Portugal

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.

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.

We've done several European biking trips......a couple with VBT. I would give a 5 star rating to VBT administratively, the bikes, the initial meet and greet, the towns we ended up in, and the lodging. However, I was a little disappointed in the actual bike route of this trip. A few legs of the trip were repeated, some on very rough roads, and some a bit monotonous. Also, since it was self-guided, it would have been nice to have a bit more historical facts and information with the GPS. Directions were very easy to follow, but would have liked more info. All this being said, we still think VBT puts great packages together!

Portugal is a beautiful country. On this self-guided cycling trip, we got the best of rural, urban and coastal scenery. The accommodations were always very good, and breakfasts were included. Our bikes had 27 speeds, and we definitely needed the granny gear for the hills. The two included dinners were also very nice.

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 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.

I enjoyed the trip. The rides were well conceived and challenging - except for those several towns with the coblestone streets.

As always, fabulous guides but, for the first time in 10 tours, so-so walking that was nowhere near what was originally outlined when I first signed up. Disappointing at best.

The tour was outstanding in every way. The two guides were excellent. My only complaint is with the travel arrangements which were resolved, I believe, only because I complained vociferously. .

Very well planned Tour with high quality guides that took us through beautiful trails and villages in Portugal. Better than expected !

What an incredible journey through the OldWorld/New World history of early Portuguese exploration and nation-building, breathtaking walks through gorgeous vineyards and olive groves, capped by history-laden and current must-see Lisbon, led by our excellent guides Anna and David—don’t wait another season!