If your idea of a holiday high point involves two wheels, a winding mountain road, and views that stop you mid-ride, you’re in the right place.
From the tea-scented climbs of Sri Lanka to the epic switchback tracks in Morocco, the ascents on our trips are the stuff of cycling legend. So, whether you’re chasing adrenaline, altitude, or just an unbeatable view, these five cycling ascents promise an incredible challenge.
Tackle Tizi n’Test and Coast into Citrus Country, Morocco
On Day 3 of our Cycle Morocco’s Great South trip, the adventure shifts into high gear. Your day begins with a challenging ascent over the panoramic Tizi n’Test Pass, perched at 6,890ft (2,100m). As you climb, you enjoy tight switchbacks and hairpin turns, while watching the landscape transform to reveal panoramic views over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
After reaching the summit, prepare for an exhilarating descent into the valley, where the road winds past groves of orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees. The day’s ride concludes in Oulad Berhil, where a traditional riad offers a warm welcome and a chance to relax amidst peacocks and fruit-laden trees.
And that’s just the beginning. Over the course of the trip, you spin past Amazigh villages and argan-studded hills on the way to Tafraoute, ride underneath hill-top kasbahs near Tizi M’Lil, and conquer the coastal rollercoaster of Paradise Valley before arriving in laid-back Essaouira.
From remote desert landscapes to palm groves and sleepy fishing towns, it’s a ride of relentless variety. Expect tired legs, a full memory card, and a well-earned appetite for tagine.
Ride the Legendary Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
Day 10 of our Cycle Vietnam adventure is not for the faint of heart. The mighty Hai Van Pass awaits, a snaking ribbon of tarmac that climbs through jungle-draped hills.
Our route traverses over the pass, which means you climb 1,903ft (580m) on this section of the trip. Known as the Ocean Cloud Pass, it’s a proper leg burner, but one with a cinematic pay-off: panoramic views of Da Nang Bay, the distant outline of the Annamite Mountains, and the satisfying whoosh of a long, sweeping descent towards the outskirts of Hue. It’s a climb that feels part Tour de France, part tropical daydream.
But Hai Van isn’t the only high point, just the literal one. On this trip, you also pedal towards the Forbidden Purple City of Hue, glide over Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, and cycle past remote villages and rare pine forests in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
Each day brings a fresh slice of Vietnamese life and a new excuse to eat more pho. Legs will ache. Spirits will soar. And the views? Always worth the climb.
Make the Rewarding Ascent to ‘Little England’, Sri Lanka
The optional ride to Nuwara Eliya on Day 6 of our Cycling the back roads of Sri Lanka trip serves up a long, winding climb through emerald-green tea estates and cool mountain air.
It’s a challenge, no doubt – a climb to 6,562ft (2,000m) over 52mi (84km) – but one that rewards the effort with sweeping views, crisp highland breeze, and the quiet satisfaction of reaching Sri Lanka’s “Little England” under your own steam. Think rolling past carpets of tea terraces, waterfalls tumbling from the hillsides, and mist curling through tall eucalyptus trees. But remember, this is all at your own pace, and the support vehicle is just a friendly flag-down away.
Earlier in the journey, you ride through the ancient ruins and sacred temples of Polonnaruwa, spin past shimmering reservoirs in Kandalama, and meander through spice plantations on quiet back roads.
There are wildlife encounters, too, watch for elephants in Udawalawe National Park and curious macaques along the way. From the cultural rhythms of Kandy to the golden sands of Ahangama, this trip captures Sri Lanka’s contrasts in full technicolour: lush, lively, and best experienced from the saddle.
Cycle Across Borders and into the Andes, Chile and Argentina
Day 4 of our Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina trip delivers a proper sense of adventure and altitude.
The ride begins gently enough, with a steady 12.4 mi (20km) incline through lush temperate rainforest and along the emerald shores of Lake Todos los Santos. But then comes the main event: a challenging 2,297ft (700m) climb over just 4.7mi (7.5km) to reach the remote border post at Puerto Frías.
It’s a thigh-testing ascent into the wild heart of the southern Andes, where every pedal stroke takes you deeper into a world of waterfalls, thick forest, and condor-patrolled skies. By the time you roll into Argentina, you have earned every view (and empanada).
And that’s just one gear-grinding highlight. You also get to spin around Lago Llanquihue to Frutillar, pedal beneath the towering volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco, and follow the Rio Petrohue river to the roaring Saltos de Petrohue waterfalls.
There’s a stunning approach to Bariloche via the scenic Punto Panoramico, gravel grinding along the legendary Seven Lakes Route, and peaceful pedalling beside the Alumine River past Mapuche farms. Towards the end of the trip, you cross volcanic valleys in Conguillio National Park and coast through forests of ancient monkey puzzle trees. From otherworldly views to Andean thrills, this adventure is cycling at its wildest and most rewarding.
Power Through the Pines of the Llogara Pass, Albania
Day 7 of our Cycling in Albania offers a ride that separates the cyclists from the casually adventurous: the long, rewarding ascent to the Llogara Pass.
Rising to 3,422ft (1,043m), it’s the toughest climb of the trip and entirely optional – but if you’re up for the challenge, this switchback-laced ascent delivers epic views of the Albanian Riviera, across the Ionian Sea (and, on a clear day, you might even be able to make out Italy in the distance). At the summit, a thrilling descent sweeps you into Llogara National Park, where pine forests and sea breezes replace thigh burn and sweat beads.
It’s the longest climb of the week– but it’s not the only ride that comes with epic views. On Day 2, you tackle the remote Barmash Pass (3,802ft/1,159m), cruise from grassy plateaux into a dramatic gorge to Leskovik on Day 3 and enjoy a fantastic descent from the Muzina Pass to the coastal town of Sarandë. While Day 6 packs in steep climbs over cols to Himarë, with sea views on repeat.
Whether winding past trout farms, tackling hairpins above turquoise water, or freewheeling into beach towns, this Albania adventure serves up sublime, under-the-radar riding from start to finish.
For more extraordinary cycling trips, browse our full collection here.
