Bike Tour Reviews  page 186

  • Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands
    (4/5) Gail A. 2 months ago

    Beautiful islands of Greece

    · · Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands

    This trip was very enjoyable overall. The cycling routes were well planned and offered a nice variety of scenery, from quiet coastal roads to small island towns. The boat was comfortable and a pleasant place to relax after the rides, and the onboard chef did a great job — the meals were definitely one of the highlights. The group was friendly and diverse, which made for a relaxed and easy atmosphere throughout the week.

    If there’s one thing I’d change, it would be to have dinner on board each evening instead of lunch, as it would be a nicer way to end the day together.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2025
    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?
    Greece
    •  (photo by Gail A.)
    •  (photo by Gail A.)
    •  (photo by Gail A.)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dutch Hanseatic Cities, Harbor Towns & Natural Wonders by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) Bozena 2 months ago

    Authentic Holland trip

    · · Dutch Hanseatic Cities, Harbor Towns & Natural Wonders by Bike and Boat

    I absolutely loved this tour! Biking through the historic Dutch Hanseatic cities and quaint harbor towns felt like stepping back in time, and exploring the beautiful natural landscapes by boat was pure magic. The pace was perfect, the scenery breathtaking, and every day brought a new adventure. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you return.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2025
    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?
    Holland
    •  (photo by Bozena)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys
    (5/5) Roxanne 2 months ago

    Best ever bike and barge tour!

    · · Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys

    We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
    Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
    The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
    The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
    The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
    The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
    points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
    The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
    We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
    Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 8-15
    How many tours have you completed?
    Five
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    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)
  • Get inspired by Gaudí
    (4/5) Jennifer M. 2 months ago

    Family Fun

    · Gaudi’s Barcelona E-Bike Tour

    A perfect family outing! The kids loved the e-bikes, and we all enjoyed learning about Gaudí's masterpieces in a relaxed setting.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) Emily T. 2 months ago

    Solo Traveler's Perspective

    · Gaudi’s Barcelona E-Bike Tour

    I joined the tour alone and felt welcomed immediately. The guide was friendly, and the small group size allowed for personalized attention.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys
    (5/5) Roxanne 2 months ago

    Best ever bike and barge tour!

    · · Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys

    We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
    Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
    The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
    The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
    The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
    The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
    points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
    The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
    We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
    Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 8-15
    How many tours have you completed?
    Five
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    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)
  • Best of Barcelona City eBike Tour
    (4/5) Sam R. 2 months ago

    Relaxed Touring

    · Highlights of Barcelona E-Bike Tour

    I enjoyed the tour and felt like we got a great overview of Barcelona’s highlights, from the Gothic quarter right to the Olympic Port and seaside. The pace was easygoing and the guide was friendly, which was perfect for us. My only small gripe is that I wished for a slightly longer stop at the park, but overall it was a lovely morning ride.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands
    (4/5) Linda P. 2 months ago

    Great for solo travellers as well

    · · Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands

    I came as a solo traveler and was a bit nervous about joining a group tour, but the friendly crew and fellow guests made it so easy to feel welcome. The blend of island hopping, cycling and swimming in the Aegean Sea was just the right amount of activity and downtime. Great value for a trip that really shows Greece differently.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    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?
    Greece
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Sweden’s West Coast
    (5/5) Mary 2 months ago

    Great trip!

    · Sweden’s West Coast: Helsingborg to Gothenburg

    We enjoyed everything about the trip. We read reviews that the trains don’t always have room for bikes, so we didn’t try taking train. Every hotel and breakfast was wonderful. The place where we picked up our bikes was less prepared than the bike shops on other trips. They struggled to get our bikes the correct height etc and we had to ask for repairs kits.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    Sweden
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Pearls of Dalmatia
    (5/5) Mike McGovern 2 months ago

    Fantastic Trip!

    · · Pearls of Dalmatia by Bike and Boat, Romantica

    What a great way to see the Dalmatian Islands for the first time. The planning and leadership from our guides, Ivan and Martine, were superb, the food on board Romantica was generous and good, and the crew were very helpful. Travelling by sea and bike was a wonderful way to experience the beauty, history and culture of Croatia. Communication and information from Bike Tours was clear and helpful. The trip struck a nice balance by providing time to relax on the boat, time to bike in the mornings and early afternoons, and time to explore on our own the ports we visited. This was our first time doing a boat and bike tour and our expectations were met and exceeded at every point--highly recommended!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member October 22, 2025

      Mike,

      Thanks so much for your lovely review! We’re so glad you had such a great first boat and bike experience and that Ivan, Martine, and the Romantica crew made it special. Sounds like you really got to enjoy the best of Croatia — hope we get to see you on another trip soon!

      Bozena

    • 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
    (4/5) Nancy Nestler 2 months ago

    Beautiful Scenery and Quaint Marina Towns

    · Lake Constance Bicycle Path

    We loved the scenery and riding by so many little marina towns. I wanted to have coffee in all of them!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Danube Experience
    (4/5) Regina Zilinski 2 months ago

    An excellent choice as first Bike & Barge

    · · Danube Experience Bike and Boat Passau-Vienna-Budapest-Belgrade-Iron Gates-Passau

    Did not know what to expect but was delighted by the bike routes, the added tour options, the accommodations, the food and the great customer service.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept/Oct 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    My first
    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?
    Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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
  • Vienna to Budapest
    (5/5) Tom Courtney 2 months ago

    Father and son special time together

    · Vienna to Budapest (Classic)

    My 34 year old son and I (65) did this 6 day bike trip together. Created many special memories for us. Everything was so well organized. Hotels were very good. Many hotels had nice saunas or steam rooms or Thermal baths near by. It was nice to get to know some of the other bike riders even though this was not a group tour.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Hungary
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member October 24, 2025

      Hi Tom,

      Thank you so much for sharing! We’re really glad to hear you and your son had such a great time and made special memories together. Wonderful that you enjoyed the hotels and met other riders along the way too! Hope to welcome you again on another adventure!

      Bozena

  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (5/5) Lyne 2 months ago

    Super trip! You have to do the experience

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

    C’est un voyage extraordinaire. Incroyable je le recommande fortement à tout le monde qui a envie de s’amuser de se reposer tout en faisant du sport . on faisait en moyenne 58 km par jour parfois moins. Nous avions des arrêts tr’es intéressants. On avait le choix de faire des court ou long parcours . Je ne suis pas la personne très en forme mais avec un E-bike j’ai pu suivre mon mari et tous les autres sans problème. Cherche la batterie le soir et en cas de besoin durant le trajet, il y a toujours des batteries de recharge que les accompagnateurs ont avec eux. En plus on visite des endroits magnifiques. Cela a été une merveilleuse expérience et sincèrement, les employés sur le bateau ont été merveilleux . Tous étaient souriants et aimables. Le capitaine nous a invité à aller faire un tour dans la cabine de navigation très impressionnant. Il était vraiment gentil.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Octobre 9 - 16
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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?
    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)
  • Palermo's perfect piazzas and palazzos
    (5/5) Hans V. 2 months ago

    Nice and very pleasend people!

    · Palermo Old Town Bike Tour

    Paolo was a very enhtusiastic guide and the tour was perfect for 2 couplet around 50 years.

  • Lake Constance Classic
    (5/5) Jim Harvey 1 month ago

    Great Time at Lake Constance

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    Overall, I was very impressed with the logistical planning, layout, timing of the bike trip around Lake Constance. You folks helped us out when one of the riders who was 86 years old lost his bike computer. I was able to call radwig before the office closed and they brought a replacement out with the bags the next morning.

    The hotels were nice, some of the rooms were painfully small, but they were clean, the owners and operators were friendly, spoke English and were very helpful in suggesting good places to eat, etc.

    We did have an issue with the Vouchers for the museum in Konstanz itself, as the desk clerks wouldn't honor the admission and wanted us to fork over more money. Two of us simply split after 20 minutes of non-responsiveness. The other museums and experiences were wonderful.

    One STRONG suggestion I have is that the ride from Lindau to St. Gallen with the train to Gais really created a problem. First, the book said to follow the signs to the train. Well, I couldn't find any signs, and I had ridden ahead so I basically strolled through the old section of Altstatten and stumbled across the train by accident. I lucked out and got on a train after 15 minutes (good thing since the next one wasn't for an hour), and rode the section from Gais to St. Gallen. I was the only one who completed that day's ride...the others got so lost and had some problems that they simply took the train from Altstatten to St. Gallen. The real issue, however, is that there would have been a real chance of someone getting seriously hurt riding down into Appenzell...I'm a pretty experienced rider...but some of the others would have probably fallen. So, I would recommend having an alternative route (other than simply taking the train) so the more advanced, experienced riders could do the trip through the Alps...without risking an accident on some of those steep downhill rides.

    Finally, we had issues with the Kamoot vs. Google Maps directions. Kamoot is VERY hard to configure and understand how to read. Google Maps with the bike directions was accurate. One thing I like about Google Maps is that you could choose routes that were less hilly, etc. The fact that you suggest Kamoot is not something I recommend following. I finally got to the point of following Google Maps since those who were following Kamoot seemed far more likely to get lost or had trouble reading the app's directions.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October of 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    Several
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much 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?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Staff member October 24, 2025

      Jim,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the overall organization of the Lake Constance tour and appreciated the quick support from our team and partners when your fellow rider needed a replacement bike computer.

      We also appreciate your honest comments about the hotels, the museum voucher issue, and especially the route and navigation suggestions. Your insights about the Lindau–St. Gallen section and the Komoot navigation app are extremely helpful, and we’ll review these points carefully to improve the experience for future travelers.

      We’re delighted that, overall, you found the trip well planned and enjoyable — and we truly value your thoughtful suggestions for making it even better.

      Bozena

    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) William Edward 1 month ago

    A bucket list adventure

    · Lake Constance Classic (11-nights)

    The tour was great. I wish that we had a gps with us. There should be an alternate route to St Gallen for less experienced riders. Finding the cog railroad was hard and the downhill decent was challenging for our weaker riders.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Germany, Switzerland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 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