Booking Conditions – Solo Bike (effective as of 1 January, 2024)

By making your booking, for the tours and services we provide (“your holiday contract”), you agree that you (the traveller) have read, understood and accepted to the following booking conditions:

1. Tour Operator
Slow Trails Pty. Ltd. Trading as Solo Bike (ACN 102 366 781) (ABN 96 102366 781) is the Tour Operator of the program. (“Solo Bike”, “we” and “us”)

2. How to book – Tour Price
Please fill in the booking form. Don’t forget to include your travel insurance policy details and make sure that you provide the photo page of your passport. 

Send your completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of AUD $1,000.00 - $1,500.00 (dependant on trip), for your chosen trip to Solo Bike. Your booking is subject to these booking conditions.

Within 7 days we will either confirm your booking, issue an itinerary and invoice the final balance of the tour price, or decline your booking and refund the deposit your deposit in full. The final balance is due 90 days prior to departure.  If you book less than 90 days prior to departure, the final balance is due within 7 days of issue of the invoice. 

It may become necessary to increase the tour price after your booking is confirmed but before you pay the balance price due to international currency fluctuations. That is, if the exchange rate varies between the $AUD and the EURO so that the $AUD falls by more than 8% from the exchange rate applying at the date the invoice for the tour price is issued. If so, the increase will apply to the tour price. Variations will not be charged after the balance price has been paid. 

3.Amendment of Booking
If you alter your booking after confirmation of the booking, you should notify us in writing and we shall try to accommodate you.  An amendment fee of $33 will apply to cover administration costs incurred.

4. Transfer of Booking
You may transfer your booking to a third party that satisfies all the conditions of a person taking that tour within 14 days of departure.  There will be an amendment fee of $150 p/person.

5. Cancellation by you
If you cancel your booking, the following cancellation fees will apply:
• 90+ days prior – forfeiture of deposit
• 89 - 28 days prior – 50% of total tour price
• Less than 28 days – 100% of total price

6. Cancellation by us (force majeure)

Solo Bike reserves the right to cancel the tour before the scheduled tour commencement date or during the tour in the event of Force Majeure. Force Majeure is an event that is beyond our reasonable control and which we could not have reasonably prevented.

It includes, but is not limited to: (a) war, armed conflict, criminal damage, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity or the threat of any such acts; (b) natural disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide), adverse weather conditions, high or low water levels; (c) nuclear or other industrial accident causing environmental pollution or contamination; or (d) change in law, meaning, enactment, amendment (including repeal) in the law or administration of any law in Australia or any jurisdiction or territory relevant to the tour, which includes changes in statute, regulation, determination, by-law, declaration, license and the common law as applicable from time to time, regulations or access to services, sites or countries caused by declared epidemic or pandemic events, border closures, DFAT warnings (Level 3 or 4).

If the tour is cancelled in the event of Force Majeure, we will refund part or all of any unused portion of the cost of the tour that we are able to recover from our suppliers but will not otherwise be liable to refund any amount to you. At our discretion and if you request, we may provide a credit voucher for costs that can be carried over for a new tour as compensation in lieu of a refund.

If we cancel a tour more than 28 days prior to date of departure, we will, if possible offer an alternative tour. If this is not acceptable all monies paid will be refunded in full.  In no circumstances will we be liable to reimburse any incidental costs you may have incurred as a result of your booking.

 7. Disclaimer

Solo Bike is not a carrier or hotelier, nor does its own aircraft, vessels, vehicles, hotels or coaches. The services which Solo Bike provides consist of arranging and co-coordinating accommodation stated on the itinerary/brochure only, including tour organising & planning, guiding and hosting, transfers, and making bookings with the accommodation listed on the itinerary.  While Solo Bike takes care in the selection of reputable coach, vehicle and vessel operators, hotels and accommodation, local guides, and other suppliers of the various services which are used in these tours, Solo Bike does not act as their agent and nor are such suppliers or service providers the agent of Solo Bike. It is important to note, therefore, all bookings with Solo Bike are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of liability imposed by such suppliers or service providers whose services are utilised, some of which may seek to limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage of baggage. You acknowledge and agree that Solo Bike and its representatives assume no responsibility to the client and will not be held liable by the client for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity by reason of:

(1) any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the suppliers or service providers;

(2) any wrongful, negligent, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any employee or representative of these suppliers or service providers;

(3) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment or instrumentality owned, operated, or used by any of these suppliers or service providers; or

(4) any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under the direct control of Solo Bike.

You should note that there have been a number of earthquakes in Italy in the last few years. In the event that an earthquake occurs during the tour, the tour may have to be cancelled. Solo Bike is not responsible or liable for any damage that participants may suffer in that event, and no refund of tour costs will be provided. You should consult their travel insurance company to make appropriate arrangements to deal with this contingency.

You acknowledge and agree that Solo Bike and its representatives assume no responsibility to the client and will not be held liable by the client for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity by reason of unforeseen events taking place such as pandemics and other which are beyond Solo Bike’s control (including contracting a virus such a COVID prior/during/after a tour).

8. Variations and refunds

You will not be entitled to any refund if you fail to follow the instructions of Solo Bike or its suppliers or representatives.  We reserve the right to alter or cancel any services in the itinerary and inclusions may vary depending on weather, tour operator’s arrangements, or other uncertainties, and are subject to change.  If we are unable to provide a service comparable to that described, we will refund you the difference between the cost of the described service and the lower dollar (Australian) value of the substituted service.   The photographs appearing on our website are representational only and are not a guarantee that everything will be exactly as depicted at the location upon arrival.  Every endeavour will be made to provide the itinerary, though no guarantees can be given.  We reserve the right to change hotels nominated in this itinerary.  If so, every endeavour will be made to substitute with accommodation and travel arrangements of a similar standard.”

9.Tour Inclusions
Refer to the Solo Bike website or your trip itinerary for a list of inclusions for each tour.  This information will also be sent out in a trip pack upon final payment..

The tour price does not include: airfares, transfers unless otherwise stated, visas, travel insurance premiums, vaccinations and excess baggage fees; airfares, fuel surcharges, taxes, passport fees, visa fees; beverages with meals extra meals, laundry, drinks, departure taxes, telephone charges, gratuities, breakages, damages. You must settle any charges made by an accommodation or services provider for services ordered directly such as room service, mini bar, laundry, post, telephone, internet, Wi-Fi charges, items of a personal nature or tips (accommodation providers may require validation of a credit card upon check in).

10.Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is a compulsory condition of acceptance as a participant of the tour.  Details of your insurance must be included in your booking form.  Your travel insurance must cover you for cancellation (including for Covid-19), loss of deposit, loss of luggage and personal belongings, medical, hospital, dental, and personal accident and public liability cover.   Solo Bike reserves the right to cancel your participation if you are unable to provide proof of travel insurance before departure.

11.Health and Fitness
Bookings are accepted on the understanding that the individual travelling possesses good health and an adequate level of fitness, stamina and mobility to participate in your chosen tour. When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. 
Participation should only be considered if you are adequately trained and in good physical and medical condition to undertake the daily anticipated distances and elevations required of the tour. You are responsible for determining whether you are able to meet the physical demands of the tour and your health and wellbeing throughout the tour remains your responsibility. If you have any doubts as to your health and fitness to participate, you should consult a physician before booking.
In certain circumstances we may request medical proof of fitness prior to accepting a booking.

12.International Travel Documents
You will require a valid passport (at least 6 months validity from date of return); and details of any required vaccination and/or visa requirements.

13.Complaints
Any complaints should be communicated to the company’s representative as soon as it arises to provide them the opportunity to rectify the situation.  If the issue is not resolved, the complaint should be made in writing to ‘Solo Bike.’ within 28 days of your tour.