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Explore the world at your own pace as you embark on the ultimate self guided cycling adventure. Be your own captain and navigate the back lanes, streets and roads of quaint villages and rural countryside, with detailed route descriptions and maps to assist with navigation, with cares and worries limited to how often you want to stop to take photos!

You’ll uncover a heightened connection to your destination, immersing your senses in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the destination, all at a relaxed pace with groups that require only two people to operate. Your worries will be left on the pavement, as all luggage and accommodation details will be taken care of by your adventure specialists, leaving you free to pedal and stop wherever or whenever your heart desires to fully soak up the delights of the region.

After a day of cycling, you’ll find your luggage has been transferred to your next accommodation, typically charming two, three or four star hotels, inns, or mountain huts that embrace the local flavour and style. With modern 21-speed bicycles or electric bikes supplied, you’ll feel the wind in your hair in no time at all!

 
 

Find your Self Guided Cycling trip


World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We’ve meticulously crafted our cycling itineraries to give you an insight that just isn’t possible with any other means of travel – putting you in the driver’s seat and delivering a truly authentic travel experience. While our expert guides help you to discover hidden markets and restaurants in the towns you pass through, you will be accommodated in a superb range of hotels, homestays and lodges, all chosen for their ambience and location. Bike hire is included in your tour cost for the majority of our adventures, and all bikes are sized and fitted to suit you. Additionally, most of the World Expeditions cycling holidays are fully supported with back up vehicles and a bike mechanic, giving you total peace of mind.


World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning The Thoughtful Traveller booklet here.


Trip reviews


Cycling the Loire Valley & Burgundy | France Tours | UTracks
1
Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.

2
Adventure Touring

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

3
Introductory

Between 20 and 60kms a day depending on the terrain, few steep ascents.

4
Introductory to Moderate

Introductory riding with several moderate stages

5
Moderate

Between 30 to 80 kms depending on the terrain and may involve some steeper ascents which can be avoided by using the support vehicle.

6
Moderate to Challenging

Moderate rides with challenging stages

7
Challenging

Designed for stronger riders who prefer longer distances and good climbs with distances ranging between 50 to 120kms per day depending on the terrain.

Note:
8
9
10

Apply only to mountaineering trips and are therefore not shown.

1
Discovery & Cruising

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

2
Adventure Touring

To enjoy these adventures we suggest you have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

3
Introductory

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week. Road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

4
Introductory to Moderate

On these adventures you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. Road cycling twice a week should also be part of your training.

5
Moderate

These adventures require a good level of fitness and health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45-60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Road cycling twice a week should also be part of your training.

6
Moderate to Challenging

These adventures require a good level of fitness and excellent health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Road cycling twice a week should also be part of your training.

7
Challenging

On these challenging adventures, you will need an excellent level of fitness.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Solid preparation is essential in the months leading up to your departure. Regular biking (four to five times a week) for at least one to four hours, with as many hills as possible, will well prepare you for the trip. It will also allow you to familiarise yourself with your bike, your personal clothing and equipment, and your preferences for fluid and food intake whilst exercising. You can also combine biking with other aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or gym work for variety. Consistency is the key, so that you build aerobic fitness, leg strength and stamina.

Inclusions & Equipment

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

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