There are lots of things to consider when looking to add biking to your vacation.

  • A jovial group of tourists visiting a fresh fruit stall in Colombia.

    Guided Group or Private Tours

    For those who enjoy cycling most days and do not want to fuss with making their own arrangements –including dealing with luggage – a guided tour is an ideal solution. These cater to all levels of fitness and cycling ability & experience – even in the same tour. Many tours have options for those wanting more challenging rides, and some accommodate a non-cycling partner.

  • Photo of a red team support vehicle leading a group of cyclists during a stage of a race.

    Spectating Major Cycle Races

    For the racing enthusiast, the top events are the Grand Tours: June is il Giro d’Italia, July le Tour de France and August & early September la Vuelta a España, perhaps the most accessible of the 3-week tours. Experiences range from one-day VIP access to mountain-top finishes to week-long tours with opportunities to witness parts of key stages while enjoying fully-supported daily cycling together with great food, wine and lodging. These can accommodate all riding levels including non-cycling participants. There can even be opportunities to ride with a pro while he is on a rest day. There are other opportunities throughout the year, including one-week races in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere plus the one-day European classics.

  • Destinations & “Untours”

    For those who prefer to stay in a single location or two, there are cycling destinations that enable one to do an “untour”. For example, I’ve identified a biking-friendly, 4-star hotel with delicious 5-course meals in the Italian Alps. Options include casual riding, road cycling and mountain biking (guided or on your own) combined with on-site indoor & outdoor swimming pools, sauna, gym and bike garage & workshop.

  • Family Adventures

    Consider taking your kids – of all ages – on a bike tour. Many operators have specific tours geared for those with children and also for young adults accompanying their parents. Tour companies offer appropriate kid-sized bikes with routes to match. They offer 3 and 4-day tours, many in the U.S.. Not sure if it’s possible? I can share personal experience from traveling with my own kids at as young as six!

  • Single Day Rentals

    Want to just have a single day or two of exercise? No problem. I can help you select the right rental location, pickup, and gear for your needs.

  • E-Bikes

    E-bikes, the great equalizer. Electrically assisted bikes, which you still have to pedal but with much less effort, allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy touring on two wheels.

GET TO KNOW THE TOUR COMPANIES

  • Backroads is one of the largest active travel companies in the world with an extensive range of tours in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In addition to cycling tours, Backroads offers multi-sport tours, river cruise & biking itineraries and various family-oriented options.

  • Based in Madrid, Bike Spain offers English-language cycling tours in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Run by passionate cyclists with a penchant for sumptuous meals, fine wines & luxurious hotels.

    Official tour operator for La Vuelta a España!


  • George Butterfield essentially invented upscale bike touring in 1966, with an emphasis on discovering local culture and enjoying fine food & wine. Since those first European trips, B & R has expanded throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and in several countries in Africa.

  • DuVine focuses on guided luxury bike vacations, primarily in Europe and the Americas. DuVine prides itself on the flexibility and small size of its tours and the caliber of its dining and – with a name like DuVine – its wine.

  • Exodus Travels is a UK-based worldwide adventure tour company offering a wide variety of modestly priced guided and self-guided tours. To give a taste, one of my clients has embarked on such journeys as biking in Jordan including spending a night in the Wadi Rum desert, exploring the Baltics in winter, and cycling in Sri Lanka.

  • Provides tailor-made tours specifically in Provence. They operate only private trips you can either choose to explore Provence on your own or with a guide. And because it’s private they can also organize days off the bikes to enjoy activities such as hiking, wine tours or simply a lazy day by the pool. Discover the true Provence with locals like a local!

  • Part of Trek Bicycle Company, Trek Travel focuses on both road & mountain biking tours using Trek bikes. Although its classic tours accommodate a range of riders, including those using e-bikes, Trek also offers tours centered on pro races & ride camps in the U.S. & Europe aimed at the avid cyclist.

  • VBT Bicycling Vacations (formerly known as Vermont Bike Tours) offers a variety of guided and self-guided bike tours, primarily in Europe and North America. By staying in 3 and 4-star accommodations, VBT is able to offer great values for its bike tours. Offering tours for 50 years, VBT is today part of the Xanterra Travel Collection, together with Country Walkers, Windstar Cruises and several properties in the National Parks.