No. Tour prices are land only although they do include transfer from and to the nearest air or rail hub at the beginning and end of your tour. For example, the closest airport to Fie allo Sciliar (where the Dolomites tour starts) is Verona-Brescia. Flights to here are operated by Ryanair and depart from London Stansted in the UK.

As the tour starts on a Wednesday  booked guests should arrive the day before, on a Tuesday in this case. Two flights operate that day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. We'd advise our guests to try and book on the later flight. If the earlier flight were the only one available that day we'd ask you to book that flight and we'll be at the airport at destination (or the nominated railway station) to meet you.

If you come on a tour and fly from a regional airport in the UK, you may arrive in a different destination in Italy such as Venice for the Dolomites tour. In this case, we'd advise you to get an earlier flight and take the train from Venice to Verona where we'd arrange to meet you and transfer you onwards to your hotel in Fie. This is just an example but the same principle applies when travelling to connect with any of our overseas tours.

The beauty of booking airline seats online and in advance means you also have the choice of extending your trip and staying on holiday for a few days more after the tour's end. You might even get a good deal on the fare by booking in advance.

The major starting point for most of our UK cycling tours is Bristol in the South West part of England. The nearest airport is Bristol International and the city has two main railway stations, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway.

Unless our clients specify otherwise our days out cycling can be attempted and enjoyed by most people in your workplace irrespective of their level of fitness. And it doesn't matter that they may not have been on a bike in years! We provide all the equipment, expertise and encouragement anyone needs. Furthermore, it's a different, fun and inclusive activity that everyone can be involved in. We'll take you through stunning countryside and there'll be plenty of opportunity to stop and relax and have a picnic or a pub lunch or visit some incredible place of interest en-route.

Our Corporate days out offer any company a really productive, enjoyable and motivational experience and best of all, everyone can take part!

And, if you want to spend more time cycling and/or add conference facilities we can tailor things to your needs. We can even help you plan your own 'ultimate' corporate trip for your staff. So whether it's in the mountains or on the flats we can cater for all cycling abilities and all your corporate needs.

Please note that we do not generally provide transfers to our UK tour start-points because these are well served by the rail network. All our UK tours currently depart from Bristol. The only current exceptions are the Devon Coast to Coast tour which starts in Plymouth and the second part of the GWR tour which starts from Padstow. And all our UK tours start on traffic-free bike paths so that guests can familiarise themselves with their bike and ensure it's properly fitted for them at an early stage of the trip and away from the dangers of traffic.

At the end of all UK tours we provide vehicle transfer back to Bristol (or Plymouth from Ilfracombe in the case of the Devon C2C tour)

On some corporate days out and weekend taster trips participants may be advised to come in their own cars to the tour or event's starting-point.

We discuss transportation arrangements with all our guests individually, in advance and usually before they make their transport arrangements. Tour descriptions specify the airport or railway station guests should arrive at prior to each individual tour start. We then meet them for the transfer to their hotel so there's time to relax, acclimatise and meet other guests on the tour as well as anticipate adventures ahead.

Each bike is equipped with adjustable from forks, front and rear lights and pannier rack with one detachable bag (to minimise weight). This lightweight, waterproof bag converts into a back-pack - useful when you need to lock and leave your bike and go off exploring.

Furthermore, each of our tour guests receive a complimentary fluorescent gillet, water bottle, wet wipes, nuts and fruit which are re-supplied on each day of the tour.  In the bag are daily route maps, information and cycle lock.

On higher level tours guests tend to favour bringing their own lightweight road bikes. We are however, happy to advise anyone wanting to purchase a  new bike, clothing or accessories.

Guests on tours abroad graded at  4 and 5 ability levels receive a free pair of carefree bib-shorts and carefree cycling top!

This depends. As a rule, there'll be a minimum of ten, and a maximum of fifteen, tour guests.

Unlike most competitor cycle tour companies whose tours are mostly 'self-guided', Carefree cycling tours are 'small-group cycling expeditions'  fully guided and supported every step of the way.

This still enables our guests to ride alone or with whom they like and, importantly, at a pace that suits them. If you want to continue cycling after reaching the day's destination, that's fine. We'll support and encourage you to enjoy your trip the way you want to. We believe in complete flexibility and will do all we can to ensure guests' have a memorable and pleasurable holiday experience.

Because our routes are point-to-point and  'group' rides,  we often find a wonderful 'dynamic' soon occurs where everyone wants to help and support everyone else. Each day's ride becomes a 'collective' goal and it's a wonderful way to meet like-minded people and make new friends. And there's always the comfortable support vehicle if anyone wants to spend some time off the bike and relax in comfort.

Carefree staff on tours include the cycle guide(s) and driver/mechanic(s) as well as our contact staff at destination.

On tours tailored to specific clients' needs, such as a corporate event or routes that clients design and we facilitate, the numbers of participants varies and could be as small as two.

We've designed our tours to accommodate any fitness level and every individual. The level 1 tours and taster weekend trips are designed with the beginner and entry-level cyclist in mind including those returning to cycling after a long period. You'll have use of a latest model bike which is stable, comfortable and easy to use. Carefree staff give you all the encouragement and help you need to cycle with confidence and in safety. Furthermore, whatever level tour grade you choose, you'll be with like-minded people at similar ability levels and as you become fitter and more competent you may want to progress onto higher level grade tours.

When choosing a tour it's important you accurately assess your personal health and level of physical fitness. We are happy to discuss your individual suitability  at anytime. You can phone us on 0845 8990289 or send us a message on the 'contact us' section of our website. All correspondence is in strict confidence.

This might at first appear a difficult undertaking.

But don't forget that on all tours ability-graded 1 to 3, both in the UK and abroad, we provide you with a Land Rover sports hybrid cycle perfectly suited to the tour you've booked and in top working order. It'll be there waiting for you so don't bring a bike unless you really need to. Even then it'll need to be in good working order and suitable. 

This is not generally the case on level 4 and level 5 ability-grade tours. Guests on these cycling tours tend to be experienced cyclists who will want to bring their own lightweight road bike. 

Here is some advice and a few simple tips on how to avoid the hassle when transporting your bike. 

An important consideration is the weight and type of bike you intend to take. This is important because there's a big difference in weight and size between, say, a lightweight road bike frame and a sports hybrid frame. Some touring bikes are also very bulky. As a general rule try to keep the weight of your bike in its bag to under 20 kilos - otherwise it might incur an additional weight penalty at the airport.

We strongly recommend you carry your bike in a 'bike bag' which you can buy at most cycle shops or online. This is basically an oversized, canvas bag with carrying straps and zip. The detached wheels of your bike fit into pockets integral to the bag and the frame then fits between.  

The subject of cycling produces varying reactions in people. We live in a sometimes cold and rainy environment in northern Europe and our memories of cycling might be painful: heavy, rusting bikes, clanking gears and airless tyres.

But things have changed for the better. Bike technology today means that bikes are better built, are more comfortable and tend to be lighter. Brakes and transmissions have also advanced. Cycle clothing ensures a more comfortable and drier experience too.

There are excellent health benefits to cycling. It really can be a useful, life-extending activity. And cycling in beautiful locations away from traffic-jams and city-stress? It'll make you more relaxed.

It's not for everyone but why not give it a go? We bet you'll surprise yourself and soon become as addicted as us! 

Our lower end ability-grade cycling tours are aimed at the novice cyclist and those rediscovering the pleasures of cycling. We can't guarantee you won't feel a little discomfort and be tired at times. After all you are the motor on a cycle. But, leave any apprehensions you might have and give it a go. We'll ensure your experience of cycling this time will be a carefree one. 

On all levels 1, 2 and 3 tours, as well as level 4 tours in the UK, all tour guests are provided with a Land Rover Freelander Vivorata sports hybrid cycle for their sole use during each tour. The bikes have adjustable from forks and are equipped with lights and pannier rack. They receive a complimentary fluorescent gillet, water bottle, wet wipes, nuts and fruit and have use of a lightweight waterproof pannier bag which converts for use as a rucksack. In the bag are daily route maps, information and a cycle lock.

On higher level tours (4 & 5) guests tend to favour bringing their own lightweight road bikes that they're used to. We are of course happy to advise anyone wanting to purchase a  new bike, clothing or accessories. We sell  a range of Bianchi and Koga-Miyata lightweight road bikes through our partner bike shop, Overbury's specialist Cycles. please call us for further details.

In fact Carefree staff are happy to deal with any queries you might have regarding tour suitability, tour ability- grades, transportation etc. 

Not a problem because everyone on a Carefree cycling tour is encouraged to ride at their own pace. Invariably this means the group sometimes gets 'strung out' but this is leisurely cycling and each of our routes have many places to picnic and take rest stops. So riders at the back of the group often catch up the other 'groups' of  riders. Each tour guest has a number to phone should they need one of our guides to cycle back to them or the support vehicle to 'scoop' them and their bike up.

All our guests get a map with the route indicated for each tour day. Additional information describes the route and points of interest en-route are also indicated. 

 We tend to find that people stick together even if the larger group splits into smaller 'groups' with differing paces. Our guides 'sweep' the group regularly ensuring everyone reaches the day's final destination whether on their bikes or from the comfort of the support vehicle!

Cycling is potentially a dangerous activity. We do all we can to minimise risk but if someone does fall off their bike we've a doctor on the Carefree team of each tour.

All other staff on the Carefree team are fully trained in first aid.

The support vehicle carries first aid equipment as well as emergency hazard  lights to warn and slow other road users.

It is essential that all guests on a Carefree cycling tour have personal travel insurance protection, whether purchased from us or from elsewhere before they can participate. 

Tour prices are land only so guests make their own travel arrangements to reach the closest airport or railway station assigned for the tour. We collect them and their luggage and transfer them to the tour's base hotel. (and vice versa at tour's end).

Accommodation on all tours is based on a twin share bed and breakfast basis. We are happy to arrange single rooms if guests prefer but these are subject to availability and will incur a single supplement additional to the tour price.

Evening meals are generally not included deliberately leaving you free to explore the local culinary delights yourself although we do provide a few sumptuous feasts some evenings on certain tours. Please check tour overviews for meal details. At least two picnics are provided on all tours except weekend taster trips. Carefully prepared by us, we try to source organic and local produce whenever possible. All guests are also provided with free water, nuts and fruit when on the road. Energy bars and additional snacks and drinks are made available for purchase throughout.

All guests on a Carefree Cycling Tout get the individual services of an experienced cycle guide (or guides on tours with ten guests and upwards). Our cycle guides ride with the group every inch of the way and are in radio contact with the support vehicle at all times. Guests have use of the comfortable support vehicle(s) with driver/mechanic whenever they need it.

On all levels 1, 2 and 3 tours, as well as level 4 tours in the UK, all tour guests are provided with a Land Rover Freelander Vivorata sports hybrid cycle for their sole use during each tour.

Not included on tours are: airfare and/or rail costs to reach each tour's start. Transfers are only made between the designated airport and/or railway station for that tour.

Lodging before and after the tour is not included as are gratuities for Carefree guides, and personal items purchased during the trip. Evening meals are not included unless specified in the tour description. This is deliberate on our part as we want you to explore the wonderful regional cuisine yourself. We're happy to make recommendations and some gourmet meals and picnics are included in most tours.

Single room occupancy is not included all tours which are based on twin share bed and breakfast basis. If a single room is required (and available) we are happy to request it and it'll incur an additional cost.

Although we do bring our own supply of helmets this and all other cycling kit is not included on a tour. Guests are encouraged to purchase their own kit beforehand. Go to the 'bikes and kit' section on our website for further details and/or contact our bike shop partners, Overbury's. Mention Carefree Cycling Tours and you'll qualify for a small discount on items you purchase.

Overbury's Specialist Cycles: 0117 9557924

You might want to consider buying  a 'shell-type' bike case if you intend to make regular journeys abroad with your bike. More robust than a bike-bag, the case offers better protection than a bike-bag but at a higher price.

Whichever bag or case you use to transport your bike, when packing it a good idea is to unscrew the derailleur so it's 'hanging loose' and doesn't get damaged on the journey. The pedals can also be unscrewed and the tyres deflated. Pack the bag with polystyrene and/or bubble-wrap to further protect your bike. 

You should only need to carry your bike in its bag a short distance, to the taxi or the vehicle you use to get you to the airport. Once there, use a luggage trolley to balance this and your other luggage on and wheel it to the check-in area for your flight. 

Having made your flight reservation online (including additional payment to take an oversized item of luggage - usually £15 to £20 each way), you will have a booking number and perhaps a printout of the booking details. Take these to the airline's customer service desk before queuing at check-in. They'll advise the best way for you to check-in your oversized item of luggage which can vary from airport to airport and from airline to airline. This may involve handing over your personal luggage items at the passenger check-in desk and handing over your bike-bag at another desk for oversized luggage items.

Try to get to the airport before the other passengers on your flight! This will give you more time and as they won't be bringing such a bulky item of luggage, you'll benefit from sorting things before the area gets busy.

We don't think you'll have that impression after coming on a Carefree cycling tour graded at 4 or 5 ability! And if you do find them too easy your name will probably be Lance and you'll hail from Austen in Texas!

Carefree Cycling Tours graded at levels 4 and 5 ability are for experienced cyclists at a high level of fitness and with excellent stamina. 

The tour 'grades' section of the web site gives further explanatory information on ability and fitness requirements for each of the tours we run as well as the terrain types and the daily distances guests on each tour can expect to ride.