Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orient Express Bicycle Expedition?
This is a European cycling journey like no other. Our route approximates the path of the Orient Express trains from Paris to Istanbul and captures the adventurous spirit of these legendary transcontinental journeys. The Tour is 4,000 km long and is covered in 39 days of cycling (a third of which follows a dedicated bike pathway) with 11 days free to relax or to explore the wonders of these fabulous countries.
Our crew will give you basic directions, prepare your meals and transport your baggage, setting you free to experience as much of your surroundings as you desire. You will, on every rest day, stay in a hotel (approximately 25 in total). You can also choose to ride the whole Tour, ride a shorter section of the tour or join and/or leave us anywhere along our route.
Who organizes the Orient Express Bicycle Expedition?
The same adventurous people who created the Tour d’Afrique bicycle expedition/race from Cairo to Cape Town and the Silk Route bicycle race/expedition from Istanbul to Beijing (www.tourdafrique.com). We are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and adventurers. We are involved in creating these tours, because we think there is nothing else like them in the world right now, and we are very proud of the unique tours we produce.
Am I capable of doing this?
If you are in good health, love adventure and enjoy cycling, you are capable of completing this journey. We average 95 km per day and you can ride at your own pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each day’s ride, and our crew are always available to assist you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On a day when you don’t feel up to biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support vehicles.
What countries does the Tour pass through?
France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
What about Health?
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, blisters, and diarrhea. Additional health information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
What about Baggage?
Our support vehicles will carry everything that you don’t need for the day. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a snack. Everything else we transport for you.
We ask that you use some common sense and consideration for the other participants when deciding what to bring on the Tour as space is quite limited on the support vehicles. Additional packing information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Is it safe to travel by bicycle through all these countries?
Yes! As with all travel to unfamiliar territory it is important to respect the local culture and people and to observe the law. Your greatest hazard is the motorized vehicles, as it is for cyclists everywhere, so appropriate safety/visibility gear is essential.
What will I eat?
On biking days, our cook will prepare three meals (except the dinner on evenings before a scheduled rest day). We know how important food is on a trip like this. You will be treated to generous portions; a combination of regional recipes and meals made from local ingredients as well as some of the cook’s specialties. On rest days, every one is free to explore and sample the culinary hot spots along the way! We will provide you with our suggestions ahead of time wherever possible.
Do I need shots and vaccinations for this tour?
No immunizations are specifically required for any of the countries we are visiting, but a rabies vaccination is recommended. If you have medication for any illnesses or allergic reactions, please bring them along.
Do I need Visas?
Yes! Depending on your nationality you will need visas for some of the countries we pass through. Some of these may need to be arranged before the start of the Tour, whereas some can be obtained at the point of entry. Please check with the nearest consulate or embassy in your country for specific requirements. Additional information on visa requirements will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes, travel medical insurance is required to participate on this tour. We will need copies of these documents before you are allowed to start the tour. This will ensure smooth processing in case of an emergency. You may also consider getting trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly.
How should I prepare physically for this trip?
This is entirely up to you. In the two months prior to the start, we recommend some dedicated training, at least three times a week for a minimum of two hours each time. This could be in the form of cross training or bike rides at a steady pace. The first several days of riding will quickly get you up to speed.
I want to ride the whole tour, but I have time constraints. Can I pay the full entry fee, but split the tour over two or three years, riding a section or two per year?
Yes, absolutely. This way, you have the satisfaction of doing the entire Orient Express route, but in manageable two to three week sections each year.
What is the terrain like in each country?
Approximately one third of the trip is flat and follows a dedicated bike path along the Danube River. There are some tough hills in France and Romania and rolling hills in other sections. Most of the tour is on pavement. Much of the pavement in Eastern Europe is rough, and, at times, under construction. There are also certain days, especially on the Danube Cycle path, where we will be riding on groomed gravel or dirt trails.
What other expenses will I likely have before and during the Tour?
- Flight
- Equipment
- Vaccinations
- Visas
- Upgrades to hotels along the route (optional)
- Souvenirs (optional)
- Food on rest days
- Gratuities for field staff (optional)
What kind of bike should I use?
We recommend a good solid hybrid bike, traditional touring bike, or front suspension mountain bike. Racing bikes are not recommended. Your registration package will contain more detailed information on this topic.
How do I transport my bicycle to the starting point and back home after the tour?
You can generally take your bike along on international flights at no extra cost, as it is considered one of the two pieces of luggage allowed on economy class tickets. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard box for the flight.
At the end of the tour, for a small fee, cardboard bike boxes will be delivered to our hotel in Istanbul for anyone who requires one. For those leaving the tour before Istanbul, we generally recycle the boxes of the other participants who are joining the tour along the way. Otherwise, we will help you locate one at a local bicycle store.
Do you supply maps of the daily route?
No but directions will be given each morning. The riders are expected to be independent but every effort will be made to mark the proper route. Cyclists are free to bring their own maps if they wish. The Tour is set up in a way that provides reasonable support and safety. This includes a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders one hour before darkness. More information regarding maps will be included in the registration package.