This was my first Exodus trip and I loved everything about it. I was travelling solo which I had never done before. I was full of trepidation but I need not have worried. The trip far exceeded my expectations. The cycling is tough with plenty of hills to climb. However the group were lovely. I had so much fun, there was plenty of banter all week.
Ride along the German Rhine and a section of the Alsace Wine Route in France to discover one of the most culturally rich regions in Europe. Explore the Rhine River from both the German and French sides to indulge in the very best this enchanting region has to offer. With seemingly endless picture perfect landscapes lining the meandering Rhine, dedicated bike paths for safe and easy cycling and a swathe of beautifully preserved villages to inspire you each day, there are few cycle trips that offer so many 'bells and whistles'. From the EU capital of Strasbourg to the art city of Frieburg, traditional Colmar to the moated, UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Neuf-Brisach, the Romanesque and Baroque architecture as well as medieval castles will keep you captivated. The gastronomic delights are plentiful in this part of Europe and you can sample some of the regions finest produce as you cycle through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of one of the most picturesque parts of the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland, taking in the routes most famous villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will witness delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. With so many highlights your pedals will seem to turn themselves during this simply stunning ride along the Rhine River and its various valleys in Germany and France.
Explore one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne on this varied and flexible, walking, cycling and canoeing holiday. The Perigord Noir, arguably one of the most attractive parts of the Dordogne, is named as such for its rich dark oak and chestnut forests which fill the very heart of this region. The area offers spectacular scenery with ancient chateaux perched high above the rugged cliffs overlooking the entire valley. You'll find mediaeval villages full of character and a plethora of historical sites including the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Marie in Souillac, founded during the 12th century and which suffered badly during the Hundred Years' War.
On foot, bike and by canoe, venture through the Perigord experiencing what this picturesque region has to offer. You have total flexibility with the choice of either walking or cycling routes when you're not canoeing. The canoeing is safe and undemanding, and we will give you a lesson in handling your canoe before you set off. Your journey starts in Rocamadour, a spectacular cliff-clinging town and home to one of France's most venerated sites, before moving on to Meyronne, on the banks of the Dordogne. From here you pick up your paddle, canoeing downstream to Souillac and on to Beynac with its hilltop castle, captured by Richard the Lionheart in 1179, finally arriving in medieval Sarlat.
Cycle along the Vltava River from Cesky Krumlov to Prague to discover the medieval marvels and cultural hotspots of Bohemia. Pedal your way through South Bohemia, starting in the storybook town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping into the past. Ride alongside the gentle flow of the Vltava River and explore quiet country roads that wind through lush forests and villages steeped in medieval history. Along the way, discover Ceske Budejovice – home to the original Budweiser beer – and cross the Czech Republic’s oldest stone bridge in Pisek. Take in the views from Zvíkov Castle perched high above two rivers, and visit the 16th century pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary on Saint Mountain. Before reaching Prague, you’ll overnight in Karlstejn, where a dramatic Gothic castle sets the scene. It’s a relaxed yet rewarding ride, full of culture, scenery, and surprises in one of Europe’s less-travelled corners.
The Via Francigena is well signed and has a lot of different scenery, wheat and hazelnut farms, forests old towns etc and great different accommodation each night.
Off the beaten track cycling through the unspoiled Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria. The Balkan Mountains are famous for lush green valleys, sheer cliffs and gentle rolling hills with sheep grazing peacefully in their pastures. Starting from the tiny village of Goliam Izvor there is enormous opportunity for unique cycling. Passing through the Central Balkan National Park, the narrow roads meander through valleys, forests and quaint villages that have not changed for centuries. Wooden carts pulled by horse or donkey are the norm and farmers still make hay with a pitchfork. Along the route you will visit several of the country's most significant and historic Orthodox monasteries. Many churches with ancient icons and colourful murals are scattered throughout the region. The final cycling stage ends in Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most charming Balkan towns and the former Bulgarian capital.
Romania surprised me in many good ways, sufficient infrastructures, kind people and beautiful landscapes, and what can be better than experiencing all these on two wheels! Speaking of the crew, Raz and Geo, what a dream team! They led us to the most enjoyable itinerary and kept everyone safe and sound. They had done an up and beyond job accommodating everyone’s needs, at all time, and that’s not a small thing given 11 of us with wide range of fitness and physical capability. Highly recommend people come to see Romania and do it on two wheels.
As we were following the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic coastline) it was a beautiful part of the world to visit, see, experience. Would totally recommend it.
In this 11-day tour, you will visit all the must-see destinations of Spain. Start your tour from the great city of Madrid, before exploring the medieval Toledo, a Unesco World Heritage Site, also known as the ‘city of three cultures’ where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities once coexisted and where to this day their cultural imprints live on. Next, you will head to Segovia, famous for its impressive Roman Aqueduct and its 16th century Jewish neighbourhood, among other numerous historic sites.
The tour continues in Córdoba, once the capital of Islamic Spain, and moves on to Seville for a guided bike tour. End your Spanish adventure in the heart of trendy Barcelona, known for its beaches, cuisine and cultural heritage. This tour packs plenty of Spanish culture, gastronomy, art and history.
Please see our itinerary section for more tour details.
Discover Amsterdam's Lake IJssel and numerous Dutch highlights by bike. Numerous highlights are packed into this carefully planned cycling route through Amsterdam and the old fishing villages and trading towns situated around Lake IJssel, the closed-off freshwater lake in the central Netherlands bordering the provinces of Flevoland, North Holland and Friesland. As you pedal through classic Dutch landscapes, cycling below sea level at times, you will visit the star shaped fortified town of Naarden and "Amsterdam Castle" (Muiderslot), along with Edam, famous for its cheese, the fishing village of Volendam, the island of Marken and the historical towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn which flourished during the Golden Ages with the VOC (United East India Company). Explore the lakes of Friesland and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park with their rich birdlife, take in the Hanseatic city of Kampen and the old fishing village of Harderwijk. If you plan to do just one cycle tour of Holland, this itinerary provides the quintessential Dutch experience.
An introductory cycle trip to encounter castles, Roman ruins, medieval towns and a rich wine making tradition on this bike and barge journey along the Rhine River. The Rhine River flows from high in the Swiss Alps through five countries and the majestic Lake Constance, to reach a vast delta in the Netherlands. This relaxed pace cycle based on board the MS Olympia includes some of the most beautiful sections of the river between Koblenz and Worms. Starting in either Koblenz, located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers or Mainz with its half timbered houses, take in the classic scenery as you gently pedal past majestic vineyards and mystic castle ruins. After your day cycling and visiting the sights, your comfortable floating hotel provides the fabulous advantage of only having to pack and unpack once. The journey by bike and on board the boat takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine Valley with its picturesque small towns, coloured half-timbered gable buildings and legendary castles. Short cycle tours through the idyllic landscape and plenty of time to discover each town, make this journey a particularly good option for first time cycle tourists.
