For the first—and probably last!—time in my life, I got what felt like VIP service, because the amazing and honorable company that Exodus is, let this trip run even though I ended up being the only guest! From what I could tell, the trip was run almost exactly how it would have had there been a full complement of guests, and I think I even got a few extra perks that I may not have been afforded otherwise. The cycling was fantastic with great routes, and only a handful of stretches that really tested my limits, otherwise it was mostly very manageable. There were a few cultural stops during the rides and in the evenings that were a nice change of pace and provided interesting insight into Romania’s past. The guesthouses ran the gamut but always provided nice cozy places to rest each night. Finally, food was perfect for me—breakfasts were pretty consistent, and lunches and dinners had a nice range of soups, sandwiches, salads, main courses, and desserts that hit the spot after a nice day of cycling!
Croatia Cycling Holidays
Our Croatia Cycling Tours
Top 5 Towns to Explore on Croatia Cycling Tours
Hvar: With its narrow, zig-zagging streets, Gothic palaces and trendy seafood restaurants, the Dalmatian port town of Hvar is a firm favourite for foodies and history lovers. It has been compared to a mini-Venice and its swanky harbour filled with yachts often attracts an A-list crowd in the summer, but there’s lots more to explore here. Walk among the ancient walls to discover striking cathedrals and centuries-old architecture or head up to the hilltop fortress for panoramic coastal views. You’ll also find several sun-drenched beaches and inland, sweet-smelling lavender fields.
Dubrovnik Old Town: Hugged on all sides by its imposing city walls, Dubrovnik Old Town is packed with history and old-world charm. The walls are some of the best-preserved in the world and you can enjoy the most incredible views as you walk along them. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta-tiled roofs of the city make Dubrovnik instantly recognisable from the coast. The streets of the Old Town are lined with churches, ornate palaces and fountains, creating a sublime backdrop for its many restaurants. WE recommend taking a pitstop on cycling holidays in Croatia to indulge in some of the finest seafood dishes in Dalmatia.
Pula: Right at the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula is mostly known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatres and ancient temples. Among its meandering streets, you’ll also find historical landmarks, stylish boutiques, galleries and restaurants. You might even fancy hopping off your bike to hydrate at one of the open-air bars where you can mix with the locals, or head down to the vibrant harbour and watch the yachts come into dock. A boat ride from Pula to Brijuni National Park will introduce you to the island’s impressive Roman villas, Brijuni zoo and Byzantine villages, where you can learn about the history of Marshal Josip Tito.
Korcula: At the heart of Korcula Island lies Korcula town with its marble-fronted buildings, red roofs and ancient port. The town stands beneath the gaze of the Dinaric Alps and is a true gem worth exploring on trips to Croatia. Many visitors come to sample the world-famous wines and fish stew, but the stunning scenery is a huge lure too. The medieval walls wrap around narrow cobbled streets where there’s a real air of history and rustic charm. Korcula is often compared to Dubrovnik, although it is less frequented by the tourist crowd. This is a great place to delve deeper into the soul of Dalmatia and experience life as a local.
Rovinj: Also known as the Venice of Istria, Rovinj is made up of a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and red-roofed houses that tumble down to the sea. Undoubtedly, it’s a Dalmatian beauty but there’s so much more to Rovinj than its aesthetics. Walk along the colourful harbour or visit the 18th-century St Euphemia’s Basilica where you’ll find noteworthy artwork and ornate frescoes. Winding up to St Euphemia is Grisia, a cobblestone street lined with art galleries and local, artisanal crafts, which transforms into a cultural hub in the summer.
Belinda Oh Cycle Romania
Christopher Mather Cycle Indochina & AngkorThis was a good adventure through three countries, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Starting with Thailand, the first day’s cycling had a mix of temples to see as well as cycling but I felt that day 2 and 3 we were just cycling to get out of Thailand with not much to see and was a bit boring. Cambodia was amazing with not just the amazing Angkor complex, but also the more sombre sights of Phnom Penh, S-21 and the Killing Fields, where our local guide’s personal stories really made you think. Vietnam was different again, with much better scenery for cycling and a lovely stay in the Mekong Delta. Saigon, you are left to explore on your own. I visited the War Remnants museum and the Independence Palace, which both were an interesting visit. The local teams who organised the cycling, were well organised with a special shout out to the Vietnam team, though their roads were the bumpiest.
Robert Bowman Cycle the BalticsGood trip enjoyed by all
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