The Western Front trip was well put together, distances each day allowed plenty of time to visit sites and contemplate the history involved.
The route was well prepared with GPS making it pretty hard to get lost or confused. Support was great with good bikes and communication. A slight issue with a bags arriving a bit later than optimal underscores their advice to carry a change of clothes with you in case you get the hotel before them.
An extra day could easily be taken (offered)in Ypres as this area, which would allow time to visit the Ypres museum and visit other significant locations of interest not on the loop.
A really good trip.
Although we were a bit apprehensive about a self guided tour - we were very pleased that everything worked out. Loved the places we visited and the variety of accommodation. It was a great adventure.
We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the contrast of a few days in the Black forest and then the amazing Towns of the Alsace. The riding was well paced through beautiful country, with the occasional tough hill to keep you honest. Hotels on the whole were good choices with friendly staff. The bikes were ideal for the terrain.
Bikes pick up was excellent. Biclas and Triclas made sure we had bikes that fitted us and all necessary equipment was provided. Did not have any issues with them.
Routes provided were spot on with no issues with navigation. Bear in mind that some parts of the route could not be traversed by bikes so some self made detours are required or bike pushing done. This added to the experience.
Luggage transportation was flawless with only a minor delay in one leg due to us being too quick.
Accommodations were very good with hot showers and comfortable beds. Only one hotel did not have adequate air conditioning but it was in an isolated country area and staff were fantastic in trying their best to make it better.
Breakfasts could have started a little earlier for Camiño travelers as we tried to beat the hottest part of the day.
Dinners were good and we never went to sleep hungry.
Overall an excellent experience.
A comprehensive ride along the full length of the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Portuguese Road, or Caminho Portugués, is considered by many as the most spiritually connected pilgrimage route. Following the path St James' body took to its resting place at the site of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the quieter Portuguese path offers a wealth of history and delightful landscapes to discover. While the Caminho Portugués is traditionally walked by pilgrims, it is now possible to enjoy the route by bike. Starting in the historic capital city of Lisbon you will cycle through countryside towns to the university town of Coimbra. Continue on to the lively city of Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production, the cycle through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and through larger market towns dating back to Roman times. You will cross the border in to Spain and finally cycle into the fabled town of Santiago de Compostela.
Lisbon, Santiago De Compostela, Arcos, Ponte De Lima, Tui, Pontevedra, Padrón, Vila Franca De Xira, Tomar, Alvorge, Coimbra, Agueda, Olveira De Azemeis, Porto
This trip was bloody amazing woohoo!!!
We hired one normal bike and one ebike. Both bikes were adequate. Our bikes didn’t have water bottle holders which would have been nice and the phone holders don’t allow you to swipe the phone map app easily. Bring your own phone holder if possible because you do need to refer to the mapping app quite frequently. We get lost easily and we survived so I think most people could operate the map app. The hotel accomodation was mixed which we liked. Sometimes an old place, sometimes luxury, sometimes modern. Our luggage was taken from place to place without a hitch. The trail was tiring for my wife but the ebike made it doable and the majority of the trail is on dedicated cycle paths with spectacular scenery. A wonderful experience for two Australians in their 60’s.
This was a trip that surpassed my expectations. I am not terribly athletic and i was concerned about the cycling but in the end I managed well and the bus was there to help at the hardest bits....It combined stunning scenery, fascinating history, a friendly group that gelled together under the care of exemplary guides.
I have had an amazing time in Croatia exploring the Dalmatian coast.
All the hotels were good and in great locations.
The itinerary was the right mix of cycling and exploring local towns and villages.
The tour leader was brilliant. So much knowledge about the area. Showed alot of patience with a group with mixed cycling abilities.
