Sponsored content
There are plenty of reasons to consider exploring on two wheels on your next trip – even if you’re new to cycling. Many beautiful destinations offer flat terrain with gentle undulation, meaning you can take things at a leisurely pace.
Leisurely cycling allows you to explore hidden backroads and focus on enjoying the views, from the ethereal landscapes of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the vibrant, sun-drenched houses in Narbonne.
With this in mind, we’ve partnered with Explore, one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK, offering over 350 tours in around 100 countries.
Explore’s leisurely small group cycling holidays involve two to four hours of cycling per day – mostly along quiet tarmac roads and dedicated cycle paths, with an Explore leader guiding the way. You can choose an e-bike to make your journey even smoother, and support vehicles are often part of the ride, too. Plus, throughout your holiday, you’ll spend plenty of time out of the saddle, balancing cycling, sightseeing, and relaxation.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring new destinations by bike, your next question might be: where should I go? To give you a taste of what’s waiting, here are eight hidden gems to discover on a leisurely cycling holiday.
For any questions about how Explore supports its cyclists and grades the difficulty of their trips, you can also call 01252 888 746, where a member of their expert team will be on hand to help.
1. Bolzano, Italy
Pretty Bolzano is tucked between Innsbruck to the north and Trento to the south in northern Italy’s South Tyrol region. The city’s Dolce Vita vibe is a blend of elegant Italian piazzas, traditional Alpine chalets, and rich cuisine. Bolzano consistently ranks as one of Italy’s most livable cities, combining the energy and amenities of a modern urban centre with timeless Alpine charm, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites mountains.
Unlike overcrowded tourist destinations, Bolzano provides an intimate experience where you can explore medieval streets, sample local cuisine, and access the stunning Dolomites mountains without fighting crowds. You could take a moment here away from pedal pushing and just soak up the enchanting Dolce Vita vibe and authentic character.
On Explore’s eight-day Cycle Dolmites, Lake Garda, and Venice trip, you’ll have free time to explore Bolzano, after cycling there from Merano, via alpine meadows, down the scenic Adige Valley and past endless vineyards and apple orchards, with a beautiful backdrop of Alpine mountains.
-
£120 off | Italy | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
2. Coba, Mexico
Mexico’s Mayan ruins are world-famous, especially Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. However, archaeologists consider the lesser-known site of Coba to be one of the most important ruin sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. Stepping back in time, visitors can explore the remains of a vast Mayan city, where white limestone roads lead from various settlements to Nohoch Mul, the main, majestic pyramid.
Archaeologists first learned about Coba in the 1800s, and today, it’s still largely unexcavated, making it a true wonder. Coba means ‘waters stirred by the wind’, which is fitting because it’s located near two large, freshwater lagoons. Part of what makes Coba so captivating is that it’s buried deep in jungle vegetation, creating an immersive experience for visitors exploring the ruins.
Travellers on Explore’s nine-day Cycle Mexico – The Yucatan Peninsula tour will visit Coba after cycling there from the small town of Nuevo Xcan. Once at Coba, you’ll have the option to continue exploring the area by bike or on foot, led by a local guide who’ll shed light on Mayan history.
-
£120 off | Mexico | 9 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
3. Hue, Vietnam
The former capital city of Vietnam enchants visitors with its serene beauty, delicious cuisine, and hidden temples. Hue, located in central Vietnam, offers visitors a wealth of unique experiences, from crafting vibrant paper flowers (a 300-year-old Vietnamese tradition) to visiting Thanh Toan Bridge, a tile-roofed wooden bridge where locals gather to chat and reminisce in the afternoons.
The Ho Quyen amphitheatre, where the emperor presided over duels between tigers and elephants, is also worth a visit. And the fragrant Perfume River, which stretches 80km from the Truong Son Mountain Range to the Tam Giang Lagoon, gets its name from the scented blossoms that shed over its waters, giving it a lovely smell. By gently ascending Von Canh Hill by bike, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the river and the surrounding countryside.
On Explore’s 14-day cycling tour of Vietnam, you can enjoy a bike tour of Hue; explore the charming cities of Hanoi, Old Saigon, and Hoi An; and experience the natural beauty of the world-famous Ha Long Bay. As with all of Explore’s cycling tours, there’ll also be plenty of time to indulge in the delicious local cuisine.
-
Explore Cycle Vietnam*
Vietnam | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
4. Narbonne, France
With its 3,000 years of sunshine, colourful houses, walkable city centre, and deep Roman roots, there are plenty of reasons to visit Narbonne. Much of its peaceful charm can be attributed to its large sandy beach, where there’s plenty of room to spread out your towel, and the Canal de la Robine, a UNESCO-listed waterway that winds through the heart of the city.
Once the second town of the Roman Empire, Narbonne’s many museums uncover tales from the past. It was once a prosperous port, but this came to an end after centuries of silting of the Aude River cut it off from the sea. The connection to the sea is now maintained by the Canal de la Robine.
On Explore’s eight-day Cycling in France – Canals and Castles of the Midi holiday, you’ll visit Narbonne and follow the Canal de la Robine to the shores of the Mediterranean. Today, Narbonne is also known for its historic old town centre, underground labyrinth of Roman warehouses, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and pretty pedestrian promenade; all of which are a joy to explore.
-
£100 off | France | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
5. Kollam, India
Known as the ‘cashew capital of the world’, lesser-known Kollam is Kerala’s fourth-largest city and one of the oldest ports in the country. It enchants visitors with its cashew plantations, old wooden houses in typical Kerala-style, and serene atmosphere.
Ashtamudi Lake is Kollam’s centrepiece, weaving around a third of the land and offering mesmerising views of glittering waters, swaying coconut palms, and vibrant birdlife. It’s also the gateway to the alluring Kerala backwaters, making it an ideal spot to begin exploring the network of canals and lagoons.
On Explore’s 13-day Cycle Kerala tour, you’ll take a leisurely cycle from the temple town of Varkala to the hidden gem that is Kollam, passing palm-fringed shores and beautiful blue lagoons. This includes a stop at Kollam beach, known for its gentle waves and sun-soaked golden sands.
-
Explore Cycle Kerala*
£150 off | India | 13 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
6. Altamura, Puglia
Known as ‘the heel of Italy’, Puglia offers visitors a wonderful slice of authentic, rustic Italy, from its white-washed trulli houses to its local caseifici (dairy farms). It’s also steeped in natural beauty; sun-drenched sands meet tranquil waters, intensely green vegetation lines rocky beaches, and ochre-coloured fields are dotted with gnarly olive trees and trulli of all shapes and sizes.
On Explore’s eight-day Cycle Puglia holiday, you’ll get to discover the hidden gem of Altamura. A small town nestled in the heart of Puglia, Altamura is famous for its Gothic Cathedral, cartwheel-size bread baked in wood-burning ovens, and nearly-intact skeleton of the Altamura man, dating back almost 4,000 years. Here, you’ll visit a bakery to learn about the art of breadmaking and indulge in some tasting.
Altamura’s surrounding countryside is also beautiful, and when cycling south towards Matera on remote roads, you’ll get to soak in stunning views of endless fields and blue skies.
-
Explore Cycle Puglia*
£120 off | Italy | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
7. Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia
An ancient temple complex located in Cambodia’s Kampong Thom Province, Sambor Prei Kuk served as the capital of the Chenla Kingdom from the sixth to the ninth centuries. The complex consists of over 100 temples and was recently named Cambodia’s third UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also the first major site in Cambodia where temples made of durable materials were constructed, predating the famous Angkor Wat by centuries.
Like Mexico’s Coba, this archaeological marvel is a hidden gem because it’s nestled in dense forests away from mainstream tourist routes, creating an eerie atmosphere where centuries-old ruins whisper tales of bygone civilisations.
If your interest is piqued, you might like to consider Explore’s 13-day Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia tour, during which you’ll travel along quiet country roads and tracks from Kampong Thom to Sambor Preikuk. Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the area before dismounting at a classic ancient temple and exploring on foot. The trip will also include the chance to visit the iconic Angkor Wat and explore Vietnam.
-
Explore Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia*
£400 off | Vietnam & Cambodia | 13 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
8. Dead Dunes, Lithuania
Otherworldly and visually stunning, the Dead Dunes (or Grey Dunes) are a hidden gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lithuania’s Curonian Spit, a thin strip of sand separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. The mysterious dunes are the tallest migrating dunes in Europe, and offer a unique, tranquil environment for photographers and nature lovers.
Crafted by winds and sea currents, the Dead Dunes range up to 60 metres in height and cover four villages and two cemeteries that were swallowed by shifting sands in 1675 and 1854. Today, the area comprises the Nagliai Nature Reserve, home to several rare and fragile plants with a muted, earth-toned appearance (explaining the Grey Dunes nickname!).
On Explore’s nine-day trip, Cycling the Baltic States, you can cycle through Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, exploring enchanting capital cities, breathtaking national parks, and fascinating medieval towns. You’ll cycle to the charming fishing village of Nida, leave your bike behind, and take a short walk up the Dead Dunes to enjoy sweeping views of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon.
-
Explore Cycling the Baltic States*
£120 off | Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania | 9 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Final thoughts…
A cycling holiday is a wonderful way to head off the beaten track and explore some lesser-known destinations, from the Mayan Ruins of Coba to the quirky walkable city of Narbonne.
Active holidays can still be relaxing, especially if travelling at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to learn about history and culture, and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.
As well as the cycling trips mentioned here, there are plenty of other tours on offer with Explore – head over to their website to find out more. For any questions about how Explore supports its cyclists and grades the difficulty of their trips, you can also call 01252 888 746, where a member of their expert team will be on hand to help.