Croatia

I just returned from a VBT cycling trip, and while the cycling routes and views were absolutely stunning, the hotel accommodations were some of the worst I’ve ever experienced on a group trip. The first two hotels were dirty, poorly maintained, and nowhere near the “4-star” standard advertised. Linens were stained, bathrooms smelled of sewage or urine, drains were clogged, and even the pools had visible mold. These properties were closer to budget motels than quality hotels, and the going nightly rates were a fraction of what we paid through VBT. By the time we reached the third hotel, which was finally nice, it felt like an insult that we only got one night there after five nights of subpar conditions. Other travelers in our group felt the same way and were equally disappointed. The cycling itself was fantastic, but the accommodations were a huge letdown and made the trip feel like a poor value. Unless VBT seriously improves the quality of its hotel partners, I would not travel with them again.

Great bike trip. The self-guided option was planned out perfectly. Andre was excellent and provided excellent care for us. Definitely glad I had an e-bike on this tour. Very very challenging mountains even on an electric bike 😊

Spectacular bike trip to the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia!

From start to finish - this was an amazing trip. 1. Flew into split and transferred to hotel 2. Great hotel short walk from the main part of the downtown water area. 3. Great initial tour of city and history of Roman involvement (and Popes) before boarding the yacht. 4. The Yacht was amazing - great staff (Captain, Sailors, wait staff, and chef staff) - 7 total. 5. Meals on Board were exceptional. 6. Rooms were far larger than a typical cruise ship (8 below deck and 10 above deck). 7. Bar was also exceptionally well stocked. 8. Bike rides were challenging (we were on road bikes) ... but the sights were stunning ... riding to the tops of mountains made the views that much more rewarding. 9. Mid-day activities were exceptional ... things like an olive oil demonstration with lunch ... 10. Port towns (where we docked at night) - gave some outstanding options for meals and sightseeing. 11. Yacht also had a "sun" deck and a jacuzzi - it was truly exceptional. 12. Post tour extension in Dubrovnik was a must if you have not been ... toured the walled city and walked it, took the cable car to the top of the mountain and watched sunset, visited the cave bar in Hotel More (our hotel) - it was pretty amazing by itself, and then of course ate at some amazing restaurants. 13. Guides were amazing ... Irena & Matija (we did the VBT Lake District tour 6 weeks later and bumped into Matija & family on vacation there).

This was an absolutely delightful experience. I am very impressed with VBT's way of supporting the local economy by hiring local guides, and setting up dinners with locals. Our hotels were great, the guides were wonderful, and i learned so much about local culture and history. Our guides, Mario and Neven, are just wonderful people and so helpful fun to be around.

Just returned yesterday from Croatia. This was our first VBT tour and I'm sure it will not be our last. Our guides, Marko and Vanja were exceptional and we hated to leave them. They went above and beyond with recommendations for restaurants, things to see and do during the tour as well as the post tour extension in Split.

This was a fantastic trip! As usual CW found terrific local guides - Irena & Matej, were wonderful - very organized, knowledgeable with great senses of humor. The interesting thing about this trip is being able to experience the Julian Alps and Istrian peninsula and compare the very different landscapes. While the length of the trip was perfect, I wouldn't have minded an extra day in each place! And I did appreciate that we didn't move around too much - we stayed in the same hotel for several nights in each area which allows you to settle in and relax. Another wonderful CW excursion!

This was a great trip with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and great accommodations. The guides were knowledgeable and contentious. The trip is rated easy to moderate and I think that is an accurate description, with it leaning more towards easy.

We had a great trip thanks in a large part to our guides and our Croatian hosts! Dani and Dani were a great guiding team, who adapted the itinerary to meet our needs. They were thoughtful, informative and knowledgable. I would highly recommend this trip. You will learn so much about the wonderful and beautiful Dalmatian coast.

This walking tour was awesome. The different venues, hikes and lodging was all terrific . The single factor that made the trip so good, were the two Guides. Dani and Dani were so thoughtful, knowledgeable, and their trips to lunches and meals and wine tasting, at various venues were remarkable. Getting to know some of the locals at these venues, and visiting places off the beaten path, were one of the high points, in my view.