These are organized stage-by-stage tours where you can follow the itinerary independently at your own pace, unaccompanied and following the route descriptions we provide.
We book accommodations and provide luggage transportation from hotel to hotel. You can always count on our support service. Learn more
Do I need to train to be able to make a cycling tour?
Pre-departure physical preparation depends on the level of the vacation you have chosen.
Please check the tour page for the level and characteristics of the route. Learn more about the levels of the tours.
How do family tours work?
These are vacations with itineraries and stages tailored to children and teens. Everything is organized, to give a break to moms and dads too!
Tours in Italy and Europe on bike paths away from traffic and fun bike and boat routes. Learn more
What does linear / round / centre-based tour mean?
In linear tours the starting and ending points are in different cities, while in round tours you start and end in the same place. In centre-based tours you overnight in the same hotel and leave from there with daily loop routes.
What do you mean with "tour information"?
The tour information includes valuable and detailed information useful to prepare for and cope with the tour.
Depending on the vacation booked, it can be in paper or digital format.
On Original tours by bike, for example, you can download the free Ride with GPS App and follow the route from your smartphone, even offline.
For other tours you can either follow the route with apps provided by our local partner or receive printed route directions at the first hotel.
Read more about the tour information.
How do I follow the route? Do you provide maps?
On self-guided tours (unaccompanied) we provide you with detailed maps and route descriptions in paper or digital format, depending on the tour.
On group vacations, it is the tour leader who guides you.
Is it possible to shorten the itinerary by merging some of the stages?
Normally it is not possible to combine the stages.
If you need to shorten the route, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.
I'm not sure whether my child can manage all the stages: what happens if he/she is too tired to cycle?
Family tours are for everyone, with itinerary and mileage designed especially for the little ones and with stages away from traffic. If you're unsure whether your children can handle all the stages, you can rent accessories such as child seat and follow-me tandem where available. For those who don't pedal yet, there are child trailers and rear seats.
On some tours it is also possible to shorten the stages by taking public transportation. Check it out in the tour itinerary.
I like cycling, but I'm not well-trained. Am I able to make a bike and barge tour?
You don't have to be a trained cyclist/walker, but please do consult the route you are interested in: each bike or walking tour has a different level and requires a different kind of preparation.
In the description of each tour you will find the activity level based on the length of the stages and possible elevation gain.
Discover all levels
Are the routes difficult?
We have classified all routes into 5 levels based on the length of stages, elevation gain and hours of activity: easy, medium-easy, medium, medium-difficult and challenging.
You can filter the tours by selecting the levels within your reach.
Do I have enough time to visit the cities along the way?
On self-guided tours, you are not tied to particular timetables and have all day to complete the planned miles: you can manage the day freely and choose whether to stop and visit points of interest along the way or the end-of-stage city.
What happens if I cannot complete the stage?
On some tours you may consider taking public transportation to shorten the stage. If this is not possible, please contact the support number we have provided and we will help you.
Any tailor-made transfers required to shorten the route are considered extra and have to be paid directly by you.
What happens if it rains?
A little rain is part of the game, and with the right clothing you can tackle a ride even when the weather is not the best.
Don't forget to pack rain gear (jacket, pants, shoe covers).
If you don't feel up to cycling, check if you can shorten the stage by public transportation.
If this is not possible, contact the service number and we will be able to show you the best solution.
Do you provide a transfer in case it rains?
No, we don't.
However, we can arrange tailor-made transfers if requested.
Can I shorten the stage with the train or other public transport?
On some tours it is possible. We invite you to check this information in the daily itinerary of the tour.
If you are travelling by bike, remember to make sure that the vehicle you choose includes bike transportation.
Do I start cycling on day 1?
On almost all tours, day 1 is the day of arrival and first overnight stay. You start cycling the next day, unless otherwise specified in the tour. Please always check the itinerary of the tour you have chosen.
When is the first cycling day?
In most every tour you start cycling the day after the first overnight stay, unless exceptions indicated in the program.
For example, if your departure date is August 14th, the first cycling day is August 15th.
In bike and barge tours there is a specific boarding time: we invite you to carefully check the itinerary and boarding time, to make sure you arrive on time.
Can I hop on the luggage van to shorten the stage?
No, it is not possible: the luggage transport van has limited space and travels independently.
Do I have to finish the stage in a specific timeframe?
On self-guided tours, you pedal at your own pace and choose when you arrive at your destination. Remember that rooms are usually ready from 3 p.m. onward and luggage arrives in the late afternoon (by 5/5:30 pm).
On some days there may be mandatory transfers to be taken at specific times: we invite you to read the travel information carefully to arrive on time when needed.
Does the boat sail or remain moored?
The boat is a real floating hotel: as you pedal it sails along and you will find it moored in its new location at the end of each stage.
Can I stay on board if I don't feel like cycling?
Yes, if one day you don't feel like cycling, you are welcome to stay on board and enjoy sailing from the salon or sundeck.
Is there a support vehicle while we cycle?
No, there is no support vehicle while cycling unless otherwise stated.
Can the tour schedule be changed by Girolibero or the organizer?
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations caused by roadworks, which cannot be foreseen; in this case please follow the indications you will find on site.
On bike and barge tours, issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.
Are visits along the stages included?
Any included visits are indicated in the section "What's included". If not specified, it means they are not included and must be booked independently.
