See the world on two wheels. One of the best ways to explore a country and experience some of the lesser-known sights off the beaten track is by bike. Enjoy challenging uphill cycles, or pedal effortlessly through country lanes and stop to soak in the scenery, it’s up to you. No matter how you choose to cycle, this guide highlights some of the best routes on our cycling adventures as well as the most immersive cultural experiences you can enjoy along the way in 2023.
January: Cycling in Vietnam
Best month to cycle: January when there is less rain and cooler temperatures.
Trip highlights: Cycle through the backroads and fruit and rubber plantations towards the coast. Bidoup National Park with its huge pine forests and paddy fields, and Hai van Pass with its mountain views are particularly stunning. Space is limited on our January 2023 departures, so book now and give yourself a fabulous cycling adventure to look forward to. Due to the milder and drier weather, January is the best month for cycling in Vietnam.
Experience: Celebrate Tet Vietnamese New Year on 22nd January 2023
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly flat tarmac with some undulation and a challenging ride at Dalat and the Hai Van Pass.
Secure your place: Cycling in Vietnam
February: The Algarve, Portugal
Best month to cycle: With an average maximum temperature of 17°C in February, you can enjoy pleasant cycles, with cooler evenings and little to no crowds.
Trip highlights: Discover quiet fishermen’s villages and deserted cycling routes as you take on peaceful rides along the coast and lush green forests inland.
Experience: Take time to explore the beautiful towns of Sagres and Lagos that are rich in maritime history.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/Moderate, with mostly flat coastal cycles.
Secure your place: Cycling in the Real Algarve
March: The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Best month to cycle: Weather in the mountains will always be unpredictable, but in March the temperature in Morocco can reach the low twenties, making it a comfortable cycle. And precipitation tends to be much lower than in the winter months.
Trip highlights: Our March departure of the Atlas Descent will be led by renowned explorer, TV presenter, and Exodus brand ambassador, Aldo Kane. “This trip is a combination of my two favourite pastimes: biking and being in the mountains. Also, my son’s name is “Atlas”, so this trip really stuck out for me.” If you want to join Aldo in Morocco, hurry – at the time of writing there are only five places left on our March departure.
Experience: Fast singletracks through palm trees, ancient hair pinned muleteer’s routes, and warm Berber hospitality and culture.
Difficulty level: Challenging, mountainous terrain with 6000m of exhilarating descents
Secure your place: Atlas Descent with Aldo Kane
April: Cycling Cuba
Best month to cycle: April is one of the drier months in Cuba with pleasantly warm temperatures.
Trip highlights: As you cycle the length of Cuba, riding along country routes flanked by forests and patchwork fields, you’ll discover the vibrant culture of Trinidad and the incredible history of Santiago and Havana.
Experience: Take part in a traditional salsa dance class.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac roads at low altitude.
Secure your place: Cycling Cuba
May: Cycle Pisa to Florence
Best month to cycle: May is one of the best times to cycle in Italy as the temperature is cooler and the scenery is lush.
Trip highlights: Cycle across the ancient city walls of Lucca where you’ll enjoy spectacular views. Tuscany’s undulating hills and the valleys of the Apennines create one of the most scenic backdrops on this tour.
Experience: Exploring the great artistic treasures of Florence as you admire the city’s world renowned museums, palaces, and churches.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – mostly tarmac country roads.
June: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Best month to cycle: Summer in the Baltic states tend to be pleasantly warm, ranging from 20C to 30C. And with a high latitude summer days have plenty of sunlight; up to 19 hours at its peak.
Trip highlights: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are brimming with culture: from fairytale cityscapes to vibrant street art. The majestic Trakai Island Castle in Lithuania is a must-see that deserves exploring.
Experience: Cycling along the windswept Curonian Split admiring the high dunes of the Lithuanian Sahara and the many sculptures created by local artists.
Difficulty level: Leisurely / Moderate – easy cycling along paved roads. E-bike hire available on request.
Secure your place: Cycle the Baltics
July: Cycle Madagascar
Best month to cycle: July into early August is among the driest months in Madagascar and is a great time to go whale watching.
Trip highlights: Discover the diverse landscapes of this beautiful island as you cycle along quiet roads and witness the unusual rock formations and natural pools of Isalo National Park. You’ll also explore the Ranomafana National Park with its thundering waterfalls and plummeting canyons.
Experience: Visit the impressive geysers of Analavory where the naturally heated water is a popular swimming spot for locals.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly surfaced roads with some rough sections
Secure your place: Cycle Madagascar
August: Cycling the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
Best month to cycle: Even though it’s monsoon season from May to September, August is the exception. This is an inter-monsoon month with fewer days of rainfall and generally wonderful weather.
Trip highlights: Explore the ancient cities, national parks and idyllic beaches of this incredibly diverse island country. As well as cycling among tea estates and climbing the rock fortress at Sigiriya, you’ll also discover the spectacular cave temple at Dambulla.
Experience: Go in search of the elusive leopard at Yala National Park.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly tarmac roads along quiet routes with regular inclines.
Secure your place: Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka
September: Cycling the Cape Winelands
Best month to cycle: Between August and September is mating and calving season in Hermanus, making it one of the best times to go whale watching.
Trip highlights: The ride to Bloubergstrand boasts an immense backdrop of Cape Town and the illustrious Table Mountain. Cycle along the famous Cape Argus route among some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery.
Experience: Whale watching in the bay from Hermanus.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly tarmac roads with relaxed cycling but some challenging climbs.
Secure your place: Cycling the Cape & Winelands
October: Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
Best month to cycle: October is the summer period in Chile and Argentina so you can take advantage of the extended hours of daylight.
Trip highlights: As you cycle between tranquil lakes, hot springs, ancient forests, and imposing volcanoes, you’ll discover the natural beauty of South America. Walk through Conguillio National Park and journey along the famous Seven Lakes Road to San Martin.
Experience: Visit the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in the Patagonian Andes, a protected area with some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly tarmac roads and quiet routes.
Secure your place: Cycling the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
November: Cycling through Rajasthan
Best month to cycle: Although November is winter season in Rajasthan, the temperatures are still warm but more pleasant for cycling.
Trip highlights: Cycle along the backroads and to the deserted royal city of Fatehpur Sikri before arriving at the Taj Mahal to watch the sunset is one of the most unforgettable journeys on the trip.
Experience: Attend the Diwali Festival of Lights and join in the religious and cultural celebrations with fireworks, prayers and feasts.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Mostly surfaced backroads with three steep (optional) climbs.
Secure your place: Cycling through Rajasthan
December: Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride
Best month to cycle: December is Costa Rica’s dry season and the warm temperatures make it perfect for exploring the rainforest over the Christmas period.
Trip highlights: As you cycle along the iconic Coastal Highway, you’ll travel among forests and hills with the most stunning panoramas of the Pacific.
Experience: Visit Tortuguero National Park to go in search of Costa Rica’s prolific wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas and hundreds of species of birds.
Difficulty level: Moderate – mostly quiet, tarmac roads with some moderate climbs.
Secure your place: Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride
If this has inspired you to start planning a cycling trip for 2023, browse our full collection of cycling trips here.
