I'm looking into a bike trip to Italy with VBT this summer. Anyone have any experience or comments? I'm also considering Cyclismo Classico, but the VBT trip dates work out better for me.
Thanks.
VBT
Sun, 03/11/2007 - 8:15pm
Mon, 03/12/2007 - 10:33am
#1
italy
Various considerations when comparing these companies: do they provide bikes and if so, do you like what they have? how much flexibility in adding/subtracting miles/hills and in touring/shopping versus more riding? do you prefer luxe or basic accommodations and dining? do you care about the demographics or the skill level of the group? how many people are signed up? on what basis would the trip be canceled and how is it looking? The sales person ought to be helpful on all these things.
I went to Tuscany last fall with Trek Travel after having traveled mostly with Backroads. (Gorgeous and hilly Tuscany - love the wines esp Brunellos.) Trek Travel is part of the bike company, so they have the resources to hire as good leaders and organizers as anybody. But because they're newer than Backroads in this business, I believe they try harder.
Mon, 03/12/2007 - 1:18pm
#2
I went on their Tuscany ride a few years ago. It was very organized and they offered a few route options depending how ambitiuous you were on a given day.. The inns were listed as 3 star, but they were very comfortable and nice. The food and scenery were great.
Thu, 03/15/2007 - 10:05am
#3
A fabulous source of tours
http://www.custombiketours.com/
Check out Lynn Gorski's tours in Italy. I know her as we're both professional ski instructors at Heavenly/Tahoe; she's a fab athlete and a terrif and experienced tour leader.
Susan
Sun, 03/11/2007 - 8:55pm
#4
VBT/Other Bike Companies
I've taken 3 trips with VBT - California, Provence and Italy (Tuscany Coast)-is this the trip you are considering? I would highly recomend.
They are a great organization - accomodations are usually moderate or above - always clean and comfortable. Guides are very enthusiastic and knowledgable. The cue sheets are vey clear and concise.
Plus, with their air fare - it's one of the best bargains around.
Only few negatives - the pre/post accomodations aren't as nice as during the trip and I recently met someone who got ill during the trip (was taken to hospital) and there was no follow-up by VBT on their condition.
Another negative is that it seems to skew a bit on the older side and couples-
I'm actually looking at Backroads and a new company DuVine for a trip to Spain (VBT doesn't go to Spain)
- any thoughts on them?
Mon, 03/12/2007 - 9:58am
#5
DuVine
I did the DuVine trip in Bordeaux a couple of years ago. It was very well done, although depending on your level the cycling portion was fairly relaxed. We rode on well maintained hybrids, around 30km - 70km a day. There were options for additional distance if you wanted it.
Mon, 03/12/2007 - 9:52am
#6
others
I had a fabulous experience with Bicycle Adventures. Unbelievably well organized and led. I believe they go to Italy. Worth looking into.
http://bicycleadventures.com/
Tue, 03/13/2007 - 4:37pm
#7
Italian & Spanish bike tours run by ex-NYCC couple from Hoboken
lacorsa.com
Wed, 03/14/2007 - 4:35am
#8
VBT
Have gone on 6 or 7 VBT tours. Last year did Tuscany Coast which was excellent in all respects except that it wasn't a lot of cycling relatively (Ciclismo usually is more demanding) VBT is usually older and married (thanks!) I think that if u take VBT's air package it is a very good value
I enjoy wine but DuVine has too many wine tastings I felt that we were spening more time on wine than cycling!
Let me know if u have any ?'s
Wed, 03/14/2007 - 6:46am
#9
VBT
All this feedback on VBT is great! I recently signed up to do the Tuscan Coast trip this June with my family.
Wed, 03/14/2007 - 2:01pm
#10
Thanks
Thanks for all the comments. Very helpful!
Thu, 03/15/2007 - 9:31am
#11
VBT/TrekTravel
Hi, I'm a member of NYCC and guide for TrekTravel, and used to work for VBT. I would concur with all the comments here (especially Grace's--glad you had a great time!!)
VBT does skew older and the bikes are old, heavy Asianas. The focus is more on touring, less on biking, and their target audience is older and more casual rider. (We used to joke that we were a Virtual Bike Tour, or Van and Bike Tours--there's a fair amount of shuttle time.) But the prices are terrific and they do a really good job of providing good value--it's not absolute luxury, but not everyone is looking for that. But do check the mileage each day, it can be really low.
TrekTravel offers more riding options, and you ride on top-of-the-line Trek bikes (the Madone 5/2). Accomodations, etc are all also top-of-the-line, and we really focus on creating local experiences you wouldn't be able to get if you were on your own. Tours are for sure more expensive--but I have talked to Jeff Torofsky about promoting a discount for NYCC--save $200 per person-- so let me know if you're interested and I can give you discount code.
Diane
Fri, 03/16/2007 - 5:18am
#12
discount?
i've signed up for the Trek cross-USA trip in September - can i still get that discount? please?
Wed, 03/21/2007 - 11:04am
#13
What Trek Travel Trips have you lead ? (nm)
Wed, 03/21/2007 - 11:16am
#14
Trek Travel
Hi, I've lead California Wine Country (many, many times), Provence, and Bordeaux/Dordogne.
Where are you looking to travel?
Diane
Wed, 03/21/2007 - 11:49am
#15
give my regards to
give my regards to:
Monica, Amy, Rhonda, Jonathan, Matt, and the Meholics in Wisconsin (especially Andrea).
Wed, 03/21/2007 - 8:24pm
#16
Trek Travel
Wow, sounds like you've travelled quite a bit with us. I will be seeing Mike and Andrea in Wisco the first week in April, and would be happy to pass along your regards--but I don't know who you are!! I've been working with Jonathan for 4 years now--we're a team, and I'll be working with him yet again this year--yeah!! Do you have plans to travel with us again??
d
Thu, 03/22/2007 - 8:35am
#17
Trek Travel
-D
yes – will be joining you guys again in Aug. & Mike has sent me some itineraries.
When you see Andrea (I think she is still in NZ) & Mike next week – ask Andrea if she is still wearing the NYCC Lady Liberty Vest (she’ll know who I am). Also, tell Mike thanks for the discounts & the gifts. Will hook him up again for dinner reservations on his next visit in NYC.
Sorry – I liked my identity to be anonymous in this MB.
Best wishes on your trip w/ Jonathan.
What trip are you guys leading?
He’s such a great guy.
I hope he & his girlfriend are adjusting well in Seattle.
Definitely miss you guys!
Fri, 03/23/2007 - 6:50pm
#18
cycling in italy
I did a tour with Experience Plus in 2005 from Venice to Brunico, near Austria. Most days were in the Dolomite mountains. They are very organized, decent bikes, very good accomodations that are not corporate-owned and more personal. Also a little less expensive than VBT, LaCorsa and the others mentioned in this thread.
Sat, 03/24/2007 - 3:37am
#19
Exper+ is good but VBT's accoms a notch better
Ask if the hotels have a pool and A/C.--Italy can be hot in the summer.
