9 Best Nature-Focused Top-Rated Bicycling Tours

I’ve had the pleasure of cycling through some truly awe-inspiring locations, but did you realize that there are nine highly recommended bicycle tours focused on the natural world that are sure to astonish you?

These tours, ranging from the Pacific Coast Highway in the United States to the Norwegian Fjords, provide a deep dive into some of the globe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Picture yourself cycling through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands or journeying through the lush rainforests of Costa Rica.

These tours grant you the liberty to appreciate the splendor of nature from the saddle of your bicycle.

Let’s turn the page and delve into these astounding explorations.

Pacific Coast Highway Ride

My journey through the Pacific Coast Highway was a remarkable one. The feeling of liberation that comes from traversing this legendary route is something that words can hardly do justice.

As you cycle along its path, the cool sea air gently brushes against your face, while the rhythmic sounds of the ocean waves provide a calming ambience. The ocean’s colors, ranging from a dark shade of blue to a sparkling turquoise, create a serene and liberating atmosphere. Imposing cliffs stand tall on one side, adding a dramatic touch to the breathtaking views. The road winds through, revealing hidden corners and isolated beaches that tempt you to stop and take in the tranquility.

A ride on the Pacific Coast Highway is more than just a journey – it’s a chance for self-reflection and bonding with the vastness of nature, a feeling of adrenaline rush as you ride through the open road.

Next, we’re off to the Swiss Alps for an adrenaline-filled experience.

Swiss Alps Adventure

During my travels, I found myself on an adrenaline-filled adventure in the Swiss Alps. Pedaling across the majestic mountain ranges, I was struck by the awe-inspiring beauty they offered. Breathing in the fresh mountain air, I felt a sense of rejuvenation. The challenging terrain tested my endurance, yet the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, vibrant green valleys, and pristine lakes were worth every effort.

The Swiss Alps served as a delightful escape from the mundane routine of daily life. The well-kept cycling paths ensured a safe journey, enabling me to fully engage in this unforgettable experience. Each turn of the path brought me to new serene spots, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the mountains.

The Swiss Alps cycling adventure truly highlighted the beauty of nature and the sense of liberation one can feel while experiencing it on a bicycle. As one anonymous traveler once said, ‘The joy of cycling is the joy of discovery – every turn of the wheel is a new adventure.’

Coastal Croatia Exploration

Following the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps, I found myself next journeying along the coast of Croatia. As I cycled beside the Adriatic Sea, I couldn’t help but admire the spectacular turquoise waters and the quaint towns that were spread along the shoreline. The tang of saltwater in the air and the gentle sea breeze brushing against my face added an exhilarating touch to my adventure.

The biking paths in Croatia are in excellent condition, promising smooth travels and eye-catching scenery at every bend. I’d the opportunity to find hidden coves and private beaches, providing ideal spots for a revitalizing dip in the water or a quiet picnic. The coastal towns greeted me with their lively culture and mouth-watering seafood, inviting me to partake in the local customs and traditions. Coastal Croatia offers an exceptional biking experience that marries the splendors of nature with the thrill of the open road.

As a wise traveler once said, ‘The beauty of a journey lies not in the destination, but in the experiences along the way.’ And indeed, my coastal exploration of Croatia was filled with unforgettable experiences.

Rainforest Escape in Costa Rica

Riding my bike through Costa Rica’s verdant rainforests, I was astounded by the rich variety of life around me. The lush plant life, brimming with vibrant hues, and the chorus of bird calls from unseen avian inhabitants, made it an all-encompassing journey.

This unique biking adventure brought me face-to-face with concealed waterfalls and inquisitive monkeys. This wasn’t just a bike ride; it was a journey into the heart of our planet’s biodiversity.

Biodiversity in Costa Rica

During my Rainforest Escape in Costa Rica bicycling tour, I had the opportunity to observe and appreciate the diverse life forms in Costa Rica’s abundant rainforests. The tropical forests here, dense with plant and animal life, offer an experience that’s both visual and auditory.

The following are some of the memorable aspects of the biodiversity I witnessed:

• Plants:
• Tall trees stretched towards the sky, their extensive canopies providing a habitat for a multitude of species.
• Forests bedecked with orchids of various hues and forms, adding to the beauty of the tree trunks and forest floor.
• Animals:
• The sight of vibrant toucans and parrots navigating the forest, their distinctive calls filling the air.
• Monkeys, full of life, swinging from one branch to another, their playful behavior adding to the forest’s charm.

The richness of life in the Costa Rican rainforests is awe-inspiring. It’s a testament to the incredible diversity and splendor of nature. As aptly put by the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, ‘In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.’ This certainly holds true for the biodiversity in Costa Rica.

Adventure in Rainforests

In the midst of my Costa Rica cycling journey, I plunged into an exhilarating expedition in the abundant rainforests.

The lush foliage crafted a hypnotic ambiance, with the narrow trails meandering around me adorned in striking green hues, set to the soundtrack of distinct bird songs.

The dense humidity intensified the intriguing allure and raw beauty of the surroundings. I found myself awestruck by the gigantic trees, their bases adorned with moss and vines, forming a natural jungle gym for the audacious spirits amongst us.

Following the slender trails, I ventured further into the rainforest’s core. Here, I encountered concealed waterfalls, their waters tumbling down the rocky faces. The thrill of stumbling upon these secluded wonders filled me with awe and a sense of liberation.

Costa Rica’s rainforests are indeed a memorable retreat for those yearning to submerge themselves in the wild charm of nature.

Cycling the Scottish Highlands

During my bicycle journey across the Scottish Highlands, I got to witness the spectacular splendor of its wild and untamed scenery. The Highlands present a dream come true for any biking enthusiast with its mixture of demanding trails and awe-striking views.

Here are a few memorable moments from the journey:

• Travelling along the renowned North Coast 500 route, which meanders through charming hamlets and dramatic sea cliffs.
• Tackling the infamous Bealach na Ba, recognized as the highest road pass in the UK, renowned for its serpentine twists and wide-ranging vistas.
• Admiring the towering summits of the Cairngorms National Park, home to awe-inspiring lakes and primeval woodland.
• Pedaling amidst the magical setting of Glen Coe, encircled by imposing mountains and tumbling waterfalls.

Experiencing the Scottish Highlands on a bike is a thrilling encounter that lets you connect with the majesty of nature while relishing the liberation of the open roads.

Next, we’ll journey in a different direction and delve into the marvels of touring the Great Barrier Reef.

Touring the Great Barrier Reef

I had the chance to journey by bicycle through the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. As I pedaled the coastal trails, the crisp sea air brushed against my face, and the shimmering blue-green waves danced beneath the warm touch of the Australian sun. I got to witness the reef’s dynamic ecosystem brimming with life, the varied coral formations painted in every color of the rainbow, the tropical fish that moved with such elegance, and the rare sight of a serene sea turtle coasting through the water.

The tour was a genuine connection with nature as I found myself stumbling upon undiscovered inlets and untouched white sands. Biking through the Great Barrier Reef was an invigorating experience, allowing me to appreciate the openness of the road whilst being enveloped by one of the planet’s most splendid natural sights.

Now, it’s time to segue into the next part of our journey, a charming tour through the vineyards of Tuscany.

Tuscany Wine Country Ride

During my journey to Tuscany, I had the pleasure of partaking in a scenic bicycle ride amidst the wine-producing regions. The undulating terrains, adorned with thriving vineyards, offered a vista that stretched to the horizon. The air was rich with the aroma of ripening grapes, creating a mesmerizing ambience.

Here’s a glimpse into my Tuscany Wine Country Ride:

• The Region of Chianti Classico:
  As I cycled through the famed vineyards of Chianti Classico, I couldn’t help but admire the age-old wineries and medieval hamlets tucked into the undulating landscape. A pit stop at a local winery offered me a chance to taste some of Tuscany’s exceptional wines, the famous Chianti Classico being one of them.
• The Val d’Orcia:
  My journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val d’Orcia was marked by awe-inspiring landscapes, punctuated with cypress trees and quaint farmhouses. The enchanting towns of Montalcino and Pienza offered me a taste of delightful Tuscan cuisine and a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural past.

This cycling journey through Tuscany’s wine country was an experience I won’t soon forget, allowing me to soak up the stunning views and tastes of this celebrated wine region. As they say in Tuscany, ‘Life is too short not to have a good wine.’

Cycling Through the Canadian Rockies

My cycling experience through the impressive Canadian Rockies was nothing short of amazing. As I pedaled, I found myself in a world of towering mountain peaks, mirror-like lakes, and luxuriant forests. The Rockies have an array of picturesque routes, offering a mix of difficult mountain passes and peaceful riverside paths.

Riding through this expansive wilderness, I felt an indescribable sense of liberation, a deep bond with the surrounding nature. The untouched landscapes of the Canadian Rockies served as a stunning setting for a cycling adventure I’ll never forget. Meeting wildlife on the journey and witnessing the sun’s fiery descent over the mountains only added to the overall experience, reminding me of nature’s incredible power and allure.

Next, let’s shift our focus from the Rockies and set our sights on the majestic fjords of Norway. Every pedal stroke will take us deeper into the heart of these awe-inspiring landscapes. As a wise cyclist once said, ‘Every journey begins with a single pedal stroke’. So let’s continue to pedal our way through the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Pedaling the Norwegian Fjords

Surrounded by awe-striking landscapes, my cycling journey through the Norwegian fjords was nothing short of fantastical. The rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, and waterfalls that seemed to fall from the sky painted a picture that’s hard to forget. The fjords offered an exhilarating sense of escape and a deep connection with nature’s splendor.

Here are two aspects that make a cycling trip through the Norwegian fjords incomparable:

• The Pathways that Leave You Spellbound:
• The Geirangerfjord: A challenging route through a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ride rewards you with steep cliffs and tranquil waters.
• The Nærøyfjord: This fjord, noted for its slim width and towering mountains, makes for a thrilling cycling adventure that stays with you.
• Experiences with Wildlife:
• Seeing seals and porpoises frolicking in the fjords adds a dash of excitement to the trip.
• Keep your gaze upwards for a chance to spot eagles as they glide effortlessly over the fjord landscape.

Cycling through the Norwegian fjords is an experience that breaks the monotony and immerses you in nature’s grandeur. As the famous adventurer John Muir once said, ‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.’ This holds particularly true when pedaling through Norway’s fjords.