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
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
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
Great week of biking, wine and dining - perfect!
The trip was a perfect way to visit southern Portugal. The guides were awesome, always there to lend a hand or offer guidance. The bikes were outstanding - brand new fleet. The routes were interesting and scenic with little traffic. The food and wine were great. And above all the opportunity to spend time with old friends and to meet new friends was rewarding. Thanks
bikemonger, Tampa
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
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
Expert guides friendly, flexible and knowledgeable
Enjoyed the variety of sights and rides. The guides were awesome and knew alot about the culture and history of Scandinavia. I apprecaietd the variety of skills the guides demonstrated in biking, tending to guests, history, and every aspect of ensuring the trip was enjoyable for al. l
RitaC, New York , NY
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Wonderful cycling through Scandinavia!
The best Swedish tour guides, Pernilla & Philip. Nice bikes, nice hotels, good food, great trip!
12345,
Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden
Bath/Cotswolds Observations
I am an infrequent bike rider (but in generally good shape) and used E-bike (with power on) throughout the trip given the hilly terrain. I participated with spouse and 6 other friends; our overall tour had 19 riders and two guides. Most riders used E-bikes (including myself); a few used road bikes. Had rain during a couple days – using rainproof gear made these conditions quite bearable. Pros: Beautiful scenery. Bikes worked smoothly. Very energetic and helpful guides (quickly fixed a flat and chain problems). Enjoyable socializing with other riders during rides and mealtimes. Tasty food options and very comfortable hotels. Cons: Some roads are very narrow (one lane width with 2-way travel) with cars sometimes passing at relatively high speed, and particularly challenging when two opposing cars had to navigate passing each other and bikers. Significant stretches of road were in poor condition (potholes and uneven pavement edges) that required vigilant maneuvering. The riding schedule was busy and riders were asked to all meet up periodically, which slowed things somewhat when road bike riders progressed slower. The time allotted to explore at some stops (e.g. Blenheim Palace) was short and allowed only a very quick oversight of the location; would have preferred more flexibility.
Dansker, California, USA
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
ONE OF OUR FAVORITES
This was one of our favorite VBT trips! The lovely area, the relaxed pace, the guides, the accommodations were top notch. We had a very congenial group of people which was small (only 8 people). The e-bikes made this trip possible for us and we look forward to doing more easy/moderate rides. The guides, Will and Dan couldn't have been more accommodating, fun and helpful always looking out for our safety and comfort.
Marguerite, Reston, Va.
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
Couldn’t ask for more
Excellent trip with superb location selection, exceptional leaders, and really great rides. Highly recommend this VBT tour.
moostrax, Florida
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Valley of the Alps review.
This trip is great. The locations, the riding, and the trip leaders were all excellent.
Mike Bean,
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
Fantastic region to discover in Italy
Como and the Lake District is a fantastic region to discover in Italy. There's beautiful scenery each day with each view becoming better and better. The food was incredible and the routes were scenic along Lake Iseo, Como and into St. Moritz, Switzerland.
NormanyRocks, Los Angeles
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Lake District Italy
What an amazing biking trip! The pre trip to Sirimione was a beautiful experience and then the FUN began. Our guides, Angelo and Giovanni, were so knowledgeable and very helpful with everything. They made our trip memorable in many ways. There are not enough superlatives to describe the beauty of the Lake District. If you love VBT please move this one to the top of your next trip!
Sue Weed, Greensboro, NC
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Wonderful Experience!
Absolutely incredible experience. I loved the great elements of the tour but the ability to round out my experience with great exploration and meals!
GDL65, Cape Coral FL
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