Italy Bike Tour Reviews page 17
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★★★★★ Rebecca
Gorgeous scenery
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
My friends and I had a great time on this tour. The scenery was wonderful and the route was interesting. We especially enjoyed our time in Slovenia. The weather in mid-September was very good. Overall the tour logistics went smoothly, with just a few small issues (one area where navigation was confusing, one delayed bus/train transfer, and one delayed luggage transfer). The hotels were generally good, with very good breakfasts. We arrived a day early to hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which I would recommend. We also hiked the Vintgar Gorge near Bled. The "long route" via Udine was worth the extra miles. On the last day we took the coastal route, which did have some traffic but I found that it was worth it for the views and the stop at Miramare Castle.
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★★★★★ Karen C
A wonderful introduction to the Dolomites region
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
Before this trip, I didn’t realize you could cross national borders of Italy, Austria, Slovenia with no hassle by bike. It was pretty awesome to be in and out of 3 countries in one day of this tour. To whoever rated the scenery of this trip as 3 out of 5, they need to get their goggles checked because it was stunning when we went mid September. The weather was a bit chilly and foggy in the morning when we started our trip in the mountains, but by the time we ended up closer to Trieste, it was closer to summery.
If you fly into VCE, make sure you arrive before 2pm to be able to make the one Cortina express bus that will go to Dobbiaco each day! I made the mistake of a cheaper flight that arrived later at 7pm and got stuck paying extra money to stay in Venice overnight and paid for the extra night in Dobbiaco for nothing and couldn’t get a refund because it was a double occupancy and my roommate would be using the room.
My only complaint was with the “upgraded” gravel bike and pannier provided by the local tour company Fun Active Tours. I was not present upon pickup day to contest this with the company, so my group member got my bike on my behalf. The seatpost literally had to be cut to accommodate my 5’2” stature, so it was lucky that her bike seatpost was also too tall for her and she caught the issue on my bike by proxy.
Once I was present to see my “upgraded” gravel bike, there were a couple issues off the bat:
1. the two bottle cages were setup in the wrong bolt holes so that if you had a bottle in one cage, it would negate the other cage. Total rookie bike shop mistake that should have been spotted right away.
2. the rear rack pannier bag clips were setup in a very specific position that was not correct for the rack on my bike. Another bike shop mistake that should have been corrected for pickup.
3. The air pressure on the bike was way below the recommended amount listed on the sidewall of the tires 50 PSI and was discovered after a cursory hand squeeze - this is literally bike ABC’s and also should have been topped off for pickup. Thank god Fun Active had a place in Dobbiaco to go for air because after that there was no bike pump at any of the hotels to check on the air pressure until day 6 in Gradisca d’Isonzo / Hotel Franz which was a legit bike hotel with a repair tool stand and tool setup.
4. There was a klick fix front bag mounted to the handle bars that completely crimped the front cabling underneath
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★★★★★ Maria B.
Beautiful scenery, excellent cycling, great diversity in terrain
Dolomites to Trieste via Lake Bled at the Foot of the Julian Alps
Absolutely loved this trip. A true From-the-mountains-to-the-sea adventure with a wonderful mix of scenery and cycling terrain. First two days were mostly along riverside cycle routes through lovely Austrian countryside with mountains as a constant companion. Next two days were a mix of roads and paths from Austria to Slovenia and back to Italy. These were the two more physically challenging days but the landscape was just enchanting. Last two days through Italy had some gravel riding through vineyards and a breathtaking road along the Adriatic into Trieste. I'm glad we just did the one night in Lake Bled. The lake itself is beautiful but the town is very touristy. I much preferred having time in Cividale del Friuli, which was very charming!
I'm middle aged and in decent shape. I normally ride an e-bike back home for commuting but opted for a non e-bike for this trip. I was worried that the inclines and distances would be too difficult but I managed to do all the riding (except for one or two steep sections) without a problem, just the right amount of challenging.
The hotels were comfortable, some more than others, but all were in a good location and had excellent breakfasts. One day our luggage arrived quite late, around 6:30pm, but usually the luggage was there when we arrived.
The app did use battery quickly as others said. Bring a power bank and/or plan to share navigating duties. Besides that, the app worked decently well. Sometimes the map was off but it was easy enough to figure out what was supposed to happen.
This trip has two transfers, one by van over a challenging mountain pass after Day 1, and another by train in Slovenia. For both transfers, the timing was actually different than what the app stated. We were informed of the change with a slip of paper, which would've been easy to misplace or not catch.
I got a flat on the last day. After "patching" the tube with the tire foam they provided, they directed us to a bike shop to have the tube properly replaced, and then I was reimbursed for that expense. The bike shop was a bit out of the way and I probably would've preferred just replacing the tube myself. Perhaps bring a spare tube with you in case this happens.
Looking forward to my next bike tour!
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★★★★★ artnscience
Spectacular experience with the most scenic and variable terrains, villages and accommodations
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
I feel I have experienced the soul of Italy through the pedals of my bicycle as we passed from Niederdorf through the Dolomites, into beautiful towns and cities to Venice. Since we paired this tour with one starting in Venice two days after our arrival we had more time to explore it and it's out islands. I prepared a Google+ album with captions for the 306 photos from both tours. You may use any of these images with captions as you see fit. The four of us, two Anderson and two Abeles call ourselves the Four 'A's because we sally forth on adventures together. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOVdH6klghY5LXY0xRnJXgs3V22UOQqIrSTQtIZk-iBfOPD-HVh2ajAjWPV0rspkQ/photo/AF1QipMkVq17mKGDNdacKckMZOIwFVFSf3ZEwQI7lm8?key=MEQzNXNiWEVwM2MwSV8ycVExcWg4ZmFUU2kzM3h3
- How many tours have you completed?
- 14 European, 1 Canadian, 7 USA
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Pedalann
A Spectacular Ride from the Austrian Border to Venice
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
This tour allowed us to experience the changing face of Italy from the quite Austrian north down though many medieval towns and into the coastal plain around Venice. The introduction and orientation by a representative from FunActive Tours was complete and included detailed maps, cue sheets and information about the areas and towns we would be traveling through. We enjoyed each day's ride and learned so much about the history of this part of the country as we went along. We were on the "self-guided" tour and were easily able to follow the route with our maps cue sheets and the route markers posted along the way. We missed our turns only a couple of times and quickly found our way again. The routes were mostly bikeways or very low traffic roads which made the ride especially enjoyable.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 25+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ JimG
Northern Italy
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
I just finished riding the Dolomites to Venice tour. It's a marvelous tour. The tour company "Fun Active" are exceptional. I was all stressed out worrying about getting lost. They learned about my concern, contacted me at the starting hotel, and delivered, installed, and instructed me on a GPS which I rented.
The tour went seamlessly. Highly recommend this tour.- What was the date of your tour?
- August 1, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Julie
Loving Italy!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
We just finished this tour and it was amazing! My husband and I rode it with our two teenage daughters. It was the perfect level for all of us- not too difficult, but had some challenges. We loved the quaint Italian mountain towns. We rode on roads that the Giro d'Italia had done the week before. We bought cherries from an orchard that was right on our route. we had cappuccinos and gelato everyday! It was truly a wonderful experience!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Garry
A wonderful trip
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
This is a wonderful trip. The scenery is breath taking, the hotels are friendly and well run and there is great food to be enjoyed. The organization was first rate, both at Biketours in the US and through their affiliate in Italy. I'd do it again and invite friends to join us. But I'd do it in late spring rather than summer - it does get hot and humid in July. I'd also try to schedule some rest days in cities like Belluno and Trieste that would be fun to explore more of.
We got lost several times despite the excellent tour documentation. Do keep an eye out for the trail markers and ensure your mobile is charged. Thank goodness for Google Maps!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 9, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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★★★★★ Anne52
A gorgeous and adventurous trip!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
This tour took us through stunning scenery on bike paths and small, very quiet roads where we were often out of sight of other bikers. The hotels we stayed at along the way were comfortable, often in beautiful settings and all had fantastic breakfasts. We loved the small towns and off the beaten track places that we were led to. Despite some lack of stickers where they were needed, we generally found the directions and maps to be fairly good. We opted for 7 gear bikes but we would highly recommend the 21 gear bikes. There were more uphills than we had expected and we had to push our bikes at times as 7 gears weren't adequate. Overall, we had a most enjoyable experience.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 6 - 13, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- One other
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ CyclesInRoswell
Wonderful Anniversary Trip!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
We did this tour in June 2016 and I neglected to write a review. Wonderful scenery, great little side trips if you want to add miles, and wonderful service and accommodations. We had a great time on our rented tandem (affectionately nicknamed "The Whale") and would do this tour again. BikeTours Direct service was excellent, and the tour company did a great job. A romantic way to spend our 25th anniversary.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Eliz
beautiful trip
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
A very nice way to view this part of Italy - nice scenery all around, the selected roads were great and away from main ones, easily described and marked to follow
All good- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/19 - 6.25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Sandy89
Unbelievable Scenery!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Our first time to the Dolomites - we will be back! The scenery was breathtaking. Everywhere you looked there was a photo opportunity. The hotels were quaint and the food was excellent although we would have liked more recommendations of food and sight seeing along the way (we were self guided). Totally recommend getting the GPS for one of the bikes if you self guide due to some tricky routing. Overall, loved this trip and would recommend it to our friends!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ j59fj2046r
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Great cycling and and absolute best way to see the Dolomites. The routes are great, with a little bit of climbing and some fun downhill sections each day. I commute to work and found the riding matched my ability, leaving enough time to stop here and there, and explore the city at the end of each stage.
TIP: The routes are mostly intuitive and easy to follow, but there are some challenges and confusing areas. If you ride this tour, skip wrestling with the paper map and use a GPS. I set aside some time before each ride to plot my route using the Komoot cycling app on my phone - I found I made fewer wrong turns and had more confidence to have fun with the ride and take in the scenery.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Natalie Synhavsky
Loved it!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
The scenery on this trip is truly amazing. The first two days were mostly on gravel paths before getting to paved connected trails and roads. The hotels weren't anything special, but we loved the biking route and would absolutely recommend this trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Dewey Forward
Spectacular if very challenging
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
It was certainly the most dramatic trip I’ve ever taken. By the end of the trip I was complexly familiar on how the app works and appreciated the care that went into all of the planning.
The hotels were all interesting being uniquely Italian and well placed in the towns we stayed in. All and all a lifetime memory of joy. Harder than a 1 difficulty which was advertised.- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2022
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Russ Gibfried
Great locations, trip pace and places to stay
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Perfect way to see Bavaria, Tyrol, the Dolomites and into Venice. Old train tracks have been converted to bike trails, so you see towns and places that you would miss in a car. The mobile app keeps you on track. I'm convinced this is the best way to see a country and all my future trips will include a one week bike tour (if possible)
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Rob Russell
Fantastic bike trip - downhill all the way!
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
I did this trip with my daughter who had never been to Italy. The folks at ''Fun Active Tours" were exceptional. They let us have the bikes a day early, call our hotels to make sure we had two beds as some of the hotels thought 'double' ment one bed! They let my daughter ride with the luggage transfer guy in the middle of the tour as her U-?-What was sore ;). Hotels were great and the route was unbelievable. Frendly Italians and some of the best food we've ever had. Go for it!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 15
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Garry Wyndham
Extraordinary experience
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Marvelous variety of views and experiences, geology and wonderful food. This was our second time and we had a blast. Despite one hiccup with the wrong hotel, Biketours looked after us well. Highly recommended
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Garry Wyndham
Extraordinarily varied and wonderful scenery.
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
This was one of our favorite ever vacations for the scenery, the food and the physical challenge. BikeTours is a great company and the tour is super value.
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
-
★★★★★ Nancy
Stunning vistas
Dolomites to Venice Along the Old Dolomites Railway Track
Beginning in the Dolomites, our cycle experience included amazing scenery on very nice e-bikes. The interesting accommodations added to the history and charm of the area. Some of the apparently newly paved roads had little or no traffic and we glided effortlessly downhill toward the final destination of Mestre. One day, we encountered free roaming cows, each with a cowbell and walking calmly along the side of the path and paying us no attention.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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