S-Cape Travel

This self-guided circuit explores Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, pairing turquoise seas with wild, green interior landscapes. Riders loop from remote Kalavarda on the northwest coast past the ancient ruins of Kamiros, the fishing port of Skala Kamiros and the medieval fortress at Kritinia, before heading north through the Valley of Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) into the old city of Rhodes.

A free day allows a walking tour of Rhodes' medieval centre or an optional ferry crossing to cycle the island of Symi. The route then follows the east coast past ancient Turkish baths and clifftop monasteries to Archangelos, detours to the white-washed village and Acropolis of Lindos, then returns west via the forest springs of Epta Piges and Byzantine chapels back to Kalavarda.

Riding alternates easy coastal stretches with more strenuous hill sections, through pine forests and wildflower-rich countryside.

Highlights

• Ride the coast road past the ancient ruins of Kamiros and the medieval fortress at Kritinia
• Explore the Valley of Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) and Rhodes' historic old city
• Optional walking tour of Rhodes or a ferry crossing to cycle the island of Symi
• Visit the restored ancient Turkish baths at Kalithea and the clifftop Monastery of Tsambika
• Cycle to the white village and Acropolis of Lindos
• Ride through the forest springs of Epta Piges and past Rhodes' oldest Byzantine chapel

Surface and terrain:
Mostly tarmac with occasional short unsurfaced sections; some traffic on major roads in and around Rhodes town. Hilly in places, with daily ascents/descents of roughly 375-500m on riding days. Total elevation across the week is approximately 2,170m (excluding the optional Day 4 ride).

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a mix of easy coastal riding and more strenuous hilly sections, rated 3 of 5 on the operator's difficulty scale. E-bikes available for those wanting extra assistance on the climbs.

This self-guided circular tour explores Lake Constance, riding easy, flat, largely car-free and clearly signposted cycle paths shared by Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Starting in the university town of Constance, riders head along the southern Swiss shore to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, then circle the Höri peninsula, once home to painter Otto Dix and author Hermann Hesse, before a short, steep climb to Überlingen, the only notable incline of the whole route.

The route continues through vineyards past the Baroque pilgrimage church of Birnau to Friedrichshafen, known for its Zeppelin museum, and on to the island town of Lindau. The final stretch passes through Bregenz, capital of Austria's Vorarlberg region, and a series of small lakeside villages in Switzerland, completing the loop back to Constance.

The route is suitable for families, with child discounts of 25-100% depending on age.

Highlights:

• Explore three countries in one week: Germany, Switzerland and Austria
• Visit the medieval Swiss town of Stein am Rhein and circle the Höri peninsula
• Relax at Überlingen's waterfront or the Bodensee Thermal Spa
• Ride through vineyards past Birnau's Baroque pilgrimage church to Friedrichshafen's Zeppelin museum
• Explore the picture-perfect island town of Lindau
• Pass through Bregenz, capital of Austria's Vorarlberg region

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat, paved cycle paths or secondary roads close to the lake, with occasional brief unpaved sections. The first three days are slightly hilly, including one short steep incline near Überlingen, the only notable climb around the lake.

Suitable for:
Riders of all abilities seeking an easy, mostly flat self-guided tour; rated Level 1 of 5 on the operator's difficulty scale. Suitable for families, with child discounts available.