See the world on two wheels: Our range of cycling tours

We think the world’s at its best when there’s nothing between it and you. No big bus window. No iPhone screen. No maps or walls or guidebooks. Just the wind and the open road.

That’s the thinking behind our brand new cycling trips. There’s a nice simplicity to cycling. You start at A and slowly ride your way to B, powered by nothing but your own legs…and maybe a Provencal orange cake and a couple of extra-strength café au lait. This is cycling Intrepid-style. Which means it’s not the Tour de France. You don’t get prizes for coming in first, and the lycra bodysuits are definitely optional. These trips are for people who really want to see a place, not just travel it. Ride on.

New Cycling tours for 2020

Cycle Northern Vietnam

8 Days From 1355

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

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Cycle Cuba: East

8 Days From 1605

Explore laidback eastern Cuba on a two-wheeled round-trip adventure from Havana. Cycle...

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Cycle Kerala

8 Days From 1492

Enjoy a cycling adventure along the south west coast of India, visiting the sandy...

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Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

14 Days From 3753

An epic cycling adventure through Croatia and the Balkans, beginning in Split and...

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Cycle the Camino de Santiago

8 Days From 2282

Cycle from Leon to Santiago de Compostela on a cycling pilgrimage. Ride through...

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Cycle New Zealand South Island

8 Days From 3850

Cycle New Zealand's South Island, starting in Queenstown and finishing in Dunedin. Stay...

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Cycle the Balkans

8 Days From 1674

An epic cycling adventure through the Balkans, beginning in Dubrovnik and finishing in...

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Cycle Costa Rica & Panama

8 Days From 1781

Ride across the many and varied landscapes of Central America on a cycling tour of...

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Cycle Nicaragua & Costa Rica

8 Days From 1654

Ride across the many and varied landscapes of Central America on a cycling tour of...

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Cycle Colombia

8 Days From 2016

Get to know Colombia on a coffee-scented cycling adventure that will take you through...

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Our Cycling tours

Cycle Vietnam

15 Days From 2283

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

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Cycle Sri Lanka

14 Days From 2258

Discover a world of spice and splendour on a cycling trip across Sri Lanka, taking in...

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Cycle Cuba: West

7 Days From 1547

Explore laidback Cuba on a two-wheeled round-trip adventure from Havana. Cycle along...

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Cycle Morocco

14 Days From 1976

Discover the beauty of Morocco on a two-week cycling adventure. From the buzz of cities...

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Cycle Croatia

7 Days From 2196

Discover the ancient cities of Croatia on this Dalmatian cycling tour. Ride to Split,...

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Cycle Tuscany

8 Days From 2237

Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...

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Cycle Jordan (Petra & Wadi Rum)

9 Days From 2219

Pedalling past Petra, Jerash, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum and more – experience the best...

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Cycle Tanzania

13 Days From 4233

Discover the best of Tanzania on this cycling adventure. Safari through the Serengeti,...

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Cycle the Danube

8 Days From 1854

Retrace the steps of ancient empires on this cycling tour through Austria, Slovakia and...

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Cycle Rajasthan

15 Days From 1767

Travel to India and cycle the romantic Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar and...

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Cycle Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

13 Days From 2742

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...

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Cycle Japan

11 Days From 5645

Experience the best of this fascinating country on a comprehensive cycling tour of...

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Cycle Southern Thailand

9 Days From 1595

Cycling allows you to get closer to the real face of Thailand. From bicycles to...

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Cycle Cuba

14 Days From 3075

Explore laidback eastern Cuba on a two-wheeled round-trip adventure from Havana. Cycle...

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Cycle Myanmar (Burma)

13 Days From 2529

Climb into the driver's seat for a cycling tour through a land it often feels like time...

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Cycle Bali

8 Days From 1492

Discover Bali on a cycling adventure from Ubud to Sanur. Visit Mount Batur, Kintamani,...

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Cycle Northern Vietnam

8 Days From 1355

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

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Cycle the Loire Valley

7 Days From 2066

Delight in the inspiring Chateaux and charming French countryside on a Loire Valley...

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Cycle the French Alps: Road Cycling

8 Days From 2246

Cycle the French Alps with Intrepid, conquering some legendary Tour de France routes...

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Cycle Provence

8 Days From 2336

This cycling tour through Provence, visiting Avignon, Orange, St Remy and Arles, is the...

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Cycle Cuba: East

8 Days From 1605

Explore laidback eastern Cuba on a two-wheeled round-trip adventure from Havana. Cycle...

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Cycle Andalucia

9 Days From 2957

Experience southern Spain on this cycling adventure from Seville to Granada. Ride car...

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Cycle South East Asia

27 Days From 5240

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

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Cycle the Dolomites & Italian Alps: Road Cycling

8 Days From 2988

Cycle the Dolomites and Alps on this road cycling adventure. Conquer the fabled Giro d...

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Cycle Kerala

8 Days From 1492

Enjoy a cycling adventure along the south west coast of India, visiting the sandy...

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Cycle the Pyrenees: Road Cycling

8 Days From 2471

Take a cycling adventure through the Pyrenees, conquere iconic Tour de France climbs...

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Cycle the Baltics

11 Days From 2858

Cycle through the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – from Tallin to...

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Cycle Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

8 Days From 2590

Visit South America and cycle in Peru. Visit Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and...

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Cycle Prague to Vienna

8 Days From 2286

Get active on an eight-day European cycling adventure, beginning in Prague, and passing...

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Cycle Peru with Inca Trail (Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley)

11 Days From 3275

Visit South America and cycle in Peru. Visit Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and...

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Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

14 Days From 3753

An epic cycling adventure through Croatia and the Balkans, beginning in Split and...

View Trip

Cycle the Camino de Santiago

8 Days From 2282

Cycle from Leon to Santiago de Compostela on a cycling pilgrimage. Ride through...

View Trip

Cycle New Zealand South Island

8 Days From 3850

Cycle New Zealand's South Island, starting in Queenstown and finishing in Dunedin. Stay...

View Trip

Cycle the Balkans

8 Days From 1674

An epic cycling adventure through the Balkans, beginning in Dubrovnik and finishing in...

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Morocco Family Cycling Holiday

10 Days From 1526

Get riding on an exotic family adventure through Morocco, beginning in charming...

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Cycle Costa Rica & Panama

8 Days From 1781

Ride across the many and varied landscapes of Central America on a cycling tour of...

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Cycling tours by region

Asia

Europe & the Middle East

Africa

The Americas

Cycling tours FAQ

What’s the range of cycling tours available?

Our cycling tours span the gamut of two-wheeled challenges: from a leisurely ride through Vietnam to cycling across landscapes of Cuba. Some of these trips include cycling as just one of a number of active adventures, others are more cycling focussed (ie. You’ll be riding almost every day).

Should I bring my own bike on a cycling trip?

To take the hassle out of preparing for your trip, we've included bike hire on all our dedicated cycling tours. Alternatively, you can bring your trusty bike from home. If you're bringing your own bike, make sure you let us know when booking so we can make sure your bike is appropriate for that particular tour. As always, check your Trip Notes for more information.

Bringing your own bike – If you are a dedicated cyclist or just want to take your bike on a holiday, you can usually bring it along for the ride. You’ll need to box it up for transport on the plane: the easiest way to do this is to go to your local bike shop and ask if they will do it for you (a fee may apply). They often have boxes on hand from old stock and have the tools to remove the pedals and secure your handlebars. Airline fees will also apply, so check with your airline about costs. It's worth remembering not all trips will be able to accommodate your own bike, so let us know what you're planning at the time of booking.

Hiring a bike – The bikes we use are from proven brands, very well maintained, typically less than 3 years old (most are newer) and specifically chosen to suit the terrain you'll be cycling on the trip. They come in the full range of sizes from extra small to extra large and usually have front suspension, flat bars, and 27 gears. The only thing you need to do is advise us of your height at the time of booking. We’ll handle the rest. If you'd like, you can always take your own saddle (seat) or gel over-cover for comfort sake, and if you want to use cleats, bring your pedals and shoes too.

How do I fly with my bike?

All airlines will have their own rules and fees when transporting bikes. Make sure you contact the airline (preferably) before you pay for your flights to see what charges and requirements they have.

Before you go, you must box your bike for transport. See our section ‘taking your own bike vs. hiring one’ for more information.

What do I have to carry while we ride?

On all of our cycling tours your accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. All you have to carry is water, and any snacks or gadgets you may want and a few layers to keep you dry and warm. A small, lightweight backpack may come in handy.

Do I need to pack anything special?

Helmets are compulsory on our cycling tours, so you can either bring your own or (to save on luggage space) buy one at a local bike shop once you arrive in-country. We also recommend you bring your own water bottle/hydration pack, and closed shoes. You may also wish to bring Cycling shorts, and (if you ride regularly at home) your own saddle and pedals. Many of our clients who do not ride regularly find a gel seat cover helpful in making the ride more comfortable. For more info on packing, check out the What to Pack section of your Trip Notes.

How fit do I need to be?

All you need to enjoy our cycling trips is the ability to ride a bicycle and a passion for seeing a destination on two wheels. That’s about it.

While there are occasionally longer days on some itineraries, the vast majority of our cycling days are between 30-60kms and are done at a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery/just take a break. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness will get by with no troubles.

Our cycling trips are done predominantly on sealed roads (with the odd unsealed section), but none of the trips require any specialist cycling skills. We’ve also researched extra riding routes in each of the destinations we visit, so if you want to stretch your legs a bit more, you can.

What sort of safety precautions do you take?

We run risk assessments on each and everyone of our cycling trips to make sure they’re up to scratch, and your cycling leaders have personally ridden every inch of the itinerary in advance. We’ve assessed the road conditions, the level of traffic and any potential blackspots. Our leaders are trained in cycling health and safety, as well as basic first aid, and we usually have a vehicle following us if an evacuation ever becomes necessary. We’ve also made sure our cycling tours depart during the milder months, when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold, so the ride should be as pleasant (and safe) as possible.

Do I need special insurance for a cycling trip?

Not as a rule. Any injuries you might suffer while riding should be covered by the more reputable comprehensive policies (we can recommend some good brands if you’re unsure of what to get). It’s always important to double check the fine print before departing on your trip, and be aware that (like all Intrepid trips) travel insurance is compulsory on our cycling itineraries.

Traveller reviews

Our favourite cycling destinations

Croatia

The Croatian islands were built for cycling trips. Little olive groves and hilltop villages on Brac, Korcula’s cliff top switchbacks and charming local vineyards, nights spent recuperating with fresh seafood plucked straight from the Adriatic. Get ready for a blur of orange orchards, white pebble beaches and buckets of tangy gelato, Dalmatian-style. Check out our Croatia cycling trip .

France

Don’t worry, we won’t be leading you on any mountain climbs up to the Alpe d’Huez. French cycling for us is more about slipping into the rhythms of local Provencal life. Stopping for a picnic with the group by the Gardon River, browsing for antiques in Uzes or Tarascon, riding quiet country lanes outside Caderousse. It’s tough work, but someone’s gotta do it. Check out our Provence cycling trip.

Vietnam

More than 30 million Vietnamese can’t be wrong – this country looks better from handlebar height. We’ll set off from Hanoi, riding along cliff top passes and down quiet rice paddy roads. And after a long day in the saddle? Piping hot pho cut with lemon and chilli, and crusty banh mi all round. Check out our Vietnam cycling tour.

Morocco

It’s what you’d call a ‘classic’ cycling destination, but there’s no doubt Morocco is an up-and-comer in the world of two-wheeled adventure. Where else can you cycle silhouetted against the dunes of the Sahara? Swap your bike for a camel? Or spend the night with Berber tribesmen in your very own desert camp? Yep, this isn’t your typical cycling tour. Check out our Morocco cycling itinerary.

Cuba

Cuba ticks all the culture boxes (Cadillacs, cigars and nostalgia-soaked streets? Um, yes please.) But it’s a rider’s paradise too: mostly flat, relatively compact, with a big variety of landscapes. Think rural villages around Vinales, the pristine beaches of Cayo Jutias and stunning forests of Las Terrazas. Muy bueno. Check out our Cuba cycling tour.

Andalucía

The whiff of orange blossom in the air, the twang of a flamenco guitar, some ridiculous white-washed village perched on a crag – Andalucía is almost clichéd in its Spanish-ness. It’s hard to imagine a better backdrop for a cycling trip, and our route from Seville to Granada is a perfect intro for beginner cyclists. Check out our Andalucia cycling trip.

Tuscany

A cycling trip in Tuscany? Just form an orderly queue. We’ll start on the cobbled lanes of Florence and work our way (in no particular hurry) through the rolling hills of Garfagnana and Barga’s sun-dappled vineyards and olive groves and on to the famed towns of Lucca and Pisa. If all that sounds like some Italian black and white movie starring a guy with a moustache, it’s because it is. Check out our Tuscany cycling trip.

South Africa

You’re zooming down a coastal road, with the green cliffs of the Cape on one side and the endless blue of the South Atlantic on the other. A couple of humpback whales surface cinematically out to sea, and the air carries the grapey tang of the Stellenbosch winelands. Yep, that’s cycling in South Africa for you. Check out our South Africa cycling itinerary.

A few of our cycling leaders

Our local leaders are all cycling junkies, but they go through some pretty rigorous training before being allowed behind the handlebars of an Intrepid cycling tour. Each one has undergone on-road supervision and knows how to do safety checks, basic repairs and emergency first-aid. But they’re still regular Intrepid leaders, which means they know the best local bars, cafes and hidden spots (not to mention handling all the logistical stuff). You just focus on the ride.

Justaz

“Justaz was an excellent guide, so motivated, confident and very approachable. He always made sure the group was comfortable. Worth his weight in gold!”

Breanne Chrimes – Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Chai

“Chai is a real asset to intrepid. He knowledge and enthusiasm was great. He kept us going in the tough bits and made it a fun experience.”

Geoff Barker – Thailand Hike, Bike and Kayak

Is

“The best tour guide I have ever had. She was always looking after our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Thank you, Is!"

Pretesh Mistry – Thailand Hike, Bike and Kayak

View our range of Road Cycling trips

The bikes we use

On most of our cycling trips we’ll be using hardtail mountain bikes, armed with front suspension. Depending on the country, we’ll use a mix of makes and models, like Giant Talon and Trek X Caliber 5, but they’re all pretty similar when it comes to form and function. Our bikes are serviced regularly in-country, by local experts who know their stuff. We’ve also got a support vehicle that travels around with the group, so any pesky broken chains or flat tyres can be fixed in a jiffy. Of course you can usually bring your own (check out the FAQ above for all the logistical info).

Responsible cycling tours

Everyone knows that riding a bike is good for you (even factoring in the odd Florentine gelato or Tuscan cellar door pitstop). But it’s good for the environment too. Our cycling itineraries (like all our trips) are 100% carbon offset, and obviously the majority of transport on the trips is powered by the greenest energy of all: yours. Each cycling trip has a support vehicle in tow, but it’s still one of the most eco-friendly ways to see the world. Trust us, we design it that way. For more info, check out our Responsible Travel policies.

How we're giving back

At Intrepid, we know a bike can changes lives. Provide a person in the developing world with a bike and it means they can travel twice as far, twice as fast and carry four times the load. The extra mobility and distance gained from using a bike can make all the difference when seeking medicine or trying to find work. This is why we’ve partnered with Bicycles for Humanity to help provide bikes to communities in Namibia, Africa.

Learn more about Bicyles for Humanity