1 NEW ZEALAND • AUSTRALIA • VIETNAM • CZECH REPUBLIC • GERMANY Czech Republic & Austria What’s inside: Custom tours pg 3 • Biking in Bohemia pg 4 • General Information pg 8 FLIP Guided cycling holidays
Welcome to Pedaltours Pedaltours is the original New Zealand Guided Cycle tour company. Since 1985 we have had the pleasure of arranging wonderful vacations for thousands of cyclists in an increasing number of countries. The most satisfying aspect of arranging vacations for our guests is the wonderful feedback we receive and the fact that many guests return time and again. In addition to our scheduled tours, we run custom tours in any of the countries where we operate - contact us for a personal itinerary. We look forward to arranging a fabulous vacation for you. 2
Private Tours are our speciality We arrange custom tours in New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, India, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Bring along a group of friends, your club mates or extended family. There can be two or sixty-two; we will create your unique vacation. Join us on a leisurely bike tour through one of New Zealand’s renowned wine producing regions or along one of our many rail trails. If you prefer something more challenging we can arrange that too. In addition to biking, we can take you hiking, sea kayaking to an idyllic long-forgotten beach, a glacier excursion, or a magnificent day sailing on the ocean. Choose any level of accommodation, be it 5 star or budget. Give us your thoughts and leave the rest to us - we know the country best! For all custom tours the price is dependant on group size and lodges chosen; the bigger the group the lower the price. Additional accommodation, car rental or domestic flights can all be arranged. See our website www.pedaltours.com for suggested itineraries Some options are: New Zealand, Hauraki Rail Trail 4 days, Auckland Vietnam, Explorer 16 days, ex Hanoi Czech Republic Biking in Bohemia 12 days, ex Prague Australia, Tasmania East Coast 8 days, ex Hobart India, Kerala, Spices and Tea 10 days, ex Cochin Pedaltours does an excellent job from booking to the very last day. Great hotels, great meals, excellent guide and above all incredible cycling through amazing landscapes in NZ. Rafael, Brazil 3
Our biking adventure starts in Prague, one of Europe’s most attractive cities. As we pedal our way through quiet country lanes and gently rolling hills we gain a fascinating taste of the country’s medieval towns and impressive castles. A rest day at historic Cesky Krumlov, set in curve of the Vltava River, gives an opportunity to try rafting, explore the stunning hilltop castle or the many little lanes and shops. Crossing into Austria we follow bike paths as we make our way south towards the mountains and lakes. We finish in the picturebook city of Salzburg. HIGHLIGHTS: • The beautiful city of Prague • Country lanes and bike paths • Karlstejn Castle • Mountains and lakes of Austria • Ancient Cesky Krumlov Included: • 3 and 4 star lodges • 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners • Full mini bus support • Experienced guide / cycle mechanic • Pedaltours souvenir cycle jersey • Two water bottles and snacks whilst biking • Daily route directions and RideWithGPS maps with detailed Biking in Bohemia 12 days, Prague to Salzburg Moderate I thought the routes, landscape, scenery and towns were all well planned out – I’ve done a lot of rides and I can’t say I’ve been on a better route in terms of the above! Kurt, USA M • Single occupancy surcharge • Minimum 4 riders 4
General Infomation WHAT TO BRING Casual wear for biking and hiking, wet weather gear and something to wear in the evenings is all that is needed. An extensive wardrobe is not necessary. We recommend you bring your own helmet – nothing fits like your own. Please keep your luggage under 20kgs/44lbs – our guides find it easier to carry two small soft sided bags than one heavy bag. Trip Notes will be sent on receipt of your booking, giving comprehensive information on the country and area you have chosen to visit. In each country we have chosen the best time of year to visit. INCLUDED Three good meals most days, all accommodation to a very good standard, transport in a well appointed mini-bus, a cycling jersey, snacks, safe water and local sales tax. Detailed daily maps with profiles are supplied on arrival. Different conditions may apply to custom tours. WHO CAN DO IT If you enjoy an active lifestyle and the outdoors, then these holidays are for you. We cater to all abilities, from casual to advanced. Everyone on a Pedaltour cycles as much as they wish each day with the option of the comfort of the back-up vehicle at any time. The trailers take everyone’s cycles, luggage and spares. Each trip meets in a city from where we drive to a quiet country road to commence biking. The minimum age is 14 when accompanied by parents, 18 when unaccompanied. There is no maximum age. WHERE WE STAY With all our routes we offer country inns, lodges and hotels chosen for their character, location and comfort. You will stay in mainly 3 to 4 star accommodation. Pedaltours uses a high standard of accommodation at a very competitive price. Accommodation is based on twin share or double rooms. Single accommodation is available on payment of a surcharge. If you wish to share a room, we will do our best to assist you in finding a room-mate of the same gender. If we are unable to find you a roommate, you will have pay the single surcharge to stay on the ride. CUISINE Excellent meals are a feature of our trips. Cyclists’ hearty appetites are well catered for. Three meals a day are provided most days with some lunches and dinners at your own expense. Breakfast is a choice of cooked or continental. Lunch is often a picnic provided by your guide at a scenic location. Evening meals are at good restaurants offering a wide selection of local cuisine. We have many vegetarian guests and are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements. We really enjoyed ourselves. Great scenery and the best hire bikes we have ever had Jenny, Australia 5
Booking information Bicycle rental ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE If travelling internationally, we recommend that you arrive a day before your trip commences to recover from any jetlag. We will gladly make additional reservations and travel arrangements. Our Trip Notes list a range of suggested lodgings at each departure point. PAYMENT A booking is confirmed only on receipt of a deposit, at which point our Trip Notes (listing accommodation, what to bring) and day by day route description will be posted. The balance must be received six weeks before the tour commences. COMBINING TOURS Many of the tours may be combined, please contact us for examples. CANCELLATIONS If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, the following will apply: Cancellations more than six weeks before trip departure: loss of 50% of deposit. Cancellations between three and six weeks before trip departure: loss of deposit. Cancellations within three weeks of departure will result in forfeiture of full payment. You can transfer your payment from one trip to another up to six weeks before trip departure for a transfer fee of NZ$50 per person, after which our cancellation policy applies. Different cancellation conditions may apply to custom tours. There will be no refunds once a tour has commenced. We strongly recommend you take out travel, accident, medical, baggage and cancellation insurance. We advise against discounted airfares that carry restrictions. We offer excellent rental bikes in all our destinations. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles should you prefer not to bring your own. They are equipped with 27 or 30 gears, a rear carrier, trunk bag, cycle computer and two Pedaltours drink bottles. Rates for each tour are listed under costs. Advance bookings are essential. If renting, please inform us of the style of bike you use at home and your height and inside leg measurement. We have a selection of saddles for both men and women. Helmets will be provided but we recommend that you bring your own as you know it fits. There is also much to be said for bringing your own saddle and pedals. (We have SPD pedals in all destinations). If bringing your own cycle please ensure that it is in good order and has a wide range of gears, and inform us of the tyre size so that suitable spares may be carried. At times we will be several days from a cycle shop. ROAD TOURING Trek Domane 2.1, (racing style handlebars, lightweight wheels, 30 or 22 gears). All bikes are supplied with two Pedaltours drink bottles, a computer and a rack pack that contains a pump, spare inner tube, tyres levers and a repair kit. In the unlikely event of a puncture or mechanical problem, the support van with spares and a floor pump will not be far away. 20 or 30 gears, Shimano 105 / Tiagra equipped - STI gear levers, Gearing: 13- 30 cassette, HYBRID Trek 7.5 (upright handlebars). All bikes are supplied with two Pedaltours drink bottles, a computer and a rack pack that contains a pump, spare inner tube, tyres levers and a repair kit. In the unlikely event of a puncture or mechanical problem, the support van with spares and a floor pump will not be far away. 20 or 30 gears, Shimano Deore/LX equipment , Deore LX hubs and rear derailleur, Gearing: 11-34 cassette. Superb van support, attentive guides, good bike equipment, wonderful accommodations and restaurants. Lots of options for short or long rides. Jane, USA 6