I can organise a trip myself! Why should I go with a company?
What information will I receive?
Is the support vehicle and guide readily available?
Can you carry my luggage?
What about breakdowns or if I am sick?
What standard of accommodation can I expect?
Where do we eat lunch?
What speeds do you ride at?
Do you accept children on tour?
Do you get many women on your tours?
Can I pay by installements?
How long will I be expected to ride each day?
Do you hire motorcycles?
Will my bike be suitable?
Do you allow trikes and sidecars on your tours?
Do the group always ride together?
What experience do I need to ride on the continent?
What items should I bring?
Personal, Accident and Breakdown Insurance
How do you provide for my financial protection?
I can organise a trip myself! Why should I go with a company?... (Top)
Anyone can organise a trip! Especially now with GPS and the Internet but a tour is something different. Apart from the obvious reasons e.g. support, guide, peace of mind it is the camaraderie and the social aspect which is one of the main reasons even experienced bikers keep coming back year after year. Meeting new people and making friends is the order of the day. If you have never travelled in this way before just give it a try, you will not be disappointed.
What information will I receive? ... (Top)
Our tour pack contains a tour manual which gives help and advice on riding abroad, legal information for the various countries you will visit, suggested packing lists plus a list of documents you will require for your tour. The pack will also contain detailed maps, routes and GPS data. We supply all this information in digital format (a cd which can be run from any computer). If you have any problems or you do not have access to a computer, just let us know and we will send you printed copies.
Is the support vehicle and tour guide available? ... (Top)
A professional tour guide will accompany all European tours and will always be on hand to give support and advice. The tour support bike carries a limited amount of tools plus petrol siphoning equipment and puncture repair kits . On a number of our tours we also include a support vehicle which offers an extra level of reassurance and peace of mind. The support vehicle carries a custom built trailer which in the event of a breakdown or accident could be utilised to recover you and your bike. The support vehicle also carries tools and items such as hairdryer and iron. Tour members will be provided with contact numbers for the guide and support vehicle before the commencement of any tour.
Can you carry my luggage? ... (Top)
On tours that include the support vehicle and dependent on the size of the group we will carry all or a limited amount of your luggage. Preference is given to soft tie-on luggage. We will also carry top box and pannier inner bags but you may be required to leave the empty boxes on the bike. In all cases we will endeavour to carry as much luggage as possible leaving you free to enjoy your tour. Please do not bring suitcases or oversized bags as these will limit the amount of luggage we can carry for the whole group.
What about breakdowns or if I am sick? ... (Top)
Tour members are obliged to obtain ‘Breakdown and Recovery Insurance’ prior to any tour which would facilitate the recovery and repatriation of the bike back to the UK. If your chosen tour includes the support vehicle we will endeavour to recover you and your bike back to the hotel or to the nearest dealership. In all instances, Global Touring UK will be on hand to assist in any eventuality.
What standard of accommodation can I expect? ... (Top)
All accommodation used on our tours has been personally checked by Global Touring UK. Our criteria is cleanliness, comfort, facilities, food and bike security. Some of our hotels have swimming pools, saunas and sports and wellness facilities. Tour members will be provided with contact information for all Hotels before the commencement of any tour. The half board menus offer a three or four course meal and of course vegetarian options are available. The quality of the food is one of the major considerations for Global Touring UK when selecting our tour hotels. We do not always use the hotel for evening meals as some of our destinations provide exceptional local restaurants. In this case a restaurant will be chosen for the group though tour members are not obliged to join if they wish to explore further.
Where do we eat lunch? ... (Top)
Anywhere! We have frequent stops along the way for fuel, food and toilet breaks. Lunch could be in a mountainside café enjoying the views over the valley, a road side diner or occasionally if we have enjoyed a late breakfast we may just enjoy a snack while refuelling. We will not see you hungry.
What speeds do you ride at? ... (Top)
When riding in the group the pace is always dictated by local traffic laws, weather, road conditions and riders abilities. All tour members are issued with detailed maps and route information (including GPS data) enabling the more experienced riders to ride at their own pace if they so choose. This is a tour and not a race and the idea is for everyone to enjoy the experience and to always ride within their riding capabilities.
Do you accept children on tour? ... (Top)
Unfortunately due to the conditions of our indemnity insurance we cannot accept anyone under the age of 18 years old
Do you get many women on your tours? ... (Top)
Yes, we have noticed that more and more women are leaving the pillion seat and becoming riders themselves. We think this is brilliant and welcome women as rider or pillion.
Can I pay in instalments? … (Top)
Yes, we will accept payment by instalments as long as the full amount is paid 60 days prior to the commencement of your tour. Please do not hesitate to call to discuss individual arrangements.
How long will I be expected to ride each day? ... (Top)
Daily distances are dependent on road conditions, terrain and destination but the normal is between 150 to 250 miles per day. We use motorways ONLY when necessary, mainly to cover distance but also to avoid towns where tour members can be separated by traffic lights and junctions. We always aim to arrive at our chosen destination with ample time to relax before our evening activities. Although all routes have been checked it is sometimes necessary to detour to avoid seasonal traffic or road works, therefore all GPS and Route data supplied by Global Touring UK should only be used as a guide and not THE BIBLE.
Do you hire motorcycles?... (Top)
The simply answer is no. However if you contact us we can suggest one or two companies that do offer this service.
Will my bike be suitable? ... (Top)
A lot can depend on rider and experience therefore it is not easy to recommend a particular bike or model. Most bikes on the tours are 600cc and above and capable of sustaining speed and power all day. If you are in any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your bikes suitability.
Do you allow trikes and sidecars on your tours?... (Top)
Unfortunately, we do not cater for trikes or motorcycle with sidecars on our tours.
Do the group always ride together? ... (Top)
Although most tour members prefer to ride together you are always free to leave the group if you prefer. We only ask that you inform the tour leader before doing so.
What experience do I need to ride on the continent? ... (Top)
Some tours are more challenging than others and some may be more suitable for your first time on the continent but the only way to gain more experience is to go and do it. All riders have varying degrees of experience and ability and Global Touring UK prides itself on catering for all levels. In all circumstances the tour guide is always on hand to give advice and support. Please read our customer testimonials and hopefully these should answer any questions you may have.
What items should I bring? ... (Top)
You will probably not require as much as you think but you will receive a ‘Tour Manual’ in your tour confirmation pack which contains a suggested packing list of clothing, medical supplies and documentation. When available we do carry essential items such as irons and hair dryers in the support vehicle as well as some medicine and toiletries. Also contained in your confirmation pack is information on driving laws, group riding and general touring tips.
Personal, Accident and Breakdown Insurance ... (Top)
Global Touring UK requires that all tour members obtain adequate insurance cover before undertaking any tour and may be asked to provide evidence of cover prior to the tour. The insurance should cover recovery, repair and repatriation of the bike to the UK. Personal insurance should cover medical expenses and personal repatriation back to the UK. Also loss of cash, credit cards and personal items should be covered. We are happy to recommend Gold Cover Insurance Services as our preferred supplier of Travel Insurance and European Motoring Breakdown through Green Flag Motoring Assistance. Please read the small print of any policies you purchase to ensure you are fully covered for everything you think you are. If any doubt please do not hesitate to contact us on 01257 410686. You should always carry a European Health Insurance Card which entitles you to free emergency medical cover in most countries
(click here for information). Also check that your insurance covers you for loss of payments due to late cancellation.
How do you provide for my financial protection? ... (Top)
The 1992 Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations require all holiday organisers to make provision for the protection of holidaymakers’ money in the event of the company’s insolvency. In accordance with the regulations Global Touring UK Ltd will hold all clients’ money in trust until such time as your tour is completed.
Any further questions please download ‘Terms & Conditions’ which are available
with our ‘Booking Form’ or email info@globaltouringuk.co.uk