Top reasons why you should reserve a DuVine Adventure bicycle tour:
* Luxurious nights in the regions most deluxe and authentic hotels, villas, and castles.
* Seasoned leaders with experience in language, wine, food, and group dynamics.
* Bicycling daily on quiet country roads while enjoying exclusive visits.
* Over twelve years of unique and personalized experience, and many happy repeat travelers.
* Top regional wines included with all dinners.
* Best bicycles in the business which are included.
QUESTIONS AND USEFUL INFORMATION for your duvine vacation
Am I fit enough?
Most tours are rated as moderate level trips, some easy some challenging. The average
daily distance is 25-31 miles or about 38-50km. This usually requires
4-5 hours of pedaling per day. We are outside all day, either
on a bike, visiting a wine cellar, or relaxing at a cafe sipping
coffee or a cold beer. We are active. If you enjoy life, and like
to see the world, then you are fit enough for us! Why
should I choose DuVine?
What are the cycling roads like?
Main roads are not in our vocabulary! We spend the day pedaling on vineyard paths, small well-paved village roads and designated
cycling routes. In general, you can expect 2 hills per day. Understand
that what goes up must come down. You will love our roads.
If I am very fit, will this tour be challenging enough
for me?
For very fit riders, there are always extra miles/kilometers and
hills that you can add as an option. There are some longer routes
as well. The guides are always game for an extra 20 mile ride. We
have tons and tons of extra routes and hidden charms.
What type of weather can I expect?
The weather is great for cycling, with fresh mornings and evenings,
and warm and dry days with an occasional brief shower later in
the day or evening. You can expect good weather for cycling.
What does my trip price include?
Brand new aluminum bikes are included, as well as helmets.
Trips include hotels, most meals, guides and local experts, and access
to exclusive sites. Get yourself there, we will take care of everything
and much much more. What's Included.
All trips paid in US$ Dollars
How many people will be on my trip, and who are they?
We like to keep our trip size small, we average 8-16 people.
Our trips appeal to travelers from the ages of 21-65 who tend
to be singles and couples from around the world: entrepreneurs, CEO's, film-makers, lawyers, doctors, students, honeymooners,
and free spirits. The majority of our clients come from
the USA, Canada and the UK, but we also attract travelers from
Australia, Brazil and Asia.
Should I get trip insurance?
If you have any inclination that you might cancel, play it safe
and purchase it. You will be glad you did! Please go to this
link and sign up. DuVine
Adventures Trip Insurance
Where do I stay before and or after my trip?
We offer all of our client's a very useful personal travel planning services which is complimentary. We are experienced travelers and are familiar with all of the cities and villages in Europe. Once you have reserved your bike trip, call or email us to discuss all your pre and post travel plans
What do people wear at dinner?
Always remember that this tour is for you! We do rest and dine
at exclusive properties, but what is important is your comfort.
Whether you wear your North Face sweater, or your Armani black
dress you will always fit in with the DuVine family.
My friend likes to bike and I like to drink wine
all day?
Great! Remember we strike a balance between luxury and exercise,
water and wine, cycling and adventuring. You and your friend will
be able to achieve all your goals. "Bike Drink Eat Sleep!"
How long has DuVine Adventures been leading bike
tours?
DuVine Adventures was founded on bike over 12 years ago, with a bottle of wine,
and a dream for adventure. After making several key contacts/friends
in regions all over France, the company was created by Andy Levine
in 1996. Today, DuVine Adventures is regarded as one of the
most unique and respected bike tour operators in the world. Read
about us in the news.
What do I wear on the bike?
Do not think that you have to look like a professional biker.
Come as you are, but padded bicycle shorts, bicycle gloves do help.
We spend most of the day outside, whether in a wine cellar at
a cafe or on a bike, so dress comfortable and happy. It tends
to be around 57 degrees in wine cellars, and warm on the bicycle.
What kind of bike gear do I need to bring?
Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers, bicycling gloves bicycling
shorts (tight or not tight), bicycling tights, sandals, long-sleeved
shirt, rain gear (jacket pants), sunglasses, sweater-sweatshirt.
Check out our Travel Gear section for a detailed list if items
to bring with you on the trip.
DuVine Cycling
Jersey: We made limited-edition DuVine Adventure cycling
jerseys. The team jersey is stylish, providing the best technical
performance on the market, made by Louis Garneau. Ride for "Team
DuVine" and be the coolest person on the block. We have already
pre-sold many, so place your order soon.
Do I need a helmet?
Yes, feel free to bring your own or we have brand new clean helmets
that we can provide at no cost.
Will I find it difficult to sit at dinner after a
day of riding?
Our bike seats are gel, but if you have a tender behind, purchase
a gel seat cover that slides over our seat.
What do I wear when I'm not cycling?
Clothing and shoes for restaurants, fleece jacket or warm sweater,
sport coat, dress walking/hiking shorts, socks, sleep-wear. It
is Europe, they tend to look very nice.
Do I bring my pedals?
Our bike come with a standard pedal (with or with out staps). If you have SPD pedals, feel free to bring them an our guides can put them on for you.
How much should I tip my DuVine guides?
Each guest gives each guide anywhere from 150 to 200 euros.
What do you recommend for accessing money?
Frankly, travelers checks are a pain. The easiest (and cheapest) way to get money is by using your bank ATM card or credit card!
When is final payment due?
The balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payments must be in U.S. dollars, and can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check.
How many bags can I bring?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one
carry-on. Mark your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone
number. Sometimes a small extra bag is good to carry gifts back
home.
Do I need a passport?
A passport is required for travel to Europe. A visa in not required
for U.S. citizens provided you are staying in the country less
than 90 days. We recommend that you make two photocopies of your
airline ticket and the first page of your passport. Leave one
copy at home with a friend or relative, and bring one copy with
you, keep it separate from the original documents.
Who pays for the wine?
All wine tastings are paid for, wine is also included with dinner.
Should I think about work?
Leave that at home, let us do the work, you are on vacation!
Do I need to get in shape for the tour?
Dust off the old bike in your basement, try a hill or two, do
a spinning class, make the effort to cycle 20 miles, and practice
your French or Italian in case you get lost! (joke).
Buying wine and shipping it back.
Each state/country has it's own laws on how much wine is allowed,
but most airports let you carry 2 bottles per/person. We use a
few cellars that ship wine direct to your house or local airport,
but the shipping can take time and cost money. Make sure you
ask your guides what the best option will be.
Can you provide me with references from a past trip?
We are very happy to provide you with several names and numbers
of people who have participated our most recent trips, just call our office. Call us at 888.396.5383
How far in advance do I need to reserve my vacation?
The farther in advance that you book, the greater availability
of dates you'll find. We recommend reserving at least six months
out. $500 secures your space.
How can we assist you?
Call one of our experts today for personalized assistance on your
trip selection at 888.396.5383. We can email
you information, mail you a brochure and put you in touch with
past travelers who have taken the trip you are considering.
Reserve now
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