Portugal Bike Tour Reviews (page 3)
-
★★★★★ Allan Ruus 11 months agoMay Algarve Family Trip
· Algarve Coastal Route
This cycling trip was a wonderful way to see the Algarve, much better than driving to hotels/vrbo and walking around to see the sites. The coastal nature parks with all the birds are impressive. The hotels were great locations, clean, breakfasts excellent, staff friendly and helpful. GPS worked perfectly and Biketours replaced one of the bikes within 3 hours of when a couple spokes broke.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Donna Barron 11 months ago
Great Way to Experience the Algarve
· Algarve Coastal Route
We had a wonderful adventure riding along the Algarve. We loved that we rode on different surfaces and saw a lot of variety. The GPS was a little slow at time with directions.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ John Koester 11 months ago
Great trip on the Algarve coast!
· Algarve Coastal Route
This was a very enjoyable trip on the Algarve coast. The route was easy to follow on the GPS and the bikes worked flawlessly. But the accommodations were the real stars. Each place we stayed was superb. We had a great time and highly recommend this trip on the southern coast of Portugal.
- 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, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Lowell Snow 10 months ago
Perfect Antidote to Winter
· Algarve Coastal Route
Warm, clear days. Manageable daily miles all along the coast. Excellent food. Good bikes and great support. Can’t ask for much more than that
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Carol Stack 7 months ago
Fabulous Easy Biking Trip
· Algarve Coastal Route
We were very impressed with the arrangements made for our self guided bike trip across the Algarve. All the staff we met were incredibly helpful (shout out to Angus and Curt), the e bikes were terrific, the route fun and interesting -- it was just a delight. One hotel (Jupiter Algarve) was too much of a party hotel for us -- but we survived the late night music. The route had originally been configured west to east and we rode east to west so there a couple instances in which we were riding the wrong direction on one way streets. We had a wonderful time and so enjoyed seeing Portugal up close and personal.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2023
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Margaret Penner 1 week ago
Beyond Expectations
· Algarve Coastal Route
Everything was efficient and effortless. We just had to focus on biking and route. Hotels were all lovely with wonderful breakfasts and welcoming hosts. We had no bike issues and all staff were on time and informative.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Terry Higgins 1 week ago
First class all the way!
· Algarve Coastal Route
Loved everything about this trip. We did a self guided which was a bit challenging at times but just added to our memories. We were fortunate to have good weather and our accommodations never disappointed us. All of the transportations set up for us were on time. Would highly recommend it to friends.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ ActionCyclist2 April 13, 2016History, Culture and Beauty!
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Wonderfully organized self-guided experience (with luggage transfer added). Our transfers by vehicle to the start and from the finish were seamless and informative with an insiders view of general and specifics of our tour, Portugal and bikes provided by Kico. The maps, Garmin, and rental bikes worked perfectly for our tour. The riding on this tour is scenic and varied as the route passes through forests, coastlines, villages, working towns, and tourist destinations. The hotels likewise provided varied experiences as well, each with its own unique charm and amenities. We rode in early April which was too cold for the hotel's outdoor pools, but provided excellent riding conditions.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5 - 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ SALLY ROTH October 11, 2022
Great mix of countryside villages, rolling hills, and coastal towns
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
The hotels were all comfortable and quiet and convenient to restaurants and sightseeing.
Nuno and Bernardo with Portugal Nature Trails were very helpful in setting us up before the trip and shuttling us at the end and provided interesting information about the areas we were in. I also appreciated the extra accommodation made to collect us and drop us before and after the trip in locations different than the standard trip (collect at Porto airbnb and deliver to Lisbon hotel which saved us travel time)
We were expecting paper maps based on prior trips through biketours and while the app on our smartphones worked for navigation, they made it hard to take photos along the bike trip and to preserve our phone power. It would have been helpful to know in advance so that we could prepare accordingly. Hotels weren't always prepared for charging batteries but we worked it out.
The gps contradicted itself often with confusing left and right turns but the map lines worked.
The only surprise extended climb was heading up to Sintra which was tough even with electric assist but I probably didn't pay close attention.
This is my second biketours trip and I would recommend them wholeheartedly.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept/Oct 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2 self-guided through biketours and 1 self-guided with campgear coast to coast in US
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Ellen Steury October 16, 2022
Fantastic touring company and lovely scenery
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
My husband and I took an unguided trip of 6 days, along with a younger woman (age 50) who was on her first time bike tour. The preparatory information the company provided, and the interactions we had with various staff both before and during the trip put this local bike tour company in a class of it’s own — first rate. The company has put together a great information packet to help you maximize your enjoyment on the trip — recommending sites and restaurants — and loaded it on apps for your mobile device. During the trip, they provided true 24 hour assistance. They immediately pick up the phone. I know this because I had a couple of mishaps (unrelated to the biking or the equipment) and I twice contacted the company for assistance. The response was immediate, to the point, and without hesitation, even when it incurred private transportation to take me from one hotel to the next. The person who met us to deliver the bikes and fit them to us did an excellent job. He covered all the details and answered all the questions. The hotels were an interesting mix of spacious-modern and historic-antique, with only one (in a small beach town) a little worn. All in all, this was the most smoothly run bike trip with the most accessible and responsive staff that my husband and I have encountered in our 10 bike trips over 8 years. Their attention to detail and focus on giving the client a good experience shows. It’s real. My compliments to the local tour company. At our ages (83 and 70), the hills with heavy electric bikes was a bit challenging, but this is disclosed by the tour advertising. For our 50 year old friend on her first long distance bike trek, it was a piece of cake. She handled it with ease and wants to do more such trips.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ JORGE VARGAS 11 months ago
Great scenery and perfect routes!
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
This is a tour that was made by cyclists for cyclists. The routes chosen will give you the best scenery and taste of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast and Villages. It was a wonderful experience.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Diane and Bob 11 months ago
Amazing Historical sights as well as beautifu lAtlantic coast scenery.
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
This was definitely a trip of a lifetime. We added extra nights at several of the towns, so we could enjoy many of the gorgeous seaside towns and sights. We upgraded for ocean views and it was spectacular. Although we were not prepared for the strenuous climbs on several of the days nor the difficulty on the hybrid route.The hybrid route was more like mountain biking. I strongly recommend e bikes. two iphones and a back up battery power pak to ensure you don't run out of power before you arrive at each town. This gives you offline excellent directions. Miriam was our planner with bike tours and she spent many hours answering questions in a timely manner and helping us plan lots of the details. I would highly recommend her as an agent with Bike Tours. We have done most of our 10 European trips with Bike Tours and it is by far the best company we have used. Our next couple trips will be Scotland,the Danube to Budapest or the Rhine. If you want to enjoy smaller less crowded towns, go on a bike trip. Start or end with a larger more commercial city.
Breakfast although always the same were very delicious at each stop. Of the towns visited Sintra was historic with beautiful castle and palace, but Ericeria was beautiful seaside experience. Be sure you book an extra night in Peniche and arrange to go to Berlengas via boat. Well worth it and take the glass bottom boat there or rent a kayak and paddle around. Good little restaurant there also.
All around this trip was a 10!!!! Will post a few pictures in the next week. I have over 1,000 so want to post the best ones.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- 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
-
★★★★★ Steven Fuglestad 7 months ago
Wonderful Way to Tour Portugal
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Portugal's Atlantic Coast bike tour is a wonderful way to visit and tour Portugal. The route is mostly along the ocean and there are many awesome views along the way. The distance of the each day's biking is reasonable, although there are many challenging hills to climb. The hotels were excellent, and each night we were on the coast we received an ocean view room. The service with airport pickup and drop off was prompt, friendly and efficient. The only negative was a poor quality GPS with difficult to read screen (the Ride with GPS app for one's phone, with the downloaded route, was much easier to navigate with). I recommend staying a few extra days to tour the beautiful and historic city of Lisbon. This was my first bike tour and it was an awesome experience! The itinerary, hotels, and service were all excellent!
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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
-
★★★★★ Regan Wilder 5 months ago
A wonderful adventure!
· Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Bike Tours was incredibly helpful and their support staff was amazing. We had a few rough days, but they swooped in and assisted us. The local knowledge and recommendations on the tour guide were perfect choices for us. I can't recommend this tour enough for adventure seekers. Even with rain and wind it was still a great adventure! I do recommend getting hybrid bikes if you want to sight see vs a work out for this ride. The hybrid routes were fun and challenging. You see a side of the country few others will. It was difficult to not spend the whole day stopping at all the landmarks and each cafe you pass. Hotels and food everywhere were the best.
- What was the date of your tour?
- November 2nd
- How many tours have you completed?
- My first one and likely hard to beat! I would recommend hybrid bikes for anyone who does not regularly cycle longer distances.
- 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
-
★★★★★ Marcus k October 3, 2015Fantastic trip through Algarve
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
We took the 10 day version in 2014. Absolutely loved it. Paul took great care of us. All equipment was excellent. Hotels were good. Best of all Paul was able to accommodate some changes along the way.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Algarve July 9, 2017
Algarve Road Trip
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Cycling through the Algarve was outstanding. What a perfect place to tour by bike. The people are kind and the scenery is outstanding. The challenge of riding made the trip better than I expected. Every day was different scenery and terrain. The accommodations were fabulous. I wish we had planned to stay longer. Thank you BikeTours.com for making this so memorable and easy to take the trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 25 to July 2
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Cara November 20, 2018
Beautiful way to see this country!
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
We booked the self-guided tour, and loved it! Bikes, maps, GPS, panniers, and lots of tips were all provided! The routes were beautiful, the hotels were great, and I would go back to Portugal in a heartbeat!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 10/8/18-10/15/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- this was the first
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Tuck October 27, 2019
Great trip!
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Six of us did an unguided trip using the bike shop's GPS on our Garmin 520 and Iphone "Ride with GPS" app. We would have been miserably lost without it! The route took us thru the back roads of southern Portugal with beautiful orchards of oranges, pomegranates, lemons, vineyards as well as to the southern most tip of Europe and north along the Atlantic ocean coast. We stopped at little cafes for lunch and cappuccino's and stayed in lovely towns at 3 and 4 star hotels. It was simply a fantastic trip. The bike shop provided new carbon fiber road bikes, set us up with the proper adjustments, installed our pedals and left us with plenty of extra parts, tools and tubes to do any repairs. We had one flat tire. They were available anytime and only a phone call away. Addee and BikeTours.com were very helpful on getting us prepped on what to take and made the arrangements for us to be picked up and dropped off at the end of our tour. A few things to note:
* This is a #3 out of 4 difficulty rated bike tour so come prepared and properly trained.
* We went the 2nd week of Oct. with perfect weather, 72°F (22°C) for a high and down to 62°F (16°C) at the start of the day. One ½ hour of rain the entire 6 days but it would be very hot during the summer months.
* There were a lot of hills and a total elevation gain of around 13,000' (over 4000 meters) so be prepared.
* Download the GPS coordinates and routes to your Garmin or Iphone before leaving home as the internet connections are dicey at best.
* There is 6 days in a row of riding with no breaks in between so the last day or two can be a bit tiring.
* Do take a mirror for your helmet or to clamp onto your bike as well as a small bike bag (or day pack) to install on the bike for your cash, passport (needed to check into your hotel), energy bars, sun screen, etc... as there is only one under the saddle small bag that is filled with tools, extra tube, etc...
* The bike shop provided us with a complimentary water bottle but take a 2nd bottle as the bikes had 2 bottle cages on them and you will be glad you have them.- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct. 10-17, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- one
- 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
-
★★★★★ Timr November 23, 2019
Castles, Orange Groves and Sea
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Delightful tour through this beautiful and fascinating part of Portugal. Bikes provided were quality, carbon frame road bikes. Accommodations were good to very good. Navigation was clear—the Garmin provided worked just fine. The countryside was lovely. Recommend especially in September to November when temperatures are better.
- What was the date of your tour?
- November 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 11
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- 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
-
★★★★★ Jamie PRORACKI January 7, 2023
First bike trip experience
· Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Great first trip of this type. Also first time to mainland Europe. This was a great way to experience the land and meet and interact with so many people. The food was amazing and most of the accommodations were top notch.
- What was the date of your tour?
- December 2022
- 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?
- Portugal
