Flexibility and Financial Protection – Read More

General Questions- Relevant to all our holidays

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.

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>>

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 additional 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.

Can I extend my stay along the way, or add on extra nights at the beginning or end of my tour?

Cycle Breaks in England: 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.

Cycle Breaks in Europe: 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 not always possible to add extra nights along the way on such itineraries. We are however delighted to organise 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.

Can vegetarians, vegans or special diets be catered for?

Accommodating special dietary requirements is rarely a problem, provided 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.

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.

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 by 1000h, it is possible to drop the first night accommodation and start the tour immediately upon arrival. We offer a discount for this ‘early start option’.

Our tours in England do not generally include an overnight on the day that you finish; in Europe however most of our tours include an overnight at the end of your holiday, with you departing after breakfast.

We are very happy to make arrangements for extra nights at our selected accommodations either where your tour starts/finishes or in the vicinity.

Prices for additional accommodation can be found by following the link to ‘Detailed prices & dates’ which can be found on each detailed tour page.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend that you are adequately insured for your holiday.

Do you offer single centre holidays with just a bit of cycling?

We have single centre breaks available in England, France, Germany and Italy. These, especially the ones 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.

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 or bank transfer or for payments of holiday deposits by credit card. Please note however that we do levy a 1.5% charge on final balance payments made by credit card.

Your agreement with us only comes into effect when we have received your signed booking form or telephone or email instructions together with your deposit 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.

How do I get back at the end of the tour?

Many 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 or if unsure, please call or email us for advice.

How do you cater for children?

Our accommodation is personally selected and family rooms and facilities such as cots and highchairs are often available.

Discounts are given for children on all of our cycling tours (with the exception of some Bike & Boat holidays) but this does vary; for details, please follow the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link that sits beneath the tour map on the Tour Detail page for each holiday.

We are also able to offer child seats and child trailers, either Tag-a-long or Burley at a small additional charge.

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 20kg / 44 lbs.

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 or give us a call.

Find out more>> How to get there – France – Loire
Find out more>> How to get there – France – Atlantic Coast / Aquitaine
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 – France – Canal du Midi
Find out more>> How to get there – France – Alsace

Find out more>> How to get there – Austria
Find out more>> How to get there – Germany (& Austria – Bavaria / Lake Constance tours)
Find out more>> How to get there – Czech Republic / Germany (Elbe tours)

Find out more>> How to get there – Holland & Belgium

Find out more>> How to get there – Italy – Dolomites
Find out more>> How to get there – Italy – Venice & Veneto
Find out more>> How to get there – Italy – Tuscany
Find out more>> How to get there – Italy – Piedmont
Find out more>> How to get there – Italy – Puglia

Find out more>> How to get there – Spain – Catalonia
Find out more>> How to get there – Spain – Valencia
Find out more>> How to get there – Spain – Malllorca

Find out more>> How to get there – Portugal -The Algarve
Find out more>> How to get there – Portugal -Lisbon

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 direct you to the most appropriate websites and pass on some tips about savings on off-peak travel and advance bookings for example.

We can also arrange for airport 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.

If there are at least two of you travelling to Suffolk from a London Airport then it may actually be cheaper (and it will almost always be quicker) to use a pre-booked taxi rather than paying for peak-time train tickets on the day. We are happy to talk through your requirements.

Is my money safe?

In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992” all passengers booking directly with Cycle Breaks are fully protected for all monies paid to our company arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to our insolvency.

We do this by arranging payment protection insurance on your behalf through IPP (International Passenger Protection) This is at no extra cost to you – it is included in the holiday price.

Find out more>>

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.

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>>

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>>

What is included in the price

Details of what is included in the price of each holiday can be found by following a link on the bike tour Detail page for each holiday.

The information below gives an outline of the services included for a hotel to hotel cycling holiday:

  • En-suite hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis as a minimum, plus additional meals as advised in the tour details (some tours are booked on a half board basis). 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.
  • Admission to attractions/places of interest where noted in the itinerary as included.

What if I have other questions?

Whatever your query about our cycling tours or walking holidays , we’ll do our very best to help you.

Please contact us by telephone, by email or request a call back via the ‘Any Questions?’ box in the right hand margin on most pages on our website.

What is not included in the price

  • Lunches and meals unless noted in the tour detail.
  • ‘Extras’ at your accommodation unless noted in the tour detail (such as meals/drinks/telephone calls/newspapers, etc). These are payble direct with the establishment at the time of departure.
  • local tourist taxes levied on some Italian tours which must be paid in person at the hotel (typically €1 per person per hotel star per night).
  • Boat and train transfers unless noted in the tour detail.
  • Entry into attractions/places of interest unless noted in the tour detail.
  • The tour price does not include the costs of getting to and from the tour area.

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). Where this is not the case, evening meals are available either on the premises or within a short walk of your accommodation.

When can I take my holiday?

The season for cycling holidays varies. In parts of Italy and Spain it is year round although for most areas it is March to October. Details of when tours are available are given for each tour and can be filtered by month using the Quick Tour Finder.

The season for walking holidays in England is longer, from mid January to early December inclusive. There can be some absolutely gorgeous crisp and clear days for walking (& cycling) in the winter, however there is also a greater risk of ‘wet & windy’!

With many tours, you can start any day of the week, subject to the availability of accommodation; other tours are restricted to one, two or three start days. Details of start days are listed for each holiday.

When do the high season prices apply?

Prices for most tours vary according to season, with the holiday summaries listing ‘From’ and ‘To’ prices.

Details of all prices and applicable dates as well as any other variations that may apply (such as weekend supplements, own bike or child discounts) can be seen by following the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link that sits beneath the tour map on the Tour Detail page for each holiday.

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.

Where do I park my car?

For tours in England, 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. Generally there is no charge for this service.

For tours in Europe, do let us know if you will be looking for parking at the time of booking and we will do our best to advise you of the options available. Please be aware that generally there will be a charge for parking in Europe and that space at some hotels is very limited so it is advisable to book early.

Where will I stay?

Historic English coaching inns, pleasant French ‘Auberges’, Italian neo-classical treats with elegant terraces, Austrian creeper-clad chalets, smart Spanish colonial villas – 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>> AUSTRIA

Find out more>> GERMANY

Find out more>> ITALY

Find out more>> SPAIN

Find out more>> PORTUGAL

Find out more>> BIKE & BOAT (Please see relevant country section)

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. We think that our route material and documentation is 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 cycling guests staying in Suffolk and Norfolk, unless our bikes are not required.

If your tour is in Europe, you will not meet us personally during your break, but you’re welcome to give us a call either before or during your holiday.

Will anyone from your team meet me during my stay?

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 maps 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. You might not meet us personally during your break, but you’re welcome to give us a call during your stay.

Will I know specific accommodation details when I book?

With our tours in Suffolk & Norfolk all of the accommodation has been very carefully selected with comfort, character, service and location in mind. In some locations there is only one suitable hotel, in other locations we are spoiled for choice.

With our tours in Europe, the starting point is the recommendations from our partners who share our values onto which we graft our own preferences based upon our personal visits. This again results in a preferred hotel list for each tour.

We are happy to share details of our preferred accommodation with you upon request.

Cycling Holiday Specific Questions

Do you offer single centre holidays with just a bit of cycling?

We have single centre breaks available in England, France, Germany and Italy. These, especially the ones 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.

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 20kg / 44 lbs.

What bikes are provided?

We supply hybrid tourers (generally Claud Butler on our Cycle Breaks in England) – 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.

The bikes used on the overseas tours will also be hybrids although the manufacturer will vary by country.

Electric bikes are an option on many tours, bookable in advance and at a supplement.

When can I pick up my bike?

England – Suffolk, Needham Market start: Available for collection on day 1 of your tour.
England – hotel-based start in Suffolk or Norfolk: Delivered after breakfast on day 2 of your tour.
We will adjust your bike as necessary as well as being on hand to answer any questions you may have about any aspect of your holiday.

Most European destinations: There is generally a welcome meeting on the first evening or early on day 2 of your tour where your bikes can be adjusted and questions can be answered. If your travel arrangements prevent you from making the meeting it may not be possible for the bikes and information packs to be handed over personally (they may simply be left at the hotel for you). If the personal touch is really important for you, please check with us for details of welcome meetings before confirming your travel arrangements.

In some areas of France (Loire, Dordogne & Canal du Midi), the bikes will usually be adjusted in advance based upon your heights and left for you at the hotel. Should there be any problems with a bike then a ‘call out’ would be made.

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.

Can I use my own bike?

Our prices include bike hire but we’re happy to give you a discount if you’d prefer to ride your own bike. Details of the discounts available can be found by following the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link that sits beneath the tour map on the Tour Detail page for each holiday.

Do let us know if you plan to use your own ‘road bike’ (or skinny tyred racer) as some routes would be more suitable than others.

If you have a problem with your own bike whilst on a tour in England, we’ll bring you a replacement bike for the rest of your holiday and charge back the discount you were given.

If you had a problem using your own bike in Europe, please be aware that support may be restricted to directions to the nearest bike shop.

What about en-route support

All of our documentation carries emergency telephone numbers to contact in case of a difficulty with your bike (available 7 days a week).

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 whilst holidaying in Suffolk. Our relationships developed over time 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.

For most European destinations, there is generally a welcome meeting on the first evening or early on day 2 of your tour where your bikes can be adjusted and questions can be answered. If your travel arrangements prevent you from making the meeting it may not be possible for the bikes and information packs to be handed over personally (they may simply be left at the hotel for you). If the personal touch is really important for you, please check with us for details of welcome meetings before confirming your travel arrangements.

In some areas of France and Italy (Loire, Dordogne, Canal du Midi & Tuscany), the bikes will usually be adjusted in advance based upon your heights and left for you at the hotel. Should there be any problems with a bike then a ‘call out’ would be made. Where there is no welcome meeting, hotel reception staff are briefed and on hand to answer your questions.

Will I be travelling in an organised group?

All of our hotel-based 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. This is much more likely on tours with only one or two departure days per week.

Our Mallorca tour (SMP8) includes an organised transfer by van up a mountain road on day 6. This does involve several independent parties coming together for the transfer and a subsequent lunch (included).

The bike & boat holidays, although not generally group based, do lend themselves more to meeting up with and cycling with others.

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 on our English tours 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.

Options are also available on some of our European tours.

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.

Grade 5 – Going That Extra Mile
Significantly longer rides (up to about 70 miles / 100kms on some days), with climbs and descents and possibly occasional 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.

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 (except for holidays in The Loire).

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.

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 tour administration and luggage transfer on a ‘solo’ basis, in addition to single room supplements charged by the hotels.

Details of single and solo supplements payable can be seen by following the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link that sits beneath the tour map on the Tour Detail page for each holiday.

As a general guide, solo supplements are generally much lower on tours with restricted start days.

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 eight or more. Please give us a call to discuss options and details.

Please also be aware that for groups of four or more, it is sometimes possible to start a tour on non-standard departure days.

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.

We are happy to share our experience of how other families have got on on different trips so do please call for a chat.

Do you give child discounts?

Discounts are given for children on all of our cycling tours (with the exception of some Bike & Boat holidays) but this does vary.
Please follow the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link on the Tour Detail page ( beneath tour map) for each holiday.

We offer child seats and child trailers, either Tag-a-long or Burley at a small additional charge.

Family rooms and facilities such as cots and highchairs are often available.

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.

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.

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 free of charge for cycle breaks in England and some, but not all cycle breaks in Europe – please see What’s Included for the tour in question) but if you would rather not, a hat for sun protection is advisable. A water bottle is a must.

Your bike comes equipped with a trip computer if you want to 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.

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. Many routes feature a range of detours or short cuts and 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.

Do I have to cycle every day?

No. You can decide to take it really easy and stay on board as you choose on nearly all of the boats. On many of the bigger boats, it is normal to have quite a few passengers who do not cycle at all, the perfect solution for couples who are not both smitten by the cycling bug!

There are a couple of smaller boats where the normal practice is to be passenger free during the day with non cyclists visiting places of interest by minibus. Please ask us for details.

Boat & Bike Holiday Specific Questions

Will English be spoken?

English is a working language on each bike & boat trip. On some trips it will be the majority language, on others the majority language will be German. There will however always be English speaking guides and briefings in English.

These holidays are popular with native English speakers from North America and the southern hemisphere as well as those from Ireland and the UK.

Will I be travelling in an organised group?

All of our hotel-based 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. This is much more likely on tours with only one or two departure days per week.

Our Mallorca tour (SMP8) includes an organised transfer by van up a mountain road on day 6. This does involve several independent parties coming together for the transfer and a subsequent lunch (included).

The bike & boat holidays, although not generally group based, do lend themselves more to meeting up with and cycling with others.

Where will I stay?

For cabin locations and boat facilities, please see the boat plans and information about the specific vessel, either by clicking within the accommodation section of tour provided, or using the links below.

Boat plans and vessel information – Holland & Belgium

Boat plans and vessel information – France

Boat plans and vessel information – Italy

Boat plans and vessel information – Austria/Danube

Will the cycling be guided?

Usually, but not always, there will be a guided ride each day with maps and instructions also available should you choose to do your own thing. Please check the tour detail or contact us if you are unsure.

On some boats, notably the Normandie which operates on the Danube, there is a non-cycling guide who will provide a briefing in English each morning and be on hand to answer any questions.

Can I use my own bike?

Our prices include bike hire but we’re happy to give you a discount if you’d prefer to ride your own bike. Details of the discounts available can be found by following the ‘Detailed prices and dates’ link that sits beneath the tour map on the Tour Detail page for each holiday.

Do let us know if you plan to use your own ‘road bike’ (or skinny tyred racer) as some routes would be more suitable than others.

If you have a problem with your own bike whilst on a tour in England, we’ll bring you a replacement bike for the rest of your holiday and charge back the discount you were given.

If you had a problem using your own bike in Europe, please be aware that support may be restricted to directions to the nearest bike shop.

Walking Holiday Specific Questions

Can I bring my dog(s) ?

We have thought about such faithful walking companions when we have made our accommodation selection.

A number of our hotels, particularly on the coastal stretches welcome well-behaved dogs in selected rooms.

How do I know which tour is the right level for me?

In terms of terrain, all our walking tours are on a similar level (or occasional incline!) This part of the world is not renowned for its mountains! The tours are graded to help you in your selection; the grading is clearly marked in each tour descriptions.

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
Short day walks. Generally flat terrain. May include some small hills.

Grade 2 Easy
Slightly longer walks. May include gently rolling hills or stretches of beach.

Grade 3 Moderate
Moderately long walks. May include some hills or stretches of beach.

Grade 4 More challenging
Longer walks with frequent ascents or descents. The mileages of the routes do vary, considerably at times, but we’ve tried to explain this clearly in the tour descriptions.

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..

Is it possible to skip a day’s walk 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 arranging a specific taxi transfer or, on occasion, it may be possible for you to keep our driver company at the time of the luggage transfer. Please ask us at the time of booking.

Do I need any special equipment?

Walking boots and a breathable waterproof jacket are probably the only main requirements.

Bring clothes for warm and cooler weather which you can layer up as appropriate.

You won’t need to carry too much – 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 (a packed lunch is necessary however on some days of some walks). We think you’ll find a day rucksack is probably ample.

When it comes to boots, it tends to be down to personal preference and common sense: some people like boots with good ankle supports, others prefer lighter shoes. Do make sure that they are waterproof though and worn in.