Bike Tour Reviews  page 69

  • Highlights of the Highlands
    (5/5) John Maxfield August 15, 2023

    Beautiful Irish coast and fabulous cycling roads

    · Highlights of the Highlands: Donegal by E-bike

    This was an outstanding tour! The coast of County Donegal was breathtaking, and the roads / routes well chosen, with clear directions using both maps and GPS. I would suggest adding a longer mileage option for the circuit ride (Day 4) from Glenties; I did part of the circuit twice to get in a full day of cycling while my wife enjoyed the beach, waiting for the tide to go out for our walk to the island.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    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?
    Ireland
    • Cliffs at Sliabh Liag (photo by John Maxfield)
    • Over the boglands (photo by John Maxfield)
    •  (photo by John Maxfield)
    •  (photo by John Maxfield)
    • Above Poisoned Glen (photo by John Maxfield)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) Jenny Hager August 17, 2023

    Great trip for young teens and adults!

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    Our group of six, ranging in age from 13 to mid-thirties to mid-sixties, had a great time doing the Danube Classic in August 2023.

    Throughout the planning process, BikeTours staff was helpful, courteous, and prompt - even when I kept making changes to our hotel and bike requirements.

    Although the local tour operator - Radius Tours or Radreisefreunde - failed to show up for our scheduled bike fitting on the day before we starting riding, they provided good bikes and fabulous support van service. I would use them again.

    We ordered support van service for the week. Our driver, Ernst, transported our luggage each day, followed us along the route as closely as he could, and provided suggestions on routes and places to stop. When the weather turned rainy or when we encountered the very rare hill that was too much of a challenge for a couple of us, he was there to give us a lift and put our bikes on the trailer. He arrived on time every morning no matter if we planned to start early or late and made sure we made it to our destination at the end of each day. His English was limited so it helped that one member of our group spoke some German. But we think we would have been able to communicate well-enough even if none of us spoke German. He was kind, cheerful, and courteous.

    Riding along the Danube is easy - except on the very rare occasion when you have to get up a hill to reach a couple of the hotels. We ordered e-bikes for my thirteen year old nephew and for the adults who didn’t have a chance to get in shape before the trip, but two of us had traditional bikes. Those on e-bikes had no trouble reaching those hotels, but those of us with traditional bikes had to get off and walk - or be rescued by our driver.

    Riding along the Danube is also very safe and lovely. Most of the time, you ride on a paved dedicated bike paths and quiet roads through towns and countryside. Sometimes the dedicated bike path runs next to busy roads but we felt safe. Sometimes you have to navigate through light traffic. The route is very well marked with signs. There are bridges and cute bike ferries that enable you to cross from one side of the river to another.

    We chose the upgraded (Category A) hotels. They were all quite different, but all were clean and comfortable. All of them served breakfast. Some do not serve dinner, and it is important to know that before you finish riding for the day so that you can make arrangements - especially if your hotel is slightly out of town or up a hill. Based on other reviews, we did not choose the included dinner option at those hotels that offered it, so we were able to order from the menus.

    We ordered twin beds for everyone on our trip. In Austria that seems to mean that you get a king-size mattress but two twin-size duvets. This arrangement worked fine for our group but might feel awkward if you’re not expecting it or if you are rooming with someone you don’t know well.  SHOW MORE 

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    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
    • 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)
  • Pedal through the Palmeraie Oasis
    (5/5) A. Anderson August 19, 2023

    A desert bike ride full of wonder and juxtaposition

    · Desert & Oasis Bike Tour Marrakesh

    This bike tour takes you through the desert outskirts of Marrakesh. Unlike the city tour, which I did the previous day, this ride has an entirely different more chill vibe. The hustle and bustle of town is nowhere to be heard instead you cycle through the desert, poor outlying villages (where we had a delicious traditional breakfast accompanied with tea), and past many stunning private desert compounds. See remnants of the ancient tunnels that brought water from the Atlas mountains to the city was also very cool. Note: I did this ride in mid-August. If you can't handle the heat, stay out in your hotel room.

    • Traditional outdoor bread oven (photo by A. Anderson)
    • A luxury villa down the road from Club Med (photo by A. Anderson)
    • A deep pit that is an ancient remnant of the water tunnels that brought H2O from the Atlas Mountains (photo by A. Anderson)
    • Fancy a camel ride? (photo by A. Anderson)
    • A palm forest local nature preserve (photo by A. Anderson)
    • More palm trees (photo by A. Anderson)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (5/5) Karen Crisp August 21, 2023

    Above my expectations!

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

    This was our first bike and barge trip and not knowing what to expect, my husband and I were thrilled with the outcome! The Magnifique II accommodations, the ship staff, the tour guides, the meals prepared by Chef Michael were all phenomenal and will definitely look at doing more of these.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 10
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 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)
  • Pearls of Dalmatia
    (5/5) Lysa Farah August 21, 2023

    Leaders and group made this a magical experience

    · · Pearls of Dalmatia by Bike and Boat, Romantica

    Not only did we have an exceptional trio of guides with us, we had an unusually small group which made usb bond so much easier. Loved getting to know the others on our boat, the Romantica, and travel around the beautiful isles of Croatia. I started off with a regular bike, able to manage the hills fairly easily, but always coming in just a bit later than those on e-bikes. There were some extra e-bikes and we decided on Day 4 to give it a try, and I was sold - it THEN became a vacation!! I didn't mind the effort pedaling uphill the minute we got on our bikes in the morning, but after pedaling on an e-bike, it's just so easy - and I didn't use the "help" that much, but when I wanted it, it was there and I didn't have to struggle at all! Sooooo nice!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May/June 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    my first bike tour
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    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?
    Croatia
    • In Brac on our way to the KLESARSKA SKOLA (Marble Academy) (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • On Korcula cooling with a little ice cream and bocce!! Pupnat (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • On Hvar at the restaurant Alavia - Velo Grablje (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • Supetar ("Superstar") - back on Brac (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • Pedaling uphill Stari Grad in background (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • Lovely evening shot in Vela Luka (photo by Lysa Farah)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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)
  • Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park
    (5/5) Mark Johnson August 21, 2023

    Avignon loop

    · Provence’s History, Landscapes, and Luberon National Park

    Sam is an excellent guide. Good size group:5.
    Good mix of scenery and activities.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Ionian Islands
    (5/5) Nina G August 23, 2023

    Great trip!

    · · Ionian Islands Multi-sport Family Cruise

    Great way to have a hybrid vacation - relaxing and active. Staff is amazing, both the crew and guides.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    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?
    Greece
    • 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)
  • Innsbruck to Salzburg
    (5/5) Tracey Thiele August 23, 2023

    Fabulous Tour

    · Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails

    Tour through the Austrian Alps was fabulous! The scenery gorgeous, accommodations and breakfasts lovely, and the ease having our luggage picked up and delivered made for a lighter and joyful time on the bike. Recommend this trip to anyone wanting the independence of a self-guided tour along with the ease of having a tour company provide the GPS, make hotel reservations and shuttle bags.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    about 10
    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?
    Austria
    • 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
  • Take a tour of the Dutch Golden Age
    (5/5) Graham Gockley August 24, 2023

    The perfect day in Utrecht

    · River Vecht Bike Tour Utrecht

    What a wonderful way to see the city, explore the countryside, and learn a ton of history. Raphael was an excellent and thoughtful guide, ensuring that we safely navigated the city and saw as much as possible. I’d highly recommend to anyone.

  • Your full-flavored Peljesac bike tour
    (5/5) Nick Warth August 24, 2023

    Perfectly paced and unique way to see the area, topped off with fantastic wine and the best oysters and mussels we ever tasted

    · Dubrovnik Peljesac Bike Tour with Wine & Oyster Tasting

    All in all, our favourite experience in Croatia. Mario was excellent. The ride was hot, but perfectly paced and a really unique way to see the surroundings. The winery was outstanding - very friendly and amazing wines. And we ended the day learning about oyster and mussel farming, topped off with a sampling of the freshest oysters and mussels we'd ever tasted. Perfectly prepared. We'd very highly recommend the tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    23 August 2023
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    •  (photo by Nick Warth)
    •  (photo by Nick Warth)
    •  (photo by Nick Warth)
    •  (photo by Nick Warth)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
    (5/5) Emma Broadfield August 25, 2023

    An excellent way to explore the Istrian Peninsula

    · · The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike

    This is a fabulous way to explore the Istrian Peninsula, as you have the opportunity to see the coast and also explore inland. The boat is very comfortable and it is great to be able to get away from the crowds at the end of the day! The towns and villages that you get to explore are gorgeous and the coastline spectacular. Being able to swim off the back of the boat and cool off is an added bonus!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    One
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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)
  • Arresting Arctic scenery
    (5/5) Steve Schick August 26, 2023

    Fun, Our Best Bike Tour Ever

    · Tromso to Ersfjordbotn E-Bike Tour

    This was our best bike tour ever!. The bikes were high-end and perfectly maintained, the leadership and hospitality first class. Espen is a real pro but genuinely wants to make sure his guests are comfortable and having fun. He is deeply knowledgeable about the area and all things Norway. I couldn’t recommend this tour more highly!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2024
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Reindeer sighting on the way! (photo by Steve Schick)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Innsbruck to Salzburg
    (5/5) Lauren Brzozowski August 26, 2023

    Exceptional Scenery

    · Innsbruck to Salzburg: Through the Alps Along River Cycle Trails

    This trip delivers epic views from start to finish. We were constantly in awe of the Austrian countryside and quality bike paths. This trip was enjoyable with a good amount of riding and opportunities for site seeing. It felt like a vacation. Hotels and villages were charming and well selected. We chose to add extra days in both Innsbruck and Salzburg. This was the right choice for us because it allowed more time for sightseeing. As mentioned in other reviews, the route book was challenging to navigate/ ride with, so we downloaded their GPS tracks which made navigation a breeze.
    We loved the extra info in the route book such as places of interest along the route. We stopped at most and would recommend trying to see as many as possible. On a past biketour.com trip, the route book also included recommendations for restaurants. That would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for a great trip!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 15 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria
    •  (photo by Lauren Brzozowski)
    •  (photo by Lauren Brzozowski)
    •  (photo by Lauren Brzozowski)
    •  (photo by Lauren Brzozowski)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
  • Danube Family Tour
    (5/5) Robert Taylor August 27, 2023

    Taylor Family Tour

    · Danube Family Tour 7 Nights

    Overall a great experience for a family group of 13 ranging from ages 6 to 77. Bike sizing issues were sorted quickly (overnight after arrival and before planned departure) Comments: Would suggest to others to plan an extra night in Linz -- to settle in and see the city. Hotels and meals met expectation based on previous BikeTours trips. A couple of negatives: (1) my e-bike controller didn't work --never iuld get the speed, distance, etc. And a little more oa hinged on how the power system works -- not similar to my e-bike back home. (2) Daily distances on website differ from reality (real distances are longer) (3) Hotel location info is poor - saying it is on the bike path is nice, but not helpful.when it is a couple of km past the town or, I lnnthe case of Durnstien, BEFORE the town when you have been deliveredb into town by boat. But that IS part of the adventure! (3) Plain and simple, the tire pumps.provided are crap -- not just cheap but mising vital washers. Lucky we had se real to try. OVERALL: Would recommend this to any family wanting to explore their "family dynamics" Ours turned out great!

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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
    • Along the Danube (photo by Robert Taylor)
    • Arrival in Vienna (photo by Robert Taylor)
    • "Skills check" along the Danube 😀 (photo by Robert Taylor)
    • 77 yrs and loving it! (photo by Robert Taylor)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Ionian Islands
    (5/5) Joza Groboljsek August 29, 2023

    I had an absolutely amazing time on our trip!

    · · Ionian Islands Multi-sport Family Cruise

    Everything went smoothly from star to finish, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Destinations we visited were absolutely breathtaking. Accomodation on the boat was comfortable and hospitality & service of the crew was amazing. The tour guides were fantastic too. There was never a dull moment.

    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?
    Greece
    • 4/5 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
    (5/5) Ihor Pidhorecky August 29, 2023

    Solid bike trip

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    Great trip; great weather. Calm and peaceful. Beautiful scenery. Strongly recommend.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    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 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon
    (5/5) James DeFehr August 29, 2023

    Relaxing trip through rural France

    · Along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon

    Enjoyed the trip, everything was well organized. Beautiful countryside with many small towns and villages. Its a little rural and isolated so if you are looking for action and excitement this may not be the one for you. That said, one evening the village we were staying at (Seyssel on the first night) had a large festival going on and we stayed out later than we should have enjoying the music and the wine! Some really picturesque locations including a legitimate medieval village on the last night, and the biking itself was not overwhelming although I did train for it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was my first bike tour
    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?
    France, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 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
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (5/5) Ina Graham August 30, 2023

    Beautiful scenic biking

    · · Amsterdam – Gouda – Bruges by Bike and Boat

    Fun, knowledgeable guide. Great travelling companions. Amazing gourmet suppers on boat. Extremely helpful crew when husband needed medical attention.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
  • Mosel Bike Path
    (5/5) Emil Koenig August 30, 2023

    What a Wonderful Bike Trip

    · Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz

    My Family enjoyed all aspects of this bike trip. It was culturally rewarding and added up to a great bonding with my Family

    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
  • Discover downtown São Paulo
    (5/5) Samantha Anderson August 30, 2023

    Great tour and guide with historical information

    · Downtown Sao Paulo Bike Tour

    The bike riding was safe and enjoyable. The bike lanes for the tour were impressive.

    My guide was friendly, knowledgeable and set a great pace with amazing information and answered my many questions.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 23
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Juliana and me (Sam) (photo by Samantha Anderson)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)