Frequently asked questions

A: Yes, between accommodations. See here

 

A: Yes. The tour includes:

 

Per group/reservation - Pre-paid mobile phone, toolkit, first aid kit, puncture repair kit, pump, and spare inner tube, GPS device loaded with the trails and route notes with detailed information

 

A: We provide maps, a GPS device loaded with the trails and route notes with detailed information

 

A: We have standard touring bicycles that are included in the package price, and e-bikes for a surcharge and subject to availability. Both types exist with low frame and are subject to availability. Go to Bicycles and other equipment for detailed information on the bicycles.

 

A: We will send you an email confirming availability for the reservation and a link for payment. To guarantee your reservation, you need to deposit 30% of the total amount. Once a tour is under deposit, the tour is guaranteed unless force majeur conditions have been noted. The balance of your tour is due 45 days prior to the check-in date. Once we received your deposit, we will send you a confirmation proforma invoice. Tour documents will be sent to the tour leader as soons as you pay the balance.

 

Payments are in Euros, by wire transfer, Visa or Mastercard. Please note that all Bank fees/charges have to be paid by the payer

 

All cancellations must be made in writing in all cases:

 

- 31 days pre-arrival: an administrative fee of 50 Euros per person

- 30 to 8 days pre-arrival: 50% of total

- 7 days or less pre-arrival or no show: 100% of total

 

There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including reasons related to weather, terrorism, strike, civil strife, personal, family or medical emergencies or any other circumstances beyond our control. Authentic Trails encourages all travellers to purchase travel insurance including trip cancelation, interruption, delay, and baggage to protect their financial investment. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance including trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage and personal effects loss travel more reassured.

 

A: From Porto airport, we will transfer you to the starting point of the tour. In some tours this can be a private a service, in others a shared transfer. See more detailed information in each bike tour description

 

A: The average distance is 40 to 50 km per day, however, the difficulty is directly measured according to the type of surface, slopes and elevation gain.

See Difficulty levels and the level attributed to each tour.

 

A: Not all the tours are suitable for children due to their difficulty or type of surface.

For those who want to travel with children under 12 years old, we suggest the Atlantic Coast or Porto to Coimbra.

Camino de Santiago is not suitable for children at all as it is technically very challenging.

 

We have available equipment for children from 9 months onwards.

 

A: Yes, each tour starts on a specific day. The starting day is written on the day-by-day tab for each tour.

In order to offer a competitive price for individuals, we group individual reservations on the same day of the week. There is a per person surcharge when an individual reservation (2 or 3 persons) wishes to start on a different day of the week or to have a private transfer in the usual starting day.

 

A: We provide equipment for fixing minor mechanical issues, such as punctures and this has to be done by the clients. Nevertheless, for those who do not wish or are unable to do so, we can call for assistance. As this service is not included in the tour, the mechanic will have to be paid directly by the rider.

For major problems with the equipment, we will determine how best to proceed in each case.

 

A: A half-board option is not available. Each tour has the option of a Special Wine & Dine package with 2 gourmet or traditional dinners with wines included. See more detailed information at the optionals tab of each tour.
 

A: Yes, on request. This has to be sent by email and might affect the price.

 

A: Yes. Our bike tours are designed for those with little or no biking experience. You do not need to be an avid cyclist, but a basic level of fitness is always a must. Our difficulty levels go from Easy to Challenging. Start with Easy and see what your body can handle. 
 

A: Yes. The minimum is 2 and the maximum 10, subject to availability.

For a solo traveller or a group of 11 or more people, please email us.

 

A: Yes. Authentic Trails provides helmets, but you can also bring your own. It is your responsability to use it or not, but we strongly advise to do. 

 

A: The weather from December to February is too uncertain to permit us to offer quality bike tours. Therefore, our bike tours are available from March to November. We strongly advise not to do the Douro Valley bike tour from July to August, because of the extreme summer heat during these months. Also, we do not recommend the Camino de Santiago trail during August for the same reason and because it might also be extremely crowded.

 

A: The tour continues. In the event the clients want to be transferred ahead instead of cycling the stage for that day, Authentic Trails can arrange the service but the client will have to pay our partner directly at the time.

 

A: The price of the tour includes a basic travel insurance as required by Portuguese law, with Victoria SA and Allianz SA. 

Still, Authentic Trails encourages all travelers to purchase travel insurance including trip cancelation, interruption, delay, and baggage to protect their financial investment. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance including trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage and personal effects loss travel more assuredly.

There is no insurance for bicycles. When a cycling tour is booked, bicycle and helmet are included as a rental part of the service. The client is held responsible, financially and morally, for the equipment provided him during its use. If some type of excessive damage is observed in the bicycle, the client will have to pay for part replacements or for repairs in accordance with the degree of damage is evaluated by Authentic Trails.

 

A: A bike tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the country