Spain

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.

I wasn't sure I would be able to do this ride. But I had no problem at all. I used an e-bike and kept up the group and had a ball! Everyone on the ride was wonderful and fun to be with. If you aren't sure you might be up for a ride thru Spain, think again. Anyone can do it using an e-bike. I can't wait to do my next trip!! Hum, where shall I go?

We loved this trip! Beautiful and varied biking routes; knowledgeable, competent and engaging guides, top-notch hotels, delicious food and interesting cultural activities. I wish I could do it all over again!

We thoroughly enjoyed our first VBT experience. The tour route was very well laid out and we cannot not say enough about how impressive our tour leaders, David and Frederico, both of whom are natives of Portugal. Kudos to VBT for the way they planned and conducted our tour!

We recently returned from our self-guided biking trip through Spain and enjoyed a truly memorable experience. VBT delivered on all aspects of lodging, bikes, self-guided app, and pre-trip planning. Our in-country hosts were readily available and willing to help with minor adjustments mid-trip. The routes were predominantly local road biking routes with minimal car traffic to worry about while riding. This was our first VBT trip and we would be more than happy to explore another area of the world with VBT!

We loved our self guided tour around Costa Brava. Accomodations were very nice. We especially liked the 1600's Farmhouse with the outstanding restaurant. The rides were very pleasant and vehicles were very respectful of cyclists. All the people we encountered were very kind and helpful. .

This tour is a biking paradise. Mallorca has enough challenging biking for any level of ability. VBT offers many different routes daily to satisfy all levels of competence and experience. Most days were averaging 35-45 miles for the full day, but shorter routes were available after lunch. There were hills, rollers, flats and riding on good roads was a pleasure. The hotels are excellent, each one better then the last, with the last being a Spa Resort, that is exceptional for a two night stay. Two of the hotels were in the middle of a town where walking to dinner was easy. The last hotel was stand alone, but that was the Spa Resort, were the food was excellent and included. Very friendly group, all got along, new friends were made, many enjoyable moments. But the glue that made this tour were the guides. Hanka is a people person, exceptional guide, caring, professional, always looking out for her riders, funny, good cook and a good person. Marc is every where, helping, guiding, fixing, doing any thing needed, even loaned me his bike to ride as I had a moment of change. Hanka and Marc fed off each other, are a joy to be with, a super pair of individuals. It was great seeing you again Hanka, Poland was a while ago. A truly wonderful tour, May The Wind Always Be At Your Backs, Hanka and Marc.

We had a great sequence of bike rides and visits away from the busy city of Palma. There were lots of small country roads with minimal traffic. We stopped to admire an active herd of goats tossing and hopping around eating leftover bread. Attractive boundary and terrace rock walls are everywhere as you ride by. We were told by our taxi driver that all these rocks basically came from farmer’s fields and the walls were constructed to keep their animals contained. Our VBT guides BB and Jose were both very helpful and informative. It’s a beautiful island and a key highlight for me was riding up the switchbacks to the lighthouse in Port de Sóller. The views were amazing.

This trip is a great way to see Portugal. Pre-extension in Lisbon, Emerald cruise in the Douro River valley, and post-extension in Porto. Great food, service and extremely well thought out bike routes. 14 of 16 of us used e-bikes, and unless you are a serious rider, I recommend the e-bikes. It is a river valley, so you are either climbing out of it, or coasting back in. The surrounding area is hilly. The small towns that you visit along the way are beautiful and historical. The folks are very gracious. The ship is delightful - 104 passengers, and a crew of 37. Two outstanding leaders wrangle all the bikes, and act as hosts on all the side tours at lunch, and pedaling days end. Can't say enough about how well we were taken of. All in all, a wonderful week!

Having been on many VBT trips, this one didn't quite measure up. Two problems: 1) the E- bike was very heavy and as a small woman was difficult to manage and get on and off. You do need an E-bike though as many long hills. Number 2 was Portugal itself. There wasn't much to see or do in comparison to other European trips, esp. the bike and barge trips. Here, no cute towns to explore and for the first 4 days the scenery was mostly uninspiring. Also, difficult logistics catching the river boat.The guides and boat were excellent but couldn't compensate for a trip with little off-road interest.

Very scenic bike ride through miles and miles of olive trees neatly planted in rows! Guides were so helpful and courteous. Time to tour Cordoba and Granada without biking. Beautiful accommodations - especially Hacienda Minerva in Zuheros. Post trip in Barcelona is a must! Gaudi's architecture is so creative and beautiful!!

Great way to experience Andalusia from rural, small town, big city. Very much impressed with it all.

Our tour of Northern Spain was a combination of seeing some of the beautiful landscapes of northern Spain, a flavor of what the Camino de Santiago is like and a wonderful history and cultural experience of this region of the world. Our guides were phenomenal. They took care of every detail of the tour, and made sure we got as many experiences as possible throughout the tour. They managed our safety while still giving us the freedom to explore on our own.

Really enjoyed the trip. The guides were excellent and very personable. The hiking took us through some very beautiful coastal inland areas. Some of the hiking was a bit strenuous but overall it was well planned. I would have preferred a bit more free time after the hikes in lieu of the pottery, cheese , and cider presentations.

Very satisfied with the arrangements that country walker made which not just made us work out but meals provided local interest

Our Country Walkers tour either met our expectations or exceeded them in all respects. Our guides, Helle and JuanJo, were terrific; friendly, and engaging, with sufficient knowledge of Mallorca, and environs. They provided encouragement and assistance when necessary. The accommodations were excellent.