FAQ’S 2018-08-13T12:46:55+00:00

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Italian Cycling Tours and Weekend Cycling Escapes – FAQs

Am I strong enough for the riding?

Our philosophy is that with challenge, you find reward. All of our trips are designed for cyclists and are physically challenging, but some more so than others. From an Italy perspective, the Giro d’Italia tour would be the toughest, with L’Eroica and Piemonte less demanding overall. With our Weekend Escapes and Australian Adventures, we often balance the difficulty level to include one challenging day, followed by a less challenging day – depending on the group. On all of our trips, our guides encourage and support riders to step up to their own challenge and go slightly beyond their usual level of riding. Each individual trip is rated for difficulty and to help you decide if it’s right for you, please talk to us anytime.

What kind of assistance can I expect on the road?

When you’re riding with A’QTO, you’ll always have at least one ride guide on the road with the group, and most often, there will be two guides. To manage varying levels of fitness, we often break into two groups with a guide leading each small group. There will also be a mechanic with a full tool kit and spare parts not far away – usually in a support car behind the group and sometimes in a very nearby town. Your guides and mechanics will be able to help you out with ride food and drink, as well as local knowledge, first aid, and even a hand to push you up the hill if you feel you need it. They’ll do everything they can to keep you and your bike on the road but, if for any reason you need it, there will always be a seat in the support vehicle.

Can I rent a bike in Italy?

Yes, you can either rent or buy a bike through us in Italy.

For our Giro d’Italia and Piemonte tours, we have access to a range of carbon top-specification hire bikes and for L’Eroica, we can also arrange very good quality steel vintage bikes for rent. If you would like to rent a bike, please let us know when you book so we can guarantee the right size is available.  Please also send us your fit measurements, so our mechanics can set up the bike for you, ready for the start of your trip. If you’re renting a bike, you need to remember to bring your helmet, pedals and saddle to your trip start.

If you would like to buy a bike in Italy, we can assist with custom made carbon or steel frame bikes by Formigli, a master frame builder in Italy with whom we partner.  To have a custom made bike made by Formigli available for pick-up when you’re in Italy, we require 2 months notice to facilitate your bike build.

If you would like to buy a Steel Vintage Bike for L’Eroica, we have a very trusted source whom we recommend highly.  Talk to us when booking.

What’s the accommodation style?

We believe accommodation is a significant factor in your overall enjoyment of a trip so we always ensure high quality accommodation is included, with bathrooms and showers available per room – whether in Australia or Italy, your own bathroom is guaranteed.

Depending on the locations, we stay in very good quality three-star-chalets or villas, through to small boutique hotels and sometimes, grand five-star hotels. We like to also have access to a kitchen so that we can entertain our guests with a blend of home-cooked dinner parties, often co-hosted with our hosts and using beautiful local produce, alongside dining in some superb restaurants.

Are there any off-the-bike activities?

All of our trips include the option of some off-the-bike activities as we believe a big part of the enjoyment of a trip is to experience and appreciate the local areas we stay in, as well as riding across their amazing terrain.  From wine tastings to must see sights and local cultural experiences, to exploring the villages and towns we are in, we like to include options for you to explore should you choose to.  On all tours, you will always have free time post-ride and your choice of activity can often also include massages and visiting wellness centres, therapeutic pools and saunas in and around our accommodation.

Can I bring my non-riding partner along?

Absolutely. A trip to Italy and/or to the beautiful regions of Australia that we visit, will be made all the more special by having your partner come along.

During the booking process, we speak with each of our non-riding guests to create a custom itinerary, specifically catering to their interests. Non-riding guests can enjoy the relaxation and surrounds of our beautiful accommodation/grounds, as well as a range of organized activities which can include spectacular walks and hikes, cooking classes and wine appreciation, to wandering around towns, shopping and sight seeing (guided or unguided), and enjoying special lunches with other non-riding guests.

How does payment work?

For trips to Italy, we ask all customers to pay a deposit of 1,995 when they book, which confirms their reservation. The balance is generally due 120 days before departure. If you book less than 90 days before departure, we will ask you to pay the full price upfront.

For our Australian weekends and adventures, full payment is payable up-front.

Is my trip guaranteed?

Cancellations do occur, but we have not cancelled a trip yet. We are committed to keeping our groups small and intimate (max 10-12 riders) so we often have other people who can take your place, but this does depend on timing.  If we do have to cancel an Italy trip due to some unforeseen circumstances, we will provide you with plenty of notice and a $250 credit to use on another A’QTO trip departing in the next 2 years.  You will also be entitled to: (a) book any other available trip; or (b) receive a full refund of all monies paid. However, we will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred (this is why we recommend you arrange insurance as soon as you have booked your trip).

If we have to cancel an Australian trip, your monies will be refunded.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, insurance is required for all tours to Italy. We strongly advise that you take out your Travel Insurance Policy at the time of booking as this will mean you will be covered immediately, should anything occur between your time of booking and departure / return to Australia.

Do I need a medical certificate?

Yes, it is a requirement of L’Eroica (in particular) and A’QTO that you provide a medical certificate to be eligible to ride on our Italy trips.  We will provide you with the appropriate documentation and medical certificate when you book.  We believe this is mostly for your protection and is very good practice to undertake prior to any trip where you will be pushing your physical limits.

Can A’QTO help out with travel arrangements?

Yes – we partner with a trusted travel agent in Melbourne.

From flights to accommodation, and ideas for pre and post travel, they can help with any aspect of your trip.  As cycling enthusiasts themselves, and with extensive travel around the globe, and Europe in particular, their personal and professional experience, together with their special consideration to the transport of bikes is of value. They are committed to making your travel as enjoyable as we are.

Booking through a travel agent is no more expensive than the internet and can offer a personally tailored service – always ensuring the best value and travel experience!  We’ll provide you with further details when booking.

Can I organise a custom trip?

Absolutely.  We create unique trips for groups of friends, business/corporate clients, and families, both in Australia and in Italy. Everything is possible in terms of the amount of riding you want to do, to the amount of non-riding activity you’re interested in, to locations, tour types and accommodation styles – whatever your timing and interests, please talk to us.  We’ll create a personalised, memorable.

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