Types of tours
When you hear 'bicycle tourism', do you picture an experienced cyclist on an expensive bike with panniers of luggage hugging the rear tire? If so, it’s time to draw a new picture of what bicycle tourism means, and we’re happy to do that for you.
Bicycle tourism encompasses several different types of touring: commercial or self-supported, with a guide or without, with accommodation or not. There are lots of options. Here’s a breakdown of the types of tours we offer:
Guided tours
Guided tours are just that. You have a guide, a set plan, and a structured daily schedule. These tours will have just about everything planned out for you: hotels, rental bikes, routes, meals, luggage transfers, sightseeing tours, and more. The guide will be there to show you the region and to help in case of breakdowns (mechanical or human).
On guided tours, riders tend to stick together as a group with the guide. Riders can sometimes go ahead to the next turn or next town, but the norm is sticking together.
Guided tours usually include lodging, breakfast, evening dinners, rental bikes, support van or bus with driver, ride-along guide, luggage transport, detailed route planning, and more.
Guided tours can also be broken down into two sub-categories:
- Guided group tour: You usually bike in a group of 8 to 20 people. You typically tour with riders from several different countries, which makes for new acquaintances and international friendships.
- Guided private tour: You travel only with your own private party—the tour is just for you, accompanied by a guide. This allows for more flexibility with the set schedule and route, but with the benefit of a guide to show you the way.
Self-guided tours
Self-guided tours are becoming the most popular form of bicycle tourism. They cost less than guided tours but still maintain a level of support and convenience that allows you the flexibility to explore on your own, without sweating the logistics.
It doesn’t mean that you’re totally on your own. These tours have logistics covered for you: hotel reservations, comprehensive tour information with maps and route descriptions, and usually a hotline in case of emergencies or problems.
Self-guided tours typically include lodging, breakfast, luggage transport from hotel to hotel, tour descriptions, maps, detailed route planning, and an emergency hotline.
You do need some level of independence. It’s your responsibility to get to the next hotel every day, even if you head into bad weather or just don’t feel like riding anymore. While the operator usually gives you a list of bike shops along the route, you'll also need to know how to fix a flat tire.