Bike Tour Reviews  page 108

  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Cati September 20, 2023

    Stunning, best way to travel

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

    This was my first bike tour and, wow, it did not disappoint. Scenery from the get go was absolutely stunning. You traverse incredible border towns between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia on this entire tour, staying at lovely Inns and eating incredible food along the way. My only gripe was that the written directions were confusing at times (have given feedback) but I wouldn’t let this deter you.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 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?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    • Lake bled (photo by Cati)
    • Slovenia (photo by Cati)
    •  (photo by Cati)
    •  (photo by Cati)
    •  (photo by Cati)
    • Hotel (photo by Cati)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Baltic Capitals
    (5/5) Karen Gail Lewis September 20, 2023

    Baltic capitals

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

    Great trip. Learned so much about a part of the world that we Westerners know so little about. Guides were very knowledgeable. Best, of course, was the biking, especially along the Baltic (and even biking on the sand on one beach.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
  • Dolomites to Trieste
    (5/5) Gregory Lebo September 21, 2023

    Awesome scenery!

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

    This route is super scenic and the routing is easy enough to follow, especially in Northern Italy, Austria and Slovenia. The biking is easy although you may want an e-bike if you like to break away from the planned route to visit some castles along the way which are generally located at high points. The accomodations were all very nice and my luggage was reliably transported every day. It’s nice to let someone else plan the details while you concentrate on riding, taking photos, and enjoying the experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 4-11 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    Italy, Slovenia, Austria
    •  (photo by Gregory Lebo)
    •  (photo by Gregory Lebo)
    •  (photo by Gregory Lebo)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (5/5) Linden Bentley September 21, 2023

    Great organization, fantastic biking.

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)

    The biking staff we very helpful and knowledgeable. King and welcoming, understanding of all levels and the territory. The daily rides by digital “ride with gps” was pretty much flawless, and the app staff very fast and helpful when a problem arose.
    The boat staff very warm and helpful. The cleaning staff timely and great for cabin cleaning. The chef; warm, funny and talented. Food delicious.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 10, 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 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)
  • Burgundy Wine Trails
    (5/5) Lori Schwartz September 21, 2023

    Self guided

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

    Great tour options on self guided. Made many stops in towns and did wine tasting.

    Countries included in this tour?
    France
  • Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems
    (4/5) Carol RALEY September 22, 2023

    Easy to Love Slovenia!

    · Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems

    We did a self guided Emerald Tour. For the most part directions were good. Went through a bit more road construction than was expected. Guibo was OK. Once you figured it out. We had not used it previously. Good Ebikes with Bosch motors and Shimano shifters. Disc brakes.
    Slovenia itself is an absolutely beautiful, friendly and welcoming country! From top to bottom (Bled t0 Piran) It did not disappoint. Tour was well planned and our tour rep had lots of helpful hints about the trip.
    We had enough time to do all we wanted and still get some rest time . Good trip!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 23
    How many tours have you completed?
    7+
    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?
    Slovenia
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Umbria’s Green Valleys
    (5/5) Mark eisenberg September 22, 2023

    Self guided bike trip in Umbria

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

    This was the perfect self guided bike trip. The roads were quiet or on dedicated bike trails. The directions on GPS were easy to follow. The hill towns were magnificent. We chose the hotel upgrade and were very happy with the accommodations. It is in fact true that one can't find a bad meal in Umbria

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 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
  • Best of Slovenia
    (3/5) Allen H. September 22, 2023

    Tour of Slovenia

    · Best of Slovenia: Highlights Across the Country From Bled to Piran

    The logistics of the tour was good. Hotels, Routes & baggage transfers went as planned without any issues. However the bikes were terrible. Heavy & not proper gearing for climbing hills. The poor bikes took away from the enjoyment of bike riding. I have done 10+ bike tour in Europe. The worst rental bikes ever. Also the Guibo route app was poor. Ride with GPS is much better.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    10 plus
    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?
    Slovenia
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Cycling the West Balkan Triangle
    (5/5) Suzy Clapp September 22, 2023

    Fabulous trip cycling in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro.

    · Cycling the West Balkan Triangle

    The cycling was harder than we thought and it was good that we did some training before hand. This made it more enjoyable. The group was large for one guide and mixed fitness levels with different bikes caused a big gap. Hotels were lovely and generally food good but not sure the type of food at lunch is really what you want in the baking hot sunshine cycling 60km. Gluten Free options
    were poor and not explained to the guide. Guides both knowledgeable and the weather and views were superb. Loved being on a guided one and them taking the luggage. Really helped experience seeing all the different countries and a great way to do it. Would definitely like to do another one.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    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?
    Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Suzy Clapp September 23, 2023

    Fabulous trip cycling in Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro.

    · Cycling the West Balkan Triangle

    The cycling was harder than we thought and it was good that we did some training before hand. This made it more enjoyable. The group was large for one guide and mixed fitness levels with different bikes caused a big gap. Hotels were lovely and generally food good but not sure the type of food at lunch is really what you want in the baking hot sunshine cycling 60km. Gluten Free options
    were poor and not explained to the guide. Guides both knowledgeable and the weather and views were superb. Loved being on a guided one and them taking the luggage. Really helped experience seeing all the different countries and a great way to do it. Would definitely like to do another one.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    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?
    Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Sparta & the Mediterranean Coast
    (4/5) Dean Ross September 23, 2023

    A big slice of Greece

    · Sparta and the Mediterranean Coast

    A great way to explore some of the smaller towns in Greece. There was a little more riding on roads with narrow or no shoulders than we had expected but drivers were generally courteous. We were not advised of a hotel change on the first day the ride which caused some unnecessary confusion.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Greece
  • Innsbruck to Lake Garda
    (3/5) Cathy Hendrie September 23, 2023

    Innsbruck to Lake Garda

    · Innsbruck to Lake Garda Across the Southern Slopes of the Alps

    There should be a company representative present when the bikes are delivered
    Our 10 person group was divided between 2 hotels …..this should never happen…we travel as a group for a reason….to enjoy our time together…also the notification sent was inadequate

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Mosel Bike Path
    (4/5) Jacquelyn Burles September 23, 2023

    Scenic and easy

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

    Well organized tour, bikes ready and in great shape. The maps provided were a little out of date and twice the written instructions were wrong. At one point our hotel was a the top of a steep hill and the instructions led us to a staircase we felt unable to lug electric bikes up. Might not be a hotel used regularly. Otherwise, scenery was amazing, very little in road cycling although because of the terrain a lot of it was close to a road. The wine tasting was particularly interesting.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • Grape vines everywhere. (photo by Jacquelyn Burles)
  • Baltic Capitals
    (5/5) Karen Gail Lewis September 23, 2023

    Baltic capitals

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

    Biking through these three countries - all so very different -- was special. The views, the historical information, the Old Towns -- a great trip.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
  • Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore
    (4/5) Timothy Ricks September 23, 2023

    Spectacular Scenery Along Lakes and Over the Alps

    · Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore

    Easy riding through gorgeous countryside for the first few days, then some serious climbing in the mountains for a couple of days, a long descent and then beautiful Locarno on Lake Maggiore. More gravel road and trails than expected. Sturdy but slow and heavy bikes provided were up to the task—just made for more work. Hotels varied in quality. The hotel in Horn (Hotel Bad Horn) was very nice. Others—mostly just okay.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    16
    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?
    Switzerland
    • Roadside view (photo by Timothy Ricks)
    • Heading over the Alps (photo by Timothy Ricks)
    • Who doesn’t love a long descent? (photo by Timothy Ricks)
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Bike Paths of the Dolomites
    (5/5) Linda Croft September 23, 2023

    A Scenic Paradise

    · Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)

    What an outstanding cycling paradise! The Dolomites are breathtaking. The bike tour operator in Italy was fabulous. I rented an e-bike and it was brand new! The information package was well organized and the trail maps were great. I had no problems with the shuttle on the day I took it. The cycling paths were very well marked with no question as to which way to my destination. The hotel was beyond expectations! I stayed in Dobbiaco at Hotel Laurin’s. The staff were fabulous. The breakfasts were delicious and the 5 course dinner was outstanding every night! The garden, spa and pool area were so relaxing. The value for a solo traveller like myself was unbelievable. I highly recommend this trip!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • The Dolomites (photo by Linda Croft)
    •  (photo by Linda Croft)
    •  (photo by Linda Croft)
    •  (photo by Linda Croft)
    •  (photo by Linda Croft)
  • A Taste of Italy
    (4/5) Desmond Barnett September 23, 2023

    Nice way to see parts of Italy

    · A Taste of Italy: Emilia-Romagna

    Self guided, hotels generally good but thought the hotel in Reggio Emilio was poorly sited. One restaurant fully booked little opportunity without taxi’s. Accomodation needs to be located in a town.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    4-5
    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?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (5/5) Rusty Page September 23, 2023

    Wonderful Bike Trip

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    This was our 4th trip with Bike Tours, and arguably the best. The e-bikes were great! The lake and the small towns surrounding it were gorgeous. 3 countries. One day we ate breakfast in Germany, lunch in Austria, and dinner in Switzerland. We’ll worth the money. Hotels were all beautiful and quaint in their own right. Do it! You’ll love it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    7
    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    •  (photo by Rusty Page)
    •  (photo by Rusty Page)
    •  (photo by Rusty Page)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) William Meyer September 24, 2023

    Absolutely beautiful country views, very nice accommodations

    · Danube Bike Path 8 Nights (Upscale Lodging)

    To improve; 1-briefer should set bikes to correct language and distance setting. 2-briefer should suggest to use Google maps to and from hotels from daily track beginning and end. 3-recommend that customers bring phone holder that fits bike.

    E-bikes were excellent. We will be back.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany
  • Innsbruck to Lake Garda
    (4/5) Paula Zoccano September 24, 2023

    Beautiful trail

    · Innsbruck to Lake Garda Across the Southern Slopes of the Alps

    Pros:The hotels were very good. Wonderful cycle routes. Lovely towns.
    Cons: In Riva I would have preferred to be in the old town beside the water. We had 2 hotels who did not have all our group booked. Unfortunately one couple had to stay by the airport a taxi ride to join us in Innsbruck (still trying to get reimbursed for hotel and cabs) and in Riva another couple were not booked but the hotel was able to give them a room. We also learned in one town we were not booked in the same hotel, our group of 5 couples were split up. I found that strange.
    The meet and greet at the beginning was not at the hotel the company booked us to stay. We were expected to go to another location to get our briefing and bikes. I’ve never had that when booking with other cycle companies. We missed that in our notes and not until 7:00pm when the hotel gave us our booklets did we realize we should have been somewhere else. As a result we never had a meet and greet and bikes fitted to us. My husbands bike had a brake dragging and he needed a torque head screw driver to make adjustments and no torque head screw driver was supplied. He had to find one. The bikes should have been tested,
    No water bottle cages on the bikes.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Italy
    •  (photo by Paula Zoccano)
    •  (photo by Paula Zoccano)
    • Passing Apple and grape orchards (photo by Paula Zoccano)
    • Beautiful ride (photo by Paula Zoccano)
    • Rainy day. (photo by Paula Zoccano)