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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
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Easy |
| Duration: | 6 Nights |
| Distance: | 29 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Saturdays: Apr 6- Oct 12, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €579 |
| Start city: | Constance, Germany |
| End city: | Constance, Germany |
On this tour, Rhinesoure to Lake Constance, you follow cycle paths from the source of the Rhine all the way to Lake Constance.
You start at the confluence of the Vorder-Rhine and the Hinter-Rhine in Bonaduz, following the Rhine until you reach Chur, the capital of the canton Graubünden.
Between majestic mountain summits the cycle track leads you along the Rhine to the health resort Bad Ragaz. You cycle on the shore through the Principality of Liechtenstein. Along the border of Austria and Switzerland you follow the Rhine to Höchst. The river was divided here and forms with the old and new riverparts the Rhine-Delta.
Crossing the Old Rhine, you continue to the the shore of Lake Constance and on to Konstanz.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
On this tour, Rhinesoure to Lake Constance, you follow cycle paths from the source of the Rhine all the way to Lake Constance.
You start at the confluence of the Vorder-Rhine and the Hinter-Rhine in Bonaduz, following the Rhine until you reach Chur, the capital of the canton Graubünden.
Between majestic mountain summits the cycle track leads you along the Rhine to the health resort Bad Ragaz. You cycle on the shore through the Principality of Liechtenstein. Along the border of Austria and Switzerland you follow the Rhine to Höchst. The river was divided here and forms with the old and new riverparts the Rhine-Delta.
Crossing the Old Rhine, you continue to the the shore of Lake Constance and on to Konstanz.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Day 1: Constance
Individual arrival to Constance. You receive your bike in the afternoon before 5 p.m.
Overnight in Constance.
Day 2 and 3: Bonaduz
During the day your luggage and bicycles will be transported upriver. You take a train (you have to organize this yourself, travel time about 3 hours) and arrive in your hotel in Bonaduz, where the Anterior and Posterior Rhine meet. From here you can explore the Posterior Rhine and the Via Mala Gorge (half day trip), the Anterior Rhine as a demanding half-day tour, or even cycle up to Oberalp Pass during a full-day trip (stamina required!).
Overnights in Bonaduz.
Day 4: Bonaduz - Sargans (29 miles/46 km)
You now cycle alongside the Rhine until you reach Chur, the capital of the Swiss Canton Graubünden. Beneath mighty mountains you continue along the bike trail in the valley to the spa town of Bad Ragaz, where water from the hot springs in the Tamina Gorge has been channelled since 1840. From here it is not far to Sargans, where you spend the night. Make sure to visit the castle in Sargans.
Overnight in Sargans.
Day 5: Sargans - Feldkirch (26 miles/42 km)
You continue alongside the Rhine, which also marks the border between Switzerland and the Princedom of Liechtenstein. In Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein, you have time to see the famous collection of stamps or the Landesmuseum. You cross into Austria and reach the medieval Montfort town of Feldkirch, where you spend the night.
Overnight in Feldkirch.
Day 6: Feldkirch - Rorschach/Arbon/Egnach (36-43 miles/58-70 km)
Today you bike along the Swiss-Austrian border to Höchst, still alongside the Rhine. The river was split here due to minimal flooding danger and now forms the Rhine Delta between its two arms. The Rhine Delta is a protected nature reserve and one of the most important nesting and resting places for birds in central Europe. You cross the Old Rhine and cycle along the shores of Lake Constance to Rorschach, Arbon or Egnach.
Overnight in Rorschach, Arbon or Egnach.
Day 7: Rorschach/Arbon/Egnach - Constance (16-25 miles/25-40 km) + individual departure
Today begins as you pass through Romanshorn, the town on Lake Constance with the biggest harbour, you reach Thurgau with beautiful old villages and orchards. From there, you finally arrive in the medieval Imperial City of Constance, where the Rhine passes the “Konstanzer Trichter”. You have plenty of time to visit Mainau, the so-called Flower Island, or stroll around Constance. Individual deparature.
As the final day includes a cycle ride, you should consider adding an extra night in Constance; thus allowing you time to explore this charming city, and making it easier to connect with onward travel plans.
Saturdays: Apr 6- Oct 12, 2013
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Extras
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Day 1: ABC Hotel, Constance
www.abc-hotel.de
ABC Hotel offers 29 spacious and comfortable rooms.
Day 2 and 3: Alte Post, Bonaduz
www.altepost-bonaduz.ch
Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Hotel Alte Post welcomes guests to its beautiful setting in Bonaduz.
Day 4: Hotel Post, Sargans
www.hotelpost-sargans.ch
Hotel Post is a charming hotel in Sargans.
Day 5: Hotel Alpen Rose, Feldkirch
www.hotel-alpenrose.net
Hotel Alpen Rose combines tradition with modern comforts.
Day 6: Seelust, Wiedehorn - Egnach
www.seelust.ch
Seelust is a charming hotel with an excellent restaurant.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Day 1: ABC Hotel, Constance
www.abc-hotel.de
ABC Hotel offers 29 spacious and comfortable rooms.
Day 2 and 3: Alte Post, Bonaduz
www.altepost-bonaduz.ch
Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Hotel Alte Post welcomes guests to its beautiful setting in Bonaduz.
Day 4: Hotel Post, Sargans
www.hotelpost-sargans.ch
Hotel Post is a charming hotel in Sargans.
Day 5: Hotel Alpen Rose, Feldkirch
www.hotel-alpenrose.net
Hotel Alpen Rose combines tradition with modern comforts.
Day 6: Seelust, Wiedehorn - Egnach
www.seelust.ch
Seelust is a charming hotel with an excellent restaurant.
The bikes available are 7-speed bikes with back-pedalling brake or 21/24-speed-bikes with free wheel in different frames and inches for € 50,- per bike. Frame sizes include ladies- and gents-bikes (with cross bar), as well as unisex-bikes.
The bikes are equipped with 1 pannier bag per bike, a pump and a tachometer. On request and for free a handle bar bag or a map-holder and a second pannier bag are available. Each bike is equipped with a small repair set, so you can repair flat tires if necessary. Moreover you will receive a bicycle lock (always for 2 bikes).
Special bikes available are 3 E-bikes upon request for an additional supplement.
The bikes available are 7-speed bikes with back-pedalling brake or 21/24-speed-bikes with free wheel in different frames and inches for € 50,- per bike. Frame sizes include ladies- and gents-bikes (with cross bar), as well as unisex-bikes.
The bikes are equipped with 1 pannier bag per bike, a pump and a tachometer. On request and for free a handle bar bag or a map-holder and a second pannier bag are available. Each bike is equipped with a small repair set, so you can repair flat tires if necessary. Moreover you will receive a bicycle lock (always for 2 bikes).
Special bikes available are 3 E-bikes upon request for an additional supplement.
This tour cycles on calm roads, dirt tracks that are well-prepared for cycling and cycle paths. The terrain is flat with occasional hills. Approximately 95% of the tour is on dedicated bicycle paths and 5% on quiet roads.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
This tour cycles on calm roads, dirt tracks that are well-prepared for cycling and cycle paths. The terrain is flat with occasional hills. Approximately 95% of the tour is on dedicated bicycle paths and 5% on quiet roads.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Basel, Switzerland; Stuttgart, Germany; Friedrichshafen, Germany; Altenrhein, Switzerland; Zurich, Switzerland; and Munich, Germany
Nearest train station: Constance, Germany
There is easy rail access to Constance from the airports.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Basel, Switzerland; Stuttgart, Germany; Friedrichshafen, Germany; Altenrhein, Switzerland; Zurich, Switzerland; and Munich, Germany
Nearest train station: Constance, Germany
There is easy rail access to Constance from the airports.
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.
Germany's fairytale castles, romantic villages and bustling cities are surrounded by a wealth of pristine natural landscapes. Only a unified nation since 1990, Germany now boasts Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation. Within its unified boundaries, Germany remains a nation of diversity. Northern Germany’s coastal terrain along the Baltic Sea includes Hamburg, a harbor city of canals and waterways. Southern Germany's Bavaria region, known as "the green roof of Germany," features snow-tipped Alps, the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic, picturesque city of Munich. Cruise the Rhine River through the western regions and visit Cologne's famous Gothic Cathedral built in 1248. Experience the arts, fashion and music in the capital, Berlin, and see the revitalized city of Dresden destroyed during World War II.
More on bicycling in Germany >
Germany's fairytale castles, romantic villages and bustling cities are surrounded by a wealth of pristine natural landscapes. Only a unified nation since 1990, Germany now boasts Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation. Within its unified boundaries, Germany remains a nation of diversity. Northern Germany’s coastal terrain along the Baltic Sea includes Hamburg, a harbor city of canals and waterways. Southern Germany's Bavaria region, known as "the green roof of Germany," features snow-tipped Alps, the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic, picturesque city of Munich. Cruise the Rhine River through the western regions and visit Cologne's famous Gothic Cathedral built in 1248. Experience the arts, fashion and music in the capital, Berlin, and see the revitalized city of Dresden destroyed during World War II.
More on bicycling in Germany >
Velotours Touristik GmbH operates bike tours in Germany and its neighbouring countries for 28 years. A qualified and appropriate partner, Velotours offers sporty and recreative, well organized bike tours. Their principal office is in Constance with subsidiaries in Wuerzburg and Koblenz, which arrange the luggage transport and provide the bikes to all tours.
Velotours strengths include individual service on our tours (organisation before and during the tour), well selected hotels, service-oriented staff, luggage transfer arranged from Velotours directly and the company's extensive experience.
Velotours Touristik GmbH operates bike tours in Germany and its neighbouring countries for 28 years. A qualified and appropriate partner, Velotours offers sporty and recreative, well organized bike tours. Their principal office is in Constance with subsidiaries in Wuerzburg and Koblenz, which arrange the luggage transport and provide the bikes to all tours.
Velotours strengths include individual service on our tours (organisation before and during the tour), well selected hotels, service-oriented staff, luggage transfer arranged from Velotours directly and the company's extensive experience.
1. Cancellation, Change of Services or Rates:
1.a. We can cancel group tours or tours that require a minimum number of participants up to 21 days before beginning of the tour, if the minimum number of participants as stated in this catalogue is not reached.
1.b. If the tour is affected by forces unpredictable at the time of the conclusion of the contract, both parties can cancel the contract. Legal consequences are regulated by law.
1.c. Changes and differences in specific services as listed in the contract that become necessary after the conclusion of the contract are permitted, as long as they are not unconscionable but are reasonable and do not change the overall characteristics of the tour.
1.d. We are required to inform you about a cancellation or major changes regarding tours or services as soon as possible.
1.e. If the beginning of the tour is more than 4 months after the closing of the contract, we may raise the arranged price according to the following terms and conditions. This applies only if the following components of the overall price change due to circumstances unpredictable by us at the time of contract closure or if new costs arise that are not justifiable for us. Foreign exchange rates for the respective tour, transportation costs and rates, administrative charges or other fees such as harbour or airport fees: the amount of the raise in case of a raise respective to seats on the means of transportation; in other cases the value of the additional costs divided by the number of seats on the means of transportation. If administrative charges or other fees like harbour or airport fees as are at the closing at the contract are raised, the tour price as stated in the contract can be raised by the same proportionate amount. If exchange rates change after contract closure, the tour price may be raised by the amount that the tour becomes more expensive for us. We are required to inform you of any changes as soon as possible and no later than 21 days before the beginning of the trip. Prices cannot be raised less than 21 days before the beginning of the trip.
1.f. You can cancel the contract in the case of a price raise of more than 5% of the originally stated tour price in the contract or in the case of a major change regarding a listed service. Alternatively, you have the right to participate in a tour of the same value, if we are able to offer such a tour without additional costs for you. You are required to inform us of this, preferably in writing, immediately after being told of any changes.
2. Cancellation and rebooking by the client:
2.a. You can cancel your booking at any point before the beginning of the trip. This can be done formlessly, although we recommend a written declaration of cancellation.
2.b. If you cancel before the beginning of the trip for reasons other than those discussed in 4.f., if you don’t come to the trip or break off the trip, you will be required to pay a cancellation fee, which is calculated per person and according to the following percentages. You are at liberty to prove that no or lesser damages were caused.
The cancellation fee:
- 28 days the starting date of the trip before the trip: 10% (but at least 52 € per person)
- 8 days or more before the trip, the cancellation fee is 50%.
- Less than 8 days before the trip the cancellation fee is 80%;
- If you cancel on the starting date, don’t come or break off the tour you have to pay the full (100%) price (no refund).
Special conditions apply for some tours.
2.c. There is no refund for travel services that you do not require or make use of (unless 4.b. or 4.f. apply). Please inform our central office in Constance immediately if you don’t plan to consume a particular service, can’t come to the tour or want to break off the tour.
2.d. Fees for rebooking or cancellation of flights that we help arrange are to be determined according to the airlines terms and conditions.
2.e. If we make changes regarding travel date, destination, starting point, accommodation or mode of transportation according to your wishes after closure of the contract, we can charge 52 € 28 days or more before beginning of the trip. You are at liberty to prove that no or lesser damages were caused. This does not affect your right to send a person that participates in the tour in your stead and takes over your commitments as stated by the contract.
3. Registration:
3.a. When you register you make a binding offer to close a travel contract with us according to the services and descriptions listed. The offer is binding for 10 days. You have to register in written form (includes online and fax) and we ask you to use our registration form. If we can only offer a tour differing from what you registered for, we will make you an offer that you can accept within 10 days (does not have to be in written form). In any case the contract is not closed until we confirm the booking.
3.b. You register yourself and any other persons you list upon registering. You are responsible for their duties according to the contract as well as your own if accept a separate, explicit commitment where this is stated.
4. Payment:
4.a. With the booking confirmation you receive a chattel paper by the company “REISEGARANT” GmbH, Jessenstraße 4, 22767 Hamburg, which confirms that you are insured against bankruptcy of the tour operator, as is regulated by law. Upon receiving the confirmation and chattel paper you are required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tour costs as stated by the contract (at least 52€ per person, at most 256€ per person).
4.b. The rest of the tour costs are to be paid 2 weeks before the start of the tour. You then receive the travel documents. If payments are not made or not made fully and if you do not pay by the deadline set in a written reminder, we can cancel the contract and demand a cancellation recompense according to point 5.b., unless there is a serious fault with the tour.
4.c. Cancellation and rebooking charges, as well as the entire costs of any flights arranged by us are to be paid upon receiving the invoice.
5. Services:
Our services are listed in the “Services” section of the tour descriptions and the general information in this catalogue, as well as in the respective section of the booking confirmation. Special arrangements (special wishes, deals), which change the services agreed upon in the contract require our written confirmation.
6. Insurance:
We recommend you arrange a travel cancellation insurance or travel insurance package for yourself. Such insurances are not included in the tour price as stated by the contract. Information regarding insurance can be found in our info leaflets, which we will send you on request. You have to effect insurance yourself.
7. Liability:
7.a. We are liable for the services agreed upon according to the respective laws, unless any points from 7.b. to 7.f. apply.
7.b. Our liability for non-bodily damages is limited to three times the cost of the tour, as long as damages were not caused through wilful misconduct or gross negligence by us, our legal representatives or vicarious agents. We are liable according to the law if we cause damages through culpable violation of contractual obligations; in this case we are obligated to pay no more than the cost of the tour as compensation. If damages exceed the cost of the tour, compensation is limited to three times the cost of the tour. Non-liability or limitation of liability clauses in the law according to international agreements that apply for any of our vicarious agents also apply for us, as long as our liability is based solely on damages caused by the vicarious agent.
7.c. For all claims directed to the tour operator as a result of unauthorised actions, which are not due to gross negligence or with intent and are not claims for bodily damage, the tour operator assumes liability for damages up to three times the cost of the tour. We recommend that you take out an insurance policy to guarantee your own protection.
7.d. If we provide a contractual air carrier, we are liable only according to the Aviation Act (Luftverkehrsgesetz), particularly according to the Agreements of Warsaw, Montreal and Guadalajara.
7.e. If we mediate external services (e.g. transfers, side trips), which are explicitly declared as external services so that it is clear to you that they are executed by external carriers, we are liable only for proper mediation of the service, providing sufficient information and organisational duties, not for the actual provision of services.
7.f. We are liable for damages to your luggage during transport only if they were culpably caused by our legal representatives, deputies or vicarious agents and we were informed immediately after discovery of the damages. We are not liable for damages such as breakage of straps, handles or wheels through wear or overloading on properly handled luggage. Damages to luggage that occur after delivery to the hotel are the responsibility of the hotel according to § 701 BGB. Regarding luggage on airplanes we refer you to the preclusive time periods listed in the respective international agreements.
8. Information concerning the contract and suggestions:
8.a. If the tour is not executed as laid down in the contract, you have a right to the following legal warranty claims: remedial action, price reduction, contract cancellation and compensation. This does not apply if you culpably fail to inform us of an occurring deficiency according to 8.c.
8.b. In case of a deficiency you can only cause remedial action yourself or cancel the trip if you allow for an appropriate period of time during which we can arrange remedial action. No such time period is necessary if remedial action is not possible, is rejected by us or immediate remedial action or cancellation is in your particular interest.
8.c. For a legal notice of defect according to 8.a. we ask you to initially contact our local representative (see travel documents). If the travel documents do not list a local representative, contact the local service carrier or, if reasonable, contact us directly. If it is not possible to submit a notice of defect during the trip, please contact us at the following address or by phone or fax immediately after your return.
velotours Touristik GmbH
Bücklestraße 13
78467 Konstanz
Germany
Phone: 07531 9828-0 Fax: 07531 9828-98
8.d. Warranty claims can only be put forward to velotours Touristik GmbH, Constance, within one month after the end of the trip. Claims put forward at a later date can only be considered if you were prevented from putting forward the claim through no fault of your own.
8.e. Any claims according to §§ 651c to 651f BGB become time-barred in one year. For claims according to § 651f BGB the legal statute of limitation is two years in the case of bodily damages or damages caused through wilful intent or gross negligence by us, our legal representatives or vicarious agents. The time period of the statute of limitation begins on the last day of the trip as stated in the contract. If the last day of the time period is an official holiday or a Sunday, the next workday is considered the day of the deadline.
9. Passports, visas, customs and health regulations:
You are responsible for compliance with all regulations concerning passports, visas, customs or health issues. You have to organize your travel documents (passport etc) yourself. Any problems or monetary damages (particularly cancellation costs, see 5.b.) that arise from non-compliance with above regulations are at your expense.
10. Invalidity:
The legal invalidity of one or more provisions of the contract shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining provisions. In such a case, the parties will replace the invalid provision by a valid one that comes as close as possible to the economic purpose of the invalid provision.
11. Choice of law, jurisdiction:
German law applies. Jurisdiction for traders, persons without a general inland jurisdiction as well as persons which have relocated there domicile or common residence abroad or whose domicile or common residence is unknown at the time of bringing suit, as well as for passive lawsuits is our domicile. This does not apply, if international agreements imperatively envisage something else. We are authorized to sue you at the place of jurisdiction applicable to you at our discretion.
12. Group tours and long-distance trips:
Special terms and conditions apply for some group tours and long-distance trips (cancellation, services etc.). These special terms and conditions have priority over the points listed here. Special conditions apply for the following trips:
Bike Resort Masurian Lakes (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
57 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs
56 – 33 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
32 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
14 – 8 days before beginning of tour: 60 % of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 80% of tour costs Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 90% of tour costs
Any visa- or handling fees caused by the cancellation are entirely at your expense.
Masurian Lake District by bike and boat (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
57 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs
56 – 33 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
32 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
14 – 8 days before beginning of tour: 60 % of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 80% of tour costs
Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 90% of tour costs
Any visa- or handling fees caused by the cancellation are entirely at your expense.
Bike and Boat Tulip Tour, Bike and Boat Tour Ijsselmeer, Holland Highlights, Castles and Towns of the Hanseatic League (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
56 days or more before beginning of tour: minimum of 35 € per person, no more than 25% of tour costs
55 – 29 days before beginning of tour: 25% of tour costs
28 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 75% of tour costs
Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 100% of tour costs
Kocher-Jagst Bike Trail (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
31 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
30 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
20 – 12 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
11 - 3 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
Less than three days before beginning of the tour, on the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 90% of tour costs
The Po Plain by Bike and Boat (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
90 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
89 – 60 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
59 – 30 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
29 – 7 days before beginning of tour: 85% of tour costs
6 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Through the Netherlands by bike and boat – South Route, Through the Netherlands by bike and boat – North Route, (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
85 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
84 – 43 days before beginning of tour: 30% of tour costs
42 – 29 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
28 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Rally Tour Magdeburg (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
30 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs, or at least 50 € per person
29 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 30% of tour costs
20 – 7 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
6 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Drenthe (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
42 days or more before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
41 – 28 days before beginning of tour: 35% of tour costs
27 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
20 – 14 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
13 – 5 days before beginning of tour: 75% of tour costs
4 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
13. Please note:
Cycling is a form of travelling that requires a little more active participation than a typical all-inclusive trip. Any healthy person can manage our tours, however only you or your physician can determine whether your health is good enough for such a tour. You need to be able to ride a bicycle in traffic, on non-paved trails and in wet conditions. You are responsible for complying with road traffic regulations and for damages you cause to yourself or others.
14. Miscellaneous:
All information and data was valid on the day this catalogue was printed. Services and rates are subject to change; errors, misprints and calculation errors may be corrected upon discovery.
1. Cancellation, Change of Services or Rates:
1.a. We can cancel group tours or tours that require a minimum number of participants up to 21 days before beginning of the tour, if the minimum number of participants as stated in this catalogue is not reached.
1.b. If the tour is affected by forces unpredictable at the time of the conclusion of the contract, both parties can cancel the contract. Legal consequences are regulated by law.
1.c. Changes and differences in specific services as listed in the contract that become necessary after the conclusion of the contract are permitted, as long as they are not unconscionable but are reasonable and do not change the overall characteristics of the tour.
1.d. We are required to inform you about a cancellation or major changes regarding tours or services as soon as possible.
1.e. If the beginning of the tour is more than 4 months after the closing of the contract, we may raise the arranged price according to the following terms and conditions. This applies only if the following components of the overall price change due to circumstances unpredictable by us at the time of contract closure or if new costs arise that are not justifiable for us. Foreign exchange rates for the respective tour, transportation costs and rates, administrative charges or other fees such as harbour or airport fees: the amount of the raise in case of a raise respective to seats on the means of transportation; in other cases the value of the additional costs divided by the number of seats on the means of transportation. If administrative charges or other fees like harbour or airport fees as are at the closing at the contract are raised, the tour price as stated in the contract can be raised by the same proportionate amount. If exchange rates change after contract closure, the tour price may be raised by the amount that the tour becomes more expensive for us. We are required to inform you of any changes as soon as possible and no later than 21 days before the beginning of the trip. Prices cannot be raised less than 21 days before the beginning of the trip.
1.f. You can cancel the contract in the case of a price raise of more than 5% of the originally stated tour price in the contract or in the case of a major change regarding a listed service. Alternatively, you have the right to participate in a tour of the same value, if we are able to offer such a tour without additional costs for you. You are required to inform us of this, preferably in writing, immediately after being told of any changes.
2. Cancellation and rebooking by the client:
2.a. You can cancel your booking at any point before the beginning of the trip. This can be done formlessly, although we recommend a written declaration of cancellation.
2.b. If you cancel before the beginning of the trip for reasons other than those discussed in 4.f., if you don’t come to the trip or break off the trip, you will be required to pay a cancellation fee, which is calculated per person and according to the following percentages. You are at liberty to prove that no or lesser damages were caused.
The cancellation fee:
- 28 days the starting date of the trip before the trip: 10% (but at least 52 € per person)
- 8 days or more before the trip, the cancellation fee is 50%.
- Less than 8 days before the trip the cancellation fee is 80%;
- If you cancel on the starting date, don’t come or break off the tour you have to pay the full (100%) price (no refund).
Special conditions apply for some tours.
2.c. There is no refund for travel services that you do not require or make use of (unless 4.b. or 4.f. apply). Please inform our central office in Constance immediately if you don’t plan to consume a particular service, can’t come to the tour or want to break off the tour.
2.d. Fees for rebooking or cancellation of flights that we help arrange are to be determined according to the airlines terms and conditions.
2.e. If we make changes regarding travel date, destination, starting point, accommodation or mode of transportation according to your wishes after closure of the contract, we can charge 52 € 28 days or more before beginning of the trip. You are at liberty to prove that no or lesser damages were caused. This does not affect your right to send a person that participates in the tour in your stead and takes over your commitments as stated by the contract.
3. Registration:
3.a. When you register you make a binding offer to close a travel contract with us according to the services and descriptions listed. The offer is binding for 10 days. You have to register in written form (includes online and fax) and we ask you to use our registration form. If we can only offer a tour differing from what you registered for, we will make you an offer that you can accept within 10 days (does not have to be in written form). In any case the contract is not closed until we confirm the booking.
3.b. You register yourself and any other persons you list upon registering. You are responsible for their duties according to the contract as well as your own if accept a separate, explicit commitment where this is stated.
4. Payment:
4.a. With the booking confirmation you receive a chattel paper by the company “REISEGARANT” GmbH, Jessenstraße 4, 22767 Hamburg, which confirms that you are insured against bankruptcy of the tour operator, as is regulated by law. Upon receiving the confirmation and chattel paper you are required to pay a deposit of 10% of the tour costs as stated by the contract (at least 52€ per person, at most 256€ per person).
4.b. The rest of the tour costs are to be paid 2 weeks before the start of the tour. You then receive the travel documents. If payments are not made or not made fully and if you do not pay by the deadline set in a written reminder, we can cancel the contract and demand a cancellation recompense according to point 5.b., unless there is a serious fault with the tour.
4.c. Cancellation and rebooking charges, as well as the entire costs of any flights arranged by us are to be paid upon receiving the invoice.
5. Services:
Our services are listed in the “Services” section of the tour descriptions and the general information in this catalogue, as well as in the respective section of the booking confirmation. Special arrangements (special wishes, deals), which change the services agreed upon in the contract require our written confirmation.
6. Insurance:
We recommend you arrange a travel cancellation insurance or travel insurance package for yourself. Such insurances are not included in the tour price as stated by the contract. Information regarding insurance can be found in our info leaflets, which we will send you on request. You have to effect insurance yourself.
7. Liability:
7.a. We are liable for the services agreed upon according to the respective laws, unless any points from 7.b. to 7.f. apply.
7.b. Our liability for non-bodily damages is limited to three times the cost of the tour, as long as damages were not caused through wilful misconduct or gross negligence by us, our legal representatives or vicarious agents. We are liable according to the law if we cause damages through culpable violation of contractual obligations; in this case we are obligated to pay no more than the cost of the tour as compensation. If damages exceed the cost of the tour, compensation is limited to three times the cost of the tour. Non-liability or limitation of liability clauses in the law according to international agreements that apply for any of our vicarious agents also apply for us, as long as our liability is based solely on damages caused by the vicarious agent.
7.c. For all claims directed to the tour operator as a result of unauthorised actions, which are not due to gross negligence or with intent and are not claims for bodily damage, the tour operator assumes liability for damages up to three times the cost of the tour. We recommend that you take out an insurance policy to guarantee your own protection.
7.d. If we provide a contractual air carrier, we are liable only according to the Aviation Act (Luftverkehrsgesetz), particularly according to the Agreements of Warsaw, Montreal and Guadalajara.
7.e. If we mediate external services (e.g. transfers, side trips), which are explicitly declared as external services so that it is clear to you that they are executed by external carriers, we are liable only for proper mediation of the service, providing sufficient information and organisational duties, not for the actual provision of services.
7.f. We are liable for damages to your luggage during transport only if they were culpably caused by our legal representatives, deputies or vicarious agents and we were informed immediately after discovery of the damages. We are not liable for damages such as breakage of straps, handles or wheels through wear or overloading on properly handled luggage. Damages to luggage that occur after delivery to the hotel are the responsibility of the hotel according to § 701 BGB. Regarding luggage on airplanes we refer you to the preclusive time periods listed in the respective international agreements.
8. Information concerning the contract and suggestions:
8.a. If the tour is not executed as laid down in the contract, you have a right to the following legal warranty claims: remedial action, price reduction, contract cancellation and compensation. This does not apply if you culpably fail to inform us of an occurring deficiency according to 8.c.
8.b. In case of a deficiency you can only cause remedial action yourself or cancel the trip if you allow for an appropriate period of time during which we can arrange remedial action. No such time period is necessary if remedial action is not possible, is rejected by us or immediate remedial action or cancellation is in your particular interest.
8.c. For a legal notice of defect according to 8.a. we ask you to initially contact our local representative (see travel documents). If the travel documents do not list a local representative, contact the local service carrier or, if reasonable, contact us directly. If it is not possible to submit a notice of defect during the trip, please contact us at the following address or by phone or fax immediately after your return.
velotours Touristik GmbH
Bücklestraße 13
78467 Konstanz
Germany
Phone: 07531 9828-0 Fax: 07531 9828-98
8.d. Warranty claims can only be put forward to velotours Touristik GmbH, Constance, within one month after the end of the trip. Claims put forward at a later date can only be considered if you were prevented from putting forward the claim through no fault of your own.
8.e. Any claims according to §§ 651c to 651f BGB become time-barred in one year. For claims according to § 651f BGB the legal statute of limitation is two years in the case of bodily damages or damages caused through wilful intent or gross negligence by us, our legal representatives or vicarious agents. The time period of the statute of limitation begins on the last day of the trip as stated in the contract. If the last day of the time period is an official holiday or a Sunday, the next workday is considered the day of the deadline.
9. Passports, visas, customs and health regulations:
You are responsible for compliance with all regulations concerning passports, visas, customs or health issues. You have to organize your travel documents (passport etc) yourself. Any problems or monetary damages (particularly cancellation costs, see 5.b.) that arise from non-compliance with above regulations are at your expense.
10. Invalidity:
The legal invalidity of one or more provisions of the contract shall in no way affect the validity of the remaining provisions. In such a case, the parties will replace the invalid provision by a valid one that comes as close as possible to the economic purpose of the invalid provision.
11. Choice of law, jurisdiction:
German law applies. Jurisdiction for traders, persons without a general inland jurisdiction as well as persons which have relocated there domicile or common residence abroad or whose domicile or common residence is unknown at the time of bringing suit, as well as for passive lawsuits is our domicile. This does not apply, if international agreements imperatively envisage something else. We are authorized to sue you at the place of jurisdiction applicable to you at our discretion.
12. Group tours and long-distance trips:
Special terms and conditions apply for some group tours and long-distance trips (cancellation, services etc.). These special terms and conditions have priority over the points listed here. Special conditions apply for the following trips:
Bike Resort Masurian Lakes (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
57 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs
56 – 33 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
32 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
14 – 8 days before beginning of tour: 60 % of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 80% of tour costs Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 90% of tour costs
Any visa- or handling fees caused by the cancellation are entirely at your expense.
Masurian Lake District by bike and boat (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
57 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs
56 – 33 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
32 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
14 – 8 days before beginning of tour: 60 % of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 80% of tour costs
Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 90% of tour costs
Any visa- or handling fees caused by the cancellation are entirely at your expense.
Bike and Boat Tulip Tour, Bike and Boat Tour Ijsselmeer, Holland Highlights, Castles and Towns of the Hanseatic League (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
56 days or more before beginning of tour: minimum of 35 € per person, no more than 25% of tour costs
55 – 29 days before beginning of tour: 25% of tour costs
28 – 15 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
7 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 75% of tour costs
Not appearing on beginning date of tour: 100% of tour costs
Kocher-Jagst Bike Trail (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
31 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
30 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
20 – 12 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
11 - 3 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
Less than three days before beginning of the tour, on the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 90% of tour costs
The Po Plain by Bike and Boat (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
90 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
89 – 60 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
59 – 30 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
29 – 7 days before beginning of tour: 85% of tour costs
6 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Through the Netherlands by bike and boat – South Route, Through the Netherlands by bike and boat – North Route, (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
85 days or more before beginning of tour: 10% of tour costs
84 – 43 days before beginning of tour: 30% of tour costs
42 – 29 days before beginning of tour: 60% of tour costs
28 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Rally Tour Magdeburg (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
30 days or more before beginning of tour: 15% of tour costs, or at least 50 € per person
29 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 30% of tour costs
20 – 7 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
6 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
Drenthe (special cancellation conditions) Cancellation fees:
42 days or more before beginning of tour: 20% of tour costs
41 – 28 days before beginning of tour: 35% of tour costs
27 – 21 days before beginning of tour: 40% of tour costs
20 – 14 days before beginning of tour: 50% of tour costs
13 – 5 days before beginning of tour: 75% of tour costs
4 – 1 days before beginning of tour: 90% of tour costs
O the starting date or in case of not appearing to the tour: 100% of tour costs
13. Please note:
Cycling is a form of travelling that requires a little more active participation than a typical all-inclusive trip. Any healthy person can manage our tours, however only you or your physician can determine whether your health is good enough for such a tour. You need to be able to ride a bicycle in traffic, on non-paved trails and in wet conditions. You are responsible for complying with road traffic regulations and for damages you cause to yourself or others.
14. Miscellaneous:
All information and data was valid on the day this catalogue was printed. Services and rates are subject to change; errors, misprints and calculation errors may be corrected upon discovery.
