Spain

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.

Our favorite VBT trip to date. The cultural experience rivaled the well planned cycling routes. Time spent on and off the bicycle created lasting memories for joyful reflection.

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 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!

Having been on three other guided VBT tours we chose to sign up for this self-guided tour this time. VBT provided great ebikes, helmets, repair kits, excellent GPS directions on RidewithGPS, along with luggage transfer service. We had a contact with a VBT employee in case of emergency, but there were no other riders on our tour. I sometimes missed having a guide for local knowledge and rest stops, but we really enjoyed having the freedom to explore beyond the prescribed route, finding restaurants, beach rides and sights we would have missed on a guided tour. We saw less of the Costa Brava area than we would have on the guided tour, but we enjoyed riding our bikes into local towns in the evening for drinks and dinner. The routes were largely in the interior of la Costa Brava, up and over small mountain passes, through beautifully preserved medieval villages, farmland, and olive groves, with limited coastal riding except near the destination hotel. The hotels were all excellent and provided secure areas to leave and charge the bikes. The last hotel, Hostal Empuries, located next to the impressive Empuries GrecoRoman ruins, was particularly lovely, situated on a beautiful cove with excellent amenities excepting a swimming pool. We really enjoyed our independence during this self-guided trip!

We just returned from a wonderful self guided trip through Costa Brava. The hotels were perfect, great locations for exploring and wonderful amenities. The routes led us through beautiful countryside, panoramic views and charming medieval villages. Only suggestion would be to search for additional routes as we road the same road section 3x!!!! A few routes were a little nerve racking with high speed traffic, but VBT kept those sections short and we were well warned with the Ride with GPS app. The app with voice directions was very easy to follow. Overall this was a great trip filled with fun memories.

This was our first bike tour. It was great. The two tour guides were wonderful, laid out what to expect every day very well, were steadfastly helpful and fun. The balance between meals by ourselves and with the group was just right. The routes were all a pleasure as were the sites visited (vineyard, sea salt and olive oil producers, etc.). Some very nice and interesting hotels were included. All-in-all, delightfully planned. Some group meals were better than others, but all were OK.

Of the 10 trips we have taken with VBT, Mallorca is one of our favorites. The guides were fun to be with, the accommodations were a cut above, and the scenery is spectacular. The trip is rated easy/moderate which is accurate, given the climbs that are on some of the main routes. One afternoon option was especially difficult on a road bike, but the remainder of the days can certainly be done without e-assistance. The Palma pre-trip is interesting and the offered guided walk is worth the fee. We didn't opt for the post-trip in Barcelona since we had been there on a prior VBT trip. This trip is definitely one to consider.

This trip was the perfect combination of biking and cruising. The Emerald Radiance was a top-notch level Riverboat with a crew that felt like family by the end of the trip. The rooms were small but had every important amenity. In the evening were entertained by local dancers and singers that were an excellent representation of the local culture. This trip should be on everyone’s list.

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.

This tour is excellent. The biking routes are interesting and offer challenge for all levels, with the option of a ride in the van always there for bikers who want to avoid some hills or just need a rest. The scenery is spectacular. The tour has a perfect combination of ride days and tour days. Our trip leaders were bright, personable, competent and a fun, integral part of the group. The hotels, food, and cultural events tied it all together. I highly recommend this tour. I want to go back tomorrow!

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

The itinerary for this trip was very well thought out. The local guides, Diego and Pol, were beyond great. I would rate this trip as moderate, but you could elect to skip portions of the hikes to make it easier. The accommodations along the Camino were originally monasteries. The trip was so much fun. Thank you, Diego and Pol.

Outstanding guides who make the days and evenings fun, stunning and variable terrain, lovely paradors - and beautiful, beautiful Northern Spain.

This Mallorca hiking trip met almost all of my expectations.

Excellent tour. Our tour guides were so wonderful.