Bike Tour Reviews page 88
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★★★★★ Cate Adams November 8, 2022Loved every minute. Can’t wait todo another
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal
My husband and I booked this trip with several friends but we made many new friends on the trip. The guides were so knowledgeable and they too became friends. Each day we would start with a delicious breakfast, make our sack lunch and head out to get our bikes. The days were filled with wonderful cities and gorgeous countrysides. I don’t think you could have this kind of experience in a car or bus. We would have a morning break for coffee and later a stop for lunch either in city pubs or country inns. We returned back to the boat to find appetizers and the bar ready to receive orders. We could return to the comfort of our room for a hot shower or go in the hot tub. Always places you could find to be alone. The days followed the same routine, but the sites an food were always changing. Speaking of food, our chef did a fantastic job cooking for all 30 of us. The ship Captain and crew all pitched in to get our meals out quickly. Evening were sometimes optional tours or casual strolls along the water. Each day was magical.
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★★★★★ Reigh Walling November 8, 2022A rich historical past and a vibrant and diverse present. That's Portugal.
· Castles and Wines of Portugal
If you told most people that you were going to cycle Portugal, they would only think of Lisbon. Well, that is a beautiful city, but an hour's train ride took us from coastal topography to a totally different landscape of rolling hills topped with cork trees and vineyards. The tour was a nice mix of ancient walled cities and rural rolling roads. Cows graze amid the monoliths. Sheep browse for grass under the olive trees, each wearing a tiny tinkle bell around its neck -- their movement producing a melodious windchime symphony. Accommodations ranged from a rustic farmhouse to an actual palace, and the route and attributes of the tour also bridged history and modern culture. But it's Portugal's people who are the real stars of the tour. And of course, the food.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Penny Knight November 8, 2022Awesome biking in islands of Croatia!
· Split to Dalmatian Islands
Wonderful time biking the islands of Croatia, boating, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea. Great guides for cycling and really enjoyed the boat! We did opt for ebikes on this tour secondary to steep climbs on all rides- we were glad we did so we could enjoy our rides as well as the beautiful scenery.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2922
- How many tours have you completed?
- Many
- 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?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Debby Schlesinger November 8, 20221st bike/boat tour.....best time ever.
· · Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
Touring by bike with support from boat was a wonderful way to see the countryside, experience local culture, and sightsee without having to do HOURS & DAYS of research on routes, sites worth stopping at, and logistics of lodging, and biking. The tour was a great value too. It was a wonderful way to have an active vacation....so much better than a cruise or bus tour. Really appreciated the route reviews, maps, and suggestions for the next day's route each evening. It was apparent that the routes chosen offered scenic value, as well as ease of access, and worthwhile sights to see. The crew were very helpful at getting the bikes set up for rider proportions, comfort and preferences. There were even opportunities to meet with local experts and experience a more "in depth" tour with history and background. The food was absolutely sumptuous!! Meals were expertly prepared, featured local cuisine at dinners, as well as "American" favorites at breakfast in addition to "Continental" breakfast foods. The "Picnic" lunches provided for were a bonus too. Cabin accomodations were comfortable, adequate, and served our needs well; albeit the small space. (We had a "lower deck" cabin... the most economical). That being said, there wasn't much time spent in the cabin other than sleeping, and preparing for the next day's ride. Really enjoyed the spa on the top deck to ease sore muscles & relax. Altogether, a wonderful vacation in a beautiful location.
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★★★★★ Marlys Manthei November 8, 2022The Family trip of a lifetime!
· Tauern Bike Path (Krimml-Passau)
My husband and I did this self guided tour two different times in the past. We loved it so much that this time we wanted to share the experience with our entire family: our four adult children and their spouses and our nine grandchildren, ages 9 through 21. There were 19 of us and we all had a fabulous time. We shortened the trip to just biking from Krimml to Salzburg on a 6-night tour.
We did this tour in June of 2022. The tour. company graciously arranged for a bus to take us from Salzburg to Krimml at the start of the tour. Even that was fun for the group. On the bike ride, everyone enjoyed stops for apple strudel, swimming in the lake, riding the gondola on the ski hill, the hike to Krimml waterfall and much more. Every day we were surrounded by the most amazing beauty. The kids and teens were never bored. 22 miles a day was just right for our group and we stayed together in a long line. We opted for a night in Zell am See and that was the favorite overnight - a beautiful town on a beautiful lake.
We were blessed with perfect weather every day. One evening it rained and we found a bowling alley right in our hotel so that was fun for everyone. We highly recommend this tour. -
★★★★★ Michael Kelly November 8, 2022All roads lead to Rome
· Florence to Rome
This tour was spectacular. This trip checks all the boxes — it has the art, beauty and walkability of Florence; the majestic history of Rome; tied together by the bike ride that got us away from the crowds in both cities and into the countryside and small towns, traveling at a perfect pace to appreciate this beautiful region of Italy. The luggage transfer was seamless. The hotels were very comfortable and (except in Rome) all were small and conveniently located near each town’s important sites and central piazza.
You asked for feedback.
One layover day would have been great, probably in Assisi where we found there’s too much to see in just one afternoon/evening. I don’t know how you would make it work, but you asked for suggestions.
The intro session on Day 1 was a serious weak point in the tour. The evening talk was cancelled and the bike distribution on the morning of Day 2 was handled by a nice employee who only spoke Italian. It could have been a disaster with no instruction about the route or the unfamiliar ebikes, but the group worked it out.
The hotel in Rome was comfortable but it was the only one not located in a convenient part of town and it’s focus on large groups traveling by tour bus was a jarring contrast to everything else about the tour.
Some of the hills were longer and harder than expected, and traffic on a few short stretches was difficult. But our lasting memories will be the vineyards and olive groves, the quiet side streets and bike paths, the breathtaking hill towns, and the flexibility to stop at a cafe for pastries, cappuccinos or afternoon beers.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 1, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was our second
- 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
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★★★★★ Darcy Billinkoff November 8, 2022Italy’s best kept secret
· Apulia and Basilicata: Alberobello to Lecce
After visiting Puglia, we marvel that we had not really heard much about this spectacular region until three years ago.
We started our trip by staying in a cave hotel in
the stunning city of Matera in its historic section “sassi di Matera”. This ancient city, steeped in history , has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be on everyone’s bucket list.We started cycling in Alberobello, a touristy town famous for its whimsical whitewashed trulli with their signature cone-shaped roofs. As we left the town and worked our way toward the coast, we cycled on quiet roads passing by beautiful olive groves with rich red soil and fields dotted with trullis.
Magnificent views, picturesque seaside towns, a few challenging hills that got our hearts racing, and delicious fresh seafood became the norm as we cycled along the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
We finished the trip in the elegant city of Lecce, which is aptly nick named “the Florence of the south”. We would recommend spending at least two days in this beautiful city wander its beautiful historic Center, take in a walking tour and visit the fascinating Museo Faggiano.We cycled on hybrid bikes and they were comfortable and had good low gears to take on the coastal hills.
We would highly recommend this trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2022
- 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
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★★★★★ Amir Zomer November 8, 2022Excellent ride with stunning views
· Munich & the Bavarian Lakes
The trip was wonderful –
Stunning views along the way with lakes, mountains, forests and colorful villages.
We upgraded the bike and were very pleased with their quality and comfort.
The hotels were adequate for that kind of trip.Downside (The reason I gave it only 4 stars):
- The hotels were not always close to the end of the daily route.
Some days it was 2-3 Km away and in the worst case it was 20Km away!!
Just imagine thinking you’re done with your daily route after planning the riding times and then you have to ride additional 20 Km.
- The maps that we were given were not aligned to our trip – we used the App.
- The App can be improved – a sound should be added to alert when you’re off the route.
We sometimes found ourselves out of the route without noticing it because we can’t have our eyes on the screen all the time.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2022
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ Dayna Stern November 8, 2022My favorite bike tour
· Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
I love this trip! Gentle cycling, stunning scenery and nice accommodations. We requested half board which exposed us to south Tyrolean food. Highly recommended! Remember to dress warmly because you’ll be in a wooded valley part of the first few days.
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★★★★★ Brianna Oehm November 8, 2022First solo trip & first bike trip!
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Absolutely would recommend this tour for anyone! I went in April which was a bit chilly, but had the trails to myself. I felt very supported by the staff if I needed, but was independent the whole time. Fairly flat and easy trail, but the mileage added up throughout the week. Hotels were easy to find and lovely to stay at!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany
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★★★★★ Lucy Fraiser November 8, 2022Eliminated by Covid
· Wild Atlantic Way Cycling
I am sure this would have been an incredible trip but I tested positive for covid the day before the trip was to start. I plan on rescheduling the trip. Please remember to get travel insurance when you book active vacations. In Ireland, doctors would not see you if you were positive for covid, so the travel insurance co. (AIG) put me in touch with a doctor that did a virtual visit and got me all the documentation I needed for my insurance claim. We were able to get most of the money spent on the vacation back and all of the extra expenditures made necessary by the lengthy quarantining.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Ireland
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★★★★★ Gail Skutezky November 8, 2022
Best bike trip ever - so much history! Beautiful weather
· Castles and Wines of Portugal
The trip was very interesting, lots of very beautiful scenery, warm weather, we saw places that you cannot get to by car. An incredible marble quarry, beautiful cork oak tree forests and chromalechs you don't see from a car road. The cafes were so quaint and welcoming. The hotels were 15th century convents, and a beautiful farmhouse with animals, one night we stayed in a beautiful palace attached to a castle that you could climb.
The bikes were excellent. We had ebikes and they were very light. The food was excellent. The Portuguese love to please you!- What was the date of your tour?
- September 24
- 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?
- Portugal
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★★★★★ Alex Beresniewicz November 8, 2022Nothing Special
· Berlin – Copenhagen
Mostly flat riding through the countryside without much opportunity to see anything historic or even scenic outside of the cities where you start and finish. The bikes provided were excellent and the hotels were for the most part good, (sometimes daily distance seems to have forced the choice of where to stop for the night, and that means hotel choices are few...). I didn't choose this tour, my partner did, and it's not one I would consider repeating or recommending.
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★★★★★ Cindy Kinney November 8, 2022Great way to discover France
· Loire Valley Châteaux & Gardens Tour
We had a knowledgeable guide that helped us experience the beauty of France. We enjoyed the food, wine and people. Great biking and a wonderful adventure.
The gardens were amazing and the history of the area was fascinating.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- 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, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Sandy Anderson November 8, 2022Lake Constance Upscale
· Lake Constance Bicycle Path (Upscale Lodging)
This trip was good overall, yet we made a mistake by choosing Upscale Lodging because most of the hotels were not in the old towns, and we had to go through the city at rush hour with unclear directions. We would have preferred staying along the river in the old towns. Upscale lodging was not necessary.
Secondly, the KaMOOT app that we bought and tried to use was a disaster. It lead you along any trail that came up...whether it was for hikers, or a dog path, so we were constantly rerouting on the first day, until we gave up on it and used the written guide.
The bikepaths were wonderful and scenic and we loved that part of the ride.- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Germany, Switzerland
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★★★★★ James Davidson November 8, 2022
Our Danube Cycling tour - Sept 20-29
· Danube Bike Path 7 Nights (Classic)
Before I get started I wanted to thank Penelope for all her help and assistance.
We had a fabulous time. We flew into Vienna and took the train to Passau
where our hotel shuttle picked us up at the train station. The Hotels that
were set up for us were great although there were some minor snafoos along the way.
The bikes were delivered along with maps and itenerary for us with path suggestions
hotel locations and contact information.When we got to our hotel in Ashach, the hotel looked closed and the hotel door was locked.
There was no note on the door as to what to do. We called the contact number and was
told how to check-in remotely but we had to wait until someone walked out of the
door to be able to go in. The placed still looked closed, no lights, etc, but we
did find our room keys at the front desk. Just a little weird but we got through
it.We ride a lot at home so 20-25 miles isn't a lot of distance for us so we opted
for the 7 day ride (6 actual days riding). We realized that riding some days
at 40+ miles, although easy to ride, really wasn't enough time to stop and smell
the roses! Our fault for picking this plan but I would suggest to others that
riding 8 days would give you more time to see the sites.We didn't think a lot of things through, like riding through the Wachau region on Sunday
when everything was closed! Bummer. Beautiful but not a lot open that day. I guess
that is why they ran the Wachau Marathon on that day. Being an ex-marathoner, it was
fun to see all the runners.We had an issue with the brakes on my bike and we were directed by the Eurobike contact
where to go for the repair in Kremms. It didn't cost a lot and not enough to be reimbursed,
just some time lost.The hotels really were marvelous and directions to them couldn't have been better.
Our ride day into Vienna was raining and cold so when we got to our hotel, they
were sorry for us as we shivered and had a coffee in the bar, so they upgraded our
room! Score!The path is fabulous on both sides of the Danube. There were "Donauradweg" signs everywhere,
maps of the path and areas, path suggestions into and our of the towns if you wanted to
get off the main path. Guesthouses and cafes along the path were great. We had a fabulous time
and would suggest it to anyone else who might want to ride this route.- What was the date of your tour?
- September 20, 2022 - September 29, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is the only 'tour' but have ridden many 400-500 mile week long cycling events in the United States
- 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
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★★★★★ Peter Keithly November 8, 2022Well Organized Bicycle Tour of Dalmatia Coast
· · Bike and Boat Croatia’s Dalmatia Coast
Very well organized and comprehensive adventure. Probably best for those who want to use E-Bikes. Guides were energetic and fun to be around. Waiter was wonderful and very entertaining. Food was well prepared and plentiful. Our room was comfortable and kept cool for sleeping with A/C. Top deck could have been a bit more user friendly as there was no shade provided.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Dawn Richardson November 8, 2022Unique Vacation Experience
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
We had a great time on our first Boat Bike Tour and enjoyed the new traveling experience. I've never been on a cruise and was slightly intimidated by the prospect, but the small boat/barge and biking all day was a great way to see from a new perspective. I enjoyed the guided biking all day and the food on the boat was exceptional. The whole crew was great and it was fun being with folks from all over the world. Definitely considering another tour in the future! We had to postpone twice with the pandemic and were thankful to be able to go and feel safe a couple of years later. Thank you!
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★★★★★ Al Carruthers November 9, 2022Directions too vague
· Vienna to Budapest (Classic)
The bikes, biking, hotels, food and weather were all good. The route descriptions were too vague. We were given German maps which were no help. We were told they were out of English maps and were not getting them reprinted. Directions were particularly vague when trying to find hotels and how to leave hotels correctly in the mornings.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2022
- 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?
- Austria, Hungary
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BikeTours.com staff reply from JV November 9, 2022
Thanks for your feedback, Al. Next year the German map language issue will no longer be problem as our new process will prevent this from happening. Cheers and happy cycling!
