Terms and conditions

• On booking, a deposit of $500 per person reserves space on a tour. (Expedition style tours have a $1000 deposit.) 
• Final Payments: 
  • 90 days before your departure, full payment is due for all tour styles except Bike and Boat tours.
  • 120 days before departure, full payment is due for Bike and Boat style tours. Cancellation conditions differ as well, see below.
  • We will always remind you via email when final payments are due.
• Late bookings will be taken if space is available. Due to hotel availability, we may ask for a credit card if a booking request is made within 60 days of departure. It will not be charged until space is confirmed.

• Cancellations: If you cancel your booking on a confirmed tour, we will incur costs and expenses the exact amount of which would be difficult or impractical to determine. Therefore, we will retain all or a portion of your payment as liquidated damages, not as a penalty, which you agree is fair and reasonable. The following tables explain cancellation fees for tours operated by ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. Please note there are different fees for Bike and Boat style tours, as listed in the separate table. 
• Transfers: Placing money on account is the same as a transfer. We allow this once per season, and any transfer after that will incur an admin fee of $100 per additional transfer. Please refer to our full Money on Account (MOA) terms for all rules and limitations, in particular with regard to self-guided tours.

We reserve the right to cancel a tour prior to departure for any reason.

In the case that the reason for cancellation is within the control of ExperiencePlus! a full refund, which constitutes full settlement, will be made.

If ExperiencePlus! cancels a tour for any of the reasons stated above, the following terms apply:

• Place 100% of funds paid on account to be used on a future tour operated by ExperiencePlus! scheduled before December 31, two years following the date of the cancellation.
• For new funds paid (money not previously on account) travelers can take a 50% refund and place 50% money on account to be used on a future tour operated by ExperiencePlus! scheduled before December 31, two years following the date of the cancellation.

In the case that the reason for cancellation is an event of force majeure, ExperiencePlus! will place 100% of customer funds on account towards a future tour booking to be used within two seasons of the cancellation date. Events of force majeure include, but are not limited to, an act of God, fires, explosions, earthquakes, drought, tidal waves, floods, extreme weather events such as hurricane or heat wave, war, hostilities, rebellion or revolution or insurrection, military or usurped power, civil war, theft of tour equipment such as the van or bikes en route to the tour, strikes, contamination by radioactivity or biological agents, pandemic or contagion, acts or threats of terrorism, and/or government-imposed sanctions, embargos, or advisories that restrict travel. These events will also include the failure of third parties, such as suppliers (e.g. sites visited on the tour itinerary, hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc.), subcontractors, or necessary transportation services (e.g. airlines), to perform their obligations. ExperiencePlus! will make a cancellation for an event of force majeure once there is indication that the event is likely to negatively impact the tour in a way that cannot be accommodated.

If, within the two year time period in which funds have been kept on account for use, ExperiencePlus! is unable to offer another bike trip in Europe of similar length and difficulty with reasonably similar accommodations and a similar number of meals/guides/bikes/ and visits, then a full refund which constitutes full settlement will be made. ExperiencePlus! will not be liable for refunds if the event of force majeure, or its direct consequences, remain in effect throughout the two-year time period. In that case, customer funds will be retained on account for another two years.

Prices of tours may change in that time period – travelers will be required to pay the difference between what is on account and the new tour price.

Prices for overseas tours are based on international exchange rates and prices for tours are subject to adjustment without prior notification in the event those rates should change dramatically.  

MOA is any portion of funds paid for a booking that is left on account for use on a future tour. MOA can be applied in a transfer or rebooking. The following rules and limitations apply:

• MOA must be used for travel happening before December 31, two years after cancellation date.
• If, within the two-year time period in which funds have been kept on account for use, ExperiencePlus! is unable to offer another bike trip of similar length and difficulty with reasonably similar accommodations and a similar number of meals/guides/bikes/visits, then a full refund which constitutes full settlement will be made. ExperiencePlus! will not be liable for refunds if the event of force majeure, or its direct consequences, remain in effect throughout the two-year time period. In that case, customer funds will be retained on account for another two years.
• Any money left on account beyond expiration will be automatically forfeited.
• Any portion of your booking paid with money on account will return on account if you cancel up to 30 days before departure.  

• MOA can only be used on tours operated by ExperiencePlus!
• Self-guided tours:
  • Cancellations of self-guided tours allow for placing MOA as defined in the cancellation and transfer terms
  • MOA that came from a guided tour booking may be used to book a self-guided tour with a limit of $500 per self-guided tour booking.
• MOA that came from a guided tour booking and is used to book a self-guided tour is limited to $500 per self-guided tour booking.
• If a request to keep money on account is made by the traveler that did not make the original deposit, the traveler who made the deposit should submit this money on account transfer request in writing.
• All requests for the MOA option must be received in writing or via confirmed email. 
• Any extra credit given to you by ExperiencePlus! is applied as a discount to the invoice balance and has no cash value.
• MOA can be transferred to other travelers, application rules as described here apply.

The tour price does not include travel insurance. Travel Protection Policies offered by most major travel insurance providers include benefits such as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Information on our preferred provider is included in your booking confirmation materials. If you decide not to use our preferred provider we assume you are securing protection through another insurance company of your choosing.

By paying your deposit and completing your booking, you certify you have read the following Traveler Code.

Preparation

• I will have a valid passport and all necessary visas, permits, certificates, and vaccinations for my travel, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
• I will communicate any special requests, such as dietary needs, medical requirements, or room preferences 90 days before my tour start date. I appreciate that ExperiencePlus! will make every effort to accommodate these requests.
• I will read the pre-trip materials to familiarize myself with culture-specific etiquette, regional hotel and air conditioning standards, clothing suggestions, and medical requirements.

Physical requirements

• I have selected a trip that matches my abilities, fitness level, and health.
• I am excited to participate in various activities beyond cycling, including guided walking tours, dinners, and potential hikes. I am confident in my ability to walk on diverse surfaces such as cobblestones, dirt paths, and wooded trails.
• My physical condition allows me to manage my luggage independently throughout the tour.
• I am confident that my physical condition will not pose a hazard to myself or others.

Cycling abroad

• I am prepared to cycle on roads that may differ in traffic patterns and maintenance from those I am used to.
• I will remain attentive to road conditions, signage, potential road work, and the presence of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• I have chosen a bike that I am comfortable mounting, dismounting, and handling.
• I embrace the ExperiencePlus! philosophy of using chalk arrows for navigation on Classic, Bike & Boat, and most Expedition guided tours, enjoying the freedom and support provided. I am comfortable cycling independently and following arrows on unfamiliar roads.
• For tour styles without chalk arrows, I am confident in using a GPS device provided by ExperiencePlus! to navigate long stretches on my own.

On tour

• I will attentively listen to tour leaders’ cautions and advice and participate actively in briefings.
• I understand that access to medical facilities and evacuation services may not be immediate but trust the tour leaders’ training and judgment.
• I am aware that weather conditions can be variable and may require adjustments to the itinerary. I trust the tour leaders’ expertise in handling adverse weather and will use my judgment on self-guided tours to ensure safety.
• I will always wear a helmet while riding for my safety.
• If I choose to drink alcohol, I will do so responsibly and in moderation.
• I will respect local laws, customs, environmental guidelines, and regulations, including not using headphones while cycling.
• I will not bring marijuana on the trip, respecting legal differences.

Group travel

• I will respect the rights and privacy of other trip members, fostering a positive group dynamic.
• I understand that group travel involves compromises to accommodate diverse desires, travel goals, personalities, and physical abilities. I appreciate the tour leaders’ discretion and decision-making.
• I understand that ExperiencePlus! may refuse service during a tour to anyone whose health or behavior could impact the group’s welfare or enjoyment. I trust the tour leaders’ judgment in maintaining a positive group experience.
• I am committed to contributing to a harassment-free and respectful environment for all, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, physical appearance, or other group identity or presumed affiliation to a social group. I understand that ExperiencePlus! will not tolerate disrespectful behavior, harassment, or illegal acts towards anyone, including travelers, tour leaders, staff and suppliers, and consider such act as a violation of our terms and service.

By booking space on tour, you agree that ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours may use, re-use and reproduce any images, photos or videos that you send to us, or that are taken by our guides and bike fitting experts, and/or other travelers of you individually or in a group, in any medium, including but not limited to print, electronic media, or Internet, free of charge and without your right to inspection, for promoting and publicizing our travel products and services worldwide. If you do not want us to use any images of you that are taken by us or other participants during the tour, you must inform us or your tour leader in writing at the start of the tour.

ExperiencePlus! is the principal tour operator for these tours and is responsible to the participants for all arrangements and for all tour services and accommodations offered. ExperiencePlus!, its members, managers, agents, and employees (collectively “ExperiencePlus!”) will not be responsible for personal injury, death or property damage, economic loss or delay, or change of itinerary suffered by any person or tour participant arising out of the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of any direct or supplemental carrier, hotel, restaurant or other person rendering any services or accommodations for any tour; nor will ExperiencePlus! be responsible for any injuries, death, damage, loss or delay in any means of transportation or by reason or any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of ExperiencePlus!. Bicycles provided for use during any tour are in satisfactory operating condition and participants agree to use them at their own risk or call deficiencies to the immediate attention of the head tour leader. ExperiencePlus! will not be responsible for product defects in any bicycles. The tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels, restaurants, routes or other services listed in the itinerary with comparable services if necessary. Instruction in the use of bicycles will not be provided and participants affirm that they are familiar with the use of a multi-speed bicycle or electric assist bicycle. Bicycle tour participants are required to wear a cycling helmet while cycling.

The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a trip due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of ExperiencePlus!. Activities involved in active travel and the tours described in our brochures and on our website are physically demanding, strenuous and potentially dangerous. At the discretion of ExperiencePlus!, participants failing to meet the physical and mental requirements, or participants deemed harmful or disruptive to other participants’ enjoyment of the tour, may be asked to leave the tour, with no refund applicable by their tour leaders or by the office staff.

These Terms and Conditions and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions and the tour hereby reserved shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the state of Colorado.

Submission to Jurisdiction –  By booking space on a tour you irrevocably and unconditionally agree that any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, shall be brought in the courts of the state of Colorado sitting in Larimer County or the United States District Court of the District of Colorado sitting in the City of Denver and you irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of such courts.

Waiver of Venue –  By booking space on a tour you irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection you may now or hereafter have to venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or the tour hereby reserved in the Courts of the State of Colorado sitting in Larimer County or the United States District Court of the District of Colorado sitting in the City of Denver.

Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury – By booking space on a tour you irrevocably and unconditionally waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right you may have to a trial by jury in any legal proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions or the tour hereby reserved.

WAIVER, RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION

BY SUBMITTING A BOOKING FORM, I ACCEPT THE FORGOING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. I  HAVE REVIEWED AND UNDERSTAND THE TOUR LEVEL RATING STRUCTURE FOR TOUR LEVELS FROM 1 TO 5.  EXPERIENCEPLUS! HAS ANSWERED ALL QUESTIONS I HAVE ASKED CONCERNING THE TOUR I HAVE SELECTED. 

I CONFIRM THAT: (A) I AM IN GOOD PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITION; (B) I HAVE THE REQUISITE SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR I HAVE SELECTED; AND (C) I AM NOT SUFFERING FROM ANY CONDITION, IMPAIRMENT, DISEASE, INFIRMITY OR OTHER ILLNESS, INJURY OR MENTAL DISORDER THAT WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OR IN ANY WAY LIMIT MY ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR I HAVE SELECTED.

I HAVE VOLUNTARILY APPLIED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TOUR I HAVE SELECTED WITH THE FULL UNDERSTANDING THAT BICYCLING AND OTHER TOUR ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS, HAZARDS AND DANGERS THAT MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, ILLNESS, INJURY, EMOTIONAL PAIN AND SUFFERING, PARALYSIS AND DEATH.  I UNDERSTAND THE RISKS, HAZARDS AND DANGERS INVOLVED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE TOUR I HAVE SELECTED.  I ASSUME THE RISK THAT I MAY SUFFER PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY, ILLNESS, PARALYSIS, OR DEATH AS A RESULT OF RISKS, HAZARDS AND DANGERS. 

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN MEDICAL AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE, AND FOR ENSURING THAT IT IS EFFECTIVE OVERSEAS.  I ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED TO ME AND I WILL PAY ALL COSTS OF MEDICAL CARE AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION THAT ARE PROVIDED TO ME DURING THE TOUR.  IF I BECOME ILL OR AM INJURED AND AM UNABLE TO GIVE INFORMED CONSENT TO A PROPOSED MEDICAL TREATMENT THAT MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY, I APPOINT MY TOUR LEADER AS MY AGENT WITH THE POWER TO AUTHORIZE ALL MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HOSPITAL CARE FOR ME AND THE POWER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS AND RELEASES NECESSARY TO OBTAIN SUCH CARE, ONLY TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY UNTIL I BECOME ABLE TO GIVE SUCH CONSENT OR UNTIL MY NEXT OF KIN OR  OTHER PERSON SO DESIGNATED IN A MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY DOCUMENT BECOMES ABLE TO ACT AS MY AGENT. 

FOR MYSELF AND MY HEIRS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND ASSIGNS, I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, FOREVER DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE EXPERIENCEPLUS! BICYCLE TOURS, ITS MEMBERS, MANAGERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS (“RELEASEE” OR “RELEASEES”) FROM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL LOSS, DAMAGE OR CLAIM ON ACCOUNT OF PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL PAIN AND SUFFERING, PARALYSIS OR DEATH, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF A RELEASEE OR OTHERWISE, WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE TOUR. 

I AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE RELEASEES AGAINST ANY DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES RESULTING FROM ANY CLAIM OF ANY OF PERSON ARISING OUT OF MY ACTIONS AND THOSE OF ANY MINOR ACCOMPANYING ME.