FAQs

How can GreatCycling offer such great value in European biking vacations?
What is the weather like in Italy and France?
Do I need to bring my own bike?
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
What is included in the price of my tour?
How many people are generally needed for a tour?
What level of physical fitness is required for me to enjoy your tours?
Do you arrange custom made cycling vacations?
Do GreatCycling tours have any age limitations?
How long has GreatCycling been offering European cycling holidays?
Do you have a Privacy Policy?
What kind of biking routes do you offer?
What travel documents am I required to bring on a GreatCycling tour?
Can I bring a non-riding companion?

Our passion is our  mission — to offer seamless, world class cycling tours with maximum value at a great price. GreatCycling brings you the best of authentic regional culture, tradition, food and wine with top quality local accommodation, sightseeing and of course, exhilarating biking. We avoid the tourist traps and introduce you to the affordable luxury of the back roads in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.
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Expect much the same variable weather as the North Eastern U.S. and Canada in the shoulder seasons of April, early May, late September and October. June (when it is warm, but not too hot) and September (when temperatures are dropping and it is dry) are wonderful months for cycling. July and August can be very hot. GreatCycling can also provide you with detailed weather conditions and temperatures for all its Italian and French biking destinations.
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We recommend you bring your own road bike, since you are already comfortable on it. If you do not bring a bike, rentals are available in all of our cycling destinations at an average price of 30 Euros per day. If you require a bike rental, we’ll be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you so that you get a bike that best fits your personal requirements.
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We always recommend that our clients purchase cancellation insurance and out-of-country medical insurance to insure against the possibility of being unable to go on a booked vacation. GreatCycling offers a refund, less a booking fee, if you have to cancel your travel plans before the start of your vacation. There is no refund for cancellations made within 60 days of a trip.  Please read our Terms & Conditions for additional information.
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GreatCycling tours are seamless and generally include all transfers to and from your arrival gateway. Also included in our vacation packages are: transfers required while on tour, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, selected wine and cycling itineraries [maps and route notes] .You only need to pay for lunches and incidentals. We can also supply support vans and cycling guides upon request. The only thing we don’t include is your airfare and travel insurances.
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Most of the tours offered on our website are self-guided, for a minimum of two persons traveling together.  You can start a tour any day you wish, subject to hotel availability.  For our group and custom tours, the number of participants can vary.
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GreatCycling tours are active holidays suited to the casual and avid cyclist. All riders need a reasonable level of physical fitness to enjoy our tours. We offer a range of daily rides that can be customized: short and long itineraries, including climbing, descents and recovery ride options. If you are planning a European cycling vacation, we do suggest you get some advance physical training in to enhance the overall biking experience.
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Yes we do! It’s our business. In fact, all our tours, including self guided tours, are custom made to the individual needs of each of our clients. If you have a group that wants something special, just let us know and we will show you all the options available to you. We have wonderful self guided and van supported tours in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal that simply top the list of breathtaking and must-experience cycling getaways.
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We welcome cyclists 18 years of age and older.
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GreatCycling was founded by our family in 2004. Long time European cycling enthusiast and skilled back road biking aficionados.  I decided to share my love of the sport with others who wanted to experience the one-of-a-kind feeling and satisfaction that comes with a great day of biking in some of the world’s most beautiful and challenging landscapes. Favoring Italy and France for their exhilarating bike routes and undiscovered history, we are proud to be one of the most trusted names in European cycling getaways.
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GreatCycling is sensitive to the information provided by our clients. The information you give us is strictly confidential. The company does not share its mailing lists or volunteer surveys with any third party.
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From the challenging to the leisurely, GreatCycling’s self-guided bike routes are selected for their activity level, beauty, exhilaration and history. We promise you that our bike routes are the best available.
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You must bring a valid passport and support documentation.
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Absolutely. GreatCycling offers a wealth of activities for non-riding companions, including sightseeing and our exclusive Spa Lovers and Wine Lovers vacation extras. The cost of a tour is the same for both riding and non-riding companions.
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