New Exodus Cycling trips for 2016

Exodus Travels launches some great new cycling trips.  Here is the line-up of new cycling trips by Exodus Travels in 2016.  Also new for 2016 is that all bike rentals will now be included in the tour price.

Cycle the Canal du Midi   
Cycle the Canal du Midi and discover the stunning vineyards, chateaux and waterways around one of the most picturesque parts of France. Our route passes through quintessential French villages such as Laure-Minervois and Homps where you will feel the 'douceur de vivre' as you soak up the sun and sample local wine from Les Corbieres region. From bridge to bridge, from lock to lock, this trip offers a wonderfully relaxed cycling experience as you wind your way along the Canal du Midi towards the enticing Mediterranean Sea.

Dolomites Centre-Based Cycling   
Savour the dramatic mountain scenery of the Dolomites, while avoiding the need to ride up any long climbs. We explore the beautiful valleys of the Alta Pusteria on two wheels, visiting Brunico, Lake Toblach, Cortina d’Ampezzo and crossing into the Austrian Tyrol to explore mediaeval Lienz. The area is criss-crossed by a network of quiet lanes and purpose-built cycle paths, perfect for enjoying at a steady pace. Adding to the relaxation is the fantastic four-star Hotel Adler in the charming town of Villabassa. The centre-based itinerary offers the opportunity to unpack, settle in and unwind in the hotel spa and award-winning restaurant

Tuscany: Florence to Lucca Ride   
Some of the best road cycling in Tuscany can be found in the north of the region; starting our tour in the rolling hills around Lucca, during the week we get off the beaten track and head towards the mountainous terrain of the Garfagnana region before stretching our legs with a walk on Liguria’s beautiful Cinque Terre coastline. On this trip we discover the iconic city of Pisa, ride through quiet mediaeval villages and the glorious landscape that connects them and savour a huge range of delicious food and wine: what better way to explore the ‘Bel Paese’ (Beautiful Country)?

Cycling in Bosnia & Montenegro   
The rich natural and cultural diversity of the Balkans provides the kind of variety you rarely find on European rides. This fascinating route provides the opportunity to visit three very different countries from the former Yugoslavia as we head from Bosnia over the Dinaric Alps into Montenegro and finally to Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. The largely uncrowded roads allow for glorious views, a few challenges and the opportunity to visit a few cultural highlights along the way including the historic city of Mostar. The trip concludes in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. A trip here will live long in the memory.

Cycle Macedonia & Northern Albania
The border lands of Northern Albania and Western Macedonia are truly one of the last hidden gems of Europe. Sweeping gorges are carved by crystal blue waters that flow into tranquil lakes, whilst rocky peaks and plateaux rise high above the lush green landscape. Ancient villages, rarely visited by tourists nestle themselves into the valleys, some of which retain a way of life that has been unchanged for centuries. Our carefully chosen route heads through some of the best scenery these fascinating countries have to offer, complimented with some really exciting cycling that equally challenges and rewards.

Cycle Romania   
Ride through an undiscovered corner of Europe plus visit 'Dracula's castle'!

Cycle Madagascar
Hugely diverse scenery plus the opportunity to mix with many ethnic groups - a true melting pot of culture!

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentia   
Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia - a magical landscape filled with active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swooping down from the foothills of the cordillera as we cycle on some of the most scenic paved routes that South America has to offer. We'll gain a cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region. Cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion on two wheels as part of an incredible 'once in a lifetime' journey!

Classic Climbs of the Alps
A centre-based drop bars trip with the opportunity to tick off the most famous climbs of the Tour de France.

Classic Climbs of the Dolomites   
The Alta Badia region of the Italian Dolomites is quite simply a mecca for road cycling. Our week is based in the pretty town of Badia, with the famous climbs of the Giro d’Italia and the amateur Maratona dles Dolomites event right on the doorstep. The rides are certainly challenging, but the roads are great and the scenery is truly spectacular, with jagged limestone peaks revealing themselves around the numerous hairpin bends. A real highlight is the ‘Sella Ronda Bike Day’, a unique opportunity to ride this beautiful circuit on closed roads alongside thousands of other riders.

Cycling the Cols of Morocco   
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are an undiscovered labyrinth of picturesque switchback roads. Using our knowledge of this magical country we have crafted the perfect drop bar cycling trip which winds its way from the bustle of Marrakech, through lush green valleys, over isolated high mountain passes and down long flowing descents all the way to the ocean. If you are after an alternative cycling challenge, then forget about the Alps and Pyrenees and join us in the Atlas Mountains!

Cycle Kilimanjaro
At 5895m Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest point in Africa, but there is so much more to this mountain than just reaching the summit. This ride completes a full circumnavigation of the world’s largest free-standing mountain on a route that traverses one of the most interesting landscapes in the world. Cycle across wildlife migration corridors and through lush forests inhabited by stunning animals including leopard, buffalo and the illusive elephant. Experience native Maasai villages and isolated Chagga communities and ride across impressive open plains and through coffee plantations, all with the snow-capped peak of Kili within your sight.

Cycling in Portugal: Mountains to the Sea (self-guided)
In the far north of Portugal, on the border with Spain, lies the Minho region: a wild, rugged area of historical and cultural significance. Starting from the Geres National Park, you cycle downhill through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape. You will stay in authentic accommodation offering friendly Portuguese hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. There is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden stretches of beach you cycle past, maybe accompanied by a glass of the local Vinho Verde (white wine) for which the region is well known. The ride finishes in Porto, named best European City Destination in both 2013 and 2014.

Mallorca Coast to Coast Ride (self guided)
Mallorca has long been an island synonymous with sun, sea and sand, but many forget the treasures hidden away in the lesser known parts of the island. This relaxed itinerary features relatively easy cycling taking in the highlights of both the quiet coastal areas and the foothills of the beautiful inland Tramuntana mountain range. The hotels we use are small and family run, and the homemade cooking and local Mallorquin wines are a delightful welcome after a day’s cycling!

Bolzano, Verona & Venice Ride (self-guided)
Few landscapes in Europe match the unique beauty of the jagged limestone Dolomites. The self-guided cycling route starts with incredible views of Trentino's dramatic mountains, cycling on relatively easy roads and tracks along the Adige River. On reaching the northern shore of Lake Garda, enjoy the breath taking views of one of the most famous Italian Lakes. A four hour ferry cruise on the lake gives you the opportunity to take in these wonderful vistas before continuing the ride through the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova and finally exploring the canals and waterways of Venice.

Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence (self-guided)
Cycle from the iconic leaning tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, passing through beautiful Tuscan landscape that inspired artists and composors such as Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. The gentle cycling is mainly along riverside paths and quiet roads, and there are the opportunities to lengthen the rides, or take the train at some stages to spend extra time at your destinations. Enjoy a free day in the romantic city of Florence and take some time to visit the sights in one of the world's most stunning cities!

Self-Guided Cycling in Slovenia (self-guided)
Set amongst extraordinary alpine surroundings, the romantic town of Bled and its iconic island make one of the most picture-perfect settings in Europe, if not the whole world. You will spend a week in a lovely hotel close to the shore of the beautiful glacial lake, allowing you to unpack and properly appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The itinerary offers six days of different optional cycling routes that you can discover at your leisure; spend a day cycling to Ljubljana and enjoy the cosmopolitan café scene in the pretty capital city.Take some time to appreciate the magnificent surroundings and indulge in the local delicacies, such as coffee and Kremsnita (cream cake); the symbol of Bled’s cuisine.

Active sightseeing trips

New this year is a series of trips which let you try your hand at different activities, while exploring a country or region in depth.

Thailand - Hike, bike & kayak
Fancy some outdoor activity in a tropical paradise? Now's your chance as we launch into the remote highlands of Northern Thailand from Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Travel into steamy rainforests on foot to visit colourful hilltribes, cruise down the River Kwai on kayaks and explore the lesser-known side of Chiang Mai from a bicycle. The diversity of exciting outdoor options makes Thailand a haven for adventurers.

Cambodia - Hike, bike & kayak
Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food and unique culture are even better when combined with some serious outdoor adventure. Explore Phnom Penh and visit haunting monuments to Cambodia’s tragic past, take to the Mekong for an island homestay, get up close with Irrawaddy dolphins and kayak through spectacular flooded forests, then discover the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex by foot and mountain bike before winding up in Siem Reap.

Turkey - Hike, Bike & Kayak
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep into the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, cycling breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines, hiking the Lycian Way and kayaking over sunken cities. Take up the challenge and be amazed by all that this active travel adventure has to offer.

Arctic Watch Lodge: Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
Head to the Canadian Arctic for a unique view of the wildlife and scenery of this spellbinding region. Based in the Arctic Watch Lodge on Somerset Island, witness beluga whales playing in the waters outside the lodge; hike to waterfalls and across colourful tundra; take to the water in kayaks to get up close to icebergs, seals and whales; and witness an epic history in towering canyons, prehistoric fossils and Thule ruins. This up close and personal trip to the Arctic is a truly unforgettable adventure.

Best cycling trips in Asia

Cycling is one of the best ways to see a country.  You are outside all day and can stop at will to explore a market or village, eat a local meal, visit a museum, castle or temple or admire a view.  In many places in Asia the bicycle is the preferred mode of transport of many local people.  So let's join them and explore Asia on two wheels!

The trips listed below are for people who enjoy a weekend riding on either trails or roads at home will enjoy these trips. You need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Ideal for occasional cyclists, or as a more relaxed trip for fitter riders.  Distances on road trips rarely exceed 70 kms (43 miles) per day.


If you are looking for cycling trips which require a higher level of fitness, go to the blog post Challenging Bicycle Trips in Asia.

Cycle Indochina & Angkor: this journey takes us across three countries with contrasting recent histories and subtly different cultures. From the busy streets of Bangkok we make straight for the rolling limestone hills of Thailand's largest national park, Khao Yai.
Moving into Cambodia we head through shimmering paddy fields to Angkor, the magnificent temple and city complex at the centre of the former Khmer Empire and one of the world's great historic sites. We reach Phnom Penh, where we encounter stark reminders of Cambodia's more recent past.
Arriving in Vietnam, we enter the Mekong Delta, a criss-crossed patchwork of rice paddies and waterways, the so-called 'rice bowl of Vietnam'.
We complete our journey in the vibrant city of Saigon where the frenetic pace contrasts with some of the rural areas we have cycled through.

Cycling Vietnam: this superb trip combines some of the best cycling routes in Vietnam with time for rest and exploration.  Travelling on two wheels gets us closer to life in Vietnam and to the outgoing and welcoming Vietnamese who share our love affair with the bicycle. Over-laden bicycles and motorbikes typify Vietnamese life and passing encounters with local cyclists may leave us with some of our strongest memories.
Vietnam is a beautiful country, with a long coastline of broad, sandy beaches, shimmering paddy fields and mountains cloaked in forests. Our route takes us from the vibrant streets of Saigon northwards to the more conservative capital Hanoi.
Out of the saddle we have time to relax in the lively beachside town of Nha Trang, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great shopping of Hoi An with its wooden merchant houses, pagodas, bustling market crowded with conical hats and women in the bright colours of their national dress, and also cruise around the incredible seascape of limestone towers in Halong Bay with its peaks rising directly from the sea.

Burma By Bike: in the words of Kipling: 'this is Burma and it is unlike any land you know about'.
This may be even truer today when we will arrive on two wheels in Bagan, one of Asia's holiest cities, giving you the chance to explore this cultural nerve centre of a country only now emerging from international isolation. Our route takes us through the Shan Highlands, crossing the central plains around Mandalay, and down a fabulous descent from Mt Popa. After all this riding we get a welcome respite, floating down the Irrwaddy River and exploring Inle Lake with its famous floating markets.


Cycling Through Rajasthan: Rajasthan has landscapes varying from green rolling hills to barren deserts. The whole state is dotted with dramatic fortresses, reminders of the Rajputs and their warrior past, while away from the desert the countryside is a patchwork of villages and small towns where we can see the timelessness of rural India.
Cycling is the perfect way to explore, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life here. From Jodhpur our journey takes us first to the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, and on to the holy town of Pushkar.
Leaving the desert scenery behind we ride to Jaipur, a town overlooked by the splendid hilltop Amber Palace. We also visit Sariska National Park, beautifully located and home to an abundance of wildlife.
A fitting way to finish the trip is at the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the new seven wonders of the world.


Cycling The Empire Of Genghis Khan: Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses.
The local people are warm and welcoming and we share their experience of life under a felt or canvas roof.
We follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours.
We end our riding at Mongolia's ancient capital Karakorum, once the centre of a vast empire. Its ruins and monasteries tell us about the fascinating history of this country and its glorious past.


Somewhat more involved are the following bicycle trips.  For rides at this level, fitness is important. You must have confidence in your own ability and physical condition. They are equivalent to an extended period of cycling at home.


Cycling In Laos & Northern Vietnam: Laos, the land of a million elephants, is now the land of a million smiles, with stunning mountainous landscape and a laid back atmosphere, the result of a long isolation from its neighbours.
Our route takes us through some spectacular scenery, from narrow roads shaded by jungle vines to shimmering rice paddies and mountains which are home to a mix of ethnic groups.
Out of the saddle, we walk through villages and bamboo forest and visit Luang Prabang, one of Asia's most attractive towns, with colonial buildings, tree-lined avenues and colourful temples.
The Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites, but one with more questions than answers. Located in one the most heavily bombed places on earth it is steeped in wartime history. We also visit the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and finish our trip in bustling Bangkok.
The cycling is demanding at times, but our reward is to have roads almost to ourselves in South East Asia's friendliest and least known country.


Cycle Southern India - Coast To Coast: The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up the rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle by.
Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats which form the border with Kerala.
Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites of southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.
After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.

Kerala & Tropical India: Southern India is a magical place: beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and villages, long white beaches and superb food, an excellent place to explore by bike.
In the cool heights of the Western Ghats the sanctuaries at Bandipur and Mudumalai hide wild elephants, tigers and leopards in jungle and bamboo forests. We cycle round old forts and up to religious rock shrines as well as through colourful villages where rural life has remained little-changed for centuries.
Further south, in Kerala, Hinduism has produced some of India's most elaborately decorated temples. A relaxing boat trip on the quiet backwaters here offers a change of pace from the bicycles, before the final coastal ride to Varkala and a chance to laze on the beach and reflect on an unforgettable experience of rural India.


Cycle The Backroads Of Sri Lanka: Although a compact island, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of its friendly people.
Beginning our journey in its region of ancient cities, we travel along the old King's Route, created more than 1000 years ago. Here we stop to climb the impressive 'Lion's Rock' fortress at Sigiriya and explore the cave temples at Dambulla.
We visit Kandy before riding through the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands where the cooler temperatures and lush scenery make for a relaxing ride. In the south we visit Yala National Park where there are leopards, elephants and an abundance of colourful birdlife, before ending the trip on the beaches of Sri Lanka's beautiful south coast.
This trip covers a substantial part of the island, taking in as much as possible of the scenic and cultural variety that Sri Lanka has to offer. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.

Cycling in Mongolia - photo Exodus

New cycling trips for 2014

In an earlier post I wrote about new walking and hiking trips all over the world.  Here is our line-up of new cycling trips for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.


Cycling France - Pedalling through Provence: dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields, Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and boasts some fabulous Roman architecture.  The scenery is unsurpassed as we ride from village to village and soak in the landscapes of vineyards, poppy and lavender fields that captivated the artist Paul Cézanne. With time to discover typical Provencal market towns and sample the local food and wine, there is also plenty to enjoy when you're out of the saddle.

Cycling Spain - Rioja: Cycling & Wine: La Rioja is a broad valley of undulating vineyards and craggy hills, where walled hilltop towns reflect the turbulent times of earlier centuries. Our exploration on two wheels starts in the beautiful city of Burgos, the historic capital of Castile. Following the Via Verde cycle route, we continue into the heart of the Demanda mountain range and reach the fertile land of La Rioja. Surrounded by vineyards, we cycle across the gentle rolling countryside and taste the excellent wines produced in the region. We spend a night in the UNESCO-listed Yuso Monastery, now converted in a charming hotel.

Cycling Italy - Cycling in Sicily: Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along the stunning coastline. Starting near Chiaramonte, we enjoy views of the wonderful Anapo Valley that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historic Ragusa Ibla, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, with their Baroque architecture and Greek ruins, some of the best preserved in southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, one of the most historic cities of the Mediterranean. Each hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour delicious Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach.

Cycling through Croatia & Slovenia: Croatia's Istrian peninsula offers the perfect setting for a cycling holiday, linking historic towns, beautiful coastline and pretty inland villages with trails through green hills and lush fields, vineyards and olive groves. Our route will stop in the town of Rovinj, known as the 'little Venice' of Croatia, and Porec, famed for the stunning Byzantine mosaics housed in the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica. Our trip ends in Slovenia with a ride around Postojna and the chance to visit the famous stalactite cave, before we head on to the vibrant capital of Ljubljana.

My top ten of best experiences in Europe

Europe is a continent with many cultures, languages and religions.  It is no wonder you can have so many different experiences.  Here is my top ten of favourite experiences in Europe.

1. great food - the number one reason I love to be in Europe is the food.  Be it a lovely salad in Greece, a good pasta in Italy, a simple leg of lamb in Andalucia or fish in Iceland, no matter where you go, the food always amazes me.  Enjoy it on a terrace, a patio or in a lovely restaurant, perhaps next to a cozy fireplace.
2. a good glass of wine - visit a winery in Tuscany, Rioja or Burgundy, find your favourite wine, and pair it with great food!
3. walk - my favourite way to get around Europe is on foot.  It allows you to stop where you please and literally smell the roses.  Or the aromatic herbs flanking a hillside in Croatia for that matter.  On one morning walk in Spain I walked through seven villages, each of them different and with it's own atmosphere.
4. cycle - another great way to travel Europe is by bike.  You get to cover slightly larger distances and feel the wind in your hair.  It allows you to explore larger areas, like the towns along the Danube, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the baroque cities of Central Europe.
5. history - Everywhere you go in Europe, history awaits to be uncovered.  My favourite?  Each time I visit Siena in Italy I am blown away by the duomo - a fantastic cathedral in black and white, lined with frescoes and paintings.  
6. engage your spirit - with churches and cathedrals around every corner, it is not hard to find a quiet place to reflect.  Be it a church in eternal Rome, a monastery set deep in the hills of Italy, or walking the Camino de Santiago, take time out from your trip to recharge your spirit.
7. art - it flourishes in Europe.  From paintings to sculptures to funky installations, it is everywhere.  My favourite places include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Louvre in Paris, France.  But don't forget lesser known places such as Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
8. village life - I love the medieval towns and squares in Europe.  Wander the streets of Tallinn in Estonia, or the hilltop villages of Provence and Umbria.
9. the people - I have chatted with shopkeepers in Switzerland, gardeners in Russia and plenty of "ordinary" folk.  Each of them had lived a lifetime and had so many stories to share.  And I love just sitting down with a pint of beer and watch the people walk by (just as the carillon of the nearby cathedral starts playing a wonderful tune!).
10. markets - part of everyday life, markets are the place to shop.  Engage with the farmers or the artisans while you pick up locally grown fresh fruit, a handmade cheese and a bottle of wine.  Then make a beeline for a shady spot to enjoy a picnic.  Heaven!

What is your own European favourite?  Is there a place on your bucket list?  Email me!