Allow me to debunk a common myth: you do not have to be an avid cyclist to have an amazing and unforgettable time on a cycling vacation. To travel by bike is to take in your surroundings at your own pace, stop to taste the grapes right off the a vine in Tuscany, or navigate your way through a herd of sheep crossing the road in Ireland.
We have biked through the worlds most amazing places and picked our favorite destinations for beginner cyclists. These destinations are sure to wow with amazing views, outrageously satisfying cuisine, and fantastic hotels without being too challenging in the saddle.
Verona and Lake Garda
Italy is a cyclist’s dream, rolling hills with beautiful vistas, warm Mediterranean sunshine, and an impressive bike culture. Luckily for beginning riders we have found the perfect route for those who don’t get on the bike very often. And we’ve found it in Verona, the heart of the Bardolino wine region along an idyllic vineyard-clad ridgeline perched above the stunning Lake Garda. When you visit Lake Garda you will understand why Hollywood’s elite have made the Italian lakes region their vacation destination for decades. The intense blue color of the water and the incredible transparency of the glacial lake is breathtaking and creates the perfect oasis for a treasured vacation. The beauty of this region is matched only by the rich culture. If the opera is in town, enjoy a performance at Verona’s Roman amphitheater, one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind.
Uruguay
When the southern hemispheres summer roles around in December, the perfect beaches, atmospheric towns, and national parks of Uruguay come alive with bustling activity. In a country where even the most experienced travelers have seldom been, we have created the best itinerary, and it happens to be perfect for a beginning cyclist. A cycling trip to Uruguay is not spent strictly on the bike; you will enjoy crossing the Rio de La Plata by ferry boat, taking a horseback ride along the banks of the river, and will have exclusive access to the Parque Anchorena National Park to ride a bike among thousands of small deer in their natural habitat.
Czech Republic and Austria
Cyclists of all levels can step onto the pedals and cycle from Prague to Vienna on this trans-capital bike trip. Bike along the Vltava River past Renaissance and Baroque castles. Take an unforgettable scenic ride into Austria to visit Falkenstein village, wander through the gorgeous, cobbled streets of Mikulov, and taste your first Grner Veltliner. While the cycling can be as easy or as difficult as you like on your bike vacation, there is one thing that is always the same: the appetite you work up after. On tour in the Czech Republic you will expand your culinary repertoire with tastings of Pilsner beer, Halusky, and the venerable cuisine from chef Jitka at the colorful Eat Art Gallery and Restaurant.
Bordeaux
On a vacation in Bordeaux the toughest decision you will have to make is whether to indulge in a bold Cabernet Sauvignon in the Mdoc or a smooth and fruity Merlot in Pomerol. Ideal for the beginning cycler, this vacation is the perfect mix of activity and relaxation. Each ride leads to an amazing destination where you can reward yourself on a job well done. Cycle amongst endless acres of vineyards from the Dordogne to the Gironde and spend a night at the Grand Barrail Chteau Resort & Spa, a haven of refinement and relaxation in the middle of the St. Emilion vineyards.
