FAQs

What kind of shape do I have to be in?
A moderate degree of fitness is needed. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the tour. One way to judge your fitness is through testing provided by various sports clinics and clubs. As a self-analysis, ask yourself if you can cross-country ski for 1.5 hours, or cycle 40 km (30 miles) in a morning or afternoon, or go for a brisk walk for two hours. Our average daily distance is 25-31 miles or about 38-50km. This usually requires 4-5 hours of pedaling per day. On a guided tour we are outside all day, either on a bike, walking among olive trees, or relaxing at a cafe sipping cappuccino or a cold beer. If you enjoy life and like to see the world, then you are in good shape for us!

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. We have always at least a local guide to assist you therefore tons and tons of extra routes available!

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 Aluminium are included (actually the best bikes on the market. Trips include hotels, most meals, guides and local experts, and access to exclusive sites, porterage, tastings and luggage transfer on self guided departures.

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. The majority of our clients come from the USA, Canada and the UK, but we also attract travelers from elsewhere.

Should I get trip insurance?
We recommend that you purchase separate insurance in case you have to cancel your trip, as well as accident, health and baggage and personal effects loss or damage.

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.  Once you have reserved your bike trip, call or email us to discuss all your pre and post travel plans.

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.

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. Puglia Bike Jersey: If travelling to Puglia order a “Pugliese” Bike Jersey! We have worked with the manufacturer to create the highest-quality, lightweight jersey, with an extra long zipper for better comfort and air circulation. The cost per jersey is 60,00€. Sizes run from XS to XXXL.

Do I need a helmet?
Yes, feel free to bring your own or we have brand new clean helmets that we can provide with an extra 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, feel free to ask for on of the gel seat cover seats available.

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.

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 Southern Visions 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!

How many bags can I bring?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. 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.

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?
Find a bike and 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! The key point about training is that the more you bike or do other aerobic exercise in advance, the more you will enjoy the trip.

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, but the shipping can take time and cost money.  Make sure you ask your guides what the best option will be.

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.

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