We were transported from our accommodation to the tour start Hotel by taxi, which took us to an unfamiliar hotel. The bikes and equipment were left in the basement car park where we were expected to work out all the deatails without any assistance. The Hotel reception were unable to direct us to the bike path and we had difficulty operating the GPS, which was essential, as the maps and route description were totally inadequate. I would expect at least some help in getting everything set up before starting. Our two essential items were the GPS (even though it took until day 3 to get it to operate effectively) and the booklet called "Elbe River Trail" by Bikeline. We did not use the supplied small scale maps or the very limited route descriptions at all. The detailed town maps were however useful. Luckily, once we found the bike path it was very well signposted, especially in the Czech section, so we never became lost. We were supplied with two double rear panniers and two tiny rear bags for our four bikes. All were old and worn and inadequate to store all our valuables. The tiny bags were awkward and hard to secure to the bikes. The bikes all performed reasonably, with no punctures or repairs, although the gears were not well adjusted. The hotels were all very good, although the hotel in Melnik had no record of the booking and no reception, so all a bit inefficient. Other hotels were better organised and had excellent rooms. The Dresden hotel was the best, with great breakfast, dinner and garden. There was no envelope included with our documents to attach to our panniers and to hold the gps at the end of the trip and so we had to leave everything in the panniers with reception. The bikes were stored outside in the car park and nothing was collected for the three extra days we stayed in the hotel. We expected helmets to be provided (as we travelled from overseas and could not bring our own), but none were supplied. Also, it would be helpful if a small first aid kit was supplied, or indicated that it was not. Overall, I was concerned that I was unable to either sign for all the bikes and equipment, and especially unable to sign over the bikes and equipment at the end of the trip. I just have to hope that everything gets back to the supplier ok.