Worldwide Cycling Holidays with Intrepid

Intrepid has a collection of cycling holidays to showcase the best trails and destinations accessible by bike. From the rice paddies of Asia to the sands of the Sahara, these cycling tours can take you there.

Cycling Asia

When travelling, one of the best ways to get the most out of your holiday is to do as the locals do. In Asia, this means taking to the trails on two wheels. Cycle South East Asia through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand taking in the scenery, rural villages, and beautifully chaotic cities or perhaps explore the rice fields and volcanoes of Bali by bike. Cycle around the temples of Bagan as you explore Myanmar, or if tea plantations, charming fishing villages, and lush jungles are calling, then maybe a cycling tour of Sri Lanka is the one for you.

In India, you can spend some time cycling Kerala between lush forests and the Arabian Sea, uncovering the fusion of cultures and getting to know the locals during a night on a houseboat on Kerala’s backwaters. Head north to explore Rajasthan by bike with visits to stunning Jaipur, the sacred city of Pushkar, and lakeside Udaipur. Ride through the Chittorgarh countryside, watch the sunset over Pangarh Lake from your permanent tent camp, and take a 4WD safari through Ranthambhore National Park. Your journey delivers you to Agra, a city of temples dominated by the stirring profile of the Taj Mahal – a journey to remember.

A blend of old and new awaits in Japan, and you’ll leave some of your heart somewhere between the tranquil zen gardens of Kyoto and the neon lights of Tokyo. Check out the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, observe Geisha on the back streets of Kyoto, and explore the rugged coastlines of the Noto Peninsula. You’ll feast your eyes on the beautiful temples and shrines, and your palate on the delicious cuisine. Go on, get on your bike – cycling Japan won’t disappoint.

Central America beckons with dense rainforests, glistening Caribbean waters, looming volcanoes and lively villages. Cycling Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama sees you pedal around Apoyo Lagoon and the north side of Conception Volcano before a well earned rest on Santo Domingo Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys around Madera Volcano and breathe in the fresh citrus in the air as you wind through the orange groves of the El Castillo region. Get to know the locals during a homestay in Santa Rosa and in the reggae bars of Puerto Viejo, admire the man made marvel as you cycle the Panama Canal, then be equally impressed by nature as you take the plantation trail deep into the jungle.

In South America, you can wind through coffee plantations and lush jungles as you cycle Colombia, or uncover a treasure trove of Incan archaeological sites in Peru. Saddle up and ride around the streets of Lima and Cusco before immersing yourself in the colourful world of the remote Andean communities. Explore the Sacred Valley on two wheels as you cycle Peru and tick off the iconic Machu Picchu with a visit to this incredible site. A trip full of memorable moments!

Cycling Europe

Europe is the perfect place for a cycling holiday, with everything from relaxed trails through charming towns and orchards to more challenging routes climbing into the Alps. Fuel up with tapas as you cycle Andalucia in Spain, weaving through the white washed villages and olive groves, or perhaps enjoy a fusion of French and Italian culture and cuisine as you explore Provence and Tuscany by bike. Sample some local wines at a vineyard outside Avignon and savour the regional delicacies under the Tuscan sun – ample reward for your time in the saddle! If you are after more of a challenge maybe kick it up a gear and pedal into the French Alps where you can conquer the same terrain as the Tour de France.

Further east, the Danube River awaits flanked with forests and castles straight out of a fairy tale. Take it all in from handlebar height as you cycle from Vienna to Budapest, exploring the scenic landscapes and the incredible cities that bookend the journey. Swap riverways for azure seas as you island hop Croatia and pedal your way along the Dalmatian Coast, or cycle the Baltics taking in the highlights of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Cycling the Middle East

If you are looking for something a little further off the beaten path, perhaps consider cycling Iran to discover a different side of this intriguing country. Explore the lively bazaars of Tehran, marvel at Hazrat Masouma Shrine in Qom, get lost among the rich red mud brick walls of Abyaneh, and check out the 23 arches of the stunning Khaju Bridge. In the remote reaches of Iran, the gates to the deserted ruins of the the Izad Khast castle will open just for you, and Naqsh-e Rustam will blow you away with its cliff face carvings dating back to 500 BC. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis and find out why Shiraz is known as the Pearl of Persia. Full of grandeur and warmth, Iran is an incredible place to discover on a cycling tour.

Jordan is another destination that is rich with surreal sights, both carved by nature and ancient civilisations. Be transported back 2000 years as you explore the city of Jerash, cycle the shores of the Dead Sea, and visit stunning Petra – a highlight of this tour, and most likely, your life. Swap two wheels for four on a jeep ride between the rock formations of Wadi Rum before settling by a camp fire to swap stories with your Bedouin hosts under the vast starry skies. Showcasing a contrast of hilly terrain, desert like moonscapes, and salt flats, this cycling tour of Jordan is definitely one to put on the list!

Cycling Africa

Throw yourself into the wild and cruise around Africa on two wheels. Cycle down the Great Rift Valley escarpments, camp under the stars, and enjoy game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as you discover Tanzania. Cross nature reserves and mountain passes as you pedal through the varied terrain of South Africa, discovering vineyards and rural landscapes outside of Cape Town as well as the beauty of the capital itself. Further north Morocco is eager to show off its bustling market places in Marrakech, the charming ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaouen, the frenzied Medina of Fes, the pretty valley of Midelt, and the mighty dunes of the Sahara. You’ll thoroughly enjoy your time in the saddle in Morocco – be it on your bike, or your camel!