Faq & Help CENTRE

We understand that finding your perfect bike touring holiday can be daunting, we’re here to take the stress out of it.

Have a look through our FAQ’s below, if you’re question isn’t answered, or not answered well enough, send us a message, or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help.

Booking & Cancellations Tour INFORMATION What to Pack?

Booking and Cancellations

We prefer payment by bank transfer, details of which are in our T&C’s section. 

If You Cancel
In the event of you choosing to cancel your tour the following will be incurred;

70 days or more prior to departure
Full loss of deposit, plus 50% of all further monies paid.

0 – 69 days prior to departure
Full loss of deposit, plus 100% of all further monies paid.

No-show
Full loss of deposit, plus 100% of all further monies paid.

For this reason we strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance that covers cancellations.

If We Cancel
We reserve the right to cancel any tour, however we would only do so in extreme circumstances. In the highly unlikely event that Tip Top Tours cancels a tour you will be given an option to move monies paid to another tour of your choice (subject to availability) or a refund as dictated by the relevant legislation.

Should Tip Top Tours need to cancel as a result of situations beyond our control we will not be held responsible or offer a refund/compensation. This could include but is not limited to the following: war, riots, civil unrest, terrorism, natural disaster or any unforeseen cancellations due to industrial disputes, and/or weather – acts of god.

If you’d like to switch to a different tour and there’s availability, you’re welcome to do so—just keep in mind that this is subject to our cancellation policy. If you’re making changes more than 70 days before your tour begins, a rebooking fee of £50 per person will apply for each change.
We never cancel tours due to low numbers. If you’ve booked, we’re committed to making the tour happen!

At the time of booking provide the names of the riders, select the room type, pay the deposit and let us do the rest!

Cant find an answer? ask us

Tour Information

Absolutely! Our tours are designed for all experience levels. Whether you’re new to motorcycle touring or a seasoned rider, you’re very welcome. Just let us know it’s your first time and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable and supported throughout. The overview of each tour will give you an idea of the style of riding – we would advise that you take a careful look at the details to check it is suitable for you.

We can do. However, riders ride at different paces. From our experience, some want to go off and ride their own ride at their own pace – which could be quicker or slower than your Tour Leader. Or you can stick with the Tour Leader and ride at their pace. It’s your tour, so feel free to ride at a pace that suits you.
Our guides are available throughout the trip and are just a phone call away if you need assistance. Whether you ride with the group or independently, help is always nearby.

All our tours are accompanied with at least one tour leader, who holds an Advanced Rider qualification from either IAM or RoSPA.  The ride leader may not always ride with you as you are free to ride at your own pace. But, the ride leader is there to help make sure your experience with Tip Top Tours is, well, tip top!

 Our tours will start at an easy to find location with facilities. Sometimes these may be hotel car parks or similar, but will be close to either the port for departure abroad, or near wonderful roads for UK based tours. As soon as the tour starts you will be on the train/ferry to cross the channel or off into the twisties.

Yes, we provide suggested daily routes for Garmin and TomTom devices. 

We keep our groups small—typically between 6 and 12 riders—to ensure a more personal and enjoyable experience. This allows everyone to ride at their own pace and form natural riding groups.

We’re proud to welcome riders of all genders. It’s a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone.

You’ll get wet, of course! Joking aside though, let’s assume it will do at some point in the tour, especially if in mountains! As it’s a tour  we have to move on to our next hotel, then we shall ride and we will get wet, so good waterproof gear is essential. 

If, however, we are at a stop for more than one night, then you may choose not to ride that day if its raining. 

Although we don’t tend to spend much time in towns and cities we may need to pass through. For the few pounds it costs it’s one less thing to worry about so we recommend it. Make sure you order at least 3 weeks prior to departure. 

The nature of a tour is we go from place to place, some may prefer a clover leaf tour where we may take a day or two to ride somewhere then base ourselves in one place for a few nights. You can have a day off, or go on a ride back to the same hotel to explore an area.

Varies; it’s about saddle time though. A first day, for example, could be a long day to get to a location such as the Ireland tour. Afterwards, it’s about enjoying the roads and scenery.  So miles could be short, but a long day. We do try and avoid motorways and tolls though, but sometimes this can be unavoidable. 
Most of our tours include rest days with optional ride-outs. It’s a great chance to relax, explore the area, or enjoy a shorter ride if you wish.

No, all rides are self-sufficient which is why we recommend breakdown insurance, travel insurance etc. And we advise on making sure you and your bike are comfortable with long days on the road. 

Tip Top Tours do not rent bikes, however, we would be pleased to put you in touch with rental companies if you wish.

Breakdowns can happen, which is why we strongly recommend breakdown cover. Our team and fellow riders are always ready to help—no one gets left behind.

Prefer to ride solo? No problem! We provide GPS routes so you can enjoy the journey at your own pace while still being part of the group experience.

What to pack?

Depends on the tour and time of year, we can advise on this, though the Pyrenees in August for example may well cover all gear type as temperatures can vary from +37degC, to 3degC! As part of your pre-tour pack you will receive guidance on the location, weather and what we would pack – but you will know what is best for you.

Typically clean pants, socks, and a toothbrush

Documents, V5, insurance, travel insurance and breakdown

Layers, spare gloves, waterproofs

Credit card(s) – always good to have a spare.

Anything else? 

We will advise you at time of booking if anything special is needed, but typically, just you and your normal riding gear!                                  

Sense of adventure and sense of humour! This is compulsory 😊

This will depend on the tour, once booked specific details for your tour will be provided.

Layering and dry clothes are the key – heated clothing can cut down on some bulky clothing in cooler climes.

Most probably – if you can suggest anything – let us know!

Summary of Key Information

  • Tours run rain or shine, with flexibility on rest days.
  • GPX/Sat nav files are provided for Garmin and TomTom devices.
  • Packing essentials include waterproofs, layers, documents, and a sense of adventure.
  • No support vehicle—riders should be self-sufficient and have breakdown insurance.
  • Group sizes are kept small (around 10 bikes) for a more personal experience.
  • Tours welcome first-time riders and offer flexible riding styles.
  • You can switch to another tour (if available) for a £50 rebooking fee per person.
  • Cancellations more than 70 days before departure incur a 50% fee; within 69 days, no refund.
  • Deposits are non-refundable; full payment is due 10 weeks before the tour.
  • Booking is easy—just provide rider names, room type, and deposit. We will need bike info, passport details for booking ferries etc (we keep such personal info for the duration of the trip in case of emergency, and then delete/destroy it).