Tours-of-a-Lifetime
Explore the World by Bike
Beginner-Friendly Cycling Vacations with ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours
For travelers interested in a cycling vacation but are new to this form of adventure travel and not sure where to start, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, provides the perfect starting points with a variety of beginner-friendly cycling vacations and online tools and resources designed to help with to trip planning.
Beginner-friendly trips feature manageable daily distances, flat or gently rolling terrain, and exceptional support, including van assistance and GPS navigation or chalk arrows on classic tours, and local insights and tips from the ExperiencePlus! trip leaders themselves, who excel at creating memorable experiences from start to finish for every traveler.
To assist newcomers, or even people traveling as part of a group that includes members with different levels of experience, ExperiencePlus! offers a range of resources online.
This includes:
• A page detailing some of its “Best Bike Tours for Beginner Riders”.
• A “Choosing the best bicycle tour for you” page that asks those considering a cycling trip six key questions: where you want to go, what time of year you want to travel, what level of cycling do you want or need, how long you want to cycle, what type of experience you are seeking, and if you are traveling with someone thinking about what their idea of a fun bicycle vacation is.
• A clear description about their various “tour styles” (classic, gravel, bike & boat, expedition, and self-guided).
• Explanations and definitions of “tour levels” (1-5).
• Details on “what to expect on tour”, with the ultimate goal of landing on a trip that is the best fit for each person/group.
• “Bike tour training programs” specifically designed for selected tour levels.
Here are a few recommended trips for those new to cycling vacations:
Bicycling Venice to Florence: The company’s most popular trip for beginners, this classic journey features seven days of pedaling through the heart of Italian culture and cuisine. A level 2.5 tour with an average daily distance of 37 miles (60 km).
NEW! Bike and Barge: Bruges to Amsterdam: This eight-day adventure starts in Bruges and travels to Amsterdam, spending seven nights aboard a luxury barge that follows the cycling trip the entire way, meaning guests only unpack once. With a Level 1 rating, and an average daily distance of 24 miles (40 km), this tour is a perfect choice for anyone new to cycling trips.
Bike Across Portugal: This eight-day classic tour explores Portugal’s south-central lands and stunning west coast, traveling from Elvas, in the interior, to the coast. A level 2.5 trip with an average daily distance of 38 miles (63 km), this tour offers a bit more of a challenge while still being very accessible to all levels of experience.
Italy’s Alpine Valleys: While a cycling trip through the Dolomites might seem like something for experienced riders only, this eight-day adventure from Bolzano to Bassano del Grappa is a level 1 ride that travels along bike paths through one of Italy’s finest bike-friendly regions. With an average daily distance of 23 miles (37 km), it is a perfect option for couples or friends with varied cycling abilities.
Bicycling the Danube Passau to Vienna: On this seven-day, point-to-point itinerary, guests follow the Danube River, from Passau, Germany, to Vienna, Austria, enjoying leisurely rides along bike paths and quiet, country roads. With its level 2 rating, the average daily distance is 42 miles (67 km) with a total distance of 208 miles (335 km).
Berlin to Copenhagen: A 14-day, level 1.5 classic itinerary, this popular northern European adventure starts in Germany’s vibrant capital city of Berlin and travels via some of the continent’s best bicycle infrastructure to Denmark’s innovative capital of Copenhagen. On the way, guests will explore some of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns, experience distinct regions and cultures within both countries, and savor renowned food and wine.
