UTracks

This self guided cycle will take you through the impressive Medoc in the famous Bordeaux wine region. The western section of the Medoc is shrouded in light and sun, and the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches are bordered with an immense forest. The east section along the Gironde Estuary offers views of the winegrowing region. Beginning on the 'wine road', cycle past well known chateaux and through the winegrowing boroughs which produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. You will explore the diverse landscapes of the Medoc, visit superb Romanic Churches in the villages, and discover some unique Gallo-Romanic sites. The journey follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards, allowing you to discover the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region. After each day's cycle you will be warmly welcomed in some of the region's best hotels and charming guesthouses.

Highlights

• Visiting the famous wine chateaux and discovering little known vineyards and their wines
• Soaking up the hospitality in small family run hotels
• Cycling through vineyards and marshlands on your way to the coast of France

Riding is over hilly terrain typical of river valleys. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The journey alternates between following bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards.

The contrasts between northern Germany and Denmark don't begin right at the border, but you'll certainly notice them on this cross border cycling trip. From Germany's vibrant, culturally rich and exciting capital of Berlin, you'll cycle north to the coast via forests and lakes, hopping from glistening island to island, towards the Danish capital of Copenhagen. The route takes you along canals, through scenic coastal stretches and shady forest tracks.

On occasion you will need to catch local trains and also a ferry to Denmark. Germany's scattered lakes, peaceful wetlands and emerald forests provide a wonderful start for the cycling ahead. The Danish landscapes are vibrant in contrast, changing from cliff-lined coasts to white sandy beaches and where picturesque fishing villages alternate with majestic palaces and gorgeous manor-houses further inland.

Highlights

• Discovering two of Europe's most fascinating capital cities
• Experiencing the gorgeous lake district of Germany
• The ferry crossing from Rostock to the white cliffs of Møn Island
• Cycling the final leg along the coast to downtown Copenhagen

This trip involves 9 days cycling with cycling stages from 35 to 78km / 21.5 to 48.5mi per day with gradual ascent and descent. The terrain on this tour is flat with occasional hills however weather conditions can impact on the riding difficulty. Approximately 50% of the tour is on quiet roads and 40% on dirt or gravel roads.

This expansive cycling tour leads you along the entire German Danube. From where the Brigach and Breg Rivers join in Donaueschingen to where the River crosses over to Austria near Passau, you will cycle through the entire breadth of Southern Germany. As the cycle path meanders alongside the river, pass by magnificent castles and monasteries and get to know the exciting cities of Ulm and Regensburg. The route is characterised by stunning natural vistas and numerous picturesque towns and villages.

Highlights

• Cycling along the Danube through southern Germany
• Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
• Exploring Ulm and the three river town of Passau
• Discovering the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers

This trip involves 13 days cycling a total of approximately 594km/369mi. Each day you cycle between 29 and 60km/18 to 37mi mostly along asphalt paths across generally flat terrain. Some longer sections are also along compressed earthen paths, with some short sections running along forest paths. A few sections of the route are along quiet or quite busy roads.

Explore the nature lover's paradise of North Dalmatia while staying on board a comfortable boat, your floating accommodation for a week. Cruising on crystal clear water, we anchor in quiet ports and in entrances of national parks from where we cycle through a myriad of landscapes. From the stunning island of Dugi Otok to the well preseved medieval towns of Sibenik, Zadar and Trogir, we also discover the unspoiled nature of some of Croatia's most famous national parks like Krka and Kornati. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guides. The friendly crew will help you enjoy to the fullest this journey into Croatia's past and present.

Highlights

• Cycling in the Northern Dalmatian islands
• Exploring medieval old towns of Sibenik, Zadar and Trogir
• View from the cliffs in Telascica Bay
• Waterfalls of the national park of Krka-Canyon

The daily tours lead you through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely travelled on outside the holiday seasons. Each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the tour guides.

Originating in the Vosges Mountains in the French region of Alsace, the fabled Moselle River flows north along the Luxembourg border and into Germany for 545km in total before it meets the Rhine River at the cultural city of Koblenz. The picturesque valley formed by the river is home to a rich tradition of wine making, Germany's oldest town and a strong Roman and medieval heritage. The section between Koblenz and Cochem is known as 'castle country' due to its abundance of castles including the fairytale Eltz Castle considered to be one of the finest in Germany. Based on a comfortable barge, this cycle journey along the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar, offers an ideal balance of activity, history, culture and relaxation.

Highlights

• Wine tasting in Kues and learning of the ancient wine growing traditions of the region
• Experiencing the areas rich history through its impressive castles and towns
• Relaxing on board the comfortable barge

Mostly paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic.

With its impressive old town and dominating position on the Adriatic coast, the city is visually stunning and deserving of both Shaw's remarks and its UNESCO World Heritage status. The trip begins in either Dubrovnik or Split on alternative weeks through the season. In Dubrovnik there is time set aside to explore the narrow streets and lively town by foot, while the islands of southern Dalmatia, extending westerly into the Mediterranean, are best explored by bike and boat. Highlights include visiting the islands of Korcula and Mljet, swimming in secluded coves, discovering the UNESCO listed historic centre of Split and pedalling past small villages amongst lavender fields in Hvar. With a comfortable motor yacht as your base, you will enjoy good food in the company of your fellow cyclists and experienced crew, with ample space on board to relax and absorb the views after each cycling day

Highlights

• Cycling in the Southern Dalmatian islands with dramatic scenery
• Exploring the small towns and villages en route
• Wandering through the alleyways of the UNESCO listed cities of Dubrovnik and Split
• The island of Mljet with its impressive national park
• Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable motor yacht

The day-tours up to 60km/37mi will take us through hilly and mountainous terrain and will be completed without any time-constraints. Participants will also need to master long and steep climbs, during which you may need to push the bike. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the boat, instead of taking a planned cycle tour. We will traverse mostly asphalted roads, which are rarely traveled on outside the holiday seasons.

This specially designed trip follows the section south of Prague, from the hills of Cesky Krumlov to the east along the Austrian border. Passing numerous medieval towns where castles and impressive squares dominate, the route offers both diversity as it traverses national parks and wine country and a full appreciation of this captivating pocket of the Czech Republic. Crossing the border at historical Mikulov the route heads south through Austrian vineyards, fields and villages before reaching the cultural city of Vienna.

Highlights

• Cycling through the Czech countryside through woods, the Djie national park and past the Trebon Ponds
• Visiting Prague, Cesky Krumlov and the renaissance towns of Trebon and Telc
• Crossing the border into Austria and arriving in Vienna
• Interesting regional cuisine and a good selection of restaurants for dining out

From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the beauty of the Tuscan landscape has influenced artists, sculptors and painters including Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. Wind your way through delightful and enchanting Renaissance cities including Lucca, Pescia and Pistoia. You will cycle through vineyards and olive groves, along the Arno River, and among the villas of the famous Medici family.

Highlights

• Cycling through the beautiful Tuscan countryside
• Exploring the renowned cities of Pisa, Lucca and Florence
• Enjoying the fantastic cuisine of the region
• Discovering the historical monuments of the region

This trip involves 5 days cycling with daily cycles of 30 - 65km/18.5 to 40.5mi. The route is mostly on flat areas with some hilly sections that are not too difficult. Much of the cycle is on asphalt roads with low traffic. There are some sections on dirt paths.

A cycle journey through the 'green heart' of Italy, from the enchanting city of Florence to the nation's capital Rome. The contrasts are very noticeable as you leave behind Tuscany and arrive in the peaceful and mystical Umbria. As you cycle approximately 290km you will see cities like Assisi, Perugia, Spoleto and Terni, displaying an incredible wealth of art treasures, which take their visitors back to the Middle Ages. The cities have barely changed over the centuries and the rolling landscape dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns will give you an appreciation of why the area is so popular with painters. On mostly backroads the route winds through the valleys of the Apennines and gentle hills near to Trasimeno Lake. At the end, the Eternal City of Rome awaits you, a fitting end to this exhilarating Italian journey by bike.

Highlights

• Cycling through the superb countryside of Umbria including Lake Trasimeno
• Experiencing the fabulous hill top towns of Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto en route
• Shopping for regional specialties such as Perugina Chocolates, Deruta ceramics and leather handbags in the markets of Florence.
• Enjoying the fantastic cuisine of the region
• Exploring the renowned cities of Rome and Florence

This trip involves 6 days cycling usually along backroads and roads with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will be on main roads). The stages range from 30-60km/18.5-37mi per day. The whole route is hilly overall, with flat sections in between. From Florence to Assisi the terrain is mostly flat, and stages after become undulating.

Together with the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Garonne connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in what is known as the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of the Two Seas). The canal is lined with diverse landscapes of vineyards, groves, orchards and villages with numerous works of art and historical monuments.

On this self guided cycle across southwest France, you will take in the important cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse and the many beautiful vineyards, valleys and villages in between. Cycling along canal ways, past locks and medieval towns, there is ample time to take a picnic and visit vineyards en route to your accommodation in a charming B&B or comfort hotel.

Highlights

• Bordeaux, with its historical centre and world renowned wines
• Cycling through the stunning and diverse landscapes surrounding the Canal de Garonne
• Visiting walled towns and pretty villages en route
• Toulouse, with its distinctive architecture