Trek Travel

One of the best-kept secrets of the pros is tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains surrounding Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville may not spring to mind as cycling's latest hotbed, but that's about to change. Here you'll be introduced to epic climbs, stunning views, and pristine country roads. You'll take to the quiet, rolling roads of the Greenville countryside offering incredible terrain that's a blast to pedal for cycling experts and weekend warriors alike.

Spend hours in the saddle, riding the roads that the pros train on and call home. Climb mountains like Caesar's Head, and view the beauty that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. And when you’re off the bike? There are over 100 restaurants, shops, and so much more in downtown Greenville. There’s a reason why former pro “Big” George Hincapie calls this place home. You’re about to discover it.

Nestled on 4,200 untouched acres adjoining the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is a truly unique place on earth. Consistently ranked among the best hotels in the world, the Farm offers a stunning setting in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians and a chance to slip quietly into a different pace of life that is tuned more to the sunrise than the clock.

This trip is so special, National Geographic included it in their list of Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime. It’s a love poem to a vanishing America, where it’s all too easy to wile away your days in Southern style with a private tour of the grounds, fantastic riding and an evening by a campfire with your new friends.

In addition, this exclusive property offers a wide array of other activities—choose between a fly fishing lesson or an afternoon on horseback as part of your trip. But you’ll be forgiven if some of your favorite moments are simply spent in a rocking chair on the famous Blackberry front lawn, soaking up the long view down the valley and the amazing smells drifting from the Main House kitchen.

Biking on the San Juan Islands, the world seems both expansive and small at the same time. In the San Juans, to-do lists and busy schedules recede and are replaced by placid water, distant peaks and the rhythm of simple fishing villages along the Washington shore. As your focus shifts, it is inexorably drawn to the vastness of the Pacific sprawling to the west, the magnificence of the North Cascades on the horizon and the broad open skies above. These idyllic and relaxing islands, with their temperate maritime climate, lush vegetation and stunning views, offer an absolutely amazing location for your next active-travel bicycle vacation.

Highlights

• Taste the bounty of the islands throughout the week as you enjoy fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables at a variety of outstanding restaurants
• Sea kayak on the pristine waters off the northern coast of San Juan Island
• Perch on Lime Kiln Point, one of the world’s best places to spot passing orca pods
• Spend time on the waterways between islands where sights of wildlife such as orcas, seals, and sea eagles are common
• Cycle quiet valley roads, past historic farms and beautiful shorelines of San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands

The terrain is full of rolling hills, including some long, gradual grades and some short steep ones. The riding near Anacortes and on Lopez Island is the most gentle, and Orcas Island has the hilliest terrain. Many of the roads on the islands have a "chip seal" surface, which is a type of pavement treatment that is more rough than typical asphalt. This type of surface makes the riding slower and a bit more difficult for the distance when compared to asphalt roads you may be used to.

These white, dusted roads are home to one of pro racing's biggest dates, with steep climbs and full-blown attacks at every bend. Experiencing it all on our Strade Bianche bike tour is truly something special. In addition to live race action, Tuscany's rolling vistas and fine wines make this a must-see destination.

Try your hand at the challenging “Terre di Siena” Gran Fondo with full support from our world-class guides. Then on race day, watch the dust-covered pro riders finish their 125-mile campaign from the comfort of the Trek Travel exclusive viewing area under Siena’s tall spires.

There is a good reason Northern New Mexico is called the "The Land of Enchantment." For millennia, people have gravitated to the Rio Grande Rift Valley and the flanking Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains. The heritage they left behind is still thriving in the culture, cuisine and landscape we will experience along our route.

Santa Fe is truly the epicenter of the American Southwest, and as we explore the 400 year-old streets we will sample what makes the town unlike any other. Heading north to the historic town of Taos, we pass through four different Native American Pueblos and ride along a segment of the famed High Road to Taos. Ride, relax and experience the enchanting land of New Mexico on this cycling vacation of a lifetime.

Ride your bike in the wilds of Wyoming in the shadow of the majestic Teton Range. You'll get to know the open countryside and resident moose as you ride under the banner of stunning views that make the peaks of Grand Teton National Park famous.

You’ll learn the stories of this unique and amazing landscape from local wildlife experts and journey northward to Yellowstone National Park to bear witness to the wonders of Old Faithful and Yellowstone Falls.

You’ll conquer the rapids of the mighty Snake River, and get a feel for Old West traditions as you explore the streets, shops and galleries of Jackson on this cycling vacation of a lifetime. One thing is for sure, this outdoor adventure mecca will make every other small town destination look that much sleepier.

One part wine country. One part Danish culture. All parts epic cycling. Solvang is just another stop in wine country to most California tourists, but to cyclists, it's something special. It hosted a time trial for the Tour of California multiple years since 2007. It's the basecamp for pro teams in the spring who want to train in the United States.

And it's a great place to boost your fitness with a climb up Mt. Figueroa or spin through Foxen Canyon. Of course, you can’t leave without sampling a wine or two, and maybe a taste of Abelskiver, the local Danish pastry. This is a vacation, after all.

The Spring Classics inspire reverence among cycling's hardcore elite. They combine drama, savagery, pageantry, and suffering. Join us in Belgium and Northern France to ride the famed cobbles, sip coveted Trappist beer, and enjoy a VIP race experience.

Tackle Flanders' fearful sections of pavé like Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg in the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo, then watch the pros battle on the same steep climbs and teeth-chattering roads. If you're up for the test, more cobbles and treachery await at the Paris-Roubaix Challenge.

This incredible 11-day Spring Classics cycling tour culminates at Paris-Roubaix, with VIP seats inside the velodrome to watch as another “Hell of the North” competitor crosses the line victorious. Choose to join us for just the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, or for the entire 11-day ultimate experience. Whatever you choose, we promise a VIP race trip of a lifetime.

Cycling in Slovenia’s mountains may seem like venturing into the great unknown. It doesn’t receive the same attention of the neighboring Alps in Italy, France, or Switzerland, but here you will find some of the most challenging and spectacular climbing around. Begin your adventure on the Kravavec climb, a Tour of Slovenia favorite, before dropping into Austria for a quick visit.

Bike through the unforgettable Julian Alps on the highest mountain pass, Vršič, with its signed and numbered switchbacks reminiscent of Alpe d’Huez. You’ll descend along the clear turquoise waters of the Soča River before continuing up to the formidable Mangart Saddle, a road that culminates in a breathtaking view of Italy. You’ll top it off by tackling the legendary Zoncolan, a Giro d’Italia staple and one of the most demanding climbs found in Europe.

Our trip to this small, green country provides a whole world of mountains with stunning valleys, endless forests, and picturesque villages paired with deliciously diverse cuisine and exceptional accommodations. As they say — once you know, you know. You’ll discover an extraordinary week of great cycling in one of Europe’s best kept secrets, and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Trip Wows:
Ride in Slovenia, Italy, and Austria and experience the hearty local cuisine, blending the delicious traditions of each country
Discover the magnificent and challenging climbs of the Slovenian Alps
Test your legs on the iconic Vršič Pass, famous for its 50 hairpin switchbacks, with exposed cobbles and stunning views on every turn
Take on the highest paved road in Slovenia to conquer the towering Mangart Saddle before descending into Italy
Tackle the giant of the Giro d’Italia, Monte Zoncolan, renowned as one of the most demanding climbs in all of Europe

Exotic, beautiful and exhilarating, our Costa Rica multisport bike tour features tropical rides with exciting stops along the way. You'll begin your week with a rafting trip down the incredible Rio Balsa. As the week goes on you will discover the ancient secrets of chocolate on a rainforest chocolate tour, enjoy a boat cruise across Lake Arenal, hike and zip line through the Cloud Forest, stroll on white sand beaches and watch a Pacific Ocean sunset from the back of a horse. All this in addition to a variety of rides that get you up close to the Costa Rican countryside. Join us for an unforgettable week in one of the most diverse and picturesque places on Earth.