The best cycling and multi-activity trips for 2018

There are days when I like to just explore a city or sit back with a good book. And then there are days when I like to have fun and be active. Cycle the backroads of Sri Lanka, kayak a pretty stream, clamber through a deep canyon or hike a nice trail. There are lots of tours to choose from and at Adventure Coordinators we have lined up the best new cycling and multi-activity trips for 2018.

Italy & Switzerland: Cycling the Italian and Swiss Lakes 8 days from $2,465 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 The Italian lakes of Como and Maggiore are famed for their forested hills and medieval properties overlooking the glistening blue waters. This is a fascinating place to discover on two wheels with excellent roads that closely follow the winding shores. We visit the 10th Century Borromean castle, Villa del Balbianello with its ornate Italian garden and the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a striking overhanging abbey built by a rich merchant. There will be opportunities to taste plenty of delicious local produce en route, including cheese, cold meats, honey, wines and ice cream, before riding across the border to Lugano in Switzerland for a visit to a Chocolate Museum. The excellent cycle rides will hopefully help you build up an appetite! Email for more information

Croatia & Slovenia: Cycle Northern Croatia & Slovenia 8 days from $1,705 Rated moderate to challenging, 4 out of 10 Starting in the enchanting 900 year old capital city of Zagreb, this tour takes us on a pedal powered journey through vast canyons and deep river valleys, over country borders and onto the largest island in Croatia. Starting with two days cycling through Slovenia we follow the beautiful Kupa River Valley discovering hilltop castles and the impressive karst scenery of the Gorski Kotar Mountains. Once back in Croatia we traverse Krk Island and head north to the Istria Peninsular. Here the scenery changes as we cycle through rolling green hills, vineyards and olive groves to the stunning UNESCO town of Poreč. Email for more information

France & Luxembourg: The Lorraine by bike and barge 7 days from $1790 Rated introductory to moderate, 2 out of 10 Quiet forest trails, Roman villa's and typical French villages are just a few of the highlights on this journey through some of middle Europe's prettiest landscapes. By day, cycle along dedicated bike paths between the Moselle and Meurthe rivers, pass through villages such as Schengen where the Schengen Treaty was signed, visit cities such as Nancy or the old fortress city of LIverdun and enjoy picnic lunches in specially chosen locations. After the cycle day is over, relax on board your comfortable barge, accompany your guide on a walk through the city of Metz or a visit a wine cellar in Nennig. This relaxed pace cycle is an ideal introduction to the delights of travelling by bike while benefiting from the support of your guide and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. Email for more information

France: Ardeche Fitness week 8 days from $3,035 Rated moderate to challenging, 4 out of 10 The Ardeche region of southern France offers all the key elements for an active fitness week. The natural landscape of the imposing gorge and surrounding mountains offer trails and tracks a plenty for running, cycling and kayaking whilst we also have a brand new gym at our disposal for other targeted sessions. Given the area's reputation for glorious sunshine we aim to be outside for the majority of the time and run some of our fitness sessions in the beautiful grounds of the Ferme de Bournet, our home for the week. Under the guidance of our fitness professional this week can be a kickstart to fitness or a key component to achieving a specific goal. Good food is another given in France and the Ardeche is no exception, so whilst we will work hard, there are ample rewards, with all meals included. Email for more information

Macedonia & Greece: Macedonia to Meteora cycle 14 days from $2490 Rated moderate to challenging, 4 out of 10 The Republic of Macedonia and the district of Macedonia in northern Greece are ideal to explore by bike. Our carefully chosen route is equally challenging and rewarding, allowing you to discover an area rich in both culture and history. You'll cycle along fantastic tarmac roads with little traffic, while marveling at the unspoiled nature and meeting friendly people at every stop. In Macedonia, take in the beautiful crystal clear lakes of Ohrid and Prespa near the foothills of the Pelister National Park and the historical city of Bitola which during the Ottoman domination was a prominent Balkan commercial city. Once in Greece you'll pass through Agios Panteleimon, a historic and world class wine region, before arriving in Meteora. The giant pinnacles of Meteora topped with ancient monasteries are one of the most extraordinary rock formations in the world and also a highlight of this cycling holiday. Email for more information

Russia: Moscow and beyond guided cycle 8 days from $2890 Rated introductory to moderate, 2 out of 10 There are few cycling trips which capture so much of a country's historical, natural and cultural legacies within the space of a week, as this trip does between some of Russia's most colourful cities. The list of highlights are vast, from sightseeing in Moscow, to following mostly car free routes along the mighty Volga River and between such cities as Dmitrov, Vladimir and Tver. In Sergiev Posad, home to one of the most revered monasteries in Russia, the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius, we gain an insight into the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, whilst in Vladimir, the medieval capital of Russia, we view 12th century buildings which survived the city's rich history. Enroute we stay in handpicked accommodation from a restored manor house to a holiday park Russian style, to a city hotel in the heart of Moscow's historic centre. Email for more information

Zambia & Malawi: Livingstone's Africa 16 days from $3691 Rated Adventure Touring, 2 out of 10 Experience the relaxed pace of these lesser travelled African nations on this exciting journey across Zambia and Malawi. Along the way you will be treated to the immensity of Victoria Falls, some of Africa's best wildlife viewing opportunities, on foot, by safari vehicle and even from a canoe as you glide down the Zambezi, the warmth of Malawi's people and its little known scenic beauties. It's easy to appreciate why David Livingstone devoted his life to this part of Africa and it's people and along the way you will be reminded of his legacy. In the spirit of Livingston this trip is for those who enjoy a liberal dose of adventure and a variety of experiences and provides much of what travellers have come to expect from and African adventure with numerous opportunities for wildlife spotting but also allows you to see that there is much more to Africa than the big 5. Email for more information

Madagascar: Cycle Madagascar 14 days from $3960 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 Highland plains, verdant rainforests and tea plantations are the setting for this cycling adventure in Madagascar. We travel from the Malagasy capital to the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean, cycling the most rewarding sections on largely quiet roads to bring you closer to the sights, sounds and smells. Along the way we explore Ranomafana and Isalo National Parks on foot, hoping to see some species of lemur as well as endemic reptiles, birds and plants. Finally, we reward ourselves with time on the golden beaches of Ifaty before returning to the capital by plane. Email for more information

Sri Lanka Mixed Activity 10 days from $2,465 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 With its shores lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, an interior made up of mountains and hill country and an incredible variety of wildlife; Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for activities and adventure. Over 10 action-packed days we climb the famous pilgrimage site of Adam’s Peak, enjoy white water rafting and kayaking on the lakes and rivers of the interior, cycle through ancient Buddhist cities and search for elephants and leopard in Wilpattu National Park. Our adventure ends on the beautiful white sand beaches of this tropical island paradise where we have the option of enjoying further activities, or simply just having a well-earned rest in the sun. Email for more information

Bhutan: hike & bike 13 days from $4801 Rated introductory to moderate, 4 out of 10 With its high mountain trails and sealed mainly car free roads, the Kingdom of Bhutan lends itself to exploration on foot and by bike. Pedal through the Paro Valley to the foot of the famous Taktsang 'Tigers Nest' Monastery, built high on a Himalayan cliff, freewheel from the Dochu La (3110m) to the Punakha Valley and take in the cultural highlights of Thimphu by bike. Swapping our two wheels for our hiking boots we follow trails that lead high above the Paro and Thimphu valleys to gain unrivalled views of the Himalayan peaks that define the borderlands of Bhutan and Tibet. Much of the route is through pristine forests of conifer, oak and rhododendron while part of the trek experience is encountering yak herders as they establish their summer encampments. During the trip there is ample time to wander through markets and appreciate the monasteries and forts that reflect the deep cultural heritage of this remarkable Buddhist kingdom. Email for more information

Indonesia: Cycling Indonesia's Islands 13 days from $2,845 Rated moderate, 3 out of 10 Active volcanoes tower over rice paddies and coffee plantations. Jungles fringe tropical beaches on the edge of coral-rich waters. Village and temples dot the landscape where age-old traditions are still followed today. This is the backdrop through which we cycle up to craters and down to fishing villages, along asphalt roads and rainforest trails. On two wheels we explore some of the quieter parts of the islands of Bali and Java uncovering a patchwork of sights, sounds and smells. Email for more information

Australia: The Great Tasmanian Traverse 39 days from $13,921 Rated challenging, 7 out of 10 The Tasmanian Traverse is a unique annual adventure which combines five popular trips over a five-week period. We travel by trail, raft, light plane and yacht to cover Tasmania from the quiet, rural communities of the North to the wild and isolated South. Trek from the sandy beaches of Penguin, through valleys and canyons, gradually climbing up to the highlands over six days on the Coast to Cradle Trail. We then walk the world renowned Overland Track via Cradle Mountain and into quartzite country on the Frenchmans Cap Trek. Next we kick off our hiking boots and pull on wetsuits for eight days Rafting the Franklin River. At the end of this, the famous Stormbreaker yacht will sail us down the Gordon River to Strahan on the mid-west coast. The final leg of this journey treks the South Coast Track, a rugged and wonderfully rewarding trail that weaves over and around mountains, beaches and rivers. Email for more information

Nicaragua & Costa Rica Adventure 8 days from $2581 Rated introductory, 3 out of 10 Discover the volcanic landscapes, forests and beaches of Nicaragua and Costa Rica on an active journey encompassing the very best experiences to fully appreciate these countries natural features. From the elegant colonial city of Granada, discover Nicaragua’s chequered history before ascending trails through Cloud forest to the crater of Mombacho Volcano. Spend time on Ometepe island which offers ideal conditions for cycling along timeless roads and swimming in natural lagoons while savouring the unique landscape. Crossing into Costa Rica we'll have the opportunity to bask in the healing mineral waters of hot springs and hike to the base of the beautifully symmetrical Arenal Volcano before exploring a lush tropical cloud forest. Email for more information

Peru: Bike, climb & hike 10 days from CA$3265 Rated challenging 4 out of 5 Travel to Peru and retrace the steps of the ancient Inca – quite literally as you trek through the fertile heartland of the Peruvian Amazon on foot. Skirt along zip lines, haul yourself up cliff faces using via ferrata climbers and pedal past farming communities as you get closer to the secrets of this elusive civilisation on a breathtaking adventure along the Inca Trail. Email for more information

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