One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 10 Nights |
| Distance: | 30 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 27- Sep 29, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €692 |
| Start city: | Mainz, Germany |
| End city: | Cologne, Germany |
Hot springs and spas attracted the ancient Romans to the Rhine. Today vineyards, castles and picturesque towns add to the region's charm and attract cyclists who enjoy the flat, paved path. People from all over the world visit the Rhine Valley between Mainz and Cologne and admire this landscape as much as they do Tuscany and the Loire Valley.
Ride through the wine towns of the Rheingau, a swath of land that rises slowly from the right side of the Rhine to the Taunus hills. The region includes 13 towns along the river and seven “inland” villages. It’s serene, genteel and noble. The pace is slow. Visitors relax with glass of wine and don’t feel they need to get to the next stop; they’re already there. It’s not a series of sights; it’s a place to experience and be in, where life has goes on as it has for decades, if not centuries.
Tourism is secondary, and winemaking is primary. The big rush in the morning isn’t to buy film. It’s to the butcher shop or bakery—or to work in the vineyards. In the evenings, the dominant crowds are locals relaxing in the market squares or eating with friends at a local vintner’s tavern. Visitors are conspicuous—and especially welcome.
Here you’re looking at life, not just history.
History still plays a major role, and it’s obvious everywhere in castles, churches, monasteries, manor houses and the towns and villages that dot the river and countryside. But in the Rheingau, it wasn’t about tolls, power and property, as it was downstream in the more famous Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. It was about wine.
Vineyards stretch from the river, across a broad plain and up gradual hills where they meet with meadows and forest. Scenery changes with seasons. In spring, grape vines are just getting established but the hills are vibrant with yellow rapeseed fields. Dense forest straddles the hills in silhouette.
Continue to Rüdesheim, where you can walk the famous Drosselgasse with its shops, wine bars, restaurants and live music. It's also your starting point for exploring the full length of the Upper Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Rüdesheim, you can also visit sites atop the Rhine's towering hills: medieval monasteries, expansive vineyards and remote villages.
When your legs get tired, just climb aboard a ship of the Köln-Düsseldorfer line and hitch a ride to the next village.
In Koblenz, board the train for Trier, Germany's oldest city, with its Roman treasures. Admire the "Kaiserthermen" (Imperial Baths) and the Porta Nigra - historical buildings of first rank in the Roman city of Trier. By bike you easily reach famous towns such as Bernkastel Kues, Traben Tarbach, Cochem, Neumagen Dhron (the oldest German wine town) and Enkirch, a jewel of the regional medieval "Fachwerk" (Tudor style) architecture. Visit Castle Eltz and enjoy romantic stretches on your ride. In the evening cosy and comfortable hotels will spoil you with regional specialities. And don‘t miss sampling the art of the local winegrowers.
When you reach the Rhine again, head downstream through Bonn, the Beethoven city and former capital. Soon, the might Cologne Cathedral comes into view.
Learn more about self-guided tours
Hot springs and spas attracted the ancient Romans to the Rhine. Today vineyards, castles and picturesque towns add to the region's charm and attract cyclists who enjoy the flat, paved path. People from all over the world visit the Rhine Valley between Mainz and Cologne and admire this landscape as much as they do Tuscany and the Loire Valley.
Ride through the wine towns of the Rheingau, a swath of land that rises slowly from the right side of the Rhine to the Taunus hills. The region includes 13 towns along the river and seven “inland” villages. It’s serene, genteel and noble. The pace is slow. Visitors relax with glass of wine and don’t feel they need to get to the next stop; they’re already there. It’s not a series of sights; it’s a place to experience and be in, where life has goes on as it has for decades, if not centuries.
Tourism is secondary, and winemaking is primary. The big rush in the morning isn’t to buy film. It’s to the butcher shop or bakery—or to work in the vineyards. In the evenings, the dominant crowds are locals relaxing in the market squares or eating with friends at a local vintner’s tavern. Visitors are conspicuous—and especially welcome.
Here you’re looking at life, not just history.
History still plays a major role, and it’s obvious everywhere in castles, churches, monasteries, manor houses and the towns and villages that dot the river and countryside. But in the Rheingau, it wasn’t about tolls, power and property, as it was downstream in the more famous Middle Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. It was about wine.
Vineyards stretch from the river, across a broad plain and up gradual hills where they meet with meadows and forest. Scenery changes with seasons. In spring, grape vines are just getting established but the hills are vibrant with yellow rapeseed fields. Dense forest straddles the hills in silhouette.
Continue to Rüdesheim, where you can walk the famous Drosselgasse with its shops, wine bars, restaurants and live music. It's also your starting point for exploring the full length of the Upper Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Rüdesheim, you can also visit sites atop the Rhine's towering hills: medieval monasteries, expansive vineyards and remote villages.
When your legs get tired, just climb aboard a ship of the Köln-Düsseldorfer line and hitch a ride to the next village.
In Koblenz, board the train for Trier, Germany's oldest city, with its Roman treasures. Admire the "Kaiserthermen" (Imperial Baths) and the Porta Nigra - historical buildings of first rank in the Roman city of Trier. By bike you easily reach famous towns such as Bernkastel Kues, Traben Tarbach, Cochem, Neumagen Dhron (the oldest German wine town) and Enkirch, a jewel of the regional medieval "Fachwerk" (Tudor style) architecture. Visit Castle Eltz and enjoy romantic stretches on your ride. In the evening cosy and comfortable hotels will spoil you with regional specialities. And don‘t miss sampling the art of the local winegrowers.
When you reach the Rhine again, head downstream through Bonn, the Beethoven city and former capital. Soon, the might Cologne Cathedral comes into view.
Learn more about self-guided tours
This program can be adapted to change duration and daily distance.
Day 1: Arrival in Mainz
In Mainz you should be well on time! Not just the Roman-Germanic central museum, the Gutenberg museum, the emperors cathedral and the electors castle are worth an ample visit (Arrival possible by German railway/ parking garage close hotel/ rental bike at hotel).
Overnight in Mainz.
Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim (19-31 miles/30-49 km)
The beautiful first stage leads through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine is flowing quite unhurriedly, forming little islands and broadening its bed up to 800 m width! Before you reach Rüdesheim you may visit (+ 14 km) the half-timbered town of Eltville and monastery Eberbach, which are worth seeing.
Overnight in Rudesheim.
Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar (24 miles/38 km)
Pompous castles attract on your way. And you definitely should climb up to the Loreley! A hiking path leads up to this lovely spot and offers a beautiful sight to the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley.
Overnight in St. Goar.
Day 4: St. Goar - Koblenz/Trier (22-32 miles/36-52 km plus train)
Further on in the narrow Rhine Valley, the route firstly leads to Boppard. In this place it is quite turbulent, but if you wish you can go to “Vierseenblick” (Four Lake View) by cable car in densely wooded heights. Or you may visit on your further way to the historic “German Corner” in Koblenz, where the Mosel flows into the Rhine. Perhaps also visit the well preserved castle Marksburg and castle Stolzenfels.
Train transfer to Trier (taking your luggage with you on the train).
Overnight in Trier.
Day 5: Trier - Trittenheim (25 miles/42 km)
You should take your time for the visit of the historical center, the ‚Kaiserthermen‘ (imperial thermal baths) and the Porta Nigra. You will cycle on the Moselle bike way to Trittenheim, where a wine nature trail provides you with general information about wine. Today we will recommend you a tasting (8 wines) with cellar visitation and vintager snack.
Overnight in Trittenheim.
Day 6: Trittenheim - Zeltingen (48 miles/77 km)
You will cycle on the Mosel bike way to Trittenheim, where a wine nature trail provides you with general information about wine. Today we will recommend you a tasting (8 wines) with cellar visitation and vintager snack.
You continue to Neumagen-Drohn, the oldest wine village in Germany. You will enjoy the noon action on the market place of Bernkastel-Kues before you will reach your destination of today – Zeltingen.
Overnight in Zeltingen.
Day 7: Zeltingen - Treis - Karden (51 miles/83 km)
You cycle through the wine growing area ‚Kröver Nacktarsch‘ to Traben-Trarbach. Amend your today’s program with a boat tour on the Moselle. After a break in Enkirch, the role model of framework architecture, you reach Zell.
Then you cycle over Beilstein, the Rothenburg at the Mosel, to Cochem. There you can visit the picturesque city center as well as the old Reichsburg castle (11th century).
Overnight in Treis Karden.
Day 8: Treis Karden - Koblenz (26 miles/40 km)
After a possible visit of the medieval castle Eltz you cycle the last kilometers through the Mosel Valley to Koblenz.
Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 9: Koblenz - Bad Godesberg (36 miles/58 km)
Cozy health resorts and inviting wine villages vie for your visit! Thermal baths and beer gardens also want to regale you. Or you may have a break from cycling and go to an enjoyable boat trip on the Rhine. Between Koblenz and Bad Godesberg everything is possible!
Overnight in Bad Godesberg.
Day 10: Bad Godesberg - Cologne (27 miles/43 km)
Bonn will be on your way and invites for an ample visit until the Cologne cathedral comes into field of vision. The today’s stage isn’t that long so you will be quite early in your hotel which is located in the city center. You will still have enough time to admire the manifold sights of Cologne.
Overnight in Cologne.
Day 11: Cologne Departure
Nobody wants to leave, but after a week in the beautiful Rhine Valley the tour ends in Cologne.
Daily: Apr 27- Sep 29, 2013
Please note there is a 30 Euros per person surcharge for starting the tour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thrusdays.
| Category A |  |
||||||||||||||||||||
| 3- and 4-star comfortable, middle-class hotels | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Category B | |
||||||||||||||||||||
| Family-owned guesthouses and hotels | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Train tickets from Koblenz to Trier, with bikes, to be purchased on site, approx. €17.
Available bikes include a 7-speed hybrid bike with wide and comfortable gel saddles. The gear shift is fully encapsulated Shimano hub shifter with integrated back pedalling brake. Gears are changed by means of a snapping rotary handle that is very easy to operate.
Alternate option is a 21-speed hybrid bikes with a robust modern aluminum frame with moulded lower tube. The gear shift is Modern Shimano dérailleur (Nexave 300) without back pedal, with one speed grading deriving from the mountainbike.
All bikes come with lights, mudguards, reflectors, carriers, lateral kickstands and lock.
Available bikes include a 7-speed hybrid bike with wide and comfortable gel saddles. The gear shift is fully encapsulated Shimano hub shifter with integrated back pedalling brake. Gears are changed by means of a snapping rotary handle that is very easy to operate.
Alternate option is a 21-speed hybrid bikes with a robust modern aluminum frame with moulded lower tube. The gear shift is Modern Shimano dérailleur (Nexave 300) without back pedal, with one speed grading deriving from the mountainbike.
All bikes come with lights, mudguards, reflectors, carriers, lateral kickstands and lock.
This tour is very relaxed cycling in mostly flat terrain. It is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
This tour is very relaxed cycling in mostly flat terrain. It is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour start
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Mainz, Germany
Tour end
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Cologne, Germany
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Mainz, Germany
Tour end
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Cologne, Germany
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Velociped has been organizing bicycle trips since 1988. Full of passion and pioneering spirit, Velociped finds the nicest places all over Germany and worldwide for their bicycle tours. Velociped wants every client to relax during their holiday, and be free from organizing. Your luggage is transported separately on each cycling stage. Their services will guarantee a smooth and perfectly organized cycling holiday.
Velociped has been organizing bicycle trips since 1988. Full of passion and pioneering spirit, Velociped finds the nicest places all over Germany and worldwide for their bicycle tours. Velociped wants every client to relax during their holiday, and be free from organizing. Your luggage is transported separately on each cycling stage. Their services will guarantee a smooth and perfectly organized cycling holiday.
Dear Traveler,
Clear contractual provisions, which are agreed with you as set out below, contribute to an optimal performance of a travel too. The following travel conditions shall amend the stipulations of §§ 651 lit. a) through m) BGB (German Civil Code) on package tours (Pauschalreisen) and on the tour operator's information obligations and shall implement the aforementioned stipulations. They form, as far as they are bindingly agreed, an integral part of the travel agreement concluded between you (the "Traveler") and Velociped Fahrradreisen ("Velociped").
1. Conclusion of the travel agreement
1.1 Velociped is tour operator of all tours signed with the "green velociped pennant" in this catalogue and in case of booking such tour your partner of contract. In all other cases Velociped merely acts as a travel agent as far as the principle of § 651 lit. a) section 2 BGB does not require something different.
1.2 By reservation of a travel (the "Reservation"), which can be made verbally, in written form, by fax or e-mail, the Traveler makes a binding offer to Velociped to conclude a travel agreement (the "Travel Agreement") which is based on the travel offer as set out in the Velociped catalogue valid at the time of travel (the "Catalogue") and on these General Terms and Conditions.
1.3 The Travel Agreement takes effect upon confirmation of the Reservation by Velociped to the Traveler or travel agent. The travel confirmation is not required to have a special form. Upon or immediately after taking effect of the Travel Agreement, Velociped will issue a written travel confirmation form to the Traveler.
1.4 If the Reservation includes booking for further Travelers, the Traveler making the Reservation is - to the extent, the Traveler explicitly accepts such obligations by separate written declaration - liable for all contractual obligations of these further Travelers resulting from the Travel Agreement.
1.5 If the contents of Velociped's confirmation of Reservation differ from the contents of the Reservation, the Travel Agreement does not become effective. The confirmation of Reservation is considered to represent a new offer by Velociped to the Traveler. A Travel Agreement based on the content of the new offer is established, if the Traveler accepts the new offer by explicit declaration or pre-payment or final payment or commencement of travel.
2. Velociped's obligation to perform
2.1 The obligations to perform of Velociped are exclusively determined by the content of the confirmation of Reservation in conjunction with the terms and conditions set out in the Catalogue, including but not limited to all instructions, advices and comments provided therein.
2.2 Third party service providers (e.g. hotels, airlines) and travel agencies have not been authorized by Velociped, to enter into any commitments or agreements which would exeed or contradict to Velociped's travel description or confirmation of Reservation or would modify the confirmed content of the Travel Agreement.
3. Pre-Payment and Final Payment
3.1 A pre-payment (the "Pre-Payment") which will be deducted from the total travel fee (the "Travel Fee") is to be made upon taking effect of the Travel Agreement and after handing over of the "Sicherungsschein" (a guarantee certificate, required by law, ensuring protection for Travelers in the event of a travel organizer's insolvency) in accordance with § 651 lit. k) paragraph 3 BGB. The Pre-Payment amounts to 10% of the Travel Fee, max. € 250,- per person, unless otherwise agreed.
3.2 The remainder of the Travel Fee is due and payable no later than three weeks before the travel begins, if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed over and if it is certain, the travel cannot be cancelled any more for any reason stipulated in section 7.2 hereto.
3.3 Travel materials will be sent or handed out to the Traveler either directly or via the arranging travel agency after full payment of the Travel Fee is received.
3.4 If the travel is booked less than four weeks before the travel begins, the Travel Fee becomes due in full immediately after hand out of the "Sicherungsschein".
3.5 If Velociped is willing and capable of fulfilling its obligations to perform and if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed out, the Traveler is not entitled to demand any performance of Velociped's contractual obligations, unless the full Travel Fee is received by Velociped.
4. Modification of Obligations
4.1 Modifications of Velociped's individual contractual obligations to perform, becoming necessary after taking effect of the Travel Agreement and being not induced by Velociped in breach of good faith, are only permitted to the extent, such modifications are not substantial and do not impair the total set up of the travel. Potential warranty claims remain unaffected as far as any performance of a modified obligation is defective.
4.2 Velociped is obliged to immediately inform the Traveler about any modifications of the performance of obligations. As the case may be Velociped will offer a free of charge rebooking or rescission.
4.3 In case of a substantial modification of a material obligation to perform, the Traveler is entitled to cancel the Travel Agreement at no fees to him.
4.4 In case of any changes regarding travel date, destination, accommodation, carriage, departure- or destination airport, made upon the Traveler's request (rebooking) until 30 days before begin of travel, a rebooking fee of € 50,- per each modification becomes due. Rebookings to be made upon Traveler's requests made after expiry of this period are, if at all feasible, possible only after rescission by the Traveler and in accordance with the aforementioned conditions and simultaneous new reservation. This does not apply if the rebooking causes only minor costs.
4.5 In case of a change in the person of the Traveler, to which Velociped may disagree if the Traveler does not meet the requirements of the travel or if the Travelers participation in the travel contradicts any legal or administrative requirements, Velociped is entitled to charge a flat rate/ lump-sum of € 50,- for the effort.
5. Modification of Fee
In case of an increase of transportation costs or an increase of charges for certain services such as port or airport duties or in case of variation of exchange rates, applicable to the respective travel, Velociped reserves the right to modify the Travel Fee agreed in the Travel Agreement as set out below:
5.1 If costs of transportation, and in particular costs of fuel, valid at the time of conclusion of the travel Agreement, increase, Velociped is entitled to increase the Travel fee in accordance with the following stipulations:
- In case of an increase attributable to a single seat Velociped can charge the amount of increase.
- In any other case the additional costs charged by the transport provider for the respective means of transportation are divided by the amount of seats of the agreed means of transportation. Velociped can charge to the Traveler the resulting amount of increase per seat.
5.2 In case of an increase of charges, such as port or airport duties, valid at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, Velociped can increase the Travel Fee on a pro-rata basis.
5.3 In case of variation of exchange rates after conclusion of the Travel Agreement the Travel Fee can be increased in proportion to the resulting increase of costs of the respective travel for Velociped.
5.4 An increase is only permissible if the period between conclusion of the Travel Agreement and the agreed time of travel exceeds four weeks and if, at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, the circumstances resulting in the increase neither have been existing nor could have been foreseen by Velociped.
5.5 In case of an increase of the Travel Fee after the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement Velociped has to inform the Traveler without undue delay. Increases after the 20th day before travel are null and void. In case of increases of the Travel Fee exceeding 5 % the Traveler is entitled to withdraw from Travel Agreement at no cost to him or to demand the participation in a travel of the equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler.
6. Services not made use of
If the Traveler does not make use of certain travel services for reasons of premature return the travel, illness or for other reasons, not in the responsibility of Velociped, no claim for proportionate refund [of the Travel Fee] can be made.
7. Rescission and Cancellation by Velociped
7.1 Velociped may terminate the Travel Agreement after commencement of travel if the Traveler materially disturbs the carrying-out of the Travel Agreement irrespective of an admonition or if the Traveler acts in contradiction to the Travel Agreement to an extent, justifying the immediate cancellation of the Travel Agreement. In case of termination Velociped remains entitled to the entire Travel Fee; however, Velociped has to accept a set off of any cost saved as well as any advantages obtained from making other use of travel services, including amounts credited to Velociped by service providers. In this case the local representatives of Velociped (travel agency, travel guide) are authorized to execute Velociped's rights.
7.2 Velociped may, if the publicized minimum number of participants is not attained, withdraw from the Travel Agreement in accordance with the following stipulations:
a) Velociped must notify the Traveler without undue delay once the condition requiring cancellation of the travel has arisen.
b) A withdrawal of Velociped may not be declared later than three weeks before begin of the travel.
c) In case of withdrawal the Traveler can demand the participation in another travel of at least equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. The Traveler has to make such claim to Velociped immediately after notification of the withdrawal.
d) Accomplished payments shall be refunded without undue delay. Further claims, including but not limited to refund of withdrawal costs for already booked flights, train tickets, temporary accommodation, do not exist. Velociped therefore recommends refraining from such bookings until it is certain the travel will be executed.
8. Rescission by Traveler, Rebooking
8.1 The Traveler may withdraw from the Travel Agreement at any time before the travel begins by written notification of withdrawal to Velociped. The time of receipt of the notification by Velociped is decisive.
8.2 In any case of withdrawal by the Traveler, Velociped, after taking into account expenses saved usually and usually feasible other use of travel services, is entitled to charge lump-sum rescission fees per person which amount to the following:
a) Up to the 29th day before the beginning of the journey: 10%, at least € 50,-
b) From the 28th to the 8th day before the beginning of the journey: 50% of the Travel Fee
c) From the 7th to the 1st day before beginning of the journey: 80% of the Travel Fee
d) On the arrival day and non-participation: 90% of the Travel Fee
8.3 The Traveler may prove to Velociped that no or significantly less costs than the lump-sums have occurred. In such case the Traveler is only obliged to pay the actual costs.
8.4 Velociped reserves the right to charge a higher rescission fee in individual cases, in which higher costs, to be specified and proved to the Traveler, have occurred.
9. Obligations of and Termination by the Traveler
9.1 The obligation to notify defaults as stipulated in § 651 lit. d) paragraph 2 BGB is specified in case of Velociped travels to the effect that the Traveler is obliged to immediately notify any default of the travel to the local travel guide or agency and to demand cure of the default.
9.2 If no local travel guide has been assigned and additionally Velociped is not obliged to do so (check travel description in this respect!), the Traveler shall, under the address, telephone number and facsimile number mentioned below, directly notify Velociped about the default and demand cure.
9.3 Travel guides of Velociped are not entitled or authorized to acknowledge in the name or on behalf of Velociped any complaints or claims for payment of the Traveler prior to, during or after the travel.
9.4 Claims of the Traveler only remain valid, if the failure to notify a default does not result from any responsibility of the Traveler.
9.5 The Traveler has to notify loss and damage of luggage, in particular but not limited to the loss of airline luggage, to the transport provider immediately. The transport provider is obliged to issue a written acknowledgement. Without notification the risk of loss of claim is given.
9.6 If the travel is considerably affected by a defective performance, the Traveler may terminate the Travel Agreement. The same is applicable, if the travel is unacceptable to the Traveler for reasons recognizable to Velociped. In any case the Travel Agreement becomes only terminable, if an adequate period of time, to be determined by the Traveler, has elapsed without Velociped or its representatives curing the defect. Determination of a time limit is not necessary, if the curing is impossible or if Velociped or its representatives refuse to cure the defect or if the immediate termination of the Travel Agreement is justified by a particular interest of the Traveler.
9.7 With respect to the Travel Agreement the Traveler's obligation, as stipulated in § 651 lit. g) section 1 BGB, to enforce claims against the travel agent within one month after the contractually agreed end of the travel, is specified as follows:
a) Irrespective of its legal basis any claim in connection with the Travel Agreement or with the performance of Velociped respectively has to be enforced by the Traveler exclusively against Velociped within one month after the contractually agreed date of return from the travel.
b) The timely enforcement can be made against Velociped only to the address mentioned below. An enforcement in writing is highly recommended.
c) The aforementioned clauses leave any legal stipulations regarding delays arising from no responsibility of the Traveler or regarding the suspension of the statutes of limitation unaffected.
10. Passport-, Visa- and Health regulations
10.1 The Traveler is informed by Velociped about passport-, visa- and health regulations applicable to the respective country of destination in the travel description and travel material. This information relates to German citizens, irrespective on any special circumstances given. Such personal circumstances (e.g. having two citizenships, being stateless, certain registrations in the passport or refugee's admission) can not be taken into consideration if not explicitly notified to Velociped by the Traveler.
10.2 Velociped shall inform the Traveler about any material amendments to these common regulations prior to begin of the travel.
10.3 To the extent Velociped complies with its obligation to inform the Traveler in accordance with the stipulations above, the Traveler is obliged himself to observe these regulations.
11. Liability
11.1 Velociped's liability to the Traveler for any damages (including liability for the infringement of secondary obligations arising prior, after or during the Travel Agreement) which are not body damage is limited to the triple Travel Fee, as far as:
a) a damage of the Traveler is caused neither by willful misconduct or gross negligence of Velociped or
b) Velociped's responsibility for a Clint's damage solely results from the default of a third party service provider.
11.2 Velociped is not liable for default of performance or damages in relation to performance of third parties only arranged by Velociped as intermediary at the travel destination (e.g. sport events, theatre, trips, exhibitions etc.) or expressly marked in the travel description as third party services.
11.3 If Velociped acts as contractual airfreight carrier, liability is regulated by the Act on Air Traffic in connection with the international treaties of Warsaw, The Hague, Guadalajara and Montreal. The Warsaw treaty as a rule limits the liability of an airfreight carrier for loss of life or body damages as well as for loss of or damage of luggage.
12. Period of Limitation, Exclusion of Assignement
12.1 Any claims of the Traveler against Velociped, irrespective of their legal basis - with the exemption of claims of the Traveler based on tort ? come under the statute of limitations one year after the contractually envisaged time of return travel. Are negotiations on claims or their factual basis pending between the Traveler and Velociped the statutes of limitation are suspended until the Traveler or Velociped refuse to continue the negotiations? The aforementioned statutes of limitation of one year come into force three months after the end of the suspension at the earliest.
13. Jurisdiction, Miscellaneous
13.1 The Traveler can sue Velociped only at its principal place of business.
13.2 The entire legal- and contractual relationship between the Traveler and Velociped shall exclusively be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany if the Traveler's place of residence or business is not Germany.
13.3 For Claims of Velociped against the Traveler the Traveler's place of residence is decisive, unless the claim is directed against a Merchant (as defined by HGB, German Commercial Code), legal entities of public or private law or persons having their place of residence or common whereabouts abroad or having an unknown place of residence or unknown common whereabouts at the time of bringing up the claim.
© These General Terms and Conditions are protected by copyright laws.
Attorney at Law Noll, Stuttgart, 2003, 2004.
Tour Operator:
Company: Velociped GmbH & Co. KG
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRA 3943
General Partner (Komplementärin): Velociped Verwaltungs-GmbH
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRB 4593
Executive Board: Claudia Möllers, Christian Rhode
Address: Alte Kasseler Straße 43, D-35039 Marburg
Telephone: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-0
Facsimile: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-11
E-Mail: info@velociped.de
Unofficial and non binding partial translation of Velociped's General Terms and Conditions
Dear Traveler,
Clear contractual provisions, which are agreed with you as set out below, contribute to an optimal performance of a travel too. The following travel conditions shall amend the stipulations of §§ 651 lit. a) through m) BGB (German Civil Code) on package tours (Pauschalreisen) and on the tour operator's information obligations and shall implement the aforementioned stipulations. They form, as far as they are bindingly agreed, an integral part of the travel agreement concluded between you (the "Traveler") and Velociped Fahrradreisen ("Velociped").
1. Conclusion of the travel agreement
1.1 Velociped is tour operator of all tours signed with the "green velociped pennant" in this catalogue and in case of booking such tour your partner of contract. In all other cases Velociped merely acts as a travel agent as far as the principle of § 651 lit. a) section 2 BGB does not require something different.
1.2 By reservation of a travel (the "Reservation"), which can be made verbally, in written form, by fax or e-mail, the Traveler makes a binding offer to Velociped to conclude a travel agreement (the "Travel Agreement") which is based on the travel offer as set out in the Velociped catalogue valid at the time of travel (the "Catalogue") and on these General Terms and Conditions.
1.3 The Travel Agreement takes effect upon confirmation of the Reservation by Velociped to the Traveler or travel agent. The travel confirmation is not required to have a special form. Upon or immediately after taking effect of the Travel Agreement, Velociped will issue a written travel confirmation form to the Traveler.
1.4 If the Reservation includes booking for further Travelers, the Traveler making the Reservation is - to the extent, the Traveler explicitly accepts such obligations by separate written declaration - liable for all contractual obligations of these further Travelers resulting from the Travel Agreement.
1.5 If the contents of Velociped's confirmation of Reservation differ from the contents of the Reservation, the Travel Agreement does not become effective. The confirmation of Reservation is considered to represent a new offer by Velociped to the Traveler. A Travel Agreement based on the content of the new offer is established, if the Traveler accepts the new offer by explicit declaration or pre-payment or final payment or commencement of travel.
2. Velociped's obligation to perform
2.1 The obligations to perform of Velociped are exclusively determined by the content of the confirmation of Reservation in conjunction with the terms and conditions set out in the Catalogue, including but not limited to all instructions, advices and comments provided therein.
2.2 Third party service providers (e.g. hotels, airlines) and travel agencies have not been authorized by Velociped, to enter into any commitments or agreements which would exeed or contradict to Velociped's travel description or confirmation of Reservation or would modify the confirmed content of the Travel Agreement.
3. Pre-Payment and Final Payment
3.1 A pre-payment (the "Pre-Payment") which will be deducted from the total travel fee (the "Travel Fee") is to be made upon taking effect of the Travel Agreement and after handing over of the "Sicherungsschein" (a guarantee certificate, required by law, ensuring protection for Travelers in the event of a travel organizer's insolvency) in accordance with § 651 lit. k) paragraph 3 BGB. The Pre-Payment amounts to 10% of the Travel Fee, max. € 250,- per person, unless otherwise agreed.
3.2 The remainder of the Travel Fee is due and payable no later than three weeks before the travel begins, if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed over and if it is certain, the travel cannot be cancelled any more for any reason stipulated in section 7.2 hereto.
3.3 Travel materials will be sent or handed out to the Traveler either directly or via the arranging travel agency after full payment of the Travel Fee is received.
3.4 If the travel is booked less than four weeks before the travel begins, the Travel Fee becomes due in full immediately after hand out of the "Sicherungsschein".
3.5 If Velociped is willing and capable of fulfilling its obligations to perform and if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed out, the Traveler is not entitled to demand any performance of Velociped's contractual obligations, unless the full Travel Fee is received by Velociped.
4. Modification of Obligations
4.1 Modifications of Velociped's individual contractual obligations to perform, becoming necessary after taking effect of the Travel Agreement and being not induced by Velociped in breach of good faith, are only permitted to the extent, such modifications are not substantial and do not impair the total set up of the travel. Potential warranty claims remain unaffected as far as any performance of a modified obligation is defective.
4.2 Velociped is obliged to immediately inform the Traveler about any modifications of the performance of obligations. As the case may be Velociped will offer a free of charge rebooking or rescission.
4.3 In case of a substantial modification of a material obligation to perform, the Traveler is entitled to cancel the Travel Agreement at no fees to him.
4.4 In case of any changes regarding travel date, destination, accommodation, carriage, departure- or destination airport, made upon the Traveler's request (rebooking) until 30 days before begin of travel, a rebooking fee of € 50,- per each modification becomes due. Rebookings to be made upon Traveler's requests made after expiry of this period are, if at all feasible, possible only after rescission by the Traveler and in accordance with the aforementioned conditions and simultaneous new reservation. This does not apply if the rebooking causes only minor costs.
4.5 In case of a change in the person of the Traveler, to which Velociped may disagree if the Traveler does not meet the requirements of the travel or if the Travelers participation in the travel contradicts any legal or administrative requirements, Velociped is entitled to charge a flat rate/ lump-sum of € 50,- for the effort.
5. Modification of Fee
In case of an increase of transportation costs or an increase of charges for certain services such as port or airport duties or in case of variation of exchange rates, applicable to the respective travel, Velociped reserves the right to modify the Travel Fee agreed in the Travel Agreement as set out below:
5.1 If costs of transportation, and in particular costs of fuel, valid at the time of conclusion of the travel Agreement, increase, Velociped is entitled to increase the Travel fee in accordance with the following stipulations:
- In case of an increase attributable to a single seat Velociped can charge the amount of increase.
- In any other case the additional costs charged by the transport provider for the respective means of transportation are divided by the amount of seats of the agreed means of transportation. Velociped can charge to the Traveler the resulting amount of increase per seat.
5.2 In case of an increase of charges, such as port or airport duties, valid at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, Velociped can increase the Travel Fee on a pro-rata basis.
5.3 In case of variation of exchange rates after conclusion of the Travel Agreement the Travel Fee can be increased in proportion to the resulting increase of costs of the respective travel for Velociped.
5.4 An increase is only permissible if the period between conclusion of the Travel Agreement and the agreed time of travel exceeds four weeks and if, at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, the circumstances resulting in the increase neither have been existing nor could have been foreseen by Velociped.
5.5 In case of an increase of the Travel Fee after the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement Velociped has to inform the Traveler without undue delay. Increases after the 20th day before travel are null and void. In case of increases of the Travel Fee exceeding 5 % the Traveler is entitled to withdraw from Travel Agreement at no cost to him or to demand the participation in a travel of the equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler.
6. Services not made use of
If the Traveler does not make use of certain travel services for reasons of premature return the travel, illness or for other reasons, not in the responsibility of Velociped, no claim for proportionate refund [of the Travel Fee] can be made.
7. Rescission and Cancellation by Velociped
7.1 Velociped may terminate the Travel Agreement after commencement of travel if the Traveler materially disturbs the carrying-out of the Travel Agreement irrespective of an admonition or if the Traveler acts in contradiction to the Travel Agreement to an extent, justifying the immediate cancellation of the Travel Agreement. In case of termination Velociped remains entitled to the entire Travel Fee; however, Velociped has to accept a set off of any cost saved as well as any advantages obtained from making other use of travel services, including amounts credited to Velociped by service providers. In this case the local representatives of Velociped (travel agency, travel guide) are authorized to execute Velociped's rights.
7.2 Velociped may, if the publicized minimum number of participants is not attained, withdraw from the Travel Agreement in accordance with the following stipulations:
a) Velociped must notify the Traveler without undue delay once the condition requiring cancellation of the travel has arisen.
b) A withdrawal of Velociped may not be declared later than three weeks before begin of the travel.
c) In case of withdrawal the Traveler can demand the participation in another travel of at least equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. The Traveler has to make such claim to Velociped immediately after notification of the withdrawal.
d) Accomplished payments shall be refunded without undue delay. Further claims, including but not limited to refund of withdrawal costs for already booked flights, train tickets, temporary accommodation, do not exist. Velociped therefore recommends refraining from such bookings until it is certain the travel will be executed.
8. Rescission by Traveler, Rebooking
8.1 The Traveler may withdraw from the Travel Agreement at any time before the travel begins by written notification of withdrawal to Velociped. The time of receipt of the notification by Velociped is decisive.
8.2 In any case of withdrawal by the Traveler, Velociped, after taking into account expenses saved usually and usually feasible other use of travel services, is entitled to charge lump-sum rescission fees per person which amount to the following:
a) Up to the 29th day before the beginning of the journey: 10%, at least € 50,-
b) From the 28th to the 8th day before the beginning of the journey: 50% of the Travel Fee
c) From the 7th to the 1st day before beginning of the journey: 80% of the Travel Fee
d) On the arrival day and non-participation: 90% of the Travel Fee
8.3 The Traveler may prove to Velociped that no or significantly less costs than the lump-sums have occurred. In such case the Traveler is only obliged to pay the actual costs.
8.4 Velociped reserves the right to charge a higher rescission fee in individual cases, in which higher costs, to be specified and proved to the Traveler, have occurred.
9. Obligations of and Termination by the Traveler
9.1 The obligation to notify defaults as stipulated in § 651 lit. d) paragraph 2 BGB is specified in case of Velociped travels to the effect that the Traveler is obliged to immediately notify any default of the travel to the local travel guide or agency and to demand cure of the default.
9.2 If no local travel guide has been assigned and additionally Velociped is not obliged to do so (check travel description in this respect!), the Traveler shall, under the address, telephone number and facsimile number mentioned below, directly notify Velociped about the default and demand cure.
9.3 Travel guides of Velociped are not entitled or authorized to acknowledge in the name or on behalf of Velociped any complaints or claims for payment of the Traveler prior to, during or after the travel.
9.4 Claims of the Traveler only remain valid, if the failure to notify a default does not result from any responsibility of the Traveler.
9.5 The Traveler has to notify loss and damage of luggage, in particular but not limited to the loss of airline luggage, to the transport provider immediately. The transport provider is obliged to issue a written acknowledgement. Without notification the risk of loss of claim is given.
9.6 If the travel is considerably affected by a defective performance, the Traveler may terminate the Travel Agreement. The same is applicable, if the travel is unacceptable to the Traveler for reasons recognizable to Velociped. In any case the Travel Agreement becomes only terminable, if an adequate period of time, to be determined by the Traveler, has elapsed without Velociped or its representatives curing the defect. Determination of a time limit is not necessary, if the curing is impossible or if Velociped or its representatives refuse to cure the defect or if the immediate termination of the Travel Agreement is justified by a particular interest of the Traveler.
9.7 With respect to the Travel Agreement the Traveler's obligation, as stipulated in § 651 lit. g) section 1 BGB, to enforce claims against the travel agent within one month after the contractually agreed end of the travel, is specified as follows:
a) Irrespective of its legal basis any claim in connection with the Travel Agreement or with the performance of Velociped respectively has to be enforced by the Traveler exclusively against Velociped within one month after the contractually agreed date of return from the travel.
b) The timely enforcement can be made against Velociped only to the address mentioned below. An enforcement in writing is highly recommended.
c) The aforementioned clauses leave any legal stipulations regarding delays arising from no responsibility of the Traveler or regarding the suspension of the statutes of limitation unaffected.
10. Passport-, Visa- and Health regulations
10.1 The Traveler is informed by Velociped about passport-, visa- and health regulations applicable to the respective country of destination in the travel description and travel material. This information relates to German citizens, irrespective on any special circumstances given. Such personal circumstances (e.g. having two citizenships, being stateless, certain registrations in the passport or refugee's admission) can not be taken into consideration if not explicitly notified to Velociped by the Traveler.
10.2 Velociped shall inform the Traveler about any material amendments to these common regulations prior to begin of the travel.
10.3 To the extent Velociped complies with its obligation to inform the Traveler in accordance with the stipulations above, the Traveler is obliged himself to observe these regulations.
11. Liability
11.1 Velociped's liability to the Traveler for any damages (including liability for the infringement of secondary obligations arising prior, after or during the Travel Agreement) which are not body damage is limited to the triple Travel Fee, as far as:
a) a damage of the Traveler is caused neither by willful misconduct or gross negligence of Velociped or
b) Velociped's responsibility for a Clint's damage solely results from the default of a third party service provider.
11.2 Velociped is not liable for default of performance or damages in relation to performance of third parties only arranged by Velociped as intermediary at the travel destination (e.g. sport events, theatre, trips, exhibitions etc.) or expressly marked in the travel description as third party services.
11.3 If Velociped acts as contractual airfreight carrier, liability is regulated by the Act on Air Traffic in connection with the international treaties of Warsaw, The Hague, Guadalajara and Montreal. The Warsaw treaty as a rule limits the liability of an airfreight carrier for loss of life or body damages as well as for loss of or damage of luggage.
12. Period of Limitation, Exclusion of Assignement
12.1 Any claims of the Traveler against Velociped, irrespective of their legal basis - with the exemption of claims of the Traveler based on tort ? come under the statute of limitations one year after the contractually envisaged time of return travel. Are negotiations on claims or their factual basis pending between the Traveler and Velociped the statutes of limitation are suspended until the Traveler or Velociped refuse to continue the negotiations? The aforementioned statutes of limitation of one year come into force three months after the end of the suspension at the earliest.
13. Jurisdiction, Miscellaneous
13.1 The Traveler can sue Velociped only at its principal place of business.
13.2 The entire legal- and contractual relationship between the Traveler and Velociped shall exclusively be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany if the Traveler's place of residence or business is not Germany.
13.3 For Claims of Velociped against the Traveler the Traveler's place of residence is decisive, unless the claim is directed against a Merchant (as defined by HGB, German Commercial Code), legal entities of public or private law or persons having their place of residence or common whereabouts abroad or having an unknown place of residence or unknown common whereabouts at the time of bringing up the claim.
© These General Terms and Conditions are protected by copyright laws.
Attorney at Law Noll, Stuttgart, 2003, 2004.
Tour Operator:
Company: Velociped GmbH & Co. KG
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRA 3943
General Partner (Komplementärin): Velociped Verwaltungs-GmbH
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRB 4593
Executive Board: Claudia Möllers, Christian Rhode
Address: Alte Kasseler Straße 43, D-35039 Marburg
Telephone: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-0
Facsimile: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-11
E-Mail: info@velociped.de
Unofficial and non binding partial translation of Velociped's General Terms and Conditions
