Our Frequently Asked questions
About bookings
On our regular bike tours, the pace is determined by the cyclists on regular bikes. This may mean E-Bikers may have time to rest at the top of a hill while waiting for the others to catch up. Similarly if you choose to ride a regular bike on a specified E-Bike tour you will need to be fit enough to keep up.
Helmets are compulsory on all our tours and are a legal requirement for cycling in most countries. For health and safety reasons we recommend you bring your own helmet.
We only supply normal pedals so if you prefer clipless, please bring your own.
You may also wish to bring your own seat or a gel seat cover to make your ride more comfortable.
Yes, we have a regular newsletter covering news from all our tours. To subscribe to our newsletter simply complete the form on the bottom of our web pages throughout the site.
The easiest way is to fill in the enquiry form on the website. One of our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a Travel Proposal detailing the cost of the trip and payment schedules. You can then book directly on the website. You will be sent an invoice for the deposit and once your deposit is received we can confirm your booking.
You have the option to pay by direct credit into our bank account or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) via our secure online booking page.
Please note a transaction fee of 3% is charged for all credit card payments.
We do not accept American Express.
Alternatively you can email us at info@globalcyclingadventures.com with details of your chosen tour and any questions you may have.
If you would like to speak to someone in person please call +64 3 982 9933.
The costs associated with each tour including hotels, guides and bike rental are in the currency of the relevant supplier. Because the exchange rates fluctuate continuously - this is the most accurate way to cost your trip. The cost will reflect the exchange rate on the day of payment.
Absolutely! Most tours have a support vehicle allowing you to do as much or as little cycling as you want. Our tours are designed so everyone can enjoy their experience.
Absolutely! Non-golfers are welcome to join our tours. There is always something to see and do while the others are on the fairway.
Some purists may scoff but the E-bike has had a significant impact on how people exercise. They have made cycling available to a broader range of people including those who may not have the physical fitness (or desire) for traditional cycling. They have opened the world of cycle touring to those who may not have considered it before. E-bikes can also be great 'equalizers' for riders of differing ability. It is important to note these are not mopeds - you still have to pedal - just not as hard.
Yes children are most welcome on many of our tours. However some tours are unsuitable for children. Please contact us with the you are considering and we will happily advise on suitability.
E-Bikes are heavier than normal bikes and require special care. It is not possible to rent electric bikes to children. If you want to rent an electric bike for a teenager we will need to check if the right size for their height is available. Please contact us for further information.
It's a vacation along rivers, canals or between islands. You cycle during the day and stay overnight in a floating hotel that follows you on your journey. The cabin will be yours for the entire week, so you don't have to worry about luggage or packing. There will be plenty of time to relax on the sundeck or explore the ports or seaside villages you visit.
It depends on the tour and location. Most of our guides are local and therefore fluent in their native language as well as English. Please contact the Global Cycling Adventures’ team if you have specific language speaking requirements.
Each day’s approximate distance will be listed in the itinerary where possible. Most days we will have a support vehicle available (for guided tours) so you can opt to bike less than the stated distance. Alternatively if you wish to bike more, let your guide know so it can be arranged where possible.
Yes. Please contact us with any special requirements and we will try to meet these. Sometimes there may be a small surcharge. Where this is not possible we will notify you in advance so alternative arrangements can be made.
Yes. We can customise tours for small or large groups, families and even large charity tour groups of 80+ participants. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Preparing for your trip
Each tour is carefully graded from 1 to 6. These details can be found on your tour page.
Please see below for more details.
We recommend arriving at least the day before the tour to allow for acclimatisation, sightseeing, and a good night’s sleep to recover from jetlag. For long international flights, two extra days would allow for unexpected flight delays.
Requirements such as clothing and other equipment will vary for each tour. You will receive detailed trip notes prior to departure which will include what you need to bring.
Your luggage will be transported from one point to the next so you will need a small backpack for your phone, snacks and a couple of layers to keep you warm and dry.
On all golf tours you have the option to bring your own golf clubs or pre-book a set of hire clubs.
Not all boats accept Credit Cards. They are not accepted in Greece, France and Croatia. Some cards are accepted in Holland and Italy. Please check your tour notes as this information will be provided.
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
Global Cycling Adventures can book pre and post tour accommodation for you.
Tour Grade info
Cycling is a fantastic way to experience a destination - whether you are looking for a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, the gnarliest trail or the most sweeping descent, we have a ride to suit your needs.
Choosing the right grade of holiday is important. Making sure you are on the right grade of trip will ensure that the routes match your fitness and expectations so you can make the most of the tour. Our tours showcase some of the most exciting and remote destinations on the planet and to get the most enjoyment out of your tour it’s important to make sure you're prepared for the physical and technical challenges involved.
Each tour will be different. Some are flat and easy - others are extreme and require a high level of expertise and fitness. Our tour difficulty ratings are designed to help you find the ride that fits your level of fitness or desired challenge.
If you are on the cusp of two descriptions, you need to decide whether you are looking for a challenge and want to be stretched a bit further than usual or would you rather keep it on the easier side - it is a holiday after all!
We have carefully graded every trip in our range. The grades take into account a variety of factors including daily distances, hill climbs, terrain and fitness required.
Some tours have E-Bike availability. Although this can make the uphill slog a little easier, you will still need a similar level of fitness to the regular bikers on the tour.
Remember a support vehicle is always on hand (unless otherwise stated) so you can hop in for a rest.
1 - Easy
Are you keen to make cycling part of your holiday but want time to explore and take in the sights?
These EASY trips combine seeing the best of a destination with light biking activity - a gentle introduction to cycling holidays without the physical struggle.
Short days and distances mean riders have plenty of time off the bike to experience the culture, landscapes and cuisine of the destination.
The terrain is mainly flat on roads or paths with average daily distances of less than 30km.You will need a basic level of fitness. Try to get a few rides under your belt to gain confidence and get used to the saddle.
Easy trips are ideal for those new to cycling or for families with younger children.
2 - Leisure
Would you prefer slightly longer distances than our EASY tours but no hills or tricky technical sections? Maybe you would like to go on an E-Bike tour and tackle some hills with some extra power at your disposal. Leisure tours are for the rider who wants to take in the surroundings at a comfortable pace.
The terrain will be mainly flat with elevations of less than 200m per day (400-700m on E-Bike tours) Average distances can be up to 50km per day (maybe more on an E-Bike).
You will need good level of fitness, exercising a couple of days a week and be confident on your bike.
3 - Moderate
Moderate trips are for the recreational cyclist looking for a bit more of a challenge. These trips are for those who cycle regularly and feel comfortable with longer climbs of up to 500m per day.
Moderate trips have more variety in day to day riding, and can include a longer or more challenging climbing day or two. Road conditions may be rough or hard-packed dirt, but with no off-road or technical sections.
Riders can expect distances of up to 70km on flat terrain, or maximum daily climbing of up to 500 metres over a shorter distance.
These trips require a good level of cycling experience and fitness. To prepare yourself, aim to ride twice a week, with a longer ride at the weekend so that you’ll be comfortable riding for several hours at one time. Add variety to your cycling experience, like new routes and in new areas, to build confidence.
4 - Active
Are you looking for a more physical experience? Our ACTIVE trips incorporate longer distances of over 75km on undulating terrain, or up to 1000m climbing over shorter distances providing more of a challenge for fit cyclists.
Active trips require cycling experience, but not technical expertise, as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.
Get out and ride three times a week, with a longer ride, up to 70km, on the weekends. Aim to feel comfortable spending several hours at a time in the saddle, and with cycling on back-to-back days. Try to ride in hillier areas to get used to climbing.
5 - Hard
Off-the-beaten-track destinations don’t come easy and our HARD trips explore mountainous, remote, and high altitude destinations by bike.
Cyclists on these trips need to be able to ride daily distances of over 75km. You need to be confident on steep and hilly terrain with rough surfaces and the potential to go off-road.
Climbing preparation and regular training off-road and in the hills is key. You should be comfortable with long rides and long climbs with a long time in the saddle on consecutive days.
You will need a very good level of fitness - long rides three times a week with a longer, more challenging hill ride on the weekends.
6 - Extreme
EXTREME trips are challenging for the proficient and physically fit cyclist looking for a truly unforgettable experience. You will need a high level of skill, fitness, and a taste for adventure. Destinations are exotic and remote with basic support and comforts. Terrain is challenging and often steep with high possibility for rough surfaces and off-road sections. Riders should have experience with physically and technically challenging trips and be prepared for consecutive long cycling days of more than 75km and 1000m of climbing. Our EXTREME trips push the boundaries of what’s possible on a guided cycling tour.
You should be comfortable with spending most of the day in the saddle, riding long days back-to-back, and tackling big climbs. Training five days a week with some long distances and climbs is highly recommended.
Don't just take our word for it
After 6 trips with Global Cycling this has to be up with the best! Mike our guide was outstanding. This tour was unforgettable, enough excitement without being dangerous, with very good quality hotels, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Kristine & Ron
This was my first major overseas trip, and WOW what an experience. The trip was really well organised. I felt safe all the time, and the guides made sure that they took excellent care of us. We always knew what was happening and the non-cycling excursions were fantastic. I can't wait to do my next trip!
Kim Hamill
Excellent tour great to have 2 days at some places! Good mates and loads of fun! Rene was amazing - seems to really enjoy seeing the regular faces, always cheerful and ready to help!
Helene Hudson
The Croatian Islands are truly beautiful, each one with its own unique feel. We were lucky, due to an itinerary change, to also see the island of Brac. We met a great group of people on the tour and shared so much fun & laughter with them.The ceaseless attention and hard work of our guides (Toni & Josh) and their support crew (Captain Pave & his team) ensured that the week was absolutely amazing!
Sue & Geoff Welsh
