Greece

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.

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!

Wonderful trip. Guides were fantastic, very knowledgeable, caring, devoted to making our journey the best possible. They not only knew vast amounts of Greek history, they were proficient in the flora and fauna of each area we explored. My one issue involved the guide for our Santorini extension tour. I felt he took advantage of us. We met him in the lobby of our hotel at 9 am. Before the walk, he explained that we would walk 6 miles from our hotel to the area of Oia and that at the end of the walk, we would have lunch at a restaurant called Luno in Oia, and that we should get there by 1 pm. One of the 8 of us did not want to make the trek, and he told her she could meet us at the restaurant via bus or taxi if she wanted. She declined. So, the 7 of us started out on the walk. During the walk, he told us that another option would be to meet up with a van at the 3 mile mark and the van would take us to Oia if we wanted. We were trying to decide what to do. Many of us wanted to do the entire 6 mile walk. Along the way, the guide took his time, taking multiple pictures of us at various spots, stopping for several minutes at a time at different locations, and spending a huge amount of time under a cave that was being used as a parking garage. By this time, we reached the 3 mile mark at approx 12:30pm. Needless to say, many of us were hungry by that point and could't face walking another 3 miles to Oia. Conveniently, a van was parked and waiting for us at the 3 mile mark. The guide said it would cost us 60 Euros to ride the van to Oia and have lunch. We did just that, but instead of going to Luno as planned, he took us to another restaurant, where we had lunch and then took the scheduled van (as part of out prepaid tour) back to the hotel. This left a very bitter taste in my mouth--I felt as if the guide and the van that met us at the 3 mile mark had some pre-planned scheme to collect 60 euros from us. This didn't set well with me. And secondly, only 7 of us ate lunch, so where did he pocket the 8th guest's money for lunch? The lunch was to be for 8 of us. Long story short, I felt as if I had been taken advantage of. Not good!

Great hikes, lodging, food and guides for the Athens, Delphi & Meteora portion. The guide was less informative on the Santorini post-tip add on. More notice describing the Santorini hike could have been supplied. Hotel in Santorini was fine but I wonder if its feasible to lodge on the side where the hotels and villas face the sea which offers spectacular views. Overall, great trip.