The ExpeditionPlus! Concept: Cycling for Explorers
Exploration on a continental scale
Unlike our “normal” tours, our Expeditions are all about covering expansive territory. They’re about the challenge of pedaling across Europe in six weeks or across Latin America. They include the best of a regular ExperiencePlus! tour with the added satisfaction of cycling long distances, far from the beaten track.Expeditions are for folks who want to be among the first, the few, the special. This is reflected by the fact that travelers must apply for our Expeditions and meet certain requirements. They cannot just book a reservation.
The ExpeditionPlus! difference
Our Expeditions are designed to appeal to cyclists of any age. All you need is cycling experience, endurance and the heart of an explorer!- Daily mileage will be significantly longer than our normal tours.
- Enrollment in an Expedition is subject to an application process. This ensures that everyone on the trip is capable of riding long distances and enjoying the Expedition.
- Expeditions are generally 20 - 30% less expensive per night than our regular tours.
- Recycle credits are not included and cannot be redeemed.
- The route may not have been scouted in advance.
- Some lodging will not have been inspected in advance.
- Hotel quality will generally be 3 stars with a private bathroom 90% of the time; occasionally we'll be in a 2 or 4 star hotel. You should be prepared for some accommodations that offer certain cultural experiences (such as having postage size towels or local fauna in the front 'yard) - but hey, that's part of the adventure!
- Approximately 70% of dinners will be included (see detailed itineraries for specifics).
- Approximately 70% of picnic lunches are included and are often made by you from the hotel breakfast bar.
- There will be van support, but it is limited. Instead of seeing the van though out the day you may only see it once. If you need a ride you may have to wait until after it has arrived at the hotel, deposited the luggage and double backs for you. Tour leaders will be in communication with each other via cell phones.
- Because we may be testing new routes, you might encounter sections with traffic or gravel.
- Though we'll hold daily briefings, we may not have all the answers each day.
- You must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks involved in such a trip if you opt not to take out Travel Insurance. We advise on how to obtain insurance but it is the responsibility of the expedition participant.
- Meals together will not include alcoholic drinks.
ExpeditionPlus! similarities
Our Expeditions are unique in many ways. But they will include many highlights that have made our regular ExperiencePlus! bicycle tours so popular since 1972:- You’ll enjoy the same quality of pre-tour support. (Yes, a human will answer the phone when you call us! We’d love to hear from you.)
- Use of high-quality bicycle is included in the price.
- Luggage will be shuttled between daily destinations.
- Route maps will be provided.
- Daily briefings will be held to preview the day’s ride.
- The route will be designed by ExperiencePlus!, working with local experts.
- We'll always seek the most genuine local & regional cuisine.
- We'll have one or two ExperiencePlus! tour leaders along and a bilingual local leader.
