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What is included in the price?
What is not included in the price?
When do the high season prices apply?
When are the cycling holidays available?
Do you offer single centre holidays with just a bit of cycling?
How does the luggage transport service work?
Do I need to pay a deposit for my bike locally?
Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay?
Will I be travelling in an organised group?
Tour gradings: How do we know which tour is the right level for us?
I plan to travel on my own. Can I go one of your cycling holidays?
I'd like to cycle with a group of my friends. Do you offer special rates for groups?
Are the cycling holidays suitable for children?
How do you cater for children?
Will I know specific accommodation details when I book?
Are there rooms with four-poster beds or special views available?
Can vegetarians be catered for?
Can I extend my stay along the way, or add on extra nights at the beginning or end of my tour?
Is it possible to skip a day's cycling altogether?
Do I need any special equipment?
Do I need to prepare for my cycle break?
When will I get my documentation?
How do I get back at the end of the tour?
Can I get to my holiday by public transport?
Do I need any special documentation for travelling on your European tours?
Can I change the dates after I have booked?
What happens if I have to cancel?
What is included in the price?
The information below gives an overall outline of the services included.
Please select the region/country of interest for specific details.
En-suite hotel accommodation with breakfast as minimum. All our establishments have been selected by our team for their character, location, comfort and friendly atmosphere.
Route notes, descriptions and maps. We pride ourselves on our detailed level of documentation which includes plenty of top tips for places to visit, and for relaxing and sampling the local fare along the way.
Full luggage transfer service between accommodations.
Hire of bicycle and ancillary equipment.
Local assistance on call, although puncture repair is excluded (with the exception of Suffolk tours).
Boat and train transfers and excursions where noted in the itinerary as included (Austria and Italy only).
Find out more>> ENGLAND - SUFFOLK
Find out more>> ENGLAND - NORFOLK
Find out more>> FRANCE - LOIRE
Find out more>> FRANCE - DORDOGNE
Find out more>> FRANCE - PROVENCE
Find out more>> ITALY
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What is not included in the price?
Unless stated in the tour descriptions, evening meals are not included in the package price.
Extras at your accommodation (such as meals/drinks/telephone calls/newspapers, etc) are payable direct at the time of departure.
Boat and train transfers are also not included unless stated in the tour descriptions.
When do the high season prices apply?
Our peak prices only apply to holidays starting between 01 July and 31 August.
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When can I take my holiday?
With the exception of some of our overseas tours which may have set arrival days or a choice of arrival days (see tour descriptions for details), our self-guided tours give a great amount of flexibility, so you’re free to choose when you wish to travel. Simply outline your preferred start date on the booking form, giving alternative start dates if you have them, and we’ll do our very best to meet your requirements.
Please note, some days of the week may attract a surcharge at certain hotels, but we can inform you of these when you
make your enquiry.
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When are the cycling holidays available?
All our tours are subject to the availability of our accommodation. Please see individual tour descriptions or download our full pricing information for more details.
England: Easter to end October
Loire and Dordogne (France): March to October
Provence (France): April to June/August to mid October
Austria: April to early October
Italy: April to early October
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Where will I stay?
Historic English coaching inns, pleasant French ‘Auberges’, Italian neo-classical treats with elegant terraces, Austrian creeper-clad chalets - from relaxing country hotels, town centre boutique chic to seafront hotels, our accommodation portfolio is very varied but always personally chosen.
We select our accommodation partners carefully and to clear standards. Above all we look for character, welcome and good location, so you can unwind in comfort after your day’s activity.
All accommodation includes en-suite facilities and includes breakfast as a minimum. Some tours include evening meals (see individual tour descriptions for details). Evening meals are available at many of our properties, or if this is not the case, our detailed documentation always provides top tips on places to eat within a short walk of your accommodation.
For more detail about our accommodation please select the region/country of interest
Find out more>> ENGLAND - NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK
Find out more>> FRANCE - LOIRE
Find out more>> FRANCE - DORDOGNE
Find out more>> FRANCE - PROVENCE
Find out more>> ITALY
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Do you offer single centre holidays with just a bit of cycling?
Our single centre breaks in England and France are great for first timers or those who might just want to spend more time relaxing by the pool than in the saddle. We’ll book the accommodation, deliver the bikes to you at the hotel, give you a host of route options from which you can simply take your pick as the whim or the weather takes you. On these tours in particular, the rest really is up to you.
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How does the luggage transport service work?
We think that travelling light is key to ensuring a really enjoyable and relaxing time. So put your camera, binoculars, perhaps a picnic and bits and pieces in the panniers and leave all the heavy stuff to us.
Every morning your bags containing anything which you don’t need for your day will be picked up. By late afternoon, they’ll be waiting for you at your next evening’s accommodation. If you’ve collected a few mementoes en route through Suffolk,
these can usually be picked up too (antiques... the odd case of wine... we have had many requests in the past and always
do our best to oblige!).
There is no limit on the amount of luggage you can bring on our tours - except in France where there is a maximum limit
of 2 pieces per person. Please note, that in the interest of protecting staff engaged in luggage transfer, no single piece of luggage should exceed 25kg (20kg on all European tours).
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What do I have to carry?
Probably no more than your camera, water, a picnic and waterproofs to keep the rain away. There’ll be maps and route information of course, but apart from that what you take is up to you.
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What bikes are provided?
We supply hybrid tourers (generally Claude Butler on our UK tours) - a comfortable bike, more rugged than a road bike, but lighter and faster than a mountain bike. The bikes have easy to use gears, flat or ‘quarter-rise’ handle bars and are available with a ladies’ or gents’ frame. Panniers, handlebar bags, map holders and support equipment are supplied.
Electric bikes are an option on selected tours, bookable in advance and at a supplement.
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When can I pick up my bike?
England - Suffolk, Needham Market start: Available for collection on day 1 of your tour.
England - Suffolk, hotel-based start: Delivered after breakfast on day 2 of your tour.
England - Norfolk: Delivered after breakfast on day 2 of your tour.
All European destinations: Available for collection on day 2 of your tour.
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Do I need to pay a deposit for my bike locally?
England - We do not require security deposits although you should note that we will ask for reimbursement in the case of any damage (beyond fair wear and tear) to or theft of your hire bicycle.
All European destinations - A security deposit is not required, although please note that you will be required to reimburse our local agents in the event of damage to or theft of your bicycle.
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Can I use my own bike?
We’re happy to give you a discount if you’d prefer to bring your own bike on your holiday. This will depend upon your choice of tour and time of travel.
Please download our full price information for details, or give us a call.
If you have a problem with your own bike whilst on the tour, we’ll bring you a replacement bike for the rest of your holiday and charge back the discount you were given.
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What about en route support
We ensure that your bike is a ‘good fit’ before you depart and you will receive a good briefing about basic bike repairs (punctures), the route and how to make contact in case help is needed.
All our documentation carries emergency telephone numbers to contact in case of a difficulty with your bike. This service is available from between 0900h and 1700h.
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Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay in England?
We take special care to ensure that you know that you are in safe hands from day one. Our route material and documentation are thorough and easy to understand.
We make every effort to get your route information in your hands before you have even thought of packing your things, so you can read it over and take a look at the descriptions at your leisure and give us a call if you have any queries.
We believe that we do everything in advance of your arrival to ensure that your holiday goes smoothly and is as relaxing as possible. We care very much - but we don’t want to get in the way.
We generally get to see most of our holiday guests staying in Suffolk and Norfolk, although this may not always be the case on tours with start locations other than Needham Market, or if bikes are not required.
If your tour is outside East Anglia, you might not meet us personally during your break, but you ‘re welcome to give us a call during your stay.
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Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay in Europe?
Many years ago specialist cycle tour operators from Europe approached us to look after their clients when holidaying in Suffolk. Our relationships developed and in 2002, we decided to reciprocate. The tours we offer in Europe blend our experience and understanding with the expert knowledge of our local partners who share our commitment to quality, service and great cycling.
We work in partnership with local experts who share our commitment to quality, service and great cycling. Together we ensure that the route notes prepared during our own latest experiences are fully up-to-date and that accommodation continues to meet our high standards. We are proud of our partners and delighted that you will be welcomed by friends.
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Will I be travelling in an organised group?
All our cycling holidays are self-guided so that you have the flexibility to enjoy your break totally at your own pace. We arrange your accommodation and transfer your luggage. We give you all the maps, route information, recommendation and support material you need to help you on and along your way. Our aim is to give you the peace of mind, so you can relax and enjoy.
You may encounter other parties either following the same or overlapping itineraries.
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Tour gradings: How do we know which tour is the right level for us?
All our cycle tours are graded to help you in your selection as some routes offer more challenges than others. The grading is clearly marked in each tour description.
Please remember though that gentle holidays are what we do, so there are no ‘extreme’ days in any of our programmes.
Most routes feature a range of detours or short cuts and all our descriptions detail minimum, maximum and recommended mileages. Some longer trips may offer rest days.
Grades 1-3 are suitable for the moderately fit. If you are planning to take the longer route options, it is advisable to
be reasonably fit.
Grade 1 - Very Easy
Very short rides. Mainly flat terrain. Some small hills.
Grade 2 - Easy
Slightly longer rides. Mainly flat terrain. Some small hills.
Grade 3 - Moderate
Longer rides - generally same itineraries as ‘Easy’ tours, but with the longer route options selected. May include slightly more or bigger hills.
Grade 4 - More Challenging
Longer rides with more frequent climbs and descents and occasional (though possibly avoidable) challenging climbs.
The mileages of the routes do vary, considerably at times, but we’ve tried to explain this clearly in the tour descriptions. As a guide ’occasional’ cyclists should expect to cover between 6-10 miles an hour at a gentle pace, allowing for short stops on the way. If you have any questions about what might sit in your comfort zone or serve to push your boundaries just a little, do contact us and we’ll be happy to chat things over to find what’s right for you.
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What about electric bikes ?
We are pleased to offer electric bikes as an option on selected tours. These are only bookable in advance and at a supplement which is outlined in the specific tour details.
Electric bikes are a great way to make tours accessible if you have any concerns about your pedalling ability. A full briefing will be given when you pick up your electric bike.
The electric bikes on our tours are powered by a lithium-ion battery which is easily removed for recharging. The battery delivers about 40-60 miles on mixed terrain, depending on a number of factors including the overall weight which the bike is carrying (passenger and panniers!), the amount of assistance which the battery is giving (how much pedalling is also being done) and the nature of the terrain itself.
Pedalling is always required, but this can be very gentle, with the battery offering up to 70% assistance.
With the convenient charging cable/transformer, the disconnected battery is easily recharged using regular sockets at your hotel. Generally, it takes about 4-6 hours to recharge the unit fully. On some of the dedicated long distance cycle paths (eg. The Mur Valley Cycle Path in Austria) some recharging points are in place along the route.
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I plan to travel on my own. Can I go one of your cycling holidays?
We regularly take bookings from cyclists who are single travellers, so you would be most welcome. Please note that a supplement is payable to cover accommodation/luggage transfer on a ‘single occupancy’ basis and administration costs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and for tour prices.
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I’d like to cycle with a group of my friends. Do you offer special rates for groups?
We are pleased to offer special prices for groups of 8 or more. Please give us a call to discuss options and details.
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Are the cycling holidays suitable for children?
We’ve got children of our own, so we know that all children are different. We like to think that parents are the best judge of what their children will be happy with on holiday. This includes just how active and interested they might be on a day’s cycle ride.
We’re not passing the buck. Just being realistic and we think you’ll respect us for that.
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How do you cater for children?
Our accommodation is personally selected and family rooms and facilities such as cots and highchairs are generally available. We offer discounts for children on all our cycling tours.
We are also able to offer child seats and child trailers, either Tag-a-long or Burley at a small additional charge.
Please download our full price information, or give us a call for details.
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Will I know specific accommodation details when I book?
Some of our accommodation is full of character but often quite small, so we consider the best options for your tour and check availability when you make your booking. We are more than happy to discuss with you details and options by phone.
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Are there rooms with four-poster beds or special views available?
Many of our selected hotels offer special rooms, perhaps with a sea view, a balcony or four-poster bed. At some locations we are also able to offer extra special places to stay.
If you think that you might like to upgrade your stay on any of the nights of your tour, perhaps as a treat or for that special occasion, please give us a call to discuss options, upgrade prices and details.
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What meals are provided?
All accommodation includes en-suite facilities and includes breakfast as a minimum.
Some tours include evening meals (see individual tour descriptions for details). Evening meals are available at many of our properties, or if this is not the case, our detailed documentation always provides top tips on places to eat within a short walk of your accommodation.
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Can vegetarians be catered for?
Accommodating special dietary requirements is rarely a problem, if we know in advance. Please let us know and we will pass details on to the relevant accommodation providers.
Where evening meals are included in our prices, or where evening meals are available at the accommodation, vegetarian options are generally available as standard on the menu.
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Do I need to book accommodation for the night before I start my cycle break, or at the end when I have finished the tour?
All our customers travel different distances to reach their cycle break destination. For this reason, we arrange the majority of our tour routes to be flexible on the arrival day, perhaps giving some gentle pointers for places to explore.
For tours starting in Needham Market, Suffolk some optional day rides may be suggested. The itinerary proper starts from day 2.
If your tour starts in Needham Market, Suffolk and you are able to arrive before 1000h, it is possible to drop the first night accommodation and start the tour immediately. We offer a discount for this early start option.
Our England tours do not generally include an overnight on the day that you finish; in Europe however all our tours include an overnight at the end of your cycle tour.
We are very happy to make arrangements for extra nights at our selected accommodations either where your tour starts/finishes or in the vicinity.
Find out more about extra night prices>> England
Find out more about extra night prices>> France
Find out more about extra night prices>> Austria
Find out more about extra night prices>> Germany
Find out more about extra night prices>> Italy
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Can I extend my stay along the way, or add on extra nights at the beginning or end of my tour?
England Tours: We would be delighted to organise extra nights in our selected accommodations subject to availability to extend your stay along your tour or at the beginning or end of your chosen route. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Find out more about extra night prices>> England
Europe Tours: Although not always able to guarantee the same organisational flexibility on offer through our UK tour programme, we work with our expert partners to accommodate special requests wherever possible.
Many of our tours in Europe have set days of the week as start days (see individual tour descriptions for details), so it is less feasible to add extra nights along the way on such itineraries. We are however delighted to organize extra nights at our selected accommodations for additional stays at the beginning or end of your chosen route subject to availability. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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How far will I be cycling?
All our cycling tours are different, and some days there may be more miles to cover than others. Outline mileages are detailed in our tour descriptions.
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Is it possible to skip a day’s cycling altogether?
We are flexible in our approach because we want you to enjoy your break. We can generally accommodate special requests of this nature by suggesting shortcuts, or on occasion, it may be possible for you and your bike to keep our driver company at the time of the luggage transfer. Please ask us at the time of booking.
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Do I need any special equipment?
Comfortable shoes or trainers with fairly rigid soles and a waterproof jacket (just in case...!) are probably the only main requirements. Bring clothes for warm and cooler weather which you can layer up as appropriate. Lighter garments which give freedom of movement and bright colours for safety reasons are a good idea, and it is best to avoid trousers or shorts with thick seams (such as jeans) if you can, for comfort’s sake!
Even in England do pack sunglasses as these can also help protect against dust and sun-creams. We advocate the wearing of a cycle helmet (available for hire - England tours only - please let us know at time of booking), but if you would rather not, a hat for sun protection is advisable. We think that a water bottle is a must.
Your bike comes equipped with a map case and trip computers are sometimes available for hire (England tours only) if you want help yourself feel virtuous by recording your cycling achievements.
You won’t need to carry much and we provide bike panniers to do this - don’t forget, we transport all your luggage and we’ll let you know where there’ll be places for snacks and meals along the way.
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Do I need to prepare for my cycle tour?
Gentle holidays are what we do, so there are no ‘extreme’ days in any of our programmes. Most routes feature a range of detours or short cuts and all our descriptions detail minimum, maximum and recommended mileages. Some longer trips may offer rest days.
As a guide ’occasional’ cyclists should expect to cover between 6-10 miles an hour at a gentle pace, allowing for short stops on the way. If you do not cycle regularly at the moment, then you will almost certainly benefit from spending a little time in the saddle before you depart if you can - more an effort to minimise the effect of saddle soreness rather than an attempt to get you fit!
Tours graded 1-3 are suitable for the moderately fit.
If you’ve chosen one of our longer tours and don’t exercise regularly, it is probably a good idea to exercise a little and get reasonably fit before your holiday.
If you have any questions about what might sit in your comfort zone or serve to push your boundaries just a little, do contact us and we’ll be happy to chat things over to find what’s right for you.
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When will I get my documentation?
We’ll do our best to get your full tour information to you 2 weeks before departure, subject to your time of booking. You will generally receive your full map pack and a thorough briefing on this on arrival.
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Where do I park my car?
You can leave your vehicle at the hotel car park at the start of your tour, or at Alder Carr Farm (our offices) if your tour starts from Needham Market, Suffolk. Generally there is no charge for this service in England, but hotels may charge for parking on the continent. Do check with us at the time of booking and we can suggest alternative parking options, if appropriate.
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How do I get back at the end of the tour?
Some of our cycling tours are circular by nature, so will return you back to your start point. Others may leave you to return home or back to your original point of arrival by train. Taxi transfers may be included in the price on some of our linear tours. Please see the specific tour description for details.
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Can I get to my holiday by public transport?
We have a green conscience and advocate the use of public transport where it makes good sense. It is our aim to feature tours and properties which can be accessed by public transport with taxi transfers if necessary. It is easier to get to some holiday start points than others by rail or bus, but we are very much on the case and can share with you our understanding of the local public transport situation.
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I am travelling to England for one of your tours from outside the UK. Can you advise me on how to get to my start destination from the London airports?
We can give you some tips about off-peak travel savings and e-ticketing options for public transport. We can also arrange pick-ups or taxi transfers to your start destination, if that is your preferred option. It is generally cheaper and quicker to arrange your taxi requirements in advance rather than just picking up a cab on the day. We are happy to talk through your requirements.
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I am travelling to continental Europe for one of your tours from the UK. Can you advise me on flights, ferries and generally how to get to my start destination?
We can give you some tips about the most convenient airport or railway station for each tour. Outline information is given in the introduction to each country/region section, or within the tour description.
For information regarding airlines serving these airports and contact details of relevant transportation operators, please use the links below, download our full price information document or give us a call.
Find out more>> How to get there - France - Loire
Find out more>> How to get there - France - Dordogne
Find out more>> How to get there - France - Provence
Find out more>> How to get there - Austria
Find out more>> How to get there - Germany
Find out more>> How to get there - Italy
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Is my money safe?
In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992” all passengers booking with Cycle Breaks are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently for the balance of all monies paid to our company arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to our insolvency. Our payment protection insurance is arranged through IPP (International Passenger Protection) on your behalf and is included in the holiday price.
Find out more>>
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How can I pay for my holiday?
We operate a secure online booking system, or you can simply give us a call and pay for your holiday over the phone by credit or debit card. There is no charge for payments by debit card, but please note that regrettably we must levy a 1.5% charge on credit card payments. Cycle Breaks also accepts cheques drawn on UK bank accounts and payment by overseas bank transfer.
Your agreement with us only comes into effect when we have received your signed booking form or telephone, fax or email instructions together with your deposit and insurance premium, if required, and we have issued confirmation of your booking, either written or verbal. A deposit of 10% or £50 (whichever is the greater) per person is payable at the time of booking.
When we confirm your booking, we will send you an invoice showing the balance of the payment due and the date by which it must be received by us.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that you are adequately insured for your holiday.
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Do I need any special documentation for travelling on your European tours?
UK passport holders need to carry their passport when they travel to continental Europe. Non UK passport holders should check on passport and visa requirements for entry to either the UK or continental Europe.
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Can I change the dates after I have booked?
If you wish to alter your holiday arrangements we will do our best to accommodate you, subject to availability, upon payment of an administration charge of £50 per booking, provided such alterations are notified at least 28 days before the start of your holiday. After this date, we reserve the right to treat the changes as rebooking and to apply cancellation charges.
Find out more>>
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What happens if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel your holiday you must notify us immediately in writing by recorded delivery letter. We apply a scale of cancellation charges.
Find out more>>
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What happens if your company has to cancel my tour?
In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your holiday or make material alterations, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you the choice of an alternative holiday or a full refund.
Find out more>>
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What if I have other questions?
Whatever your query about our cycling tours, we’ll do our very best to help you. Please contact us by telephone or by email.
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