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
You have to do this!
I wasn't sure I would be able to do this ride. But I had no problem at all. I used an e-bike and kept up the group and had a ball! Everyone on the ride was wonderful and fun to be with. If you aren't sure you might be up for a ride thru Spain, think again. Anyone can do it using an e-bike. I can't wait to do my next trip!! Hum, where shall I go?
Linder, San Francisco, CA, United States
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
5 Star Trip
Portugal was our 11th VBT trip and 12th biking trip. It was the best or at least equal to our other great trips. The guides were the best ever and the hotels , especially the Farm House, were excellent. The biking was challenging at times but very good overall. We highly recommend the trip and very much want to return to Portugal. Great food, great wine and a beautiful country. We felt very safe on the roads and highways as Portugal drivers are very courteous to bikers. Absolutely nothing to complain about and as with all VBT trips, a great value.
Ernie,
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve
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
Awesome
I have done 9 trips with VBT so far, all have been great, but I must say this went to #1. The 2 best guides, the entire 20 guests like instant friends, with our leaders Prunella and Philip. I wish we had more time everywhere. The post trip to Helsinki was truly amazing, so glad we did it, only 4 of us went, sorry to say the others missed out. Jean Vermeeren
Danish jean, Anaheim, Ca
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
Late Spring in the Cotswolds
We really lucked out with the weather, signed up for the trip in Sept. the year before. Lovely scenery for bike riding, we choose E-Bikes after reading other reviews, a first, usually ride road bikes or Hybrids, glad we did, it has some punchy hills, made for an enjoyable ride I think 17 out of 20 guests also rode e-bikes. Also with an e-bike you have some suspension, which came in handy as some of the road surfaces are chunky or bumpy. The Hotels and Inns were charming with smallish rooms and good dinners and breakfasts offered. Dining out in the smaller towns was limited, lots of choices suggested by VBT were very good. Oxford and Bath were fun towns with lots of history and good pubs.
Painter, Maine
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
Touring the Cotswolds by Bike
There is no better way to see and learn about a beautiful and historic area like Southwestern England than on a bike! We loved our VBT Cotswolds adventure.
Brad Voigt,
England: Bath & the Cotswolds
Good itinerary with a variety of scenic wonders.
Very pleasant riding in mountain valleys & around lakes with a nice mix of city and village life. I enjoyed the longer miles. Hotels for the most part were very good. Food included in the tour varied from OK to great.
Caroline N, VA
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
French/Swiss Alps, can’t go wrong with this biking
The Swiss/French Alps was an amazing trip. The scenery was spectacular as we biked through the valleys of the French Alps. The guides, Jean Marc and Luigi, were terrific. My only disappointment was with the included lunches and dinners. I would rate then as below average. I had my first VBT in 1999 and lately the lunches and dinners have become more disappointing. That said I would rate the biking part a must do trip.
jerryj, MA and ME
Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
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
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
Incredible Trip of a Lifetime
I’ll never forget this trip! The planning and coordination was so thoughtful even down to the littlest aspect. Our guides were experienced and really brought so much energy and passion each day. I was able to experience the richness and culture of the country during my time on this amazing vacation.
Paige D, Phoenix, AZ
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Lake Como and the Lake Regions of Italy
Our trip with VBT was fabulous. VBT was very organized and each day ran smoothly. The rides were perfect in distance, difficulty and breaks. Our guides, Robbie and Elena were wonderful, helpful, always willing to give suggestions and humor us! We are ready to take another VBT trip.
Pat Brubaker, Wabash, IN
Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Austria Excellence
great 6 Day self guided tour beside the Danube River. Very well organized..never missed a beat.
Lorne Mills, Canada
Germany & Austria: The Danube River
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
VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers