Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up?
How do I pay for my tour?
You can pay by credit card, personal check, or bank transfer.
We ask for a US$ 300 deposit and then the balance 60 days
prior to departure. Checks should be made out to Charnes
Tours and mailed to:
Charnes Tours
1985 Grape Street
Denver, Colorado 80220
USA
What kind of shape do I need to be in for my trip?
Our trips are not athletic events. Bike trips average 15
miles (24 km) per day. Most people are able to complete
the rides in 2 to 3 hours. To comfortably complete our hiking
tours you should be able to hike over hilly terrain for
3 hours. If you want to ride or hike more extra miles are
available.
NOTE: Our Self-Guided Tuscany Challenge
Bike Tour is different. It is very challenging with substantial
climbs. It is recommended for experienced cyclists only.
Can I do more or less distance if I want?
You can increase the mileage on any of our tours, both guided
and self-guided. We provide route notes for additional miles
on all trips. To reduce the miles on self-guided tours,
arrangements can be made to get a lift with the luggage
transport. On rainy days or in emergency situations you
can call us and we will arrange for you to get a ride. On
guided tours you can reduce the miles by just hopping in
the van.
How do I get to the first hotel?
All of our self-guided bike tours begin with a Florence
pick-up at a rendezvous point in the center of the city.
On our self-guided hiking tours clients make their own way
to the first hotel. Detailed instructions are provided for
trasnport to that first hotel.
Some of our guided tours begin with a Florence pick-up and
others begin outside of Florence at the first hotel. See
guided tour descriptions for starting point locations.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
We move your luggage from hotel to hotel. On self-guided
tours we hustle to get your luggage to the next hotel before
your arrival. On rare occasions, for example if you got
a particularly early start, you might beat your luggage
to the hotel.
On guided tours your luggage is in the van that follows
you.
How do I get back to a larger city when the trip is over?
We do not provide transportation on the last day of the
tour. You will need to take public or private transportation
to a larger city at the end of your trip. We will be happy
to assist you with train and bus schedules. If you prefer
private transport we can arrange a private car or taxi.
How large are the groups?
Our self-guided tours usually have just 2 guests. With many
different itineraries and the ability to start when you
want the self-guided trips rarely overlap.
Our guided tours usually have less than 10 guests.
I am traveling alone. Can I get a private room?
Tour prices are based on double room occupancy. A single
supplement is required for single room occupancy. Please
note that in Italy single rooms are frequently smaller than
double rooms. Groups of three can book triple rooms and
avoid the single supplement.
Can I get a discount if I bring my own bike?
Guests are welcome to bring their own bicycles. The use
of a high quality bike is included in the tour price. We
cannot provide a discount if you bring your own bike.
NOTE: Check with your airline for oversize
baggage fees.
How long has Charnes Tours been in business?
Charnes Tours LLC was founded in 2000. David Charnes is
the owner and operator.
How do I contact Charnes Tours
We can be reached at:
E-mail: info@charnestours.com
Toll free: 1-888-491-2760
Mailing address:
Charnes Tours
1985 Grape Street
Denver, Colorado 80220
USA