Get After It! Cycling Adventures with Challenges and Thrills

Whether you’re using electric power or your own muscles, there’s nothing quite so exhilarating as the thrill of conquering a challenging climb. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of notching your belt with a legendary summit in Catalonia—or perhaps the spectacular slopes of New Zealand are calling your name. Whatever your fancy, VBT knows the feeling! Cyclists ourselves, we’re elated by the challenge of pedaling the legendary climbs that have forged champions. Best yet, with pedal-assist E-bikes available on most VBT vacations, these scenic cycling routes are now accessible to riders of all skill levels and abilities.

To design tantalizing cycling adventures with extended mileage options and a few good climbs, we’ve put our cycling expertise and passion to good use—finding sweet slopes, delightful hotels, and unique cultural experiences to bring the full flavor of your destination to life.

A Bike & Boat Adventure in the Dalmatian Hills

Croatia Bike & Boat: Split & the Dalmatian Islands by Yacht: Unpack only once—then tackle the hills of the Dalmatian Islands! With available E-bikes, these spectacular summits are easily accessible—or perhaps you’ll choose to burn some extra calories while riding a carbon-fiber road bike. During the day, your trip leaders will guide you through some of the region’s most splendid scenery—and introduce you to many local VBT friends along the way. As your luxurious yacht cruises around the Dalmatian Islands, you’ll spend days in the saddle and evenings relaxing on the water.

Guided Adventures with Hill Climbs and Support

Italy: Sicily, the Noto Valley & Syracuse Guided Tour: With multiple independent ride options, this Sicilian cycling adventure is perfect for riders seeking extra mileage. Pedal along the sunlit coast, passing olive and orange groves. Along the way, stop at a local farm where you’re a welcomed guest for a sumptuous lunch in traditional Sicilian style. In addition to these thrilling rides, Sicily offers an extra challenge for VBT guests: keeping up with the abundance of fresh, delicious Sicilian cuisine.

England & Scotland: Lake District to Edinburgh Guided Tour: With VBT’s insider access to remote corners of the British Isles, we’ll lead you over hill and dale through some of the last wilderness in England—including rides through the scenic Lake District, the remote and pristine expanse of the Northern Pennines, and the sweeping vistas of the Tweed Valley. The wild, rugged scenery is stunningly gorgeous—and offers a satisfying array of challenging climbs and wind-swept moors.

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: Enjoy fascinating riding through forests and wetlands on mostly unpaved trails through New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. Along the way, you’ll strap on your hiking boots for invigorating walks in places two wheels can’t reach—like the Franz Josef Glacier, and the Okarito Lagoon viewpoint. As you explore this naturalist’s paradise, you’ll meet many of VBT’s Kiwi friends—including local sheep and cattle ranchers, and a renowned environmentalist who leads you on an evening jaunt to visit a colony of glowworms.

Utah: Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks Guided Tour: This splendid cycling vacation throughout Utah’s unique landscape is rated easy/moderate—but the optional independent cycling routes provide additional challenge for any rider. Along the way, you’ll pedal past incredible fields of sandstone hoodoos and natural arches—occasionally, trading your cycling shoes for hiking boots as you explore the majestic canyons and waterfalls on foot.

Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands Guided Tour: Both charming and hilly, the sun-drenched Dalmatian Islands are the perfect spot to add on extra cycling challenges. As you pedal along the azure coastline, you’ll have plenty of options for longer rides—as well as shorter options if you’re in the mood to just relax and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery and fresh cuisine.

Greece: Sparta, Monemvasia & the Peloponnesian Peninsula Guided Tour: The legendary hills of the Peloponnese provide stunning views as you discover the ancient athletic culture of this storied region. Soar to scenic vistas on an E-bike—or get an amazing workout as you pedal a carbon-fiber road bike to the exalted summit. Along the way, you’ll explore charming fishing villages, discover traditional Byzantine cuisine, and view the awe-inspiring coastal vistas that have earned Monemvasia the moniker “Gibraltar of the East.”

Climb at Your Own Pace with Self-Guided Adventures

Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava Self-Guided Tour: The legendary hills of Catalonia are renowned for forging champions. This is where the pros come to train—and you can too! This self-guided vacation gives you the flexibility to decide how much, or how little, of a challenge you’d like each day. Whether you’re grinding your way up a steep incline or spinning gently along the coast, you’ll encounter the spectacular coastal vistas of Costa Brava along the way.

Italy: Sardinia, Carloforte, Sulcis & Chia Self-Guided Tour: With stunning coastal views, low-traffic cycling routes, and more then a few good climbs, this self-guided Sardinia adventure is truly exceptional. Here, you’ll discover the quiet side of the island – where you’re more likely to see shepherds tending sheep than cars or trucks. Along the way, enjoy spectacular sandy beaches, restaurants featuring vibrant Sardinian seafood (including the freshest tuna in the world!), and the unique cultural traditions that make this island unlike any place else on Earth.

Vermont: Middlebury Countryside & the Lake Champlain Coast Self-Guided Tour: Ride from inn to inn on this iconic adventure through Vermont’s scenic hills. With plenty of ride options, this self-guided adventure gives you the flexibility to take on extra miles and challenge yourself to some exhilarating elevations—or just take it easy and enjoy a gentle spin through Vermont’s charming, bucolic landscape.