Exodus Travels

Kerala is an excellent place to discover by bike; a true tropical paradise with an idyllic coastline, lush tranquil backwaters, colourful temples and old stone churches. It's not surprising that Kerala is often referred to as 'God's own country'. Offering a gentler experience than the often frenetic north, Kerala is great for a first time bike trip or your first visit to India. From the old spice port of Cochin to the laid-back beach town of Varkala, we gently cycle through beautiful landscapes, fascinating towns and colourful fishing villages, sampling superb south Indian cuisine along the way. A night in a village homestay provides a unique insight into the warm Keralan hospitality, and the backwaters of Kerala are cruised on a traditional houseboat before relaxing on the sweeping beaches of Varkala.

Highlights

• Explore the old spice town of Cochin
• Experience warm hospitality in a village homestay
• Cruise the backwaters on a traditional houseboat
• Relax on the sandy beaches of Varkala

Mostly surfaced roads (which can be rough in some places) including plenty of quiet backroads.

Mongolia remains a mysterious presence in the heart of Central Asia, a traditional country where visitors are still an unusual sight. Nomads wander the grasslands, setting up their white gers (tents) where the pasture is lush for their horses. On our bikes, we follow good trails across wide, open steppe, into expansive mountain scenery and through larch and pine forests. Camping wild under the wide skies adds an adventurous edge to what is certainly one of our most intrepid cycle tours.

Highlights

• Variety of landscapes as we cycle through open steppe and larch and pine forests
• A visit to Erden Zuu Monastery and Genghis Khan's ancient capital
• Wild camping and overnight at hot springs

Low altitude; 100% good quality dirt tracks.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela across northern Spain is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes. Also known as 'The Way of St James', it originated in the region of Galicia where the tomb of the Apostle James the Great was discovered in the 9th century. The way is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell and the grooves that join together are said to represent the many different routes pilgrims take to reach Santiago. The Gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and miles of beautiful rural scenery make this section of the ancient route so popular.

Highlights

• Medieval monasteries and unspoiled rural scenery
• Enjoy the fantastic food and wine produced along the route
• Follow the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago

50% tarmac roads, 50% gravel roads and tracks. Some climbs to be expected.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Cape Town and its surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for this tour. Our unique circular route allows us to take in the fantastic sights the Cape Peninsula has to offer. In addition to Table Mountain and the chance to sample the famous wine from the estates of Stellenbosch, the wild coastline and rugged interior provide classic riding on peaceful roads with little traffic. The stunning scenery, a rich cultural history, unique flora, and unusual wildlife encounters make this a fantastic destination to discover on two wheels.

Highlights

• Discover Cape Town and Table Mountain
• Try regional produce from the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
• Visit Cape Algulhas - the southernmost point of Africa

95% tarmac, 5% hard pack dirt roads .

The two southernmost states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala perfectly depict the contrasting nature of India. Seeing them on two wheels gives us an excellent opportunity to soak up the rich culture and appreciate the different landscapes as we cycle by. Tamil Nadu sees far fewer visitors than other Indian states, but this is part of the attraction as we follow quiet backroads from the fertile coastal plains in the east to the remarkable hills of the Western Ghats, which form the border with Kerala. Our ride takes us past some of the most impressive sites of southern India, including the former French colony of Pondicherry and the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. After cycling through the cooler highlands and tea estates of the Western Ghats, we reach the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, where a relaxing houseboat cruise offers the chance to unwind and reflect on a memorable journey.

Highlights

• Cycle through two distinctively different Indian states
• Sample regional dishes served on a banana leaf
• Cruise on a traditional Keralan houseboat

Low altitude, 100% tarmac.

Namibia is a vast country with wide open spaces and endless skies. Sand dunes gradually turn into granite hills, whilst rocky outcrops give way to vast plains where elephants, giraffes and lions roam. Travelling through the wilderness by bike is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the varied landscape of this desert nation and there is also the unique experience of cycling over sand dunes on a modified ‘fat’ bike.

Discover the country’s highlights and hidden secrets on two wheels, watch the sun rise over the tallest sand dunes in the world and experience game drives in one of southern Africa’s best game reserves, Etosha National Park.

Highlights

• Cycling through the wilderness - vast plains, rocky outcrops and endless skies
• Safari drives in Etosha National Park
• Exploring sand dunes on a modified ‘fat’ bike
• Waterberg National Park’s red sandstone table mountain
• Discover the highest sand dunes in the world

90% off road/gravel roads, 10% tarmac roads. Some gentle hills and mostly along quiet roads.

Istria, often referred to as Croatia’s Tuscany, is simply idyllic for a week-long cycling holiday. This self-guided route gives you the freedom to explore the area's treasure trove of antiquities at your own pace. The amphitheatre in Pula and the UNESCO sites of Rovinj and Porec give a distinctly cultural edge to this relaxed cycling itinerary. The hotels offer local charm, all close to the seafront so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the harbours and sunsets over the sea.

Highlights

• Explore the Istrian Peninsula
• Discover Roman architecture
• Superb swimming opportunities
• Luxurious accommodation

Key Information

• 6 days cycling (including 4 optional days)
• 60% quiet tarmac roads, 40% coastal tracks
• Gentle cycling perfect for occasional cyclists
• Min age 12 yrs

Cycling is a great way to explore the stunning natural and cultural treasures of Campania. This tour takes us through the best routes and contrasts of the region, from the relatively unknown and unspoilt Cilento to the popular, lively Amalfi Coast. The Cilento National Park is largely undisturbed by modern life and as we cycle through quaint fishing villages, the traditions of the area are still evident. We also visit the Greco-Roman city of Paestum, with its three major doric temples, before heading to the lovely town of Minori on the Amalfi Coast. Here, we cycle on some of the most scenic routes in the world, while visiting beautiful towns including Positano and, of course, Amalfi itself. All the cycling will help to build our appetite for the fine food for which the area is renowned.

Highlights

• Discover the rugged nature of Cilento National Park
• Cycle along the stunning Amalfi Coast
• Enjoy the warm hospitality and succulent cuisine of Italy
• Explore the beautiful towns of Amalfi and Ravello

Mainly undulating with a few steady climbs; 100 percent paved roads.

In the deep south of Italy, nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, lie the captivating regions of Puglia and Basilicata. This itinerary explores the best cultural and natural treasures here. Matera’s fascinating Sassi houses and the Unesco ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello set the scene for the journey to come. After passing through idyllic countryside and Ostuni, known as the White City, the route veers towards Gallipoli and the dramatic Ionian coastline. While riding across the Salento Peninsula, we embrace the laid-back Italian lifestyle and explore a landscape of olive groves, limestone cliffs, crystal waters and baroque towns.

Highlights

• Ride from the stunning Unesco town of Matera
• Enjoy gentle cycling through olive groves and past conical trulli houses
• Sample fine seafood and wine from the Salento coast
• Stay in accommodation bursting with character

99 percent paved roads and some short sections of gravel. Quiet rural undulating roads.

Often referred to as the 'land of silence', Sardinia is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with its crystal-clear sea, limestone ridges and deep gorges. During the week we ride across the wild and pristine southwestern part of the region, passing abandoned mines, ancient ruins and gleaming white beaches. The route starts with an optional circular ride through the fascinating Sinis wetlands, home to colonies of pink flamingos, then moves on to the spectacular Costa Verde (Green Coast) named for its abundance and variety of Mediterranean vegetation. After cycling past the ancient mines of Ingurtosu and Planusartu, we reach the beautiful beach of Portixeddu where the impressive Pan di Zucchero white cliff towers out of the emerald waters. We then board a local ferry to the fishing village of Carloforte and explore the delightful isle of Sant'Antioco before crossing to the mainland, where we conclude a week of wonderful cycling pedalling across the rolling hills of the stunning Costa del Sud, with its white beaches, coastal pools and imposing high cliffs. Having built a good appetite, you will have plenty of opportunities to sample Sardinia's unique, mouth-watering cuisine: the perfect mix for a great week of cycling!

Highlights

• Cycle along Sardinia’s unspoilt southwestern coast
• Explore fascinating archaeological sites and picturesque fishing villages
• Enjoy Sardinian warm hospitality and delicious cuisine
• Relax on Sardinia's stunning beaches

90% tarmac, 10% easy gravel roads.