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The Incredible European Bike Tour That Takes You Through Three Countries In A Single Morning

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It’s one thing to bike in three European countries, and it’s another to do it in a single morning!

My husband Dean and I love to bike and signed up for VBT’s 7-day guided bike tour through Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. The carefully planned itinerary took us in and out of three countries, but on one unique morning, we started biking in Slovenia, pedaled through a corner of northeast Italy, and headed into Austria for lunch!

Now, that’s a good morning! This bike tour was good for several amazing experiences, including the exhilaration of biking in the rain . Let’s take a closer look at this VBT bike trip, then at that unique morning itinerary.

Slovenia, Austria, And Italy: Alpine Valleys Bike Tour

Who could resist the prospect of biking the valleys in the Julian Alps? Surely, not us. We’ve taken three biking tours with VBT, a leader and award winner in the travel industry for 50 years. About 98 percent of their travelers say they would travel with them again, and we’re among them.

The VBT website highlights this trip by saying, “The scenic and savory best of three countries is revealed on one VBT bike tour to Austria, Italy, and Slovenia! On easy bike routes — including the famous Alpe Adria cycle path — you’ll absorb sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, pristine pasturelands, medieval settlements, deeply wooded slopes, emerald lakes, and sunny cornfields. Take a spin around Wörthersee Lake and picture-perfect Lake Bled and roll through tunnels opening onto spectacular vistas. Hop off the bike to savor tasty, included meals and local wines, visit a farm, explore a cherished ski resort, and more. End each exhilarating day in luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, including “a celebrated lakeside hotel that has hosted royalty, celebrities, dignitaries, and writers for more than a century.” Where do I sign?

Pro Tip: VBT offers minimally supported pre-trip and post-trip options to extend the experience. We always do the pre-trip at European destinations to ease jet lag before the biking begins.

True to form, we took the pre-trip in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and then traveled by private motorcoach with fellow cyclists about two hours to Malborghetto Valbruna, Italy. We were greeted with views of the snowcapped Julian Alps and the rugged peaks of the Carnic Alps as our backdrop. Our biking routes wove in and out of the three countries, including parts of the incredible 250-plus mile Alpe Adria bike path , and ended in the ultra-impressive town of Velden, Austria.

Our group of 20 enjoyed six days of biking, with 88 to 166 miles in total (most days, you can choose options for longer or shorter routes). Of course, our delightful guides Aija and Matija (who are local to the area and love the area), were equally happy to supply a ride in the support van, or conversely, provide routes for even more biking for the ambitious among us.

Each day started with Aija or Matija giving the route briefing. They distributed a paper copy of the route (that supplemented the phone app) and covered details, tricky turns, and scenic highlights for that day. When we’d head outside, we’d see our bikes lined up and ready to go, with water bottles filled. Alpine elves? Our “do everything, be everywhere” guides? So much of what they did was “behind the scenes” to make sure our vacation and ride were enjoyable.

While the route is established, we don’t bike along in a row like little ducks. We’re free to stop and take photos (I’m big on that), ride faster or slower, or linger at a destination. I’m not the fastest biker (too much beautiful scenery, too many mountain views, waterfalls, little lakes, and streams), but it all seems to work just fine. There are some timed events like lunch, and we always wanted to do right by our guides and the other riders. This brings me to another benefit of this trip: the comradery among the group. These cycling buddies of ours somehow became fast friends.

Now, let’s look at the morning ride that took us to three countries.

1. The Ride Begins 

Three countries in one morning. Was this done for practical purposes, or to give us bragging rights? Maybe a little of both! Matija did suggest we draft a text on our phones to boast about it when we hit the Austrian border! However, the practical reason we biked this way is that VBT combs the region and comes up with the best, breathtaking biking routes. Note that we started our route in Podkoren, Slovenia. They now start in neighboring Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. 

On this day, we started biking on a Slovenian converted railroad trail that led to the more than 100-year-old Tarvisian Forest in the Italian countryside. These wooden and stone markers were the only indication that we were moving from one country to the next.

2. Nick The Northeastern Corner

Along the way, we biked past lovely little alpine homes with flower boxes under each window and floral designs, like rosemaling, on balconies and doorways. Completely charming. In spots, I noticed wild crocuses and tiny pinkish-purple slips of flowers. This is a spring flower in Minnesota, yet they were growing here in early September, and it was a delight to see.

When you see the familiar VBT shuttle waiting to provide a “snack stop,” you stop. Active cyclists need refueling, and VBT’s got that covered. We took our pick from grapes, bananas, apples, nuts, trail mix, sliced pears, cookies, creamy Milka chocolates (to my delight), and a variety of chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks (to Dean’s delight).

This snack stop was unique for its display of flags of the three countries (hung vertically), in order from left to right: Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. The blue flag with the circle of stars, far right, represents the European Union.

Before we crossed from Italy into the Austrian border, our bike path left the converted railroad trail, and we continued riding on a historic Roman road.

3. Lunch In The Carinthia Region

In Austria, we biked into the Gail River valley in the Carinthia region, known for its crystal rivers and small jeweled lakes with the majestic Noric and Carnic Alps as a backdrop.

Here, we enjoyed a traditional alpine lunch at the Almwirschaft Hut, located between the River Gail and the Naturpark (nature park) Dobratsch. We ate outside and Matija dished up some soup as a starter. Then, we filled our plates from a picnic table brimming with salads, pasta, bread, and a pork dish. Everything was delicious, as usual!

Bonus: Ultimate Luxury In Velden

How can I write about this unique morning without at least mentioning Velden, Austria, and the “over-the-top” lodging at the end of this day’s biking?

Velden, Austria

Velden is nicknamed the little “Monte Carlo of Carinthia” for its elegant boardwalk, trendy cafés, restaurants, and the scenic beauty of Wörthersee Lake. Home to a long line of wealthy families, it is a town of stately mansions, manicured gardens, and lovely lakeside restaurants.

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

Remember the VBT trip description: “…a celebrated lakeside hotel that has hosted royalty, celebrities, dignitaries, and writers for more than a century”? You’re looking at it!

Our lodging was the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, a magnificent castle-turned-hotel that is as elegant and luxurious as it looks. VBT says a magazine called Condé Nast Traveler has featured it as a “hot hotel” and its spa center as the “hot spa” of Austria — making it one of the most luxurious and innovative hotels and resorts in the world.

Frankly, we didn’t bike hard enough to deserve this, but we were more than happy to enjoy the spa, the pool, and the expansive, fit-for-royalty rooms!

The experience of biking in alpine valleys with towering mountains all around is irresistible. Imagine gazing upon the landscape of three countries in a single morning!

Dean and I are always grateful for the time, health, and money to take vacations like this. What if we had only time and health, but not money? What if we had health and money, but no time? Two out of three of those factors won’t cut it. We need all three and we don’t take it for granted.

This incredible European bike tour took us through three countries in a single morning, and we joyfully added it to our list of wonderful “bucket list” vacations that allowed us to enjoy nature and each other, meet wonderful people, share an activity that we love (cycling), and hone our appreciation for yet another beautiful part of the world.

For more information on cycling throughout Europe, check out these articles:

• 4 Things I Learned Biking Through The Pouring Rain In Slovenia
• 6 Amazing Hikes To Experience In Italy, According To A Local Guide
• 7 Perfectly Romantic Small Towns in Austria

Although it’s hard to pick a favorite travel experience, the top of the list includes these extremes: a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and relaxing in an infinity pool on a cruise ship off the coast of Monaco. Apart from her love for writing and travel, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and photography, and she has a strong faith. She finds joy in the simplest things and is always ready for the next adventure.

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VBT Bicycling Vacations

Travel like a local

VBT offers biking tours to fit any activity comfort level. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist. You get to experience a destination with the help of a local, bilingual leader who is passionate about sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations, and learn to make pasta with an Italian grandmother.

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Don't Miss the Ship!  2025 Bike & Boat Tours are Launching Soon!

VBT’s Waterways adventures are more than just bucket-list destinations—they are journeys through magical places that lift the spirit and fuel your passion for travel. Their Bike & Boat vacations bring you the romance of European culture at the gentle, gliding pace of a Strauss waltz.

VBT's Waterways Collection

• Custom VBT bike and helmet
• Ride with GPS and route notes
• Local trip leaders
• Luggage transfers
• Admission fees to local attractions
• Cultural activities like cooking classes and guided city tours
• Speciality transportation like ferry and train rides
• Accommodations and most meals
• Your choice of VBT branded gear for your adventure

VBT's Bike and Boat Itineraries:

• VBT France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice Guided Bike & Boat
• VBT Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges to Amsterdam Guided Bike & Boat
• VBT Danube Bike & River Cruise: Prague to Budapest Guided Bike & Boat
• VBT Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam Guided Bike & Boat

Ask your AAA Travel Advisor how you can Bike & Boat through Europe!

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The World’s Coolest Bike Tours

These quirky bike trips will have you begging for more vacation days

These Bike Tours Kick Ass

VBT Tours: The Dalmatian Islands

VBT Tours 10-day ride through Croatia explores one of the world’s 10 most beautiful islands (according to Condé Nast Traveler , anyway), plus some funky asides, like a trip to observe the art of stonecutting; a jaunt to the Adriatic Sea; and even some Croatian cooking lessons from locals. Oh yeah: You’ll also ride bikes, a lot (with bonus swim time !). The route is fairly beginner-friendly, but there are additional challenges for riders looking for tougher stuff.

Ciclismo Classico’l Bike Across Belgium

Bikes? Check. Beer? Check. Cycle through the charming landscapes of the Flemish flatlands and the hills of Wallonia, all while taking in a wide range of Belgian beers . This tour offers access to more boutique breweries than any other in Europe, and that’s good news for cyclists who like their recovery drinks hoppy.

Ride & Seek’s Vietnam Untouched: Ha Giang

If you’re looking for some serious bragging rights and a chance to explore unridden terrain, Vietnam Untouched might be the tour for you. Even the tour directors warn that it’s “not for the faint of heart,” and as the first company to run a bike tour in the area, they would know. This is one of the “advanced riders recommended” tours on this list, with 60 to 100 miles a day of riding, including tons of climbing . (This might be the trip where you switch to a compact crank.) But the famed rice paddies and the gorgeous forests more than make up for the tough riding you’ll face on this badass adventure.

Great Explorations’ Morocco 10-Day Expedition

Riding through Morocco on bikes feels like being in an Indiana Jones movie, except it’s the real thing. This tour takes you on a camel safari into the desert where Berber musicians entertain around bonfires, before you get to retire to your private tent with oil lanterns. You’ll ride along quiet roads with Mount Toubcal in the distance, hike up to remote villages to meet with locals, ride into Essaouira, and see Marrakech in all its splendor—snake charmers included.

CaminoWays.com Camino de Santiago 14-Day Tour

On this 14 day tour, you’ll cycle 740 kilometers along the famous pilgrimage trail, from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostella, which certainly must rank as one of the most adventurous trips there is, according to Robbin McKinney of CaminoWays.com. She adds that this trip is only suitable to those up for a challenge, but the reward is luxurious: You stay in historic inns and Paradors each night as your luggage gets magically shuttled for you. Not into two weeks of riding? There’s an eight-day option as well, and both offer Classic and Luxe hotel options.

Blue Marble’s Mystery Tour

A trip without an itinerary? This isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely a unique travel option. Every few years, Blue Marble offers a Mystery Trip somewhere in Europe. “That is, we ask for thousands of dollars and refuse to tell people where we are taking them,” the company explains. “Fortunately, we have a lot of faithful and trusting, not to say foolish, clients.” But pranks abound: “One year we actually got the station to put up a phony destination sign for the train as we ushered people aboard,” says trip organizer Nicolas Clifford.

Experience Plus’ 45-Day Saint Petersburg to Istanbul

The first trip that Experience Plus ran in 2006 was from St. Petersburg to Istanbul: 45 days of cycling. They have since run that trip—always changing some days here and there—four times. This year, the trek runs from Venice to Kalamata, Greece, across the eastern Adriatic, crossing from Italy to Croatia, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Greece. It’s a long ride , but each day is a new, fun adventure .

Summer Feet’s Maine Art Trail

This is our tour pick for the art lovers. Maine is famous for its Maine Art Trail, a curated exploration of eight museums, and Summer Feet has partnered with them on a bike tour that visits each one. In addition to great cycling, the trip visits marine life painter Winslow Homer’s studio and the Olson House: the setting for “Christina’s World,” the iconic Andrew Wyeth painting.

Duvine’s Chef on Wheels Costa Brava Tour

If you’re a fan of slightly more refined bike tours, this might be your best option. Imagine coming in from a hard day on the bike and sitting down to a gourmet meal. Now imagine you’re doing it in Spain, and the chef— NYC ’s award-winning Seamus Mullen —is joining you on the ride. On this Catalonia-based trip, you’ll enjoy gorgeous scenery—mostly seaside—and even shop with Mullen at farmers markets for meal ingredients. You’ll also learn to cook, as Mullen shares his techniques during post-ride cooking classes. (There’s also a luxury schooner ride involved, so get ready to sip wine on the Mediterranean.)

Adventure Travel Group’s Cycling the Best of Slovenia

In Slovenia, you’ll find the Julian Alps, crystal clear rivers, great wine, world-class Karst caverns, and the famous Lipizzaner horse farm, all while cycling some of the same roads pros like Jani Brajkovic trained on. If you like switchbacks and climbing , you’re in luck. In addition to some lovely, relaxed rides through scenic forests and over to a Skocjan cave, you get to climb the Vrsic pass (all 24 switchbacks, hooray!), plus Slovenia’s highest road, the Mangart. The best of Slovenia is pretty darn good, but be ready to climb.

BikeTours.com Land of the Maharajas

India has its awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and its gritty-yet-fascinating Old Delhi (both of which you’ll visit on this bike tour ), but it’s the country roads between these sites and cities that make India really special. This 10-night guided tour features rural Rajasthan, where brightly-clad women in saris walk along the roads to the nearest well for water. Camels trot slowly and stoically along rural streets, while cows are always idling here and there. The people are friendly and welcoming. The temples are colorful and hypnotic. And the cycling is fantastic. Tour highlights include the regular rickshaw ride through Old Delhi and a visit to the Taj Majal; the option to participate in an interesting Aarti (religious ceremony) at a Hindu temple in Karauli; seeing tigers in Ranthambore National Park ; the historic towns of Pushkar and Jaipur; and the chance to cycle through rural Rajasthan.

BikeTours.com A Taste of Israel

A country of modernity and antiquity, Israel is becoming a prime destination for mountain bikers around the world. This six-night guided tour features a diverse sampling of Israel’s beautiful landscapes, like mountain ranges and hidden streams in the north; beaches and cities; and what comes to mind when we think of Israel—the Negev desert. Really, it will feel like a few tours rolled into one! Routes include singletrack unfrequented by the average tourist, that take travelers to some of the most beautiful and interesting spots in the country. The tour features rides along the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and—for those who miss the city—to Jerusalem for some urban cycling.

Van Gogh Tours in the Netherlands

Cycling next to tulip fields is a wholly unique experience. You can only do it in the Netherlands, and that’s what makes Van Gogh Tours so special. You’ll visit the Keukenhof Tulip Exhibition Center—fantastic if you’re really into the many different breeds of the flower, but beautiful even if you’re not—and head to iconic cities like The Hague. Windmills, lambs, villages, and sand dunes all make this trip unique, and nights are, of course, spent in nice hotels (all three- and four-star).

Limberlost in Oregon

Remote back roads, pristine singletrack , hearty meals, and premium support make a Limberlost trip an adventure you’ll never forget. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of shuttle assisted mountain biking or a seven-day trip across the State of Oregon, each trip centers around the team’s best campsites, recipes, and local road and trail knowledge. There are four options varying in difficulty and length, so you can pick which is best for you.

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September 30, 2016 By gbd-admin 28 comments

You'll get a lot of bang-for-your-buck with this tour group. The accommodations (3-4 star) are very good, and the support (guides and extra activities) is great. In addition, they have a wide variety of trips to choose from. Their special airfare deals and add-ons for pre- and post-trip accommodations are good values, and a way to save money on your entire trip. Companions – Here is where you’ll find the high-end bargain shoppers. Lots of folks in education (school teachers and professors), as well as your typical mix of lawyers and business types.

Clients come from all age groups. A VBT tour may include both 20-something college students as well as some 70-something retirees. Going single is encouraged, and you don’t have to pay a supplement if willing to share a room. Evening socializing can be pretty good, as you’ll have such an eclectic group of folks.

• Operator Type : Full-Service Operator
• Website : http://www.vbt.com/
• Price Tier : $$
• Avg Price Per Day : $356
• Services : Bike Provided, SAG Van, Tour Guide
• Country : Austria, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, United States

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My tour was good, my guides where great. I did the portugal trip in October 2022 But vbt customer service is the worst!!! First u can’t get through To them on the phones… I’ve tried multiple times, Second , email is just as bad, they do not answer any questions, you literally have to hound them, third… they mislead me about booking my flights. From the beginning I told my agent that I would like to fly Delta seeing that I get upgraded because I’m a platinum medallion flyer, but that involved a connection from Chicago to Lisbon. The agent never informed me that they booked their flights the class a service that you cannot get upgraded in because it is a bulk rate. She should have let me know that and I would’ve happily booked my own flights or gone with the TAP flight she which was direct. If you knew my intentions for flying Delta from the very beginning, but did not mention any of this to me. On top of that on the way home I had a middle seat because the BT forgot to book my seats on the way home. I feel like they should’ve either changed my flight to the TAP flight the direct one, or they should’ve paid for our upgrades since they miss guided us from the beginning. I feel like I was so mislead by these people at vbt. They did nothing to even compensate me. And I will restate, they knew my intentions from the beginning. I would not recommend vbt for customer service. My tour gourdes where great, the tour was good ( a few things I didn’t like,(long lunches for instance ), but some ppl do) but overall was good tour hotels good, food for the most part good, But vbt in general very bad customer service, rude, unhelpful, and they just want to collect your money and be done!!!!!

We decided to extend our stay in Europe next summer and have booked a tour in Ireland for next June. They have been less than helpful because we did not use their air services. Hope their tour leaders are better than the customer service portion of the company.

Do not go on the Tour of New Zealand with VBT. The west coast bike tour is on a highway with very DANGEROUS traffic. One of our participants was hit by a car and thankfully he was ok. The previous group had someone hit by another car and broke his collarbone.

We have just booked a trip to Bangkok and Vietnam Nam for March, 2018 and we’re informed that there will be an additional charge of $200 per person for the flight more that what we had agreed upon. Has anyone else had that experience? Bait and switch? Interestingly, that $200 was the same $200 extended to us as a “limited time offer’ discount.

The Dordogne plus Vineyards of Bordeaux is a 10-day trip starting in Brive-la-Gaillard and ending in St. Emilion following the Dordogne and Vezere river valleys and hills combining beautiful scenery, great wine and moderately challenging cycling along small country roads and cycleways. Daily mileage is between 25 to 45 miles over rolling to hilly terrain encountering short, sleep climbs (a few ramps of 12 to 16%). Route finding is facilitated by chalk arrows, so getting lost is seldom a problem. The itinerary leaves plenty of time to enjoy the villages on route with a few multi-night stays in interesting towns like Rocamador and Sarlat. Experience Plus! provides titanium-framed bikes (choice of hybrid or road with plenty of gears), local knowledgeable guides and van support. Hotels are three to four star rated and most meals (breakfast and dinner) are provided in very good restaurants, primarily with a pre-fixe menu at dinner. Wine is included with dinner. Several worthwhile sightseeing tours are also provided.

My wife and I are near the end of our Croatia. Bicycle tour with VBT. It’s been GREAT. Our guides, Natasia & Mario are wonderful. Our fellow travelers are fun to be with. VBT is reasonably priced. And Croatia is amazing! We will do at least one VBT tour a year for as long as we can ride. VBT is the best!

We are considering doing this very trip. My question to is…. do they allow time for you to stop and explore the towns you pass by? Do you have to stay in a group the entire time? What happens if you want to quit riding for the day or you just don’t want to ride at all?

Your feedback is very welcomed

Incredible tour of Ireland.. guide Josie and Bryan were spectacular! so knowledgeable and supportive… love vbt- they give more personal touches that make the trip top of the line. Surprising the food was incredible! Yes it rains in Ireland so bring serious rain gear- but it did not damper any of the 20 riders spirits on this trip. My opinion is this is the only way to see ireland and really feel the country! We had evening entertainment of music, ballads, and dancers.. 5 stars for sure!

This is my ninth trip with VBT and I am beginning to feel alarmed by the decline of quality. To begin on a positive note, our leaders and the rides were superb. There is no prettier view anywhere than the ones we had in Bordeaux/Dordogne and for that alone the trip is heartily recommended. After all, you’re there to ride. But you’re also there to eat and relax and there the ratings are more mixed. The hotel in St. Emilion was awful. The rooms were far too small. Here you run into VBT’s current problem, maintaining great accommodations and food at relatively low prices in the face of escalating costs and an unstable Euro. One solution would be to stay outside St. Emilion and just come in for an afternoon’s tour of the marvelous underground church and the quaint and lovely streets. Secondly, the food offerings this trip were far more restrictive than in the past, with no beef for dinner at all and generally just three dinner menu choices, meat, fish or vegetarian.

This was my letter to the President of VBT 10/15/10 Dear Mr. Marston, I just came off your last Tuscany by the Sea trip and I would be remiss if I did not write to tell you how this trip totally exceeded my expectations. First of all I must commend the clock work precision of your staff as both my partner and I were treated first class all the way, never having to wait for a connection or anything organizational on your part. We were greeted by a nice lady at the Rome airport who whisked us to a private car that drove us to the door step of our hotel in Orvieto. Perfect. The reverse was true on the way out….excellent. Our trip was composed of mostly professional people from across our country and everyone had a great time. We were among the few ‘bicycle tour’ first timers but were told by others, right off the bat, that VBT tours were outstanding and indeed we can now concur. Elana Spalenza & Elana Fossati could not have been more helpful, good natured, professional, warm and engaging.

We’ve done 5 VBT trips and have yet to be disappointed with any aspect of their tours. Inclusive airfare is a great value and accomodations have been first rate. We rate their guides as better or far superior to other bike tour company’s. Travel companions have generally been in their 50s/60s with the ocassional family that brings college-age children along. They offer incredibly great European trip choices.

This was truly the vacation of a lifetime! Our tour guides were great fun and provided wonderful service too. The lunch visit to the olive oil producer was full of local color and flavor, with the owner giving a presentation about harvesting olives from his 500 year old trees, and making great olive oil. The tour was full of local color and not at all commercialized. Our local guides really made the experience fun. Having the airfare included was a help, and we really enjoyed the pre and post trip optional extensions in Florence and Rome. We can’t wait to go back!

I toured Sicily with VBT and had a wonderful time. I would, however, have enjoyed more time and distance cycling. Most days rides were about a half a day or less. The guides were incredible and even topped of our water bottles with a slice of lemon each morning. It was a great trip with a well thought out itinerary and amazing hotels. The group was mostly retirees, except for myself and one other couple.

We went to Ireland with VBT last year and found the trip to be very enjoyable and worth every penny. The acomodations were very good and a good value for what we paid. The guides were knowledgeable and even tho it was the end of the season gave us extra service and caring. The routes were very good and although some of our group had problems with their air routes we did not and found the air connections to be very good. Excellent value – great trip.

After ten Backroads trips, I tried VBT. I had the time of my life with VBT! Accomodations were wonderful. Food was great! The guides were the best! I did the Prince Edward Island tour, in August. I really appreciated the air fare package and coordinating hotels being an option. It made life so easy. It is a little bit older group, which I like, and I found everyone to be so pleasant to be around!

Be very careful when booking airfare with VBT. Lost luggage on both ends of trip resulted from too many stops in flight to Italy. (30 hrs from Baltimore.) we received info re: flights too late to change itinerary. Flight schedule was terrible!

I agree. Puglia was my 5th trip with VBT and they routed me through Atlanta (from Philadelphia) to Rome and through Detroit on my way home. I will NEVER have VBT book my air again.

Great tour, great price, with great leaders, and wonderful support. We loved the fact that there were other things to do besides bike. We had an optional hike on one day, right along our bike ride, and kayaking on an other day, as well as an included boat tour.

I thought I would save money and buy the plane ticket through VBT. What a mistake! We had two layovers, and one was for 5 hours! I suggest finding out the entire itinerary of your flight before booking it with them.

They provided lots of activities on top of just the bike riding, which was fun and helps the group bond together. Even though they said it was intermediate, most days we did surprisingly short rides of only about 25 miles, so we didn’t cover as much as I’d hoped. Next time I’ll choose one of their more challenging trips.

The trip itinerary was good, but guides seemed tired of their job, some days I never saw them that would have been okay if I could trust the written maps, they were wrong several times.

We had a wide range of riders, from novice to very experienced. All got to bike at the level they enjoyed. Food, accomodations and bike rides were seamlessly arranged and pleasing to all.

We LOVED our tour leaders. They were very knowledgeable and accommodating. But it was surprising how many of our fellow riders used the van

VBT is a great value compared to many of the other groups. I bought the add-on which included my flight and 3 extra days, and the price couldn’t be beat.

Just completed a trip to Croatia with VBT. Guides were exceptional, and trip was very good overall. Two negatives. If you live in Atlanta, the airfare will be good, but the routing might be terrible, as ours was. They use United/Lufthansa. Three flights to Croatia….almost 20 hours from start to finish. Excruciating, but priced right which is why you book VBT. Also, the last hotel on the post trip was a dump and a long walk from Split’s Old Town and tourist area.

I had the recent opportunity to travel with VBT in Holland. I could go on and on about all of the positives but will limit it to giving kudos to our leader Marieka, who was fantastic. Also, compliments to the chef, Bas, who did a tremendous job of providing delicious and interesting foods throughout the week on the Iris barge.

Traveled with VBT in France and California. Amazing VALUE! Same lodging as Backroads and Trek, good bikes, FANTASTIC guides and excellent food. Guides are well trained bike mechanics and great teachers of all things local. They gave the right level of support (or extra miles) to every person on the trip–from “minimal” riders to serious hill-toppers.

We just finished the vbt Andalusian bike tour. The guides Nico and JC were over the top amazing. They made the trip immensely enjoyable. However the VBT selection of hotels could definitely use dramatic improvement. We finished at a five star hotel but several of the other hotels would be hard pressed to get two stars in my rating opinion. They were noisy and had flat old pillows with hard beds.

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Portugal: Porto, the Silver Coast & Lisbon

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• Stay in diverse locales, from the spa town of Monte Real to the old fishing village of São Pedro Moel.
• Cycle along the Silver Coast’s sandy beaches framed by Atlantic waves, pine and cork forests, and stunning rural landscapes.
• Indulge in Portugal’s delicious fresh seafood, enticing pastries, espresso, and affordable, excellent wines.
• Spend the night exploring the medieval walled city of Óbidos after the day trippers have left.
• Visit Alcobaça’s Gothic monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded by Portugal’s first king in the 12th century.

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

• Culinary & Wine
• Cycling & Biking
• Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions.

• Photography
• Wine Tasting
• Self-Guided & Independent

Trip includes

• Transportation from Porto centrally located hotel to first hotel in Monte Real (two-hour drive)
• Transportation from last hotel in Óbidos to central Lisbon (one-hour drive)
• Puncture-protected tires
• Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
• Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
• Support Vehicle
• Luggage Transportation
• Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
• Welcome Reception
• Facilitated Cultural Experiences
• Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Óbidos. At 10:00 a.m., complimentary transportation of about one hour brings you to the VBT Self-Guided Air+ hotel in the heart of Lisbon, together with any other VBT self-guided guests.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. T...

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Tour Operator

Vbt bicycling vacations.

Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 

With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

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• Category : All Articles , Excursions & Tours
• Tag(s) : Cape Cod , Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard (discovery-bicycle-tours) , Martha's Vineyard , Senior Cycling’s Cape Cod 2021 Tour , Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour. VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tour

Top 4 Cape Cod Bike Tours

• Maureen Thompson
• September 4, 2021

There are many great reasons to go on Cape Cod bike tours! Cape Cod bike tours are the perfect way to see the sights, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air.

In this article, we picked four of the best Cape Cod bike tours that offer the most value for your money. These Cape Cod bike tours include:

• VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tour
• Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard (discovery-bicycle-tours)
• Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour
• Senior Cycling’s Cape Cod 2021 Tour

Each of the Cape Cod bike tours have perks and are unique experiences.

The VBT’s Cape Cod tour, while being the most expensive of the four, offers the best value due to its wide range of activities.

It’s also well-suited for newer bikers and includes enough challenge for more seasoned ones – everyone will find it just right.

Let’s explore the Cape Cod bike tours in more detail.

1. VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tours

Duration : 6 days

Distance : 48 – 342

Difficulty level: Easy

Tour Dates : Aug 22, 2021 – Aug 27, 2021

VBT’s Cape Cod bike tour is mostly on easy terrain with the choice of some longer rides and the occasional rolling hill. The tour starts and ends in Chatham Bars Inn, one of the region’s most iconic and historic buildings. It offers views of forests, seashores, farm fields as well as mountain cliffs.

The VBT van support transportation service is readily available throughout the journey.

The Cape and the Islands have more traffic during the peak season (approximately July 1st to August 25th).

Still, you can experience the best weather and have the opportunity to explore the beaches, bike paths, restaurants, and shops.

Who is VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tour best for?

The tour is best for practically everyone, from beginners to experienced bikers. The VBT tour is easy and simple in its foundations and offers some extra steps and choices that challenge even the best of bikers.

Attractions and places of interest on Cape Cod bike tours

You will go through these places during VBT’s Cape Cod Bike tour:

• Salt Pond Visitors Center
• The Grey Barn and Farm in West Tisbury
• Correllus State Forest
• Mytoi Japanese Garden

Cost & packages of Cape Cod bike tours

VBT’s Cape Cod bike tour starting cost is a bit on the more expensive side at $3,245, and the single supplement is $1,395.

The cost includes:

• Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
• Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
• Vehicle Support
• Luggage Transfers
• Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
• VBT Gear of your choice
• Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa

Where to get tickets for VBT’s Cape Cod bike tours?

You can book the tour on VBT’s website .

2. Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard (discovery-bicycle-tours)

Distance : about 140 miles

Difficulty level : Easy to Intermediate

Tour Dates : Oct 03, 2021 – Oct 08, 2021

The Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard bike tour has everything from beach roads to bike paths as you ride by bird sanctuaries, salt marshes, and tidal flats filled with ducks and geese. On the arrival day, which is Sunday, the owner of the Palmer House Inn in Falmouth will greet you on Cape Cod. Your journey starts and ends at this inn.

The Inn is a charming Victorian building located in the historic district, only a four-minute walk from all Falmouth’s shops, galleries, and restaurants.

You’ll also stay for three nights in a room in the main building at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown, Massachusetts.

You will take a ferry to Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard and then ride to Katama alongside a barrier beach.

In the evening, you will walk to one of the best restaurants in the area and then have a friendly party in the hotel’s public area.

Who is this tour for?

The Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard tour is for bikers who look for an overall great experience. It focuses both on providing you with beautiful sights and challenging your physical condition.

You will visit these places during the Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard bike tour:

• West Chop Lighthouse
• Spohr Gardens
• Aquinnah Cliffs (formerly Gay Head)

Costs & Packages of Cape Cod bike tours

The starting cost for Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard bike tour is $2795, and the single supplement fee is $700.

The package includes:

• Ferry to and from Martha’s Vineyard and to Chappaquiddick
• 5 nights’ accommodation
• 3 dinners (the rest is on you),
• 5 breakfasts,
• Bicycles and helmets.

Where to get tickets?

You can make a reservation for the Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard bike tour on the Discovery Bicycle Tours website .

3. Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour

Distance : about 120 miles

Difficulty level : Easy

Tour Dates : Sep 12, 2021 – Sep 17, 2021

Experience one of New England’s most popular seaside resorts on this Cape Cod Bike Tour.

Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour starts and ends in Boston. On Day One, you will be picked up and transported from Boston to Yarmouth, where you will begin the bike tour.

Ride through quiet alleys and trails and seaside towns, where white picket fences surround the cottages, and along the Cape Cod rail trail.

One of the more exciting sights is one of the most iconic properties in New England – Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa, established in 1914. It offers excellent cuisine, service, and views of Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Here you can also sunbathe on a private beach to relax any sore muscles from all the biking.

Who is this tour best for?

Sojourn’s Cape Cod bicycle tour is best for beginners. It offers enough excitement and experience to make any novice crave more and get into the hobby of biking and attending bike tours.

It is focused on building beautiful experiences and memories rather than intensive heavy exercise and training.

Attractions and places of interest

This tour offers a wide range of attractions you can see and stop at. Here we have pointed some of them out:

• Wellfleet village
• Quincy Market

Cost & packages

The cost of the Sojourn’s Cape Cod bicycle tour starts at $3,195 per person, and a single supplement starts at $900.

Here is what’s included with the ticket:

• Full van support for the route options
• Custom Sojourn jerseys and water bottles – both yours to keep
• Private boat cruise on Pleasant Bay
• Truro Vineyards’ wine sampling
• Lighthouse and cranberry bog tours
• Hotels and restaurants’ gratuities
• 5 nights at Cape Cod Inns
• Sojourn’s equipment and bikes: Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105, Customized Fuji Absolute 2.0
• Portage and transport of baggage
• 3 dinners, 2 lunches, all breakfasts
• 5% Discount on your next Sojourn Tour

You can reserve your spot on this tour on Sojourn’s website.

4. Senior Cycling’s Cape Cod 2021 Tour

Duration : 7 days

Distance : about 100 miles

Difficulty level : Intermediate

Tour Dates : Sep 11, 2021 – Sep 17, 2021

The sea, the beach, the forests, and the ferry all lead to a good time in Cape Cod and its nearby islands.

The Senior Cycling Cape Cod tour includes biking some of the island’s trails, visiting the gingerbread house in Oak Bluffs, and maybe even lining up to share the back door donut shopping experience at night.

The starting and ending location is their opening hotel in Hyannis. You will visit the ports of Hyannis and Falmouth and then take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.

After biking the Cape Cod Trail between Wellfleet and South Dennis, you may go for an optional ride to reach Provincetown’s tip of the Cape.

While in Provincetown, some cyclists choose to cycle through the dunes to explore their wonders on the area’s coast.

When you climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument, the entire P’Town, the bay, and the ocean are under your feet. You will also ride through the Cape Cod Canal Bike Path along the Cape Cod Canal, which connects Cape Cod Bay to the east and Condor Bay to the west.

The Senior Cycling tour is aimed at Intermediate bikers who are 50 years old or more.

Suggested bicycles are road bikes, touring bikes, and hybrids.

The suggested tire size is between 25 and 37 millimeters (or 1 to 4 inches).

You will go through these attractions during the Senior Cycling Cape Cod tour.

• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
• Pilgrim Monument

The Senior Cycling tour costs $2050 per person, and the single supplement fee is $600.

This package includes:

• Overnight accommodations for 6 nights
• 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• Sag support
• Round trip ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

Where to get the tickets?

You can register for this tour on the Senior Cycling website .

If you find this tour sold out, you can join their waitlist .

Some of the best Cape Cod Bike Tours in 2021: Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard (discovery-bicycle-tours), VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tour, Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour, and Senior Cycling’s Cape Cod 2021 Tour.

We hope you can make your pick and ride away to a tour of your choice and preference.

Each section offers a link to the corresponding website for every tour, so you can easily book and reserve your spot on the tours.

Do you still need more biking information? Discover the best biking and hiking trails in Cape Cod .

• Cape Cod , Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard (discovery-bicycle-tours) , Martha's Vineyard , Senior Cycling’s Cape Cod 2021 Tour , Sojourn’s Cape Cod Bicycle Tour. VBT’s Cape Cod Bike Tour

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