Our Backroads to Venice self guided trip was absolutely fantastic. The bike paths In northern Italy are incredible and so well maintained we were on a few minor back road but never with a lot of traffic. Scenery was absolutely incredible all the way, much of the path was along the Adige river which was stunning. We upgraded to electric bikes which we were extremely happy with. We had no problems at all. They were easy to use and very long battery life. We were also provided with a lock to lock the bikes up in town. They also had a lock as a part of the bike frame, so we always felt safe leaving them
The week of our ride was 35 Celsius plus every day which was a little unfortunate but we were thankful for the electric bike, we just had to leave earlier to avoid the heat of the day
We upgraded to the better quality Hotel. They were all excellent, particularly the Bolzano Hotel. All of our breakfasts were delicious and plentiful.
The app was very easy to use and very accurate. Highly recommend a handlebar holder for your phone. We took a padded seat cover, which I’m very thankful for.
Highly recommend this ride.
What a wonderful e-bike and barge tour from Paris to Epernay. Highly recommend. The conduct of this tour was professional in every way. The scenery so beautiful, the guides so knowledgeable and expert in their roles and the Zwaantze barge itself a wonderful barge to call home for such a tour ably managed by the captain Bart and his team. We loved the experience. Also second tour we have been on the Zwaantze as we did the Bruges to Amsterdam bike and Barge tour in 2018. These tours are wonderful ways to travel and enjoy being active at the same time.
Cycle through the historic Dordogne region of southwest France visiting La Roque-Gageac, Sarlat and the Lascaux Caves. The Dordogne, as the French say, is a land with 'un peu de tout', a little of everything; a gently meandering river, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese, the warm southern sun and of course a web of country roads linking the historic hamlets and towns, all just ideal for a stimulating cycling holiday. From Souillac in the valley of the Dordogne River, the cycle route follows tiny lanes and byroads, initially following the river, which winds through a landscape of steep green wooded hills, patchwork fields and terraced slopes. This area of France is rich in scenery, architecture, history - and of course has a famous gastronomic reputation, as this is the home of the truffle! Spend two nights in Sarlat the capital of Black Périgord; it is an exceptionally well-preserved city. The second half of the circuit is a little more rural and there is a chance to visit the world famous Lascaux Caves. Staying in a selection of hand picked hotels, there is ample time to relax and enjoy the villages and scenery for which the area is famous.
Wonderful trip. It was amazing to be able to travel from one hill town to another, each one so different from the others.
Highlights of our trip included an art exhibit in Perugia on how medieval artists perceived nature - absolutely beautiful and we had the place to ourselves, quite a contrast to the crowds at the Uffizi; staying in a 14th century pilgrim guest house in Assisi; walking out to the aqueduct bridge in Spoleto; hearing all the bells in Narni suddenly start ringing when the new Pope was elected and running outside along with everyone else to find out what had happened; and, my husband would say, the wild boar stew he ate that evening at a restaurant in the square.
Logistics were well organized and the routes well planned. It was a challenging route, however, with many steep climbs. We were glad we reserved e-bikes. There were also a number of places with poorly maintained roads, quite a bit of springtime road construction, and some areas where the route took roads with heavy traffic. Italian drivers were quite considerate, though.
We had a great time and were sad to go home. We could have stayed in each town longer, and will hopefully return to Italy soon.
Trip was well paced. Accommodations were good. Plugged shower drain in two locations one with a good response, another with a bad response. Food was good. Good view of rural France.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvillar, Armagnac, Aire-sur-l'Adour, Maslacq, St Palais, Saugues, Aumont-Aubrac, Estaing, Conques, Figeac, Bouziès, Cahors, Lauzerte
As we were following the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic coastline) it was a beautiful part of the world to visit, see, experience. Would totally recommend it.
An amazing trip, seeing so many different sides of Italy, the main tourist centres, but the rural villages. Fantastically organised and supported when things went wrong (personal injury). Highly recommend this trip for adventurers.
Ride along the German Rhine and a section of the Alsace Wine Route in France to discover one of the most culturally rich regions in Europe. Explore the Rhine River from both the German and French sides to indulge in the very best this enchanting region has to offer. With seemingly endless picture perfect landscapes lining the meandering Rhine, dedicated bike paths for safe and easy cycling and a swathe of beautifully preserved villages to inspire you each day, there are few cycle trips that offer so many 'bells and whistles'. From the EU capital of Strasbourg to the art city of Frieburg, traditional Colmar to the moated, UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Neuf-Brisach, the Romanesque and Baroque architecture as well as medieval castles will keep you captivated. The gastronomic delights are plentiful in this part of Europe and you can sample some of the regions finest produce as you cycle through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of one of the most picturesque parts of the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland, taking in the routes most famous villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will witness delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. With so many highlights your pedals will seem to turn themselves during this simply stunning ride along the Rhine River and its various valleys in Germany and France.
We were bike fitted with very comfortable bikes which we enjoyed riding. The GPS was excellent although we did misplace ourselves now and then. The rides went through very beautiful Tuscan country and lovely villages. My favourite was Lucca. Thanks for providing great equipment we enjoyed this week of our holiday in Italy.
The Via Francigena is well signed and has a lot of different scenery, wheat and hazelnut farms, forests old towns etc and great different accommodation each night.