FAQ
General Questions
Q: What’s included in the price of the tour?
A: From thoughtfully selected accommodations, delicious local food, generous pours of wine, and top-of-the-line bikes and gear, our singular focus is for you to Bike, Ski, Eat, Drink, and Sleep without a care in the world—and without opening your wallet.
Q: If I book a tour, is it guaranteed to run?
A: Most of our trips are guaranteed to run with just two people booked on a tour. For all other tours, an additional supplement may be required to run the tour if the minimum number of guests is not met.
Q: Are non-riders or skiers welcome on the trip?
A: Travelers with companions who prefer not to cycle or ski can still experience our favorite destinations in Valbruna Travel style. On select tours, we’ve designed self-guided itineraries to show non-riders or skiers the best of the region off the bike and piste: shop, hike, discover local culture, or make the most of hotel pools and spas, then re-join the group for cocktails and dinner each evening.
Since guides are focused on supporting cyclists and skiers during daily rides and ski days, alternate transportation may be required for non-riders or skiers. Our guides are happy to help with these arrangements. For non-riders and skiers who wants to customize an itinerary to share in the same daily activities, lunches, and wine tastings as cyclists and skiers, contact our Trip Specialists.
The price of our tours includes accommodations, meals, wine, and many activities beyond the bike and piste, so our price per person is the same for riders and non-riders/skiers.
Non-riders and skiers are welcome to join trips that are not designated as “Non-Rider/Skier Options,” but should be aware that the focus on these tours will be cycling and skiing. Non-Riders/Skiers are not recommended to join our Journeys tours.
Q: Can my children come on tour?
A: We encourage all families with children under 17 to select a Family Bike Tour. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, young adults, or multiple generations, our Family itineraries appeal to everyone’s individual interests and levels of activity. Our Trip Specialists can help you select one of our existing Family itineraries or work with you to create something especially for you and your family. To participate in a scheduled departure, travelers must be age 17 or older. Please note that minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Q: How do you accommodate varying riding abilities?
A: Everything we do is driven by a spirit of fun and adventure. For some, that means stopping to smell the flowers, while others may want to ride or ski hard. Our guide-to-guest ratio is never larger than 7:1 (and often much smaller!), enabling us to make everyone happy.
Every day, you’ll be joined by at least one guide on the road or piste and another in the bike support van, sweeping the route and providing refreshments, mechanical support, and a lift when you need it.
Our daily tour routes also include longer and shorter ride options. If you’re a dedicated cyclist, our guides are happy to take you out for some extra miles. If you’re pushing yourself on a more difficult ride, you can always rely on our support van.
For completely custom routes that everything you want and nothing you don’t, we recommend a Private tour.
Q: How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: We go above and beyond to meet your dietary needs and communicate your restrictions, allergies, and preferences for restaurant meals, cooking classes, and culinary experiences. When booking a tour, we recommend discussing dietary restrictions with a Trip Specialist to ensure your destination is a good fit based on local cuisine. Once you’ve booked your tour, we gather detailed information about your dietary preferences to alert your guides in advance.
Booking a Trip
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: You can reach a Trip Specialist by phone at +1 970- 827-9091 for questions or to reserve your space on tour.
For tours with scheduled departure dates, you may also reserve your space online. On the page of your desired tour, simply click “Book now.” Once you have submitted your reservation and credit card details, your space on the tour has been reserved. We will contact you by the following business day to finalize the details of your booking and tour preferences.
For scheduled departure reservations made more than 90 days prior to the trip, a deposit of $750 is due at the time of booking. If your reservation is made within 90 days of the trip date, full payment is due at the time of booking. For Private tours, payment terms vary. Please consult with a Trip Specialist.
Q: What is a Single Supplement?
A: Our bike and ski tours are priced based on double occupancy. A Single Supplement is an additional charge that secures a private room for solo travelers. If you are traveling alone and would prefer a roommate, please notify your Tour Coordinator. Although we cannot guarantee a match, we will make every effort to pair you with another solo traveler in order to waive the Single Supplement.
Q: What if I have to cancel or change my trip?
A: Please refer to our cancellation policy for details.
Q: Should I purchase travel protection?
A: Valbruna Travel advises travelers to enroll in a Travel Protection Plan in case an unexpected event causes you to cancel or leave your trip.
Preparing for Tour
Q: How should I train for the tour?
A: Information about our Levels, along with our detailed tour itineraries, provide a good idea of how much and what kind of riding or skiing to expect on tour. In general, we recommend you ride or ski as frequently as possible prior to your tour.
Q: Can I bring my own bike?
A: As fellow cycling enthusiasts, we understand the desire to ride your own bike. If you prefer to use your bike on tour, you will be responsible for all shipping arrangements and maintenance. Valbruna Travel charges a one-time $150 assembly and disassembly fee. Please contact us for more detailed information about traveling with your bike.
Q: Can I bring my own pedals and/or bike seat?
A: If you’re planning to clip in, you’ll need to bring your own cycling shoes and pedals to be installed by our guides at the beginning of the tour. We strongly recommend that riders who plan to clip in have prior experience riding this way before their tour.
If you prefer to use your own saddle, you are welcome to bring it. Our guides will install it for you at the beginning of the tour.
Q: What kind of support can I expect while on tour?
A: When you’re on the bike or skis, our guides are constantly looking out for your comfort and safety. Our guide-driven bike support van is with you every mile of the way, offering water, snacks, and mechanical support and carrying your extra clothing. You can also hop in the van at any time, especially if you need a lift during tougher sections. A second guide is with you on the road at all times, offering cycling tips and local insight as you move through the landscape.
Off the bike and skis, expect total pampering. You’ll never worry about your luggage–it’s already in your hotel room when you arrive. Your guides can book you a massage appointment, and they handle the bill at restaurants. Your only job is to enjoy yourself.
Throughout the tour, our guides also offer a more intangible kind of support. They speak the language of the region, understand the intricacies of local culture, have friends at hotels, restaurants, and wineries, and act as your personal paparazzi—so you can leave your trip with ready-made memories.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Valbruna Travel tours include time both on and off the bike or skis, and we want you to be comfortable in every situation. To make sure you’ve covered all your bases, see our packing list for suggestions and recommendations.
Q: How much should I tip the guides?
A: Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard is for each individual guest to tip 5-10% of their trip price at the end of the tour. Unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips among themselves. Local currency is preferred. For alternative methods of tipping guides after your tour, contact your Tour Coordinator.