New Exodus Cycling trips for 2016

Exodus Travels launches some great new cycling trips.  Here is the line-up of new cycling trips by Exodus Travels in 2016.  Also new for 2016 is that all bike rentals will now be included in the tour price.

Cycle the Canal du Midi   
Cycle the Canal du Midi and discover the stunning vineyards, chateaux and waterways around one of the most picturesque parts of France. Our route passes through quintessential French villages such as Laure-Minervois and Homps where you will feel the 'douceur de vivre' as you soak up the sun and sample local wine from Les Corbieres region. From bridge to bridge, from lock to lock, this trip offers a wonderfully relaxed cycling experience as you wind your way along the Canal du Midi towards the enticing Mediterranean Sea.

Dolomites Centre-Based Cycling   
Savour the dramatic mountain scenery of the Dolomites, while avoiding the need to ride up any long climbs. We explore the beautiful valleys of the Alta Pusteria on two wheels, visiting Brunico, Lake Toblach, Cortina d’Ampezzo and crossing into the Austrian Tyrol to explore mediaeval Lienz. The area is criss-crossed by a network of quiet lanes and purpose-built cycle paths, perfect for enjoying at a steady pace. Adding to the relaxation is the fantastic four-star Hotel Adler in the charming town of Villabassa. The centre-based itinerary offers the opportunity to unpack, settle in and unwind in the hotel spa and award-winning restaurant

Tuscany: Florence to Lucca Ride   
Some of the best road cycling in Tuscany can be found in the north of the region; starting our tour in the rolling hills around Lucca, during the week we get off the beaten track and head towards the mountainous terrain of the Garfagnana region before stretching our legs with a walk on Liguria’s beautiful Cinque Terre coastline. On this trip we discover the iconic city of Pisa, ride through quiet mediaeval villages and the glorious landscape that connects them and savour a huge range of delicious food and wine: what better way to explore the ‘Bel Paese’ (Beautiful Country)?

Cycling in Bosnia & Montenegro   
The rich natural and cultural diversity of the Balkans provides the kind of variety you rarely find on European rides. This fascinating route provides the opportunity to visit three very different countries from the former Yugoslavia as we head from Bosnia over the Dinaric Alps into Montenegro and finally to Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. The largely uncrowded roads allow for glorious views, a few challenges and the opportunity to visit a few cultural highlights along the way including the historic city of Mostar. The trip concludes in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik. A trip here will live long in the memory.

Cycle Macedonia & Northern Albania
The border lands of Northern Albania and Western Macedonia are truly one of the last hidden gems of Europe. Sweeping gorges are carved by crystal blue waters that flow into tranquil lakes, whilst rocky peaks and plateaux rise high above the lush green landscape. Ancient villages, rarely visited by tourists nestle themselves into the valleys, some of which retain a way of life that has been unchanged for centuries. Our carefully chosen route heads through some of the best scenery these fascinating countries have to offer, complimented with some really exciting cycling that equally challenges and rewards.

Cycle Romania   
Ride through an undiscovered corner of Europe plus visit 'Dracula's castle'!

Cycle Madagascar
Hugely diverse scenery plus the opportunity to mix with many ethnic groups - a true melting pot of culture!

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentia   
Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia - a magical landscape filled with active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swooping down from the foothills of the cordillera as we cycle on some of the most scenic paved routes that South America has to offer. We'll gain a cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region. Cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion on two wheels as part of an incredible 'once in a lifetime' journey!

Classic Climbs of the Alps
A centre-based drop bars trip with the opportunity to tick off the most famous climbs of the Tour de France.

Classic Climbs of the Dolomites   
The Alta Badia region of the Italian Dolomites is quite simply a mecca for road cycling. Our week is based in the pretty town of Badia, with the famous climbs of the Giro d’Italia and the amateur Maratona dles Dolomites event right on the doorstep. The rides are certainly challenging, but the roads are great and the scenery is truly spectacular, with jagged limestone peaks revealing themselves around the numerous hairpin bends. A real highlight is the ‘Sella Ronda Bike Day’, a unique opportunity to ride this beautiful circuit on closed roads alongside thousands of other riders.

Cycling the Cols of Morocco   
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are an undiscovered labyrinth of picturesque switchback roads. Using our knowledge of this magical country we have crafted the perfect drop bar cycling trip which winds its way from the bustle of Marrakech, through lush green valleys, over isolated high mountain passes and down long flowing descents all the way to the ocean. If you are after an alternative cycling challenge, then forget about the Alps and Pyrenees and join us in the Atlas Mountains!

Cycle Kilimanjaro
At 5895m Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest point in Africa, but there is so much more to this mountain than just reaching the summit. This ride completes a full circumnavigation of the world’s largest free-standing mountain on a route that traverses one of the most interesting landscapes in the world. Cycle across wildlife migration corridors and through lush forests inhabited by stunning animals including leopard, buffalo and the illusive elephant. Experience native Maasai villages and isolated Chagga communities and ride across impressive open plains and through coffee plantations, all with the snow-capped peak of Kili within your sight.

Cycling in Portugal: Mountains to the Sea (self-guided)
In the far north of Portugal, on the border with Spain, lies the Minho region: a wild, rugged area of historical and cultural significance. Starting from the Geres National Park, you cycle downhill through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape. You will stay in authentic accommodation offering friendly Portuguese hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. There is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden stretches of beach you cycle past, maybe accompanied by a glass of the local Vinho Verde (white wine) for which the region is well known. The ride finishes in Porto, named best European City Destination in both 2013 and 2014.

Mallorca Coast to Coast Ride (self guided)
Mallorca has long been an island synonymous with sun, sea and sand, but many forget the treasures hidden away in the lesser known parts of the island. This relaxed itinerary features relatively easy cycling taking in the highlights of both the quiet coastal areas and the foothills of the beautiful inland Tramuntana mountain range. The hotels we use are small and family run, and the homemade cooking and local Mallorquin wines are a delightful welcome after a day’s cycling!

Bolzano, Verona & Venice Ride (self-guided)
Few landscapes in Europe match the unique beauty of the jagged limestone Dolomites. The self-guided cycling route starts with incredible views of Trentino's dramatic mountains, cycling on relatively easy roads and tracks along the Adige River. On reaching the northern shore of Lake Garda, enjoy the breath taking views of one of the most famous Italian Lakes. A four hour ferry cruise on the lake gives you the opportunity to take in these wonderful vistas before continuing the ride through the beautiful cities of Verona, Padova and finally exploring the canals and waterways of Venice.

Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence (self-guided)
Cycle from the iconic leaning tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, passing through beautiful Tuscan landscape that inspired artists and composors such as Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. The gentle cycling is mainly along riverside paths and quiet roads, and there are the opportunities to lengthen the rides, or take the train at some stages to spend extra time at your destinations. Enjoy a free day in the romantic city of Florence and take some time to visit the sights in one of the world's most stunning cities!

Self-Guided Cycling in Slovenia (self-guided)
Set amongst extraordinary alpine surroundings, the romantic town of Bled and its iconic island make one of the most picture-perfect settings in Europe, if not the whole world. You will spend a week in a lovely hotel close to the shore of the beautiful glacial lake, allowing you to unpack and properly appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The itinerary offers six days of different optional cycling routes that you can discover at your leisure; spend a day cycling to Ljubljana and enjoy the cosmopolitan café scene in the pretty capital city.Take some time to appreciate the magnificent surroundings and indulge in the local delicacies, such as coffee and Kremsnita (cream cake); the symbol of Bled’s cuisine.