Bike Tour Reviews  page 29

  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (4/5) MarcieB September 23, 2017

    So good the first time, we repeated the Bodensee circuit a second time!

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Two years ago, we opted for the 11-day self-guided Bodensee Bike Tour . . . complete with museum vouchers, boat rides and suggestions for side trips. We enjoyed it so much, we decided to look at the 6-day self-guided tour because it followed a slightly different itinerary. We were not disappointed! We discovered new towns, restaurants and bike paths. Truly a cultural patchwork between Germany, Austria and Switzerland!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 21-27, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was bike tour #7!
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • Late August berry picking on the outskirts of Stein-am-Rhein. (photo by MarcieB)
    • The historic port (Bodensee's only lighthouse and marble lion) in Lindau. (photo by MarcieB)
    • Honor produce stands a common sight along the Bodensee Radweg. (photo by MarcieB)
    • Our hotel in Konstanz was ideally situated to the Radweg, the pedestrian zone and lovely restaurants. (photo by MarcieB)
    • The tiny island of Werd hosts a Franciscan (active) monastery w/meditative labyrinthe. (photo by MarcieB)
    • 2017 promises to be a great harvest! Just outside Meersburg . . . near Birnau. (photo by MarcieB)
    • 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
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    (4/5) JayF September 23, 2017

    Some Surprises!

    · South of France: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    We had some terrific rides on this tour. The most notable being the third day of riding with a stop at Minerve. The scenery was incredible. The first two days also had some great vistas.
    We took the time to explore the first night's village of St. Guilhume le Desert. Worth the time. We also stopped and walked the cave at Clamuse. The vineyards on the hillsides and in the valley were treats to cycle through. We enjoyed exploring the villages in which we stayed such as Villeneuvette and Siran.
    The accommodations were all adequate with a couple highlights with the Chateaus in Lignan sur Orb and Siran. La Source in Villeneuvette was also charming.
    The staff at all the accommodations were all very helpful and friendly.
    The included meals were lovely.

    I do have some criticisms/suggestions:
    1. When we booked this trip we wondered how we were going to achieve our usual daily mileage of 80-100kms. The tour is rated a 3 "rolling, hilly terrain". Discover France rates it as Hobby or Active. We were surprised when meeting with our Discover France contact at the 1st hotel that every ride except the canal ride into Carcassonne is rated Active/Pro. We have cycled frequently in rolling, hilly terrain such as Kentucky, rolling hills do not have names (as at least one of the climbs did). There were a few long climbs that by no measure qualify as rolling hilly terrain. We are also familiar with categorized climbs so we adjusted our expectations and pedaled. One steep incline on a rare broken pavement type road will stay with me for a while.
    2. Discover France titles this ride "The Best of Languedoc" which is exactly what it is, you may want to adjust Biketours.com title as Narbonne is not on the itinerary.
    3. A shorter road bike option into Carcassonne should be provided. There is a hybrid bike ride along the canal or a long road bike option. The weather was not co-operative on that day and we had to make our own shorter road option into Carcassonne.
    4. The Hotel Montmorency was the smallest room on the trip and frankly a let down after the Chateau de Siran. At the end of the trip with all your stuff for two days it gets cramped. As well the hotel is really an annex of another with check in at the Chateau du Hotel, although there is no mention of the need to go across the street to check in. Checking in through a 4 star hotel had me questioning "why are we not staying here?". As noted previously the staff were excellent at Hotel Montmorency (really Chateau du Hotel), strictly room size issue. The location cannot be beat either.
    5. Another day in Carcassonne might be offered as an option. The medieval city and the other sites in Carcassonne cannot be done justice in half a day. To chose between riding and properly seeing a place such as Carcassone is one that should not have to be made.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 14-20 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    Countless
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Lake Constance Classic
    (4/5) go pro September 22, 2017

    team frogs

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    What was the date of your tour?
    september 15
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Romantic Road & Bavarian Lakes
    (4/5) Mauriciom September 21, 2017

    MY FIRST BIKE TOUR IN EUROPE

    · Romantic Road and Bavarian Lakes

    Our trip was an enjoyable one due to both fantastic scenes and excellent organization. Bike network routes in south Germany are beautiful, with all the indications and directions perfectly well posted. All hotels were rather good, ones better than others especially regarding bathrooms. Hotel service was always excellent. One thing that helped us a lot was your having emailed all the rides for the app Ride with GPS. Highly recommendable. Also all recommended restaurants we tried were very good.
    Your local agent was very helpful and flexible.
    On the room-to-improve side I suggest that you be more specific on the definitions of Difficulty levels of the tours. We took Level 3 with normal bikes. It was some time quite challenging to us. I am 62 and in fantastic shape. Nevertheless the road specially the 3rd and 4rd days showed quite demanding.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10-17 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    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?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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)
  • Danube Bike Path
    (4/5) Jim G September 21, 2017

    Rainy Days

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    Beautiful bike path, superior bike path route signs. Very historical cities and sites.
    We booked Class A lodging package with dinner plan and were very pleased with everything except our stay at the Diamond City Hotel, Tulin. Although the Hotel was new and very nice, they sent us to the Albrechtsstuben Gasthof restaurant. It was a totally bad experience. Only 1 other couple dining, all sent from the Diamond Hotel.
    Horrible food, although hungry, neither Bonnie or I could eat much. Requested tap water to drink, restaurant would only provide $4 euros bottles of water.
    Spoke with other couple in restaurant, and they concurred, "very bad"
    Upon return to hotel, I expressed our disappointment with the restaurant.
    I was informed that I was the only person that ever complained, everyone else loved the restaurant.
    It was obvious, there is a family connection, we saw the women who waited on us, with the desk clerk, together the next day. (All related)
    Overall, great ride

    What was the date of your tour?
    September, 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 young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
    • Romantic bike ride (photo by Jim G)
    • Cows on bike path. (photo by Jim G)
    • Linz, Austria (photo by Jim G)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 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
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (4/5) Boot September 21, 2017

    Weather restricted tour

    · Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps

    Unfortunately we ran into a patch of bad weather...snow, rain etc so we were not able to enjoy the gorgeous scenery so much....we know we missed a lot of countryside and we don't have many pictures to show from our trip...these are the chances you take when signing up!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September. 2017
    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?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Alsace Wine Country
    (4/5) Allen September 20, 2017

    Fabulously beautiful towns and good routes

    · Alsace Wine Country

    Bike Tours was excellent. Very helpful.
    E bikes helped. Good bikes
    Routes were varied and interesting with few busy roads.
    Route maps were frustrating at times because some roads poorly marked.
    Escape Rondonne's Thomas was poor for the introduction meeting- rushed and confusing; but the company did handle our bags well.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/16-20/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    18
    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?
    France
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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) ozfamily September 20, 2017

    Beautiful Trip Needs Logistics Tweaks

    · Alsace Wine Country

    The positive: The route after the first day is spectacular - beautiful canals, villages, vineyards. Accommodations mostly fine, but see the needs improvement section. We especially liked the hotel in Sermersheim - tiny town but lovely place to stay. Bikes were great.
    Needs Improvement: The first day out of Strasbourg is mostly a wasted day. Even the person who gave us our orientation the first day said there is really nothing to see this first day. Coupled with the fact that it is a hellacious route to get out of Strasbourg - very complicated and not well explained by the guide or by the instructions given to us, I would have started the tour on day two (save for the accommodations that first night). Also, the instructions are not always accurate. Sometimes they said we could eat lunch in certain towns, but there were not places available, based on day of the week closures. It would be helpful to note towns where train stations are available in case someone is sick or injured.... I would not have people stay in Barr - there was absolutely nothing to do and most places to eat were closed.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/15/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    France
    • 3/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
    • 2/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Würzburg to Donauwörth
    (4/5) Jenn September 19, 2017

    An all round good time!

    · Romantic Road from Würzburg to Donauwörth

    A great way to experience the romantic road - would highly recommend cycling as you get to see so many small towns and villages you would otherwise miss. The people are incredibly friendly and the food is excellent.

    Once we got a hang of the directions, we did not get lost. It just took us a day to adjust. Some of the English translation was a bit unclear! One day took us on a long (planned) detour through lots of forest and agriculture - we actually would have preferred the direct route to have more time to explore the amazing towns we were staying in. So it would have been nice to know the options.

    We LOVED the nightwatchman tour in Rothenburg, and our other favourite towns were Wurzburg and Wertheim.

    Four out of six hotels were superb - clean, friendly staff, great breakfast. The only two hotels that weren't great were in Bad Mergentheim (generally the town was very quiet and lacked atmosphere compared with other places) and the final hotel in Donauworth. It was a conference hotel on the side of a very steep hill and across the highway from town, making it really difficult to explore the town centre and not close to any cafes, pubs or restaurants that we were hoping to enjoy on our last day.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 4-10
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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?
    Germany
    • 3/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (4/5) JannieB September 19, 2017

    Great family trip

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    A wonderful adventure for us with our adult children. Beautiful scenery, awesome food, nice people!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 13-19,2017
    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
    • Photo 1 (photo by JannieB)
    • Photo 2 (photo by JannieB)
    • Photo 3 (photo by JannieB)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
  • Freiburg and the Alsatian Wine Road
    (4/5) Biabattistella September 18, 2017

    A great trip

    · Freiburg and the Alsatian Wine Road

    The trip was great, the landscapes are fantastic, the little villages are very charming, well preserved! What could be better is having gps files for the path. The orientation, sometimes, are not clear and cost some kilometres more!

    What was the date of your tour?
    sept 3 to 10/2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    This is the second
    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?
    France, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (4/5) Mick September 18, 2017

    Three Countries, One Lake

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    A relaxing tour with some good cardio the second day getting to the hotel. Plenty of scenery for us photographers and lots of cafes for morning coffee breaks and afternoon beers.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 4-10
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • Typical bike path. (photo by Mick)
    • Break time and a beer. (photo by Mick)
    • Crossing the lake (photo by Mick)
    • Canola Fields (photo by Mick)
    • 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
  • Majorca
    (4/5) Bill12345 September 18, 2017

    Loop tour mallorca

    · Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island

    The trip was fantastic, Euro Bike were alway available. The hotels were all 4 star. Every town we stayed in had points of interest. I have done a lot of biking in Europe & would use Euro Bike again. Only thing I would change is the option to be billed in Euros on my visa without a visa sèvice fee, other companies do this.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 10-17
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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?
    Spain
    • 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
  • Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
    (4/5) Coasters September 18, 2017

    A glimpse of the Loire valley

    · Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour

    A fabulous way to experience the countryside around the Loire valley. GPS maps made this trip very pleasurable

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 11-17
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (4/5) Marcus September 17, 2017

    Better than I expected.

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    Bike trip was quite an experience. Gorgeous country and villages. BikeTours.com was very accommodating to our needs. In a few places, especially near towns, some more green "tour" signs would have been helpful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/1/2017
    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?
    Austria, Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 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
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (4/5) atlantacyclist72 September 24, 2018

    Beautiful part of Italy

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

    The scenery is lovely and the accommodations were very nice. The upper church at the basilica in Assisi is spectacular--don't miss it. Just remember that European air conditioning is not the same as US air conditioning if you go during warm months.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10-17
    How many tours have you completed?
    more than a dozen
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (4/5) Danube September 24, 2018

    Bucket list complete!

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    A great way to tour the Danube, beautiful scenery and an amazing vacation. There are some uphills and busy sections, and a few more signs in some areas would be really helpful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10 -16, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    none
    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
    • 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Mosel and Saar
    (4/5) Jiggy September 23, 2018

    Fun time was had by all

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Our group of 29 people had a wonderful time enjoying the scenery and relaxed atmosphere of the Patria. Although the cabins are quite small we made the best of it....and felt it was good value for the money. Was surprised with the lack of safety talk regarding the bikes and also the boat

    What was the date of your tour?
    sept 1, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 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)
  • Tuscany and Umbria
    (4/5) karnhaus September 22, 2018

    It was an adventure!

    · Tuscany and Umbria: Cycling in the Heart of Italy

    Beautiful trip through Umbria and Tuscany; although the elevation on some days was more than we expected. The views were spectacular, and all of the accommodations were excellent. Loved the B&B in Castiglione del Lago - it was our favorite. Could have used more tips of places to see along the way, such as wineries, local farms, etc. Ecologico Tours did a great job organizing the trip, the bikes were top notch, and they were very accommodating in helping us switch out our pedals, provide carriers, etc.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/6 - 9/14
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Dolomites to Venice
    (4/5) Skippy September 22, 2018

    Loved the Scenery!

    · Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track

    Enjoyed each day! Length was good, even including the king day!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 8-15, 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    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
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection