Bike Tour Reviews  page 20

  • Split to Dubrovnik
    (5/5) Tottie July 13, 2017

    Stunning!

    · Split to Dubrovnik: The Islands and Coastline of Croatia

    Fantastic hotels, service, information. Amazing scenery and routes on well maintained comfy bikes. Truely a trip in a million

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 29- July 5th
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Croatia
    • 4/5 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
  • Danube Bike Path
    (5/5) APFDVM July 14, 2017

    Biking the Danube!

    · Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)

    A summer bicycle ride along the banks of the Danube was great fun: easy biking, clearly marked route, beautiful scenery, friendly locals, what more could you ask? A little knowledge of German is helpful on the self-guided tours, but not necessary.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    This is the first multiday tour
    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?
    Austria, Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Best of Northern Zealand
    (3/5) three bees July 14, 2017

    great variety of scenery

    Best of Northern Zealand

    Lots to see whilst cycling - forests, seaside, lakes, country farmland, small towns etc. The organisation was somewhat disappointing e.g., miscommunications in regard to where our bikes should be delivered, wrong maps provided, battery charger not working (and some reluctance by the bike operator to replace it!) but overall the bikes were in good working condition, the maps were easy to follow, and accommodation was great.
    As for the scenery - once you got out of Copenhagen, it was brilliant.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    Four
    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?
    Denmark
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 15, 2017

      Thank you so much for your feedback. We're very concerned with your comments about the local tour operator's disappointing organization, and we are pursuing those issues with them. We have a very low threshold for poor service, and we want to make sure this doesn't happen to future clients.

    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
    (5/5) TJS53 July 14, 2017

    Wonderful ramble in Ireland.

    · Wild Atlantic Way Cycling

    We just returned from our 4th bike tour, the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to thank Connor and the entire Connemara team for the trip preparation. The bikes, although a bit on the heavy side, were in great shape and performed beautifully the entire week. The maps helped and never hindered the fun. Connor spent considerable time with us on the first day suggesting stops at historic or scenic sites, restaurants and shops. He also showed us how to extend each day with side routes. We took him up on this on a least four of the six days of riding. So, if you’re thinking of passing up this trip because there isn’t enough riding, you can more than double the mileage on all but one day if you wish. The tour presents a whole host of different landscapes to ride through: eerie bogs, the Bundarogha river, the Killary fjord and the dramatic bens that seem to rise right out of the water. We loved rolling under a green tunnel of trees, then entering a new vista of green fields edged in ancient stone walls. The excursion to the island of Inishbofin is well worth it and we were lucky enough to meet and mingle with the archeologists who are researching and recording the island’s fascinating history. The evenings are not just for taking notes about the day’s adventures: lots of pubs serve up live traditional music along with local lamb, beef and seafood. This is a great tour, well organized and supported. We highly recommend it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 10 - 18, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Ireland
    • Naer Lettergesh (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 2 (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 3 (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 4 (photo by TJS53)
    • 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
  • Algarve Coastal Route
    (5/5) Shiftin July 15, 2017

    Beautiful Algarve!

    · Algarve Coastal Route

    Cycling in Portugal was an amazing adventure! The scenery was exceptional, the routes were mostly flat, some hills at the end of the week, food along the coast (grilled fresh fish, fruit and vegetables) was all part of a very special week. Fred, part owner in Algarve Bike Holidays, could not have been more friendly and supportive. We were provided with a Garmin that had the routes already downloaded. We were a little challenged with this when construction blocked our route. Regardless, we always made it to our end location which included large resort hotels as well as quaint bed and breakfast inns. We went in July which turned out to be exceptionally hot so be sure to carry lots of water and start your trek early in the morning.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    10-15
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal
    • We loved our shirts! A gift along with water bottles! (photo by Shiftin)
    • Beautiful town of Faro! (photo by Shiftin)
    • 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Prague to Dresden
    (4/5) Mandy July 16, 2017

    Prague to Dresden Along the Vitava and Elbe Rivers July 30-July 7th 2017

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    Overall great trip! Guides were great. Needed better handouts (not self guided for guided tour) and would cut the brewery where you pour your own beer.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 1-July 6th
    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?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Dordogne Valley
    (5/5) Tony July 16, 2017

    Tour for all ages

    · Dordogne Valley: Between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers

    I really enjoyed the way we were all so well loked after along the trip. The accommodation was great, the meals delicious, the rides were well organised, and the tour leader Bernard, was perfect for the mixed group of riders that we had. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take part in the tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    8/7/17 -15/7/17
    How many tours have you completed?
    about 10
    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?
    France
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Mosel Bike Path
    (5/5) GFunk July 17, 2017
    · Mosel Bike Path: Dreamy Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz

    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?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 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 Route selection
  • Best of Northern Zealand
    (4/5) Xavi July 18, 2017

    We had a really nice northern zealand tour

    Best of Northern Zealand

    The landscape was beautiful, and the route quite easy to find, though sometimes the indications weren't that clear,besides that, very comfortable hotels,and a real pleasure cycling across awsome forests and paths.The assistant contact there was quite efficient, You shold replace the electric bikes with modern models

    What was the date of your tour?
    24/6/2017 29/6/2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    4/5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Denmark
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Treasures of the Donegal Coast
    (5/5) Martha July 20, 2017

    So lovely! There were so many times during the week we said "THANK YOU SEAMUS" for finding the lovely tiny roads along spectacular scenery.

    · Treasures of the Donegal Coast

    This was the perfect bike trip: BEAUTIFUL rides (THANK YOU SEAMUS!), comfortable places to stay with welcoming hosts and great food spots each town.
    Bikes were perfect. The roads were bike friendly. The people welcoming. The side trips added adventure, history and new views.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 15-23, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    Ireland
    • 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
  • Cycling Spain's Ebro River
    (5/5) Paul K July 23, 2017

    Amazing tour. Just as advertised

    · Cycling Spain's Ebro River

    We had a fantastic time. Simon obviously has this tour down to a science. Everything was exactly as advertised. We loved the rural roads and small hotels we stayed in. We found the Terrain stunning. There were some challenging hills but overall anyone with a reasonable level of fitness would have no difficulty with this trip. I would book with this tour company again.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 18,2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    Two
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • View of the Rioja with good friends! (photo by Paul K)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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) pkbiking July 24, 2017

    The Best Way to Get to Venice!

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    Each town we visited was unique. Bolzano had a very Austrian feel and Venice was magical. Glad that we chose the 4-star hotels because they were beautiful and roomy and worth the extra money! The self-guided tour allowed us the flexibility to seek out really cool local restaurants and go at our own pace. It was the trip of a lifetime and the recommendations and help from Matt and the staff at BikeTours was excellent.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    several
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Ireland’s West Cork
    (5/5) Kiwi July 30, 2017

    Personalized package

    Ireland’s West Cork on Tranquil Lanes Following the Coast

    Amazing 7 days Every day great views, luxury hotels, gourmet food, friendly caring people.  Don our local host.was always very professional, on time,  clear instructions and full of inspiration. Nothing was a problem for him. You set your own pace but Don, turned up to rescue you if required. He made sure you did not miss out on any of the highlights.  Likewise if you needed a more challenging route he could deliver that as well. (But I didn't  need that service!!!). Thank you Don, for so many good memories.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    Nil
    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?
    Ireland
    • 5/5 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
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Bolzano – Verona – Venice
    (5/5) raystrach July 31, 2017

    Interesting Culture Great Scenery

    · Bolzano – Verona – Venice

    We decided to do two week long bike tours in succession with this trip coming immediately after the previous tour finish in Lecce.

    We caught an overnight train from Lecce to Bolzano which worked out quite well initially. The only problem was that our last couple of days were were getting a bit sick of moving in and out every day. We probably should have given ourselves a little more time in between trips.

    The tour itself was fantastic, with the main surprise being the cultural differences between the south and north. The germanic influences were much stronger that i had expected. Also, being in the foothills of the dolomites, obviously means different architecture and traditions. This was all good.

    The cycling itself was generally very easy and for the first few days followed a dedicated cycle way. There is plenty of time to take detours into the villages off the main track and still arrive at the next destination in plenty of time.

    Although the tour was very well organised, the tour directions were quite poor in comparison to other tours we had taken, however because the trail itself is quite well marked, it is probably better to follow your nose and the o site directions rather than using the detailed guide book. (there have obviously been recent changes to the tour route itself)

    if your are wanting a taste of the high italian mountains without having to climb any, this would be an ideal trip. there is a lot of spectacular scenery along the valley road and across lake garda before changing to a more typical italian countryside for the final couple of days towards venice.

    just a note on the approach into vincenza, my wife decided that she did not want to take the hillier route (there is a choice) but then when she discovered we were staying at the hotel at the top of a big hill, she regretted it. Take the hillier route into vincenza.

    for us, the apuglia tour was probably slightly better tour, but we have absolutely no regrets in doing this one as well.

    What was the date of your tour?
    late april 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Apulia and Basilicata
    (5/5) raystrach July 31, 2017

    A Great Experience of the Real Italy

    · Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce

    We really enjoyed this trip taken before the start of the high season (mid april).
    It really is a great part of Italy with relatively few tourists and quiet roads. Apart from one day when we we battled quite a strong headwind, the touring was really great with many beautiful and/or interesting places to keep us occupied every day.

    We found plenty of great places to have lunch and dinner along the way and from time to time enjoyed the company of fellow travellers using the same tour company.

    A highlight of our visit to Italy.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Italy
    • 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
  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) Philip August 8, 2017

    Bike and Barge in Provence France

    · · Provence by Bike and Boat

    Excellent tour on the Estello. Great accommodations and bikes and people and tour!! Looking forward to booking our next biking adventure through biketours.com.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    First package tour.
    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?
    France
    • 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)
  • Tauern Bike Path
    (3/5) Pedals August 8, 2017

    Great and not so great

    · Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)

    Having just come off 2 weeks biking in France we had something to compare this trip with.
    The first 3 days or so were magic - lovely views, fantastic track surface and finally cool weather. The accommodation was great,especially after we were upgraded twice, and can be recommended.

    The bike gear was top class but my bike however was not. Euro Velo bike hires have to realise that the standard puffy commuter seat they supply are not comfortable for guys used to proper bike seats - enough said. Also on the second day when I went to use the smallest front chain ring it turned out that 2 of the mounting bolts were missing and it got wrecked so one third of my gears were gone. Managed to get this repaired after a couple of days but wasn't really satisfactory. This should not happen!

    The directions and maps hardly ever match up completely on these type of trips but we were certainly not happy to discover at the end of a long hot day that the instructions for the approach to Salzberg were in fact for someone coming from completely the opposite direction - a victim of cut and past to be sure, as was the odd paragraph still in Austrian, but this should have been edited properly. A shame as the general standard of the material presentation was of a high quality.

    Be aware if you want to do this trip that the last few days are along the stop bank beside the river and are boring - very little in the way of scenery and culture. Next time we will detour inland.

    Sorry but overall a 3 star effort.

    Warning - in case you may be considering a taxi ride from Innsbruck to Krimml to start your trip make sure that the driver is legitimate. Ours was a temporary fill in, had not driven out of town for 4 years and was a thoroughly unsafe driver. Much too fast and I suspect maybe on something. He almost ran off the road a number of times and clipped the inside kerb a couple of times . Haven't been so scared in our lives as passengers apart from jeep trips in Nepal and Pakistan. This should not happen in a first world country and if it had been practical solution we would have got out and walked!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    mid July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    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
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 1/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Stan August 8, 2017

    A Fun, Satisfying Trip

    Bike and Boat with Bob and Jeanette along the Danube from Passau to Budapest to Passau

    This ride along the Mosel River from Saarburg to Koblenz is fairly easy as it follows the downward flow of the river and whatever hills you encounter, either up or down, are easy to negotiate. We saw children doing it. Those in my group of seven were all seventy or older, the oldest being eighty-three. The double room on the barge was clean, comfortable and very adequate for two adult riders, much better than a similar trip taken in Holland a few years ago with a different company. The food at dinner was more than plentiful, beautifully presented and the staff could not have been nicer. The breakfast buffet was equally good with an unlimited number of choices. The scenery along the way is breathtaking and the villages right out of a book of fairy tales. I highly recommend this company and tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 15-27, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 2/5 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