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Frequently Asked Questions

Most Common | Choose a Trip | The Best Bikes | Book a Trip | Trip Preparation | Self-GuidedGravel | Ride Camp | Private & Custom

Most Common

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You can contact us at anytime via our Contact Us page or call us at 866-464-8735 with questions or to book your vacation of a lifetime today. (Office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm CST.)

You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy a Trek Travel cycling vacation. Although you can ride as much or as little as you like, in order to ensure the enjoyment of your trip to its fullest, it is important to assess your personal level of fitness when deciding. Take some time to look over our Activity Levels to get an idea of what trips are a good fit for you. We offer a variety of levels of cycling. For guests who aren’t regularly engaged in cardiovascular training or activity, we recommend working with your physician to assess your level of physical fitness so you will be comfortable and enjoy your trip.

If you’re looking to put in some focused miles on the bike before your next trip, we offer a variety of training options to get you ready to rock. See our current available training programs»

Start by identifying a general region in which you’d like to ride–choose specifically between Europe, North America, South America, or Asia. Or based on your specific vacation preferences, choose from our extensive and unique collections or trip styles. You can further refine your choice by considering Explorer, Luxury, or Ultimate Luxury accommodations. Next think about the amount of riding you would like to do and on what kind of terrain–flats, hills, mountains, a little of everything, or lots of off the saddle time for relaxing. On all our vacations, you can always ride as little or as much as you like, but certain trips lend themselves to the more leisurely bicyclist while others are geared to the avid cyclist. Think about what type of balance you are looking for throughout your vacation with respect to sightseeing, biking, relaxing and any other activities that you imagine to make up your perfect vacation. While some of our destinations offer numerous activities in addition to cycling–shopping, sight-seeing, museums, golf, water sports, hiking–others are decidedly bike-centric. Feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable Trip Consultants at anytime with questions.

  • All accommodations
  • Most meals; snacks and drinks for each day’s ride
  • Some evening social hours
  • The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
  • The use of a high-end Trek bike
  • Scheduled private tours, activities and tastings
  • Entrance fees to all scheduled events
  • Daily routes on a Garmin GPS, with daily guide and van support
  • All transportation during the trip
  • Luggage delivery and transfers
  • Comprehensive trip literature
  • Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise (not included on all trips)
  • All gratuities for scheduled events and activities, local guides, on trip scheduled shuttle/train/flight transfers, hotels and restaurants

The trip specific itineraries provide more detail on trip price inclusions.
(Please note items not included in the price of the trip: airfare and transportation to and from the pick-up/drop-off locations; lodging before and after the trip; personal items purchased during the trip; optional activities not scheduled as part of the Trek Travel trip; on select trips some meals are not included but a list of local eatery options will be provided by your guides for you to explore on your own; gratuities for your Trek Travel guides.)

Some alcohol is included with meals and at the social hours as specified in your itinerary, however if you wish to have any additional alcohol please create a separate tab with the wait staff.

*Ride Camp and Self-Guided offer other inclusions than on this list. Consult individual trip itineraries for what’s included in the trip price.

We completely support you both on and off the bike. We always have one guide in our support vehicle and another guide on the bike. They’ll fill up your water bottles, change your tire, call for a shuttle or shuttle you up the hill, provide you with local insight and make sure everyone is enjoying their ride. Off the bike, your guides are at your service to help you with anything you need–massage appointments, wine suggestions, or to find that special local treat you’re craving. Please note that support levels vary depending on trip style booked. For Self-Guided and Ride Camp bike tours, please review your trip details for more information.

The sky is the limit for group travel with our semi-private and private trip options! Bring along your favorite people as you explore your favorite places by bike and leave all the planning to us so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. Learn more about our private trip options.

Safety is most important to us on our cycling trips. Read about our on-trip safety measures here».

We require every guest to read and sign a release waiver to participate in a Trek Travel vacation. Keep in mind, if you are traveling with others, each individual will need to submit a separate release waiver for their trip. This form must be completed by each trip participant or by a parent or guardian for each minor prior to departing for trip. Please contact us with any questions.

Trek Travel organizes vacations of a lifetime for riders and non-riders alike. We include so much other than riding in our packages so there is something for everyone. All of our packages are priced per person, double occupancy, regardless of whether you choose to ride a little, a lot, or not at all. Learn more here or contact a Trip Consultant for details regarding the best trips for non-riders.

Choose a Trip

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With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.
or
Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

The average group size on our cycling vacations is approximately 12 guests per trip.  Most of our trips will not exceed a maximum of 20 guests, but a small number of destinations can reach up to 24 guests*. Of course, the guest count of your chosen trip date is dynamic, and our Trip Consultants are available to answer any questions you may have on the size of your group.

*Group sizes vary from destination to destination and can be as many as 30+ guests for Race trips, Ride Camps, and Discover trips. Our Reserve trips have a maximum of 18 guests. We are always happy to discuss custom or private dates for you and your group if you would like to have ultimate control of your group size.

Not to worry, our trips are solo friendly!

With two experienced guides to show you the ropes, along with friendly guests from all walks of life, you’ll have built-in friends to explore with every step of the way. Plus, 30% of our guests are solo travelers, so chances are, you won’t be the only one.

Simply ask our Trip Consultants about the demographics of the trip you’re interested in and learn about the make-up of each group.

Reserve, Signature, and Discover are three different styles within our Classic guided portfolio. Discover trips are perfect getaways at the perfect price. They’re a great way to be introduced to active travel in the world’s best riding destinations. Signature trips, formerly called Explorer and Luxury, have been the cornerstone of our business since the beginning. From quintessential picnics to beautiful accommodations and unique cultural experiences, Signature trips showcase the best of your destination. Our luxurious Reserve trips offer hand-selected, 5-star accommodations, world-class dinners, elegant wine tastings, exclusive tours, and more. Read more about the different styles of Classic trips here»

You can find detailed trip information about the terrain and weather on each trip page. If you encounter any difficulty finding the information you seek or have more questions please call one of our helpful Trip Consultants at 866-464-8735.

The minimum age on our scheduled departures is 18. However, nearly all of our trips can be customized to suit your family’s interest and riding abilities. We have a dedicated Custom Trip Consultant that can help navigate the selection and design process to make the experience more fun and enjoyable. The minimum age on Custom Family trips is 6 years old to travel and 8 years old to ride their own bike. Check out our Custom Trip Page for ideas and inspiration, or contact us to request more information.

We recommend booking your trip at least 90 days prior to departure for North American trips and 3-6+ months for Europe and other worldwide destinations. Trips do sell out or become otherwise unavailable, so booking early or as soon as you are committed to traveling with us is the most reliable means of ensuring a spot on your dream vacation. Based on availability, last-minute bookings can be accommodated up to one week prior to departure when possible. Whenever you are ready to book, contact one of our Trip Consultants at 866-464-8735.

Ride Camps are recommended only for riders at level 3/4 and are a mix of guided and self-guided days. The focus of our Ride Camps is to build your base miles for your cycling season. As a result our rides are focused on the physical dimension and not the site seeing. We also assume that guests are more self-sufficient than our ‘all-inclusive’ style regular trips. Each morning you’ll begin your ride between 8-9 AM and return sometime between 2-5 PM depending on the length of the ride and your ability level. Depending on your riding level you may or may not not have a guide with you. A support vehicle will be on each day’s featured ride at scheduled stops, but you’ll want to be sure you carry appropriate layers and food for your ride. Once you return to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Trek Travel staff will ensure that your bike is in excellent condition for the next day’s ride. You are welcome to dine at your leisure and any non-riding activities that you’d like to take advantage of can be organized through the hotel concierge and are at your own expense. Read more about Ride Camp trips here»

Ride Camps are a mix of guided and self-guided days. You will have a minimum of one Trek Travel staff member that will be at the trip start, assign you your bike for the camp, and provide support on the featured group rides. When there is more than one staff member, one will lead the first group of riders and the other will drive the support vehicle. The support vehicle will leap frog the group and make scheduled stops along the ride. We recommend that you are comfortable riding independently without guide support if you are not riding with the group. Read more about Ride Camp trips here»

Discover trips are 5-day, 4-nights long and offer everything that you need with nothing that you don’t. These trips offer an exceptional value with accommodations in comfortable 2- or 3-star hotels including daily breakfast, three lunches, and two group dinners. You’ll also enjoy supported rides with a van and guides, along with plenty of free time to relax and explore. Please note there are no group activities included in the price of this trip, but the rides and hotel will be in close proximity to regional points of interest that you can visit if you wish. The included Ride with GPS (RWGPS) app offers robust suggestions for things to do in your destination.

Similar to our other Classic Trips, there are four riding levels to indicate the relative difficulty of the riding on a Discover Trip. Gravel trips have their own ride difficulty guide. All rides on Discover Trips are supported by our guides. You can learn more about each activity level here.

The Best Bikes

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The price of your cycling vacation includes the use of the best bikes on the market. On most of our destinations, you’ll select between the new Trek Domane SL 7 or the Trek Electric-Assist Verve+. On our Gravel bike tours, you’ll ride the Trek Checkpoint SLR 7.

On some trips, there may be different bikes or models available. Please reference the “Bikes” section on each trip’s page to see what’s available for that destination.

View all of our bikes and gear offered on our cycling vacations here»

Our brakes are set up in the North American standard configuration, with the right-side brake lever operating the rear brakes, and the left-side brake lever operating the front brakes. If you require a “moto-style” braking set up (where the brakes are reversed – right-side brake lever operating the front brakes, left-side brake lever operating the rear brakes) to ride safely, please let your trip consultant know upon booking. If you are already booked, please contact our Guest Experience team at 866-464-8735 or by email at guestservices@trektravel.com

When you call to sign up for your trip, our Trip Consultants work with you and your local Trek Bike Store to determine your Trek bike size and fit. (Note: Bike sizes, measurements and geometry vary greatly among bike brands and typically do not transfer well. To ensure you get the proper fit and size Trek bike for your trip, we highly recommend you work with your local Trek Bike Store and our Trip Consultants.) On the first day of your trip, your guides will adjust your bike to your comfort and preferences to ensure an excellent fit. Your guides are always available to make small adjustments throughout the week as well. Fill out our Bike Fit form to get started.

You are more than welcome to bring your own bike, but please note that we cannot assume responsibility for the safety of or damage to your personal bike. You are responsible for the maintenance of your bike and any spare parts that may be used during the trip. You are also responsible for assembling your bike upon arrival and disassembling it upon departure as well as any and all shipping arrangements needed to get your bike to and from the trip. There is no trip price difference for bringing your own bike. Learn more about our bikes here» 

If you would like to bring a power meter with you on a trip, we’re able to accommodate a few options with our bikes. For crank arm power meters, we can only accept the Stages brand (please verify the crank arm length with your Trip Consultant). We can also have our guides install pedal systems (Garmin, etc.). If you have any questions, please contact your Trip Consultant.

Due to the limited space available on our vans, each guest may only have one bike allocated to them on our Trek Travel bike tours. Please speak to your Trip Consultant with any questions you may have.

Book a Trip

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To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or you can book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no-risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip. Please see below for information on when to book and our cancellation policy.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

All prices on our website are listed in U.S. dollars. All transactions must be made in U.S. dollars and can be made by credit card*, personal check or by wire transfer. While guide gratuities are preferred to be in the local currency, cash payments are not accepted for trip payments.

*We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover credit cards.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan, available through Arch RoamRight, that helps provide coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Please contact a Trip Consultant for more details or visit our Travel Protection page».

For most trips, final payment is due 90 days before your trip start date.* If you reserve your space under 90 days from your trip’s start date, the full balance of the trip price is due at the time of booking.

*Final balance due dates vary for all Race, Cross Country, and Ride Camp trips. Please speak with your Trip Consultant for information on final balance payments for these trips.

Our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Guests who wish to have their own room will be charged a Single Supplement fee (see next FAQ below) provided there is room availability on the desired trip.

Our trip prices are based on double occupancy (two people per room). A private room charge (single supplement fee) is added for single room requests to secure a private room without a roommate for guests who prefer to room alone*.  If you would like your own room, please make sure to clearly communicate your request to your Trip Consultant at the time of booking to avoid any surprises. You can also opt for the private room after you book by contacting us to confirm room availability and paying the single supplement.

If you are traveling solo and seeking savings, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate of the same gender. It is a win-win – if paired you save on the private room charge, and you get to connect with fellow cyclists. When you sign up, the full single supplement charge will be added to your booking. However, if we successfully find you a roommate, that charge will be refunded before your departure. In case no roommate is available, the full private room charge will apply.

Book Early: On a limited number of trips, private rooms are limited, so the earlier you book, the better chance of securing a private room. For those who would prefer to be paired with a roommate, the chance of finding a compatible roommate is much more likely the earlier you sign-up.

Rare Exceptions: On a limited number of trips, rooms with two beds may be rare or completely unavailable. In such cases, a private room charge will still apply even if shared twin rooms are not an option.

*Please keep in mind that private or single rooms may have two beds regardless of occupancy and in Europe “single rooms” may be a bit smaller than other rooms.

We have partnered with the Santa Barbara Travel Bureau to ensure your Trek Travel trip is a stress-free vacation of a lifetime from start to finish. Their dedicated concierge team can provide seamless and perfectly orchestrated travel arrangements to and from your Trek Travel trip.

Contact your Trip Consultant for more information or you may contact Santa Barbara Travel Bureau directly by filling in this Request Form. If you do not hear back from the agency within one business day, please reach out to our Guest Experience team at 866-464-8735 or at guestservices@trektravel.com.

Since trip guests arrive from several different places on different flights, trip groups meet at a centrally located meeting point, details of which are provided in individual trip itinerary available on the our website. These meeting points vary from one trip to the next and are selected based on accessibility, guest convenience and trip logistics. Airport transfers are not included and in most cases our guests take a taxi from the airport or their pre-trip night’s hotel to the meeting spot. Detailed meeting instructions are provided with your final trip documents as well.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with a packet containing daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.

Trip Preparation

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Flexibility is our middle name, and since this is your vacation, you are free to ride any distance you would like, or not at all! Some destinations are especially well suited to fewer miles in the saddle offering plenty of alternative activities. Many trips offer multiple ride options each day including full guide and van support for a boost up a hill or shuttle options at any time. Electric assist bike options are available for those who might want to flatten out the hills or get some extra help to go the distance. Ask your Trip Consultant for more information on this and other Trek bike upgrades.

Your Trip Consultant can give you a good idea of what kind of riding to expect each day on your specific trip (terrain, length of daily ride options, shuttle options and non riding activities available). You can use that information along with our Activity Level chart to gauge the type of training you’ll need to ensure you are ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest. For those looking for formal training plans, we have partnered with Vision Quest Training and Fit For Trips to get you ready for your vacation. Both options offer custom training plans that will get you ready to tackle your bike trip with confidence. The coaches consider the number of hours you can train per week, what you need to focus on based on your goals and milestones you need to hit in order to achieve them.

Your trip price includes all hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers, which usually calls for you leaving your packed luggage outside your hotel room door for pick up and transport. Check with your Trip Consultant for more details.

Guide gratuities are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize exceptional service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. That’s why we invite you to consider including a guide gratuity. It’s an easy way for you to say thanks as an added bonus to our already industry-leading compensation. While local currency is preferred, there are other options to make tipping easier. Most guides accept gratuity via PayPal or Venmo (in North America only) or our staff can help before or after the trip. They’ll be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with one of the guides at the end of your trip. Please see your trip page for our recommended amounts (of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience) or reference this list:

Trip StyleRecommended Amounts
Reserve — $40-$50/day/guest
Signature — $40-$50/day/guest
Discover — $30-$40/day/guest
Pro Race — $70-$80/day/guest
Ride Camp — $20-$30/day/guest
Cross Country — $50-$60/day/guest
Custom — Please refer to your Custom trip agreement. 

All international and continental travel, for both Canadians and Americans, requires a valid passport. Any nationality may need to obtain a visa depending on the country. If you do not have a passport and/or need a visa, contact the appropriate consulate nearest you. Trek Travel Guest Services will provide you with details about how to obtain a visa on arrival if required for the country you are visiting. After booking, you will receive detailed instructions from our office.

US citizens can learn more about required travel documents, travel advisories, recommended vaccinations, and more for any country at the US Department of State’s website».

Please review our packing lists for more details.

Although laundry is available on many of the properties on our trips, we recommend confirming with your Trip Consultant on which amenities are available for your specific trip. It’s also a great idea to pack a small amount of soap or detergent to do a quick kit wash in your room halfway through the trip.

You can find detailed travel information by clicking on the “Arrival / Departure” tab on each trip page’s itinerary. From there, you will find specific Meeting and Departing information. If you encounter any difficulty finding the information you seek or have more questions please call one of our helpful Trip Consultants at 866-464-8735.

We recommend booking your pre- or post-night stay directly with the hotel.
If you book any additional nights at one of our trip hotels, please mention that you are with the Trek Travel group and request to stay in the same hotel room during your trip with us would like to avoid changing rooms, although this cannot be guaranteed by the hotel. The hotel may also extend a Trek Travel rate upon request, depending on availability.
 
If you would like assistance with pre/post arrangements, you can contact the Santa Barbara Travel Bureau for help by filling out this form.
 
Learn more about our travel services.

Most trips include a Trek Travel cycling jersey that we will send to you before your trip. If your jersey doesn’t fit just right, we’re happy to exchange it. Fill out our exchange form» to tell us what size you need and the size you’re exchanging. We’ll send you your new jersey along with a return label to send the original jersey back to us. Please allow up to 14 days to receive your new jersey.

Cell Phones:
We recommend you check with your cell phone provider regarding international coverage before leaving on your trip. Many carriers now have easy to add data packages while traveling internationally for low costs. When you arrive in your destination be sure to check with your Trek Travel guides on how to dial in an emergency.
Voltage:
Often while traveling internationally you’ll find 220 voltage. The United States is 110 voltage. Plug styles also differ from country to country. Please pack universal power adaptors and converters while traveling outside of the United States.

Self-Guided

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This is the perfect solution if you want to explore a destination without the hassle of planning your whole vacation. Self-guided trips combine the freedom to decide what you want to do and when you want to do it with the best parts of any Trek Travel trip, including an itinerary full of curated activities, route suggestions, world-class bikes, and the best accommodations. Self-guided trips do require a degree of mechanical self-sufficiency, however, and you (or a travel companion) will be required to have the skills necessary to change flats and perform minor mechanical adjustments that could be needed along the way. Learn more about Self-Guided bike tours here»

Every bike on a self-guided trip is equipped with a Bontrager saddle (men’s or women’s), Shimano pedals or flat pedals (if requested), along with a flat kit, a frame pump, front and rear lights, a pre-loaded Garmin GPS, and a bike lock. For the most comfortable ride, we recommend bringing your own saddle and pedals, and we also encourage you to bring your own helmet.
Your Trek Travel host will leave you with the following accessories so you can prep your bike before each ride: USB wall charger to charge the lights and Garmin, e-bike charger, and a bike pump. Trek Travel will also provide you with instructions on how to properly check your bike for safety, and your host will give you a thorough explanation and demonstration on the first day.

On all Self-Guided bike tours, key contact information will be sent to you in your week-out email, one week before your trip. The first day of your trip you will meet with your Trek Travel host at the specified location on the first day. After a bike fitting, you will set off on your own for the week, armed with all the information you need to fully enjoy your bike tour, thanks to your pre-loaded Garmin with all the routes and the Ride with GPS app loaded on your phone. This app will give you direct access to your daily agenda, important highlights of the region, lists of recommended restaurants, points of interest, and suggestions about cultural activities in the area. Local emergency numbers will be provided to you as well. In case of emergency, you can always call the Trek Travel emergency line by calling our office at 866-464-8735. On the last day of your trip, your Trek Travel host will meet you to collect your bike and related accessories before you depart.

Two lights will be provided on each bike, one taillight and one headlight. We recommend riding with these lights always on, even during daylight, to maximize visibility to others. Chargers will also be provided. Every day you will need to make sure your bike has both lights charged and ready for the day’s ride.

Our routes are designed with safety in mind and go through cities that will have places to fill up water bottles and reload on snacks or food if needed. Please be prepared to carry your own snacks and water bottles while riding. The Ride with GPS app on your phone will give you information about possible water fountains and any place where you can easily fill up your bottles.

It is possible that other guests will be on a self-guided trip on the same dates so you may see them out on the road. Our self-guided trips will allow you to decide whether or not to ride with others.

Our self-guided trips have a flexible cancellation policy that allows for a full refund more than 30 days before the trip starts. Please review our cancellation policy for more details.

Trek Travel organizes vacations of a lifetime for riders and non-riders alike. We include so much other than riding in our packages so there is something for everyone. All of our packages are priced per person, double occupancy, regardless of whether you choose to ride a little, a lot, or not at all. Please see specific trips or contact a Trip Consultant for details regarding the best trips for non-riders. Non-riders on self-guided trips are asked to be self-sufficient in arranging other activities and extra transport if needed during daily ride options.

You will receive specific instructions upon booking your trip. Depending on the destination, either your Trek Travel host will meet you at the hotel to receive your bike and equipment before you continue your travels or you will leave everything with your hotel during check out and they will take care of returning it to your host.

Please, note that Trek Travel will not provide you with any energy bars or snacks. We suggest that you bring along some nutrition bars and hydration tablets that you can mix with water for a hydrating beverage. Please be prepared to carry these in your jersey pockets while riding. It is always a good idea to bring a small backpack or handlebar bag to carry your snacks, wallet, and any personal items while riding.

On a self-guided tour you need to feel comfortable changing a flat, as this is a common event when cycling. In the rare case of a bicycle breakdown or mechanical issue beyond a simple repair, your Ride With GPS app will have detailed contact information with emergency phone numbers to call for assistance. 

Yes, on a self-guided trip you are responsible for locking and securing your bike at the hotel and everywhere you go. Your host will instruct you about where to securely store your bike and equipment at the hotel and will provide you with a bike lock. Charging all the electronic devices is also your responsibility; at the end of the day’s ride, you need to take your Garmin GPS and the lights off your bike and follow the charging instructions issued by your Trek Travel host. If you are using an e-bike, you will need to charge the battery nightly. All charging cords and accessories are provided.

Yes, we recommend that you pack a basic first aid kit for common medical emergencies, such as patching up minor injuries and scrapes.

On the first day of your self-guided tour, your host will welcome you and ensure you have a comfortable fit to your bike before you head out on your cycling adventure.
In the unlikely event of a serious mechanical issue while you’re riding, you can contact the phone numbers provided in your RWGPS app. Depending on the emergency, they will help organize a ride back to the hotel or advise what to do. Your host will be available to help repair your bicycle by the next morning.

Examples of emergencies:

Damage to the bike that requires serious repair (not a flat or slipped bike chain)
Minor injury/illness that prevents continued cycling (serious injuries must first be reported to emergency medical responders – numbers will be provided)

Examples of non-emergency related matters that do not require support:

A flat tire
Cycling into bad weather
Being tired of cycling or “over your skis”
Getting lost
Running out of water or snacks
Running out of battery on the e-bike
Hotel staff or other local contacts provided will be available for the above non-emergency related matters.

Gravel

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Much like any other Classic Guided trip, you’ll meet at the bikes after breakfast and set off on your ride. Lunch may be a casual roadside lunch during the ride or at a café after the ride. The ride will end in late afternoon, followed by some time to yourself or possibly a group activity before dinner. On a few occasions, we will shuttle between the hotel and the ride start and end. Learn more about Gravel bike tours here»

Similar to other Classic Guided bike tours, you will have two guides and one support van. One guide will ride with you and the other will drive the van. Larger trips will have a third guide and possibly a second van. Most of the time, the van will be able to follow you on gravel roads, but sometimes it will meet you at designated support points.

We are riding top of the line gravel specific Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 bikes. They’re built for adventure with tubeless, 45c tires, disc brakes, electronic shifting, and plenty of clearance. Learn more about the Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 here»

When riding gravel you will be on loose surfaces and, at times, uneven terrain so speeds will be slower. On average, you can expect to go three to four miles per hour slower than on the pavement.

Each trip will have a slightly different mix of surfaces, which primarily depends on how far the hotels are from gravel roads. The range is 50% to 80% unpaved. You can find specifics in the More Information section on the individual trip pages. See all Gravel trips here»

Each trip will have a Surface Type rating (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) to reflect the level of technical difficulty of the riding. On every trip, the majority of the unpaved roads will consist of relatively smooth dirt roads with sparse to moderate amounts of gravel. The nature of gravel is dynamic and unpredictable, so you should expect to encounter some sections of chunky gravel as well as some potholes, ruts, and washboard like surfaces. Advanced trips have a higher degree of technical difficulty because they include segments of singletrack, doubletrack, longer sections of rougher road, and features like water crossings. In addition to being more difficult, the van cannot always follow the entire route and will meet you at designated spots for support. For more information on our Surface Type Ratings, see our Rider Level Infographics here»

You don’t have to be fast, but because it takes a little longer to conquer gravel miles, we recommend that you be ready to ride anywhere from two to six hours per day.

Similar to our other Classic trips, there will usually be three options per day, except for the first and last day. You are free to choose the option that works best for you on any given day. Your guides will explain them and help you decide.

No experience is necessary for Beginner trips. We do recommend some experience riding gravel or singletrack for Intermediate trips and experience is required for Advanced trips. For Intermediate and Advanced trips, you’ll want to be comfortable climbing, descending, and cornering on loose surfaces as well as picking your line or maneuvring through rough patches. Please take a look at the Trip Comparison Chart here and the More Information section for each trip for more detailed information about the riding level and terrain. See all Gravel trips here»

Always look ahead. Road surfaces change quickly when riding gravel, so keep your eyes focused on what lies ahead.
Stay relaxed. You want to absorb the vibrations, not fight them.
Stay in the saddle. If you stand on loose surfaces, your rear tire can lose traction. Staying seated keeps weight on your rear tire and improves traction.

We have selected 45c knobby tires (45 millimeters wide) to allow you to confidently handle a wide variety of surfaces in wet or dry conditions. We will set them up as tubeless to minimize flats, improve traction, and add plushness to your ride. Tubeless tires have no tube inside them, which means they can be run at much lower pressures without risk of flats. According to research, wider rims and lower pressures are faster, and they’re also more comfortable. And, finally, knobby tires will give you added traction when you need it most.

 

We suggest you review the Rider Level descriptions and the Trip Comparison Chart found here as well as the More Information section of each trip page for more specifics on the riding. See all our Gravel trips here If you have any questions about our Gravel trips or are not sure if they are the right trip for you, please contact a Trip Consultant by calling 844-464-8735.

Ride Camp

Our guides have put together routes for each trip to highlight the best climbs, views and routes in the area. Each morning you’ll begin your ride between 8-9:00 AM and return sometime between 2-5:00 PM, depending on the length of the ride. A support vehicle will be on each day’s featured ride at pre-determined stops, but you’ll want to be sure you carry appropriate layers and food for your ride. Once you return to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Trek Travel staff will ensure that your bike is in excellent condition for the next day’s ride, and all you have left to do is focus on recovery.

Guide and vehicle support varies with the size of the group. So whether you’re two or 30 riders, you’ll never be far from a flat assist or a boost up that final climb. We provide one guide for trips of one to four guests, two guides for trips of five to 24 guests, and three guides for trips of 25 to 30 guests.

The use of a Trek Domane SL 7* with Di2 electronic shifting and carbon wheels is included in the price of the trip. Learn more about our bikes»

*Some bike models vary. See trip for details. 

You are more than welcome to bring your own bike, but please keep in mind Trek Travel cannot assume responsibility for the safety of or damage to your bike that may exceed what and how we maintain the safety and well-being of our own fleet of bikes. You are responsible for providing the maintenance to your bike and any spare parts that may be used during the trip. You are also responsible for assembling your bike upon arrival and disassembling it upon departure, as well as any and all logistics of transporting your bicycle to the Ride Camp location.

Typically we are not able to accommodate this request because the bikes are in use either before or after your trip. We recommend contacting a local Trek retailer for rental bikes for additional days. Trek Store Locator. See Trek Bicycle Girona for bike rentals before and after your Girona Ride Camp bike tour.

As with every Trek Travel vacation, we offer top-of-the-line gear and support. Each bike is equipped with a Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer and you’ll receive a complimentary cinch sack and Trek Travel water bottles. We offer all the support you’d ever want on a tough bike ride and more. We’ll fuel you up for long rides, offer a great hotel to rest your tired body, and make sure you have the best cycling focused vacation possible at the destination.

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy a Trek Travel Ride Camp vacation, however due to the level of riding, we do encourage each guest to come with a good level of physical fitness. Ride Camp is most appropriate for Rider Levels 3 & 4. Please consult our Rider Levels to find out what type of weekly rides you should be able to complete in order to enjoy this vacation. Guests are welcome to ride as much or as little as they like and must be prepared to support themselves if they are not able to do the entire featured ride or if they choose to do a different unsupported ride.

Every ride varies based on the route and terrain of that destination. The ride for each day is detailed in the trip itinerary on every Ride Camp trip page but note that nearly all supported rides are over 50 miles and offer several climbs or marked elevation changes.

Energy bars, water bottles, and a pack lunch of a sandwich and fruit will be provided each full day of the trip. If you would like more energy products, we recommend you bring extra for the trip. Please refer to “What’s Included” on the specific trip page for more information on what meals are included for each trip.

We recommend booking your pre or post night stay directly with the hotel. You may choose to stay at the same hotel as the trip or a different hotel of your choice. Please mention that you are with the Trek Travel group and request to stay in the same hotel room during our Ride Camp trip if you would like to avoid changing rooms. The hotel may also extend a Trek Travel rate upon request, depending on availability.

Private & Custom

Accordion Content

You can make most any destination from our collection of scheduled departures private by reserving an available date exclusively for you and your crew. Will you ride the Alps of France? Taste the food of Tuscany? Hike through the canyons in Utah? There are over 50 destinations to pick from. And every one is glorious. You let us know where and when you want to go. If the date is open, the trip is all yours. That means for the best availability, get started today. Find a trip»

Yes! Take a break from the office and have the ultimate experience with your coworkers on a corporate retreat. Learn more about our corporate travel»

Earlier is always better when designing a custom vacation. Hotels love advanced notice and have more availability, we can allocate resources easier, and we have the time to properly research all the finer details of your desired activities.

 

Cost always involves a lot of variables. Building a custom vacation has added costs to prepare all the essentials for your trip. It is more cost efficient to book a big group than a small one- or two-person trip. Other factors include length of vacation and whether we already have a trip in the area. Please be aware that we may need to cancel regularly scheduled dates to make room for our custom vacations. Once you have paid in full, those costs are fully allocated and your trip is non-refundable.

We will look into equipment and guide availability in the location of your choice. If you decide to move forward with creating a full itinerary for your custom vacation, we require a $2,500 deposit to develop the itinerary and pricing. This cost will be applied to your trip price if you book. However, this fee is non-refundable regardless of circumstances.

Once we have a general idea of what you are looking for in a custom cycling vacation, we work with our trip design team to put together an itinerary of your trip. We will check into regional hotel availability and any other high level logistical needs. With our local connections and intimate knowledge of the region, our designers will fashion a unique vacation of a lifetime for you. Within two weeks, we will provide you with an outline of an itinerary with a price range given the number of people in your group. What if you wanted to add or change something at this point? Don’t worry. We are committed to making sure you get the trip you want down to the last detail.

 

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself