Bike Tour Reviews  page 129

  • 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
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (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
  • (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
  • 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
  • Baltic Capitals
    (4/5) Robert Civiak July 22, 2023

    Baltic

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

    Trip was to the Baltic countries for biking and walking tours. I went on the trip.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
  • (4/5) Female solo traveler August 6, 2016

    Incredibly scenic

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    What was the date of your tour?
    July, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Janie7 August 1, 2016

    Excellent family tour

    · Berlin – Copenhagen

    Our family of 4 just returned from an excellent 11 night, 10 day self-guided ride from Berlin to Copenhagen. We found the Mecklenburg Radtour company to be extremely well organized, have good equipment and would recommend anyone interested in a great, active holiday to give this a try! This was our first experience with Biketours.com, but we met 4-5 groups of bikers who had done multiple trips with other outfitters who felt this was particularly well organized. The hotels ranged from fine to excellent, and all had terrific breakfasts! The majority of the 400 miles was on well maintained paths and roads with only a few difficult areas.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 18-28
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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?
    Denmark, Germany
    • Southern Denmark (photo by Janie7)
    • Wheat fields of Mecklenberg (photo by Janie7)
    • Map reading is a necessary skill in the self guided tours! (photo by Janie7)
    • Enjoying a dip in a lake along the way - the rope swing was great! (photo by Janie7)
    • Ferry from Rostock Germany to Denmark (photo by Janie7)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (4/5) Danube fan July 31, 2016

    Nice country riding along the famous Danube

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    Overall our trip was fun. The hotels ranged from wonderful (in Maria Taferi and Vienna), to pretty nice for the price.

    We're fairly strong road cyclists but nevertheless found the rental bikes very heavy. The mileages for the first few days were long and with those heat bikes it was tiring. We would suggest a rest day around day 3 or 4, or alternatively lower mileages on some of the early days.

    We loved Passau and would recommend spending an extra day there before the bike tour. Also a day in Vienna at the end.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    15
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Lake Garda
    (4/5) hbth July 29, 2016

    Great tour from Dolomites to lake Garda

    · Dolomites to Lake Garda: Picturesque Cities and Stunning Scenery

    We chose self guided tour which was perfect for our group. We biked through amazing landscape and beautiful villages with nice restaurants and friendly people.
    The travel documents were very helpful and the luggage transfer was perfect. It was
    just a great tour!

    What was the date of your tour?
    3.-10. July
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first
    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?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Micheline July 25, 2016

    A very enjoyable trip for our family

    Bike and Boat with Bob and Jeanette along the Danube from Passau to Budapest to Passau

    Flat, scenic routes. Well maintained, scenic bike paths. Moderate mileage. Plenty of time to sightsee (Dessau, Wittenberg, Meisen and Dresden) and swim on warm days. Definitely doable for active seniors and younger. Two of us were 65 and four were 28-33 years old. Bikes were great. Breakfasts were buffet and filling. Dinners were adequate but uninspiring - we ate at the hotels where we were staying. One complaint about the hotel in Meissen...located right next to major church in town...heard bells all night...no air-conditioning! Ugh! Also, hotel in Torgau was subpar...and we paid for the A category of hotel. Lots of fascinating history and culture. Aside from the two hotels, a wonderful experience!

    What was the date of your tour?
    6/21/16
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 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
  • Danube Bike Path
    (4/5) suze July 15, 2016

    Danube River Bike tour

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    We loved this bike tour. Even though Tom and I couldnt cycle due to a recent bike accident, we followed our group by car. The villages were stunning, the hotels great, except maybe the one in Tulln. All the meals were great, except maybe the one in Linz, but I think that is because there was a wedding in the hotel. Fabulous hotel in Linz. The rest of our group loved the biking part. Highlight was definetly the boatride from the hotel in Durnstein along the Danube!!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 30-July 7
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Alsace Wine Country
    (4/5) Heather July 5, 2016

    Alsace Cycling Vacation

    · Alsace Wine Country

    Bike Tours Direct is a very organized company that has good connections in the area. They provide a consultation on the first day of the trip to go over maps, routes, lodgings, and recommendations (for self-guided tours). They also spend some time making sure the bike is in good condition and is adjusted to fit you comfortably. We upgraded to road bikes, I would strongly recommend this as there are some steep hills on days 3-5.
    We chose B hotels. The accommodations were comfortable.
    The first 2 days of cycling are peaceful and flat, riding along a canal. Starting in Colmar, the ride is along the Alsatian wine route. It becomes hilly, and this is where the picture book starts. We cycled up and down hills, though vineyards, and medieval towns. Each town has beautifully preserved architecture, historic monuments, cobble stone streets, not to mention delicious local food and wine. The Alsace region is a perfect mix of French countryside, and small medieval towns with rich history and culture.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    France
    • Day 5: Riding through a vineyard between Obernai and Strasbourg (photo by Heather)
    • Riquewihr - The "pearl" of Alsace (photo by Heather)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Heather)
    • One of many picturesque ancient churches and cathedrals (photo by Heather)
    • Cycling along the canal day 1 (photo by Heather)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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) Jaco June 22, 2016

    Great trip with good friends

    · Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island

    What was the date of your tour?
    4 June 2016 - 10 June 2016
    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 teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Danube Four Countries
    (4/5) debo June 17, 2016

    Fun trip

    · · Danube Delights: Biking through Four Countries

    All in all, a great trip. Some communication issues between cruise director and guides and cyclists. Cruise director clearly overwhelmed and attimes, Difficult To Follow. Bike was very comfortable and routes, interesting and scenic. Having trouble adding photos.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 22-29
    How many tours have you completed?
    many, but not lately
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Burgundy Wine Trails
    (4/5) B and L June 15, 2016

    Easy trail through historic Burgundy

    · Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”

    Wonderful historic sites in Cluny and Cormatin. Picturesque ride through the vineyards between Santenay and Beaune. We enjoyed detours into small towns along the way. The trail was well marked and an easy ride

    What was the date of your tour?
    5/30/16-6/4/16
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    France
    • Canal du Centre near Remigny (photo by B and L)
    • 4/5 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
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (4/5) Richard 69 June 8, 2016

    Gute fahren

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Let me begin by saying that we had an amazing time. The lake is very scenic with many interesting stops along the way. The Hotel Halm in Konstanz was lovely and across the street from the train station. It also has one of the most amazing breakfasts we've ever had. We had to take a bus to the tour company where we picked up our bikes. The people there made sure that our bikes were adjusted perfectly and off we went. Passed through many interesting towns and villages along the way. For us Mainau Island was a real highlight of our journey. Although it was mentioned in our tour book, it should have been listed as a total must see. The hotels we stayed at were all very comfortable. We especially enjoyed the Park Hotel St. Leonard. However we had to ride up an absolutely soul crushing hill to get there. The hotel at the marina seemed a little out of place near a working boatyard in the middle of nowhere. However we took a short walk and found an absolutely lovely restaurant and had a spectacular meal. In Bregenz we rode the cable car up the mountain for amazing view and a fantastic lunch. One thing that would have been helpful, that we've had on other tours, would be recommendations for restaurants that feature local foods. Overall this was a great trip and we were very glad we did it, but it didn't rate quite as high as the other tours we've taken along the Danube and the Mosul.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 26 - May 31
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Rhine Bike Path
    (4/5) JustBob June 7, 2016

    Land of Castle, Cruise Ships and Barges

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    After 18 day on a bus tour, a self-guided bike tour along the Rhine was a perfect way to regain some solitude. The tough decision were which of t many historic towns, castles and churches to sit and visit, and what kind of pastry go best with with late morning beer! It would be even better if the Bikeline guide we available in English.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 23 - 29, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Germany
    • Mid-morning Apfelstrudel with beverage (photo by JustBob)
    • Just another pretty castle along the Rhine (photo by JustBob)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Burgundy Wine Trails
    (4/5) Jgr1 May 27, 2016

    Really fun

    · Burgundy Wine Trails: Beaune to Macon on the “Voie Verte”

    Perfect amount of time. Good accommodations. Easy route. Very nice people. Beautiful countryside

    What was the date of your tour?
    April
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 3/5 Value
    • 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) pavel May 12, 2016

    Hamburg to Dresden biking

    Bike and Boat with Bob and Jeanette along the Danube from Passau to Budapest to Passau

    It was an enjoyable ride, mostly along the river Elbe. The route description package which I was given, was very helpful and detailed. I would have loved if you could upload the entire route on one of the bike apps (ridewithgps, strava, etc.) as it is sometimes easier to navigate with that, and keep track of the distance.
    My only bad experience on the day on which I was reaching Dessau to Torgau. I had to stop a couple of times on my way for food, etc. and was lost once for taking a wrong turn. On top of that, my phone battery was dead. Combining all these, I reached quite late, a little after 10pm I believe, at my destination hotel. There was not greeted very nicely, as if it was an intentional delay on my side. The lady at the reception of the hotel made me talk with one of the representatives of biketours on phone. Although, she was very polite, but she too gave me an impression that I was completely at fault for the delay. As this kind of delays are not predictable, and can be unavoidable at times, I would recommend that the hotels which are being reserved are notified about this, and only those hotels are confirmed which are okay with this.

    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    • 4/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest
    (4/5) Prakash May 7, 2016

    Living life in true sense

    Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest

    Hi
    I, along with my friend, had been on ' South of Bohemia' self guided tour last July. It was our first experience of this kind. And it was an absolutely satisfying tour. Few basic points I would like to point out being a first timer-
    When they are saying the difficulty level to ' moderate' they are correct.
    Whatever services they have committed, they have complied with the same.
    Very precise route maps/ guidelines/ photos/ distances had been provided.
    We're always available for any kind of help, in case needed.
    Hotels were absolutely perfect.
    Depending upon the cycling practice/ experience that you have, n to enjoy a little adventure with leisure as well, I would certainly recommend this tour.

    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
    • 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 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection