Cycling Tours
Top 7 Beginner-Friendly International Cycling Tours
Hello there! Are you seeking the ultimate cycling experience? You’re in the right place! We’ve compiled a list of seven beginner-friendly cycling tours around the globe that are certain to impress.
Ranging from the breathtaking European Coastal Tour to the rough-and-tumble Australian Outback Adventure, these tours promise to deliver an experience to remember. You’ll have the chance to ride through lush rainforests, learn about ancient cultures, and even observe wildlife on an African safari.
So, saddle up and prepare yourself for a cycling journey that will leave you with lifelong memories!
European Coastal Tour
The European Coastal Tour, a cyclist’s dream, presents a picturesque journey along Europe’s awe-inspiring coastlines. As an avid cyclist, I find myself utterly drawn to this tour’s extraordinary beauty. It stretches from Ireland’s craggy cliffs to the sun-soaked Mediterranean shores, each segment offering a unique sensory delight.
The journey weaves through quaint coastal villages, providing ample opportunities for you to merge with regional traditions and sample local seafood cuisine. The tour routes are well-kept and don’t pose significant challenges, making them suitable even for novice cyclists eager for a bit of escapade.
Feeling the wind caress your hair as you ride along these stunning coastlines is a liberating experience that leaves a lasting impression. From its captivating natural vistas to the ease of travel and the exhilarating sense of adventure, the European Coastal Tour stands as an unparalleled cycling adventure.
It’s the perfect blend of nature’s grandeur, cultural immersion, and the intoxicating freedom of the open road.
Australian Outback Adventure
The Australian Outback’s desert landscapes never fail to take my breath away. As I navigate my bicycle through this expansive wilderness, I’m enveloped by a panorama of unending red sand dunes, jagged gorges, and prehistoric rock structures.
But the Outback is more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. From bounding kangaroos and graceful emus to vivid parrots and hidden reptiles, the opportunities for animal sightings are copious.
Yes, the terrain can be tough, but the feeling of achievement paired with the awe-inspiring views makes this journey genuinely worthwhile.
Stunning Desert Landscapes
Biking across the expanse of the Australian Outback presents an unparalleled, awe-striking journey across the immense desert vistas. Each pedal stroke carries you deeper into the rugged wilderness, where the sheer beauty of the surroundings could leave you speechless. The Outback’s signature red soil seems limitless, punctuated by towering sand dunes and rocky formations that characterize the landscape.
In this vast wild, the quiet is so profound that it’s only interrupted by the crunch of your bike tires on the ground. The air, though dry, is refreshingly crisp, and the warmth of the sun on your back serves as a constant reminder of the uninhibited freedom you experience in this wild landscape.
As you traverse this terrain, you could encounter the local wildlife — a kangaroo making its way or an emu darting across the plains. Venturing into the expansive Outback on a bike, feeling its vastness around you, is truly an experience like no other. In the words of an anonymous traveler, ‘The Outback isn’t just a place, but a feeling of profound connection to the untamed wilderness.’
Abundance of Wildlife
During my travel through the austere yet picturesque desert landscapes of the Australian Outback, I was astounded by the rich diversity of wildlife. The experience was akin to living a wildlife documentary, where creatures of all sizes coexist and thrive in this severe but magnificent ecosystem. Here are five noteworthy wildlife moments that I encountered during my cycling expedition:
- Witnessing the sight of kangaroos leaping elegantly across the dry plains.
- Observing emus, recognized by their inquisitive eyes and unique feathered bodies, confidently striding in the outback.
- Spotting colorful parrots resting on tree branches, their bright colors standing out against the barren landscape.
- Catching sight of dingoes, these wild canines blending flawlessly into their environment.
- The captivating view of a wedge-tailed eagle flying high overhead, its wingspan measuring over two meters.
The Australian Outback is indeed a paradise for wildlife aficionados, and these experiences added an extra dimension of wonder and thrill to my journey.
But as I was to learn, the Outback holds more for those who crave a challenge. [Proceeding to the next section about ‘challenging yet rewarding’].
Challenging yet Rewarding
Why does an adventure in the Australian Outback prove to be both a test and a triumph?
The rough terrains, unpredictable weather, and isolated locations culminate into an experience that pushes your endurance and returns with a gratifying sense of achievement.
A bike ride across the broad, open spaces of the Outback tests your physical strength, mental fortitude, and adventurous spirit.
The harsh sun, powerful gusts of wind, and vast distances indeed test your mettle, but the awe-inspiring landscapes, distinct wildlife, and deep-rooted Aboriginal culture compensate for it.
Cycling through the red desert offers a view of spectacular rock formations, ancient Aboriginal art etched in stone, and if you’re lucky, you might spot kangaroos hopping across the horizon.
The Australian Outback adventure isn’t for everyone, but for those after a life-changing biking experience, it offers a tough but rewarding journey of liberation and self-exploration.
South American Rainforest Ride
As my bicycle wheels spin through the verdant rainforest of South America, anticipation grows for the potential encounters with fascinating wildlife.
This bike tour is an excellent way for anyone to truly submerge themselves in the charm of the wild, encircled by majestic trees, lively plant life, and the mesmerizing chorus of native birds and creatures.
Every rotation of the wheels takes me deeper into an extraordinary journey, pulsating with the life and rhythm of the rainforest.
Rainforest Wildlife Encounters
Enjoying the South American Rainforest Wildlife on a Bike
During my biking journey in the South American rainforest, I encountered an array of unique wildlife. The rainforest was teeming with a multitude of living creatures, and each pedal stroke brought me closer to the astonishing animals that inhabit this place. Below are some of the memorable wildlife experiences I had during my expedition:
- Vibrant Macaws: Cycling the forest trails, I was mesmerized by the vivid hues of the macaws soaring above. Their bright red, blue, and yellow feathers contrasted beautifully with the lush green scenery, creating an unforgettable sight.
- Energetic Monkeys: I was entertained by lively monkeys who swung from one tree to the next with great agility. I observed them leap across branches, playfully chasing one another, injecting joy into my journey.
- Majestic Anacondas: During a rest stop by a riverbank, I observed a colossal anaconda gliding through the water. The sight of its massive size and strength was a powerful reminder of the wild nature that enveloped me.
- Inquisitive Tapirs: One break of dawn, a group of tapirs surfaced from the thick vegetation, their elongated snouts testing the air. These seldom-seen creatures cautiously approached me, their eyes filled with intrigue, before returning to their hidden forest home.
- Elegant Jaguars: The pinnacle of my rainforest adventure was observing a regal jaguar stealthily moving among the trees. Its sleek coat and intense gaze were a testament to its power and grace, leaving me in awe of this top predator.
Biking through the South American rainforest didn’t just pose significant physical challenges; it also allowed me to closely experience the marvels of nature. This journey gave me the opportunity to intimately understand the freedom and beauty of the natural world in a way that will forever remain etched in my memory.
‘Nature isn’t a place to visit. It’s home.’ – Gary Snyder
Adventure in Nature
On my bike trip through the South American rainforest, I completely lost myself in nature’s thrilling spectacle. I was enveloped by lush greenery, the steady hum of my bike tires crunching on the muddy trail acting as my personal background music on this exciting expedition. The atmosphere was heavily laden with the raw, earthy smell of the rainforest, and the humidity was palpable on my skin.
As I journeyed deeper into the thick jungle, I was treated to a visual feast of exotic wildlife. Birds boasting a brilliant array of hues flew overhead, while monkeys performed their acrobatics in the treetops. The rainforest’s rich variety of life forms enthralled me, serving as a reminder of nature’s untamed beauty and liberty.
This was no ordinary bike ride. It was a soul-stirring adventure, an experience that demonstrated the awe-inspiring power and majesty of our natural world.
As a wise adventurer once said, ‘Nature isn’t a place to visit. It’s home.’ And in this South American rainforest, I felt right at home.
Asian Cultural Exploration
On my cycling journey through Asia, I learned about the rich and diverse cultures that left me inspired. The continent brims with age-old traditions, lively festivals, and appetizing food. Here are some standout moments from my journey through Asia:
- Experience the lively Tokyo streets where ancient temples exist harmoniously alongside advanced skyscrapers.
- Absorb the tranquil spirituality of Bali, filled with vibrant ceremonies and traditional dances that permeate the air with magic.
- Be awestruck by India’s Taj Mahal, an enduring symbol of love and architectural excellence.
- Roam around Xi’an in China, the city that houses the Terracotta Army and the ancient Silk Road.
- Savor the aromatic spices and unique flavors of Thailand, where roadside food stalls offer a gastronomic journey.
Cycling through Asia made me appreciate the beauty and diversity of its cultures. But now, it’s time for a change in scenery as I prepare for an exciting African safari on wheels.
As a traveler, I can confidently say, ‘Asia isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a kaleidoscope of experiences to live!’
African Safari on Wheels
Continuing my cultural journey, I now set out on an African Safari on Wheels, immersing myself in the awe-inspiring landscapes and intriguing wildlife of the continent. As I cycle through the expansive savannahs and thick jungles, I find myself amidst Africa’s iconic creatures – elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. The biking trails guide me through national parks and preserves, providing a distinct viewpoint on the varied ecosystems and the preservation initiatives at work.
I enjoy the liberty to witness a lion’s majestic roar, watch a wildebeest herd during their migration, and admire the vibrant hues of tropical birds. The African Safari on Wheels truly is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, linking me to the unfiltered beauty of the natural world and the deep cultural heritage of Africa.
As I now prepare to leave the African Safari on Wheels behind, I look forward to a fresh journey awaiting me – the North American National Park Trail.
North American National Park Trail
Post my adventures through the stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife of Africa on the African Safari on Wheels, I’m now ready to take on the North American National Park Trail. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning natural beauty of North America on this exciting cycling journey. Here are five compelling reasons why you should come along:
- Experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon firsthand as you cycle along the edge, feeling the exhilarating sense of freedom as you appreciate the enormity of this famous landmark.
- Engage with the serene beauty of Yosemite National Park as you ride through its lush forests and towering mountains, immersing yourself in the calm and peaceful embrace of nature.
- Witness the unusual geological wonders of Bryce Canyon, with its renowned hoodoos and vibrant hues that will leave you amazed.
- Enjoy a ride along the picturesque Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal clear alpine lakes.
- Find yourself in awe of the lesser-known attractions of Olympic National Park, from its jagged coastline to its verdant rainforests, where an adventure is guaranteed at every turn.
Island Hopping in the Caribbean
Island hopping in the Caribbean has taken me on a journey through vibrant cycling paths across diverse tropical islands. Feeling the freedom as I cycle next to the turquoise waters is truly mesmerizing. The air, filled with the warm breeze and the exotic aroma of tropical flowers, is almost intoxicating.
Each island offers a distinct cycling experience, whether it’s traversing the lush rainforests of Puerto Rico or the breathtaking coastal roads of Barbados. The well-maintained paths meander through charming villages, immersing me in the local way of life. En route, untouched beaches offer a chance for a revitalizing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
This Caribbean island hopping isn’t just about cycling, it’s about appreciating the serene beauty and calm of these tropical havens.
As a cyclist once said, ‘Riding a bike is the closest you can get to flying while still on the ground.’ Caribbean island hopping is indeed that exhilarating experience, a flight through paradise.