Wheels keep on rolling – fresh trips from Freedom Treks
The cycling holiday specialist, Freedom Treks, has added a selection of exciting bicycle holidays and two brand-new destinations, including a new continent, to its varied programme.
Regular cyclists keen to venture further afield can now book invigorating tours to Southeast Asia and Japan, where floating markets, tea plantations and spellbinding temples await. Alternatively, new trips closer to home include boating, biking and hiking around Sicily’s islands, escaping to Mallorca and a gourmet getaway from Parma to Bologna in Italy.
Whatever takes your fancy, Freedom Treks realises the importance of combining active days with well-deserved breaks, topped off with delicious food, incredible views and characterful accommodation.
Self-guided trips allow travellers the flexibility to explore at their own pace, while guided excursions are ideal for those keen to meet like-minded people and learn from knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Read on to find out more…
Venture into Southeast Asia
Freedom Treks now offers a selection of trips that visit destinations including Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, which showcase famous floating markets on the Mekong River, memorable religious monuments such as Angkor Wat and exotic islands. Join in with a 13-night tour through all three countries (level: moderate), pedalling past stilted houses, wild mangrove trees and shrimp farms before finishing on a white-sand beach surrounded by crystal-clear water. Regular cyclists after a more challenging adventure should look at the 16-night Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi tour (level: moderate to challenging), where guests travel more than 1,000 miles by boat, bike, plane and train from the south to the north of Vietnam. Visit the historic Cu Chi tunnels that were the location of several military campaigns in the Vietnamese War, admire the colourful lanterns draped above the streets in Hoi An, and set sail on Halong Bay for a close-up view of its emerald water and limestone karts. Both tours have a support vehicle on hand should any cyclist fancy a break. Alternatively, for those wanting a more laid-back experience, the 14-night Vietnam by Boat & Bike (level: easy to moderate) explores the region’s tropical islands, lush landscapes and spellbinding cities. Beginning in Hanoi, travel by bike, boat, plane and bus to Ho Chi Minh, stopping for long, refreshing swims during the gentle cycle rides each day. Stay on a magnificent junk on Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay. The boat has elegant furnished en-suite cabins and a large sundeck, ideal for relaxing.
The 13-night Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap to Bangkok tour costs from £2,455 pp (two sharing). Price includes full-board accommodation (apart from one dinner), air-conditioned support vehicle, English-speaking guide, luggage transportation and refreshments when cycling. Return flights, transfers and bike hire extra.
The 16-night Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi tour costs from £3,116 pp (two sharing). Price includes full-board accommodation (apart from four meals), domestic flight, air-conditioned support vehicle, English-speaking guide, luggage transportation and refreshments when cycling. Return flights, transfers and bike hire extra.
The 14-night Vietnam by Boat & Bike tour costs from £2,541 pp (two sharing). Price includes full-board accommodation (apart from four days of half-board), domestic flights, English-speaking guides, luggage transportation and bike hire. Return flights and transfers extra.
Highlights of Japan
Cycle approximately 40 miles each day from the ancient capital of Kyoto to Izumi in the Kagoshima Prefecture and discover historic castles, mighty volcanos and relaxing onsens on this intriguing tour of Japan. Weave through picturesque tea plantations, pause at the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, hike around Mount Aso, the world’s largest crater and pedal along the rolling terrain following part of the famous Shimanami Kaido route. Throughout the trip, tuck into mouth-watering Japanese cuisine from saké to sushi, stay at traditional ryokans (Japanese-style inns) and experience the fascinating culture of this country.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
The nine-night Highlights of Japan tour costs from £1,988 pp (two sharing). Price includes full-board accommodation (except on arrival and departure day), support vehicle, English-speaking guide, luggage transportation and refreshments when cycling. Return flights, transfers and bike hire extra.
Mallorca – from one hotel, Spain
Leave the tourist trails and discover the quiet coves, local towns and the peaceful charm of Mallorca. After checking into a beach-side hotel, spend the first evening strolling along the sand or taking a dip in the refreshing Mediterranean Sea, before gearing up for a selection of jaunts around the island. Look out for the salt lakes and saline fields in Colònia Sant Jordi, the golden lion in the city of Sineu (the heart of the island) and head to Cap Blanc for spectacular sea views. Watch the master shoe makers in Llucmajor and the city of Inca, which is famous for its leather goods, and visit Palma Aquarium, home to more than 8,000 living organisms in 55 saltwater aquariums.
Level: Easy to Moderate
The seven-night Mallorca – from one hotel trip costs from £748 pp (two sharing). The price includes half-board accommodation at a 4* hotel, maps and route information, entrance to Palma Aquarium, bus transfer (with bike) to Colonia Sant Jordi, Sineu and Inca, guided city tour in Palma Mallorca and coffee and cake at a café in Playa de Palma. Return flights, transfers and bike hire extra.
Sicily’s Islands – Boat, Bike & Hike
Beginning and ending in Sicily, boat, bike and hike around the beautiful volcanic Aeolian Islands that showcase glowing lava, crystalline waters and dramatic geology. Board a traditional Turkish Caique in Milazzo harbour, before exploring five of the islands on leisurely, guided cycle tours. Highlights include experiencing the healing power of volcanic mud baths, hiking up to the Sciara del Fuoco viewpoint to see firework-like lava explosions on Stromboli island, and stopping at alluring island towns and pretty ports along the way. Finish the tour with a stunning coast-to-coast bike ride on Lipari island, which has white-sand beaches and a thriving historical town.
Level: Easy to Moderate
The seven-night Sicily’s Islands – Boat, Bike & Hike trip costs from £1,288 pp (two sharing). The price includes full-board accommodation on a Turkish Caique, bike hire, English-speaking guide on board and on bike, and airport transfer. Return flights and bike hire extra.
Parma to Bologna, Italy
Home to fertile plains, rolling vineyards and rich culture, the Emilia Romagna region of Italy is a spectacular destination to discover on a bicycle. Travellers will cycle between 12 to 40 miles each day – with numerous alfresco stops – from Parma to the regional capital, Bologna, meandering past impressive sites and cities along the way. Gastronomy is a major part of this tour, and cyclists have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local produce: from fresh Parmesan and Parma Ham in Langhirano town, to authentic Barozzi chocolate cake in Vignola and smooth Lambrusco wine in Castelvetro. Cycle off the calories and visit the Parmigiano Reggiano Museum, explore Torrechiara castle, discover Montechiarugola fortress and Montecchio castle, and marvel at Modena’s UNESCO-listed Cathedral. Throughout the tour, take the time to admire the characterful cafés, fine manor houses and vibrant cities, all at a relaxed pace.
Level: Easy to Moderate
The seven-night Parma to Bologna tour costs from £651 pp (two sharing). The price includes B&B accommodation, three dinners in a local trattoria, maps and route information and luggage transportation. Return flights, transfers and bike hire extra.
For more information on any of these cycling tours, or any more trips with Freedom Treks, visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk or call 01273 224066.
