Questions? Below you will find answers and information on inquiries we often get from customers. Can’t find what you are looking for? Email us at info(at)bikesplus.travel, or use our contact form (click contact button above or below)
Bike tour FAQs
Here’s a helpful page comparing the differences: Guided vs Self-Guided Tour comparison.
On Self-Guided Tours: On days when you cycle from one hotel to the next, our delivery service picks up luggage in the morning and delivers it to the following hotel by mid-afternoon. Often, these vehicles are not available to shuttle people – so you will need to plan to complete the ride yourself. In cases of emergency, our staff is available to help via telephone, and we or the hotel staff will help locate taxis or alternative means of transport.
On Guided Tours: Our support vehicle will transport luggage from one hotel to the next every day. Vehicle support for tired cyclists is available most days, as is our accompanying cycling guide – please check the specific itinerary for details.
Bicycle rental is available with our self-guided and guided bike tours. We offer premium titanium hybrid bikes (with upright handlebar) and road bikes (with downturned handlebars); aluminum frame hybrid touring bikes; tandem bikes; pedal-assist e-bikes; and tag-along bikes and trailers for children. Please see the specific tour webpage for bike types available on each tour.
Most tours don’t cover more than 65 kms (40 miles) per day, and range among low-intermediate-advanced difficulty levels. Be sure to read the distance and difficulty description for the specific itinerary of your interest, as well as our difficulty ratings description page with detailed parameters, and send us an email if you have questions.
To best enjoy your tour, however, you should be riding your bike at least every week and be comfortable spending time on the saddle!
Our standard routes on each tour are designed for the average recreational cyclist. That said, almost every tour allows for added distance for those with extra energy. On many tour routes, we’ll suggest optional longer rides.
For tours in Italy and other European countries that are in listed in our website, we design routes that are not only scenic or that take you to the not to be missed spots. We also pay attention to safety and look for the best cycling options, avoiding roads with any type of significant vehicle traffic, opting instead for quiet backroads. On some itineraries, there may be sections of the route where you will have to cross a busy intersection or maybe share the road with traffic for a short stretch – when that is the case, we always look for bike lanes or the safest passage across.
Most of our routes use paved roads and bike lanes. We try to stay abreast of road conditions and when we are aware of roads that have deteriorated or are undergoing construction, we try to adapt the route as necessary. On some itineraries, we may use bike paths or backroads that include stretches of hard-packed dirt or gravel (non technical). Please check the tour webpage for details.
We also offer custom itineraries and tour packages throughout Europe, and the road conditions and terrain type will vary according to the custom tour request – please check your specific itinerary.
Self-guided tours are not “supported” like on a guided tour, meaning there is no guide or support vehicle with you as you cycle from one hotel to the next. Ideally, you should either know how to fix a flat tire or have someone with you who can. If you have trouble on the road, we provide a support number to call. Most support issues are solved over the phone, with our indications (our bikes are kept in excellent working condition, and it is very rare that they malfunction on the road), or we help you make your way to a local bike shop or get a bike shop mechanic out to you. If necessary, we can help arrange for transportation (at an extra cost to be paid by the customer).
What happens if it rains? We suggest “Plan B,” – put on your rain gear and follow Plan A (or sit at a cozy café while waiting for the storm to pass). As mentioned above, we are always available over the phone – if you need our assistance getting a vehicle to transport you and your bike on the next destination, we’ll be happy to arrange it (at an extra cost to be paid by the customer).
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We will send you hand bike tour packing list when your booking is completed. To help get you started, we recommend you plan on bringing the following:
- A few pairs of bicycling shorts and jerseys
- A few non-bicycling outfits to wear for your time off the bike
- Helmet (we recommend attaching it to the outside of your carry on if it does not fit in your luggage)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Spare glasses, contact lenses
- Dress pants/ skirts and shirts (layering is always encouraged)
- Two pairs of shoes (a pair for cycling and a pair to wear around town after cycling)
- Any prescription medication you might need and prescriptions in case you need to refill.
- A battery bank / power bank to keep your smartphone going all day
In our years running cycling tours in Europe, we’ve found that packing light will help you have a more enjoyable travel experience. Keep in mind that you will be toting your luggage at different times during your vacation (for example, when going from airport to the train or bus station, or you may have to bring your bags down to the hotel lobby in the morning before leaving for the next destination).
Please limit your luggage to 2 pieces per person – one larger suitcase that weighs less than 50 lbs (25 kgs), and a smaller carry-on bag such as a backpack or overnight bag. If the luggage limitation is exceeded, please note a fee may apply (the exact amount of the fee varies depending on the luggage transport provider). **
This limitation exists because there may be limited space in our the van or luggage transfer vehicle, and to safeguard the welfare of our tour leaders or luggage delivery drivers, as well as our customers. Remember we send all our customers a comprehensive bicycle tour packing list
** On some of our partner-run tours, the luggage limitation may be different, in which case you will receive specific luggage indications in the pre-departure email / documents.
All breakfasts are included on our typical bike tour. Breakfast is normally served continental style and includes assorted beverages, rolls or pastries, fruit, cereal and yogurt. Some hotels provide cold cuts and/or eggs in addition to the continental breakfast. On some of our tour packages, dinners or additional meals may be included – please check the specific itinerary for details. We often include meal suggestions for lunch, dinner or stops along the way.
If you have any dietary needs or food allergies, please ask and we’ll be glad to help!
Many of our customers purchase picnic supplies for lunch along the way. If you prefer to stop at a café or restaurant, there will be plenty on your route (listed in your road book on self-guided tours, or suggested by the tour leader on guided tours). For dinner we’ll suggest local restaurants, typically within walking distance (dinners are included in some of our tour packages – check the itinerary). If you are vegan, vegetarian or you need a gluten-free meal, please ask and we’ll be happy to help.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential, so we choose comfortable, well-managed and ideally centrally-located accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. We also look for charm and personality, as well as hotel staff and hosts that go out of their way to make your stay a delight!
The type of accommodations vary slightly by tour and destination, and by tour type (Classic vs Casual tours) – please check your specific itinerary (or email us), for more details on the lodging.
Generally, we use comfortable 3-star hotels and local-style inns or farmhouse / country stays. Some itineraries may include better 2-star, or 4-star hotels. We also offer room upgrade options in many tour packages. Please check the tour webpage for specific details.
We have often rented to groups of friends or families who have rented a villa in Emilia-Romagna or Tuscany, as well as other locations in Italy or Europe. We are happy to deliver and do a bike fitting for the group, and we can even prepare your routes and included extra activities like a wine or olive oil tasting, or a parmesan cheese factory visit. It is important you make sure the approach to your villa is acceptable to ride on a bike. Although hilltop villas are nice, cycling up a 2 mile dirt road is not always pleasant. Look for villas with easy access to great roads when planning your stay.
If you are interested in any changes to your self-guided itinerary, please ask us. We can often add or subtract nights at different locations (depending on the itinerary; a customization fee may apply).
We are also experts at designing custom-tailored holidays for groups of friends and families, whether it be a point to point, itinerant tour, or a fixed-point cycling holiday (for example, based in an Italian villa). If there’s a specific itinerary you like, please let us know how to adapt it to your needs and desires.
On most tours, the group will meet our staff the afternoon of the first tour day – this welcome meeting usually begins with the bike fitting, followed by a detailed tour briefing. There are a few tours where the meeting is in the morning time and cycling starts on day one. On our Casual self-guided tours, there is no starting meeting or bike fitting. Tours normally end after breakfast on the last day, with few exceptions. You may want to consult with us on the best time to plan to arrive on day one and when to leave on the last day.
Our tour webpages include general information on starting and ending points, as well as how to arrive to and depart from there. Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you detailed travel instructions on how to arrive to the hotel where your trip begins, at the agreed upon meeting time – on most tours, the starting point is easily accessible by train, bus and/or taxi. On some guided tours, transportation to the tour starting point and/or from the tour ending point is included – please check the specific itinerary for details. If you’d like to reserve private airport pick-up at an additional cost – please ask us, we’ll be happy to help.
We will also provide detailed information about the tour ending point, and how you can travel back home from there.
On Guided Tours: Please let us know, and we’ll make an effort to find you a roommate if you are alone. If we can’t find you a roommate you’ll have to pay the single supplement.
On Self-Guided Tours: although it’s unlikely that we can find you a roommate on a self-guided tour, if you join a confirmed departure, you will be able to save on the tour price by not having to pay the solo traveler fee.
On Self-Guided Tours: There is a good possibility that others on the same departure will want to cycle along with you, but of course we cannot guarantee this on every departure.
On Guided Tours: Yes! This is a group tour, so welcome on board! Depending on the itinerary, there will be days where the group can spread out, giving some participants the chance to cycle on their own or in smaller groups. But generally, the group will ride together, along with our tour leader
We’ll provide all the necessary contact numbers for you to communicate changes or last-minute requests.
Please refer to the “tour details” section of the tour webpage for details on what’s included and what’s not. Our self-guided tours include luggage transfers, a digital roadbook provided via free smartphone app (plus options for printed roadbook and GPS), hotels and all breakfasts, and may include additional meals and activities; on our guided tours, a guide cycling with the group, support van providing luggage transfers, hotels with breakfast, and may include some group meals and activities. The bike rental is optional – you will find the bicycle rental options listed in each tour webpage.
Inclusions may vary by tour package – please check the specific tour webpage for what is and what is not included.
Please check the What’s Included section of each tour webpage for specific inclusions. On most of our tours, lunches and dinners are on your own as well as any entrances to museums or visits you might want to choose to see while in larger cities. Some itineraries may include meals or extra activities. In addition, on self-guided tours, the hotel city tax is not included, to be paid by the traveler before check-out (usually 2 to 5 euro per person per night, possibly higher in the more touristy cities like Florence, Venice, Rome).
We suggest choosing the type of bike you are most familiar with at home. On most tours, you will have the option of renting a road bike with drop-down handlebars, or a hybrid bike with flat handlebars. We also offer pedal-assist e-bikes, tandem bikes, kids’ bikes and other bike types. If you have any questions about our bike options please check the specific itinerary page or ask us.
Yes, we can normally fit children taller than 4’10’’ (1m47). For smaller kids we offer “Tag-Alongs” and “Kid’s Trailers”. Please consult for your specific departure as not all group tours may be suitable for children. We also offer private group departures, and we love preparing tours for families – please ask us!
On Self-Guided Tours: Every self-guided tour begins with an introductory bike fitting and briefing in which our English-speaking staff will share tips and information on local road safety; this information is also provided in Bike Safety handouts, in our tour roadbooks (on our Casual Self-Guided Tours, provided through our digital roadbook app).
On Guided Tours: On the first day there will be an introductory briefing, which includes a detailed safety talk given by our English-speaking tour leader. Throughout the tour our cycling guide will be your “North Star”, looking out for your enjoyment as well as your safety.
We require everyone to wear a helmet on tour. We recommend you bring your own for best fit and comfort (as well as hygiene reasons). If you prefer to not travel with your own helmet, we can provide a lightly used helmet at no extra charge (upon request, please be sure to reserve ahead and provide your helmet size).
You are responsible for bike damage or theft, and you’ll agree to this when you sign our contract at delivery. So please be careful!
Bike rental insurance is available at an affordable rate on all Cycle Europe bicycle rentals. Please see the section Bike Rental Insurance in our Terms & Conditions page, and please let us know if you have any questions.
In addition, we offer plenty of advice and tips on how to properly store and secure your bikes every night or when you stop along the way every day. On Guided Tours, our tour leader will store the bikes for you every night.
We highly recommend purchasing travel, trip interruption and medical insurance. You may even check with your travel insurance provider if they can cover the bikes in case of theft or damage (please note we offer Bike Rental Insurance – see details in the Bike Rental Insurance section of our Terms & Conditions page).
Please read our Terms & Conditions page for important details before you book your tour. Please let us know if we can help with suggestions, or if you have any specific questions.
Please read the Cycle Europe Terms & Conditions webpage for important details about your tour booking, such as: how to confirm your tour with a deposit payment, and when to make the balance payment; what options are available if you have to cancel your booked tour; your bike rental contract (if you are renting a bike, we recommend you review our Bike Rental Terms and Conditions before your travels).
Bike and van rental FAQs
We can normally deliver to your hotel, rental villa, airport, or train station throughout much of France, Italy and elsewhere for a *fee. We cannot complete a quote without information on where you would like to rent. We will ask detailed information about the location as we want to make sure it is easily accessible by van (a 20% gravel driveway up a beautiful Tuscan mountain sometimes is hard to navigate with a van full of bicycles!) You can save money on delivery by picking bikes up yourself from our various rental locations. Keep this in mind as you make your travel arrangements.
* Varies depending on the number of bikes rented and the length of time.
The price depends on the bike type, and the delivery location (if delivery and collection are included). For full details visit Bike Rentals In Europe page. For bike hire included in our self-guided and guided bike tours, please check the Dates and Price section of the tour webpage that you are interested in.
Yes, we normally can fit children taller than 4’10” (1m 50cm) in our regular adult bikes. We also have a few smaller bikes specifically for children (please inquire, providing their heights). For smaller children, we can offer Tag-Alongs or Pull-Bikes, as well as Wehoo trailers and Burley trailers. See our Bike and Equipment page for available children’s bikes, trailers and accessories.
Yes, all our touring bikes have rear racks suitable for attaching panniers. Some bikes may be able to fit front racks (for front panniers). Mountain bikes are specifically not suitable for fitting a rack.
That’s what we do! We can add on Itinerary planning for your group or trip with your rental. Please get in touch with us through our contact form (click on the link), providing the details of your dream bike tour in Europe – we will be happy to reply!
You can choose among flat pedals and pedals with toe cages (or “baskets”). If you prefer “clipless” Shimano, SPD, Look, or similar clip-in pedals that require special shoes, you should bring both your shoes and pedals. If we personally deliver the bikes and give a bike fitting we will be happy to install your pedals during the bike fitting.
With pedal-assist e-bikes, for safety reasons, we prefer to install flat pedals only.
No. We provide all of the above mentioned tools (and a cyclometer on most of our rentals). We also provide water bottle cages on all bikes, a water bottle can be provided on request depending on the rental location.
In most locations we have a variety of accessories available such as panniers, rear bags, and map holders. See our Bike and Equipment Rental page for details and pricing.
Yes, we can provide lightly used helmets free of charge (although we suggest that you bring your own for best fit and comfort).
You are responsible for bike damage or theft, and you’ll agree to this when you sign our contract at delivery. So please be careful!
Bike rental insurance is available at an affordable rate on all Cycle Europe bicycle rentals. Please see the section Bike Rental Insurance in our Terms & Conditions page, and please let us know if you have any questions.
In addition, we offer plenty of advice and tips on how to properly store and secure your bikes every night or when you stop along the way every day. On Guided Tours, our tour leader will store the bikes for you every night.
Need more information?
If it’s your first time on an organized bike tour, or you need more details about our available tour styles, please visit our Tour Types page.
In addition, here’s a helpful comparison of Self-Guided vs Guided Bicycle Tours.
If you want the insights and experience of a past bike tour or rental customer, please ask us and we will be happy to put you in touch with a past customer reference. They can share what they liked, and what they didn’t, about tour they chose.
