Exodus Travels shares top 10 cycling trips for 2016
Exodus Travels invites travelers of all ages to celebrate National Bike Month with an exotic cycling adventure abroad. For more than 42 years Exodus has been crafting and developing the widest range of cycling tours in the world. From relaxing bike rides in France to cresting the highest roads over the Himalayas, nothing compares to the freedom of two-wheels.
Exodus’ dedicated cycling experts round up their 10 favorite cycling trips, including new adventures in 2016:
1. Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
Exodus’ challenging ride through the tropics spans three of the most popular countries in Central America. The 571-kilometre route takes cyclists into Costa Rica's steamy cloud forests, alongside active volcanoes in Nicaragua and to the tropical Panamanian paradise of Bocas del Toro. Scenic climbs through monkey forests that drop onto postcard perfect Pacific beaches are worth the extra effort. Off the bike, energetic explorers raft the Tenorio River, peruse local handicraft markets in tiny pueblos and relax tired muscles in La Fortuna’s thermal hot springs. 15-days from $3,345 USD.
2. Cycling through Rajasthan
From the green rolling hills to the barren deserts of Rajasthan, travelers will be immersed into the authentic sights, smells and sounds of rural India. From Delhi, travelers board an overnight train to the walled city of Jodhpur. After cycling 40-kilometres across the Aravili Hills, they’ll transfer to Udaipur, known as the ‘Pearl of Rajasthan.’ Exploring desert back roads and small villages, riders wave to curious locals before arriving in The Pink City of Jaipur. The trip concludes at the iconic Taj Mahal’s white marble exterior in time for sunset.15-days from $2,325 USD.
3. Cycle Southern Iceland
Iceland is quickly becoming the most popular destination for 2016. Cyclists will depart from the active geothermal area of Krisuvik and ride on the south west coast of the rugged Reykjanes peninsula to Selfoss’ volcanic black sand beaches. Along the journey, travelers will marvel at the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano and sky-high Skogafoss waterfall. After watching plumes of hot water jump 30 meters in the air at Geysir, the trip winds its way through Thingvellir National Park where travelers can relax with a well-deserved soak at the thermal pools in Laugardalur. Eight-days from $3,225 USD.
4. Cycling Vietnam
Senses will heighten from the moment travelers arrive in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. After an exploration of the narrow Cu Chi Tunnels, riders will hop on their bikes and head towards the sleepy beach town of Mui Ne, passing small fishing villages and arriving in time to watch the sky melt into a vibrant sunset over the South China Sea. Continuing along the coast, cyclists meander down the ancient streets of Hoi An before climbing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. The adventure continues off the bike with temple treks and kayaking the limestone cliffs of Halong Bay. 14-days from $1,865 USD.
5. Tanzania Cycle Safari
This two wheel adventure travels into Northern Tanzania and features some of East Africa’s best safari parks. Cyclists ride across banana and coffee plantations to the Great Rift Valley and the grasslands where Masai cattle graze. Afetr sleeping under the stars, travelers journey into the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti to spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, lions, wildebeests, rhinos, and if they’re lucky, a cheetah or leopard.13-days from $3,735 USD.
6. Cycle the Camino de Santiago
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 journey is marked by the symbol of the scallop shell and its Gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and miles of beautiful rural scenery that make this section of the ancient route so popular with Exodus’ travelers. Eight-days from $1,835 USD.
7. Cycle Morocco’s Great South
In Marrakech, travelers are transported to a land of walled medinas and souks selling everything from street food to jewellery before journeying into the foothills of Mt. Toubkal. Their first challenging climb up the Tizi N’Test Pass rewards with expansive views towards the Anti Atlas Mountains, and the descent through lush citrus groves never disappoints. Deep in the desert, riders keep their eyes open for tree climbing goats, tour Paradise Valley’s narrow gorge and finish off in the charming fishing village of Essaouira. Nine-days from $1,695 USD.
8. Loire Valley Gastronomic Self-Guided Cycling – Premium
A self-guided bike tour through the whimsical countryside of France invites travelers to take lazy lunches by the river or wander local vineyards before retiring to their 4- and 5-star chateau accommodations. The culinary adventure includesdivine dinners and wine pairings prepared by ambitious French sommeliers and artistic chefs. Riders will bliss out with daily rides to sleepy hamlets, flamboyant palaces and sunflowers fields. Seven-days from $1,745 USD.
9. Cycle Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, offers a cycling adventure like no other. The new adventure follows quiet roads through a landscape of dramatic highland plains, unique rock formations and natural swimming pools formed by geysirs. Cyclists can refresh with a swim under cascading waterfalls or a local pint from Antisarabe’s Star Brewery. Riders will push past eucalyptus tress, up jagged mountains and through tangled rainforests, making their way into Ranomafana National Park. The trip includes time to relax on the white sand beaches of Ifaty, dive above exotic coral reef, and shop the bustling artisan markets of Antananarivo. 14-days from $2,975 USD.
10. Tuscany Cycle Siena & Chianti
Exodus takes cyclists into the heart of one of Europe’s most romantic landscapes where they explore Tuscany’s rolling hills, ancient olive groves, vineyards and Renaissance cities. Beginning on the famous pilgrimage route of Francigena, riders break for a glass of famous vino nobile found in the wine centre of Montepulciano. Pushing almost 60-kilometers of track each day, cyclists head north through the villages of ‘Le Crete’ before entering the gothic city of Siena and the towers of San Gimignano. A final day of riding takes the small group along panoramic roads leading to the famous Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. Eight-days from $1,525 USD
To book with Exodus Travels call 1-800-267-3347 or visit exodustravels.com.