In recent years, cycling tours have surged in popularity among adventure travelers. Combining physical activity with cultural immersion, these tours offer a unique way to experience diverse landscapes and communities.
Organized bike tours, in particular, provide the perfect blend of exploration and convenience, with expert guides handling logistics and leading the way. G Adventures, a renowned adventure travel company, offers a selection of cycling tours that cater to various skill levels and interests.
In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of organized bike tours and highlight six standout cycling adventures from G Adventures.
Why Choose an Organized Bike Tour?
Opting for an organized bike tour comes with numerous advantages:
- Seamless Logistics: Professional tour operators manage all the details, including route planning, accommodations, and support vehicles, allowing you to focus solely on the ride.
- Social Connections: Traveling with a group of like-minded individuals fosters camaraderie and shared experiences, often leading to lasting friendships.
- Cultural Immersion: Cycling allows for a slower pace, enabling deeper engagement with local cultures, traditions, and landscapes that are often missed by other forms of travel.
- Safety and Expertise: Experienced guides provide valuable insights into the region and ensure that safety protocols are followed, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.
G Adventures’ Cycling Tours – A Breakdown
G Adventures is a world-renowned adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize cultural immersion, sustainability, and active exploration. Founded in 1990, the company has built a reputation for offering unique travel experiences that go beyond traditional tourism, connecting travelers with local communities and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
With a strong commitment to responsible travel, G Adventures partners with local guides and businesses to ensure ethical and impactful tourism. Their cycling tours, in particular, offer an incredible way to explore diverse landscapes while experiencing the world at a slower, more immersive pace.
Whether you’re pedaling through the rolling hills of Tuscany, the vibrant streets of Vietnam, or the rugged trails of Morocco, G Adventures ensures a seamless and enriching journey for cyclists of all levels.
Below are six of their exceptional cycling tours:
Biking Cuba
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Duration – 8 days
Cost – $1,750
G Adventures’ Biking Cuba tour is an eight-day cycling journey through Cuba’s truly diverse landscapes, that blends cultural immersion with scenic rides. Starting in Havana, cyclists stay in local ‘casas particulares’ before heading west to Viñales, renowned for its striking limestone hills and traditional tobacco farms. The route includes stops at the historic Cueva de los Portales, once Che Guevara’s wartime headquarters, and the Zapata Peninsula, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in wildlife.
Further along, the tour passes through Playa Girón, site of the Bay of Pigs invasion, and Trinidad, where participants can explore colonial streets and nearby beaches. A visit to Santa Clara’s Che Guevara Mausoleum provides a moving historical context before the final leg in Havana. With a support vehicle ensuring flexibility, this trip offers a mix of cycling, history, and Cuban culture in a structured yet active itinerary.
Vietnam Hike, Bike & Kayak
Duration – 10 days
Cost – $1,900
The Vietnam Hike, Bike & Kayak is a 10-day active tour that immerses participants in Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and rich culture. The journey kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City, where travelers cycle to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels which date from the Vietnam War.
Following this, a flight to Hoi An offers the chance to explore local villages by bike and participate in a noodle-making demonstration at the “Oodles of Noodles” project, a G Adventures-supported initiative. The tour continues with a scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hue, where participants visit the former Citadel and Tu Duc’s tomb. An overnight train then transports the group to Hanoi.
This itinerary combines physical activities with cultural experiences, so all in all it offers a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s natural beauty and heritage.
Ultimate Active Southern Africa
Duration – 18 Days
Cost – $6,400
G Adventures’ Ultimate Active Southern Africa is a bit of an epic 17-day tour-othon designed for adventure enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience across Southern Africa’.
The journey begins at Victoria Falls, where participants engage in a bike tour of the area and a walking safari in Zambezi National Park. The itinerary continues to Namibia’s coastal city of Swakopmund, offering a fat-tire bike tour through the desert and a kayaking excursion at Pelican Point to observe local wildlife. Travelers then proceed to South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains for hikes to notable sites such as Sentinel Peak and Tugela Falls. The adventure culminates with a four-night stay at a bush camp near Kruger National Park, featuring safari drives and wildlife tracking with experienced rangers.
Throughout the tour, activities are offered including l abseiling down Table Mountain in Cape Town and exploring local communities provide a comprehensive blend of physical challenges and cultural insights.
Solo-ish Bali
Duration – 10 Days
Cost – $1,200
The Solo-ish Bali tour is a 10-day tour designed for solo travelers seeking a blend of both exploration and relaxation while in Bali. The journey begins in Ubud, where travellers can visit the Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul temples, offering a glimpse into Bali’s spiritual heritage. Groups also get to engage in a cooking class, explore local markets, and hike to waterfalls like Goa Rang Reng and Kanto Lampo. The itinerary includes a homestay in Kubutambahan, providing an opportunity to experience some village life.
A sunrise hike up Mount Batur offers panoramic views of the island. The tour concludes with leisure time on Nusa Lembongan, where travelers can relax on beaches or participate in optional water activities.
Costa Rica Active Adventure
Duration – 13 days
Cost – $1,400
What we have here is a 13-day tour designed for those seeking an active exploration of Costa Rica’s colourful landscapes with a focus on cycling. In La Fortuna, travelers take a guided cycling tour through local communities, offering a close-up view of life near Arenal Volcano. The ride provides a unique way to experience the area’s lush scenery while engaging with the local culture. Beyond cycling, this stop also offers optional activities like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling, making it a hub for adventure seekers.
This tour offers diverse activities, including a two-day rafting trip on the Pacuare River and exploration of Monteverde’s cloud forests. While cycling is limited to La Fortuna, the itinerary ensures plenty of active experiences across Costa Rica’s varied terrains. The tour concludes on the Caribbean coast, where travelers can unwind in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or take on additional adventures like surfing and jungle hikes.
Ultimate Italy
Duration – 14 days
Cost – $3,500
The Ultimate Italy is a busy 14-day journey through Italy’s most iconic regions, offering a blend of cultural exploration with some cycling activities chucked in to keep the lycra-philiacs satisfied. In the Tuscan town of Montepulciano, travelers have the opportunity to rent bicycles and ride through the rolling hills, immersing themselves in the utterly picturesque countryside.
While the tour primarily focuses on Italy’s cultural and historical experiences (such as visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice) the optional cycling excursion in Montepulciano provides an active way to engage with Italy’s rural charm. This blend of structured sightseeing and optional physical activity caters to travelers seeking a comprehensive Italian experience with a touch of adventure.
Journeys: Explore Belize
Duration – 9 Days
Cost – $1,800
Finally, here we have a 9-day adventure that offers a variety of activities, including an exciting opportunity for cycling enthusiasts. In the coastal town of Caye Caulker, participants can opt for a biking excursion to explore the island’s scenic paths and local attractions. This optional activity allows travelers to experience the laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty of Caye Caulker at their own pace.
While the tour focuses on cultural and natural exploration, such as visiting ancient Maya ruins and snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef, the optional cycling activity in Caye Caulker provides an active way to engage with the island’s unique environment. This blend of adventure and relaxation caters to travelers seeking a comprehensive Belizean experience with opportunities for physical activity.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bike Tour
When selecting a bike tour, consider the following:
- Fitness Level: Assess your physical condition and choose a tour that matches your endurance and skill level. While we totally advocate being ambitious and setting yourself challenges, you need to balance this with being realistic.
- Tour Duration: Ensure the length of the tour aligns with your schedule and moreover your stamina!
- Terrain: Research the route’s terrain to select a tour that suits your cycling preferences, whether it’s flat roads or hilly paths. You can speak to G Adventures or the tour provider if you have any doubt.
- Tour Company Features: Look for companies that offer small group sizes, support vehicles, quality cycling equipment, and flexible itineraries.
- Packing Essentials: Bring appropriate clothing, a comfortable saddle, any personal cycling gear you want to bring, and any necessary medications. Also pay attention to any packing guidance the tour provider offers you.
Final Thoughts
Organized bike tours offer an unparalleled way to explore the world, combining adventure, culture, and physical activity into one seamless experience. G Adventures’ diverse cycling tours stand out for their well-planned itineraries, expert guides, and commitment to sustainable travel.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to bike tours, there’s an adventure waiting for you. Explore these tours further and embark on a journey that pedals beyond the ordinary.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
