No, but I'd like to!

DH and I are thinking of doing this flat, paved veloroute this summer/early fall. It is in Quebec. https://veloroutedesbleuets.com/en

A friend of mine has used VBT.com for her bike tours in Italy and Germany. She was very pleased with them. Due to her husband back issues, they had to switch to non bike vacations.

Do you want to do a group tour or a private one planned for you by a tour company? Are you looking for something luxurious, fairly basic or in-between?

My doctoral adviser did several tours through Europe and Australia through Backroads. Maybe someday, or else I seriously could look at something like a sabbatical in the Netherlands or Denmark.

Backroads Europe

Thanks for all the info!

sas95, we're intrigued by "private" tours similar to this one: Best of Holland Bike Tour. Basically, they provide the equipment and arrange for a 3- to 4-star accommodation each night, with breakfast in the morning.

My understanding is that the Netherlands is great (and relatively flat for biking)!

I know people who have taken VBT trips and loved them. Also people who have taken Backroads with great experiences. I have done Butterfield and Robinson trips (hiking, not biking, but they do both) which have been amazing in terms of sights, accommodations, food, wine-- well, everything, but they're very pricey and may not be in line with what you are looking for.

I have not done the private tours, only the small group ones. I am not a "group tour" sort of person and was not sure at all about doing trips with strangers at first, I have loved doing these activity tours with a small group (our last trip, for example, was 7 people). Usually my husband and I do the small group walking tour, then a few days by ourselves on either end so we have our "alone time."

As for the biking tours in general, the only complaints I have heard from friends who have taken them is that some companies do a better job than others in maintaining their bikes. So that might be something you would want to check for when you are looking at reviews, or when you are inquiring with the various tour operators.

We have done numerous Backroads trips. We have done hiking and biking. They have very nice bikes and take care of all details. Some trips offer more basic accommodations while others are VERY nice. This is reflected in the price. I am not a foodie but it seems that those who are always are pleased.

My only complaint is that there is too much drinking! I do not drink alcohol and cannot understand why it is so important and how so much time can be wasted. It seems that every one of their trips includes a visit to a winery! Or worse....a whiskey tasting! I am not planning on doing any more of their trips.for that reason,

Grapefruit, I understand your feelings if you don't drink, but in Europe and some of the other destinations wine is a big thing, and trying the local wines is a very fun part of the trip for those of us who do enjoy wine. I haven't taken Backroads, but my friend who does (who also doesn't drink) says she likes the fact that alcohol is not included in the price of the Backroads trips so she doesn't feel like she is paying for something she doesn't consume. Personally, I like the fact that B&R trips include very good wine!

I've heard good things about Backroads, VBT and Butterfield & Robinson. To the best of my knowledge, none of those companies offer self-guided tours (which is what I should have called it, not a "private" tour). I would love to find an option that offered accommodations in the 4- to 5-star range, as those operators do, but I'm not finding much.

We definitely don't require the accompaniment of a guide, and we prefer the freedom to decide which sights to visit along the way and where to eat for lunch and dinner.

That's an excellent tip regarding bike maintenance, sas95. Thanks, everyone!