As a cycling guide, I can tell you each version offers a unique experience for the traveller, but what are they? What do these two options share, and what makes them different? Let’s compare the two so you can decide which is best for you.
Guided tours
Guided trips are for travellers who prefer a structured schedule and don’t want to worry about a thing. The company and guide(s) on the trip take charge of every logistics, from the itinerary, any transfers, accommodation, dining and event reservations, to the bikes, routes, mechanical issues, water, snacks and the personal navigation devices are in their hands. You only need to enjoy the experience, scenery and ride. At least one guide rides with you while another provides vehicle support. And the number of guides is usually commensurate with the size of the group.
Most guides know the region well and speak the local language to translate when necessary, and answer questions about the local history, culture, traditions, or way of life. When visiting major attractions such as art museums and chateaux, a local, expert historical guide leads the visit; but not always. For some companies, the guides lead any cultural tours.
Options exist for private or published (a.k.a. viewed in a catalogue or on a website) guided tours. Private, or bespoke, trips are made to measure based on where the person wants to travel, see and do. They are perfect for large families or a group of friends, but come with a higher price tag for the level of personalisation. Published trips have a set itinerary and are less costly than bespoke, but more expensive than self-guided. Expect to meet new people on a guided published trip, or book with another couple for added fun.
Every travel organiser’s definition of a guided trip differs, so pay attention to the details to avoid unwelcome surprises. A guide’s responsibilities and expertise depends a lot on the destination, too. If you travel off the beaten path in lands with esoteric language, cultural and geographical challenges, your guide may be the only resource to get you safely through the itinerary. Their presence could make or break the trip.
Self-guided tours
Self-guided trips are for travellers who prefer less structure in their schedule. The organiser may handle a lot of logistics, similar to a guided trip, but you’ll be on your own to get from point A to point B once travel starts. You’ll have a navigation device to assist, but a guide will not ride with you. Vehicle support won’t be daily, but might be available at specific points along the itinerary. It depends on the details of your booking.
As a self-guided traveller, you set your own riding pace and tailor the trip to your preferences. Maybe museums and chateaux aren’t your thing, but wineries, for example, are. Stop whenever you like, deviate from the planned route to explore what strikes your fancy along the way; the GPS will get you back on track to the day’s final destination. But when you visit local attractions without a guide, you may miss out on in-depth knowledge about the region or place you’re visiting. You can always arrange for a local expert on your own at an additional cost.
With limited support to accompany you, self-guided trips are the most budget-friendly choice. But you’ll be responsible to tackle any challenges that occur on the trip. However, some organisers provide emergency help hotlines, just in case. They want you to enjoy yourself and arrive safe and sound.
What the two share
Whether you choose a guided or self-guided trip, both share the opportunity for new experiences, discovery, and the chance to immerse yourself in a new region and/or culture. Both propose pre-planned or suggested itineraries to ensure travellers explore and visit essential points of interest that help define a destination.
Both options offer resources to its travellers. Guided tours include expert guide support on two and four wheels. One that rides with you and a second in a nearby support vehicle accessible in case of a medical or mechanical issue, or rider fatigue; sometimes you just want to get off. Self-guided tours provide maps and navigation devices (most times) and potentially bookings for accommodation, meals, visits and attractions.
The biggest differences
Other than price, the biggest difference between guided and self-guided cycling trips starts with the level of structure. Remember that guided trips (published and bespoke) have a fixed itinerary on a predefined schedule. You may go at your own pace and explore on your own, but only to an extent as you have a timetable (dinner and event reservations) to respect.
If having expert local information and help at your side for everything from historical visits and communicating in the local language to taking care of any required transfers or even help with your bicycles, then a guided trip is for you.
The personalised care and attention of a full-time guide on the trip illustrates a large part of the price disparity between the options. Every aspect of a guided trip has been vetted and geared for success. The bottom line of self-guided trips may appear more cost effective on paper, but unexpected expenditures, disappointment and little things here and there can add up unexpectedly. Plan a contingency fund.
If you prefer to travel in a closed group of friends or family with limited exterior social interaction, either option works for you. However, for a guided trip, you’ll need to be sufficient in numbers to meet any minimum trip requirements or go with the added expense of bespoke. Published guided trips offer the opportunity for couples to meet other like-minded people, creating new friendships along the way.
Making a choice
With either option, the aim of your travel plans on two-wheels is exploration and experiences while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Before you make a choice, be introspective about who you are, your trip goals, budget and social comfort level. Both options are opportunities to see and learn about anywhere you travel on a bicycle, and I can’t think of a better way to do it. In the end, any trip you take is the chance to expand your horizons and enrich your soul. Have a glorious trip and be safe!
