Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

How to Book Your Journey

Our Online Reservation Form
  • To secure your spot on a terranova biketours cycling adventure, you must either complete our secure online reservation form, which you can find on each tour page via the Book This Trip link or send us an email  with your booking-details to info@terranova-touristik.de.

    Before submitting your reservation, you must agree to our terms and conditions. Should you need any help or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

    Please note that all reservations are subject to availability. If your requested dates are not available, you are under no obligation to proceed with the booking.

    It is essential to review all the relevant details before submitting your reservation request, including ensuring that all questions are answered, your preferred dates and tour options are confirmed, and that you have carefully reviewed our terms and conditions. By submitting your reservation, you are making a formal booking request, which serves as a legally binding document. Please be aware that any changes after confirmation may incur a change fee.

    Our form is designed to accommodate all of the tours we offer, including guided and self-guided cycling tours, bike-and-boat tours, and more. Not every field will be applicable to all tours, so please review the specific details for your chosen tour, including accommodation levels, tour lengths, inclusions, and exclusions.

    To ensure accurate and timely processing of your reservation, please follow these steps:

  • If you're booking a Bike and Boat tour that offers different cabin options or deck levels, please specify your preference. (If no deck level is chosen, the standard option will be booked.)
  • For Hotel-to-Hotel tours, please indicate your preferred accommodation category if different levels are available.
  • Select whether you’re booking a guided or self-guided tour, if applicable.
  • Indicate your preferred tour length in the comments section of the form if multiple lengths are offered.
  • Double-check that all required fields are filled out correctly before submitting. Dates should be entered in dd/mm/yyyy format.
  • For most of our bike tours, the prices include regular bike rental. If your tour requires a different type of bike, or if you would like to reserve an E-bike, please specify this in the form.
  • We offer multiple payment options.
  • Use the comments section to provide any additional details or special requests you may have.

After you submit your reservation, you will receive an immediate email confirmation confirming receipt of your request. If you do not receive this email, it means your form was not submitted successfully—please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.

IMPORTANT: For group bookings, please ensure that each couple or individual requiring separate billing submits their own reservation form.

Confirmation Process
  • "Once we have received your reservation, we will begin processing it."

  • "The confirmation may take between 1 and 7 business days."

  • "Throughout this process, we will keep you informed of any updates or issues."

  • "You are also welcome to contact us for the status of your reservation."

  • "Please refrain from booking any flights until you have received an official confirmation from us."

Payment

You can choose from the following payment options for the travel price:

  • Bank transfer to one of the accounts listed in your travel confirmation (Your bank charges at your expense, our bank charges at our expense)
    Frankfurter Sparkasse IBAN: DE07 5005 0201 0200 4888 30 (BIC: HELADEF1822)
  • Payment via payment service provider (Stripe) by credit card or bank transfer (plus transaction fee 2% of the invoice amount)
  • Payment by credit card with your card details sent directly to us by phone or email (no extra fees)

Upon receipt of our travel confirmation and our security certificate a deposit per person of 20% of the travel price is due. The balance is due no later than 28 days before departure. After receiving the full travel price, terranova will send the complete travel documents approx. 2 weeks prior to departure.

For group bookings, a separate reservation form must be submitted for each couple or individual who requires separate billing.

Prior to your journey

Preparing for your bike tour
  • We aim to offer a range of tours that cater to all levels of cyclists, but assessing the difficulty of a tour is one of the most challenging tasks we face. Numerous factors can affect the experience on a bike tour. For example, cycling 10 miles in the rain with a headwind can turn an otherwise easy ride into a tough day you'd rather forget. Be sure to check the difficulty rating of the tours that catch your interest. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask us! We're happy to provide more details on aspects like elevation and other important factors.

    Regardless of the difficulty rating, it's crucial to get saddle-ready. Nothing will take away from your cycling enjoyment more than discomfort from a sore bottom! You may be in great aerobic shape, but if you don’t spend enough time on the saddle beforehand, you may regret it.

    A helpful guideline to follow is the "Plus 10 x 2" rule.

  • Plus 10: If the longest day of your tour is 25 km, aim to comfortably ride 35 km. On self-guided tours, unforeseen circumstances like getting lost can add extra kilometers, so it's wise to be ready for the unexpected.
  • X 2: This means you should be able to ride that distance at least twice within one week. Many of our 8-day tours include 5 days of cycling, and you’ll get even more out of your trip if you add in a few shorter rides in the weeks leading up to your tour.

 

As the difficulty level of the tour increases, so should your training and preparation. For those booking a challenging tour, we assume you're a regular cyclist who is familiar with the need for training. Tackling hills requires specific hill training, and covering longer distances means spending more time in the saddle.

Travel documents

Approx. two weeks before your trip begins, we will send you all the necessary travel documents and detailed trip information via email. If you would prefer to receive this information sooner, we'll do our best to accommodate your request, though we can't always guarantee this, particularly during peak travel seasons. For many of our tours, additional details, including route descriptions, maps, and tourist information, will be provided upon your arrival.

 

 

Travel Documents and Passports

The visa and passport requirements of countries to which we travel vary according to the nationality of each traveller and may change at any time for reasons beyond our control. It is the responsibility of each traveller to verify that he or she has the appropriate travel documents for his or her nationality. terranova is not liable for any expenses or costs arising from any traveller being prohibited from entering a country scheduled to be visited on a trip.

Packing List

terranova Biketours Packing List


On the Bike

  • Cycling jerseys or athletic shirts
  • Cycling shorts
  • Cycling shoes (if you bring your own pedals)
  • Sneakers (if you don’t bring your own pedals)
  • Cycling sunglasses
  • Athletic socks
  • Arm/leg warmers
  • Lightweight, waterproof, wind-resistant jacket or vest
  • Bike gloves
  • Bike saddle/cover (if you prefer your own)

Off the Bike

  • Walking shoes
  • Hiking shoes (if required)
  • Long + short-sleeved shirts
  • Sweater/jacket for evenings
  • Dinner attire (dressy casual) + dress shoes
  • Swimsuit

Travel Items

  • Travel confirmations + tickets for air, rail, etc.
  • Passport, including photocopy
  • Local currency
  • terranova Biketours Travel Guide (with meeting + departing information)
  • Emergency contacts
  • Health insurance information
  • Medications
  • Cycling gear (+ pedals) if riding on Day 1

Note: We recommend keeping these items in your carry-on while traveling.


Additional Items

  • Cell phone + charger
  • Photography gear + charger
  • Power/plug adapter
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen, hat, + other sun protection gear
  • Insect repellent

What We Provide

  • Bike Saddle
  • GPS-Datas (Selfguided tours)
  • Flat pedals
  • Helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks/Fruits/Water (Guided tours)
  • Panier Bag

Do I Need to Bring Special Cycling Gear?

  • Cycling shorts are designed to provide extra padding when spending the whole day in the saddle. You’ll be glad to have them—don’t forget the chamois cream!
  • If you bring your own cycling shoes, you must bring your own pedals. If you’ve never used clip-in pedals before, we don’t recommend using them on tour.
  • Arm and leg warmers are essential for cooler weather. Wear them with your short-sleeve jersey and shorts for lightweight, easy-to-pack, and effective warmth.
  • Bike gloves are a preference, but are recommended for Level 3 and 4 tours. The padding in gloves can ease arm, shoulder, and joint fatigue.

Dressing for the Weather

  • The location and time of year of your tour can bring all kinds of weather, from extreme heat to relentless rain. Check extended forecasts before your trip and pack accordingly.

Before You Go

  • Ensure your passport is valid for 3-6 months after your return date.
  • Call your bank/credit cards to notify them of upcoming travel.
  • Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on.

Printable Packing Lists

Preparing for our Journey, Race, or Challenge tours? Download a Challenge packing list.
Download Printable Packing List

Insurance

Before travelling on a trip, we strongly recommend you review your personal insurance and health insurance to ensure you have coverage appropriate to meet your needs, and the needs of your family and dependants, in case of any loss of property or illness, injury or death.

During your trip

Accommodations

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our focus on quality. When selecting our accommodations, we favor small, family-run hotels and romantic estates that reflect the charm and history of the region. Additionally, we offer luxurious cruise experiences in collaboration with renowned partners like PONANT and SEA CLOUD, who are known for their exceptional hospitality and services.

Luggage transfer

Luggage transport is included for all guided and self-guided tours with terranova. Your luggage will be transferred in the morning and will typically arrive at your next destination in the early afternoon. For some hotel-to-hotel tours, there may be a luggage and/or weight limit. Please refer to the travel details you’ll receive from us.

During the day, it's recommended to carry a small backpack for items such as snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket, pocket change, passport, camera, etc. These can easily fit into our pannier or handlebar bag and be accessed when you stop at points of interest. Although our panniers are waterproof, we advise placing your electronics in a strong, sealed plastic bag to protect them in case of unexpected weather.

Meals and Dietary Requirements

We will do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have, ensuring you enjoy every meal. Don’t forget to specify your dietary needs during booking to avoid any inconvenience.

Rain - What to do now?

Most people simply put on their rain gear, hop on their bikes, and ride, understanding that the weather is beyond control! If you're on a guided Biketour and the weather makes cycling unfeasible, the guide will organize an alternative activity, such as an extended visit to a nearby town or a cultural excursion. Alternatively, you can stay aboard if you booked a bike % Boat tour and sail to the next destination. Depending on the country and the type of tour, you may also have the option to take a train to the next stop.

Personalized Support
  • Whether you're on a guided or self-guided tour, our team is always available to offer assistance and provide support along the way. Our expert guides are there to ensure that everything goes smoothly, and for self-guided tours, you'll have access to a support network in case you need help.

Stay Connected

While WiFi may not always be as fast as you’re used to, we ensure you have access to it when possible. If you're in need of reliable internet, we recommend bringing your own portable WiFi device.

Support Vehicle

On all our guided tours, you will be accompanied by a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter. This vehicle is always available for transfers, ensuring flexibility during your trip.

 

What should I do if I encounter any issues during my trip?

While rare, issues can arise! If you experience any problems, a quick phone call should resolve the situation. You will be given our emergency contact numbers for this purpose. We will ensure you're back on track as quickly as possible. For guided tours, your guide will assist with any issues, such as fixing a flat tire or addressing any bicycle problems. On self-guided bike tours, you will be given an emergency repair kit to handle a flat tire. It’s expected that you can take care of this on your own. Reaching out to our hotline is the fastest and most effective way to address any issue. 

 

 

 

General Information

Activity levels

At terranova biketours, we believe that an unforgettable cycling experience is all about combining comfort, exploration, and personalized adventure. Our tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels, ensuring you have the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, tailored to your personal preferences.

We understand that every traveler is unique, and that’s why our tours are designed to be as flexible as possible, with options that allow you to explore at your own pace. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or prefer a more leisurely ride, we have the perfect solution for you.


Fitness Levels and Bike Options:

  • Very Easy (Level 1)

    • Who this is for:
      These tours are ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and leisurely pace. If you enjoy gentle cycling on flat terrain, with plenty of stops to explore local culture and scenery, this is the perfect option. Even if you haven’t cycled in a while, this level will feel comfortable and rewarding.
    • Fitness Level:
      Minimal effort is required, and you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without feeling rushed. These tours are perfect for those seeking a gentle form of physical activity that doesn’t overexert, while still being fulfilling and rewarding.
    • Bike Options:
      For this level, we recommend our comfortable hybrid bikes or the option to add E-bikes for extra ease. The E-bike allows you to enjoy the journey with less physical strain, perfect for those who want a relaxed pace without missing any of the adventure.

 

  • Easy (Level 2)

    • Who this is for:
      These tours are ideal for those who prefer a relaxed and leisurely pace. If you enjoy gentle cycling on mostly flat terrain, with plenty of stops to explore local culture and scenery, this is the perfect option. Even if you haven’t cycled in a while, this level will feel comfortable and rewarding.
    • Fitness Level:
      Minimal effort is required, and you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without feeling rushed. These tours are perfect for those seeking a gentle form of physical activity that doesn’t overexert, while still being fulfilling and rewarding.
    • Bike Options:
      For this level, we recommend our comfortable hybrid bikes or the option to add E-bikes for extra ease. The E-bike allows you to enjoy the journey with less physical strain, perfect for those who want a relaxed pace without missing any of the adventure.
       
  • Moderate (Level 3)

    • Who this is for:
      These tours are perfect for those who want a balanced cycling experience, combining moderate exercise with the opportunity to explore. You’ll be cycling on a variety of terrain, including some gentle hills and picturesque routes, with a few more challenging stretches.
    • Fitness Level:
      You don’t need to be a professional cyclist to enjoy these tours. A moderate level of fitness is ideal, and the cycling pace allows plenty of time to explore local attractions and scenic views.
    • Bike Options:
      We suggest using our hybrid bikes for a more active experience. However, if you prefer a little assistance, our E-bikes are available, making the more challenging parts of the journey easier to navigate without sacrificing the experience.
       
  • Challenging (Level 4)

    • Who this is for:
      For those who are looking for a more active cycling experience, this level includes more physically demanding routes. Expect some longer days in the saddle, with more hills and varied terrain. These tours are ideal for those who enjoy cycling as a form of fitness and want to challenge themselves while discovering new places.
    • Fitness Level:
      You should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy this level. These tours will provide a good workout, but will still be comfortable enough for experienced cyclists who want to enjoy the journey at their own pace.
    • Bike Options:
      We recommend our high-performance hybrid bikes for this level, but again, E-bikes are an excellent option if you want to keep the experience enjoyable without overexerting yourself. The E-bike will offer support on the more strenuous stretches, allowing you to push yourself as much or as little as you like.



The Perfect Bike for Your Journey

Regardless of your fitness level, we offer a personalized approach to ensure you have the right bike for your journey. Our bikes are designed to maximize comfort and performance, allowing you to enjoy your adventure without any worries about equipment or fatigue.

Hybrid Bikes

Our hybrid bikes are a versatile option for a wide range of cycling abilities. Whether you’re cruising along flat routes or tackling a few hills, they offer the perfect blend of comfort and performance.

E-Bikes

For added comfort and ease, you can opt for our E-bikes. These bikes are perfect for those who prefer a bit of assistance while cycling, making challenging routes and longer distances easier to manage. The E-bike ensures you get all the benefits of cycling without the strain, allowing you to fully enjoy your surroundings.


Your Ideal Experience Awaits

No matter which fitness level you choose, terranova biketours ensures that you will experience luxury, culture, and adventure in perfect harmony. Our team will provide all the guidance and support you need to make your journey enjoyable, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your needs.

Cancellation Policy & Changes policy

Please review our Cancellation & Changes Policy by clicking here. Please note that this policy becomes effective once we have received your official confirmation. We strive to inform you as soon as we receive the confirmation, but due to varying time zones, there may be a slight delay. It is essential that you do not submit a reservation unless you fully agree to the terms and conditions!

Groupsize

At terranova biketours, we believe that smaller group sizes enhance the travel experience. Our group tours are designed to be intimate and personalized, ensuring that each guest can enjoy a high level of comfort and individual attention.

With an average group size of only 10 guests and a maximum of 18, we provide a more relaxed and exclusive atmosphere compared to larger group tours. This smaller size allows our guests to enjoy more personalized service, flexible itineraries, and the opportunity to connect more deeply with the culture and landscapes they’re exploring. Whether you're cycling through charming villages, visiting cultural landmarks, or simply enjoying scenic views, you'll never feel lost in the crowd.

The small group setting is also ideal for maintaining a comfortable pace, allowing everyone to ride at their own speed without feeling rushed. Our expert guides are able to offer more individualized support, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy their journey, whether they are on a guided or self-guided tour.

At terranova biketours, we understand that our customers value exclusivity and comfort. With our thoughtfully curated group sizes, we aim to create a seamless, enriching experience that combines sport, relaxation, and cultural discovery in a way that larger tours simply cannot match​.

Helmets

We believe the real question here should be, "Should I wear my own well-fitted helmet?" The answer is yes. Your own helmet is the best choice for many reasons. It fits (we hope), it’s clean (you hope), and you’re accustomed to it. If packing it feels overwhelming, we suggest wearing it. Once you board, you can tuck it away in the overhead compartment. We’ll figure it out, and so will you!

That said, many times you can borrow or rent a helmet. Check what’s included with your tour and review the pricing section under 'Options'. If available, please make sure to request it when booking!

Our Equipment

terranova touring bike

Custom-designed in partnership with Campus-Bikes, the terranova hybrid touringbike tends to be our most popular choice. Built specifically for the terranova traveller, the bike performs like a hybrid bike, but offers the comfort and stability of a touring bike —it features 28-inch Ryde wheels, aluminum frame in different heights, Shimano 21-27 speed gears. The adjustable stem allows the handlebars to be raised and lowered for the perfect fit, and the ergonomic grip keeps hands comfortable over a long day of riding.

  • Who is this bike for?
    This bike is a great option for recreational to intermediate riders with average cycling and fitness levels. The more upright position and comfort - handlebars are geared toward the traveller who loves to cycle but also wants to see the sights! (Connect with our stuff on recommendations per region.)

  • Available in: 
    Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium.

  • Can I bring my bike on terranova bike tours? 
    On all selfguided and on many guided bike tours you can bring your own Bike. If you bring your own Bike on a biketour, please send us the bike-model you ride when booking. Please note that we cannot assume any liability for your bike in case of transport damage and that we do not carry all spare parts.

 

terranova E-bike

Our E-bikes are regular pedal bikes that provide electric assistance whenever you want it. On terranova trips you ride premium pedelecs of the German brands Velo de Ville / Kalkhoff and Kreidler. All E-bikes provided by terranova have Bosch mid-mounted motors. The E-bikes are lightweight (for an e-bike). Its clever design makes it extremely comfortable to ride.

  • Available in: 
    You have the possibility to rent an E-bike on all European destinations. Due to the high demand, we recommend a reservation already when booking the trip.
     
  • Can I bring my own E-bike on terranova bike tours?
    On all selfguided and on many guided bike tours you can bring your own Bike. If you bring your own Bike on a biketour, please send us the bike-model you ride when booking. Please note that we cannot assume any liability for your bike in case of transport damage and that we do not carry all spare parts.
     
  • Who is this bike for?
    This is a bike that both novice and professional cyclists can enjoy. Generally, it's a great option for a recreational to intermediate rider with average cycling and fitness levels, or someone who may be more interested in seeing the sights than squeezing in a workout. The more relaxed positioning and helpful Bosh E-system make for a comfortable and versatile ride, while its sporty tires and lightweight frame make it a great option for any traveller at any skill level.

     

 

Pricing

All prices are quoted per person based on double room occupancy. Single bookings typically come with an additional charge. Airfare is not included in any of our tours. Our prices are displayed in Euros. If you need an estimate in another currency, feel free to reach out. Please note that we can only accept payments in Euros or US dollars.

Private tours

Create Your Own Group and Travel with Friends or Family!

Travel with friends – Enjoy the terranova experience together
When you create your own group, you can choose your preferred travel dates, which are not limited to our published group dates. With over 40 years of experience, we offer a wide range of tours, and we can organize exclusive tours even beyond our current program for small groups of friends and family. From the moment you first contact us until the end of your journey, you’ll have a personal consultant at terranova to assist with planning every detail of your trip. We help coordinate the travel arrangements for your entire group, assist with flight bookings if needed, and can customize your journey with additional services like concerts, extensions, and more. We take care of the planning so that you can enjoy the perfect trip for your group on your preferred dates.


How You Can Benefit from Our Attractive Group Offers

  • Service Benefit: Your personal terranova consultant
  • Centralized travel coordination for the entire group
  • Travel dates tailored to your preferences
  • Customizable trip length & duration based on your wishes
  • Non-binding option for up to two weeks, so you have time to discuss with your fellow travelers.

Additional Destinations for Your Group

Our selection of beautiful cycling & cultural tours is larger than what we present in our regular catalogs. If you have specific destinations in mind, we can craft a special itinerary tailored to your group. Just let us know your preferences, and we will work on a customized travel proposal for you. Here are a few examples of journeys we do not currently offer with fixed departures but can organize for your special group on your desired dates:

Currently, there are no additional trips in this category.


Your terranova Group Trip – Tailored to Your Needs

To create a suitable offer for your group, we need a few details. Please provide us with your preferences in the fields below, and we’ll get to work on your personalized journey – as far as your plans allow at this stage.


terranova biketours 
Martin-May-Str. 7, 60594 Frankfurt, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)69 - 69 30 54
WhatsApp: +49 (0)171 8492841


All Our Tours Available as Private Trips

Did you know that all our tours can be booked as private tours? Whether you want to travel as a small group or prefer the exclusivity of a private experience, we are happy to tailor every aspect of your journey to your group’s needs. Simply reach out to us for more details and to begin planning your ideal trip.


Sustainable

terranova is a pioneer of cycling tourism with over 40 years of company history and extensive tourism experience. As a medium-sized bike tour operator, terranova is committed to the principles of a sustainable economy as the basis of its existence.

All trips we organize ourselves are neutral for the climate. We cooperate with the non-profit foundation Wilderness-international based in Germany and Canada. The costs for the compensation in the destination are already included in the travel price for all our original trips. terranova has had the nature consumption = CO₂ footprint of all self-organized trips calculated for this. It is terranova's practice to compensate the CO₂ flight emissions through contributions. When booking a flight through terranova, the CO₂ compensation costs are included in the ticket price. We cooperate with wilderness-international.org in this regard.

 

About our partner Wilderness-international

  • Three sisters, one mission: It all started with the enthusiasm for forests with huge trees... Back then, 26 people from six countries, 24 different professions and aged between 18 and 69 were united by their love for impressive, wild nature and the desire to preserve it for future generations. So they founded the environmental protection organization Wilderness International in Germany and Canada in 2008. In 2019, we added the Peruvian organization. Today, Wilderness International consists of three sister foundations with one great goal: to protect the last unique wilderness areas forever.
     
  • Local: Each of them was co-founded by local people, and locals are actively involved. There are always local projects, such as the forest guardians in Peru or tree planting events in Germany.
     
  • International: But above all, the three organizations work together on an international level for wilderness protection, environmental education and reserach. In addition, we always register all three foundations on every land title - to strengthen the security of protection.
     
  • Mission: The Wilderness International team dedicates its daily work to the legally secure purchase of ecologically valuable and acutely threatened wilderness areas around the world in order to protect them in perpetuity.
     
  • Visison: We still have the opportunity to save the last wilderness areas on earth. This knowledge and the enthusiasm for fantastic nature drive us to make our mission a reality, step by step

 

Since our guests travel from many different regions and choose different means of transport, we cannot include the carbon footprint of the journey arrival- and departureflights automaticly 

It is terranova's practice to compensate the CO₂ flight emissions through contributions. When booking a flight through terranova, the CO₂ compensation costs are included in the ticket price. We cooperate with wilderness-international.org for this purpose. If you do not book your flight through terranova, you also have the option of offsetting the CO₂ flight emissions. Ee recommend our partner atmosfair.com. atmosfair is a non-profit climate protection organization with a focus on travel. Air passengers pay a climate protection contribution depending on the emissions, which atmosfair uses to expand renewable energies in countries where they are still scarce, i.e. mainly in developing countries. In this way, atmosfair saves CO₂ that would otherwise have been generated by fossil energies in these countries. 

 

More Questions?


As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via email or phone. Our team is always ready to assist you. 

Thank you for choosing terranova biketours!

terranova biketours
Martin-May-Str. 7, 60594 Frankfurt
Phone: +49 (0)69 - 69 30 54
WhatsApp: +49 (0)171 8492841
​​​​​​​info@terranova-touristik.de