo by Patti_ME)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Cycling the West Balkan Triangle
    (5/5) Cyclemom April 28, 2018

    Great Experience!

    · Cycling the West Balkan Triangle

    First I have to mention our great guide and support Mario and Darco. They helped make this such an incredible trip. They were accommodating, flexible, funny and full of history about the area. I know my daughter loved talking with them about their life growing up in Croatia and the incredible history of the area. We fell in love with Croatia and Bosnia Hertsagovina. I know I just spelled that incorrectly I apologize.
    My husband and I used the electric bikes which had multiple settings so we had great workouts everyday while not holding back our daughter from getting a great workout on her regular bike up with the guide. Electric bikes are genius and really the way to go especially if the people you are traveling with may be in a little better shape. Their bikes were excellent.
    I loved the lunch breaks on the side of the road each day and as soon as Darco realized the type of food we liked while exercising he added it the next day (oranges never tasted so good!) together with his own favorites it was perfect.
    We again can not say enough about Mario. His sweet disposition and willingness to do whatever he could to make our trip memorable was greatly appreciated.
    The mileage each day was not bad but the climbs gave us such a great
    workout!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 13-
    How many tours have you completed?
    Second tour
    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?
    Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
    • Photo 1 (photo by Cyclemom)
    • 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)
  • Castles and Wines of Portugal
    (5/5) LuAnn April 28, 2018

    Beautiful countryside & amazing castles and wineries

    · Castles and Wines of Portugal

    We had a great time cycling through The Alentejo region where wildflowers, castles, olive and cork tree groves, and fields of grapes were abundant. The bikes were in great shape, detailed directions and tour guides helpful!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 14-21,2018
    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, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Florence to Rome
    (4/5) carlosferreira January 9, 2018
    · Florence to Rome

    What was the date of your tour?
    october 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 1/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Tauern Bike Path
    (5/5) sunny17 December 20, 2017

    nice travel experience

    · Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)

    What was the date of your tour?
    sep 25 to oct 1 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Venice to Trieste and Istria
    (5/5) alda December 19, 2017

    absolutely fabulous

    · Venice to Trieste and Istria

    What a wonderful itinerary with varied scenery from the lagoons and beaches of Italy to the more mountainous coast of Istria. Going through three countries was very interesting and the accomodations and places we visited were top notch.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 24, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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?
    Croatia, Italy, Slovenia
    • Photo 1 (photo by alda)
    • Photo 2 (photo by alda)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany December 20, 2017

      We're glad to hear you had a fantastic time on tour. Thank you for your review!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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
  • Alsace Wine Country
    (5/5) Allen December 18, 2017

    Fabulous

    · Alsace Wine Country

    The villages are incredibly beautiful; the biking is either on lovely canal paths or quiet roads in the wine country; and the inns and restaurants are terrific. It is a well organized and well supported trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept.2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    12
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany December 19, 2017

      Allen, thanks for your kind review. We're so glad to hear you had a great time on tour! We look forward to helping you in the future.

    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Algarve Coastal Route
    (4/5) Chuck1 December 18, 2017

    Great adventure !!!

    · Algarve Coastal Route

    This was a wonderful trip.
    Other than 2 issues I thought this was a well planned trip, great hotels / flawless luggage connections / good route aided by supplied GPS.
    The 2 issues were :
    The bicycles were not very good. Shifting was erratic as they obviously hadn’t been tuned prior to our trip.
    The other issue was the promosed transfer to the airport at the end of the trip did not happen, we waited almost an hour in the hotel lobby only to hear through the consierge that the ride to the airport was not happening forcing us to catch a cab and rushing to make our flight connection.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Oct 1st thru 7th
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany December 19, 2017

      Chuck, thanks so much for your thoughtful review. We're glad to hear that you had a great time but sorry that you had some troubles. I'll follow up with you via email to make things right. Thanks again!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection