See the world on two wheels. One of the best ways to explore a country and experience some of the lesser-known sights off the beaten track is by bike. Enjoy challenging uphill cycles, or pedal effortlessly through country lanes and stop to soak in the scenery, it’s up to you. No matter how you choose to cycle, this guide highlights some of the best routes on our cycling adventures as well as the most immersive cultural experiences you can enjoy along the way in 2022.
January: Cycling in Vietnam
Best month to cycle: January when there is less rain and cooler temperatures.
Trip highlights:
Cycle through the backroads and fruit and rubber plantations towards the coast. Bidoup National Park with its huge pine forests and paddy fields, and Hai van Pass with its mountain views are particularly stunning. Although this trip won’t be running in January 2022, you can book ahead for 2023 and give yourself a fabulous cycling adventure to look forward to. Due to the milder and drier weather, January is the best month for cycling in Vietnam.
Experience: Celebrate Tet Vietnamese New Year on 22nd January 2023
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly flat tarmac with some undulation and a challenging ride at Dalat and the Hai Van Pass.
Secure your place: Cycling in Vietnam
February: The Algarve, Portugal
Best month to cycle: With an average maximum temperature of 17°C in February, you can enjoy pleasant cycles, with cooler evenings and little to no crowds.
Trip highlights: Discover quiet fishermen’s villages and deserted cycling routes as you take on peaceful rides along the coast and lush green forests inland.
Experience: Take time to explore the beautiful towns of Sagres and Lagos that are rich in maritime history.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/Moderate, with mostly flat coastal cycles.
Secure your place: Atlas Descent
March: Cycling Cuba
Best month to cycle: March is one of the drier months in Cuba with pleasantly warm temperatures.
Trip highlights: As you cycle the length of Cuba, riding along country routes flanked by forests and patchwork fields, you’ll discover the vibrant culture of Trinidad and the incredible history of Santiago and Havana.
Experience: Take part in a traditional salsa dance class.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac roads at low altitude.
Secure your place: Cycling Cuba
April: Cycling Puglia and Matera
Best month to cycle: April – springtime in Puglia is a heavenly sight as the landscape is strewn with pretty wildflowers.
Trip highlights: Cycle among the picturesque landscapes of the Valle d’Itria and the hilltop village of Ostuni. The leisurely ride among olive groves to Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” owing to its beauty and architecture, is a sight to behold.
Experience: Immerse yourself in Italian culture at the UNECSO World Heritage Sites of Matera and Alberobello where you’ll see the fascinating Trulli and Sassi houses.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac and hilly roads.
Secure your place: Cycling Puglia and Matera
May: Cycle Pisa to Florence
Best month to cycle: May is one of the best times to cycle in Italy as the temperature is cooler and the scenery is lush.
Trip highlights: Cycle across the ancient city walls of Lucca where you’ll enjoy spectacular views. Tuscany’s undulating hills and the valleys of the Appennines create one of the most scenic backdrops on this tour.
Experience: A tour of the cultural sites of Pistoia where our local guide will impart his knowledge of these Tuscan highlights.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – mostly tarmac country roads.
Secure your place: Cycle Pisa to Florence
June: Cycle Peru: Machu Picchu and Titicaca
Best month to cycle: All throughout June into early July you’ll enjoy great cycles as the days are cooler and there is less rainfall.
Trip highlights: Ride along the shores of Lake Titicaca and among the Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley. This Peruvian cycling adventure also introduces you to the history and culture of Cuzco where you’ll see the striking architecture of this fascinating city in the Peruvian Andes.
Experience: A guided tour of the epic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – a combination of gravel, off-road and quiet roads with high altitudes.
July: Cycle Madagascar
Best month to cycle: July into early August is among the driest months in Madagascar and is a great time to go whale watching.
Trip highlights: Discover the diverse landscapes of this beautiful island as you cycle along quiet roads and witness the unusual rock formations and natural pools of Isalo National Park. You’ll also explore the Ranomafana National Park with its thundering waterfalls and plummeting canyons.
Experience: Visit the impressive geysers of Analavory where the naturally heated water is a popular swimming spot for locals.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly surfaced roads with some rough sections
Secure your place: Cycle Madagascar
August: Cycling the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
Best month to cycle: Even though it’s monsoon season from May to September, August is the exception. This is an inter-monsoon month with fewer days of rainfall and generally wonderful weather.
Trip highlights: Explore the ancient cities, national parks and idyllic beaches of this incredibly diverse island country. As well as cycling among tea estates and climbing the rock fortress at Sigiriya, you’ll also discover the spectacular cave temple at Dambulla.
Experience: Go in search of the elusive leopard at Yala National Park.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly tarmac roads along quiet routes with regular inclines.
Secure your place: Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
September: Cycling the Cape Winelands
Best month to cycle: Between August and September is mating and calving season in Hermanus, making it one of the best times to go whale watching.
Trip highlights: The ride to Bloubergstrand boasts an immense backdrop of Cape Town and the illustrious Table Mountain. Cycle along the famous Cape Argus route among some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery.
Experience: Whale watching in the bay from Hermanus.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac roads with relaxed cycling but some challenging climbs.
Secure your place: Cycling the Cape & Winelands
October: Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
Best month to cycle: October is the summer period in Chile and Argentina so you can take advantage of the extended hours of daylight.
Trip highlights: As you cycle between tranquil lakes, hot springs, ancient forests, and imposing volcanoes, you’ll discover the natural beauty of South America. Walk through Conguillio National Park and journey along the famous Seven Lakes Road to San Martin.
Experience: Visit the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in the Patagonian Andes, a protected area with some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly tarmac roads and quiet routes.
Secure your place: Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
November: Cycling through Rajasthan
Best month to cycle: Although November is winter season in Rajasthan, the temperatures are still warm but more pleasant for cycling.
Trip highlights: Cycle along the backroads and to the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri before arriving at the Taj Mahal to watch the sunset is one of the most unforgettable journeys on the trip.
Experience: Attend the Diwali Festival of Lights and join in the religious and cultural celebrations with fireworks, prayers and feasts.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Mostly surfaced backroads with three steep (optional) climbs.
Secure your place: Cycling through Rajasthan
December: Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride
Best month to cycle: December is Costa Rica’s dry season and the warm temperatures make it perfect for exploring the rainforest over the Christmas period.
Trip highlights: As you cycle along the iconic Coastal Highway, you’ll travel among forests and hills with the most stunning panoramas of the Pacific.
Experience: Visit Tortuguero National Park to go in search of Costa Rica’s prolific wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas and hundreds of species of birds.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly quiet, tarmac roads with some moderate climbs.
Secure your place: Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride
If this has inspired you to start planning a cycling trip for 2022, browse our full collection of cycling trips here.
