Tour de France fever – Five unforgettable bike rides | News
One of the world’s oldest sporting events, the Tour de France, kicks off on Saturday (July 4), with competitors cycling more than 2,000 miles (3,333 km) through the varying landscapes of Spain and France.
With an expected global audience of more than 3.5 billion viewers, it is one of the most watched sporting events in the world. For adventure enthusiasts who want to experience their next holiday from a different perspective, Explore Worldwide shares five cycling tours through France and beyond, for cyclists 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 cycle trips per year across Europe.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, said: “Our cycling holidays have never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in the landscapes and communities of another country by bike.
“While our trips explore beautiful landscapes, unlike the Tour de France, people are encouraged to cycle at their own pace wherever possible, regularly regrouping at meeting points along the route. For those who want a little extra strength, we offer e-bikes, and each trip has a support vehicle as a safety net, should anything happen.”
Cycle Provence 8 days from £1,600 (flights not included)
Drive through the heart of Provence and enjoy the rural charm and culinary delights of France. Our eight-day cycling tour crosses hilltop villages, vast vineyards and historic towns. Discover Roman remains, follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps and visit picturesque castles as you cycle through some of the region’s most photogenic landscapes.
Cycle the Dalmatian coast for 8 days from £1,610
Cruise along the beautiful Dalmatian coast on this week-long cycling tour. Cycle from Split to Dubrovnik and admire ancient sights, medieval towns and fishing villages as you island hop along Croatia’s iconic coast. Along the way, make pit stops at local wineries, beautiful beaches and – of course – traditional restaurants to refuel on tasty food.
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-spanning country as we explore ancient cave towns, vineyards, monasteries and more on the Silk Road. Taste local cuisine, dine with a Georgian family and learn about the age-old tradition of qvevri wine making by a master craftsman himself. Booked by staying in the fascinating capital Tbilisi, this tour invites you to cycle through the very best of Georgia.
Cycle Sri Lanka 14 days from £1,830 (excluding flights)
Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on two wheels. Our Sri Lanka cycling tour takes a circular route around the island, passing ancient temples and forts, tea plantations and vast national parks. Cycle through the scenic Knuckles Range, around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and more. Then look for leopards in Yala National Park before hitting the white sandy beaches of Koggala for a well-deserved rest.
Cycle Mexico – The Yucatán Peninsula 19 days from £1,875 (flights not included)
Discover the warm beaches, Mayan temples and lively 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. And all before resting your legs on the sun-drenched beach of Tulum.
About Discover the worldwide bicycle tours
As with most Explore Worldwide tours, the average group size for a bike tour is 11 people, in addition to a bike tour leader who leads the group and shares their expert local knowledge.
There are four levels of rated cycling tours, ranging from ‘relaxed’ (generally flat, easy rides) to ‘moderate and challenging’ (involving hillier and longer routes).
For more information on tour layout, as well as daily cycling distance and expected terrain type, simply view the tour page. For more information visit www.explore.co.uk/cycle.
