We are thrilled to announce two new types of tours to travel by bike in 2020! In addition to our Classic, Bike and Boat, and Expedition tours, we’re adding Spotlight and Explorer options.
Learn more about our new Spotlight and Explorer bike tours:
Spotlight Tours
If you love the idea of not packing every day, want the flexibility to pick either a shorter or longer ride most days AND want time to enjoy the destination by taking part in locally offered activities, this is the style of tour for you. Spotlight tours are 5 to 6 night cycling vacations based in two locations. They combine superb cycling routes and the opportunity to take advantage of additional cultural and physical activities on your own. Depending on the tour, optional activities may include horseback riding, water sports, culinary classes, artisan visits, yoga classes, tennis, and more. Settle in and live like a local in a picture-perfect town or “agriturismo”.
Spotlight bike tours are perfect for private departures and groups. If you have a family or a group of friends with varying cycling abilities and diverse interests this style of touring offers the perfect blend to keep everyone happy!
Learn more about what to expect on our new Spotlight tours.
Spotlight: Southern Tuscany
Join us and explore two locations in the Maremma region of Tuscany – the area between the Tyrhennian Sea and the volcanic lake region north of Rome. This relaxing bicycle holiday merges great cycling, exceptional lodging and time on your own. Ride, then simply relax or take advantage of a myriad of other activities to truly get to know Southern Tuscany and all of its charms.
Highlights: Argentario and Orbetello, Tuscan Maremma, Giardino dei Tarocchi, Talamone, cheese tasting, Tufa towns of Sovana, Sorano and Pitigliano, Etruscan Hildebrand tomb, free time and optional activities after morning rides.
2020 Departure Dates:
May 10-15
Jun 21-26 – 2 More to Guarantee the Departure!
Aug 23-28
Oct 4-9
Spotlight: Costa Brava
Home to some of Spain’s most iconic cities and famous characters, spend your first three nights at the Bay of Roses, (rated in the top 10 of most beautiful bays in the world). Cycle in the mornings and the afternoons are yours to… sit by the hotel pool, schedule a massage, explore Roman ruins, or try a few water sports. After time at the Bay of Roses you’ll bicycle to Figueres to discover its fishing villages, quiet towns, and the foothills of the Pyrenees. You will taste the region’s famous wine and enjoy your hotel, a 17th century mill that’s been converted into a stunning estate.
Highlights: Bay of Roses, Catalonia’s medieval villages, Cadaques, Dalí museum, foothills of the Pyrenees, wine country, easy arrival and departure from Barcelona.
2020 Departure Dates:
May 25-30
Aug 31-Sep 5
Explorer Tours
Explorer tours are for cyclists who embrace the added adventure of a ride that takes them beyond pavement. Pedal through remote areas on gravel road, forest tracks and bike paths to access places and routes known only to the locals. If you enjoy a warm shower and a delicious meal at the end of the day, but aren’t concerned about the flatware or number of stars at the hotel – these are the tours for you!
Explorer bicycle tours let you explore a region by bike and are easy on your budget. These bike tours generally have fewer included group meals and scheduled activities but plenty of opportunities for cultural engagement.
Learn more about what to expect on our new Explorer bike tours.
Explorer: Cycling Istria
Cross three borders as you cycle Istria, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. From Trieste, Italy you’ll cross the border and ride along Slovenia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, and get a surprising taste of a verdant landscape reminiscent of Tuscany as you enter the rolling hills of Croatia’s Istria region. Join us to explore rolling hills, a rail to trail converted gravel route, medieval villages, and the crystal coastlines of this beautiful Croatian corner.
Highlights: Bike through three countries, Mediterranean cuisine, Coastal riding, Porec, Parenzana Trail (converted narrow gauge rail to trail route), UNESCO World Heritage Site in Poreč, medieval hilltop towns, vineyards of Istria.
2020 Departure Dates:
May 2-9
Sep 5-12
Explorer: Cycling the Algarve
Your adventure begins near the border with Spain and then you pedal towards Cabo de São Vicente, Portugal – also known as the end of the world. A variety of paved roads and dirt paths lead to sandy shores, soaring cliffs, whitewashed fishing villages, and a true taste of the warm Mediterranean culture.
Highlights: Ria Formosa – a wild Paradise, historic roman cities like Tavira and Lagos, small hill town villages, beautiful beaches of Algarve, Cape S. Vicente – once known as “the end of the world”, Mediterranean nature and ocean landscapes.
2020 Departure Dates:
May 3-10 – Guaranteed to Go!
Sep 24-Oct 1 – Guaranteed to Go!
Read about all of our tour styles here!