Before You Depart on your Bike Trip

Top Reasons why you should travel with DuVine:

• You will stay in the regions most deluxe, luxurious, authentic hotels, chateau’s, villas, and castles.
• Seasoned trip leaders with experience in biking, wine, food, art, culture and group dynamics. Our guides also speak the local language.
• Our bike routes are scouted out to determine the best roads to travel offering spectacular views as well as ideal biking conditions. You will cycle on country roads while stopping to enjoy exclusive visits and gourmet cuisine.
• Over fourteen years of unique and personalized experience, and many satisified repeat travelers.
• Top regional wines included with all dinners.
• Best bicycles in the business which are included.

We offer our guests personal travel planning service-complimentary.  We are experienced travel planners. Once you have reserved your bike trip, call or email us to discuss all your pre and post travel plans.  Air/Rail transportation, accommodations, reservations - there's so much to arrange before your trip.

Fly DuVine: Email us your dates of travel, preferred carrier & frequent flyer number and we will quote you the best price on air travel for your DuVine Adventure. Business & First Class also available on request.

Passport
All visitors must have a valid passport to enter Europe, Canada & Argentina. To safeguard against delays at passport and custom checks while traveling, your passport should be valid for at least 6 (six) months following your scheduled return to the United States. Passports should also contain at least 1 (one) blank page for entry/departure endorsements for each country.  Minors traveling alone must also carry a letter of permission signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Non-US residents should contact there local Embassy or consulate for travel requirements. European Union nationals can carry either their passport or identity card for travel within Europe.  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.

Visas
Most countries do not need a visa for stays in Europe, Canada & Argentina of up to 90 days for any US or Canada residents.

Departure Taxes

It is not uncommon for airports to charge departure taxes at the airport, which must be paid in cash or travelers checks. Argentina is one of these countries which will charge a departure tax.

Travel Insurance
Peace of mind- While you can't do anything to prevent yourself from coming down with the flu suddenly and keeping you from going on your trip, or unexpected storm closing the airport, you can do something to help protect your trip investment - buy DuVine’s Trip Insurance.  Travel Insurance covers you for trip cancellations, interruptions, medical, trip delay, baggage delay & loss.

NEW as of January 5, 2009-Increase in Baggage delay and loss coverage amounts & the added benefit of Cancellation for Work Reasons (if purchased within 14 days of your deposit). Travel Insured is committed to protecting all aspects of your trip. Worldwide Trip Protector consists of the finest travel protection benefits, which protect you from unexpected occurrences that can happen around the world or around the corner.

To see more about this coverage see Travel Insured's travel insurance. For Washington State residents see travel insurance for WA. For those that have purchased the insurance prior to January 5, 2009, please see here for your travel protection plan. Please read the explanation of benefits (EOB) provided in your Reservation documents to review the specific coverage & definitions of this plan.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for entry to Europe, Canada or Argentina. The exception might be for visitors traveling from countries where a health epidemic has been formally declared. For up to date specific information on vaccination requirements, please see  www.cdc.gov

Return ticket
A return ticket is always good to have and show as it may help prevent immigration officers from asking questions about your stay, your personal finances, and any plans to remain in the country.

Money Matters: Currency experts say these are some of the advantages and disadvantages of various ways to exchange money or pay for a purchase abroad.

Packing List

What do I wear on the bike? Do not think that you have to look like a professional biker. Simply come as you are, but padded bike shorts, bike gloves and a helmet (if you prefer to bring your own) are useful items to bring along.  We spend most of the day outside so dress comfortably.  It tends to be around 57 degrees in wine cellars, and warm on the bicycle. It is always a good idea to have light sweater or jacket just in case

Bike Gear you should bring: Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers, bicycling gloves, bicycling shorts (tight or not tight), sandals, long-sleeved shirt, rain gear (jacket pants), sunglasses, sweater or sweatshirt.

DuVine Cycling Jersey:  We offer 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 kid on the block.  We have already pre-sold many, so place your order today.

Do I need a helmet? We believe you can make your own decisions with your safety. DuVine Adventures does not require you to wear a helmet. Feel free to bring your own or enjoy reserve a complimentary helmet with DuVine.

Tipping: Each guests gives each guide anywhere from 100 to 200 euros.

Oh, my behind: Our bike seats are gel, but if you have a tender behind, purchase a gel seat cover that slides over our seat and bring padded shorts

How do I dress? Whether you are in Europe, Canada or Argentina the locals tend to style and look very nice in restaurants and hotels.  DuVine has no dress code, it's your vacation. We recommend bringing clothing and shoes for restaurants-sport coat, dress or skirt for ladies - along with a fleece jacket or warm sweater, walking/hiking shorts, socks, and sleepwear.

Miscellaneous Items: Wallet, credit cards, airline tickets, passport (including a photocopy), medications and a copy of prescription, sunscreen and lip ointment, toiletries, watch, camera and film. You will need a travel adapter for your camera batteries or other electronics as hotels will not readily have these available. It’s also a good idea to bring along a travel alarm clock, most hotels use a phone message system for wake up calls. Not all hotels will have iron’s available, if you feel you need this, it would be a good idea to pack a small travel iron.

Luggage: Limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Mark you luggage with your name, address and phone number on your DuVine luggage tag. Sometimes a small extra bag is good to carry wine home. Do not over-pack, you will not wear all your clothing! 

Passport: Don’t forget your passport! 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.

E-mail on Tour: Have your family & friends send an mail to: info@duvine.com

Transportation to rendezvous:  Don’t forget your airline & train tickets. If you need assistance making any pre or post trip arrangements, air or rail transportation just ask a tour coordinator today, we are here to assist you!

Your Work: Leave that at home!

Pre-Bike Trip: It is a good idea is try a few good cycling days with a hill or two included.