This was our 6th Exodus cycling trip. Portugal is a lovely country with very friendly people and excellent food and wine. Porto was great for 3 nights – have a Port tasting (included) and don’t miss the Station and Time Out Market for a wonderful lunch, take a boat ride on the Douro too. The ride starts flat and follows the coast south, lots of cycle ways, wonderful beaches, great lunches and very good hotels – the waves were huge so swimming is difficult but a splash is refreshing! The second part of the ride is more hilly and interesting venturing inland for a while before joining the coast again – again very good and safe cycle ways. The last day is the best in terms of views and terrain but it is quite tough (but OK for a 72 year old mountain biker). Then we arrived at Obidos the final riding destination – beautiful walled town. Our guide/leader Dinis was superb. The Portuguese people were friendly and really seem to like us Brits, coffees out of the main cities are excellent and about £1 as are the bottles of ‘Super Bock’ beer ( much more in Porto and Lisbon!). If you like fish you will eat well – the restaurant Salgáboca in Praia de Mira is excellent and not that expensive, not to be missed, and watch the beach fishermen landing their morning catch around 9.00am before you set off the next morning
Biking Tours
Types of Cycling Adventures
Our Best Biking Tours
Five Unique Biking Vacation Destinations
- Namibia’s vast and otherworldly landscapes offer unexpected opportunities for cyclists to take on new challenges. On an off-road cycling adventure in this incredible African country, you’ll take on sand dunes and granite hills, and cycle through vast plains where elephants, giraffes, and lions roam. Cycle Namibia combines the thrill of biking with the chance to witness incredible wildlife and experience the solitude of the desert from the saddle of a modified fat bike. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
- The Netherlands is home to whirling windmills, colorful fields of tulips, bustling historic cities, and incredible cuisine. It’s also a nation of avid cyclists, home to more bikes than there are people, with 90% of the population biking daily. As a result, the Dutch have a cycling culture unlike anywhere else, with bike-friendly traffic rules and dedicated biking infrastructure, making it an incredible destination for cycling tours in Europe. Pedal through a rural wonderland on a Haarlem to Bruges Cycling Adventure for an incredible introduction to this one-of-a-kind cycling haven.
- Vietnam, like the Netherlands, is a country with a passion for life on two wheels. Here, bikes and motorcycles rule the streets, and cycling is the perfect way to immerse yourself in all the magic of the vibrant cities, lush green rice terraces, colorful fishing villages, and jungle-cloaked mountains. Venture from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on the Cycling Vietnam tour, or explore Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand as you Cycle Indochina & Angkor.
- Portugal captivates with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. As you pedal through this charming country, you’ll encounter a blend of historic villages, picturesque coastlines, and rolling vineyards. Portugal’s mild climate and varied terrain make it ideal for cycling enthusiasts of all levels, offering both challenging mountain routes and leisurely rides along the scenic coastline. Whether you embark on an epic Lisbon to Algarve Ride, Cycle the Coastal Portuguese Camino, or take on the Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride, bike tours in Portugal invite cyclists to discover its beauty at every turn.
- France stands out as a premier cycling destination, enticing riders with its enchanting landscapes, diverse terrain, and rich cultural heritage. Cyclists in France are embraced by a cycling-friendly culture, where the roads are often shared with Tour de France aspirations and the charming countryside unfolds in picturesque panoramas. Popular biking trips in France include opportunities for vineyard adventures in Champagne and Burgundy, chateaux hopping in the Loire Valley, and historical discovery in Brittany and Normandy.
Robert Pratt Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride
Robert Pratt Porto to Lisbon Atlantic RideThis was our 6th Exodus cycling trip. Portugal is a lovely country with very friendly people and excellent food and wine. Porto was great for 3 nights – have a Port tasting (included) and don’t miss the Station and Time Out Market for a wonderful lunch, take a boat ride on the Douro too. The ride starts flat and follows the coast south, lots of cycle ways, wonderful beaches, great lunches and very good hotels – the waves were huge so swimming is difficult but a splash is refreshing! The second part of the ride is more hilly and interesting venturing inland for a while before joining the coast again – again very good and safe cycle ways. The last day is the best in terms of views and terrain but it is quite tough (but OK for a 72 year old mountain biker). Then we arrived at Obidos the final riding destination – beautiful walled town. Our guide/leader Dinis was superb. The Portuguese people were friendly and really seem to like us Brits, coffees out of the main cities are excellent and about £1 as are the bottles of ‘Super Bock’ beer ( much more in Porto and Lisbon!). If you like fish you will eat well – the restaurant Salgáboca in Praia de Mira is excellent and not that expensive, not to be missed, and watch the beach fishermen landing their morning catch around 9.00am before you set off the next morning
What is the most popular cycling destination?
From Europe to Africa and South America to Asia, there are incredible cycling destinations around the world. Whether you are looking to take in the dramatic Amalfi Coast on one of the best bike tours in Italy or are interested in discovering tropical India from two wheels, there is a tour that is perfect for you.
Do you accommodate single travelers?
Single travelers are welcome on all Exodus trips. In fact, small-group tours are one of the best options for solo travelers seeking a balance between independence and companionship, and more than 50% of our customers choose to travel solo with us. You’ll have the safety and peace of mind of knowing that you have a local guide by your side, as well as the camaraderie of traveling with like-minded explorers. Together, you’ll navigate bustling markets, embark on thrilling excursions, and revel in the beauty of new landscapes, all while forging connections and creating lasting memories with your fellow travelers.
FAQs on Cycling Vacations
Planning a cycling tour is easy when you book with Exodus. With hundreds of expertly crafted itineraries to choose from, there is a departure that is perfect for you. Deciding on the right tour is easy with the help of our activity level ratings and detailed fitness guides, taking the guesswork out of your preparation. From leisurely to challenging, you’ll know exactly what you’re signing on for before you book. The detailed itineraries and trip notes include everything you need to know about what to pack for your trip, and our team is always available to answer any questions you might have as you prepare for your departure.
Once you depart, we handle everything from accommodations, bike rentals, and route planning to luggage transfers and support vehicles. On our small-group guided tours you can pedal easy knowing that you have the experience and expertise of our local experts close at hand, ready for anything and everything the trail has to offer.
Preparing for any adventure can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it involves cycling! To make things easier, we’ve included a dedicated ‘what to take’ section in the trip notes for each tour, so be sure to give that a thorough read. We do our best to help by including a trip-specific ‘what to take’ section in the trip notes of each tour, so be sure to review that in detail, but there are some items that we suggest across all cycling tours, including strong sunscreen,a large refillable water bottle, layers, sunglasses and a hat, and a handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling.
It’s worth noting that high-quality, locally rented bikes are provided on all Exodus cycling trips, with only a few exceptions. The bike type (hybrid or mountain) is usually tailored to the trip’s nature, and you can find detailed information about your ride in each trip’s essential info. Additionally, there might be an option to upgrade to an e-bike if you’re interested. If you’d rather bring your own bike for that extra personal touch, just let us know when you book your adventure. If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along, just let us know during booking.
During your ride, we advise wearing padded cycling shorts, cycling gloves, sturdy cycling shoes, and a compact close-fitting bag or fanny pack. Feel free to bring your own gear, such as SPD or clipless pedals, your preferred saddle (excluding the seat post), or a gel saddle cover. Your tour leader will assist with fitting these when bikes are distributed. Check the essential details of your specific tour for notes on the weather and the activities that you’ll get up to when you’re off the bike for guidance on what else you might need, including sneakers, bathing suits, and more.
Biking vacations aren’t just about the time on the bike, they are also about exploring everything your destination has to offer! All cycling tours include a balance of time spent riding and other expertly curated activities. From going on safari or exploring local museums to boat rides or beach swims, each cycling tour includes its own amazing local adventures. Check out your tour’s itinerary to find out exactly how much biking is included and how you’ll spend your time out of the saddle.
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