Information

Il Gruppo

To provide you with an exceptional cycling holiday experience, PuntoTours only takes small groups on tour. Our small numbers mean you'll get highly personalised service and are always warmly welcomed by all who look after us while on tour. PuntoTours minimise transfers so that you have a chance to get know the smaller town and villages we stay in.

During a tour PuntoTour leaders may be required to improvise, or make changes to the itinerary due to circumstances beyond their control. Such decisions will be based on tour knowledge and experience, and are made in good faith for the benefit of the group as a whole.

To get the most out of a tour, each tour member should select a tour suitable to their physical and cycling capability and be in good general health to undertake the tour. Our tour difficulty rating is there as a guide. If the tour that interests you does not have a compatible rating, think about a custom tour with like-minded friends so you can ride at your pace. Send us en email if you have any questions.

Always remember, you are on holiday! You can choose not to ride every day, and there will be road support if you need it.

Children

Generally we don't take children under the age of 12. In any case, children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times, and responsibility always rests with the parent or guardian. If you'd like to bring younger children we encourage you to discuss a Custom Tour with us.

Insurance

PuntoTours will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to persons or their personal effects, or for any injury or loss sustained during the tour. We highly recommend you make your own enquiries about taking out sufficient insurance cover for baggage, health, travel and accident insurance.

Il Giro

Pre-Tour

After making your final payment for a tour and officially becoming a “Punto” we will send you your pre-tour pack.  This will include a detailed itinerary, daily tour profiles, tips on packing your bike and what clothing to bring, and general information such as road rules, bike etiquette and so on.

Tour Payments

Following booking a tour and paying your deposit, the full balance of the tour cost is due no less than 90 days prior to the date of commencement of the tour. If there is less than 90 days until the date of tour commencement, full payment is required on booking.

Arrival / Departure

Each tour will start at a designated hotel. It is each guests responsibility to arrive at the hotel in good time to join the start of the tour.  If you need any advice on how to get there, we are happy to assist.

On the morning of departure each guest makes their own way to the nearest airport or rail station.  We can and do organise shuttles depending on group requirements at an additional cost.

Transport

During the tour all transport is provided by PuntoTours. This includes transfers, excursions, and road support.

On each day's ride you will be accompanied by at least one guide on a bike, and thanks to Garmin, full route directions so that you can ride at your own pace, confidently knowing exactly where you are. A back-up vehicle follows the group, and at certain points will await you with refreshments and assistance if required.

Bicycles – bring your own / hire

We encourage all participants to bring their own bike. There's nothing better than doing a tour with an “old” friend. Please make sure it's been recently professionally serviced and has the appropriate gearing for the tour. More details will be provided in your Pre-Tour pack upon booking.

For those bringing bike cases, there will be a nominal cost to transport them from the start hotel to finish hotel unless room permits, we will transport bike cases free of charge.  Transport of bike case for guests who wish to leave mid-tour, will be at an additional fee.

If you'd rather travel without a bike, we can arrange a hire bike for you, at €30 per day. If this is your preferred option please check the bike hire box on the booking form so we can provide you with the most appropriate bike.

Mechanical cover

Tour leaders will carry basic spares. Minor repairs and maintenance will be undertaken on the road by one of our mechanically trained tour guides. Any more serious mechanical issues will be handled by one of the small yet professional cycle shops we know.

Accommodation and meals

PuntoTours selects only those hotels that can provide the right combination of comfort, quality, diversity and hospitality. Hotels chosen are a minimum of excellent three star, and often higher. Accommodation is in a double room with private bath. 

If you are travelling alone, we can find you a room mate. If you would like your own room, there is a single supplement charge of €60 per day. If you are travelling as a couple, please let us know in advance and we'll ensure you have a double-bed.

All breakfast and dinners are included, unless the tour allows a free evening so guests can please themselves.  Food is an important part of Italian life.  Our guides' knowledge of the local area and cuisine will mean dinner may not necessarily be at the hotel.  Each town has its exceptional restaurants that provide the most delicious of regional cooking for you to experience.  

The PuntoTours guides have an excellent knowledge of the premium regional wines and will be able to guide you through choosing from the superb varieties available, while on tour.  Wine is an additional charge. Guests may contribute to a wine 'fund', arranged at the start of each tour, if they choose to do so.

What is not included

• Airfares
• Travel to each tour starting point
• Insurances
• Bike hire
• Bike case transfer
• Lunch
• Wine
• Personal hotel expenses (mini bar, phone calls, internet access, laundry, etc)
• Tips / gratuities for guides
• Any accommodation booked for pre- or post- tour dates