Tour de France fever – Five unforgettable cycling trips | News
One of the oldest sporting events in the world, the Tour de France, is kicking off this Saturday (4 July), with competitors cycling more than 2,000 miles (3,333km) through the shifting landscapes of Spain and France.
With an expected global audience of over 3.5 billion viewers, it’s one of the most watched sporting events in the world. For adventure lovers wanting to experience their next holiday from a different perspective, Explore Worldwide shares five cycling trips across France and beyond, for riders of all levels.
According to the European Cyclists’ Federation, cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion annually and accounts for approximately 2.3 billion cycling trips each year across Europe.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, said: “Our cycling holidays have never been so popular, and it’s clear to see why. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in the landscapes and communities of another country by bike.
“While our trips explore beautiful scenery, unlike the Tour de France, wherever possible people are encouraged to cycle at their own pace, regrouping regularly at meeting points along the route. For those wanting some extra power, we offer e-bikes, and every trip has a support vehicle as a safety net, should anything arise.”
Cycle Provence 8 days from £1,600 (flights not included)
Ride through the heart of Provence, indulging in France’s rural charms and culinary delights. Our eight-day cycling trip traverses hilltop villages, sprawling vineyards and historic towns. Explore Roman relics, walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh and visit picturesque chateaux, all whilst cycling through some of the region’s most photogenic landscapes.
Cycle the Dalmatian Coast 8 days from £1,610
Breeze along the beautiful Dalmatian Coast on this one-week cycling tour. Pedal your way from Split to Dubrovnik, taking in ancient sites, medieval towns, and fishing villages as you island-hop Croatia’s iconic coast. Make pit stops as you go at local wineries, stunning beaches and – of course – traditional restaurants to refuel on tasty grub.
Cycle Georgia 9 days from £1,410 (flights not included)
Cycle your way through the Caucasus on this active Georgian adventure. Delve into the history and culture of this continent-straddling country as we explore ancient Silk Road cave towns, vineyards, monasteries and more. Get a taste for local cuisine, dining with a Georgian family, and learn about the time-old tradition of qvevri winemaking from a master craftsman himself. Bookended by stays in the captivating capital, Tbilisi, this tour invites you to pedal through the very best of Georgia.
Cycle Sri Lanka 14 days from £1,830 (not including flights)
Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on two wheels. Taking a circular route around the island, our cycling tour of Sri Lanka ticks off ancient temples and fortresses, tea plantations and sprawling national parks. Pedal through the scenic Knuckles Range, around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and more. Then, search for leopard in Yala National Park before winding up on the white sand beaches of Koggala for a well-earned rest.
Cycle Mexico – The Yucatan Peninsula 19 days from £1,875 (flights not included)
Discover the warm beaches, Mayan temples and vibrant villages of the Yucatan Peninsula by bike. Visit awe-inspiring sites like Chichen Itza and Coba, get closer to paradise on Isla Mujeres and immerse yourself in colonial charm in Merida. All before resting your legs on the sun-drenched beach in Tulum.
About Explore Worldwide’s Cycling Tours
Like most of Explore Worldwide’s tours, the average size group of a cycling trip is made up of 11 people, in addition to a cycling tour leader to lead the group and share their expert local knowledge.
There are four levels of graded cycling trips, ranging from ‘leisurely’ (typically flat, easy rides) to ‘moderate and challenging’ (which cycle hillier and longer routes).
For more information on a trip’s grading, as well as daily cycling distance and terrain type expected, simply check out the tour page. To find out more, visit www.explore.co.uk/cycle.
