| Frequently asked questions
About reservations or payment:
Q. Can I check to see if space
is available before I book?
A. Unfortunately not. With time
differences, availability can change quickly, and it will
be difficult to hold space without a booking request and deposit.
Q. How long does it take to
get confirmation when I book a tour?
A. Please allow 3-5 business days
for the tour operator to confirm space.
Q. Why is the website in euros?
A. We work with clients in many
countries mainly European. You may use a currency converter
to easily find out the price for each of the tours.
Q. Where do I call if I have
a question?
A. For tour planning, information,
tour materials as well as bookings or payment call either
Oana at 0040/740166791 or Ionut at 0040/723389833.
Q. What if I have to cancel?
A. The following fees apply when
canceling a tour with us:
# 5 weeks prior to the start of the tour: You receive the
refund of the trip price, less a 120 euros/person administrative
fee.
# Between 4-5 weeks prior to the tour start: You receive a
50% refund of the trip price, bike rental and single supplement.
# Between 3-4 weeks prior to the tour start: You receive 33%
refund of the trip price.
# Less than 3 weeks prior to the tour start: No refund.
Q. What if the tour organizer
cancels the tour?
A. This happens, although rarely.
Some tours are subject to a minimum number of participants.
Should CarpatBike cancel a tour due to an insufficient number
of participants, or any other reason, you are entitled to
a refund of funds paid toward the tour or may have an option
to apply those funds toward another tour.
About the tours:
Q. Does "self-guided"
mean I'm totally on my own?
A. No, with self-guided tours, the
tour operator still organizes the hotel reservations and the
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel. The accommodations
are usually the same as on guided tours. You often follow
the same routes.
Q. If I choose a self-guided
program, can I ride with other people?
A. Self-guided tours are designed
for individuals, not groups. It's possible that other people
may be riding on the same tour, but you shouldn't count on
it. And, if there are other people, don't take it personally
if they want to ride on their own.
Q. What if I'm an individual
traveler? Can you find me a roommate?
A. We can try, but we can't promise.
And if we don't succeed, you'll have to pay the single supplement.
You have a much better chance on guided programs.
Q. When does my tour start?
Q. When does my tour end?
A. At the end of the tour, there's
usually a final night's lodging included. You arrive by bike
the day before, enjoy a relaxed evening, and depart the next
morning. Or stay extra nights to enjoy the area even more.
Q. Do I need to be an athlete?
Am I fit enough?
A. Anyone in reasonable shape should
be able to enjoy these tours. Most tours cover about 50 km
per day and are designed for travelers who enjoy a leisurely
pace. When you read the tour descriptions, pay close attention
to terrain and average daily distances. We've also included
rankings to help guide you. If you're concerned or it's your
first tour, consider doing a tour ranked "easy"
or "moderate." But hey, we are active. If you enjoy
life, and like to see the world, then you are fit for us!
Q. What if I don't speak the
language?
A. English is widely spoken, and
gestures are widely understood. Some people like the adventure
of being in a foreign country and not knowing the language.
Our guide leaders will support you in this aspect, any time
you need it.
Q. What are the hotels/guesthouses
like?
A. Our principle is to accommodate
the guests in traditional Romanian houses, family owned. They
offer a very cosy, pleasant and friendly atmosphere and you
have the change to see a bit of the life in traditional villages
of Romania.
Q. What are the meals like?
A. Breakfasts are generally buffets
that take your active program into consideration with a variety
of high-nutrition choices. Lunch is sometimes on your own,
although some groups tours will organize and enjoy picnics
en route. Dinners are usually included with guided tours and
include traditional Romanian cuisine. Expect either a fixed
menu or a few choices. If you have any allergies, restrictions
or strong preferences, please let us know as far in advance
as possible.
Q. How does luggage transport
work?
A. Our standard and custom tours
include luggage transportation from one location to the other for
the whole duration of the trip, unless otherwise noted.
Q. What kind of bikes are available
for rent?
A. We mainly rent Saracen bycicles
as well as Merida bycicles. Saracen is a top UK brand and,
since its birth in the 1980s, has built a great reputation
for producing stylish, quality bikes. At the 2006 Eurobike
Show, Saracen won an innovation award for its new Pylon bikes.
www.saracencycles.com
Q. Are helmets included with
bike rentals?
A. Usually yes but you have the
option to bring your own bike or rent one from us.
Q. Can I bring my own bike?
A. You are welcome to bring your
own bicycle. We recommend that it have at least 21 speeds
and be in excellent mechanical condition.
Q. What are the routes like?
A. You usually travel along paved
roads or lightly traveled back roads through the countryside
or from village to village. Routes are selected for their
charm and beauty as well as for their cultural and historical
importance. In some cases we will encounter roads with more
traffic, unfortunately unavoidable.
Q. What if I can't make it,
or if the weather's really bad?
A. Guided tours almost always include
a support van to help you all or part of the way.
Q. What if my bike breaks down
along the way?
A. On guided tours, the guide will
make the necessary repairs. In case we organise self-guided programs,
you should be prepared to make basic repairs - like fixing
flats. If there's a difficult repair, you may have to call
the tour. Usually we will be having one spare bike in the
supporting van. Since many tours are in the countryside, please
keep the cell phone close by.
Q. Are there any information
send to me before the beginning of the tour? What's included
in my tour packet?
A. About two weeks before your tour
you will receive information on how to get the meeting location,
tour organizer contacts, packing tips, detailed route instructions
and sightseeing information. We also encourage you to buy
additional guidebooks, maps and other information. Let us
know if you need help.
Q. What should I pack?
A. You can find a kit list suggestion
in our Download area under the Tours & Itineraries section.
Please consult it if you find it useful.
Q. What does my tour price include?
A. Quality aluminum bikes are included
or not included depending on your wish. Usually, trips include
accomodation, most meals, guides and local experts, access
to exclusive sites and branded Tshirt. Get yourself there, we will take care
of everything and much much more. What’s Included.
Q. How many people, and who
will be on my trip?
A. We like to keep our groups size
small, we average 8-14 people. Our tours appeal to travelers
from the ages of 21-60.
Q. What do I wear on the bike?
A. Do not think that you have to
look like a Professional biker. Come as you are, but padded
bike shorts and bike gloves do help. We spend most of the
day outside, so dress comfortable and happy. You may also
consider bringing with you, sandals, long-sleeved shirt, rain
gear (jacket pants), sunglasses, sweater.
Q. What do you recommend for
accessing money while I'm in Romania?
A. The easiest (and cheapest) way
to get money is by using your bank ATM card or credit card!
Please consider having also enough cash with you, since we
will be traveling from one village to another.
Q. How many bags can I bring?
A. Please limit your luggage to
one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Mark your luggage
with your name, address and phone number.
Q. Do we get any free time?
Yes, you have all evening and not only. We ride every
day, however you are free to take as much time off as you
like. There’s plenty to do, lots of other activities,
or feel free to relax.
Q. What’s the weather
like?
A. Cool to warm as we tour in the
spring and fall. For specific monthly temperatures check our
weather section under About Romania menu.
Q. How do I get there?
A. Please see each tour itinerary
for details of collection and drop-off locations, but feel
to contact us for any help and advice regarding your journeys
to and from the collection points.
By air: Due to the massive growth of budget airlines operating
from Romania as well it may well prove to be a more economic
option. Please check our link on “How to get to Romania”
– About Romania to see more details.
By rail: You may also consider traveling by train locally
in order to reach the meeting location of our tour. In many
cases we will organize the departure. Please feel free to
contact us for any advice and assistance in arranging your
journeys. For detail on local rail transportation in Romania
please take a look at the following link: www.cfr.ro.
By car: This option may be a more preferable choice for those
traveling for a longer stay in the area or carrying their
bikes with them.
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