Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Overview

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

OVERVIEW

Create your own Self Guided Tour! We have tons of rides and destinations to suggest you. Like a snake that goes through the diversity of Italy this itineary is just an example of what we can offer you. Pick up the section you like better, join your favourite destinations and we'll help you building the tour of your dreams!

HIGHLIGHTS

Venetian, Lagoon Florence, Ferrara,, Ravenna, Ceramics of Faenza Chianti, Region Siena, Montalcino,, the Orcia Valley, Pienza and Montepulciano Cortona, Assisi, Bevagna, Spoleto, Todi and Orvieto

TOUR FACTS

Tour Style : Learn more about our tours at https://www.experienceplus.com/tours/bike-tour-styles/-tours 3-4 star accomodations with all breakfasts, use of high quality titanium racing or hybrid bicycle; Includes bike delivery and collection; use of GPS with preloaded tracks; detailed route descriptions; map; suggestions for dinners and lunches; luggage transfers Countries Italy Begin/End Venezia / Orvieto Arrive/Depart Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) / Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Total Distance Up to you ! Avg. Daily Distance Approx 50 km per riding day Tour Level We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique Keep in Mind differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour. The best rides in Italy of the level of challenge you choose!

Please Note: We may have small itinerary changes to this trip after you download this PDF document. If you have booked this trip and there are major changes, including changes to towns or activities, we'll email you directly. However, you should always be sure to refer to the online itinerary for the most up-to-date trip information including arrival and departure tips before you depart for your trip: https://www.experienceplus.com/guided-bike-tours/italy/create-your-own-tour

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

DATES & PRICES

Dates Price Single Supplement* *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a DAILY RIDE SUMMARY roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. Day Distance/Gain Terrain Day Level Notes

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Tour begins in Chioggia, Italy DAY 1

Highlights "Little Venice" and the Venetian Lagoon

Welcome to Chioggia and the Venetian Lagoon! We meet this afternoon at our hotel in the center of Chioggia. We'll fit bicycles and go over route details. Take a walk around the center of Chioggia and admire the canals, bridges and main pedestrian walking street. If you arrive early we can suggest a ride along one of the islands in the lagoon. Mileage (your option)

Pedal the Po River Delta DAY 2

Highlights Chioggia, bicycle quiet roads, stay at a working farm Meals Breakfast

We leave the Venetian lagoon today towards the Po River Delta. Enjoy cycling on levee roads and birdwatching. Grab some picnic supplies from the local grocery store or stop at a cafe for lunch today. Those who want extra mileage can enjoy a great ride into the delta this afternoon. Our destination tonight is a small country farm bed and breakfast. Distance: 58-101 km (36-63 miles).

Ferrara DAY 3

Highlights bicycle along the Po River, bicycle capital of Italy--Ferrara Meals Breakfast

It's another day of leisurely riding today as we follow the Po river upstream to the Renaissance city of Ferrara. Entering the city, we'll pass under the 16th century walls, one of the most intact Renaissance walls left in Italy. Other highlights of this UNESCO world heritage site include the many palaces of the Este court from the 14th and 15th century. We'll suggest some great restaurants for dinner on your own this evening. Distance: 64 km (40 miles).

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Comacchio DAY 4

Highlights Comacchio and its "Trepponti" bridge

It's another day of leisurely riding today. Our destination is a small lagoon town that at one point was more powerful than Venice in the 700 and 800s. The lagoon town of Comacchio, has a fabulous museum that showcases a Roman boat ant its cargo that was excavated from one of the canals. Built on 13 islands this town is now landlocked but surrounded by the Po River and fresh water wetlands. Enjoy a small float around the canals with a local fisherman before dinner. Distance: 70 km (44 miles).

Ravenna DAY 5

Highlights Wetlands, bird viewing and beautiful mosaics, bustling town Meals Breakfast

We pedal along the Valley of Comacchio wetlands towards Ravenna. Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire and home to more early Christian mosaics than any other city in Western Europe. You can walk to Dante's Tomb and the mosaics of San Vitale, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia this afternoon, as our hotel is near all the city sights. Distance: 45 km (28 miles).

Ravenna to Faenza DAY 6

Highlights Faenza International Ceramics Museum and Renaissance Town Square Meals Breakfast

Exiting Ravenna you have the choice to visit another very important Byzantine masterpiece: Sant'Apollinare in Classe. Cross the plains through fruit plantations and arrive to Faenza. Your hotel is a restored convent near the central square of this regional market center and famous ceramics town. Enjoy the bustle in the market square and the main "piazza" which is always full of bicycle riders of all ages. Faenza is world-renowned for its hand decorated ceramics; we recommend a visit to the International Ceramics Museum as well as several of the local artists' studios specialized in this colorful pottery. Daily mileage: 56 km (35 miles).

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Loop ride to Castrocaro and Terra del Sole DAY 7

Highlights Sixteenth century planned Medici Fortress town of Terra del Sole; alternative Meals Breakfast bicycle ride over Monte Trebbio

You have two options today. Both include a ride to Terra del Sole, a border town built by the Medici family in 1564 to protect the northern frontier of Tuscany designed with the new Renaissance concept for the "Perfect City". On your way to Terra del Sole you'll pass by our headquarters so we'll plan to show you around, give you morning coffee and cake and send you on your way. Those who want an easy day will ride to Terra del Sole and back to Faenza at the base of the low foothills, giving you time to take it easy in any of the towns today. Those with more energy can climb one of the most famous mountain rides for cyclists in the area, Monte Trebbio. Daily Mileage: 38 - 64 km (24 - 40 miles).

Over the Apennines DAY 8

Highlights Bicycle the Apennines and the Mugello. Meals Breakfast, Dinner

We head into the Apennines today, passing first through the medieval village of Brisighella. Take a break and pick up some snacks for climb if you feel like it. If you decide you want to train up and over the mountain, feel free to do so! for those who decide to bicycle, begin climbing (easily at first!) over the Apennines -- remember to look around as you pedal since the scenery changes dramatically as you leave the plains and enter the mountains. Just before we reach the toughest part of our climb there is a very conveniently located train station which allows you a choice in how you reach our destination! Dinner tonight is at the hotel. Distance: 15 - 63km (9 - 39 miles)

Florence DAY 9

Highlights Fiesole and its Etruscan ruins, Renaissance Florence, Uffizi Gallery Meals Breakfast

There's a small climb this morning to Vetta le Croci, then it's downhill to the old Etruscan city of Fiesole, where you'll enjoy a great view of Florence rising from the valley floor. We recommend waiting until after lunch to ride into town and the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this capital of Renaissance Italy. Distance: 41 km (26 miles).

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Florence to Radda in Chianti DAY 10

Highlights The Chianti region Meals Breakfast

You'll leave Florence and climb some of the famous Chianti hills as you make your way to Radda in Chianti, your home for the night. Stop in Greve in Chianti for a short visit of the main square and the famous Macelleria Falorni, producer of local salumi. Radda is a delightful gem of a small town and was an important junction for traveler's heading to north and south. Daily distance: 61km (38 miles).

Siena DAY 11

Highlights Medieval town of Siena, Piazza del Campo Meals Breakfast

Ride the south part of the Chianti Region. The afternoon is yours to explore Siena. Italy's best-preserved medieval city rivaled Florence for dominance in Tuscany during the 1300s. You'll be transported back in time as soon as you enter the city walls. Daily distance: 48-52 km (30-32.5 miles).

Ride to San Quirico d'Orcia DAY 12

Highlights UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of Val d'Orcia Meals Breakfast

The full beauty of the Tuscan landscape, from the barren, chalk hills of Central Tuscany to the lush green fields of the Orcia Valley, unfolds before you today as you leave Siena and pedal to San Quirico. Daily mileage: 57 km (36 miles).

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Loop ride DAY 13

Highlights Montalcino, Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Bagno Vignoni Meals Breakfast

Pedal through vineyards and wheat fields this morning as you make your way to the Etruscan village and wine town of Montalcino. This fortified town was used as a shelter by Sienese nobles during the 16th Century, but today is even more famous for producing one of Italy's premier red wines, Brunello di Montalcino. Our scenic route takes you to the famous Abbey of Sant'Antimo and then on to Bagno Vignoni, a Medieval spa town. Daily Mileage: 54 km (34 miles).

Loop ride to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore DAY 14

Highlights Trequanda, Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore Meals Breakfast

Our loop route today takes you to Trequanda first and then to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a Benedictine abbey built in the 13th century and famous for its frescoed cloister and stunning setting. You are back in San Quirico this afternoon in time for a swim or to enjoy the spa center of the hotel. Daily Mileage: 66 km (41 miles).

Bicycle Southern Tuscany DAY 15

Highlights Pienza and the UNESCO World Heritage Landscape of Val d'Orcia Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Pack your bags and head to Valiano di Montepulciano today, your home for the next 2 nights. Luggage will be transferred directly to the hotel while your ride takes you to one of the first planned Renaissance towns, Pienza. With the help of a number of prominent architects Pope Pius II turned his small hometown into a piece of art in the 16th century. Dinner is included tonight. Daily Mileage: 39 - 48 km (24 - 30 miles) You might want to ride all the way to Cortona today to jump ahead to day 18, making it a 60 km (37miles) day

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Loop Ride to Lake Trasimeno DAY 16

Highlights Trasimeno Lake and Chiusi Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Ride along the shores of Lake Trasimeno today. Along the ride you'll pass close to the tiny Lago di Chiusi before reaching the fortified village of Castiglione sul lago. If you have the time you might want to take a boat ride on Lake Trasimeno to Isola Maggiore. After a stroll on the passeggiata and lunch on your own, continue back to Borgo Tre Rose. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant tonight. Daily Mileage: 35 - 59 km (22 - 37 miles)

Cortona DAY 17

Highlights Cortona, Etruscan Museum, gelato Meals Breakfast

Your ride today will take you to the Etruscan town of Cortona. You'll pass along the Val di Chiana, famous for the chianina steak bistecca di chianina before reaching the imposing town of Cortona on the top of the hill with its defensive Etruscan, Roman and Medieval walls surrounding the historic town. Enjoy the afternoon in Cortona. A must-see is the recently restored Etruscan Museum or the Museo Diocesano with Fra Angelico paintings. Our favorite gelateria is in the square in front of the museum. Daily Mileage: 22 km (14 miles)

Cortona to Perugia DAY 18

Highlights the castle of the Knights of Malta, the well-known artistic centre of Italy: Meals Breakfast Perugia

You will leave Cortona today cycling through the picturesque landscapes that have made Tuscany famous and along the shores of Lake Trasimeno, known for Hannibal's defeat of the Roman army in 217 B.C. after crossing the Alps with elephants! You'll go through the hilltop town of Magione with its castle, owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, founded about nine centuries ago in Jerusalem with the aim of protecting the Holy Land. Our destination today is Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region. Daily Mileage: 69 km (43 miles)

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Assisi DAY 19

Highlights Wine in Torgiano. Assisi, the town of Saint Francis Meals Breakfast

Your ride today takes you first to Torgiano, famous throughout Italy for its wines. Take time to explore the comprehensive olive oil museum and the wine culture museum, the famous tower and the narrow alley ways. Leave Torgiano to enter the Umbrian Basin and arrive to Assisi. You'll want to explore the church of Saint Francis, the second most important pilgrimage destination in Italy after St. Peter's in Rome. If you arrive early you might enjoy an extra ride to the hermitage just outside the village where Francis often retreated for meditation. Daily Mileage: approx 44-61km (28-38 miles).

Loop ride to Deruta DAY 20

Highlights Ceramics in Deruta Meals Breakfast

Your ride today takes you to Deruta where you can enjoy scores of ceramic studios. Deruta is one of the most important ceramics towns in all of Italy. The route back to Assisi takes you through the hamlet of Brufa. Distance: 60 km (37 miles).

Bicycle from Assisi to Bevagna DAY 21

Highlights Roman ruins in Spello, medieval wall and Renaissance buildings Meals Breakfast

You leave Assisi behind you this morning and head south to Spello, a puzzle made of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance pieces. 13th century town walls connect Roman gateways dating to the 1st century BC and AD. Take time to explore and you'll find the 13th century town hall dominating the Renaissance town square. From Spello you pedal to Foligno another Roman town but with fewer Roman ruins. Enjoy lunch in the square and then head across the Umbria valley to Bevagna. Bevagna is the picture of a well-preserved Medieval village. It, too, dates from Roman times and is centered on the 13th century square and town hall. Unlike most Medieval towns, Bevagna is located on the flat of the Umbrian Basin. Mileage: 35 km (22 miles)

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Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Loop Ride from Bevagna to Montefalco DAY 22

Highlights The Roman Via Flaminia, Trevi, and Montefalco Meals Breakfast

Yesterday and today you will parallel the historic Via Flaminia, a Roman road, built in 220 BC by Consul Gaius Faminius. The road allowed Roman soldiers and their families access to the region around Rimini where they settled. With the road came all the Roman settlements and military garrisons in the area. Foligno and Spello were Roman towns while Trevi and Montefalco, our lunch destination, were Medieval towns that developed on nearby hills hundreds of years later. Take time to explore these hill towns as they capture the essence of Italy. A variety of routes allow access to the hills south of Montefalco. Plan on a picnic or restaurant lunch in the village, though as it affords a spectacular view across the entire Umbrian basin where you just spent two days cycling. (And plan to pick up a bottle of Sagrantino in Montefalco, one of Italy's most famous wines, for your dinner tonight.)Mileage: 45 km (28 miles) or more if you wish to venture into the hills south of Montefalco Loop ride to Spoleto DAY 23

Highlights The preserved town of Spoleto, its fortress, the Roman aqueduct Meals Breakfast

Your ride will take you to the well-preserved medieval town of Spoleto, famous throughout the world for the Festival dei due Mondi, a three week dance, music and opera festival. Discover the hidden corners of this fabulous town that dates back to Roman times. Don't miss the Cathedral and a walk to the fortress Fortezza Albornoz on top of Colle Sant' Elia. Mileage: 68 km (42.5 miles)

Bicycle from Bevagna to Todi DAY 24

Highlights Off the beaten track to the medieval Todi Meals Breakfast

You're route today takes you away from the busy heartland of Umbria to the beautiful hilltop town of Todi. Todi's history is one of the region's oldest: three thousand years of continual inhabitance by Umbrians, Etruscans, and Romans. Today its main square "Piazza del Popolo" is often described as the most perfect medieval piazza in Italy. Discover why. Mileage: km 38 (24 miles)

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Loop ride to Monte Castello di Vibio DAY 25

Highlights the smallest theater in the world Meals Breakfast

Your loop ride today takes you to the spectacular site of Monte Castello di Vibio. This eagle's nest of a village dominates the surrounding countryside; enjoy the beautiful views and the smallest theater in the world! The "Teatro della Concordia" in Montecastello reflects French architecture of the 1800s. Alternatively take a rest day and explore Todi.Daily Mileage: 45 km (28 miles)

Todi to Orvieto DAY 26

Highlights Orvieto and its Duomo Meals Breakfast

A quiet ride along the shoulders of the Tiber Valley takes you to the spectacular Renaissance city of Orvieto. Perched on the remnant of a volcanic plateau, Orvieto is one of the most beautiful cities in Umbria. Its cathedral, a transition style between Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is richly decorated with a variety of colored marble and bright mosaics. Orvieto is also famous for its white wine. Mileage: 47km (29 miles)

Loop ride to Civita and Bolsena DAY 27

Highlights "Ghost town" of Civita di Bagnoregio and Bolsena Volcanic Lake Meals Breakfast

We suggest a loop ride today to one of several volcanic lakes in this part of Italy, the Lago di Bolsena. Before getting to the lake the ride will take you to the "ghost town" of Civita di Bagnoregio. Take time to explore this tiny village also know as "the dying city", because of the eroding rock below it. Daily distance: 65 km (41 miles)

Bicycle Tours in Italy: Create Your Own Self Guided Tour

Tour ends in Orvieto DAY 28

After breakfast your cycling experience in Umbria ends. We hope you have enjoyed Meals Breakfast cycling with us! Orvieto is conveniently located on the main rail line to Florence or to Rome. It is also beautiful enough to warrant a relaxing rest day if you are so inclined.

INCLUDED

WHAT'S INCLUDED You'll receive a highlighted route map each day or a briefing with the GPS tracks. On Classic, Bike and Boat, When you book a tour with ExperiencePlus! our goal is to Spotlight and Expedition tours we also navigate using our ensure your only focus each day is to hop on your bike and signature chalk dust arrows. Our arrows make navigating explore scenic cycling routes in new destinations. very easy—you may never need to look at the map. On Inclusions may differ depending on which tour style you Explorer tours the terrain and destinations are not always pick but all ExperiencePlus! tours include the three most conducive to using chalk arrows so we'll ride as a group or important aspects of a guided bike tour. you can navigate on your own with the GPS tracks. Superb tour leaders who are fun and multilingual, bi- Before each tour we offer the opportunity to download GPS cultural experts, and cycling enthusiasts. They will tracks of most tour routes to your personal GPS device or support you and help you navigate confidently on and off smartphone using RideWithGPS.com. We do not provide the road. GPS tracks for tours in South America. High quality bikes selected for the terrain you are cycling on and correct bike fitting to ensure comfortable cycling. On tour you will have a support van providing water and More details on our bikes page. snack resupply, mechanical assistance, a lift for tired cyclists, and luggage transfers. On some itineraries the van Thoughtfully designed itineraries and routes that take will not be able to follow sections of the route that stray advantage of stunning cycling destinations and the from the road for example onto cycling paths. freedom of bicycle travel. Need More Miles? On many days it is possible to add miles PRE-TRIP SUPPORT to the day, just talk to your tour leader about your options. Bicycle training programs designed specifically for your Need Fewer Miles? If you aren't sure about your abilities or tour and fitness level. how much you want to ride remember the support van is available to offer snacks, encouragement, a lift over the Planning tips on what to pack, hotel recommendations next hill, or to the next hotel. You are on vacation and we're and other helpful details from our Travel Planning here to help make it perfect for you. Pages. A gift of your choice (cycling jerseys, socks, or a t-shirt) TIPPING YOUR TOUR LEADER TEAM: as our way of saying thanks for choosing ExperiencePlus! If you feel your tour leader team has demonstrated great *Traveler services including assistance booking extra expertise and service, common practice within the travel nights at the tour starting and ending hotels. (*Not industry is to tip. Tipping is voluntary and greatly included on Explorer Tours.) appreciated, and gratuity amounts vary widely. Should you decide to leave a tip, as a guideline, we suggest 5% of the ON TOUR tour cost per traveler – this is for the entire tour leader team, not each tour leader. You can give the tip to any See "What's Included" on your tour Itinerary for tour- member of the tour leader team, as they share it evenly. In specific inclusions. order to avoid social tensions, we encourage you to tip as individuals and not as a group. If you feel your tour leaders BICYCLES did not quite meet your expectations, please let us know. For a full list of what's included with your bike see Our *Tips are included in Expedition pricing. Bikes page. If you would like to bring your own pedals and PHOTOS: shoes we recommend doing so. On Explorer tours we include a GPS device on all bikes. We ask that you bring By reserving space on tour, you agree that ExperiencePlus! your own helmet to ensure the best fit. Please ask if you may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or would like us to provide you with a gently used helmet and videos sent to us, or taken by our guides or travelers free of we will do so. charge and without your right to inspection. If you do not want us to use any images of you on tour, you must inform NAVIGATING, DAYSHEETS AND VAN SUPPORT: your tour leader in writing at the start of the tour. Each day you'll receive a daily briefing with a highlighted route map and daysheet (print or digital) that includes information on the day's activities, meals and ride. Daily information also includes Tour Leader phone numbers, hotel information and interesting historical and cultural information.

STYLES

OUR TOUR STYLES Spotlight Tours: Multi-nights stays, loop rides, choose from a selection of activities or enjoy hotel amenities during your We realize that one size does not fit all and there are as free time. many ways to travel by bike as there are different types of cyclists and travelers. No matter what you are looking for in Tour Length: 6-7 days a cycling vacation, we have a tour with just the right pace Hotels: 3-5 stars, typically 3-nights spent in one hotel for you. and 2-nights in the other. Classic Tours: Dream of traveling through a region by bike? Road Type: Pavement then our Classic style bike tours are for you! Our unique chalk arrows lead the way as you explore small villages and Multi-night Stays: Min 2 night stays world-class cities while traveling at your own pace. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-15 days Price: $$$ Hotels: 3-4 stars, most itineraries include at least one Tour Levels: 1-4 two-night stay at the same hotel. Bike and Boat Tours: Spend days cycling and your Road Type: Pavement, bike paths. evenings relaxing on a private boat as you cruise to your Multi-night Stays: Occasionally next port. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Tour Length: 7-8 days, some itineraries have land-based Price: $$$ extensions available. Tour Levels: 1-4.5 Barge/Boat: 3-4 star, same cabin for the entire boat trip. Road Type: Pavement Explorer Tours: Travel further off the beaten path - we let the destination dictate where we ride, not the road surface. Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Length: 7-8 days Tour Levels: 1-4 Hotels: 2-3 stars, occasional multi-night stays at the same hotel. Expedition Tours: Multi-week tours where you spend long Road Type: 30-50% gravel or hard-packed dirt, the rest days on the bike with the added satisfaction of pedaling pavement. across multiple countries. Multi-night Stays: Occasionally Tour Length: 15-40 days Navigation: Group riding and GPS Hotels: 2-4 stars, typically there is a 2-night hotel stay Price: $$ every 5-7 days. Tour Levels: 1-4 Road Type: Pavement with occasional hard-packed dirt or gravel. Multi-night Stays: On rest days Navigation: Chalk Arrows Price: $$$ Tour Levels: 4-5

LEVELS

We know that travelers have different cycling abilities and LEVEL 4 - 4.5 preferences for the number of miles, elevation gain, and Level 4 - 4.5 days are the best riding days for avid cyclists type of terrain they want on a bicycle tour. We have rated or very active individuals who are excited to challenge each day of our tours on a scale of 1-5. Our Tour Level's themselves on a bike. are an average of the day rating on tour. We recommend looking at the daily summary on the PDF and Website Average daily mileage: 70-90km (45-55 miles) Be sure Itinerary to see details about each day's ride. to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 1 - 1.5 Gain: 900-1000m (2800-3600 ft) Level 1 - 1.5 days will be mostly flat and the distance will rarely exceed 50 km. Level 1 - 1.5 tours are suitable for Terrain: Presents multiple steep climbs (6% to 8% beginner cyclists, those traveling by bicycle for the first grades), 1 to 3km long. Alternatively, 4 – 6% grades for time, or multi-generational groups with a desire for a nice 6 kilometers or more. and easy bike tour with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. LEVEL 5 (EXPEDITIONPLUS!) Average daily mileage: 20 - 50 km. (12-30 miles) Be Our ExpeditionPlus! tours designed for strong riders looking sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the for the challenge of riding across countries or continents. tour you are considering for specific mileages. Long daily mileages mean limited van support so we recommend these tours for riders who feel confident that Gain: 0-400 M (0-1200 ft) they can ride every mile. Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional gentle climbs at a Average daily mileage: 120 km (75 miles). Be sure to grade of less than 3%, that are sustained for a maximum check the day by day itinerary description for the tour of 3km. There might be a steeper but short climb. you are considering for specific mileages. LEVEL 2 - 2.5 Gain: 500-2000 m (1600- 6500 ft) Level 2 - 2.5 days are ideal for riders newer to bicycle Terrain: Expect and be prepared for any and everything. touring looking for a bit of a challenge. REMEMBER Average daily mileage: 30-60 km (18 - 38 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the A tour level is the average of the days so we recommend tour you are considering for specific mileages. you look at the day level on each day of the itinerary to help you better understand what to expect from your tour. Gain: 400 - 600 m (1200 - 2000 ft) Terrain: Mostly rolling terrain around 3%. Presents multiple 3% to 4% climbs. May present an occasional steeper climb.

LEVEL 3 - 3.5 Level 3 - 3.5 days are great for active individuals (who run, bike, swim etc. on a regular basis). Average daily mileage: 50-70km (30-45 miles). Be sure to check the day by day itinerary description for the tour you are considering for specific mileages. Gain: 600 - 900m (2000 - 2800 ft) Terrain: Multiple Climbs with grades of 4 - 6%.

CHECKLIST

TO DO ONCE YOU'VE BOOKED! Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip! Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country. Complete the Customer Information Form: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/customer-information-form/ We recommend you take out travel insurance. Find details at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/travel-insurance/ Choose a bicycle training program: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/bicycle-tour-training/ Peruse our country-specific Travel Planning Pages: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/

6 TO 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure. Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Begin your chosen training program Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike & Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.

6 TO 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO TOUR START DATE Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/. Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/ We'll email your Hotel Itinerary, the Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date.

DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack one day of cycling gear in your carry-on just in case. See you soon!