Burgundy Region, FranceYes, great wine is definitely on the menu when travelling through Burgundy’s cycling trails, but it isn’t all. The cycling trails from the region’s elegant capital Dijon, down to the celebrated wine towns of Nuit Saint Georges and Beaune can take you way beyond the vineyards, through a rich historic heritage of lakes, canals and clifftop villages. For the pedaling wine lover, there’s the 44-km ride from Beaune into the spectacular Ouche valley along the villages of Nantoux and Bessey-en-Chaume. Catch a wine auction on your way and try the wine pairings with the cuisine of this region, like Bresse chicken with Époisses sauce and a pot of Burgundy snails with ground hazelnuts. Image by Michal Szymanski / Shutterstock
Bali, IndonesiaEscape the tourist-heavy beaches and plush resorts, and take a leisurely ride in Bali’s hilly interior with its Unesco-listed rice terraces. Easily accessed from Ubud, these sleepy villages provide a unique opportunity to experience the pastoral life of the Balinese farmer. A one-track path takes travellers through rice fields, tropical rainforest valleys, and along the river to Sebatu village, renowned for its artisans: Woodcarvers, sculptors, and musicians can be found plying their craft against sweeping views of coconut plantations. One of Bali’s most picturesque landscapes, just north of Ubud, is the rice terraces of Tegalalang, showcasing a masterful use of rich mountain water for cultivation. For a more challenging ride, try the ride up the foothills of Bangli (with its local market full of exotic fruit and spices), leading to Pura Kehen, the second largest temple in Bali. Image by Inbound Horizons / Shutterstock
High Atlas region, MoroccoFor the fun adventure family, what better way to push the boundaries than cycle through the wild Berber heartland of casbahs and oases in the shadow of the High Atlas mountains? With its roots in Africa, but charged with Eastern exoticism, Morocco represents an incredible and truly different destination. From Marrakech, the cycling route takes you to the Ouirgane, a village along red-earth hills and pine forests and Agafay Desert, a wild, barren landscape of light-hued rocks and green oases and involves camping in the desert under the shadow of the mountains until the Atlantic coast. Combine it with camel rides, surfing and treasure hunt in souks for a memorable journey. Image by TDway / Shutterstock
Hadrian’s Cycleway, United KingdomIt is a wild coast-to-coast ride along the northern boundary of the old Roman Empire, with low hills that don’t rise above 250m. The rich heritage of Cumbria, the rugged beauty of Northumberland and the Roman forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda en route are vivid lessons in ancient history. We recommend the 135-km coast-to-coast section, from Carlisle to Newcastle, which has the best scenery and is the easiest to get to. Be the first to spot the ‘Blinking Eye’ bridge in Newcastle and get a well-deserved pint of local ale at Corbridge. Image by Kevin Standage / Shutterstock
Lofoten Islands, NorwayNorway is expensive, but a priceless experience for a gently-paced family cycling holiday. The Lofoten Islands in the far north offer an impossibly scenic—and largely flat—way to explore fjords and picturesque fishing hamlets like Henningsvær, Nusfjord and Reine under the glowing, magical light of the midnight sun. Jagged peaks sweep down to the sea, leaving a narrow brim of coastal road with breathtaking views. Go past Stone Age settlements and old boathouses, a doll museum and innumerable art galleries. Stay at lovely quayside rorbus (traditionally-painted, fishermen’s wood cabins perched on stilts). And brave a fjord dip for an invigorating experience, Scandinavian style. Image by Harvepino / Shutterstock
