Rich history, diverse landscapes

South Japan's Kyushu Island

Tour Description: Guided

A visit to south Japan’s Kyushu Island is a pure indulgence for the senses, so come prepared to experience a rich history that dates back centuries and to soak up after a day of cycling in zenlike onsen spas; visit beautiful forests, mountains and sea coasts as well as futuristic architecture and transportation; sample delicious regional cuisine and meet warmhearted and candid Kyushuites.

Let the idiosyncrasies of Japan reveal themselves as our trip takes us from the city of Kumamoto to sultry Kagoshima. We'll cycle along coastal roads where we will pass tiny harbors and fantastic rock formations, terraced rice paddies and palm trees as well as ancient temples and shrines. After seeing the incredible blue green waters you might want to stop at a beach for a dip.

We discover where those old Christians have been hiding on Amakusa island. In Izumi we flush down the hearty farmer’s meal with shochu, southern Kyushu’s typical sweet potato brew. Further south looms Mt Sakurajima volcano; at its foot lies Kagoshima, only separated from the ash spewing giant by narrow Kinko Bay.

Magnificent views on Mt Sakurajima colour our last days, interrupted by one last soak in the unique Furusato temple onsen and a scenic climb up to Ebino Highlands. We have timed the tours to try and catch the cherry blossoms in the spring and the colourful leaves in the fall.

We live in Asia and have thoroughly researched the routes to assure that you see the best scenery and ride the best terrain, be it on road or dirt. We have carefully chosen accommodation that is the best available for the location and offer a good mix, from home stays to luxurious lodges, on our tours. And, we love Asian cuisine, well-known for for its use of fresh ingredients, and will make sure you get to sample lots of it.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

A visit to south Japan’s Kyushu Island is a pure indulgence for the senses, so come prepared to experience a rich history that dates back centuries and to soak up after a day of cycling in zenlike onsen spas; visit beautiful forests, mountains and sea coasts as well as futuristic architecture and transportation; sample delicious regional cuisine and meet warmhearted and candid Kyushuites.

Let the idiosyncrasies of Japan reveal themselves as our trip takes us from the city of Kumamoto to sultry Kagoshima. We'll cycle along coastal roads where we will pass tiny harbors and fantastic rock formations, terraced rice paddies and palm trees as well as ancient temples and shrines. After seeing the incredible blue green waters you might want to stop at a beach for a dip.

We discover where those old Christians have been hiding on Amakusa island. In Izumi we flush down the hearty farmer’s meal with shochu, southern Kyushu’s typical sweet potato brew. Further south looms Mt Sakurajima volcano; at its foot lies Kagoshima, only separated from the ash spewing giant by narrow Kinko Bay.

Magnificent views on Mt Sakurajima colour our last days, interrupted by one last soak in the unique Furusato temple onsen and a scenic climb up to Ebino Highlands. We have timed the tours to try and catch the cherry blossoms in the spring and the colourful leaves in the fall.

We live in Asia and have thoroughly researched the routes to assure that you see the best scenery and ride the best terrain, be it on road or dirt. We have carefully chosen accommodation that is the best available for the location and offer a good mix, from home stays to luxurious lodges, on our tours. And, we love Asian cuisine, well-known for for its use of fresh ingredients, and will make sure you get to sample lots of it.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Kyushu Ilsand
• Japanese spas
• Kumamoto
• Kagoshima
• Amakusa Ilsand
• Izumi
• Mt. Sakurajima
• Ebino Highlands

Highlights: Self-guided

• Kyushu Ilsand
• Japanese spas
• Kumamoto
• Kagoshima
• Amakusa Ilsand
• Izumi
• Mt. Sakurajima
• Ebino Highlands

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1 -  Arrival
Arrive Kumamoto/Aso airport from Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul, or Kumamoto train station from Tokyo and Osaka and transfer to the city of Kumamoto. If you arrive early enough, we suggest visiting Kumamoto castle, which dates back to 1467, and is considered one of Japan's top 3 castles (三名城 Sanmeijō), together with Osaka and Nagoya or Suizenji garden and visit the replica of Mount Fuji. We meet for dinner and overnight at a traditional Japanese inn where the owner is a dye artist. You have the option of making your own souvenir tenugui towel. Dinner provided.
Overnight in Nakashimaya Hostel in Kumamoto. 

Day 2: Kumamoto - Hondo (56 miles/90 km)
Today we enjoy the tranquility of Japan's small islands. We ride to Amakusa, the former hideaway of persecuted Christians. In the early 17th century, when the then rulers began their crackdown on Christianity many Christian converts were thrown into the boiling Unzen Hell, forcing them to escape to Amakusa. Our own private highway across the spine of Kami-Amakusa takes us above the tiny shiny cars down below on the coastal highway along Ariake Sea. We take a bicycle bridge into the island capital Hondo in time for a hearty curry and a good night sleep in an authentic minshuku (Japanese bed and breakfast). Shione Inn. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided today.)
Overnight in Hondo. 

Day 3:  Hondo - Kawaura (53 miles/86 km)
We cycle around the circumference of Amakusa island. We take our time to spot some bottlenose dolphins, pearl farms and a visit to Oue's fine church. Believe it or not, the best is yet to come: from Tomioka to Kawaura we ride on the Sunset Line scenic road. You'll find yourself wanting to slow down even more to take in the marvellous sights, but we try to make it to our overnight at Amuri Onsen before dusk. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Overnight at Amuri Onsen in Kawaura. 

Day 4: Kawaura - Izumi (45 miles/73 km)
We start the ride catching a ferry enjoying the morning sun on deck as Amakusa shrinks and Nagashima grows bigger. This is rural Japan and is sweet potato territory. To kill those boring island evenings, the islanders have developed a unique art of making giant statues out of straw, cans or styrofoam. We cross the Kuranoseto Bridge and our wheels are back on Kyushu mainland soil. A stretch of coastal road leads us to Izumi, home of Siberian cranes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Overnight farm stay in Izumi. 

Day 5: Izumi – Kagoshima (42-70 miles/69-113 km)
You take the high road and I take the low road, we'll be in Kagoshima together. Hills or ocean, the choice is yours. You can tell we're nearing Kagoshima by great billows of smoke rising above the hills, then we see its source, volcanic Sakurajima Isle just beyond the city. It no longer fazes the Kagoshimans who take this for everyday fact of life, shrug and say 'it's usually not this bad'. Called 'Naples of Orient', Kagoshima naturally has sister-city relation with its Italian namesake. We take a break to visit Iso Garden, where we can imagine the Shimazu lords and their guests sitting by the crooked creek, composing haiku before the next cup of sake came floating by. On town we can explore Amami-no-sato which offers gorgeous silks and Honbo Shochu Brewery which serves up a potent local potato brew. For satsuma-ware pottery we go shopping in Yamakataya department store. A butashiru soup fills us up again before we are tucked in at Remm Hotel. Breakfast/lunch/dinner provided.
Overnight in Kagoshima. 

Day 6: Kagoshima – Mt Sakurajima (7-29 miles/12-47 km)
Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan with major eruptions in 1914 and 1947. It still spews ash and often has a steam cloud near the top. Sakurajima used to be an island but lava flows of the 1914 eruption plugged the channel with lava, joining Sakurajima to the mainland of Kyushu. For us coming from Kagoshima, we need to take the ferry. The ferry line is one of the most efficient you'll ever see - the ride is only 14 minutes, but the restaurants on board can serve you a bowl of udon and you can eat it in that time.

We bike up to Yunohira Observatory and, wisely, the top 2/3 is off limits to tourists to try and keep the body count down when this volcano explodes again. From the observatory, you can see what else was done to keep the body count down - there is a massive scale engineering project to direct future lava flows away from the center of civilization and out into the ocean. We save the real highlight of Sakurajima for the end. Furusato Onsen is a combination of shrine and ocean front onsen. The hotel provides heavy duty yukata robes and everyone is clothed while bathing. A large tree holds massive rocks in its roots and you can bathe completely underneath the bizarre canopy. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
Overnight at Furusato Onsen at Mt Sakurajima. 

Day 7: Mt Sakurajima – Kirishima (25-69 miles/40-111 km)
Backed by towering Sakurajima we cycle north along Kinko Bay. For those kilometer addicted there is a last detour across the Ebino Kogen Highlands. The others watch the Shimoendake volcano spectacle from a safe distance and at sea level. We visit Kirishima-jingu, a Shinto shrine known for its red highlights which seem to permeate the place. Breakfast, lunch, dinner provided.
Overnight at Kirishima Onsen in Kirishima. 

Day 8: Kirishima - Kagoshima airport
After a last morning soak and provided breakfast it is time for goodbyes, not in the least to our saddles. Some travel on and go to the train station or the airport, while others may decide to stay a day longer to hike up Ebino Kogen Highlands. Sayonara! 

**You can also extend your visit to Kyushu with the tour company's 7-day Kyushu's Hot Springs and Volcanoes tour.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Apr 6; Nov 16, 2013.

Note: This tour is only available for adults over 18. 

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy $2900 Bike Rentals Hybrid touring bike $165

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• 7 nights accommodations in Japanese hostels and/or hotels
• Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as stated on itinerary
• Air-conditioned support vehicle
• Local English-speaking guide
• Water, energy-restoring local fruit and drinks during rides

Extra expenses: We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$30 a day for incidentals. Tipping is not customary in Japan. Guides have received and accepted tips on a voluntary basis.

The currency in Japan is the yen (¥) and is pronounced as ‘en’, with no ‘y’ sound. Though ATMs are everywhere in Japan, it is not always easy to use them as most only work with Japan-issued bank cards and credit cards. The exception is Japan’s post office ATMs, which accept cards that belong to the following international networks: Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus American Express and Diners Club cards. In addition to postal ATMs, you will find a few international ATMs in big cities and at the major airports. International cards also work in Citibank Japan ATMs.

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

Accommodations on this tour include hotels and Japanese-style hostels.

A single room may be available locally on payment of a supplement but, as some of the Japanese-style hostels are quite small, this cannot be guaranteed.  

Hotels: Self-guided

Accommodations on this tour include hotels and Japanese-style hostels.

A single room may be available locally on payment of a supplement but, as some of the Japanese-style hostels are quite small, this cannot be guaranteed.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes locally for the price listed in the price and packaging section.

The bikes are well-known makes of hybrid bicycles with lightweight alloy frames, light gears, v-brakes and Shimano components. You're free to bring own pedals, (rail type) seat and handlebar extensions. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order.

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory on this biking adventures and if you choose not to wear one you will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Your guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you are able to hire bikes locally for the price listed in the price and packaging section.

The bikes are well-known makes of hybrid bicycles with lightweight alloy frames, light gears, v-brakes and Shimano components. You're free to bring own pedals, (rail type) seat and handlebar extensions. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is in good mechanical order.

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory on this biking adventures and if you choose not to wear one you will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Your guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The cycling around Kyushu is moderately challenging with a few climbs. We ride 230 miles/370 km in six cycling days on quiet roads with amazing views. There is the possibility for 93 miles/150 km extra, but averagely fit cyclists will have no problems.

This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. This trip is not too arduous, and so riders with less experience are more than welcome, although the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.

This trip is 99% along tarmac roads in good condition and there is no technical riding. The trip is fully supported; an air-conditioned bus follows us for the entire journey, so exhausted riders can skip the tougher sections if they wish.

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The cycling around Kyushu is moderately challenging with a few climbs. We ride 230 miles/370 km in six cycling days on quiet roads with amazing views. There is the possibility for 93 miles/150 km extra, but averagely fit cyclists will have no problems.

This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. This trip is not too arduous, and so riders with less experience are more than welcome, although the fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.

This trip is 99% along tarmac roads in good condition and there is no technical riding. The trip is fully supported; an air-conditioned bus follows us for the entire journey, so exhausted riders can skip the tougher sections if they wish.

This tour is rated moderate and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start

• Nearest airport: Tokyo 
• Nearest train station: Kumamoto (train available from Tokyo to Kumamoto)

Tour end

• Nearest airport: Kagoshima
• Nearest train station: Kagoshima

This tour begins in Kumamoto and ends in Kagoshima, Japan. Both cities are accessible by plane and train from Tokyo. International and domestic flights to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start

• Nearest airport: Tokyo 
• Nearest train station: Kumamoto (train available from Tokyo to Kumamoto)

Tour end

• Nearest airport: Kagoshima
• Nearest train station: Kagoshima

This tour begins in Kumamoto and ends in Kagoshima, Japan. Both cities are accessible by plane and train from Tokyo. International and domestic flights to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. 

Weather: Guided

Japan has a diverse climate. There are four seasons: from April to June is spring. The rainy season is from middle of June to the middle of July. July through end of September can be hot and humid temperatures in the big cities can go as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit/35 degrees Celsius.

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: Self-guided

Japan has a diverse climate. There are four seasons: from April to June is spring. The rainy season is from middle of June to the middle of July. July through end of September can be hot and humid temperatures in the big cities can go as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit/35 degrees Celsius.

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.

Tour Company Background: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Guided

SpiceRoads endeavors to offer high-quality, educational, and adventure-filled itineraries that highlight and focus on the diversity of landscapes found in Asia and its people. As a specialized "niche" bicycle tour operator since 2000, we provide the most authentic, unique and exciting adventures in Asia.

The SpiceRoads family began back in the mid 1990s, when Hamish Keith was creating, operating and leading ground breaking cycle tours throughout Thailand and in emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar for well known companies such as Exodus Travels and World Expeditions and his own company the Wild Planet.

In 2000 Hamish decided to concentrate on what he loved doing the most and he established SpiceRoads as a specialist cycle tour operator in the region he knew best - Southeast Asia. The “niche” was to promote bicycle group tours directly to clients all around the world via the internet. Hamish set the standard for all subsequent SpiceRoads tours by offering a high quality tour - from customer service, to bicycles, to well researched routes to the guides we use – at a good value.

In 2002, when Hamish left to pursue other opportunities in the travel industry, Struan Robertson came on board, and with his skills in management, IT and of course cycling, the company has grown to encompass other Asian countries. During the years of growth what hasn't changed is the spirit of SpiceRoads, which is to offer professional, international standard cycle tours and services to independent travellers and cycle enthusiast looking to discover Asia by bicycle.

Our well-planned eye-opening cycling tours provide an active immersion into local cultures, languages, scenery and, of course, the most delicious of foods. By combining legendary service and rare opportunities for cultural experiences, our travel philosophy continues to excite, enthuse, and positively impact every guest. Take a look at our guestbook if you don't believe us!

SpiceRoads' staff and all of our professionally licensed multi-lingual tour guides are passionate about creating the best possible experiences, with fun, creativity, and total dedication to satisfaction.

We're always peddling towards making your tour perfect so you can See Asia by Bicycle!

Tour Company Background: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Self-guided

SpiceRoads endeavors to offer high-quality, educational, and adventure-filled itineraries that highlight and focus on the diversity of landscapes found in Asia and its people. As a specialized "niche" bicycle tour operator since 2000, we provide the most authentic, unique and exciting adventures in Asia.

The SpiceRoads family began back in the mid 1990s, when Hamish Keith was creating, operating and leading ground breaking cycle tours throughout Thailand and in emerging destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar for well known companies such as Exodus Travels and World Expeditions and his own company the Wild Planet.

In 2000 Hamish decided to concentrate on what he loved doing the most and he established SpiceRoads as a specialist cycle tour operator in the region he knew best - Southeast Asia. The “niche” was to promote bicycle group tours directly to clients all around the world via the internet. Hamish set the standard for all subsequent SpiceRoads tours by offering a high quality tour - from customer service, to bicycles, to well researched routes to the guides we use – at a good value.

In 2002, when Hamish left to pursue other opportunities in the travel industry, Struan Robertson came on board, and with his skills in management, IT and of course cycling, the company has grown to encompass other Asian countries. During the years of growth what hasn't changed is the spirit of SpiceRoads, which is to offer professional, international standard cycle tours and services to independent travellers and cycle enthusiast looking to discover Asia by bicycle.

Our well-planned eye-opening cycling tours provide an active immersion into local cultures, languages, scenery and, of course, the most delicious of foods. By combining legendary service and rare opportunities for cultural experiences, our travel philosophy continues to excite, enthuse, and positively impact every guest. Take a look at our guestbook if you don't believe us!

SpiceRoads' staff and all of our professionally licensed multi-lingual tour guides are passionate about creating the best possible experiences, with fun, creativity, and total dedication to satisfaction.

We're always peddling towards making your tour perfect so you can See Asia by Bicycle!

Terms and Conditions: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Guided

Spice Roads Cancellation Policy

(Involuntary) On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions.

(Voluntary) If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the following formula:

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

 **Administration fees include bank fees and exchange rate losses.

Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. Please note:

• There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
• Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
• Spice Roads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as needed.
• Spice Roads is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets.
• Guests who fail to provide signed "Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks" and personal information forms prior to trip departure will not be allowed to join the trip and the cancellation policy applies.

We strongly advise that clients have full personal travel insurance that covers for the refund of monies paid in case either party cancels the tour for any reason.

We regret that we cannot be held responsible for incidental/consequential costs or expenses you may incur as a result of any changes or cancellations. No compensation is payable for minor changes.

Any damages/injuries incurred that are attributable to your own actions, acts of some other party unconnected with the contract services or where the damage/injury results from events/circumstances which our outside our control and could not be reasonably foreseen.

For damages where SpiceRoads is responsible, our liability is strictly limited to twice the total price of the tour. In booking a tour with SpiceRoads you, the client, are agreeing to these terms and you accept this limit on our liability. This limit allows us to keep the prices of our tours as low as possible.

Documentation

You must be in possession of a valid passport and all the visas and permits required for your tour. This includes any medical certificates that are required. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining any and all such documentation. Every client is encouraged to contact the consulate/embassy for the countries they are traveling in respectively to receive the latest and most current information about their immigration / transit policies.

SpiceRoads does not accept responsibility if your documentation is not in order. Information provided by the company about these matters and other related items (clothing, baggage, climate etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

Travel Insurance

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident.

This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour.

If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their own insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

In case of an accident, please consult with your tour leader or contact our reservation staff at +66(0) 89 895 5680 (24 hour hot line).

Tour Authority

Upon signing up for a tour you must agree to accept the authority of the tour leader who is the representative of the company. The tour leader should be regarded as the same as a “ship’s captain” or an airline’s “Pilot.”

At all times the authority of your tour leader will be final when concerning matters likely to endanger your own health or safety or in regard to behavior or ill health that is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or disturbance to the group and the well-being of the tour. Failure to abide by the authority of the tour leader could result in legal proceedings and the immediate termination of your participation in the tour without recourse.

In such circumstances we reserve the right to terminate all travel arrangements without liability on the part of the company. You must always comply with the local law, customs and drug regulations of the country/ies you are visiting. Failure to do so may lead to you being ordered to leave the tour without recourse to any refund or any legal claim against the company. In the case of ill health the company and its operators can make those arrangements that it sees fit and recover all monies paid from the client. The person who signs the booking form (which incorporates these conditions) warrants that he/she does so, with full authority on behalf of all those whose names appear thereon, and confirms thereby that all such persons accept and are fully aware of these conditions.

No refund will be given for non-utilized services, however if we are able to obtain a refund ourselves for these services we will endeavor to pass these on to the client less reasonable administration charges.

Surcharges

SpiceRoads pledges never to increase the tour price except under exceptional circumstances for those that have previously book the tour. Circumstances of this policy include: government action or legislation that directs the company to increase prices, exceptional and unfavorable changes in exchange rates that exceed a 20% fluctuation or currency devaluation.

Clients will be notified of any price increase at least 4 weeks before departure.

Flights or delays

We will not accept any liability for any delay in your outward or inward flight/s, whether the cancellation or delay is caused by the weather, airline rescheduling, industrial action or mechanical failure. We will give no refunds or compensation for lost time and services from the itinerary.

Complaints

Should you have a complaint while on tour, you must notify your guide, or the local operator, at the earliest opportunity, so that they can do what they can to immediately rectify it. Failure to do so will result in the limiting of a client's ability to claim compensation. If the problem is not brought to our attention we have no opportunity to rectify it. Any complaints should be sent to us in writing, or by email, not more than 28 days after the tour ends.

Complaints related to booking, inquires, billing, sales or operations should be directed to the Sales and Marketing Manager and/or the General Manager.

Anything Else

If there is anything else you need to know or want to hear in order to put your mind at rest, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Limited Liability

SpiceRoads is not liable for any bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

SpiceRoads is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end point.

SpiceRoads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant SpiceRoads express permission to take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom SpiceRoads may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration.

To view our liability release form click here. You will be asked to sign this form before you start your tour.

Terms and Conditions: SpiceRoads Cycle Tours: Self-guided

Spice Roads Cancellation Policy

(Involuntary) On the rare occasions when we, SpiceRoads, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions.

(Voluntary) If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the following formula:

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

 **Administration fees include bank fees and exchange rate losses.

Exceptions to this policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. Please note:

• There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
• Single supplements are considered part of the trip price and are subject to cancellation fees.
• Spice Roads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as needed.
• Spice Roads is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets.
• Guests who fail to provide signed "Release of Liability and Assumption of All Risks" and personal information forms prior to trip departure will not be allowed to join the trip and the cancellation policy applies.

We strongly advise that clients have full personal travel insurance that covers for the refund of monies paid in case either party cancels the tour for any reason.

We regret that we cannot be held responsible for incidental/consequential costs or expenses you may incur as a result of any changes or cancellations. No compensation is payable for minor changes.

Any damages/injuries incurred that are attributable to your own actions, acts of some other party unconnected with the contract services or where the damage/injury results from events/circumstances which our outside our control and could not be reasonably foreseen.

For damages where SpiceRoads is responsible, our liability is strictly limited to twice the total price of the tour. In booking a tour with SpiceRoads you, the client, are agreeing to these terms and you accept this limit on our liability. This limit allows us to keep the prices of our tours as low as possible.

Documentation

You must be in possession of a valid passport and all the visas and permits required for your tour. This includes any medical certificates that are required. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining any and all such documentation. Every client is encouraged to contact the consulate/embassy for the countries they are traveling in respectively to receive the latest and most current information about their immigration / transit policies.

SpiceRoads does not accept responsibility if your documentation is not in order. Information provided by the company about these matters and other related items (clothing, baggage, climate etc.) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.

Travel Insurance

For all tours (except short Thailand tours 4 days or less, see below):

SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident.

This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour.

If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their own insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

In case of an accident, please consult with your tour leader or contact our reservation staff at +66(0) 89 895 5680 (24 hour hot line).

Tour Authority

Upon signing up for a tour you must agree to accept the authority of the tour leader who is the representative of the company. The tour leader should be regarded as the same as a “ship’s captain” or an airline’s “Pilot.”

At all times the authority of your tour leader will be final when concerning matters likely to endanger your own health or safety or in regard to behavior or ill health that is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or disturbance to the group and the well-being of the tour. Failure to abide by the authority of the tour leader could result in legal proceedings and the immediate termination of your participation in the tour without recourse.

In such circumstances we reserve the right to terminate all travel arrangements without liability on the part of the company. You must always comply with the local law, customs and drug regulations of the country/ies you are visiting. Failure to do so may lead to you being ordered to leave the tour without recourse to any refund or any legal claim against the company. In the case of ill health the company and its operators can make those arrangements that it sees fit and recover all monies paid from the client. The person who signs the booking form (which incorporates these conditions) warrants that he/she does so, with full authority on behalf of all those whose names appear thereon, and confirms thereby that all such persons accept and are fully aware of these conditions.

No refund will be given for non-utilized services, however if we are able to obtain a refund ourselves for these services we will endeavor to pass these on to the client less reasonable administration charges.

Surcharges

SpiceRoads pledges never to increase the tour price except under exceptional circumstances for those that have previously book the tour. Circumstances of this policy include: government action or legislation that directs the company to increase prices, exceptional and unfavorable changes in exchange rates that exceed a 20% fluctuation or currency devaluation.

Clients will be notified of any price increase at least 4 weeks before departure.

Flights or delays

We will not accept any liability for any delay in your outward or inward flight/s, whether the cancellation or delay is caused by the weather, airline rescheduling, industrial action or mechanical failure. We will give no refunds or compensation for lost time and services from the itinerary.

Complaints

Should you have a complaint while on tour, you must notify your guide, or the local operator, at the earliest opportunity, so that they can do what they can to immediately rectify it. Failure to do so will result in the limiting of a client's ability to claim compensation. If the problem is not brought to our attention we have no opportunity to rectify it. Any complaints should be sent to us in writing, or by email, not more than 28 days after the tour ends.

Complaints related to booking, inquires, billing, sales or operations should be directed to the Sales and Marketing Manager and/or the General Manager.

Anything Else

If there is anything else you need to know or want to hear in order to put your mind at rest, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Limited Liability

SpiceRoads is not liable for any bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to): physical exertion for which a guest is not prepared; forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, boat or other conveyance, or by bicycle, horseback, foot or other form of active or adventure travel; consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

SpiceRoads is also not liable for: expenses (e.g., meals, transportation or hotel costs) that are not specified as included in the trip cost but may be required to get to or from a trip start or end point.

SpiceRoads reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. Guests grant SpiceRoads express permission to take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approve such use by third parties with whom SpiceRoads may engage in joint marketing, without financial remuneration.

To view our liability release form click here. You will be asked to sign this form before you start your tour.