Top bike tours December 2024

The NC 500 - North Coast 500 cycle tour is a breathtakingly scenic route that loops around the northern Highlands of Scotland, covering approximately 500 miles of rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and charming villages. Our NC500 cycle tour offers a unique way to experience this stunning region, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the natural beauty and rich culture of the Scottish Highlands.

This tour is designed with the ‘avid’ rider in mind as it has some testing terrain and the added uncertainty of changeable weather conditions too! We recommend you come prepared.

The NC 500 cycle tour is a challenging tour with some longer days in the saddle. Days vary, but generally the route has some climbs of medium difficulty and a few which are challenging such as the well-known climb of Bealach na Bà on day 2. A winding single track road through the mountains of the Applecross peninsula.

You will most likely need to train for the event and ensure you are fit enough to complete the distance and climbing.

Highlights

• Muir of Ord Whisky distillery (we do pass many others but we have incorporated ‘tasting time’ here into Day One)
• The infamous climb up Beelach Na Ba to Applecross
• Lochinver Larder - The World Famous Scottish Pie Shop
• The Lochinver Pass
• Smoo Cave
• Sandside Bay and the nearby world famous beaches of Achmelvich, Clachtoll, Oldshoremore and Sandwood Bay
• Loch Loyal
• EU funded Timber Haulage Route from Thurso
• The ‘Falls of Shin’ at Lairg
• Johnny Foxes Bar in Inverness (We start and end here. You may remember the start)

Dubai also hosts many top sporting events and offers attractions for passionate athletes. The United Emirates is an excellent destination for cycling, with everything from 200 km hilly routes to very long and challenging climbs. Here you can ride safely on wide cycle paths designed for road cycling training. Local cycling community organizes weekly races as well as Gran Fondos. Cycling in the Arab Emirates will surprise and delight you, and the beautiful beaches of this area are the perfect the place to relax after training. And after that? You will be in Dubai, a city that offers many entertainments! So this winter let's train in the warm United Emirates!

Highlights

• Ride among dunes and antelopes in Al Qudra
• Climb for more than 40 km to reach the 1.600 meter asl in Jebel Al Jais
• Ride your bicycle in the Yas Marina Abu Dhabi Formula 1 circuit

Our self-powered caravan begins in Beijing, China, the political and cultural centre of China and crosses mysterious lands, fiery deserts, and forbidding mountains. Almost 20 weeks later riders will arrive in Istanbul, the majestic capital of Byzantium, the Roman Empire, the Ottomans and now the Republic of Turkey. The route follows the Silk Road northwest before dropping back south in Central Asia. Included are visits to destinations definitely off the beaten track - the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan where we will climb to over 4600 meters and cycle across the 'Roof of the World' and distant Mongolia, where riders will cycle along ancient trading routes through the vast steppes and meet the country's nomadic people, experiencing their age-old traditions.

Silk Route participants will ride to the mystical Central Asian cities of Samarqand, Bukhara and Khiva, and camp amongst the stunning meadows, rivers and peaks of Kyrgyzstan. There are points where quietness pervades and where the original travellers of the Silk Route seem to be just beyond the next hill, beckoning cyclists further along this arduous trek. Time and time again, riders will be amazed at the layers of history emerging from the sand, shake their heads at all that has been lost and take heart from all that is being preserved and created. Each group of Silk Route riders will be enriched by an intricate knowledge of ancient lands crossed and the inspiration that comes from sharing a grand adventure with new friends and fellow nomads.

Highlights

• Mongolia's Gobi Desert & Steppes
• Tajikistan's Pamir Highway
• Silk Road cities of Central Asia
• Cycle down the Bosphorus into amazing Istanbul

Han River represents Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, South Han River represents Gangwon Province and Chungcheong Province, Nakdong River represents Gyeongsang Province, and Geum River represents Chungcheong Province, and Youngsan River represents Jeolla Province.After 4 Big River restoration construction, Korean government built the bike road next to 4 Big rivers, so now bike riders can cross all over Korea through 4 River Bike Road.

The most famous 4 River Bike Road is Han River Bike Road(209km), Saejae Bike Road(100km), and Nakdong River Bike road(324km), and we can ride bike between Seoul and Busan. It's approximately 640km.STB Bike Tour will be challenging for yourself, and also it would be fun and unforgettable experience to you.

STB(Seoul to Busan) Bike Tour is designed to discover whole South Korea on two wheels. While adventurers ride bikes everywhere in South Korea from Seoul to Busan as passing Seoul, Gyeonggi Do, Gangwon Do, Chungcheong Do, Gyeongsang Do, and Busan, the travelers will meet lots of locals and very unique Korean local cultures which are real face of South Korea. Time to ride bikes to discover South Korea.

The trans-African crossing from Cairo to Cape Town has long been one of the world’s epic journeys and an iconic goal for global adventurers. Over the years individuals have attempted to complete the route using every kind of transport imaginable, with many forced to abandon their quest due to physical challenges and geopolitical complications. The Tour d’Afrique Cycling Expedition is a unique test of mind, body and bicycle, an incredible physical and mental challenge that will ultimately reward the riders with an intense feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.

Our trans-continental journey and flagship expedition crosses Africa from north to south as riders pedal along the Nile past ancient temples before flying to Rwanda to continue the journey through the ‘Land of a 1000 Hills.’ The route continues through the lush rainforests of Uganda and crosses the Equator in Kenya. The cyclists will spin past legendary Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Malawi and stop to admire the incredible power of Victoria Falls. Finally, the track follows the edge of the magnificent Kalahari desert, past the towering red dunes of Namibia and finishes in the shadow of Table Mountain in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa.

Highlights

• Ancient Egypt's most famous sites
• Rwanda’s mountain gorillas
• Mosi oa Tunya (Victoria Falls)
• Namibia's stunning desert landscapes

The Central West Cycle trail provides a 400 km circuit through the rolling rural landscape away from the main road. Located in the state of New South Wales, Australia the circuit has been developed by local cyclists who know the backroads between the towns.

• Day 1: Dubbo to Wellington via Geurie – 64km
• Day 2: Wellington to Gulgong via Goolma – 76km
• Day 3: Gulgong to Dunedoo – 58km
• Day 4: Dunedoo to Mendooran – 63km
• Day 5: Mendooran to Ballimore – 52-61km
• Day 6: Ballimore to Dubbo via Wongarbon – 55km

This superb race in the sun the Volta ao Algarve as become an important early season race for the best professional cyclists in the world. Make this your perfect start to the year with a visit to Portugal and enjoy all the spectacle of this fantastic race route in the Algarve. An event not to be missed with this amazing cycling week in Europe this February.

The Volta is the only Portuguese stage race on the UCI Pro Series circuit, with the race route exploring the Algarve in the south of Portugal.
The format of the race stays the same each year, and includes a time trial, challenging mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirao ranges, and sprint stages. Some thing for everyone and the ideal all-round test for the professional cycling peloton.
The 50th edition of the Volta ao Algarve Tour consists of 5 stages and will cover 752.9 kilometers and have an elevation gain of 14,455 meters.

Each year the Volta route includes quiet cycling roads we’ve been exploring for over 10 years.
Bike race tours are more enjoyable when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday with this small group cycling vacation. With an exciting variety of contrasting stages on offer, join the action live and enjoy a selection of superb, tailored rides to suit all abilities.

Highlights:

• Get close to your favourite superstars of professional cycling in a relaxed environment
• Europe’s hidden cycling secret, the Algarve ‘Rocha Praia Mar’ – cliffs, beaches, ocean
• Get your cycling season off to a flying start with kilometers / miles in the sun!
• Great cafe stops during the tour at unique Algarve towns & villages; Silves, Monchique, Portimao, Lagos, Alte, Tavira, and Albufeira.
• Spectacular rides of the natural Algarve including the challenging mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirao.
• Insight to stage race action live from the roadside each day with stage starts, sprint finishes, mountain action, time trial power.
• Amazing Algarve, friendly Portugal, superb cycling & great local food!

The Cross Tassie Gravel Adventure is a 7-day, 6-night gravel cycling adventure from Launceston to Hobart, offering 405km of rugged gravel riding with a total elevation of 7360m. Led by ride captain and professional photographer Beardy McBeard, the tour includes iconic climbs like Jacobs Ladder and travels through Tasmania's scenic Central Highlands. Riders will enjoy luxury accommodation, daily breakfasts, top-level dinners, wine tasting and a long lunch at a premier vineyard. Fully supported rides ensure a hassle-free experience, while the Après Vélo lifestyle emphasizes relaxation and camaraderie. Highlights include exploring Tasmania's diverse landscapes, historic towns, and indulging in local culinary delights.

Snapshot

• A true gravel adventure from Launceston to Hobart, off the beaten track, led by ride captain and professional photographer, Beardy McBeard.
• Ride the rugged Central Highlands through the heart of Tasmania.
• Climb the spectacular switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder, Australia’s most iconic gravel climb.
• Luxury and unique accommodation on route; Daily breakfasts; 5 x Top level dinners; Wine tasting & long lunch at one of Tasmania’s finest vineyards.
• Fully supported rides.
• Daily transfers of all bike bags and luggage.
• Embrace the Après Vélo lifestyle in unique homesteads once the wheels stop spinning.

This route takes you from Coolah, through charming Binnaway, and into the vibrant town of Coonabarabran, known as the gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park. The park itself offers stunning vistas, rugged landscapes, and challenging trails for keen cyclists. Continuing on to Tooraweenah, riders can enjoy a blend of scenic beauty and local hospitality. This trail is perfect for those seeking adventure and the chance to immerse themselves in the unique natural wonders of New South Wales.

With its excellent weather conditions and a network of varied, amazing quiet roads, the Algarve in Portugal is the ideal destination for cycling training and quality rides especially during the winter / spring months. With a menu of endurance rides and climbing routes available during your Algarve cycling week in the sun. Join this experienced cycling team with 20 years international cycling coaching and racing experience for the very best selection of challenging and epic rides on the fantastic roads of Southern Portugal.

Start the day with the sun rising ready for a great day in the saddle. Fully charged heading out at a comfortable pace, warming up the muscles on our chosen ride option for the day. Effective training is best accomplished with a gradual increase in effort and nothing could be better when we hit the quiet country roads of the Algarve, small undulations and twisting roads are everywhere. Once in a rhythm the kilometers/miles flow by with ease as we pass Portuguese villages that haven’t changed in many years. Time to take on a small climb and stimulate those muscle fibers, early season style, small chain ring comfortable high cadence if you wish or big chain ring strength intervals if you’re looking to improve that all important muscle strength!
Looking for a coffee-break or keep it constant, fat-burning metabolism at its best, three, four or five hours every day tailored for that all important scientific progressive overload effect. Great training rides also deserve time to recover and chill Portugal style, as we return to your hotel to relax and get ready for another perfect Algarve cycling training ride tomorrow.

With quality riding on the sunny roads of the Algarve keep your legs turning through the cold wet months of home and avoid that unwanted cold or flu! Maintain your cycling condition and top up the aerobic fitness for a great year of cycling ahead. The natural setting of the Algarve offers a great variety of climbs and amazing network of cycling roads, perfect for an epic week of climbing and challenging week of endurance rides or should you prefer the balance with a combination of ideal rides each day.

Algarve cycling training camps can be tailored to your current experience and ability or cycling goals, get ready to experience unique ride routes all in one terrific training week with the PB Tours cycling professionals in the Algarve Southern Portugal.

Highlights:

• Small cycling group quality rides
• Experienced team with international cycling knowledge (over 20 years) of all ages, men and women ensuring a perfect week in the saddle.
• Variety of amazing quiet roads exploring the secret cycling destination Algarve, Portugal
• Combination of undulating and choice climbs available including Alto do Foia (900m)
• Portugal Europe’s sunny secret cycling destination

80-110km / 50-68mi, suitable for regular and avid bike riders.

During this 15 day bike & barge trip through Flanders (Belgium) and northern France, from Bruges to Paris, you will cycle through attractive areas, not yet discovered by mass tourism. This tour is characterized by a wide variation in landscapes and has all the ingredients a good bike & barge tour needs to explore these interesting regions.

The first stage in Belgium features highlights like magnificent Bruges as unbeatable start of a beautiful discovery tour, history in medieval Ghent, tapestry in Oudenaarde, Vincent van Gogh’s heritage, a nice Belgium beer at end of your daily cycling tour. Highlights in France are World War I battle fields and memorials in the Somme valley, the Chateau de Chantilly and its art gallery the Musée Condé that houses one of the finest collections of paintings in France, and – last but not least – beautiful Paris, the “City of Lights”.

The cycling tours go over gently forested undulations and across open farm land, along the rivers Scheldt, Somme, Oise and Seine; the Belgian-French border also appears to be more or less the watershed between the river basins of Scheldt and Seine.

As well as being able to discover many picturesque villages each day – both on your bicycle and on foot – you will be able to:

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center of Bruges;
• Explore Ghent where several masterpieces of medieval painting are to be found, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan van Eyck, being the most famous of all;
• Pass through Oudenaarde, the town of the tapestry weavers;
• Visit the town of Péronne with her fascinating “Grande Guerre” museum;
• Admire the splendid chateau of Chantilly; a luxurious castle with an impressive art collection and horse dressage;
• Walk to the grave of Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise;
• Visit many highlights of Paris.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental E-Bikes on board, this tour will be offered as an E-Bike only tour.

Fully Guided
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of our Ride with GPS app and the Boat Bike Tours cycling map (available on board).

Total distance 421 - 546 km

Our guides will take you on a full-day bicycle tour through the winding alleyways, and gorgeous plazas that served as a backdrop to some of the most pivotal moments in Spanish history. The tour starts at our office in Madrid. From there we’ll drive to Toledo, and cycle along the Tagus river towards the city. Once inside its medieval walls, we’ll be stopping to see the fortresses, cathedrals, synagogues, and museums.

A three-course lunch is optional after which, we’ll continue seeing some more of the city. Before heading back to Madrid, we make one final stop at the Parador hotel and enjoy a well-earned drink, taking in the spectacular views from its dazzling roof terrace.

5 km outside of Nice you find the former fishing village Villefranche-sur-Mer.  Villefranche-sur-Mer attracts people from all over the world to visit the picturesque streets, the beautiful bay and wide sand beaches. Framing the bay you find Cap-Ferrat.

We meet in central Nice from where we start by going via the Promenade des Anglais. We pass the harbour and climb the ocean road in an easy pace. It starts with a 2 km uphill to Mont-Boron, but we go in an easy pace. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view in Mont Boron of the bays towards Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat!

When we reach Villefranche, we stop in the old town for you to walk around and perhaps buy a snack or coffee. We can visit the old habour and the magnificent beach front.

From Villefranche, we climb to the main road again to go 2 km further on the road from Nice to make a round-trip at Cap-Ferrat.

The cap is known for glamourous villas, e.g. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. We make stops to enjoy beautiful sceneries of the views to Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. As we reach the lighthouse , we get off the bikes to discover the scenic rocks surronding it.

At this point of the trip, you make feel like making a stop in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for a drink, before we make our way back to Nice.

Jeju Island is Korea's volcanic island which is egg-shaped and located far southern part of South Korea. So it has many beautiful white beaches along the coastal line. Jeju Island is famous for its emerald color of the ocean and exotic scenery of tropical climate. But the best reason why Jeju Island is beloved by Korean riders is its 'Fantastic Bike Trail' along the ocean. Jeju Island built this safe and well paved bike path around the island as expecting bike travelers to enjoy bike riding so this 'Fantastic Bike Trail' leads bike travelers literally everywhere in Jeju Island so that bike travelers discover more and more of Jeju Island. Please come to Jeju Island and ride together. Oh and don't forget about amazing Jeju Island's sea food selection.

Join us for a cycling journey with famous discoveries and experiences. The Dongshan Coffee Road 175 in Chiayi is the ideal cycling route for a short cycle touring experience. Try the famous street food at Chiayi Night Market. Drink the famous Dongshan coffee. Soke in Guanziling Famous Hot Spring. Eat Guanziling's famous roast chicken. Enjoy the famous natural wonder.

Highlights

• Famous sights and experiences: Chiayi Wenhua Rd. night market, Smart Fish Heads, Chiayi turkey rice, Chiayi Douhua (soft bean curd), Dongsan Coffee Rd, Dachu Coffee Estate, Guanziling Hot Spring, Guanziling Roast Chicken and Fire-Water Spring.
• Learn about Taiwan's coffee heritage. Enjoy many cups of freshly brewed coffee.
• Soak At One Of Taiwan'S Best Hot Spas.
• See Where Fire Meets Water.

Make a genuine coast to coast journey across the entire continent of South America from the Pacific to the Atlantic, linking 2 fantastic cities and 2 fantastic countries – Valparaiso in Chile and Buenos Aires in Argentina. Our route climbs from sea level and traverses the high passes of the dramatic Andes mountain range, lifting you nearly 4km skyward before descending all the way down the other side…

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are vibrant historical towns with stunning forts, palaces, and temples of medieval times (and also Taj Mahal).

Apart from these popular destinations, this tour also takes you to lesser-known, but fascinating, Bharatpur, Karauli and Abhaneri. YOu will experience the hustle and bustle of towns as well as scenic countryside.

During this trip, stay in couple of charming heritage hotels… these were royal residences now converted open for guests.

Not only are you ging to ride your bike through the Alps from the northern lands of Germany through the great mountain range of Europe to Italy but you are going to do it over the highest pass route between these two great nations…standing at nearly 3,000m above sea level…the Stelvio Pass!

And we haven’t even mentioned the 150km downhill, lake Como and Madonna del Ghisallo yet…

A unique trip, following the River Ebro, the longest in Spain, as it flows from its source in the Cantabrian Mountains. It begins as a mountain stream flowing through green pastures and valleys, imposing canyons, vineyards, past pretty and unknown villages, As we cycle we perceive the changes in the landscape and the river itself. Finally we arrive in La Rioja, home of the finest Spanish wines. A sea of vineyards dotted with ancient villages, castles and wineries. A magnificent trip for those who wish to visit parts of Spain the tourists never see.

Highlights:

• fairytale village of Orbaneja del Castillo
• world famous vineyards and wine
• dramatic canyons of the Ebro river

Many riders have cycled the United States from East to West or the other way around. Of course, a great achievement.

It is probably a bigger challenge to traverse the United States from North to South over the dirt roads of the Rocky Mountains, following the Continental Divide. The divide of roughly 2,800 miles between Canada and Mexico splits the North American Continent in two. Drops of rain that fall on your left side flow into the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Drops on your right side will find their way to the Pacific. The drops of sweat from your brow will evaporate in the thin air of the Rocky Mountains or fall to the trail and eventually make their way to one of the two great Oceans. This is the trail of “The Great Divide” !!!

In 1998, the Adventure Cycling Association developed and published the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route and called it “The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route”. The original route starts in Banff, Canada, zigzags along the Continental Divide, climbs over isolated passes and finishes in Antelope Wells at the border of Mexico.

The Great Divide takes you through a wide variety of terrain and geographic features. You cycle through isolated river valleys, mountain forests, wide open grasslands, high desert, alpine wilderness, and, at the end of the ride, a section of the Chihuahuan Desert. Along the way you can expect to meet cowboys who drive their cattle across the prairie. You will cycle through pristine woods full of deer and elk, and of course there is always some trepidation that you may stand face-to-face with a grizzly bear. Colorado's Indiana Pass is the highest point on the route at 11,910 feet.