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.
Europe
VBT Continues to Deliver
Abie, New Jersey
Spain: Girona & Costa Brava
Terrific diverstiy of scenery and cultural sights.
Our 7th trip and this might be tops, but they are all so good. This trip is easy and we are so glad we did not order eBikes (we are 79 and 82). Our guides were terrific and the trip is planned so there is time for art (Dali two places),Greek and Roman ruins, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, walking the coast, seeing the Costa Brava from the sea, and exploring the old city of Girona as well as an introduction to Barcelona, where we stayed on for a week in an apartment. Hotels were great too.
Suzanne and Rich, Salt Lake City, UT, 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
Exceptional vacation
This was our first VBT vacation and we have already registered for a second trip. Provence and the Alpilles is a beautiful region of France with abundant fruits, vegetables and other agriculture. The bicycle travel through the French countryside gives an up-close and personal travel experience.
CMMitch, Arlington, VA, USA
France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon
Great trip to Portugal
Enjoyed this trip to Portugal. Good mix of easy and moderate riding to work off the fantastic food/beverages.
LeslieS, San Diego, CA, USA
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
A Great Nordic Adventure!
I have wanted to visit the Nordic countries since 1974 when I was an exchange student in Europe. Thank you, VBT, for finally making it an affordable destination! As always, the travel arrangements were seamless, the leaders were phenomenal, and the experience was second to none!
Esbehr, Clark, NJ, United States
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Great Biking & Interesting Cities
We've taken 16 VBT trips and the Scandinavia trip is definitely in the top two or three trips we've taken with them. Whoever laid this trip out really knew what they were doing. Great biking, three beautiful and most interesting cities: Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki, ferry ride experiences, the Stockholm Archipelago, great hotels, good food, incredible museums and wonderful guides who really knew the area and culture. This trip is one of VBT's very best and it won't surprise me to see it become their signature trip!
BikedItLikedIt, Springfield, IL, United States
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Brilliant! A must go tour!
My husband and I highly recommend the bicycling tour of England, Bath and the Cotswolds hosted by VBT. Our guides were brilliant, very knowledgeable of the area history, and especially mindful of all the nuances of our gorgeous route. We were safe, well cared for, and informed. Hattie, a champion cyclist, not only was a great coach of e-bike techniques, but also able to repair bikes on site if needed. Jago was brilliant with stories, history, and nuggets of interesting information as well as funny jokes. Hotels were comfortable and food provided was over the top! We certainly missed all the three course meals once back in the states. The tour included lots of must sees, including the Downton Abbey mile, tickets to Blenheim Palace and the Roman Baths. We recommend an e-bike for most enjoyment for those 60+ years old. The rolling hills of the Cotswolds are stunning!
MissLeslie, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
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
Among the top of the 17 VBT trips I have taken.
Sophie and Eve, our guides, made this early October trip on of the best. The weather while riding was fabulous and the scenery exceptional. The bike routes, the hotels and the food were all excellent. I would highly recommend this trip.
kw58, Wellesley, MA
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Cycling in Switzerland and France with VBT
Wonderful route, well planned. Excellent and unique accommodations. The group leaders (Eve & Jean-Marc) were fun, well-organized and quickly responded to all needs.
Sam B, Quebec, Canada
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
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
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
Fantastic Italian Adventure
Fantastic trip. Guides were great, and the bike route was really spectacular. The hotels and restaurants were all wonderful. I loved getting off the beaten track especially in Lake Iseo. I will add these trips are not really set up for solo travelers all that well. The guides and the other guests were lovely about including me, but I might choose a different company or tour for solo travels in the future. But I'd take friends and family on this trip and even do it again, it was so lovely.
CalifKO, California
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Self guided was great
We are always thrilled with our trips that we have taken with VBT.
KLHogue,
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
Wonderful week!
This is a delightful trip. Our VBT host, Jan, was terrific! He briefed the group at the orientation, and was completely available to anyone for questions, advice, or other help all week by phone or text. Hotels and the bike route were wonderful. The entire week of the ride was very scenic, almost all on paved bike paths and without automobile traffic. Riding along the Danube is just stunning. We had hybrid (non-electric) bikes and found that they were completely adequate, as this is not a hilly trip. We loved this trip! This was our third self-guided trip, although our first with VBT. We plan to do more self-guided trips.
C Hazlitt, Colorado
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers