Bike Tour Reviews  page 93

  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) Charles Honaker September 2, 2022

    Best vacation ever

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    My daughter and I actually repeated this 10 day bike tour from a few years ago and were not disappointed. The daily 25-30 mile leisure rides down the Danube at our own slow pace allowed us to see so much of the small towns along the way, stops at many food and drink kiosks directly on the bike trail , an occasional boat ride with bikes to shorten the ride and enjoy on board snacks and drinks, and then check-in to very nice upscale small hotels in the afternoon. We would have a meal at the hotel or neighborhood and explore the area. The huge breakfast buffets were a great way to start wash day. I’m over 70 but would do it again tomorrow if given a chance. My daughter’s hotel room was usually adjacent to mine. I have booked with bike tours for 10 years and never disappointed. This year Taylor handled all the booking and was unbelievably prompt at responding to email questions and arranging special requests pertaining to hotels , meals , bikes, extensions in Passau, Enns, and Vienna and transfers from airport to a “ start hotel”. Thank you Taylor. We hope to go again somewhere with Bike Tours.! You all are phenomenal and a real pleasure to deal with. Charles R Honaker

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    6 or 7
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • 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)
  • (5/5) Gary Grellman August 31, 2022

    Our 2022 Cycling Adventure

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    Overall, we had a wonderful time and have mostly positive, if not effusive, things to say about the trip. The upgraded accommodations met and, in a couple of instances, exceeded our expectations. The premium bikes were in excellent condition and performed exceptionally well. For the most part, the route description was accurate and helpful (with a few exceptions as noted below). The luggage transfer from hotel to hotel was seamless. Our bags were always at each hotel when we arrived at the end of the day's ride. The staff was exceptionally helpful when we decided not to ride one day because of particularly inclement weather. They transferred our bikes to the next hotel while we took a taxi.

    Minor Critiques:
    1) The meeting with the staff member at the beginning of the ride was not helpful. Firstly, he seemed rushed and came across as if he wanted to get the briefing over with as quickly as possible. He only spent 5 minutes with us. He gave us confusing instructions on how to get out of Passau and was not able to answer questions about how to use and reset the odometer.
    2) The directions on how to bike to Ottensheim were incomplete which caused us to unnecessarily cross the river twice.
    3) There were two different sets of directions to Hotel Schatzkammer. Furthermore, one incorrectly stated that the bus would pick us up in Grein at 4:35 pm. The actual pickup time is 4:00 pm. We almost missed the bus because of this.
    4) The odometer on one of the bicycles did not work.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    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, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    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
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Nancy Tiernan August 31, 2022

    Beautiful, friendly country

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    Ireland is a lush and gorgeous country, and Donegal especially so. This trip is well planned to maximize the scenic and minimize time on busy roads. Our local coordinator, Seamus, was responsive to our needs along the way, quickly showing up to make what would be a critical bike adjustment for the day’s ride.
    Our self-guided group of four senior citizens - very FIT senior citizens! - had 3 hybrid bikes and one e-bike. Although the distances were shorter per day than we did on the Slovenia bike trip three years ago, there were lots more hills in Donegal. I was VERY glad to have the e-bike, and my mighty mates envied me…

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 22-29
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    Ireland
    • 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 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Anne Stanek August 31, 2022

    Gorgeous views most of the time!

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    We had a wonderful trip. Seamus was a super introduction to Donegal -such a friendly person who gave us a clear and detailed introduction to the bikes and the trip. The map and instructions were clear. Our bikes were comfortable and worked well - although the hills were intense and constant. I have done six previous bike trips with a standard bike but I would have opted for an E bike on this one had I known how difficult the hills were going to be! One of our group of four did opt for an E bike and she was very happy she did so! The routes were quiet and mostly on back country and farm roads. There always seemed to be beautiful or serene views. There were several very interesting side trips. The accommodations were very comfortable. The breakfasts were great. The pubs and music were such fun. And everyone we met was friendly and sunny (the Irish people are "always sunny on the inside despite the weather," so someone said and it seems to be true!). It did rain a lot - but it was always a gentle and warm rain. With rain gear it was quite manageable. I would highly recommend this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    Six others
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • St. John's Point (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Cill Charthaigh - Derrylahan (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Silver Strand Beach (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Sliabh Liag (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • Kilcar (enroute to Teelin Harbor) (photo by Anne Stanek)
    • 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)
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (5/5) Dewey Forward August 31, 2022

    Spectacular if very challenging

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    It was certainly the most dramatic trip I’ve ever taken. By the end of the trip I was complexly familiar on how the app works and appreciated the care that went into all of the planning.
    The hotels were all interesting being uniquely Italian and well placed in the towns we stayed in. All and all a lifetime memory of joy. Harder than a 1 difficulty which was advertised.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Bike and Boat Croatia’s Dalmatia Coast
    (4/5) Elizabeth Kaplan August 29, 2022

    Nice but rushed and HOT!

    · · Bike and Boat Croatia’s Dalmatia Coast

    The boat was good, the meals were great, the guides were helpful and entertaining. The itinerary was probably a bit too busy. The differences in the islands was not substantial so if we had visited fewer and were not cruising during breakfast, it might have made more sense to get earlier starts to avoid the high temperatures. As an alternative, providing more detailed maps for those who would have liked to bike out on their own would have been nice. The e-bikes were essential for many of us and they worked beautifully. The extent or length of the climbs was a bit surprising. Gorgeous country.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) Shirley Burche August 29, 2022

    More than I expected

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    This was a great way to experience the Provence area of France. Our tour guide, Helmut, was pretty good about instructing us especially in the areas where we needed to merge into traffic for the traffic circles.

    The crew on the barge, Filippo and Sara, were fantastic and took very good care of us. Especially enjoyed the gourmet dinners that Sara prepared.

    I will never forget this trip especially my time on the Bike and Barge portion of it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was my first one
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique IV
    (5/5) Lynn Danford August 28, 2022

    Wonderful trip

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

    Terrific guides and a perfect mix of time in rural and urban areas. Enjoyed the beauty of the countryside plus some of the great cities of Europe. Surprised that so many in the group were using e-bikes. The frequency of rest stops was perfect. Food on the boat was excellent.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    seven
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) Linda Vied August 28, 2022

    My First Bike Trip

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

    This was my first bike trip and whilst i am not an "avid" cyclist i do consider myself to be a regular cyclist and having paid attention to some prior training i thought i would be OK to do this trip and keep up with everyone. However, i found the pace to be difficult and was unable to keep up with most of the group due to the fact that at least 50%/60% of them were riding E Bikes!!
    This trip would have been more enjoyable for me if the group had been split between regular and E Bikers.
    The boat was above expectations in every respect and the captain and crew were amazing and created a very comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere. The chef is a wonder and served some truly wonderful dishes. I thought i would return from this trip having lost some weight but instead i have gained!!!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
  • UNESCO Highlights of Dalmatia by E-bike and Boat
    (5/5) Diana Terrell August 27, 2022

    Most beautiful biking in Wurope

    · · UNESCO Highlights of Dalmatia by E-bike and Boat

    There are so many things to evaluate: The Boat Harmonia: comfortable and attractive. The staff on the Harmonia: helpful and upbeat. The bike Rides: the most beautiful we have seen in Europe. The quality of the bikes: excellent. Numbers of people on a ride: too many. All thirty of us rode as a group. Some experienced with regular bikes and some weaker bikers with Ebikes. Too many people in a cluster on the road and too much waiting to regroup. Two guides and thirty people did not work so well. Food was adequate, but large full course hot meals at lunch were not so great.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    15
    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?
    Croatia
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Danube Experience
    (4/5) Donna Schultz August 27, 2022

    Ship needs better ventilation in dining room.

    · · Danube Experience Bike and Boat Passau-Vienna-Budapest-Belgrade-Iron Gates-Passau

    We booked trip 3 years ago. It was cancelled twice. We are fully Covid vaccinated and boosted. The crew wore masks for the first 5 days. On day 7, my husband got Covid. The only place for exposure was the dining room. All the passengers ate together in a dining room that did not have good ventilation. There was no options for open air dining or room dining. We lost 4 days while he recovered.

    After waiting so long for trip, it was disappointing there was not adequate controls to avoid virus spread.

    After he got sick. I noticed at least 6 other people that were also coughing. No one was ill at beginning of trip.

    We will not go on another bike boat trip that does not take precautions to reduce virus spread. There should be changes in table spacing, air flow & circulation, better air filtration, & open air dining option.

    The boat was Swiss Crown.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    I have been on inn to inn tours. This was first bike boat tour
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Würzburg to Donauwörth
    (4/5) Jonathan Barker August 27, 2022

    Beautiful towns, safe cycle paths, one bike was poor.

    · Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

    We enjoyed visiting the Romantic roads stunningly beautiful and well maintained towns. The hotels very varied, some modern others traditional which was great. The cycle paths were mostly off road, away from traffic and passed through moderately pretty agricultural countryside and small villages. One of the bikes was manual and was very heavy. I was told I would get 24 gears but it only had a basic 3-5 gear mechanism operated from one side of the handle bars. This meant I had to get off and push the bike up steep hills which was disappointing..

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was our first
    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Lake Constance Classic
    (5/5) Robert Hardies August 25, 2022

    This isnabgreat and fun trip!

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    Radweg Reisen did a fantastic job. The bikes were in excellent condition and were great bikes. Luggage transfer was seamless. The hotels and meals were great. The guide books were comprehensive. I feel like I cannot rave enough about how well organized this tour was. Thanks!

    How many tours have you completed?
    Five or more
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 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
  • Sweden’s West Coast
    (3/5) Kevin Rudd August 24, 2022

    Could have been better

    · Sweden’s West Coast: Helsingborg to Gothenburg

    The ride was generally good. The route was relatively remote with few points to stop and places along the route to interact with the citizen of the areas visited. Poor preparation of the e-bikes two of the 6 bikes were not at the pick up location and not properly charged. The first day was difficult riding heavy bikes without power. Very disappointing start to our trip.

    Hotel accommodations were fair. The opening property was excellent, while the balance were two and three star quality properties. That said, all the people at the hotels and the bike rental location were friendly and helpful. I would have welcomed better hotel locations and would be willing to pay more. Self-guided does not need to be budget.

    In general, of the other guided and self-guided rides in Europe this ride was 4th of 4.

    How many tours have you completed?
    4, 2 guided and 2 self-guided
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Sweden
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 2/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Lake Constance Classic
    (5/5) Dorothy Richards August 24, 2022

    Great Trip!

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    We really enjoyed our trip around the Bodensee! Our bikes were in good working condition, the hotels were nice and typically had great breakfasts. The route took us by many highlights and even some places off the beaten path. I would absolutely recommend this trip and I would use this tour company again.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Southern Fyn
    (5/5) Eliza Bennett August 24, 2022

    Family trip to Denmark

    · Southern Fyn: A Tour Around Denmark’s Fairytale Island

    We are a family of 4, kids are 10 and 12.
    We usually bike a lot and the climate and terrain were very easy for the kids to handle. It was a beautiful country to bike around, with lovely paths, rolling hills and wild blackberries abound along the trails. All of the cities were charming. The accomodations were nice, we stayed in a hostel in Svenborg that was very lively and a fun change for our kids to be around Danish kids. Bike helmets ended up included so that was a nice surprise. The bikes worked great. Navigation was easy to follow and the recommended App was helpful to not have to pull the map out constantly. I would have biked for another week.

    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    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?
    Denmark
    •  (photo by Eliza Bennett)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Tour Advisor August 24, 2022

      So glad you had an amazing time! Those blackberries look so delicious. Can't wait to help you plan your next trip!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • Highlights of the Swiss Rhine
    (4/5) Keith Reyen August 23, 2022

    Very Pleasant Ride From Lake To River

    · Highlights of the Swiss Rhine: Lake Constance to Basel

    This was a very nice and mellow ride from Lake Constance down to Basel. The beginning of the trip in Rohrsarch seemed to be a bit of a compromise, but the finish in Basel with a balcony room on the Rhine, with the summer music festival stage on the river directly below was a spectacular finish to a great trip.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Switzerland
  • Lake Constance Classic
    (5/5) Mark Ivkovich August 23, 2022

    Wonderful bike tour experience

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    The hotels were very nice and morning meals excellent. The cities on the bike tour were all very interesting and offered many historical points of interest. I would highly recommend the bike tour to friends and family.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 6, 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 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
    • 4/5 Route selection