3 Star Croatia Tour Reviews — 1 to 20 of 20
L D A.
2 days ago
Verified Reviewer
Romantica Highlights of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
I had a great trip and meet some really fun new friends. Our upper level stateroom was pretty standard, small but comfortable. Itinerary was great and our guides were very accommodating, making a special stop at an olive mill per the request of a couple of our passengers. E-bikes were in good operating order and were a must for all but one person on our trip. We did a lot of uphill climbs, one was really steep, the rest just long and steady uphill. Probably due to the terrain/hills, most rides were on the shorter side (less than 20 miles for the day). Food was plentiful, but poor quality, vegetable soup without any trace of vegetables, thin chicken cutlets that were over cooked, and a main course of pasta daily. I ended up stopping at a grocery for snacks to bring onboard.
Cahal G.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magellan Southern Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
The guides were outstanding. We got lucky with the weather, but when it didn’t cooperate they figured out alternatives that didn’t feel like compromising. That said there was an emergency where we swam in a current and three people needed assistance. The guides responded, but not one of the crew did anything. This was very disturbing.
Hilda Y.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
National Parks of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
The most memorable part was able to ride to several different places (different landscapes and villages), in beautiful Croatia and meeting other travelers.
We gave a 3 star review (more likely 3.5) due to the following reasons/observations/experiences during the trip.
a) We were originally scheduled to travel on the ship Yolo and while we were given a discount to participate in the adventure on another boat, we feel that the boat the Pacific was definitely a downgrade and not worth the partial discount. We were assigned to cabin #12, which sits just above the engine room and adjacent to the boat's generator. We expressed our concerns during initial boarding but we were told that all the cabins were taken therefore, sleeping was simply impossible when either the engine or generator were running (which was most of the time). We could not take naps before dinner in our room and of course, sleeping during the night was a challenge. Perhaps cabin #12 should Read More not be allotted to a paying customer.
b) Another issue with cabin #12 was the smell coming off the bathroom. The smell showed up when the boat was in port and it was being serviced. We do not exactly know what caused the smell but we shared our concerns to a boat member. I believe cabin #13 adjacent to cabin #12 was also having the same issues. The name under cabin #13 is John Campbell who was the leader of our group.
c) Group size of 36 people plus 2 guides was not only dangerous but challenging due to the fact that several individuals have never used an e-bike and did not have a lot of knowledge about biking. We could tell our guides were concerned while trying to keep everyone safe.
Finally, the room compromised our enjoyment of the trip but we were glad to be able to return to Croatia, a place where we got engaged over 15 years ago.
On the positive side:
a) The guides and the boat crew were amazing, especially during difficult situations.
b) The chef was outstanding! He was only 19 years old but very good and very gracious!
c) The diversity of villages and landscapes was stunning!
d) The opportunity by the crew to allow us to swim of the boat on various occasions was greatly appreciated.
Overall we had fun other than not sleeping but we will forever cherish our memories in Croatia!
Hilda Yount
Tim Van Meter
Chris S
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Istria to the Adriatic
Slovenia, Croatia, Italy
Why only three stars for this review? We did not think the route along the rail trail was very interesting. Much of it was through scrubby forest and fields. Very few villages. Parts of the trail were quite rough gravel. The last couple of days up the coast were more interesting. We felt that the other two self guided bike tours we have booked through Tripsite (Around Lake Constance and Camino de Santiago E-Bike Tour) were much Read More more interesting. Lake Constance was almost entirely paved bike trails and The Camino tour passed through many beautiful villages. While we were quite happy with the service provided by the local partner. I would not recommend this particular tour.
Dorothy P.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
The people made this tour. Some of the cycling routes were on major roads. Others were on gravel. Our guide Christopher was wonderful. Boat was ok. We had a room that had not been refurbished. Most other rooms had been updated. The main course of each meal was good but the vegetables accompanying them were overcooked and mushy. I would give the food a 5 out of 10.
Bikes were in great condition and repaired by the guides quickly if needed.
Chris s.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Istria to the Adriatic
Slovenia, Croatia, Italy
The local tour operator did a great job. We had our pre-trip meeting via Zoom a few days prior to our trip where Andrej overviewed the trip and answered all of our questions. The nine e-bikes for our group (we paid the small upgrade fee for e-bikes) were delivered to our hotel in Muggia on the second morning of the tour. They also provided chargers, locks, spare tubes, pumps, tire irons, and large Topeak trunk bags with expandable panniers. They were very organized and the equipment was in great condition. We had all installed RideWithGPS on our phones and downloaded the route. The logistics of the trip worked out well.
Why only three stars? The route along the Parenzana rail trail is not very interesting. It does not go through many villages and many parts of the trail consist of coarse and/or loose gravel. The last two days when we left the rail trail and rode along the coast were much more interesting. We have done two other self-guided bike tours with TripSite (Lake Constance and the Camino de Santiago E-Bike Tour) and found them to be much more interesting.
Charlene K.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Harmonia Highlights of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
The islands and the guides on the boat!
This is a moderate to difficult ride even with e bikes.
Gail C.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Harmonia Highlights of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
The beauty of Croatia is breathe taking! The boat was comfortable and roomy. We found that we didn’t do as much biking as we had hoped. The rides had numerous long breaks with often nothing to do. One thing we were very upset with was the guides wouldn’t phone for a taxi or other means of transportation at the end. There was something about the boat having a transfer company which was extremely expensive but they weren’t allowed to provide anything else! Never experienced anything like this before. The food was ok, but far too much cheap fish for my liking.
Donald K.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Swiss Crown Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia
The ship and the food were a very favorable part of the trip, lovely.
The bike tours were boring and ill described by the guide. Less farmland and more quaint villages would have met our expectations. The last day was the best.
Darcy and Debbie D.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Romantica National Parks of Dalmatia
Croatia
The crew were great and meals above average. Unfortunately there were not enough ebikes and the ride is very tough. The e bike riders were always way ahead and it was almost a race instead of enjoying the country side. Only stopped to swim twice, the captain seemed more concerned with rushing to the next port to get a spot on the dock. We were below deck and the ship stayed running when parked which made it very noisy to sleep. Wifi was very limited on the boat and most cabins did not have wifi. We had a great trip with friends but would suggest looking at all cruise line options for your trip needs. The Dalmatian Coast is beautiful.
anna • 2 years ago Tripsite Staff
Thank you for taking the time to write this feedback, it is invaluable to us! I'm so sorry the ebikes were sold out at the time you reserved, you are correct that it is very difficult to keep up with ebike riders while on a regular bike. We do have an ebike-only version of this tour for anyone wanting a guarantee of this option.
Being rushed around is no way to experience a destination so I'm sorry to hear you didn't get the time you wanted to swim and enjoy. We have already discussed this issue with the boat which will be rectified for future departures. Croatia is too gorgeous to rush through!
Jean H.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Swiss Crown Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia
The trip provided an excellent introduction to the countries and cities visited - the bike tour guide, and some of the extra options, we’re very worthwhile. However communication between Tripsite and the contractor, Rad and Reissen, was poor and marked by numerous breakdowns. Most significant was that the Covid protocol we were told would be followed wasn’t, at all, and several people, including both of us, contracted Covid during the trip. Between us we missed seven days of activities while confined to our cabin.
Krystyna s.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Kapetan Jure National Parks of Dalmatia
Croatia
The trip was well organized once we got there. The guides and staff on the boat were great. The booking agent for Tripsite was extremely poor. I had a gluten allergy (I'm a celiac) and I informed her of this allergy 8 months prior to the trip. The month before the trip it became a huge concern that the boat could not accommodate my allergy when your website claims differently. The agent told me that Croatia is not aware of gluten free food and it would be near impossible to help me. As a result I purchased a huge amount of food to bring with me and had to check extra baggage to accommodate this $75 each way. When I got there, I noticed that virtually every food store had a huge selection of GF food, even the smallest ports had GF items. The agent clearly did not know what she was talking about, I am very dissatisfied at the huge grievance she caused me, the extra baggage I had to bring and the hassle and cloud she put on me. I did not appreciate this at all. It is curious to me that on your rating form you do not provide me with any place to rate the booking experience. That's what needs the most attention.
Carla from Tripsite • 5 years ago Tripsite Staff
Hi Krystyna,
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed your tour!
I am sorry you were not pleased with my service, however I do not feel your description of our correspondence is accurate. Please review our email exchanges again. I never told you that Croatia was not aware of gluten free meals. We had recently become aware of a serious issue with gluten intolerance, and hence, emailed you regarding your request. I informed you several times that the boat COULD accommodate gluten free meals, however if your disease was serious enough that separate pans and cutlery must be used to avoid residue, we could not accommodate that request.
My intention was only to be safe and take care of you the best way possible.
Wendy R.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Theodor Körner Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia
Mary R.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia
The cruise through the iron gate was a highlight of this trip. Cruise director did a great job throughout the cruise. Weather was much warmer than average and many days of biking were at 90 degrees F on roads and trails with little cover or shade so were somewhat more difficult than anticipated. It was a great experience but people need to be aware that most of the riding in the Eastern European countries are on the side of roads sometimes without a bike lane and there was some traffic.
Wendy • 6 years ago
Did you just do the trip? I am seriously considering this trip with my husband. Would end of April or mid June be better? Those are the 2019 dates offered we are considering.
Any other tips/advice or details you can add would be appreciated. Thanks
Mary R. • 6 years ago
Wendy • 6 years ago
Mary,
Thanks ever so much for all of the useful information you provided. We have booked next June and are quite excited. We love the bike and boat combination. It’s a great opportunity to have a nice mix of travel/touring and exercise. We did Brussels to Bruges last year and loved it. Mantova to Venice is booked for this fall.
Again thanks much. Who knows. Maybe our paths will cross on some trip.
Onja B.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Odisej Along the Dalmatian Coast
Croatia
Croatia is gorgeous and the food was great. The cook, ivanna, and the guide, ben, were amazing with understanding the participants skill level and dietary needs. The cycling was not as described or the descriptions could have been better. One full day we were on a pedestrian path with many people to dodge- not fun and not real cycling. Molat was the best route!
The captain was difficult, drunkenly, egotistical, chauvinist and making lewd comments whenever addressing women.
Catharine B.
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Odisej Along the Dalmatian Coast
Croatia
The bike riding and the scenery in Croatia were stunning. Many interesting things to see and the beaches are beautiful and refreshing after a hot day of bike riding.
nancy busboom • 7 years ago
We are interested in this trip for our 50th anniversary. Why did you only give it 3 stars. How were the cabins on the ship
Cathy Butler • 7 years ago
I had no idea that this was posted on their site. But since you have asked, I will briefly reply. We had many issues but I would say the biggest one would be smoking on the ship. It was allowed anywhere, even at dinner table. We had to have a discussion about this when we got on board and that didn't make us very popular. Spent a lot of time avoiding the smokers. Also, lunch is to be included but tour guide preferred to stop at a restaurant for over an hour and buy lunch. We still packed a basic lunch, and always ended up waiting for the others in the restaurant. We had other issues as well but the scenery was stunning and it was a beautiful place to ride. I would not say no to this trip, but it depends on your expectations.
Mike Tansey
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
David Taylor
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Princess Diana National Parks of Dalmatia E-Bike & Boat
Croatia
Road surfaces were rough. Ride routes were hilly. Brought our own bikes.
Magdalena Cheung
9 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Venice to Poreč
Italy, Slovenia, Croatia
I found the trip operator a bit disorganized. Nobody told us that the tour guides & map etc were put in our room, and we did not know until the briefing time. During the briefing we went through the material kit, but we were not offered any additional info. The options re the accessories with the bike were not chosen by us, but the operator insisted we chose it and refused to exchange reading board for bike bag.
The map and guide do not always match. We expected bike route would be traffic free and for bike only, but apparently 90% of the time it was not the case. The bike was a bit heavy for me, especially I am only slightly over 100lbs.
Babara Mack
9 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Harmonia Dalmatia from Dubrovnik Plus
Croatia
The least satisfactory part of this trip was the food - I thought there would be more fish options, considering we were on the sea. The 2 fish dishes that were served were not good - one was very dry, and the other was smothered in a too-salty sauce. The desserts were memorable - for their lack of taste. The breakfasts were fine. The salads that preceded each main course were also fine. Someone mentioned that it might be worth Read More your charging a bit more and offering better quality food. I was not the only one disappointed in the food offerings. More opportunities to swim would also have been appreciated, at least by me.
Actually, upon thinking about this, I probably wouldn't recommend this program, and would encourage others to look for better options.
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