Cycling Tours & Biking Trips
Cycling tours offer a unique experience to discover a new area through scenic paths and roadways. Get a close-up view of spectacular landscapes, historic marvels, and intriguing cultures by exploring the world on two wheels. Led by experts, these biking adventures let you combine your passion for learning with your love of being active in the great outdoors.
Cycling Vacations for All Activity Levels
At Road Scholar, you can find bicycle tours for all activity levels to meet you where you are, whether you’re easing back into cycling or ready for a multi-day journey on two wheels. Each educational adventure combines well-planned routes, supportive Group Leaders and rich learning along the way, so you can focus on the ride and the places it takes you.
- St. Simons and Jekyll Islands, Georgia: One of the best bicycle adventures brings you down coastal paths under live oaks and along quiet shorelines. Guided bicycle tours on St. Simons and Jekyll Islands blend cycling with history, ecology and plenty of time to soak in the coastal atmosphere.
- Eastern Shore of Virginia: Explore the quieter side of the Mid-Atlantic on cycling tours with mostly flat terrain. Rides along the eastern shore of Virginia highlight small towns, wildlife refuges and maritime history, making it an approachable ride for all riders.
- Along the Danube River: European tours by bike are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the varying cultures on this continent. Biking along the Danube, one of Europe’s most iconic cycling routes, features mostly level paths that trace the river through charming villages and historic cities.
- Northern Italy: Go from the Alps to Verona on a journey that offers a mix of gentle descents and manageable terrain as you cycle one of our top bicycle tours through alpine landscapes, vineyards and historic cities.
What to Expect on Guided Bicycle Tours
At Road Scholar, our guided bicycle tours offer the perfect balance of activity, learning and support, where you’ll be able to ride thoughtfully selected routes with experienced group leaders who deliver exciting lectures along the way. You’ll also have the logistics handled for you, such as accommodations and most meals, so you can ride stress-free.
Our bicycle adventures also ensure the bikes and gear are chosen with comfort in mind, with a pace that’s designed to feel steady rather than rushed. Most of all, you can expect joining a diverse cohort of like-minded travelers where the journey matters just as much as the miles, and every ride adds to a larger educational adventure.
Educational Cycling Tours
Are you looking for an active adventure? Combine exercise with discovery through one of our cycling tours. At Road Scholar, you can choose from an expansive collection of bike trips that provide a close-up view of awe-inspiring landscapes, historic landmarks and intriguing cultures. Our two-wheeled adventures are led by local experts and allow you to stay active while enjoying your love for learning. See where our biking vacations can take you by exploring our various cycling tours.
Best Bike Trips Around the Globe
Guided cycling tours are perfect for adventurers looking to stay active while exploring a new area. At Road Scholar, our bike trips are perfect for all ages and ability levels. From senior cycling trips to cycling tours for the whole family, you can find a program that works for you. Some of our top bike trips include:
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Netherlands: The Netherlands is incredibly bike-friendly, and many traffic laws favor cycling over cars to encourage residents to choose the more environmentally friendly transportation option. At Road Scholar, our bike trips throughout the Netherlands will have you riding past colorful tulip fields and iconic and historic windmills. From biking through North Holland and South Holland, you’ll get a unique perspective of how the Dutch live through our cycling tours.
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Québec: The province of Québec is known for its European-influenced architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, stunning landscapes and rich history. One of the best ways to experience all that Québec has to offer is through our guided cycling tours. Our local experts will bring you through southern Québec on wine tours with stops at places like Lake Memphremagog and the Sutton Massif.
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France: France is known for its diverse landscape, with the Swiss Alps in the east, the Mediterranean waters in the south and the Atlantic coast in the west. With that said, there are endless areas you can explore on two wheels to fully encapsulate the beauty France offers. Our biking tours in France can bring you through traditional villages and past centuries-old castles, as well as through the picturesque vistas of the Alps.
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Prince Edward Island: Off of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, you’ll find one of Canada’s maritime provinces, Prince Edward Island. Our biking tours of Prince Edward Island allow you to explore some of the 700 miles of coastline that make up this island. From quaint villages to pristine beaches, you can immerse yourself in PEI’s French-speaking culture for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Maryland: Between Maryland and Pennsylvania, you’ll find the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile path through the Laurel Highlands. Our cycling tour along the Great Allegheny Passage brings you across the Mason-Dixon line to learn about the natural resources and rich history of the Laurel Highlands.
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Holland and Belgium: Another one of our best cycling tours brings you through Holland and Belgium. You’ll make your way through historic towns and villages in the Dutch provinces of South Holland, Utrecht, Brabant, Limburg, Flanders, and more, as well as various regions of Belgium as you cycle down babbling rivers and canals. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot picturesque windmills that dot the rolling hills and learn about Dutch and Belgian history and architecture from expert guides.
At Road Scholar, we offer an exciting collection of outdoor adventures, including one-of-a-kind cycling trips that blend physical engagement with discovery and education. As you browse our biking tours, you can filter based on activity level to find a cycle trip that suits your comfort level.
Tips for Preparing for Your Cycling Tour
Biking trips can be intimidating for both experts and novices. However, with the proper preparation, you can ensure a smooth and seamless cycling tour that’s unforgettable. Road Scholar’s team of expert guides is always available to answer questions throughout your trip and provide a detailed itinerary and packing tips to ensure you’re prepared. To help you get started, here are a few valuable tips for cycling tours:
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Pack essential gear: Unlike traditional learning adventures, biking tours require a few more items on your packing checklist. As you prepare for your trip, consider factors like weather conditions to ensure you have the appropriate layers for variable temperatures. Safety gear like a helmet, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit are other essentials to pack. Additionally, spare parts for basic repairs like a tire pump, patch kit, and spare tubes will give you peace of mind in case of a bike malfunction.
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Stay hydrated and fueled: Cycling tends to be more physically demanding compared to walking and hiking. Carry an adequate water supply and snacks to maintain energy and hydration throughout your bike tour. Portable snacks like nuts and energy bars are great options, while a wearable hydration pack provides a convenient way to transport fluids.
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Know your limits: At Road Scholar, we offer a variety of cycling tours, each with its own activity level. Before choosing a program, assess your fitness level and the route’s difficulty. Planning rest breaks and taking breaks when needed ensures a safe experience that doesn’t lead to fatigue or injury.
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Train beforehand: Once you decide to embark on a cycling trip, spend time training to build your cycling endurance. Start your training cycle relatively light, then gradually increase the length and intensity of your rides to ensure your body is prepared for the terrain.
With these tips in mind, you can prepare for an exciting adventure where you’ll enjoy the scenery and connect with fellow cyclists in your cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cycling tours suitable for seniors over 60?
Yes! Our multi-adventure sport tours and cycling vacations are designed with older adults in mind, with a strong focus on comfort, safety and enjoyment rather than speed and competition. Routes, pacing and support are all carefully planned so participants like you can focus on the learning adventure and the pleasure of being outdoors.
How physically demanding are guided bicycle tours?
Demand varies by tour, but most tours emphasize steady, manageable riding rather than long or intense days. You’ll ride at a relaxed pace with regular breaks, and activity levels are clearly outlined on the itinerary of each bicycle tour so you can choose a journey that fits your comfort level.
What fitness level is recommended for seniors joining cycling vacations?
A basic level of fitness and confidence riding a bicycle is important when choosing our cycling tours. If you’re comfortable biking for a few hours at a time on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, you’ll likely find many programs a good fit.
Can solo travelers join cycling vacations?
Absolutely! Many Road Scholars join our bicycle adventures on their own, and the shared experience of riding and learning together creates an easy, friendly way to connect with others … even when on a solo travel journey!
What should I pack for cycling tours?
To stay comfortable in the saddle, plan to bring comfortable cycling clothes that are moisture-wicking, padded shorts if you use them, sturdy cycling shoes or sneakers and layers for changing weather. A small daypack, sun protection and a reusable water bottle are also essentials for enjoying each day on the bike.
Guided Cycling Tours With Road Scholar
At Road Scholar, we have various outdoor adventures to suit your interests. Whether you’re interested in cycling tours or hiking adventures, we have plenty of programs that allow you to discover the great outdoors while staying active. Our local expert guides will teach you about the history, geography, wildlife and traditions of the areas you’re exploring, so you can better understand the cultures of the world. Book your biking vacation today to see where you’ll end up next in the world.
