Hub and spoke tours

Tours based in one (or just a few) hotel(s)

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Many bicycle tours are point-to-point, which means you reach a new destination – and new hotel – every night. But there’s something to be said for staying overnight in one town (or just a few) and doing day trips – you don’t have to pack every morning, you can settle in, and you can really get to know a location. These 'homebase' (sometimes called 'hub-and-spoke') tours are a good option for couples or groups with varying cycling ability levels or interest – each of you can go on rides or other excursions based on your preferences.

Homebase hosts

Bicycle touring allows you to see a lot of the world from the best possible vantage point. But, it doesn’t have to mean you reach a new destination every night. Slow travel is all the rage these days, and there is no better way to slow down than to set up shop in one location and explore all the roads, sights, and charms an area has to offer. Hence the popularity of 'hub-and-spoke' tours.

Why it might be perfect for you:

• You prefer not to pack/unpack your suitcase every day. Since you’ll be staying in the same location each night, you won’t spend extra time every morning tracking down your toothbrush and that last pair of socks. Instead, you’ll be able to spend those vacation minutes relaxing, recovering, and exploring the local area.
• You’re concerned about covering the full route distance. Many of our clients share their hesitation about biking set distances several days in a row on the typical point-to-point tour. But tours based in one hotel give you the option of rest days so you have a dedicated day out of the saddle to stretch your legs and recover mid-tour. Some tours even offer multiple daily route options, letting you choose the route that best fits your interest and fitness level.
• You have non-riders in your group. Many of our clients ask about options for their non-cycling travel companions. A tour based out of one hotel is ideal for folks who want activities for both cyclists and non-cyclists. While the cyclist is out riding, the non-rider is able to explore the local area, take day excursions, or just relax. Meeting back up over cocktails or dinner lets you reconnect and swap stories!
• You’re traveling with children. We have a lot of families booking bike tours these days, and tours based out of one hotel are a great option. Many of the hotels used for these tours have a pool and other great features to help keep children entertained. And, as noted above, it’s a lot easier to take a rest day on these tours when your children are tired or need other diversions.
• You want to visit and explore a given region more in-depth. The point-to-point tour is a great way to span a lot of distance, but some of our clients want to really immerse themselves in one area, wandering and getting a deeper impression of a new place and culture. Tours based out of one hotel are an ideal choice if this is a main factor.

Most of our single-hotel-based tours are built around small, locally-owned hotels and guesthouses. Sometimes the tour operators are the hotel proprietors themselves. For the duration of your tour, you are not simply a guest checking in for one night - you become part of the community around the hotel. All of these tours include detailed routes and maps, and many of the itineraries or daily rides may be shortened or lengthened to suit your riding preferences.

Suggested tours

Here are some tours to consider if you think hub-and-spoke tours are best for you:

Bicycle Paths of the Dolomites (based in one hotel)
From your hotel in Hochpustertal/Alta Val Pusteria, you leave every day for your bicycle tour. The program gives you space for an individual organization of the stages and guarantees fun for all cyclists, whether athletically ambitious or 'pleasure-seeking'. The bicycle tour leads you into side valleys of Hochpustertal to Sexten and Gsies and on the old Dolomites railway track to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Ascona and Lake Maggiore (based in one hotel)
This hotel-based tour features the crystal clear waters of Lago Maggiore. Different to most of Switzerland, this area feels quite tropical. This self-guided tour features some of the longest Swiss Valleys and the medieval city of Bellinzona. Close to the Lago Maggiore, the landscape is charming and tame; but the Maggia Valley Ticino is wild and defiant. This area is sure to put a spell on you! Tour is based in one hotel with daily loop rides.

Let us help you book your tour today! E-mail us for more information.

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