i'm not looking to go on holiday, but i am currently toying with an idea.
how much would you be willing - or rather expect - to pay for a five day guided tour in the alps?
i enjoyed guiding last year, but was unhappy with two main points:
a potential tour day was lost due to the bus journey back to the start point. the tour, including the day spent in the bus was seven days. also, each a general complaint was that there was too much asphalt. this was necesary as we were having to ride over 80km each day through the Alps and complete over 300 miles at the end of six days.
this 5 day tour would avoid that.
for your "X" amount of money you get:
a tour that avoids tarmac and traffic as much as possible (think 5% tarmac).
a guide fluent in the local language and english (not necessarily me!).
luggauage transfer (unless over-nighting in a hut when you will have to carry a change of shorts & top, toothbrush, etc).
4 nights accomodation ( a mix of half-board and B&B).
several lift tickets are also included - not because you're lazy, but so you can ride more trails in day!
one day lift-assisted riding.
a group no larger than 8 guests, preferably 5-6.
bike hire can be organised at a cost, but you get a very decent bike, poss for free if you choose to buy the bike at the end of the 5 days.
you have to get to the start point on your own. flights from UK + train to and from start point works out ~£300 judging by my previous experience.
it will likely be necessary that you arrive a day before the first tour day. accomodation can be arranged.
you pay for your evening meals when necessary.
the idea is that instead of riding for a long distance, having one long climb and one descent in a day, to ride a shorter (40-60km), but more intense distance each day.
i know what other companies are charging, but i'm not interested in them just yet as many are offering something different.
any opinions you have will be greatly welcomed.
thanks in advance....
J
should also add, there wonät be any descending on asphalt and fireroad descents avioded as much as possible.
bump....
anyone?
550 for half board plus flights
tbh, i've paid £800 for a guided week (Including flights) You would be able to do it on £500 easy.
Are you the 'guide' that bigs himself up over the customers who can't ride for toffee? Which Alps are we talking about? Are you qualified for France for example?
I'd pay money to go to see what a riding god you are...
hi chunky,
no, not france... Germany and Austria.
let's just say that i'm surprised by people talk-the-talk, would have you think that they really are the bee's knees and then jump off their bike when it's too steep, narrow or rough. i don't knock anyone.
i'll let you know if this gets off the ground. you can have it half-price and if you think it was worth your while and entertaining enough you can pay the other half or become my bitch. 🙂
cheers for your input, anto & jedi.
let's just say that i'm surprised by people talk-the-talk, would have you think that they really are the bee's knees and then jump off their bike when it's too steep, narrow or rough. i don't knock anyone.
Lets just say the most proper guides could probably say the same thing, week in, week out. But they don't need too.
I'll take my hard earned cash somewhere else thanks. I was never keen on cowboys.
think there is some italian saying along the lines of "everyone can talk, but not all can do". obviously sounds a little more elegant in italian.
most of my colleagues would say the same, too.
ok, fair enough. learning curve, i guess....
oh, and YEEEHA!
i couldn't give a monkeys how the guide can ride. its about the guiding not the riding
word
hmmm... was kind of hoping for a little more input...
I reckon I'd pay about 700 ish. Main point I'd like is good food. Don't mind if it's simple but just nice food. And maybe beer and wine included with meals 🙂
Bur I've two small kids so won't be going anywhere soon !
Sounds promising but I wouldnt want to be carrying any overnight kit. A decent bed, hot shower and good food would be very important. As for cost, 500 quid would be my maximum. When you include flights etc your are looking at nigh on 1k for one weeks holiday.
I've been looking at treating myself to something like this, and the suggestions already made £500 - 700 are pretty much bang on.
Keeping the all-in price under a grand would keep this on my shortlist.
If you want to do it on a budget then have a look at Alpine Elements, i've been with them a couple of times and they do anything from clean, no frills to luxury.
I think they do a week for about £450
i couldn't fault them on both occasions 🙂
Your Marketing could do with some work...seriously. There is nothing in there that grabs my attention.
£500-£700 seems about right, depending on the quality of accommodation and the uniqueness of the route. People are paying you for an experience so the more you can sell them on that the better - highlighting locations at the end of each day, nice meals, trying to link in with a lake or a spa or a nice bar for a cold drink at the end of a day. You would also need to plan for being less than 100% booked on your first year - realistically you would need to start trying to sell from Christmas and/or be prepared to offer some cheaper weeks to give people that boost to trust you with their money and time.
Group hugs if anyone feels threatened.