The Natural Adventure Company
Leading experts in arranging self guided (independent) walking and cycling adventure holidays as well as small group and privately guided treks.
The Natural Adventure Company are dedicated to offering unforgettable adventure holidays that place customers at the heart of a diverse selection of outstanding natural environments, and in providing the opportunities to soak up the culture and history of whichever destination they choose.
The company was founded in 2009. When Peter Duncan took up a friend’s invitation to make his first visit to Southeast Europe and Bulgaria, he was faced with an abundance of surprises. He happily admits, “Whilst I had visited many other regions of the world, this was a part of Europe, almost on my doorstep, which I knew so little about”.
Starting with developing a couple of self guided walking itineraries in Bulgaria, gradually adding more countries in the Balkan region, now we are among the leading experts in arranging self guided walking and cycling holidays throughout Europe – and beyond. Having offices in London, Dublin and Sofia, we have become a truly international company, able to serve our customers anywhere in the world.
Cycling the Cilento Coast
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Italy
7 days (Bike: 5 days)
278 km (~56km per day)
Active
Quiet roads
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
The region of Campania in southern Italy is primarily known for its beautiful Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula.
But Campania’s real secret is located south of Salerno and the wonderful Greek temples of Paestum. Founded in 1991, the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park is the second-largest park in Italy. It includes a great part of the geographical regions of Cilento and Vallo di Diano, in the Province of Salerno (Campania).
This tour will let you discover the unspoilt coast of Cilento National Park, starting from the plain of Paestum, known for its impressive Greek temples, and continuing towards the little fishing village of Marina di Camerota in the far south. Along the route, you will be able to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, wild mountain valleys and deep gorges, vineyards and olive groves. This is a moderate tour suitable for all who have some experience with bicycle touring and are in a good physical shape. On some of the inland stretches, you may encounter some steeper climbs. Average cycling time for the day is approx 5-6 hours.
Highlights
Paestum
Marina di Camerota
Santa Maria di Castellabate
Cycling the Amalfi Coast
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Italy
8 days (Bike: 5 days)
165 km (~33km per day)
Leisure
Rolling hills
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
The Sorrentine peninsula, situated between Naples and Salerno's scenic bays, is an area of staggering natural beauty scattered with many cultural treasures.
Best known for its medieval coastal towns and inland villages such as Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and the resort town Sorrento, it is also home to a good amount of hidden gems: small nature reserves, ancient paper mills and wild mountain scenery located only a small distance away from the busy touristy centres.
As the best coastal scenery is on the southern side of the peninsula, we are happy to invite you an exciting cycling adventure along the Costiera Amalfitana. This tour allows you to discover both the popular and the quiet, but no less spectacular, side of the Amalfi Coast. You will start from the little fishermen’s village of Vietri at the south end of the coast and cycle in the western direction towards the very tip of the peninsula, Punta Campanella, taking in all the famous villages – Atrani, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Praiano.
Croatian Riviera by Bike and Boat
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Croatia
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
218 km (~36km per day)
Leisure
Prices from
Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
This guided cycling tour explores the amazing coastlines and medieval towns of Kvarner Bay on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, starting on the beautiful Krk island and ending at the Opatija Riviera.
The highlights include secluded beaches, vineyards, pine forests, memorable coastal towns and stunning hilltop views. Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich history, Mediterranean vegetation and mild climate and the best way to explore it is by bike and boat.
During this bike and boat guided cycling holiday in Croatia, you will be based and spent each overnight in a traditional steel-hulled vessel, offering accommodation in simple but comfortable en-suite double or twin cabins.
Highlights
Island of Krk
Island of Rab
Island of Lošinj
Opatija Riviera
Cycling Brittany: Tregor and the Pink Granite Coast
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
France
7 days (Bike: 7 days)
245 km (~35km per day)
Leisure
Quiet roads
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
We invite you on a coastal bike trip, from Saint Brieuc to Morlaix, to discover the riches of northern Brittany.
Arguably one of the most beautiful coastlines in France, the Pink Granite Coast stretches between Trebeurden and Perros Guirec. Carved out by the mighty force of the sea, the coastline is full of sculpted creeks and bays, such as Ploumanac’h, a chaotic mass of pink granite boulders. Cycling along quiet roads through the heart of the Breton countryside, you will discover the town of Morlaix, at the western end of the Trégor, and much more.
Highlights
The Pink Granite Coast, one of most beautiful coastlines in France
The Ploumanac’h lighthouse
The magical Ile de Brehat
The wonderful atmosphere of Brittany, from the seat of a bicycle
The Ciro Cycling Trail: Sarajevo to Dubrovnik
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Croatia
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
353 km (~59km per day)
Active
On-road - mostly paved
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
The scenic Ciro Trail is a unique bicycle route opened in 2017 that runs through the Dinaric Alps between Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
The cycle track follows the old Austro-Hungarian railway line built in the 1900s and closed in the 1970s. The trail is often described as an “open-air museum” because it passes through enchanting abandoned towns and the beautiful Vjetrenica caves.
The Central Dinaric Alps have been a natural border between the coastal towns of the Adriatic and highland trading cities and settlements along the Ottoman caravan routes to Istanbul. This is a moderate-grade self guided cycling tour on dedicated gravel cycle paths, secondary asphalt roads and some dirt roads. The trip is suitable for those interested in finding out more about the diverse cultural background of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Western Balkans.
The trail will take you deep into the mountains, passing small isolated settlements where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Both on and off the bikes, you have an opportunity to explore the unique cultural heritage of the region. Some of the hotels along the route are made from converted railway stations, and other attractions include The Old Bridge in Mostar, the Roman ruins of Mogorjelo, the Orthodox Church in Zitomislici and the Nature Park Hutovo Blato.
Highlights
Explore the tumultuous history of Sarajevo
Ride over Bjelasnica, the 1984 Olympic mountain range
Swim in Boracko Glacial Lake
Walk over the Mostar Old Bridge
Explore the wine routes of Herzegovina
Ride along the Ciro Austro Hungarian narrow-gauge railway
Zavala Orthodox monastery
Vjetrenica Cave
Cross the rugged Dinaric Alps
Take in Dubrovnik Old Town
Swim in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea
Cycling in North Macedonia and Greek Macedonia: Ohrid to Meteora
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Greece
13 days (Bike: 10 days)
558 km (~56km per day)
Avid
Rolling hills, On-road - mostly paved
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
Located at the heart of the Balkans, the ancient region of Macedonia is full of breathtaking sceneries and historical sites.
The first part of the trip starts from the town of Ohrid, passing by the 700-year old monastery of Sveti Naum, across the Galichitza Mountain to Lake Prespa and the historic city of Bitola. Entering Greece, you cycle through the wine region and lake district of Agios Panteleimon, the town of Kastoria, the valley of the Pinios river and finally to the giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries.
This itinerary will take you through the mountains, valleys and lakes of North Macedonia and Greece on scenic secondary roads with limited traffic. Some of the daily rides are rather challenging, however, each climb is quite rewarding as it will reveal you a magnificent view of the surrounding landscapes.
In case you would like to enrich your experience, you might also consider adding a guide (available upon request) who will give you valuable insights on this complex region and take care of your bikes in case of need.
The historical town of Ohrid and the Lake Ohrid, both listed in UNESCO
The historic city of Bitola
Exploring the lakes of North Macedonia and Greece, home to a vast number of endemic species
The exquisite wine region of Agios Panteleimon
The spectacular Meteora monasteries on top of granite pinnacles
San Gimignano & Volterra Cycling Break
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Italy
5 days (Bike: 3 days)
132 km (~44km per day)
Active
Mixed on/off-road, Quiet roads
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
Prices from
Self-Guided
£ 430
Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
Ride under the Tuscan sun
You will pedal through the heart of Tuscany on quiet cypress-lined country roads past sunflower fields, olive groves and vineyards, producing some of the world’s finest olive oil and wine. San Gimignano is a treasure on the hill and a jewel of Tuscany, wonderful for cycling and exploring on a short 5-day active holiday. With its thirteen outstanding medieval towers, it is on the UNESCO world heritage list. You will spend the second part of the trip in the former Etruscan centre of Volterra, a unique hilltop town with its own history and charisma. To add up to this purely Italian experience, you will be able to enjoy the outstanding local cuisine fully.
Highlights
Visit the natural, artistic, and cultural treasures of the hamlet of San Gimignano, a UNESCO heritage site
Discover the rich Etruscan past of remote Volterra with its Roman theatre, Palazzo dei Priori, and alabaster handicraft
Wonderful landscapes, wide-open fields, cypress-lined alleys, vineyards and olive groves
Incredibly well preserved Medieval and Renaissance villages, and quaint hill-top towns
Peaceful country roads, friendly Tuscans and delicious regional culinary specialities
Cycling the Magical Valleys of the Périgord
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
France
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
300 km (~50km per day)
Leisure
Quiet roads
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
Riding along the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers, you will discover the heritage and beautiful countryside of the Périgord Noir.
Quiet backroads and tracks take you through majestic forests and meadows, leading to exceptional monuments and buildings, most notably the castles of Commarque, Puymartin and Beynac. Each village has a unique character and specific local flavour, inviting you to explore the winding streets that take you on a journey back in time. The famous Périgord gastronomy adds an important ingredient to this wonderful circuit.
This is a centre-based cycling holiday, suitable to both beginner and intermediate cyclists, wanting to have an in-depth experience of an authentic corner of France. You will conveniently stay in the same accommodation all week, but ride a different itinerary each day. The Périgord is particularly well suited to this type of tour, as its cultural and natural attractions are concentrated in a relatively small area. Our accommodation is in the heart of the Périgord and also offers a number of off-the-bike activities.
Highlights
Beautiful scenery, exceptional heritage, and delicious cuisine
Gentle rolling hills, offering a relaxed itinerary
The same accommodation all week, ideally located, offering comfort and flexibility
Cycling the Pearls of Provence
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
France
6 days (Bike: 6 days)
250 km (~42km per day)
Leisure
Quiet roads
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
What better way to explore the heart of Provence than on a bike?
From bustling Avignon and the Palais des Papes, you will cross lush orchards and wine estates including the famous Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise. Your route offers you breathtaking views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the majestic Mont Ventoux. A network of quiet roads with little traffic takes you from village to village as you discover the local architecture and cultural heritage. Further south, you reach the white rocks of the Parc des Alpilles before heading towards the medieval perched city of Les Baux de Provence, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. To finish the week, you gently descend to the ancient city of Arles, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The routes are gentle and accessible for beginners, and each day provides an opportunity for additional cycling, so the tour is suitable for intermediates as well.
Highlights
Riding on quiet back roads through vineyards, orchards and olive groves, with the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux as a backdrop
The towns and villages of Provence, with their exceptional cultural, historical and architectural heritage
Discovering the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise
Crossing the Parc Naturel des Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence
Cycling in Portugal's Lima Valley
Tour Operator: The Natural Adventure Company
Portugal
8 days (Bike: 5 days)
158 km (~32km per day)
Easy
Mostly flat
Self-Guided
Semi-Supported
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Overview
Tour Operator The Natural Adventure Company
While it's the River Minho that gives the region its name, it's another river, Lima, which arguably bears the true spirit and authenticity of Minho.
From the foothills of the Peneda-Gerês mountain to the Viana do Castelo, where the river meets the sea, this self guided cycling itinerary will reveal you the many ancient towns and Romanesque churches dotting the pristine Lima Valley, where you will have the chance to meet the local warm-hearted people and taste some great food and wines. You will explore the many minor roads along the north and south sides of the river, connecting a cluster of peaceful little settlements preserving the local culture and a proud sense of tradition, as well as the crown jewels of the Minho: Ponte de Lima, known for its vibrant market and historic centre, and Viana do Castelo with its pearly white, neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia church.
Based in three comfortable hotels, this tour is accessible and suitable for beginner and expert cyclists looking for a mix of adventure and cultural exploration and families looking to have some great time together amid beautiful unspoiled nature.
