European Bike Tours: Small Groups with In Situ Travel

Not all European bike tour companies are created equal. People may be surprised to learn that some companies' definition of "small" includes trips that are 25-30 guests large. "That's not what we'd call small", states In Situ Travel founder, Jace Gifford.

Having worked for one of the larger bike tour companies, Mr. Gifford understands that many guests are shocked to learn how many people are in their group; sometimes 20+ other people are joining them. "That was one of the founding principles behind starting In Situ Travel. We wanted to provide our guests with a more personalized and authentic experience than our competitors. Bicycle tours shouldn't resemble a caravan of cyclists along the road".

With the exception of private, custom and special departures, the European Bike Tours that In Situ Travel offers do not exceed 10 guests. According to Gifford, "From our experience, we've learned that 10 guests is the ideal number".

The concept: the best travel moments come from connecting with the local culture and region on a personal level. By keeping the bike tours small, guests can explore their surroundings in a more intimate fashion. Guests learn what the region truly has to offer without the hustle and bustle of a large crowd. And in this way, a greater sense of place is achieved.

Reduced group size also has its advantages by allowing the whole trip to stay in small, family owned inns instead of the larger, more tourist orientated hotels. And meals feel more like a family experience than a corporate banquet. "On every level, we strive to create a more authentic experience for our guests", adds Gifford. With In Situ Travel, you won't just be a number in the group and you won't get lost in the crowd.