4 Star Bike Tour Reviews — 751 to 780 of 896
G. Dunsmuir
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Gandalf Authentic Holland
Netherlands
I would recommend this trip but only if a group of friends were going or if there was some way to know the mix of language of fellow travellers. I was the only person who did not speak the German language. I felt very isolated. A number of German people did try to speak English but it was hard work for them and they were on holidays. One English sailor on board as staff was very kind and attentive. The cook made wonderful gluten free dishes for me!! The guide did an excellent job of switching back and forth from German to English. The cycling and countryside was very pleasant. Sometimes the stops were a bit long but perhaps that was because I couldn't chat around with other travellers.
R. Bass
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
We had a problem with sewage odor in our room - which they boat crew was unable to fix - Also room was hot and we had to use a fan. When we complained to Rad and Reisen about the temperature they denied that the AC was not working. We complained to Rad and Reisen and they issued us a 10% refund which Tripsite matched. We appreciated your concern attentiveness to these problems and you willingness to offer some compensation.
Despite these problems, overall the trip was great - good people, great rides and beautiful scenery and points of interest. We would definately book another trip with your company, but not with Rad and Reisen.
J. Farina
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Soleo Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
The trip was great! Mostly all positive. Tom and I would like to have the pace a bit faster....that was the only negative.
H. Devine
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Andalusia - Seville to Granada
Spain
Our guide Jeff got off to a rough start by being late and because he was alone trying to resolve faulty bikes, was not able to provide several walking tours that were discussed in the itinerary. He wasn't a ""people"" person and didn't respond well to equipment problems and various requests by the guests. Toward the end of the trip, he really tried to redeem himself though, and knocked himself out to be helpful. Jeff is a wonderful person and I enjoyed his company and expertise very much. I think it was a little much to have 10 guests with only one guide to Read More handle everything.
The hotels were fine, some a bit dated, but acceptable. I would have been willing to pay a little more for slightly better accommodations in Seville and Granada.
Breakfasts at the hotels were all very good, but the group dinners provided in Seville and especially Alcala a Real were seriously awful. Definitely needs to be rethought and the restaurants upgraded. We would have preferred to dine on our own.
The approach to Granada was a big buzz-kill. We had been riding for days in bucolic serenity, and to navigate the busy traffic circles and congested streets, trying to follow the guide's van was frightening, dangerous and a big let-down. Just as we took a local bus from Seville to our bike point in Carmona, the same should have been done with our ending. I would recommend that taxis be called at the last lunch stop outside of Granada to take guests and their bags directly to the hotel, with the bikes finally put away in the van at that point. Much better than the guide trying to transition everything on a busy sidewalk in front of the hotel after a harrowing ride. There was simply no reason to continue the bike course into the heart of Granada.
Other than Granada, the bike course overall was outstanding -- I can only say wonderful things about the beauty, friendliness and road quality, including the Via Verde, what a treat. The rest day in Zuheros was actually our favorite day, with a lovely hotel and pool to enjoy.
My negative comments are only meant to be constructive and to improve upon what was a fantastic vacation for us. We only want to do bike vacations from now on, and can't wait to plan the next one. Congrats to Tripsite for having such a great site and ability to find unique tours and operators all over the world. "
Jehiel • 7 years ago Tripsite Staff
Thanks for your helpful feedback above. We have relayed this information to our local partner who has since made changes to the tour base on your feedback. Our local partner has purchased a new fleet of their own E-bikes (rather than utilize bikes from another supplier). The restaurant in Alcala la Real has suffered some changes in management and the operator no longer uses them.
We really appreciate your feedback and use it to improve the tours we offer. We hope to help you plan your next cyling adventure!
E. Greer
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Paris to London
France, England
Everything did not go perfectly all the time but we had a great time and the guys from Girolibero were always doing their best to help out when needed.
W. Staab
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique II Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Great bike leader. Have name tags for participants or for bikes to help us w names. Would like to have been brave enough to ride on my own! Some participants were not really regular cyclists. Would have been good to have a briefing re group bike rules, including spacing, passing, signaling, warnings, etc.
M. Hunt
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amalfi Coast - Tyrrhenian Sea
Italy
We had a long line of riders of various abilities even though it was basically a flat ride. There should have been an official sweeper at the end of the line. Our guide was a great guy but seemingly casual in this regard. Toilets on the boat needed continual tweaking - a bit unnerving. Loved the crew- all hard working, super upbeat and friendly.
E. Greer
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Deriya Deniz Amalfi Coast - Tyrrhenian Sea
Italy
Everything did not go perfectly all the time but we had a great time and the guys from Girolibero were always doing their best to help out when needed.
V. Milner
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Deriya Deniz Amalfi Coast - Tyrrhenian Sea
Italy
Well organised overall. In honesty the food was at times ordinary with great emphasis on fish & pasta. Bit more variety would have been good. Riccardo (tour guide) was excellent - he really made the tour worthwhile with his enthusiasm and knowledge. Not all staff on board were as friendly or able to communicate which did make a big difference to the overall atmosphere on board. We did have some difficulties with the booking process initially which remained unresolved in that we were unsure of why someone was phoning us from US.
K. Sattler
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Only thing missing was quality wifi on the boat. The trip more than met our expectations
P. Watson
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Anna Maria Agnes South Holland Tour
Netherlands
Due to the length of the cycling routes, there should have been better quality bikes. All gears should have been in working order.
L. Roussinos
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Gandalf Authentic Holland
Netherlands
The food quantity was good but hardly any quality in it. Four out of seven meals were rice oriented, little meat substance and overall not comparable to other similar meals on other barge and bike trips we have taken and the first time we have ever had "fish" lasagna!
Breakfasts were by far the best meals and there was always plenty to go around and to Read More prepare for your take away lunch. The crew were friendly and welcoming. I would most definitely recommend this trip if done on a better ship. The trip gets 5 out of 5 stars, the ship hardly 3 out of five.
K. Hadley
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Fluvius Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Some wait staff could have been more accommodating. We seemed burdensome at times. Running out of food & then having to wait for more or not refilled at all was an annoyance.
Jehiel • 8 years ago Tripsite Staff
Hello K. Hadley,
We are very sorry to hear this. We have since spoken with our partners on the Fluvius and they have taken steps with their staff to correct this problem. We work very hard with our local partners to provide the best experience for our guests. We hope to help you plan your next trip!
S. Breaugh
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
Overall I really enjoyed our trip. However, our guide Piet left a lot to be desired. He got us from the boat and back each day but that was about it. We had very few stops during the day for water breaks or photos. He did not provide any "tour guide" type of information like history or pointing anything out of interest, or even a clear idea of the details of the following day. While we got to all the towns on the itinerary, everything was pretty much closed after dinner so we couldn't do any sightseeing in towns on our own. The guide on our sister ship "Liza Marleen" did much more with her group.
On the plus side, the barge Sailing Home was excellent and the crew was great - very friendly and helpful. Our chef Markus was amazing.
I had an electric bike and I loved it. It made the trip much easier and enjoyable. Highly recommend it for inexperienced bikers.
P. Shackleton
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
La Belle Fleur Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
Absolutely fabulous people(both tour guide & barge owners), amazing routes and clean accommodating facilities. The food was plentiful and some of it quite good. Some meals were a bit thin and breakfast & lunch too much the same stuff. However, for the cost of this trip it was very satisfactory; I have recommended the Fleur d Bell and thank all organizers for a smooth and memorable trip!
J. Sheldrick
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Alentejo Vineyards
Portugal
However, there are two things something that could easily have made the trip more enjoyable: putting kick stands on the bikes and improving the maps and written directions.
It was incredibly annoying not to be able to stand the bikes up as we stopped frequently for pictures and most of the time, there wasn't anything to lean the bikes against. Having to lay them down on the ground sometimes resulted in the rear pannier getting knocked off centre which then meant readjusting it.
Even though a gps was provided and was invaluable, we found the maps to be very poor most of the time, one time even the local tourist office couldn't help us! It would be very helpful if simple written directions were Read More included on how to best leave the hotel and / or town to start the day's journey.
We were impressed with the care and attention given to the safety aspect with the tools and equipment provided including a phone. We very much appreciated being picked up by Francisco at the train station in Pinhal Novo and also by Sofia who drove us from Evora to our hotel in Sintra. Thanks again!
E. Heide
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Normandie Along the Danube - Passau to Vienna
Austria, Germany
We would have like more written details of the areas we were seeing. We also would have liked a stronger wifi connection. Food and service was excellent.
L. Epstein
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
La Belle Fleur Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
More hot breakfast food. The route was semi-urban and suburban and that could have been made clearer beforehand. I liked doing one or more interesting stops each day. Keukenhof day was terrific, including cycling by tulip and hyacinth fields.
B. Carrigan
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Andalusia - Seville to Granada
Spain
We were looked after by our guide and the route was good. Spanish drivers were very considerate.
Susan B.
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Quo Vadis Tulip Tour - 8 day
Netherlands
Super trip. I was a inexperienced bicycler and the ebike made the journey very enjoyable.
mary
8 years ago
Tripsite Staff
Tuscany - Florence, Siena, and the Chianti
Italy
This is Mary from Tripsite and this was my very first Tripsite tour back in 2010, I believe. I was traveling alone and self guided so flexibility was required, not to mention that my first cycling day was the coldest on record for years! ( I was cycling in early April.) I did get turned around a few times as I learned to read the route descriptions and follow the maps but each Tuscan hilltop was a reward in and of itself. From this tour I learned that when cycling self guided do expect: 1. To get turned around at least once or twice 2. That the Italians will always tell you to go straight 3. That the ancient streets many times do not have their names clearly visible 4. That most of the towns are located on a hill. 5. That Tuscany is simply stunning! Highlight: seeing Florence from afar from a hilltop and then cycling down and into the ancient city itself. I also learned that some of the best experiences happen when you least expect it! I am giving this a four star because personally I felt the bike was very heavy (but thankfully geared low enough for the hills!)
mary
8 years ago
Tripsite Staff
Costa Brava - Dali’s Country
Spain
Mary from Tripsite, here! I biked this tour about four years ago, shortly after we began to offer it. I had lived in Spain during my college years and it was wonderful to return! I will not rate this tour 5 star because I found the welcome meeting to me inconvenient for me. I was combining two days into one and wanted to get on the road but the pickup location for the bikes is an actual bike shop which happen to be busy and I did not get started until much later than I would have preferred. There was also a point on the Greenways where I became very confused and ended up off track by several kilometers. This tour now includes GPS devices and tracks and I think that is the way to go. Bikes are very good, accommodations are lovely and unique....overall, a great tour.
Vivien Watts
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Unfortunately one major problem became apparent. The tour director was charming and affable when presenting to an audience, but his manner often vacillated (changed) when talking with individuals. On many occasions he was rude and dismissive, including sometimes making derogattory comments. Due to his public persona (welcoming and friendly), I was really shocked by this. At times he gave the impression that he was putting on an act, that he really did not like or enjoy his job and the guests were an infuriating annoyance to him. Even allowing for tiredness and stress, I do not think there is any excuse for rudeness to friendly (and paying) customers. I was not the only one to observe his changeable attitude or bear the brunt of his dismissive rudeness. As it wasn't possible to pick what his response Read More would be (ie positive or negative), I only spoke to him when spoken to. I shudder to think of his treatment of the genuinely lovely and diligent cleaners and kitchen staff. Perhaps it's time for Leslie to retire.
Dianne Cunningham
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Discover the Dordogne-old version
France
Initial bikes provided were in very poor state. They were replaced when we contacted local agent at the end of the first day.
Deborah Waldo
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
My Story Along the Danube - Four Country Tour
Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary
Food was not we are accustomed to on trips of this type.
Patsy Duggan
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Fluvius Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
My sister and I loved the trip and have told many people to book the barg trip. One of the best trips I have had.
Alex Ladouceur
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bordeaux Wine Country
France
Some hotels definitely better than others. Also some of the road directions were not translated well. Overall, however, generally satisfied with the trip but the service could use some improvements.
Chris Pavich
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Allure Koblenz to Merzig
Germany
One problem became evident at the time of the one significant incident when one client while riding her bicycle down a sloping gravel road ineptly/incorrectly applied her front brake only, and somersaulted, leading to a serious leg injury. The group problem as far as I am concerned was only the lack of easy communication between the cycle group leader and the last riders in the group. The designated last rider needs a device such as a small UHF transceiver, or where mobile phone coverage is a certainty a tested/checked cellphone link, to be able to immediately alert the leader of any problems behind.
Paavo Kivisto
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Feniks Bruges to Paris
Belgium, France
Issues related to the boat: bad smell, cabin room was cozier than we would choose in the future. Laundry facilities were inadequate. We really enjoyed the trip, the guide and the experience!
Ross Densky
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Soleo Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
This is the second barge and bike trip we took with Tripsite and I would have to say we liked the scenery more on the Taste of Burgundy than we did with Provence. Riding the in the Camargue got a little boring. Other than that we enjoyed the overall trip.
All Tour Reviews by Country
Boat/Barge Reviews
- Magellan
- Magnifique I
- Magnifique II
- Magnifique III
- Magnifique IV
- Mare fan Fryslân
- Merlijn
- Florentina
- Normandie
- Princess
- Olympia
- Panagiota
- Pape Prvi
- Primadonna
- Princesse Royal
- Prinzessin Katharina
- Romantica
- RV River Kwai
- Sailing Home
- San Snova
- Sarah
- Stella
- Sundial
- Swiss Crown
- Thalassa
- Flying Dutchman
- Vietnamese Junks
- Vita Pugna
- Vivienne
- Wending
- Zwaan
- Zwaantje