Spain  Bike Tour Reviews (page 3)

  • Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
    (5/5) Miguel7844 October 21, 2019

    Amazing Cycling Experience

    · Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors

    What a great trip! Just imagine staying in old castles as lodging and cycling from one castle to another going past ancient rivers and seeing condors fly right above you. That’s what you have in this trip. The cycling was challenging enough to keep myself engaged as an avid cyclist. The best part if this trip was going thru small towns and cycling in a part of Spain that isn’t talked about enough. Extremadura is an amazing place to visit!!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 5, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    Spain
    • Bike overlooking Tajo River (photo by Miguel7844)
    • 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
  • Majorca
    (3/5) Mild Bill October 16, 2019

    Great ride but horrible bikes

    · Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island

    We enjoyed generally the trip locations. Ride instructions were definitely a little fuzzy at times but generally good. The bikes were horrific. They had these heavy, equipment laden bikes that were meant for city riding and not going through the countryside. Not the type of bike meant for doing long hill climbs. Hotels were fine and had good locations, but again instructions to get to them were not great. We had to incur roaming charges to find one because the instructions they gave to find it would have put us the next town over.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 26th
    How many tours have you completed?
    22
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Rioja: Hidden Spain - Land of Wine
    (5/5) Mari October 14, 2019

    Amazing cycling through beautiful landscapes & small towns

    · Rioja: Hidden Spain - Land of Wine

    The Rioja self-guided cycling tour was amazing! Our group of 5 friends were a mix of varying levels from sport cyclists and occasional cyclists – and we all enjoyed the route, especially the first few days biking through remote roads with few if any car traffic. Even the last two days where we were biking with more cars was not bad since we had designated bike lanes and the drivers were all very kind in giving us plenty of space.

    Highlights were cycling through the canyons and along the Ebro River, stopping by small towns for pintxos, and enjoying the homemade meals especially by chef Alberto at Hotel Romanca and the lovely family at Posada Molino del Canto. The beautiful Hospederia de los Parajes was also a wonderful end to wrap-up our week-long trip.

    My husband & I have been on several cycling trips and by far, the road bikes provided by IberoCycle were of the best quality. The bikes definitely made the cycling tour that much more enjoyable, especially with the daily climbs. The tour is listed as a Level 2 but compared to a prior Level 2 BikeTours.com tour in Italy/Croatia, the steep climbs made it feel more like a higher Level 2. All in all though, it was still doable even for our most beginner of cyclists (friend who hadn't been on a bike for 5 years!)

    Overall, highly recommended!

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    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?
    Spain
    • Photo 1 (photo by Mari)
    • 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
  • Camino de Santiago
    (5/5) DougC October 9, 2019

    Great trip through beautiful country!

    · Camino de Santiago: From Leon to Santiago (Guided)

    This was my fifth trip I've booked through BikeTours.com and it reinforced why I keep coming back. The itinerary was great and the riding was spectacular. It was a nice mix of road riding and trail riding. We toured medieval castles, monasteries, churches and countless small villages and hamlets. Our guides were fantastic. They knew the route extremely well so were able to get us to the best places, from an old monastery slightly off the route that many miss to the best restaurants in each town. Jose (our bike guide) and David (our support van driver) were both incredible. Though no technical single track, there was some spectacular trail riding interspersed with road riding on country roads. There are a few days of big hill climbs but each one had views that made it all worthwhile. I highly recommend this trip to anyone with an itch to explore NW Spain by bike.

    What was the date of your tour?
    22-28 SEP 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    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?
    Spain
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors
    (4/5) DRC1 October 8, 2019

    Great intro to Extremadura

    · Cycling Spain’s Land of the Conquistadors

    An area with tons of sites and (relatively) little visited. Can you say Juradilla de la Vera? The Paradors are outstanding. Only down side of trip is that it involves a substantial amount of blacktop. Plus side of that is that it is usually lightly trafficked. We had ebikes and grateful we did because some of the days are long and with a difficulty greater than I would have otherwise enjoyed. The bikes were first rate, German built with Bosch drives. Can’t comment on support because we needed none.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept/Oct 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    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?
    Spain
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Medieval Villages of Catalonia
    (5/5) kathy60 October 1, 2019

    Beautiful coastline & Great Hotels

    · Medieval Villages of Catalonia

    We have done many trips with biketours and this will be remembered as a very special one. The hotels were very good and we even had ocean view rooms! This is extremely rare on packaged bike tours, even when upgrading hotels. The old town of Girona is fun to explore. Daniel provided a good briefing and even though this was September, his bikes were excellent and seemed brand new. This is a rarity for September tours as usually it's evident the bikes have already been used all season. As someone else mentioned, Daniel provides both a gps and an adroid with the routes on maps.me. This makes the trip so much more enjoyable for the navigators! The Brava Costa coastal area in early September was beautiful and we swam every day. The restaurants are still open, but not as busy as in August. The Arc Hotel in Monells is a little gem and very relaxing. The route itself has some dirt roads and some hills ... and even though the distances are shorter, if it's hot you'll feel like you've had a good ride, with time for a swim after each day.

    What was the date of your tour?
    early September, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    15+
    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?
    Spain
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Gabby September 30, 2019

    Perfect trip and ride for vacation

    · Medieval Villages of Catalonia

    We loved the rides, and places to stay on this trip. Daniel did an excellent job prepping us and providing us with a gps and a smartphone with a map that made this the easiest self guided tour we have done. The hotels we stayed at and the towns were beautiful. Do not pass up eating at Hotel Arcs in Monells. Best meal of trip and we had a lot of great meals.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 16-21
    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?
    Spain
    • 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
  • Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrim’s Route
    (5/5) Gillhart September 29, 2019

    Cosmic!

    · Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrim’s Route From Astorga to Santiago

    Cycling the Camino was a
    revelation! The routes chosen, the hotels (minus one loud one in Sarria), the food, the transport of luggage, everything was thoughtfully organized and otherwise excellent. I highly recommend this trip! (I do have some suggestions about maps and directions which will make the trip even better. Let me know if you’d like them, Biketours!!)

    How many tours have you completed?
    None
    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?
    Spain
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe September 30, 2019

      Thanks for the high-star review! If you like to send us your suggestions, simply respond to the email generated by this response. We'd love to know more!

    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Camino de Santiago
    (5/5) Petey September 23, 2019

    Can’t wait to do it again

    · Camino de Santiago: From Porto to Santiago de Compostela

    We did the coastal route self guided. We stayed in the “moderate price” lodging option without dinner plan.

    The bike were in very good condition. We went in September when it was dry and did well with hybrid tires. We were outfitted with 2 new Garmin gps’s loaded with the daily routes. They were helpful especially when I got up to speed on using them.

    We also had the smart phone app that the tour operator provides. That was super helpful.

    I thought the accommodations were terrific. Breakfasts were good and included daily. Our baggage was transferred without any problems.

    This is a combination ride of trail and mountain biking. The single track mountain portion is not extensive and detours for them could probably be worked out if you wanted to. We noticed that some of the guided tours do that. We train on road bikes and are in our late 60’s, so it was a great feeling of accomplishment though challenging.

    The orientation we got from Pedro was complete and detailed. He kept up with us along the way via email and had some good suggestions.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 3 - 9, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Portugal, Spain
    • Photo 1 (photo by Petey)
    • Photo 2 (photo by Petey)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Petey)
    • Screen shot of phone app provided , works with gps. (photo by Petey)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Northern Spain
    (5/5) Jayhawkersara September 14, 2019

    Awesome! Highly Recomend!

    · Northern Spain: Cantabrian & Asturian Coasts

    Amazing Service, excellent accommodations, I would highly recommend this tour company for any tour they have. From pick up to the route to the drop off at the airport, it was amazing. Best tour ever. Traveled with several experienced people who had used multiple bike tours and they all said this was the best.

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/1 - 9/6
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 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
  • Andalusia: Southern Spain
    (3/5) Chris 77 August 14, 2019

    Interesting trip with contrast between route and hotels

    · Andalusia: Southern Spain

    Did get a picture of that region of Spain. The hotels were great but the route was not very interesting and some of the dirt roads were in very poor condition. The GPS was poor and the written instructions are necessary. Ebikes are not a bad idea. The tour should definitively give the bikes the night before the first day of riding to get an early start so you can enjoy the hotels after a not great first ride day.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May
    How many tours have you completed?
    More than 20
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 3/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Rioja: Hidden Spain - Land of Wine
    (5/5) TJS53 July 29, 2019

    Amazing Scenery along the Ebro River

    · Rioja: Hidden Spain - Land of Wine

    The route takes riders through some of the most sparsely populated and beautiful parts of Spain. Much of the ride along the river winds through a deep canyon. Although the route follows the river downstream, there is significant climbing (and some of it steep) everyday, but the pay off, terrific views and then long downhill stretches, is well worth it. The tour is ranked 2?, but it is a 3.

    The route takes riders through interesting villages steeped in history. You'll see churches, castles, bridges, plenty of wheat and sunflower fields. There are quite a few opportunities to get off the bicycle, see the sites and interact with the locals. Be sure to see the castle and the cathedral in Frias. In Laguardia we arrived in time to witness the "running of the cows", an annual festival featuring a parade of town dignitaries and marching band that culminates with the release of cows that romp through the cobblestone streets. A good time was had by all, except maybe for the cows.

    We took the tour during a record-setting heatwave, three days of temperatures over 100 degrees, so we started early each day to get to the next hotel before the heat became unbearable. I'd plan to do this trip during a time of year more likely to offer moderate temperatures.

    The hotels were always good. However the Posada de Ormas, Hotel Romanca and the Hospederia de los Parajes in Laguardia were outstanding.

    All in all this is a good tour and a great value.

    What was the date of your tour?
    6-23-2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • The Castle in Frias. (photo by TJS53)
    • Orbaneja del Casillo (photo by TJS53)
    • Photo 3 (photo by TJS53)
    • BikeTours.com staff reply from Chloe July 30, 2019

      Thanks for the review and comment about the difficulty. We'll be sure to note that in our year-end review of this tour. We're elated to hear you enjoyed your time in Spain, and thanks again for sharing what you saw and experienced.

    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 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
  • Andalusia: Southern Spain
    (5/5) DewDrop July 4, 2019

    Glorious Trip, but a bit over our capabilities.

    · Andalusia: Southern Spain

    This trip was rate a 3/5 on difficulty. We asked our advisor if we 65 year old bike amateurs could handle it. We had a hard time completing the 40 mile days. The GPS that we got through the tour was also very hard to read and use. But we did love the trip, the hotels were all first rate. The choices were fascinating. The country side excellent.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 18-25
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 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
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Andalusia: Southern Spain
    (4/5) Chris 77 June 14, 2019

    Lots of history

    · Andalusia: Southern Spain

    Interesting cities and great accommodations. Would recommend ebikes for those of us over 75. Definitely suggest the tour company issue the bikes the evening before the first day as the day is long with lots of dirt track - best to get an early start to enjoy the destination.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May
    How many tours have you completed?
    17
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Majorca
    (5/5) Danielito June 13, 2019

    Very enjoyable island loop

    · Majorca: A Loop Tour of the Beautiful Balearic Island

    We hadn't been to Majorca before. This was a great way to explore it. The maps were excellent and the bikes were good quality city / touring bikes. The Euro-bike stickers on street signage are really helpful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2019
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Spain
    • 3/5 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