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The Vélo Concierge is different!
If you are an independent minded person who wants the experience of cycling in Europe without the obligation of being with a group you don't know, then the Vélo Concierge is for you.
A typical Tuscan village in Chianti
Do it on your own and save hundreds to thousands of dollars over organized group tours to the same locations and similar accommodations. Whether you are a group of friends with varied interests and abilities, cyclists seeking some challenging climbs in the Alps, or a couple seeking a romantic cycling getaway, the Vélo Concierge can assemble a tailored adventure just for you.
The philosophy of the Vélo Concierge is not like other self-guided tours companies. They may provide you with a bicycle and route notes, but you never know what kind of bike you're going to get - you often end up with a bike that doesn't fit right or is not well maintained. They may transport your bags from hotel to hotel, but you are still entirely on their schedule with little option for change; you may be riding in the rain when it's time to transfer to the new hotel. You usually stay only one or two nights at each hotel, requiring constant repacking and moving.
For cyclists with an independent spirit who appreciate riding their own bicycle, the Vélo Concierge is an infinitely better option. We tell you how to do it on your own in total confidence. We provide everything you need to know for an exciting, safe cycling adventure in Europe with variety in routes and options for non-cycling days! Simply tell us where you'd like to go, what level of accommodations you prefer, what your riding interests are, and we do the rest!
We recommend that you stay a minimum of 3-4 nights in each hotel to get a better flavor of the area and to have more time for relaxing and exploring. You will be provided with in-depth maps and route notes for three to five routes per hub plus additional more challenging rides if you're feeling adventurous, such as the enigmatic Mont Ventoux in Provence. You can communicate with us directly for tips and advice to make your trip even more enjoyable.
We tell you everything you need to know about cycling in Europe!
The Vélo Concierge is a truly unique concept, allowing you to fully customize a European bicycle adventure and then do it on your own in total confidence.
You, the independent traveler, simply want to know:
- How to take my own bike
- What kind of car to rent
- Where to stay
- Where to ride
- Where to eat
- The logistics of getting around
- How to pack for the trip
- How to get in shape for the trip
Reading the route notes are easy!
Each region is divided into several "hubs" and the daily rides are called "spokes". The Hub & Spoke system allows you to get familiar with one area before moving on to another.
Suppose you want to go to Provence. There are four hubs in this magical region, each with 3-5 detailed spokes. You might choose to visit two, perhaps three hubs on your cycling adventure, with stays of 3-4 nights each. Staying longer than a day or two allows you to get to know an area better.
Another advantage is that you can chose which ride you want to do the morning you wake up. Perhaps you're fatigued or it's raining that day; you are not tied to anyone's schedule but your own. You might choose to stay by the pool one morning, and ride a shortened option in the afternoon, or combine two spokes the following day for an even longer ride - the choice is yours. Because you have a car at your disposal, you have options if you choose not to ride, or maybe one person in your group can act as a sag driver.
Spokes are accessible either right from your hotel doorstep or many incredible rides are just a short drive away. You simply load your bikes into your car (aren't you glad you have it?), drive to the start of the spoke and return to the car at the end of the ride.
Too often, other bike tour itineraries miss some of the most phenomenal riding because it's too far to ride there or because they just don't stay long enough in one area. Not any more with the Vélo Concierge! Your detailed route notes will tell you how to ride or drive to the start of each spoke, and where to safely park.
It's easy to load your gear! We help you select a car which will fit your bikes and bags when you transfer to the second Hub.
On the 4th or 5th morning, you load up your gear and head to the second hub. From your new location, you are free once again to ride (or not ride) as you choose.
The Vélo Concierge provides the following:
- Tips on packing and transporting your own bike to Europe. (In some locations we have access to rentals).
- Advice on purchasing quality bicycle boxes.
- Advice on auto rentals to accommodate your luggage and bicycles.
- Accommodations (luxury or classic hotels, or B&Bs) which cater to the traveling cyclist and which are located in the heart of the best cycling routes.
- Detailed route notes and highlighted maps for daily rides. Every ride has shorter and longer options - perfect for groups of mixed abilities and desires.
- Advice on planning your daily rides around lunch stops, whether it be a special picnic location, or a not-to-be-missed restaurant en route.
- Recommendations and reservations for dinner.
- Emergency contact info.
- Location of local bike shops.
- Lists of local cultural events and sites, ruins, chateaux, wineries, and of course, the famous local outdoor markets.
- Packing tips, packing list and the all-important Perfect Picnic survival Kit!
- A training plan so that you will be physically prepared for your adventure!
With the Vélo Concierge, it truly is a custom designed tour, giving you full latitude to make your own decisions.
The Vélo concierge is a fee-based service. We do not bundle all the costs into one price like other companies do, thereby hiding their large margins. Instead, you pay our low fees, we add the exact price of your accommodations, and all other expenses are on you, giving you full latitude to save or spend as much as you desire.
For up to 8-nights (2 hubs/2 hotels/6-7 days route notes): $800* per person.
For 9-12 nights (3 hubs/3 hotels/10-11 days of route notes): $1,000*/pp.
Over 12 nights, and/or over 3 hotels, please call for rates.
Additional days/route notes: $40/pp/day Over 2 weeks, and/or over 3 hotels, please call for rates.
*Additional hotel reservations may involve a slight increase in cost.
Group Discounts available!
Bring your friends and save! Groups of 3-6 people, receive a 15% discount on the Vélo Concierge fee. Groups of 7+ people, receive a 20% discount.
Special accommodations or arrangements such as cooking schools, guided visits, special events, etc. are extra. Please contact us with your request.
Viva Travels has excellent relationships with tour operators and can create a package including air, accommodations and automobile. Package prices are excellent deals and can insulate you from currency variations. Contact us for special package rates and travel agent referral.
Cost Comparisons with Guided Group Tours
The Vélo Concierge can save you anywhere from $400 - $2,200 per person over a fully organized bicycle tour - even if you stay at the same great hotels offered by the most expensive bike tour companies. The only difference is you are on your own schedule, free to do what YOU want, when YOU want, how YOU want. All you need is an adventurous spirit.
The following are estimated total costs per person for an 8-day self-guided tour at three levels of accommodations (B&B, 3-star and 4-star). These estimates include the Vélo Concierge fee, accommodations, tips and taxes, car rental, gas and tolls, 3 meals a day (some picnics and some splurging days). It does not include airfare, alcohol, incidentals, etc. The range depends on the region (Tuscany is more expensive than Umbria, for example), your own personal tastes and whether you prefer fine dining or an inexpensive bistro for dinner, or a sit-down restaurant versus a country picnic for lunches.
8-day Velo Concierge Tour, estimate of total cost per person:
1. B&B: $1,300 - $1,700
2. Classic 3-star hotel: $1,600 - $2,000
3. Luxury 4-star hotel: $2,300 - $3,500
Remember, many tour companies often do not include lunch and may not include several dinners, so you would have to add that onto their price for a fair comparison. For example, a luxury guided 8-day tour may cost $3,500+/pp PLUS those meals not included Your savings with the Vélo Concierge: well over $4,000 per couple! B&R tours cost close to $5,000 per person - with the Vélo Concierge, you can stay in the same hotels for thousands less.
A guided 3-star package tour with another company may cost $2,200 - $3,200/pp. Your savings for a self-guided adventure if you're willing to be a little independent? $1,400 - $2,800 per couple!
In absolutely every case, you will save a considerable amount of money over an organized group tour.
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