Tour Photos

Traveler photos

• ★★★★★ Jim and Linda LoBue 8 months ago

  A rewarding challenge

  We knew that the ride would be a challenge for us, especially the climbs, but with the efficiently working e-bike assistance, we were able to make it work and that was a reward in itself. We have done multiple Europe tours through BikeTours and this was the first time that we followed an online map app. It worked very well. We were disappointed when we first arrived and realized that there would not be an orientation meeting with a live person. But, with the printed instructions and the app, it worked smoothly. A number of times during the tour we saw on our phone screen that we had made a wrong turn and were able to quickly correct the mistake and stay on track. The hotels were all first rate, with the exception of Buchs, where the hotel was undergoing extensive rehab work and we had to walk through construction zones to get to our room. Our only real complaint about the hotels was, with the exception of the Lugano hotel, they had no air conditioning. At least a fan would have helped us sleep better. But overall they were very nice and we were treated with fine hospitality. The scenery and the sites were amazing. It was a wonderful break from the sweltering California summer heat.
• ★★★★★ Timothy Ricks September 30, 2023

  Exquisite Visual Treats

  A few easy days, then some more challenging climbs. Finally a long descent and a ride to Locarno on Lake Maggiore. Some rain and wind added to the adventure.

  Pros: Beautiful scenery. A few nice hotels. Reliable rental bikes. Memorable rides. Excellent luggage transfers.

  Cons: Too much gravel and trail riding. While some hotels were very nice, many were sub-par, in our opinion. Bikes were heavy, slow and unresponsive—making the cycling harder and slower. Tour provider never met nor communicated with us directly—they just delivered written instructions and rental bikes to the first hotel. It seemed that they really were not so interested in our business.

  What was the date of your tour?

  September 2023

  How many tours have you completed?

  15+

  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?

  Somewhat easier

  Who is this tour suitable for?

  Solo travelers, Families with teens

  • 4/5 Value
  • 4/5 Included meals
  • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  • 3/5 Hotels or boat
  • 5/5 Scenery
  • 5/5 Ease of navigation
  • 3/5 Tour documents
  • 2/5 Local tour company services
  • 3/5 Route selection
• ★★★★★ Timothy Ricks September 23, 2023

  Spectacular Scenery Along Lakes and Over the Alps

  Easy riding through gorgeous countryside for the first few days, then some serious climbing in the mountains for a couple of days, a long descent and then beautiful Locarno on Lake Maggiore. More gravel road and trails than expected. Sturdy but slow and heavy bikes provided were up to the task—just made for more work. Hotels varied in quality. The hotel in Horn (Hotel Bad Horn) was very nice. Others—mostly just okay.

  What was the date of your tour?

  September 2023

  How many tours have you completed?

  16

  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?

  As expected

  Who is this tour suitable for?

  Solo travelers, Families with teens

  Do you recommend this tour?

  Yes

  • 3/5 Value
  • 4/5 Included meals
  • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
  • 4/5 Hotels or boat
  • 5/5 Scenery
  • 4/5 Ease of navigation
  • 3/5 Tour documents
  • 2/5 Local tour company services
  • 4/5 Route selection
• ★★★★★ (Nancy) Bart Hemmerich July 24, 2023

  Quaint Swiss Villages Among Majestic Alps

  After having just completed the Romantic Roads Tour, this tour was a perfect contrast - more focus on geography including huge glacial lakes, wide river basins, steep hillside farms and villages, and jagged Alp peaks with snow fields. This was a more challenging tour with added factors like very high temperatures a few days and very strong headwinds. Some of the gravel sections, particularly between Chur and Disentis were very tough for touring bikes so we have already suggested a road option. Hotels, restaurants and overall route were outstanding.

  What was the date of your tour?

  July 2023

  How many tours have you completed?

  6 organized tours, many self-supported

  Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?

  As expected

  Do you recommend this tour?

  Yes

  • 5/5 Value
  • 5/5 Included meals
  • 5/5 Hotels or boat
  • 5/5 Scenery
  • 5/5 Ease of navigation
  • 5/5 Tour documents
  • 5/5 Route selection