Portugal Bike Tour Reviews page 6
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★★★★★ Tuck
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
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★★★★★ Timr
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
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★★★★★ Jamie PRORACKI
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
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★★★★★ Karla Frank
Perfect Portugal Cycling
Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
We can’t say enough about how wonderful this trip was! It was perfect in every way. Our holidays always include cycling so this was the perfect way for us to see the Algarve region of Portugal. Algarve Bike Tours was top notch in every way. They arranged everything for the trip including hotels, cycling routes, bike rentals, and luggage transfers. Everything went off without a hitch. The hotels were all different styles, and included a fantastic breakfast to fuel our ride for the day. The cycling routes were just the right amount of distance and climb to challenge us but not exhaust us. The bicycles were in good condition and met all our needs. We brought our own pedals, clips, shoes, saddles and helmets. Also, we never had one flat! Our luggage was always at the hotel when we arrived and the hotels were happy to accommodate us if we arrived a little before check in time.
We can’t say enough about the Algarve region! The roads were nice, the people friendly, the scenery beautiful, the food and coffee plentiful and delicious! Motorists were very considerate of bicycles, even in the busier city areas.
We have done many cycling holidays and this rates at the top, if not the top of all our trips!- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is our first with biketours.com. We have done over 20 bike holidays.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Peggy Lister
Algarve self guided bike tour
Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Great experience! The accommodations and the daily breakfasts were all top notch!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Timothy Thornberry
Outstanding! Portugal is amazing!
Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
Entire experience was great! 6 days of riding in Algarve! Routes were great! Hotels very nice! Portuguese people were gracious hosts! Wonderful experience! Can't wait to do it again! (Recommend a rest day in the middle. traveling and biking is hard on you!)
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Mark Eisenberg
Fabulous bike trip
Best of the Algarve by Road Bike
This was our 4th self-guided European bike trip and was our favorite. We’ve never used e bikes before but we’re glad we did as there were lots of hills and 80 kilometer days. We were mostly on back roads with gorgeous vistas of hills, orange orchards, white villages and the sea. There was some traffic but we never felt unsafe. The hotels were nice and the food and wine was fabulous. My wife and I would highly recommend it.
- What was the date of your tour?
- February, 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- 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
-
★★★★★ Lorenepyt
The Portuguese Coastal Route of the Camino
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
This self guided tour was perfect. We loved every minute of it from the actual routes to the hotels to the food to the amazing pilgrimage experience. Our guides were very attentive and always answered us promptly. Our luggage was always on time at the correct hotel. It was the trip of a lifetime! And a perfect way to bond with our young daughter after her graduation from college!
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★★★★★ Petey
Can’t wait to do it again
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
We did the coastal route self guided. We stayed in the “moderate price” lodging option without dinner plan.
The bike were in very good condition. We went in September when it was dry and did well with hybrid tires. We were outfitted with 2 new Garmin gps’s loaded with the daily routes. They were helpful especially when I got up to speed on using them.
We also had the smart phone app that the tour operator provides. That was super helpful.
I thought the accommodations were terrific. Breakfasts were good and included daily. Our baggage was transferred without any problems.
This is a combination ride of trail and mountain biking. The single track mountain portion is not extensive and detours for them could probably be worked out if you wanted to. We noticed that some of the guided tours do that. We train on road bikes and are in our late 60’s, so it was a great feeling of accomplishment though challenging.
The orientation we got from Pedro was complete and detailed. He kept up with us along the way via email and had some good suggestions.
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★★★★★ Chris Moolman
Fabulous trip!
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
We really enjoyed the entire trip. Everything was arranged and organized just as it was promised: we were picked up and dropped off at airports - just as we had hoped for, the equipment was in good condition, our luggage was on time every time and in good condition - all in all just a fabulous experience. Some hotels were fabulous (and some nearly). Thank you so much, Biketours, for a fabulous experience - great memories that will remain with us.
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★★★★★ AMY Nathan
Great trip!
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
Loved this trip along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. We did the self guided tour.The terrain was not exactly what we expected, but enjoyed the challenge- harder than we expected because of the terrain. Along the coast for the first two days, boardwalks, sand dunes, cobblestones, bike paths, trails in the woods, boulders, dirt paths and roads. The App to follow was wonderful and accurate. They gave us restaurant suggestions for both along the way and once we reached our daily destination-all spot on. I recommend the 4 star hotel option and maybe splurge for one 5 star. Parador Hotel in Baiona was fantastic.
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★★★★★ Spencer Gold
Incredible variety and breathtaking views
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
This trip follows the Camino trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostella which is a heavily trafficked by pilgrims, most of whom are walking. It was delightful to share the trail with them in May since it wasn't very busy or crowded yet. The trail itself is incredibly varied; it changes every 5 minutes and covers just about every terrain type you can think of including pavement, cobblestones of every size, gravel, packed dirt, single-track dirt, unridable rocks/boulders and tree-stumps (you have to walk your bike on those parts), mud, sand, boardwalks and sidewalks. It's very well marked and almost impossible to get lost, especially with the GPS device they give you (which is fantastic). There is quite a bit of climbing, so be prepared for that. Don't even think about using anything but a mountain bike on this trip. The cities and towns you go through are so beautiful, and the food was fantastic. The trail follows the coast for much of the distance, which is lovely. We got the 5-star hotel package. Only one of the hotels was a true 5-star hotel, but the others were 4-stars, and they were all pretty good. Not every town has a 5-star hotel nearby, of course. We're in our low- to mid-50s and found the trail manageable and fun the entire time, even when it rained.
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★★★★★ John Rechin
Amazing bike trip along the Camino!
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
We loved the flexibility on our own schedule and seeing the sites along the way. Found so many amazing cafes and stops along the way. Accommodations were always wonderful. The support and guide AP was easy to use
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★★★★★ Dan W.
great trip
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
The local Portugal tour company was excellent. The tour guide, Daniel, was wonderful. Our rented bikes, Ebike and mountain, were good and appropriate for the varied surfaces on the trip. Restaurant choices, meals and hotels were very good. It was a great trip.
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★★★★★ Marek
How to make pilgrimage easier?
Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela
I made with my son the self-guided tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela in mid-September. We expected hot days, but we often needed to wear jackets due to ocean breeze. In comparison to Insbruck-Salzburg tour we found this one more difficult, especially in parts with crowds of pilgrims on narrow and richly rooted forest paths or cobble stone streets. In these circumstances taking distance of 60 km could be challenging. Generally, we are happy from our choice. Views on ocean with rocky coast was wonderful, and collecting stamps in Camino passports joined us spiritually with pilgrims, although riding e-bikes we could be treated as cheaters. We express also gratitude to Daniel who greeted us in Porto and explained everything in all details.
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★★★★★ sandyp
Wonderful family vacation!
Castles and Wines of Portugal
Our self-guided tour lived up to our expectations and provided us with a great family vacation. They tour company did an excellent job of responding to our questions and requests. The countryside was beautiful, the bike ride was the right level of both challenging and gentle hills, and the people we met were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour if you want to chill out....
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Whatever
Castles and wines
Castles and Wines of Portugal
The company Turaventur was one of the best that we have worked with anywhere. The bicycles we rented were excellent with front suspension and a suspension seat post they were perfectly suited to the varied terrain (dirt roads, asphalt, lots of cobblestone) we covered. I also appreciated the female specific gel seat. The routes they chose were really beautiful countryside, small towns and directions were well written and easy to follow. Their support was outstanding, they were available by text, email or phone seven days a week and were always very responsive The castles we visited were just phenomenal and though it was hard to believe after one gorgeous site after another, they just kept getting better! I was only able to do one of the wine tastings and enjoyed it a lot. my suggestion is to be sure to sign up earlly as they seem to fill up ahead of time.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Isaac
excellent guided bike trip
Castles and Wines of Portugal
I am participating bike trip almost 30 years and this was the best one .
The service , very good guided tour explanations in every spot we visited .
The food ,restaurants are great. Worth every penny.- What was the date of your tour?
- 21May ,2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15
- 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?
- Portugal
-
★★★★★ Nancy N
Very Educational and Interesting
Castles and Wines of Portugal
We started this tour as "self-guided" but had difficulty with the maps. The tour company was able to provide a guide for us and what a difference that made. Not only did we not get lost, but we learned so much more than we would have on our own. Our guide was very knowledgeable and having someone translate for us was a big help. Plus we no longer had to waste time looking at maps.
We upgraded to the "charm hotels" which was amazing. Everyplace we stayed was just indescribably beautiful and serene. I highly recommend the upgrade and a guide.
We learned so much about the cork, olive, and wine harvests. We particularly enjoyed the leather and pottery factories.
Portugal is a great country with an incredible old world charm.- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 18, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4 international, many U.S.
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Nathan
Great trip
Castles and Wines of Portugal
The tour was a lot of fun. Location was great. Tour operator was very helpful. Hotels were wonderful. Only problem was that it was very hot. Probably best before June as weather is unpredictable. We had bad luck of a heat wave and riding in 100 degree heat was hard and made us rush through some of the middle towns. This was a shame as local people were very kind and towns were interesting and filled with a lot of history. Would be a perfect Spring time ride. The second to last day is very hard as is one earlier climb but overall a great trip. We plan on doing one of the other tours offered by this operator in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 11-17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
