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.
Europe
A Beautiful and Varied Riding Environment
Skiergal, Park City, Utah
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
Self guided was great
We are always thrilled with our trips that we have taken with VBT.
KLHogue,
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
Great trip!
The beauty of the Lake District was amazing. This trip was very well planned with the private ferry shuttles. Every day was different. Great trip!!
Nancy D Ware, Campbellsport, WI
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
The best of Italy outside the big cities
Great itinerary, with stunning scenery, walkable villages, and diverse cycling environments. Plus the ride leaders were always looking out for us and attended to everyone's needs.
Dogbite, Baltimore, MD
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
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
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
Bike Paths and Lake/Mountainviews
This was a spectacular trip the scenery was lovely the mountains and valleys. The sound of cow bells echoing in the valleys and the bike paths. Much of the trip is on bike paths by blue lakes. This is enjoyable bike trip through lovely county and small towns.
Lillian, Wi
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
My first trip and definitely not my last!
We had a great time! Everything was so well run and free of worry. The people were friendly the guides were so nice and they were from the area so very knowledgeable about the area. The hotels were top notch. There was plenty of food provided and snacks were so good while riding. It was a very interesting and beautiful area that wasn’t full of tourists and we could see how the people lived. This was my first trip and will not be my last. Had an awesome time!
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
THE Way To See The Cotswolds
Quiet country roads, scenic beauty of the Cotswolds and a rolling terrain is what you get when you participate in this VBT trip! A jolly good ol’ time was had in this part of England 🚴♀️🚴♂️
Donna T,
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
Best Way to Experience the English Countryside
Every detail of this trip was well thought out, perfectly planned and expertly, as well as thoughtfully led by Dan and Hattie, who live in the area. Their connection to the Cotswolds personalized this trip in ways that would not have been possible without their guidance. VBT organizes their trips with an emphasis on interesting, varied and challenging routes, as well as as focusing on the cultural traditions and history of the area. Ending this trip in Bath, with its 2000+ years of Roman history was incredible, and was the perfect contrast to the English countryside. The accommodations, as well as the dining experiences, were first rate in every location we stayed, charming and indicative of the history of the area and people who live there. This trip exceeded every expectation I had. Dan and Hattie were skilled, knowledgeable and most of all genuine in their concern for each of us in the group and making this trip a lifetime memory. Again, thanks to them both for their sharing their home with us in so many meaningful ways.
RR1M, Springfield, MO
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
A trip for the bucket list
As with all our VBT experiences Portugal did not disappoint. The trips are planned well from the time you take off from home until you land back at home. The transfers, the accommodations, and the in between are well thought out and planned. Any necessary changes are planned for. Portugal is tourist friendly, they are ahead of the curve with the pandemic, follow the rules. It is tough to find a bad meal, the weather was great; there is a lot of history. The cycling was easily doable for all who cycle 25 miles with some wind or hills. If you take only a few trips, make this one.
Marc from MA, Natick, MA
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
Awesome
I have done 9 trips with VBT so far, all have been great, but I must say this went to #1. The 2 best guides, the entire 20 guests like instant friends, with our leaders Prunella and Philip. I wish we had more time everywhere. The post trip to Helsinki was truly amazing, so glad we did it, only 4 of us went, sorry to say the others missed out. Jean Vermeeren
Danish jean, Anaheim, Ca
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Wonderful cycling through Scandinavia!
The best Swedish tour guides, Pernilla & Philip. Nice bikes, nice hotels, good food, great trip!
12345,
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
A great time!
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the VBT Costa Brava trip. The biking itinerary was clearly written and well planned. We are confident traveling in Europe after living there many years, however, we believe it is safer and certainly more convenient to bike with a reputable group tour. VBT offers a high quality experience which we can recommend without hesitation.
NWOCapeCod, Cape Cod, MA, United States
Spain: Girona & Costa Brava
Best Bike Trip Ever!
This was a perfect trip...Seamless. My 8th VBT bicycling trip and all were good but this one was exceptional because our leaders were exceptional. Great biking, great cultural events and guided tours, wonderful food, very cohesive group of 22 guests who really liked each other every single day. Bravo Javi and Andrea..I hope we meet again!
Laurie13, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, USA
Spain: Girona & Costa Brava
Provence is a Pleasure!
Bike routes were beautiful and enjoyable! Loved the town of St. Remy and the location of our hotel. Really enjoyed Avignon and again, the location of the hotel made exploring the city very easy.
Idaho21, Idaho
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