Who can go on a self-guided tour?
Our self-guided tours are designed for experienced riders. For your own comfort and safety, at least one person in a party of 2-4 riders must have experience with cycling for extended miles unguided without vehicle support and have a modicum of bike mechanic skills. We also require self-guided riders to keep a credit card on file with us.
How are self-guided tours different from guided tours?
Guided tours have one to two guides depending on the number of riders. The guides lead the ride and act as tour director handling day-to-day logistics, trouble shooting, interfacing with service providers and attending to bike needs and repairs, such as flat tires. All guided tours have a support vehicle. The dates and itinerary are fixed.
On self-guided tours, you are given cue sheets, maps and info sheets, a quality bike and bike tools, and hotels are booked for you. You are on your own in the field. If a mishap occurs like a flat tire you are responsible for fixing it. You can go at your own pace instead of a group’s pace. You sent your own traveling dates. We set the itinerary.
What is the cost of a self-guided tour?
The core cost of a self-guided tour is 170 euros per person per day and 170 euros per luggage transfer for up to four persons. For tours that require a bike transfer to start/end point, the cost is 200 euros per bike transfer for up to four bikes -- this transfer may include transferring you, your luggage and the bikes -- see Start/End Points of each tour for details.
Core Inclusions
Core Exclusions
Additional Costs. Beyond the core cost there can be other expenses depending on the region and depending on the season. For example, your tour may include ferry boats or increased accommodations cost when traveling during peak season, July and August, particularly the Cyclades. The tour price must take these type of factors into account. Predesigned self-guided tours posted on the self-guided home page may have already incorporated additional costs in the tour price. Check each tour's Inclusions/Exclusions. Substantial changes to a posted tour's itinerary may entail a customization fee of 100 euros.
How do luggage transfers work?
Leave your luggage in the hotel lobby and our local driver will pick it up and transfer it to your evening destination. Drivers usually come after 10:00 am but other arrangements can be made.
How much luggage am I allowed?
Per person, one main piece of luggage (a big duffle with wheelies works best) and a small pack (backpack or tote).
Do I trip the driver?
No. Luggage transfers are included in the cost of the tour and nothing more is expected of you.
Will the bike fit me?
We will send you a cycling questionnaire and your answer will enable us to have a suitable bike ready for you when we test the bikes together in Athens before you set off on your tour. Our bikes have quick release adjustable seat posts to accommodate any size rider.
What type of pedals are on the bike?
Our bikes have regular pedals with mini toe-clips and can be used with tennis or walking shoes or Teva-like sandals. Clients wishing to use clipless pedals may bring their own pedals and shoes, and we'll supply the pedal wrench. We strongly recommend that if you regularly ride with your own pedals/shoes, you should bring them to ride during your tour. If you do not regularly ride with your own pedals/shoes, you should not regard your tour as an opportunity to learn to do so.
Can individuals go alone on self-guided tours?
Yes, but the costs increase. Individuals must pay for a single supplement for the hotels and individuals do not have the benefit of sharing the cost of luggage transfers with up to three other persons.
Can a support vehicle follow my party?
Yes, for 370 euros per day for up to 4 persons, you can have a driver and support vehicle during the day. The vehicle will carry your luggage, your day packs, tools, floor pump, ice cooler, snacks, water, first aid kit and will give you a lift if you want a break.
What are the dates and duration of a self-guided tour?
You set the dates of travel. Our pre-designed itineraries last between 8-12 days. If you have your own tour duration in mind, we require a minimum of five days.
How do I know if I am able to ride the daily routes of a self-guided tour?
For predesigned tours, study the mileage description carefully as posted on our website. For customized tours, we work with you to design a tour within your party’s ability. Do NOT regard your tour as an opportunity to get in shape. You should have already trained before your arrival.
Can I just rent a bike and that’s it or can I bring my own bike and have you set up just my hotels and luggage transfers?
No. We are not a bike rental company. There are no discounts if you bring your own bike. We do not “un-bundle” our self-guided packages. Our operations are rooted in a conscientious level of responsibility towards our clients’ satisfaction, comfort and safety. We achieve this best in one full tour package.
If I do bring my bicycle what happens to my bike box during the tour?
Bike boxes do not travel on any of the tours. Unless you can make other arrangements (for example, with a hotel), for a minimum fee of 100 euros we will take responsibility of your bike box by delivering it to your end destination (or where specified) by the time you arrive. Additional fees may be incurred by third parties, for example, ferry costs which is usually 15 euros per bike shipping. (There is no ferry charge for bikes with accompanying riders).
If I do not want to bike any given day, can I ride with my luggage transfer?
Yes and no. The luggage transfer drivers are not able to transfer you, luggage and bicycles simultaneously. Instead, the driver will take you and your luggage to the next destination and then come return for your bikes. You must call us 24 hours in advance to arrange for this and your credit card will be charged 170 euros for the next transfer. We ask you not to use public transfer because Greeks are not familiar with how to handle bicycles in a sensitive way so that the gears and derailleur and other parts are protected.
If I have a bike problem, will someone fix it for me?
No. You must fix it yourself That is why your tour is self-guided. We set you off on quality bikes that have been checked and maintained by our ace bike mechanic. We provide you tools and spare parts to make basic repairs. At least one person in your party should be familiar with bike mechanics.
What happens if the bike is damaged or stolen?
If you have a major mishap like wrecking the bike, you must call us for assistance but you bear all costs. You are given a lock for the bike; if the lock is not used or locked in an unsafe place or manner, and the bike is stolen you are responsible for its cost. You are given various gear, like a hnad pump, bike tool and mobile phone. If items of this nature are not returned at the end of the tour, your credit card will be charged to replace them.
What do I do in an emergency?
You are given a mobile phone pre-programmed with local numbers including regional medical clinics and hospitals, as well as nearest police. We give you “identity cards” written in Greek to carry at all times bearing our phone numbers in the event no one around you speaks English. We encourage you to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We are authorized Travel Guard agents and can book a policy for your party.