Questions &
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions (Bild: Pedalo)
Still not sure which tour is right for you? Don’t fret, your dream holiday is out there! If you need a bit of help deciding, try our expert travel hotline.
The description of the four PEDALO trip types will also help you to find your personal recipe for travel bliss.
Individual or group trip? A matter of taste!
Individual tour
An individual trip is just that - individual! Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to set off alone over mountains and through valleys. You can bring whoever you like and enjoy a cycling trip with your favourite people, free from the pressures of performance, peer pressure, tour guides and luggage. Our job is to book the accommodation, organise the luggage transport and work out the routes while keeping you informed about the route and interesting facts along your stages using the PEDALO app, GPS tracks, road book and maps. If you need assistance during your trip or if you have any questions, the service hotline will be happy to help you.
Guided group tour
If you're the type of person who doesn't like to cycle alone, then a guided PEDALO group tour is the perfect choice. You can travel with like-minded people in a relaxed and carefree way and enjoy the social side of cycling together. You will normally travel in small groups of between eight and twenty people. By your side at all times will be an experienced tour guide who will try to make your trip as enjoyable, varied and colourful as possible - and who will be on hand to help with any bike issues. Many tours are also accompanied by a support vehicle.
There are places in the world of cycle touring that are just so picturesque and diverse that once you have arrived, you can't tear yourself away. They have so much to offer that you will struggle to decide which direction to cycle in first. These special spots are where we at PEDALO have created our location-based tours just for you.
Keep riding, but always stay in the same place
In contrast to staged tours and round trips, you won't cycle from place to place, and thus from hotel to hotel. Instead, you will stay in one and the same accommodation for the duration of your cycling holiday. This hotel will be the starting point for fascinating cycling excursions in the surrounding area. Every day, there will be new routes for you to explore. Every evening, you will return to hosts who put their heart and soul into their work and offer you a pleasantly cosy atmosphere with a healthy dose of class. Instead of having to pack your bags each day, you simply get to ride your bike and enjoy your holiday.
For beginners, improvers - and anyone seeking a breath of fresh air
This type of cycling holiday is designed for anyone who likes to take it easy. If you’re feeling a bit too sore for cycling or the weather isn't looking good, you can simply take a day off. Location-based tours are also ideal for first-time cyclists who may not yet know exactly how much they can or want to tackle in a day. No unnecessary stress, just pure freedom - so your tour can be all about the joy of cycling!
On this type of tour, the starting point and destination are the same. This means you don't have to worry about getting back to your starting point. You will usually spend the night in a different town or village each day.
On a point-to-point or distance tour, your starting point and destination are NOT the same. You will usually spend the night in a different city or town each day. To ensure you get back to your starting point easily and comfortably, we offer a return transfer by minibus on many tours (usually with a bike trailer to carry your own bikes). If we are unable to offer this service, we have ensured that you have good train connections back to your starting point. Please refer to the tour description for details of transfer days and costs.
We aim to provide you with a healthy amount of movement while allowing enough time to enjoy your chosen destination with all your senses. The demands on your physical condition are as varied as the types of holiday. Cycling holidays are suitable for people with a normal level of fitness and stamina. The level of physical activity should get the blood pumping while still being relaxed and enjoyable. Sporty bike tours, on the other hand, require slightly more fitness to make the experience really enjoyable. It is always advisable to follow the PEDALO level descriptions. Please also bear in mind that every bike tour is different and every day can be different. Factors such as the weather, temperature and your own state of health will also play an important role.
A well-maintained space, a pleasant atmosphere and all the creature comforts are at least as important to us as they are to you. After an exciting and active day, a refreshing shower and the chance to relax are essential - in an environment that appeals to all the senses, of course, and with hosts who put their heart and soul into it. We have selected hotels, inns and guesthouses according to these criteria.
Single rooms
Finding a single room can sometimes be difficult, particularly in southern Europe. Once you have one, it is not necessarily the same as a double room, even when there is an extra charge. It may be smaller, less well equipped and in a less attractive location. Please note that our surcharge covers not only the extra cost of the hotel, but usually also your own correspondence, bills and travel documents.
Please refer to the service description to find out which meals are included in the tour price. You will start the day right with a hearty breakfast, usually in the form of a buffet. In countries such as Italy or France, a more typical local breakfast is generally offered.
Half board includes a multi-course dinner, often with a choice of main course. A varied menu, regional specialities and friendly, pleasant service will make your meal a delicious experience. Have any special requests? Please let us know at the time of booking. We will be happy to pass your requests on to the hotels, but cannot always guarantee that special requests can be catered for.
The transport of your luggage from hotel to hotel is included as part of the basic service package for all staged tours and round trips in the PEDALO programme. You simply leave your luggage out for our courier in the morning before you set off on your cycling stage. When you arrive at your next accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening, it will be there waiting for you.
Just in case, we recommend always packing a change of clothes in your saddle bag, especially for short stages which you may cover more quickly than the luggage driver.
Depending on how the logistics are organised on site, there may be restrictions on the maximum weight and/or number of pieces of luggage. You will receive more detailed information on this with the travel documents well before the start of your trip.
Your travel documents usually include general travel information, a hotel list, a road book and/or detailed maps as well as a textual description of the route; you will also get luggage tags and possibly also vouchers and/or information material on the various sightseeing attractions. The exact contents of the information package depend on the booked trip and its included services.
The documents will be sent to you approx. two to three weeks before the start of your tour. Depending on the trip, you may receive them partly in digital form and partly by post – or you will receive the hotel list and general travel information in advance by e-mail, and the remaining documents along with the maps on site at your starting hotel.
Please note that the travel documents are issued exclusively for PEDALO guests and are therefore not available without a booking.
Arrival is always nicer than departure. The journey to and from the starting point or destination is organised by the traveller and is therefore not included in the price of the trip.
Arrival by car
If you are travelling by car, there will usually be free or paid hotel car parks and public underground car parks available at your destination. Detailed information and costs (indicative prices) can be found in the 'Services & Information' section of each holiday description.
Arrival by train
The starting and finishing points of our tours are generally chosen to be easily accessible by train. Our contracted hotels are often close to the station and can be reached on foot or with a short taxi ride. Travelling by train is better for the environment and for your nerves!
Arrival by plane
If you are travelling by air, we recommend that you book your flight as early as possible - but only AFTER you have received your PEDALO booking confirmation.
All our tours start or end in cities or regions that have a lot to offer. As there is often little time on the day of arrival or departure for a leisurely stroll and sightseeing, we have a hot tip for you: simply plan an early arrival or an extension. These can often be added at a later date and separately from the booking.
Although we always put in a good word with the weather gods for you, rain is always possible. Luckily cycling is still fun in the rain, and sunshine is never far behind. Anyway, rainwear can look pretty stylish!
About the bikes
Rental bikes and equipment for all kinds of needs ... (Copyright: Pedalo)
If you prefer to leave your own bike at home, no problem! Depending on the type of trip, requirement profile and region, we can offer you various rental bikes. Standard equipment usually includes a pannier and handlebar bag, cycle computer, pump, spare tube and a small repair kit. This will enable you to make minor repairs by yourself. If the damage is more serious, give us a call. We will quickly find a solution. The rental fee and the type of bike you are renting can be found in the service description. You return the rented bike to the hotel at the end of your trip.
You are welcome to bring your own bike, as many of our clients do. Your own bike may be custom built to suit the needs and characteristics of its owner, so naturally this is the bike you want to take on your trip. Depending on the type of trip, we recommend a handlebar bag with a map compartment, a day bag, a bicycle computer and a bicycle lock. Don't forget a small tool bag with a spare inner tube and all the necessary spanners and allen keys. Always check that your bike is in good working order before you set off!
Sporty tour + e-bike = more momentum and energy
You think adventure, calf workouts and e-bikes are mutually exclusive? Far from it, we say! Cycling with electric power can open up whole new worlds of cycling.
Concept
For cycling holiday connoisseurs who already appreciate the advantages of e-bikes and who would like to cover longer distances at a brisk pace, the combination of an e-bike & a sporty cycling tour offers a new adventure in the form of longer distances and more challenging terrain.
Even those who are not (yet) fit enough but are still craving a sporty PEDALO bike tour should go for it - and treat themselves to an e-bike for support. With a gentle push, it gets you right into the thick of it all!
Or are you travelling as a couple and your partner is always ahead of you? With an e-bike, you will be able to keep up easily.
Long stages, tough climbs and a fast pace are just as much a part of a gravel bike trip as a classic road bike trip - but gravel biking has the added advantage of not being tied to a perfectly good road network. A gravel bike allows you to ride comfortably and quickly on surfaces that would leave you shaken to the core on a conventional road bike.
Gravel bikes are multi-purpose bikes. Thanks to their specially adapted geometry and slightly wider, well-profiled tyres, they are just as fun to ride on dirt roads as they are on tarmac. This means there are almost no obstacles to a trip on a wide variety of terrain. You can get where you’re going in no time at all and experience nature at close quarters.
About bike & boat tours
Cast off and get pedalling: as the ship sets sail, you can explore the shore by bike (Copyright: Pedalo)
The combination of bike and boat is becoming more and more popular. The PEDALO catalogue is extensive and varied, but spaces and dates are limited.
If you’ve been thinking about booking one of our fantastic bike and boat trips, we recommend not delaying for too long, as certain dates are often booked up quickly on many of our trips. Welcome on board! But please make sure to book in good time.
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- Changes to the sailing times and/or the route, which may occur in the event of high or low water or other unforeseeable weather conditions such as storms, etc. are not grounds for cancellation without cost.
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- The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs that are ordered by the authorities but not announced in advance.
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- In these cases, we reserve the right (for your own safety) to change the route and/or to bridge some sections with other means of transport. In some cases, overnight stays may be necessary.
If you are seeking special experiences on land and water, the combination of cycling & sailing is unbeatable. You’ll get to enjoy full immersion in nature and moving moments in every sense. Cycling & sailing boat trips combine the maritime charm of attractive coastal cycling areas with the finest seafaring romance. Take an extended ‘shore leave’ by bike, then set off under full sails to the next harbour with the wind in your hair and unlimited freedom in your luggage.
Travelling by bike and sailing ship is sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure. It's not just the wind and weather that determine the course; you can also lend a hand on board when setting the sails or navigating. Join the fun and learn about navigation and life on board from the experienced crew. These tours are ideal for all those who like to be active, socialise with fellow travellers and share new experiences even when they are not on their bikes.
Those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can lounge on the sun deck or maybe even take a refreshing dip. There will be plenty of opportunities for that on your bike & sailing boat trip! In any case you will get to enjoy peaceful hours on the high seas while your ship sails towards the horizon, where the next exciting cycling stage awaits you.
Travelling together, by bike & boat
Guided PEDALO bike & boat trips don’t just combine two types of travel to create something new. They also bring together people who can really appreciate this special combination! People who are on the same wavelength and just want to spend as much time as possible enjoying their cycling holiday with like-minded travel companions.
On the guided group tour by bike & boat, not only do you have breakfast and dinner together on board, but you also go ashore together to explore the bike paths. The shared experiences will bring you closer together and get you right into the flow of cycling.
First-class support all round
If you opt for a guided PEDALO bike & boat tour, you won't have to worry about finding the right route, but can concentrate on enjoying your holiday to the full.
Qualified and experienced tour guides will hop from island to island with you or show you the way along idyllic rivers, winding canals and around beautiful lakes. They know the best places to stop for lunch, but also where to find the prettiest picnic spots. They will accompany your group on sightseeing tours and city walks, adding valuable tips and exciting stories about the country and its people.
With the group bike & boat tour, you get as much first-class support and pleasant company as you could wish for, but also the freedom to be on your own if you want. If you don't feel like cycling with the group, you always have the option of simply staying on board and soaking up the sun on deck.
About insurance
With the right travel insurance, you can fully enjoy a carefree cycling holiday (Copyright: Pedalo)
Better safe than sorry! You never know what might happen before and/or during a trip. Travel insurance covers cancellation costs if you are unable to travel for reasons covered by the insurance (e.g. illness/accident, but also for professional reasons such as non-mutual termination). During the trip, it covers costs incurred as a result of illness or an accident, but also for damaged luggage and more.
Travel insurance is not included as part of your PEDALO cycling holiday. However, we always strongly suggest it. We recommend our long-standing partner, ERGO travel insurance. Their comprehensive ‘carefree’ package covers all relevant risks at a favourable price.
In principle, travel insurance is included with many credit cards, but it is advisable to find out exactly what benefits are offered and the level of cover, which can vary greatly depending on the provider. In most cases, travel cover is also subject to the condition that the trip was paid for with that credit card and/or that the card was used within the last two to three months - a key point, especially if you book your trip early.
You should only take out your travel insurance after you have received your booking confirmation (invoice and contract), but at least 30 days before the planned start of your trip.
In the case of last-minute bookings (less than 30 days before the start of the trip), insurance can only be taken out within 3 days of the booking being made. Please respect this deadline, as otherwise you run the risk of losing your entitlement to travel cancellation insurance.
If you opt for the comprehensive carefree package from ERGO insurance, you will be reimbursed the following costs in the occurrence of insured event:
- In the event of cancellation for an insured reason (illness, accident, death, sudden pregnancy): Cancellation costs and additional costs for delayed outward journey. Included: Cancellation advice by telephone to help you decide whether you should go on the trip or cancel it.
- In the event of a trip cancellation due to an accident or sudden serious illness: Reimbursement of unused travel services and additional travel costs. Included: Assistance service to organise an unscheduled return journey.
- In the event of illness or accident during the trip: Costs for medically necessary treatment, including surgery, as well as medical treatment for pregnancy complications and pain-relieving dental treatment.
- In the event of damage to luggage: Reimbursement of the current value or repair costs of baggage in special cases (theft, damage caused by a carrier), excluding loss of luggage.
As a rule, pandemics / epidemics are not covered by insurance companies. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have temporarily suspended this rule and/or offer additional protection. The comprehensive carefree package from ERGO travel insurance has been extended to include the option ‘COVID-19 supplementary insurance’.
If you are travelling with your personal bicycle, it is advisable to insure it against theft and damage in good time before you set off: With fully comprehensive cover from Insurance Hero GmbH, you can stay mobile at all times.