FAQ
General Questions
How do you accommodate varying riding abilities and what are ‘levels’?
All of the tours and events provided are for your enjoyment. During the course of an event or tour, our guides will constantly ensure that your comfort is a priority. If you begin to feel uncomfortable or feel that the route is a struggle, the team will adjust the route or provide assistance, so you can enjoy the day. We encourage all levels of ability however it is important to disclose any physical disability prior to arrival. This way we can ensure you get all support required.
The best way to see if a tour is for you is to read the descriptions below. Which of the levels do you think you are? Which level could you be with some training? In truth all tours (apart from Experto) are comfortably within most people’s capability on an Ebike. The guide below is useful should you wish to ride a bike powered by legs only. Please do remember that all Italy Bike Tours’ trips are fully supported and as a company we very much understand that holidays are exactly that, and not a competition. If you have a question about a tour then please do get in touch.
This is not an exact science but nearly.
Level 1 – Tranquillo 20-50 km per day on tour
- I ride once a month.
- I am thinking more about the wine and food than the cycling.
- I love riding my bike and chatting along the way.
- I ride once a week or so back home with friends or family.
- I can’t do a wheelie or ride no-handed.
Level 2 – Gentilissimo 30-60 km per day on tour
- I ride my bike every week back home.
- I enjoy chatting to friends and stopping to take photos along the route.
- When I go to bed at night I dream about cheese and not campagnola.
- I can’t do a wheelie yet.
Level 3 – Medio 40 – 80 km per day on tour
- Cycling is part of my life and I am passionate about cycling.
- I own more than one bike and can change an inner tube.
- The satisfaction of reaching the top of a hard climb is a real motivation for me.
- I tried to do a wheelie once with some success.
Level 4 – Esperto 50 -100+ km per day on tour
- Cycling is part of my daily thoughts.
- I can’t get the Italian mountains and countryside out of my mind.
- If I could, I would move to Italy and cycle every day and drink coffee.
- I do wheelies all the time.
What are the hotel rooms like?
Hotel rooms in Europe tend to be smaller than in The USA, however the standard is always good and we check all our hotels beforehand. If you wish to upgrade or have special requirements please mention them when booking and we will be happy to assist.
What is a Single Supplement?
A Single Supplement is an additional charge that secures a private room for solo travellers.
Are Non-Riders welcome on the trip?
Of course! We are able to provide non-rider activities while your friend or partner is off on a ride. Sometimes the riders also decide to join the non-riders for the day.
What happens if I don’t fancy riding for a day?
It isn’t a problem! It isn’t a problem! Some of our guests enjoy spending time at the hotel relaxing, strolling into town or reading a book. Speak to your guide and they will offer you some suggestions for the day.
What bike should I hire and what size?
On our website you can find Colnago V3 road, 3T Primo gravel and Guerciotti Navir ION and Guerciotti Brera Touring ION (flat handle bars) e-bikes, but we can hire other brands and types of bike, so please ask. It depends on the terrain you tour is on along with personal preference. If you are riding on anything other than tarmac we recommend gravel bikes. The ebikes can be used on both tarmac and gravel. When we send you the questionnaire we ask for your height in cm or inches, please complete accurately so we can prepare the correct bike for you.
What is the food like?
Italy is renowned for its food. In every province you can experience typical food from that region. Please ask your guide about the specialities from the region- they are the experts. The menus can be quite filling, with pasta or rice being a first course followed by meat or fish and then of course tiramisu! Italy is now very good at catering for special diets, please tell us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.
Where will we eat?
On your tour you usually have one or two nights free to explore the area. On these evenings our staff or the hotel will happily recommend some places to eat. The other evenings you will eat in one of our carefully selected restaurants with one or two members of staff and they will be happy to explain the local dishes.
What about rain/ bad weather?
Tours run in all weather. If it's raining continuously at the start or during a tour, our professional guides will determine the best course of action and get consensus from the group before making any changes to the planned tour. It is always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you have the right clothing. During supported rides you can keep extra layers and rain jackets in the van.
Should I tip Italy Bike Tours’ staff?
Tours run in all weather. If it's raining continuously at the start or during a tour, our professional guides will determine the best course of action and get consensus from the group before making any changes to the planned tour. It is always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you have the right clothing. During supported rides you can keep extra layers and rain jackets in the van.
Do you use WhatsApp during tours?
Italy Bike Tours uses WhatsApp to distribute updates, reminders and photographs to our clients during and even before a tour. Please download the app should you not have it prior to arrival. It also creates lifelong friendships, allowing previous clients to remain in contact post-tour.
Are tours guaranteed?
Yes, we are proud to be the only tour operator in Italy to not cancel any tour in relation to group size, even if there is only one client- the tour goes ahead.
Where are the guides from?
We pride ourselves on having the best guides in the business. For our Italian trips, all our guides are locals who speak both Italian and English. In other parts of the world, we continue this tradition by pairing local guides with our expert Italian guides.
Booking The Trip
What's the best way to book?
Selecting a tour/event online is the best way to secure your place. Once a deposit is taken, you’ll be contacted by the team with further information regarding the tour/event and finalising the balance of the payment.
Can I cancel or defer my tour?
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for Cancellation Policy Details. We always want to help, so please contact us and we will do our best to rearrange your trip.
What if I have an issue with payment at checkout?
Italy Bike Tours uses a third party payment gateway provided by Squarespace.
Possible reasons for your card not being accepted could be
If your card number is incorrect, a red warning will display. Check your card number for errors and try again.
Incorrect Information - If your expiration date or CVV code is incorrect, your bank will deny the charge. Correct the information and the issue should resolve.
Transaction Declined - If your card number, expiration date, and CVV are all correct, then your bank is denying the charge for another reason. Contact your bank with the date and time you tried to make a charge to either Squarespace Inc.Also, Squarespace is unable to accept Verified by Visa and MasterCard with SecureCode cards at this time.
Are the dates fixed on the website?
We can be flexible with start and finish dates of tours; we also organise bespoke tours. Please contact us below to find out more.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
What am I required to pay for?
Flights
Insurances
Personal hotel expenses e.g. drinks, spa facilities
Pre- or post-tour accommodation
Some meals and drinks may not be included for all days of a tour, but we’ll be happy to provide recommendations to the best gelaterias, cafes and restaurants in the region.
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities
Preparing for A Tour
Preparing and Training for your trip.
The best holidays are ones where you are well prepared for the adventure. Be that packing the right clothes, Googling the local wines or hopping on your bike for some training pre trip. Indeed, many of our clients have fed back to us that they enjoyed preparing for the trip and used the holiday as motivation to lose a few kg’s and get into shape. We are delighted to offer you support prior to arriving in Italy for a fee with the help of our ex-pro John-Lee who will be happy to help. You can email him directly at john@italybiketours.com for long-term and short-term training programs.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, if you prefer to use your bike on tour, you will be responsible for all shipping arrangements. Our team will ensure that during the event your bike will be maintained and cleaned, to allow for safe and fun riding.
Can I bring my own pedals and/or bike seat and/or helmet?
It is recommended to bring your own cycling shoes and pedals which can be fitted by our guides at the beginning of the tour. If you prefer to use your own saddle, you are more than welcome to bring it. Our guides will fit it for you at the start of the tour. Limar helmets can also be hired at the time of booking or before you arrive.
What bike should I hire and what size?
On our website you can find Colnago V3 road, 3T Primo gravel and Guerciotti Navir ION and Guerciotti Brera Touring ION (flat handle bars) e-bikes, but we can hire other brands and types of bike, so please ask. It depends on the terrain you tour is on along with personal preference. If you are riding on anything other than tarmac we recommend gravel bikes. The ebikes can be used on both tarmac and gravel. When we send you the questionnaire we ask for your height in cms or inches, please complete accurately so we can prepare the correct bike for you.
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements?
When booking your tour, we advise discussing dietary restrictions with our team. You can do this via email or leave a note when prompted to do so on the online booking form/questionnaire. Italy is renowned for great food as well as its fabulous hospitality and restaurants, and hotels will be delighted to cater for your specific requirements.
Am I fit enough to come on a tour?
Of course! We pride ourselves on being an inclusive company and indeed most of our trips offer multiple daily riding options. If you have any questions regarding this, we advise that you get in touch with one of the team prior to booking. They will be able to give you some information on average ride speeds. We also hire e-bikes, so the world is your oyster!
What cycling clothing do I need to bring for the tour?
As the weather during an event can change suddenly from warm sunny blue skies to cold rain, the need to bring clothing for all occasions is essential. If possible, bring a second set of cycling kit, just in case, and the second set can be stored within the support vehicle, should you need it.
Recommended minimum clothing:
Arm warmers
Bib-shorts
Gilet
Long-sleeved jersey
Leg warmers
Neck warmer
Short-sleeved jersey
Rain jacket
Winter gloves
Winter base layer
Cycling cap
Socks
Helmet
Cycling shoes/ comfortable trainers
Should I bring my lights?
We provide front and rear lights, as we may need to travel through tunnels. Some clients like to wear a high-vis jacket or straps, but we do not provide these.
What happens if my IBT kit doesn’t fit?
Don’t worry, we have spares in the van, or we can stop at HQ and see the shop!
Italy Bike Tours’ Kit measurements
Men’s Jersey Measurements
Sizes XS S M L XL XXL
Chest (in) <33 33-36 36-39 39-42 42-45 >45
Men’s Bib Short Measurements
Sizes XS S M L XL XXL
Waist (in) >28 28-30 30-32 32-34 34-36 >36
Women’s Jersey Measurements
Sizes XS S M L XL
Bust (in) <32 32-34 36 36-38 >38
Waist (in) <27 27-29 29-31 31-33 >33