General Information
Saffron Road specialises in running tours for small groups. By keeping numbers restricted, we are able to offer a high staff-to-client ratio so clients enjoy a greater degree of personalised service. There is also the opportunity for more intimate encounters with local people and culture, the chance to visit small communities and, in some cases, be hosted by local dignitaries in their own homes. Small numbers also reduce waiting times in hotels and restaurants and improve safety when on the road.
To maintain safety and keep a balance between really experiencing a country and being on the bike, ride days, while sometimes challenging, are kept to easily manageable lengths with time to stop, take photos, meet people, visit attractions and drink in the ambiance of the surroundings. Exceptional circumstances withstanding, we plan to arrive at our day’s destination in daylight and with plenty of time to explore.
Rest days are taken regularly and, as far as possible, in the most interesting places. Organised sightseeing is kept to a minimum, but a knowledgeable local guide is always on hand to explain the history and culture of the location.
Pillion passengers and riders may use the support vehicle at any time. A separate car or 4WD can be organised for full-time passengers.
Tour dates are based on actual number of days in the country of destination and do not include travel times.
Tour Prices: As published, except for private groups and customised tours..
Saffron Road Motorcycle Tours believes in WYSIWYG – “What you see is what you get” - there are no hidden costs.
The Standard Tour Package Costs Include:
- High staff to client ratio
- Group transfers to/from airport and hotel
- First Class accommodation (‘Best in Town’ or full-service camping in remote locations) Twin-Share. Single supplement choice available.
- Three meals a day with tea/coffee – every day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Bottled water when on the road
- Air-conditioned support vehicle with driver and staff (for luggage transport, rider comfort and general assistance)
- Full motorcycle rental for the duration of the tour (late model bikes)
- Experienced mechanics
- All fuel and oil costs (except in Africa and Europe)
- Repairs, maintenance and spare parts (excluding damage)
- Motorcycle total loss insurance
- Local driving licence (if required)
- Basic emergency first-aid equipment and some medicines
- Experienced tour leader trained in First Aid
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to selected monuments and attractions
- All train fares, boat trips and internal domestic fares (where indicated in itinerary)
- Visa for Bhutan
- Staff gratuities (guides, drivers, mechanics, restaurant staff and porters)
- Quality ‘Icebreaker’ long-sleeved top or t-shirt with Saffron Road logo
Standard Tour Package Cost Excludes:
- Travel insurance policy covering use of motorcycle
- Visas (except Bhutan, which is included)
- International Driving Permit
- Vaccinations and personal medication including known allergy antidotes
- Items of a personal nature such as postage, laundry or souvenirs
- Personal consumptions such as bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Costs incurred for delays due to bad weather or political expediency.
Accommodation
Depending on the tour, accommodation ranges from excellent four-five star hotels and resorts, through to “best in town” or full-service camping in more remote regions. Heritage properties, boutique hotels and private first-class guest houses are favoured over modern, soulless hotels. In Mongolia we stay in delightful, cosy, comfortable gers (the traditional round, canvas and felt ‘yurts’ like those used by the nomads).
Accommodation is generally chosen to reflect the high quality of the tour (be it style of property or the experience it offers). International style five-star hotels have generally proved unpopular with group members who feel a little out of place at the end of a day’s hard ride, but maybe included when appropriate.
In some places there is little choice, but rest assured we always endeavour to at least provide clean rooms, hot showers, good food and cold beer!
Driving Licences and Travel Insurance
Riders must have a valid and unrestricted international motorcycle licence. Travel insurance is mandatory for all and, if on a bike at all, must cover riding or being a pillion on a motorcycle. Please check any clauses relating to riding or being a pillion on a motorcycle and also assess medical evacuation cover before you purchase or use any existing insurance.
Some countries require participants to also hold a local driving licence. If we know this in advance (Mongolia and Vietnam), this is covered in the cost of the tour.
General Information
More detailed information will be mailed after receipt of a completed booking form and deposit (standard US $500 per person). Prior to departure you will also be sent maps, packing hints, a list of hotels and other important contact numbers.
Please remember these are adventure tours in developing countries and sometimes in remote areas where it is not always possible to lock timetables and schedules in concrete. All itineraries are on a “best-fit” basis which may need to be changed from time to time due to amended train/flight timetables, weather and road conditions, political expediency, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade advisories and/or advice from and our local ground agent. To enjoy a tour fully, a flexible attitude is essential. On any journey it is often the unexpected event that becomes a highlight.
For more information please contact us
