It starts with the guides and they deliver on a continuous basis. Andrea and Javier (Javi) are excellent at delivering the experience promised by VBT and go above and beyond to make it all work and make sure you are happy. There are always glitches along the way, mostly created by the guests. They work tirelessly and effectively to solve every problem. Like all the other trips (we have done many). It's so much more than the wonderful biking. The farm visit to the apple orchard is amazing. Who knew so much science and technology are needed to be successful in this day and age. They explained why more than 150 apples stresses the trees and produce inferior apples. They showed us the technology they use to eliminate excess blooms. The resultant apples, juices and ciders are wonderful. The enjoyment of our visit to the Dali museum was magnified many times over by the enthusiasm and knowledge of Kim, our guide. I had no idea how many elements were in each Dali painting and how his mind worked.
Europe
VBT Continues to Deliver
Abie, New Jersey
Spain: Girona & Costa Brava
Delightful Daliland
Enjoyed the bike ride, the small cities and towns, the archeological site at Empires and the trip leaders. A delightful corner of Spain.
Don Ricardo, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Spain: Girona & Costa Brava
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
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
Great week of biking, wine and dining - perfect!
The trip was a perfect way to visit southern Portugal. The guides were awesome, always there to lend a hand or offer guidance. The bikes were outstanding - brand new fleet. The routes were interesting and scenic with little traffic. The food and wine were great. And above all the opportunity to spend time with old friends and to meet new friends was rewarding. Thanks
bikemonger, Tampa
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
Beautiful locales and local dining
This was our first VBT vacation. We were very impressed with the planning, accommodations, and route. It was a wonderful experience to bike along country roads with guides who knew the area. The hotels were lovely and the meals were delicious. Everything was top-notch.
Ebike Ellen, Minneapolis MN
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
VBT did it again
VBT has done it again. For over 20 years, my wife and I have been taking bicycle trips. We had long been hoping that VBT, our favorite tour company, would add a trip to Scandinavia. When we found out about this new trip last year, we signed up within days. It did not disappoint. Our leaders were friendly, knowledgeable and always ready to help. We had nice weather. Our mid-September departure had temperatures in the mid to upper 60s, and occasionally in the 70s. The rides were beautiful. We usually ride road bikes, but were glad to be on hybrids because there were some gravel surfaces and even a few miles of dirt road. The local people were a bit reserved, but quite friendly when approached. English is widely understood and spoken in Scandinavia. We chose to do both the pre trip in Copenhagen and post trip in Helsinki. We are glad we did. The evening cruise to Helsinki through the Stockholm archipelago was stunningly beautiful.
Graham,
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Expert guides friendly, flexible and knowledgeable
Enjoyed the variety of sights and rides. The guides were awesome and knew alot about the culture and history of Scandinavia. I apprecaietd the variety of skills the guides demonstrated in biking, tending to guests, history, and every aspect of ensuring the trip was enjoyable for al. l
RitaC, New York , NY
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Beautiful, challenging, fun group!
Beautiful scenery, charming villages, local lodging, hilly rural roads, quintessential Cotswold .
RUDY, Omaha
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
Our wonderful time in England: Bath & the Cotswold
Monica and I had one of our best, if not the best vacation we ever had. Our greatest delight was how our tour group bonded. We started to believe we were riding with friends. Our Tour guides, Tony and Mick, helped to bring this about with their thoughtfulness, courtesy and hard work. They both went out of their way to keep us safe and to get to know each and every one of us. Bath & the Cotswolds were extraordinarily beautiful, and that beauty was enhanced by being on a bicycle and riding in weather conducive to cycling. (Cool, cloudy and dry for the most part). Many of the English people along the way exuded friendly cheerfulness. I saw many people working very hard to make sure we were fed well and properly taken care of in the hotels. Each hotel had many charms, with my favorites being The Francis, (elegant) and Oxford Spires (beautiful property layout). The bicycle provided seemed sturdy and fairly new. It just happened to have the exact same derailleur as the one I have at home! Many of our companions had taken several trips with VBT, and I hope I can do so in the future!
Alexander, Portland, CT
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
france-swiss
Jean-Marc and Cedric were the BEST!!! They made the trip fantastic!
LASRKS, MN
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Almost a 5
Beautiful trip starting in magical Chamonix. Mostly bike paths along scenic rivers and mountains. Great hotels with super locations and perks-thermal baths, lake swimming,spa options and more. Energetic, engaging leaders made the trip memorable. Long shuttles and busy towns-Annecy and Chamberry were too touristy and crowded.
Seasoned bike tripper, Mystery
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Gorgeous views, rewarding rides and delicious food
This VBT trip does not disappoint! The attention to detail for every visit and experience was remarkable. I live in the mid-west and don't have many hills to train on so these rides were challenging for me, but doable and once I was done I felt very satisfied. The accommodations were all different and great in their own way. The guides were energetic and informative. I highly recommend this tour - it's a great way to see Greece!
Jaymers,
Greece: Sparta, Monemvasia & the Peloponnesian Peninsula
Wonderful trip
The experience with VBT went beyond expectations as did the part of Greece where we cycled. The Peloponnesian Peninsula is a relatively undiscovered biking jewel, I enjoyed it far more than biking various Greek Islands. Accommodations were excellent and Greek food speaks for itself. VBT and the guides went out of their way in providing a 5 star experience. The bikes were new and top quality, the routes were varied and interesting. The guides bent over backwards to please us and provide a great biking as well as cultural experience.
Marcia B, Boise, Idaho
Greece: Sparta, Monemvasia & the Peloponnesian Peninsula
Lake Como and the Italian Lake District
This area of Italy was absolutely beautiful. Especially enjoyed train ride up to Switzerland. Would recommend using an ebike.
Cathy F, NJ
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
VBT Lake Como Trip
Great trip overall, a variety of areas to ride in. The guides were very helpful. The bikes were very easy to operate and in great condition. The GOS app was easy to follow and know where to go.
Bike14,
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
A Beautiful and Varied Riding Environment
With a two adjustments, the trip would be a five star trip. One is to move the warmup ride from the congested, cobblestone streets of old town Passau to an easier riding environment. Second is to be more selective in the room choices in the hotel in the Wachau Valley. Otherwise, the trip met my expectations and more. The riding is in varying environments - forests, mountains, riversides, vineyards, orchards, and small, ancient villages. The elevation changes are minimal, there are long stretches where there is no stopping at intersections, and best of all, for all but small portions, you are riding on dedicated bike trails or bike lanes without having to worry about vehicles. Navigating was easy with Ride with GPS, and we took cues from the trail signs and the bicycle traffic. The luggage transfers and shuttles operated flawlessly.
Skiergal, Park City, Utah
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
Danube Tour - June 3 - 12
The self-guided tour was wonderful and well paced - it went through beautiful and interesting country, the people I met were kind and the food was terrific! I had some trouble, though, with the Ride With GPS app. It functioned poorly with frequent messages that the GPS signal was weak. I had to seek out directions, several times, from people in towns or on the trail.
Beth Z,
Germany & Austria: The Danube River