"EUROPEAN BICYCLE TOURS" Page 1, 2

Parked bicycles in Salzburg, Austria.

What to ask yourself when picking a tour:

• "Do I want an all-inclusive package?" Some tour packages cover airport transfers, meals, etc. Others supply only the tour guide, van, and accommodations, giving you the freedom (and expense) of choosing your own restaurants, sightseeing, and non-bike transportation.

• "Do I want to travel with a group or on my own?" If you aren't a social person, or if you're on a romantic honeymoon, a group tour can be hard to take--and you'll probably be better off with a self-guided package. Alternatively, look for a guided tour where cyclists travel at their own pace, buy their own meals, and have free time for unescorted sightseeing.

• "Do I need a bike?" If you prefer to ride your own bicycle, look for tours where bike rental is priced separately.

• "What are my bicycling interests and skills?"  Serious cyclists may be bored by trips that amble through gentle countryside, while beginning bikers will quickly become exhausted (or frightened) by grueling trips over Alpine passes. A devoted cyclist may be happier following the Tour de France than touring vineyards; similarly, a casual biker will probably be happier exploring villages than pedaling 60 miles a day.

• "Will I be traveling with someone else?" If your companion isn't a cycling enthusiast, you might be happiest with a trip that offers a base camp and daily excursions or with a tour that offers a choice between leisurely and long-distance rides each day. And if you're bring children along, look for an operator that caters to families. (Some firms offer child seats, trailers, and trailer bikes that attach to a parent's two-wheeler.)

See the Bicycle Tours pages in my Europe travel Planner for links to several dozen companies that offer guided tours, self-guided itineraries, and local excursions. A few operators combine bicycle day trips with barge or boat travel, which lets you bike from town to town while your non-cycling companion enjoys the passing scenery from a deck chair.

Finally, if you live in the United States or Canada, check the listings at BikeToursDirect, a U.S.-based Web site that offers one-stop shopping for more than 140 escorted and self-guided bike tours in 27 European countries. Rates tend to be much lower than U.S. tour operators charge, and there's no markup. (BikeToursDirect receives a commission from the local tour company, just like a travel agent.)

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