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Biking & Cycling Tour & Trip Reviews
7,211 Reviews
4.8 out of 5
98% Recommend
Value
Editor’s Take
What to Look For in Cycling Tour Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary. Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
Most positive cycling tour reviews focus on the guide’s experience, energy level, knowledge about the destination and understanding of varying levels of fitness of the travelers. They’re often called out for going the extra mile, being encouraging and recommending off-the-beaten-path sightseeing and dining along the cycling tour route.
Though in the minority, negative reviews of guided bike tours focus generally on the amount and speed of biking. Some expect to cycle quickly through their destination, getting as many miles in as possible. Others are surprised that the biking is more challenging than they had expected.
In most cases, research into the varying difficulty levels of a cycling tour, and its mission, will avoid this type of negative review. There are all kinds of guided bike tour operators out there, so take the time to determine which riding personality you are before picking a cycling vacation.
Are you in it for the fitness in a new destination? Or, is the sightseeing and wining and dining more important than the miles you cover in a day? Answering these questions will help narrow down the options and ensure you pick the right cycling tour for your travel style.
If you want a professional take on taking a cycling tour, see the Travelstride Cycling Tour Guide »
Tour Reviews
S
Seraphim
Recommends
excellent trip November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
great landscape and riding with excellent trip leaders
B
Bob99
Recommends
Specular scenery with fantastic guides November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This is my third VBT trip (also did Tuscany by the Sea and Prague to Vienna) and once again they raised the bar.
From wonderful hotels to excellent -- and varied -- cycling to spectacular views, this trip had it all. The guides made certain that there were at least three separate riding itineraries each day (generally 30 to 70k), which meant those that want to get a good workout could continue on readily accessible extensions.
Already planning my next year's VBT trip...
Read more
From wonderful hotels to excellent -- and varied -- cycling to spectacular views, this trip had it all. The guides made certain that there were at least three separate riding itineraries each day (generally 30 to 70k), which meant those that want to get a good workout could continue on readily accessible extensions.
Already planning my next year's VBT trip...
F
Farmermatt
Recommends
A very well run tour in a beautiful area with nice accomodations November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
My wife an I really enjoyed this trip. I enjoyed the biking. I wish there had been more intermediate route options as my wife and I are different level of cyclists. I liked the fact that the ride was almost entirely on bike paths and rural roads. The hotels were quite nice, although they do like their hard beds in europe. It would have been nice to do some riding in around Merano where we finished. Our guides were fun and entertaining and always there when they were needed. The biking equipment was great, although I will bring my toe clips if we do another trip (I thought that we would do more walking). The included meals were generally good. 20 people on the tour seemed to be the perfect size. A great trip for anyone who wants to see beautiful fairy tale like settings without having to pedal uphill.
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F
Frangipani
Recommends
The picturesque Italian Alps provide the perfect setting for a biking vacation. November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Cycling through the Dolomites was an experience beyond description both in words and in photos. Our tour guides, Luca and Elena were so delightful and accommodating. Their knowledge and experience enhanced an already great trip. The accommodations and meals were first class. The bike routes took us through the mountain valleys and out in the countryside far from the cities. There were Kodak moments at every turn in the path. We were free to linger as long as we wished to take it all in. Though the trip was only two weeks, the memories will last a lifetime.
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S
Soozq
Recommends
Can't wait till our next one! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
We had thought about doing a bike trip for quite awhile. Our friends enthusiastically recommended VBT and specifically the Dolomites trip. I was a novice cyclist and was nervous about how I would fare. In the end, I did all of the optional rides because I didn't want to miss anything, but appreciated knowing that the van was available. The tour guides were outstanding. Trip was extremely well organized and so easy. One example of this was having our luggage arrive in our room (in most cases) by time we got there! I can't imagine a better or more fun way to travel.
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V
Vicky724
Recommends
First VBT trip but definitely not the last! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This trip met and then exceeded all our expectations. Our guides Luca and Elena were amazing - knowledgeable, charming, entertaining and very attentive. The rides every day were flexible enough so that everyone was able to enjoy them no matter what their cycling level was. This was our first time traveling with VBT and by the third day we were surfing the VBT website trying to choose which trip we would take next.
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J
Jack
Recommends
Exceptional trip leaders, great food recommendations, great hotels November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
The leaders of the trip were extremely helpful throughout the journey, and provided exceptional recommendations for dining. The selection of hotels was excellent.
S
Steve2014
Recommends
One of the finest vacations I've ever taken! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This was truly a memorable experience. Everything was perfectly as advertised beginning with pre trip Venice and ending in Verona. My wife and I were fortunate enough to tour with 16 of the friendliest and most fun loving people with whom anyone could wish to travel. Our two group leaders (Elena and Christian) were excellent. The hotels and restaurants were top notch and the scenery was something I don't think I'll ever forget. I'm very hopeful that we'll all travel together again on a VBT trip in the not too distant future. Well done VBT!
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M
Marg
Recommends
Best vacation ever! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
We've been traveling about three times a year since retiring. We've been to Africa, South America and Europe several times. The VBT trip to the Dolomites allowed us more than just an "overview" of an area. We had great biking opportunities but also had time to absorb a little of the local culture thanks to the flexible itinerary and direction of our wonderful tour guides. Biking through small villages, wineries and apple orchards (even a pleasant shower from an irrigation sprinkler) was so much fun.
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G
Ginger
Recommends
The best vacation ever November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer.
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C
ColoDaisy
Recommends
My first bike tour - wonderful! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I was persuaded to try a VBT tour by friends who have traveled with VBT many times. They assured me that everything would go perfectly-- and they were right! The trip was organized flawlessly, and the biking was easy (as described). Our tour guides were knowledgable, entertaining, and capable. And in late August/early September, northern Italy must be one of the loveliest places on earth. (This from a Colorado resident!) I am looking forward to another tour soon.
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B
Barbnjim
Recommends
life at its fullest November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Unlike tours where you gaze at world class natural and historic wonders in another culture, this tour put us in intimate touch with them through cycling, eating, drinking (of course) and guidance by local experts. I personally appreciated the fact that nearly all of the cycling was on bike paths. the tour is very personalized: Each rider could choose how far he or she wanted to go that day.
The hotels are outstanding and unique.
Read more
The hotels are outstanding and unique.
M
Meghan
Recommends
A FANTASTIC Trip!!!! November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This was a wonderful trip with great lodging, yummy food and some of the most scenic views of any trip I've been on. The tour leaders were the best!
D
DonaandConnie
Recommends
Absolutely stunning scenery with relatively easy cycling. November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents.
The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding.
As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers.
Read more
The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding.
As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers.
B
BikerChix
Recommends
Long, easy rides through stunning scenery November 2023
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I loved these 'Bike-Glides' ! Those clever folks at VBT have managed to create routes in the scenic mountains of northern Italy that are mostly downhill. But fear not advanced riders, multiple route options allow you to personalize your riding experience. You can choose a very easy 15 miles downhill, or a longer rolling ride, or even add some climbing. Trust me, I felt like a hero when I easily rode the 50 mile option on the final day.
Read more
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