Bike Tour Reviews  page 12

  • Algarve Coastal Route
    (4/5) PeteN September 30, 2016

    Algarve Coastal Route

    · Algarve Coastal Route

    Very enjoyable scenic route. Great seafood, excellent weather (September). Good logistics. Challenging in parts however, due to traffic on roads and more hills than expected. We were glad to have ebikes. Tires supplied were not up to the trails and we suffered several punctures. I recommend checking equipment carefully before setting out.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 12, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the third
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • Nature Preserve along Algarve (photo by PeteN)
    • Photo 2 (photo by PeteN)
    • Tavira (photo by PeteN)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) PennyDreadful October 1, 2016

    Lovely and Idyllic Trip!

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    Such green vistas, amazing coastal scenery, contrasted by the ubiquitous sheep splashed with color (never did manage to get a satisfactory picture of their markings), happy cows and Justin Bieber-looking Shetland Ponies. Fantastic side trips to solitary beaches & caves, a rowing trip to a ring fort island. Make sure to stay out late one night and marvel at the local and family feel of the music-makers at the pubs.
    Recommend the trip in late May, we had almost perfect weather.

    What was the date of your tour?
    late May
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    Ireland
    • Photo 1 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • Photo 2 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • a beach literally all to ourselves (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • caves! (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • so many happy sheep (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • Photo 6 (photo by PennyDreadful)
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Apulia and Basilicata
    (4/5) Louise October 1, 2016

    Excellent trip

    · Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce

    We had a great time . Hotels were great and charming . Self guide tour was enjoyable . Arrows showing pretty well except the last day. It was not only cycling it was a cultural trip at the same time . Your documentation was excellent . Very satisfied

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 17-24
    How many tours have you completed?
    At least 12
    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?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Izzz October 1, 2016

    Pulia heel of the boot Italy

    · Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce

    We 4 seniors really enjoyed our bike trip. The second last day was more challenging than we expected. Route was well signed with small arrows except into Lecce. Bikes heavy but reliable and comfortable.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Spring 2015 Belgium
    How many tours have you completed?
    Over ten
    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
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) Robo October 1, 2016

    Fantastic ride

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    This was our second self guided tour with Bike Tours, and once again they provided a well organised tour, hotels were very good value, and our luggage always arrived on time. The bikes were in very good condition, but slightly on the heavy side, the route was easy to navigate and depending how adventuress you are it can be adjusted to see some of the inland towns, and farming area, we added an extra day in Krems to our itinerary to enjoy the Wachau valley.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
  • Venice to Florence
    (3/5) JPeter October 3, 2016

    History seen

    · Venice to Florence: From Rialto across the sea to Ponte Vecchio

    The accommodations were satisfactory to good (hotel in Choggia was wonderful). The trip was as expected and explained in the brochure. For the most part the directions and markers were decent except in Florence. Little to no markers seen and the directions to the parking garage given were incorrect for Florence, frustrating.

    What was the date of your tour?
    09/17 to 09/23
    How many tours have you completed?
    2 including this one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 2/5 Route selection
  • Mosel and Saar
    (5/5) Debi October 3, 2016

    Wonderful trip

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Great boat staff and excellent dinners, wonderful scenery, excellent on board guide. Overall a great trip. I would highly recommend this trip if you want to see beautiful German villages, wine country, biking along a lovely river and learning German history.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 17-24
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Alsace Wine Country
    (5/5) T and T October 6, 2016

    alsace

    · Alsace Wine Country

    As advertised. This was a picture book trip if there ever was one. Towns, hotels and luggage delivery were perfectly arranged. Days1 & 2 & 5 were flat. Days 3 & 4 were a little more than level 2 hills, however, the gears on the bikes were good enough to get through the climbs. This is our 3rd trip through Biketours and their service is perfect. I would do this trip again. I would upgrade from B to A hotels next time but the B hotels were good enough for our short time in each.

    What was the date of your tour?
    sept 15
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (5/5) Laners October 6, 2016

    Everything I expected and more!

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

    I hate to write reviews but this one deserved a moment of my time. A great trip, a beautiful barge, a unique way to see this part of the world. I can truly say this was a trip I will remember for years to come.
    Not recommended for children.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 10, 2016
    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
    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)
  • (5/5) Barbarella529 October 10, 2016

    RideEurope2016

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

    A most delightful week meandering through the countryside in both The Netherlands and Belgium. Fabulous bike trails, perfect weather, great group, and an outstanding tour guide. Exceeded my expectations for sure. The barge was superb, the bikes easy to manage, the briefings each evening were thorough and precise. Simply wonderful experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 17-24, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
    • Photo 1 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • Photo 4 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • Photo 5 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • Photo 6 (photo by Barbarella529)
    • 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)
  • Lake Constance Bike Path
    (5/5) Mary October 10, 2016

    60th Birthday Ride!

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    Just returned from our ride around the Lake and it was the best way to celebrate my 60th birthday! The ride as outlined is pretty accurate with regards to level of difficulty, with the first two days of the ride the most challenging - only because of the two "hills" as we approached our hotel - we ended up having to walk the bike. The bikes were great and in top notch shape and there was more than enough storage for our 'stuff'. Each day, we started off with a healthy breakfast buffet which included options for everyone (even gluten free). Hotels were wonderful (however, if you like having a washcloth or hair conditioner; I'd suggest you bring your own as these are a little on the rare side). The trip book given to you at the start gives some wonderful 'to see' sights and is very much worth taking the time to read and review before each day's journey. Terrain was varied, as was the ride, itself. We went through villages, farm lands, the lake, campgrounds and monasteries. I felt very safe on the ride with both my personal safety and property. Very bike friendly countries and tour. Pictures show some of the sights we rode past. Enjoy the ride!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September/October 2106
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • The bridge to the monastery outside of Stein am Rhine. (photo by Mary)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Mary)
    • On the road to Konstance (photo by Mary)
    • Hotel Stop (photo by Mary)
    • Lindeau Island (photo by Mary)
    • From the west side of the Lake (photo by Mary)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Aare Cycle Route
    (4/5) Petexter October 10, 2016

    Great all Round trip except for the maps

    · Aare Cycle Route: Along the Jura, Aare, and Rhine Rivers

    Route maps failed at the departure point from the main route to the hotel. Upside: met a lot of very helpful people. Downside: consistently irritating.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Late September
    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 young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Switzerland
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash October 11, 2016

      Thank you for your 4-star review! We're glad you had a good overall experience, and we're sorry you had issues with the maps. That can indeed be frustrating!

      We're following up now with tour operator about this issue to improve this service going forward.

      Thank you again for taking the time to review your time and helping spread the love of bicycle tourism worldwide!

      Kind regards,
      Lindsay

    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Professor October 10, 2016
    · Aare Cycle Route: Along the Jura, Aare, and Rhine Rivers

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/26 - 10/4
    How many tours have you completed?
    12
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Switzerland
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Danube Delights
    (5/5) ROCKIN ROBIN October 12, 2016

    AMAZING TRIP ON THE DANUBE

    · · Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty

    THIS BIKE AND BARGE TRIP ON THE DANUBE WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. RICHIE WAS WONDERFUL AND AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. THE CREW ON OUR BARGE WAS SO ATTENTIVE AND FUN TO BE WITH. THE ONLY DRAWBACK WAS THE BARGE WAS OLDER, BUT IT IS BEING RETIRED SO ALL IS GOOD FOR THE FUTURE.

    What was the date of your tour?
    OCTOBER 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    JUST THIS ONE
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much 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?
    Austria, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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
  • Salzburg Lakes Tour
    (4/5) DougBa October 12, 2016

    Beautiful Bike Ride

    · Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps

    The overall experience of this bike tour around the lakes was terrific. If I had it to do over I would do two things differently. 1.) I would rent a lighter bike, not necessarily a road bike but one that was lighter that the 21 speed comfort bike I rented from the tour company. 2.) I would not prepay for my dinner. The meals each night were very similar, and all but one night was from a very limited menu, and not off the restaurants main menu. Also only about 14€ per person per meal was allocated, no where near what was actually paid for the meals. The individuals that we interfaced with from the tour company were excellent, from the young man that met us for our orientation to the van driver that moved our gear each day.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 11, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    Several
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (5/5) Elena October 12, 2016

    Great experience!

    · · Amsterdam – Gouda – Bruges by Bike and Boat

    Perfect way to experience a country. The staff of the boat was the best, very friendly and always trying to pleased you.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    First 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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 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
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Danube Delights
    (5/5) Babiruth October 13, 2016

    Passau to Brastilava Danube cruise and bike trip

    · · Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty

    Richie from BikeTours.com and the boat staff were just great - helpful, organized, and fun!
    The boat is older but being retired. Having said that, other than rough towels that needed replacing, and controlling the temperature in our cabin, the dining, lounge, lido deck, and entertainment were perfect. It's a laid back experience compared to the large ocean cruise ships which created a very 'family-oriented' feel. The scenery, historical sites, and biking in mainly Austria was just great - Austria is very well set-up for biking usually out of any car traffic. We so enjoyed and hope to do future biking excursions through BikeTours.com.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/25-10/2/2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    first one
    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
    • 5/5 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
  • Prague to Dresden
    (5/5) Pedalann October 13, 2016

    A lovely ride down the Vltava and Elbe Rivers

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    Cycling along the major rivers of Europe is always a pleasure and this trip was no exception.  Much of the path is asphalt-paved and hugs the river's edge.  There are several small ferries and some bridges which allow cyclists to cycle on either side of the Vlatava and Elbe as one goes north from Prague towards Dresden.  
     The bicycles supplied were well suited for the tour and the GPS, cue sheets and maps guided you on each day's ride. There are a few places where the path has been damaged or destroyed by floods so there are a few steep hills and "single track" sections to navigate.  Our lodgings, except in Prague and Dresden, were always in the historic city centers so it was easy to walk around and learn about each place.
     Along the way, we discovered the history of these rivers and the importance of our stopping points  - Melnik, Terezin/Litomerice, Decin, and Bad Schandau.  We also had booked an extra day both in Prague and Dresden and easily could have spent more time in these special cities.  We found the careful reconstruction of the historic buildings in these cities to be especially impressive.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 23 - 30, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    More than 20
    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?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 3 Marker showing flood levels along the Vltava River. In 2012 it was up to the eaves. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 1 The bike path along the Vltava as we left Prague. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 3 Our lovely accommodations in Hotel U Zamku in Melnik. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 4 Crossing into Germany opposite Hrensko, Czech Republic. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 5 Amazing sandstone cliffs along the Elbe as we cycled towards Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 6 The four of us arriving at our hotel in Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Piedmont Region by E-Bike
    (4/5) Cycletourer October 16, 2016

    Go when it is Sunny!

    · Piedmont Region by E-Bike: The Italian Garden of Eden

    The sunny moments were heavenly, the hotels, food, wine all excellent. We went too late in the season (Oct 8-18) and the weather was mostly cool and rainy. Our few sunny breaks were heavenly, and if you go in September, you will do fine.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Oct 8-15
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 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