Your Guide to Cycling Adventures

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, its 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 2020. Let's see how many you can tick off your list!

Cycling in Vietnam

Best month to cycle: January when there is less rain and cooler temperatures.

Trip highlights: Cycle through the backroads alongside 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.

Experience: Celebrate Tet Vietnamese New Year on 25th January

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

Fat Biking in Finland

Best month to cycle: In February the landscapes are laden with snow which provides the perfect conditions for fat biking.

Trip highlights: Cycle along the Russian border, over frozen lakes and down exciting descents. You’ll ride to viewpoints where you can inhale fabulous views of Lake Paanjarvi. As you ride among hushed forests and along Juhtivaara Fell, you’ll have to opportunity to spy elks, wolverines and Golden Eagles.

Experience: If you’re fortunate, you might witness the elusive Northern Lights on your trip.

Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – a combination of prepared trails, frozen rivers, forests and fells.

Secure your place: Fat Biking in Finland

Cape Town Cycle Tour Special

Best month to cycle: On the 8th March, you can take part in the world’s largest timed cycle race.

Trip highlights: Climb to the summit of Tradouws Pass to a centuries old prison camp. Cycle along the Whale Route, the most incredible coastal road embraced by the ocean and Cape Fold Mountains.

Experience: Take part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Difficulty level: Challenging – All tarmac roads with mostly easy rides and some difficult climbs.

Secure your place: Cape Argus Cycle Tour

 

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

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

Alpine Cols Tour de France

Best month to cycle: Every July the Tour de France takes place in the French and Italian Alps.

Trip highlights: Conquer the Col de la Bonnette, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the French Alps. Battle your way up the Alpe d’Huez in the climax of the Tour de France.

Experience: Cycle along this magnificent route through the Italian and French Alps.

Difficulty level: Challenging/tough – all tarmac roads with long and steady uphill climbs.

Secure your place: Alpine Cols Tour de France

 

Cycling the Cape Winelands

Best month to cycle: August 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

Cycling the Prosecco Hills

Best month to cycle: Towards the end of September temperatures begin to cool, and this is the best time to see the grape harvest.

Trip highlights: Cycle up the Montello Hill and uncover the historic, WWI battlefield. A leisurely ride along the Revine Lakes and on to Soligo gives you the opportunity to explore ancient villages.

Experience: Cycle through the heart of the Prosecco Hills and visit a local producer where you can enjoy a wine-tasting experience.

Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac roads with some gravel tracks and short, steep climbs.

Secure your place: Cycling the Prosecco Hills

Cycling in Bhutan

Best month to cycle: As October is the beginning of autumn in Bhutan, the mild climate is ideal for cycling.

Trip highlights: Descend through the picturesque Haa Valley surrounded by lush mountains and dotted with temples.

Experience: Enjoy the Jakar Festival, a colourful event that celebrates the traditions and culture of Bhutan.

Difficulty level: Challenging – mostly tarmac roads with lots of long climbs and descents.

Secure your place: Cycling in Bhutan

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 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

 

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 forest 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