I want to rate this trip as 4.5 but that option is not available. The biking was great - loved the e-bike! Visiting the towns/villages along the route was a highlight. There were advantages and disadvantages to the river cruise; being a small part of the larger group of cruise passengers made it difficult to form a cohesive biking group. But staying in one place for the duration of the bike trip was a plus. Recommend the trip for those who enjoy biking as well as visiting historical towns and villages.
France
France Bike and River Cruise 2023
Sue K,
France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice
Just do it!
This was a truly wonderful trip! The river boat was great with very good food and service. The biking part could not have been better organized, designed or executed. Our guides, Sophie and Bruno, were delightful and could not have been more pleasant or helpful. They were wonderful resources for cultural and historical information and easily stepped in to give us local tours when the ship's tour time conflicted with our biking schedule.
Terry W, Florida and Maryland
France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice
VBT France and Switzerland 2023 - Great trip!
VBT France and Switzerland 2023 - Great trip in every way! ============================================== Six fantastic days of biking! The pre-trip in spectacular Chamonix was idyllic in every way. The first highlight was riding up the gondola at '' l 'Aiguille du Midi '' to the top of Mont Blanc. It was our first ever bike trip and we thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. We were very lucky to have such perfect sunny days except on our warm-up ride, we were caught in the rain. Easy riding through stunning scenery on rail trails and around lakes, stops in picturesque medieval town centers, great food, and amazing accommodations. The views were spectacular and one of the many high points were the para gliders in Annecy. Look up on your ride. It looked like butterflies coming down. This would be an excellent trip for someone's first VBT experience. Most of the people on our trip had participated in many other VBT Tours and that fact spoke volumes to the satisfaction and high quality they have previously received. My wife and I will sign up for another trip in the future! This was our first trip and will not be our last. Had an awesome time!
Mike and Lise, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
The Alps
Wonderful Trip. Beautiful part of the world. Great trails. Informed guides
Steve Durham, Houston, Texas
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Biking France Vineyard
The trip was amazing and very enjoyable. The only glitch was the tunnel was closed on one of the day trips and the copied map provided for the alternative route wasn’t very clear and we got lost. We called the support person but it was 2 hours before he called us back.
BikingBow, Alaska
France: Vineyards of Beaujolais
Cycling thru the Mâconnais region of Burgundy
Exceeded my expectations mightily. Gently rolling hills and vineyards and little traffic for the most part
France: Vineyards of Beaujolais
The service
The Guides are excellent. Patient with questions and always there to assist in bike/trail matters. Also giving us a heads up on what to expect in our travels. We learned some German as well. Bonus!🤣We always saw a guide somewhere! The crew was quite attentive ; from Stephanie and her selection of snacks, yeh!!, to her serving us nice wines. Chef did a wonderful job in such a tiny space. And the cleaning crew and Captain kept us afloat!!!
Michele R, California
France, Luxembourg & Germany Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
"The most amazing vacation."
This bike and float vacation was a wonderful way to meet new friends with similar interests. The guides were amazing and so knowledgable about the regions we traveled in. They were very well organized, considerate, and excellent at anticipating all the travels needs. the boat crew was equally as efficient and excellent. The chef made magical meals that were always delicious.
France, Luxembourg & Germany Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Boat and Bike
First timer and a wonderful experience. The staff and leaders are exceptional. Well organized and you are well cared for. Food, cleanliness of the boat and service were all above what was expected. Felt at home with everyone. Well organized group.
PCW 1, Florida
Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Overcoming the heat!
Overall really enjoyed the trip! VBT staff and barge staff were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They had a challenge to deal with the extreme heat that was present. The barge itself does not appear to be adequately outfitted to deal with such heat. The individual room AC was inconsistent at best. Not the staff's fault as they constantly tried to make it work as best they could. As passengers, we took steps to reduce the heat's impact and the staff accepted deviations from their normal procedures, which was good for all.
Joe Boucher, Madison Wisconsin
Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley
Combo cruise
This is an unusual partnership between a luxury River cruise and a traditional bike trip. It has some disadvantages.
Christina, Brattleboro Vermont
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Best Vacation Ever!
VBT knocked it out of the park. The attention to detail in every aspect of this trip was astounding. Our guides Maytas and Werner were fantastic. I would book a new trip every 6 months if I could afford to! For now, I will bask in the wonderful memories, and save up for the next adventure with VBT.
Mary jo, Chicago Il
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Amazing trip!
We had a wonderful experience. The itinerary, guides and bike routes couldn’t have been any better. Everything was planned the minute we landed in Paris. Would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in the Normandy history.
Tami O,
France: Normandy & Brittany
Bicycling France Normandy/Brittany
Planning and ride with VBT was priceless!. Our bicycle hosts did a fabulous job taking care of our every need. We also did the 3 day in Paris pre-trip, which if you do the 3 day Paris pre-trip, make sure you book all excursions in advance. We pre-booked Eiffel Tower, Palace Versailles, Tuk Tuk Paris, Louvre Museum. My one negative comment was in the city of Dinan. We had a tour guide that was obviously very familiar with the City, Architecture and history. Unfortunately, we could not hear a thing she said. She talked softly, kept walking away, talking to 1 or 2 people....you get the idea. It would have been much better if she had us wear earpieces while she talked. Other than that, fantastic time and would recommend this trip.
Beech9A, DC
France: Normandy & Brittany
Fantastic trip!
The Burgundy Wine Route trip was an exceptional vacation...it was a great mix of activity, leisure, learning and sightseeing. The trip leaders were personable, knowledgeable, and fun-loving, our fellow travelers were all interesting and friendly people, and the food, accommodations, and scenery were all first class. The daily route length choices ensured that everyone would be happy with their activity level, too. I’d highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves good food, wine, and outdoor activity. The pre and post trip extensions are also well worth it...especially the pre-trip in Lyon...there was so much to explore there!
karen27, Denver, CO, USA
France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon
Best vacation ever.
This was our first Vermont Bike vacation but it certainly will not be our last! What a great time .For us it was a perfect mix of activity,culture ,wine and food. The countryside is just delightful and beautiful. The guides were excellent and our fellow travelers were wonderful .
Goldenboy1, Vancouver, WA, USA
France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon
loved our rides thru Provence!
Great trip! Our guides were great hosts and made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and getting the most out of each day. Gorgeous part of the world.
TrishB, Northern California
France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon
Exceptional vacation
This was our first VBT vacation and we have already registered for a second trip. Provence and the Alpilles is a beautiful region of France with abundant fruits, vegetables and other agriculture. The bicycle travel through the French countryside gives an up-close and personal travel experience.
CMMitch, Arlington, VA, USA
France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon
Wonderful trip to Alsace!
We had an amazing time - And I can't speak highly enough of every aspect of this trip! Our VBT leaders, Sophie and Bruno, were exceptional, planning everything down to the smallest detail. They were a pleasure to be with in every way. We loved every hotel, each unique, and in the heart of a city, with lots to do in the area. Our e-bikes were brand new, and easy to navigate. We were blessed with beautiful weather and enjoyed our rides each and every day. I would highly recommend this trip - it will definitely not be our last. We are already booked for one next year!
Cheryl M,
Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Highly recommend - VBT and Alsace Region
This was our first VBT trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The guides were knowledgeable, positive, friendly, helpful and very professional. The GPS navigation was great. The routes were scenic, culturally diverse, and well thought out. The excursions/tours were interesting too. Recommend the ebike for the hills!
L Byrne, Outside Philadelphia PA
Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route