About Self-Guided Vacations

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard are the tours?

Most tours are rated as moderate to intermediate level tours. The average daily cycling distance is 45-50 km (about 30 miles). Walking tours average 8-12 km per day (5-8 miles). This usually requires 4-5 hours of pedaling or walking per day. With stops and rests, more time would be added. Details for each tour can be found on the tour's detailed Fact Sheet. 

How hard are the hills on the tour?

Throughout most of Europe, the terrain is hilly. In general, you can expect some hills on each cycling day some of which may take 10-15 minutes to ride up. Hills include a decline as well as an incline! Riding hills introduces variety into the day's ride which can be less fatiguing than constantly riding on a level surface. The key exception is the Loire Valley tour, which is flat. Similar circumstances apply for the walking tours. Specifics on terrain can be found on each tour's detailed Fact Sheet. 

What kind of shape do I have to be in?

A basic level of fitness is needed. The fitter that you are, the more that you will enjoy the tour.

What can I do if I find the cycling or walking too tiring?

To reduce difficulty during the tour, we encourage you to walk up the hills if you are cycling, rest frequently (pull your bike off the road, drink some water and have a snack). We spend two nights in some hotels, and you are welcome to take a day off from cycling or walking if you would like to on the second day of each stay.

If I am very fit, will this tour be challenging enough for me?

For very fit riders, there are extra kilometers and hills that you can add as an option. There are some longer routes for the walking tours as well, but we can help you select a tour that is more challenging in terms of average distances walked.