GROUP TOURS

In Scotland and Ireland these tours might be better named as "supported tours" because with no cycling leader each party is free to travel independently at their own pace. The advantage, however, is the support of well informed guide to supply information about places of interest and ensure that your bike is ready to go. The luggage is moved ahead each day and the support vehicle sweeps the road to offer a lift if you wish a break from cycling. Most persons choose to join in the evening meal to exchange stories of the day and over the week friendships are created which outlast the holiday.

In the countries of mainland Europe the format varies and the details are listed with each itinerary.


SCOTLAND

THE GREAT GLEN CYCLE ROUTE 7 Nights/8 Days Map
A spectacular journey from Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William.A day in Fort William to explore, try some mountain biking in the forest or climb mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Leave Fort William by train across desolate Rannoch Moor to Loch Rannoch and then Pitlochry.Visit Blair Castle to see the fine collections of armour, paintings and china. There are fine views of the River Tummel as you leave Pitlochry. Cross the River Tay at Logierait and on to the historic cathedral town of Dunkeld. The tour ends at the busy town of Perth where you will find interesting shopping. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 9th, 23rd August 2008
PRICE: £485 per person. Single Supplement £140

 

HIGHLAND GLENS & LOWLAND HILLS 7 Nights/8 Days 
An exciting journey through some of Scotlands finest scenery from the remote glens of Highland Perthshire to the beautiful Trossachs Region often described as "The Highlands in Miniature". The scenic route winds its way along the shores of beautiful rivers and lochs in the shadow of majestic mountains. Visit distilleries and castles, sail on Loch Katrine and explore the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. From the sheltered Victorian resort town of Pitlochry the tour travels to Aberfeldy, on by Loch Tay to Killin and from there on the cycle track down Glen Ogle to Lochearnhead. Perhaps pause to visit Rob Roy's grave in the peaceful churchyard at Balquidder and view the Falls of Leny before arriving at the bustling main town of Callander with its wide variety of woollen and craft shops. Sail on the century old steamer SS Sir Walter Scott to appreciate the splendour of Loch Katrine, visit Inversnaid on the banks of Loch Lomond or cycle to Aberfoyle. At historic Stirling, the last stop on your memorable journey, visit the magnificent Castle perched high on a rock above the town. Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATE: Saturday 12th July 2008
PRICE: £475 per person. Single Supplement £140

 

IRELAND

 

CLARE & BURREN 7 Nights/8 Days Map

Clare is the music centre of Ireland and on this tour you are sure to have your feet tapping to traditional tunes nearly every night of the week. The Burren region is also an amazing limestone moonscape, famous around the world for its wonderful variety of botany. The area is rich in ancient and early Christian historical sites and offers some beautiful coastal cycling overlooking Galway Bay. Finally Clare is home to the cliffs of Moher the highest marine based cliffs in Europe and  one of the best known images of Ireland. Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 3rd, 31st May; 14th, 28th June; 12th July; 2nd Aug; 13th Sept, 2008

PRICE: £465 per person. Single Supplement £145

High Season supplement July & August £22 per person

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CONNEMARA, GALWAY & MAYO 7 Nights/8 Days Map
Connemara is perfect cycling country, where roads go around the hills rather than over them. The scenery changes from dramatic mountain ranges and fjords to sweeping open bogland and rocky fractured coastline. Take the ferry to explore the historic Aran island of Inis Mor in Galway Bay. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 26th April; 17th May; 7th, 28th, June; 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July; 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th Aug; 27th Sept, 2008

PRICE: £465 per person. Single Supplement £145

High Season supplement July & August £22 per person

 

WEST CORK & KERRY 7 Nights/8 Days Map
This tour covers some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery. From Killarney cycle between the majestic lakes which have made this area so famous and climb to Molls gap for wonderful views of the Macgillycuddyreeks, Irelands highest mountain range. The rest of the week involves more stunning scenery with a wonderful coastal cycle along Kenmare Bay and the twisted mountains of the Beara Peninsula. On the rest day relax in the pretty fishing village of Schull and visit beautiful, peaceful Cape Clear Island. Journey inland and stay at a lovely lakeside retreat at the source of the River Lee before the final cycle over the wild and remote hills of the Coolea region to Killarney. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 10th, 24th May; 21st June; 5th, 19th July; 2nd, 16th Aug; 6th, 20th Sept, 2008
PRICE: £465 per person. Single Supplement £145

High Season supplement July & August £22 per person

 

HUNGARY

 

MapROMANTIC HUNGARY 8 Nights/9 Days
Although it is unfortunate there is no dedicated cycle path along the Danube between Vienna and Budapest, it does mean that our inland route is free from crowds of tourists and cyclists. Travel on safe, tranquil roads, through beautiful countryside far away from mass-tourism. It is mainly flat with small inclines along the two largest lakes in Hungary.Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Sunday start: 25th May; 6th, 13th, 20th July; 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st Aug; 14th Sept, 2008

PRICE: £550 per person. Single Supplement £120 (includes half-board)

 

Hungary mapSPA TOUR THROUGH THE PUSZTA 7 Nights/8 Days
Hungary's Great Plain is an enormous prairie stretching hundreds of miles east of Budapest. Known as the Puszta -meaning "deserted", the sunshine and dry continental air provide an ideal climate for this bike tour on the Eastern Plain. In a region rich in thermal and healing spas, each night of the bike voyage provides an opportunity to refresh, relax and regenerate. All ages will enjoy the easy cycling, pleasant climate and stress relieving spas of this special tour. Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start: 17th May; 7th, 14th, 28th June; 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July; 2nd, 16th, 23rd August; 6th, 20th Sept, 2008.

PRICE: £515 per person. Single Supplement £100 (includes half-board)

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ITALY

EXPLORE TUSCANY BY BIKE 7 Nights/8 Days Map
Tour this Classical region of Italy and enjoy the delightful countryside, excellent cuisine and masterpieces of art and historythat combine to make an unforgettable experience. Visit Pisa, Florence and travel through the scenic Chianti region to sample its famous wine.

Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start: 3rd, 17th, 31st May; 14th June; 30th August; 13th, 27th Sept, 2008
PRICE: £725 per person. Single Supplement £150 (includes half-board)

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POLAND

Poland MapTHE GREAT MASURIAN LAKES 7 Nights/8 Days
A fascinating tour in one of Poland's beautiful Landscape Parks by lakes and through forests. Enjoy the unspoilt countryside and peaceful surroundings of this region of 3000 lakes. Ride forest trails, take to the water in kyaks or perhaps try horse riding. Included are a guided tour of Warsaw, coach transfer to the tour start, a visit to Hitler's former headquarters and a visit to Swieta Lipka. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start, weekly from 17th May - 30th August 2008
PRICE: £430 per person. Single Supplement £80 (includes half board)

 

TATRA MOUNTAINS & DUNAJEC RIVER 7 Nights/8 Days

The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains separating Poland from its southern neighbour, Slovakia. The Podhale - "Mountain meadows" is Poland's most southern region and is located in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. Our cycling adventure begins in the shadow of these mountains at Zab. We will discover sleepy, picturesque medieval towns and villages where the age old rythms of life still continue. The majority of this tour follows the Dunajec mountain river with the famous Dunajec Gorge running through the Pieniny Hills. You cycle through unspoilt and sparsely populated countryside where farm animals and horsedrawn carts are still a common sight and the local people are hospitable and friendly. Although your tour leads into the mountains, the cycling is moderate as we parallel the river Dunajec following beautiful cycle paths with wonderfull views of the surrounding mountains. One of the highlights of this tour is Krakow, Polands third largest and oldest city where you will have the opportunity to cycle around this city and explore its many delights. Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start, weekly from 17th May - 27th Sept 2008
PRICE: £405 per person. Single Supplement £70 (includes half board)

 

CYCLING IN SILESIA 7 Nights/8 Days

This is a fascinating tour joining a high variety of nature and cultural heritage of Polish, Czech and German inhabitatnts, once living in this area. It leads along the Polish - Czech border that divided the province of Silesia in 1742 after a Prussian-Austrian war. The zig-zag borderline often leads through the middle of villages and nowadays can be passed anywhere without any formalities. Although located in mountain and hilly regions, the tour is easy as it follows river valleys and foothills. Some heights are avoided with the aid of a narrow gauge railway Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start, 24th May; 5th July; 19th July; 2nd August; 16th August; 13th Sept 2008

PRICE: £445 per person. Single Supplement £70 (includes half board)

 

RIVER VISTULA SAFARI 7 Nights/8 Days

Follow this great river on a journey from the new Polish capital, Warsaw to the old capital, Krakow. An important trade route from the east to northern and western Europe since Viking times, the River Vistula flows through areas of exceptional natural and landscape beauty. Its wetlands, steep river banks and sand islands are home of many of Poland's breeding bird species. Visit castles, museums, cathedrals and historic towns but also enjoy the extensive variety of wildlife and the beautiful unspoilt scenery. Itinerary

DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 17th May; 14th June; 19th July; 23rd Aug 2008

PRICE: £465 per person. Single Supplement £80 (includes half board)

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SARDINIA

BETWEEN LAND AND SKY 7 Nights/8 Days Map
This unspoilt island, part of the Italian state, has a character all its own. It is an unspoilt land where time stands still and traditions have remained unaltered over the centuries. Discover the green pastures, Mediterranean scents, abandoned mines and caves carved from the rock. On the coast, marvel at the deep blue colour of the sea, crescents of white sand and stretches of savage coastline with majestic cliffs. Inhabited since the dawn of history there are Neolithic and Roman remains, beautiful small towns, olive groves, vineyards and a peaceful unchanging rural landscape. It is ideal for spring and autumn vacations, warm, quiet and relaxing. This tour follows the west and south coasts and includes the islands of San Pietro and Sant' Antioco. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATES: Saturday start 5th April; 10th May; 14th June; 1st Sept; 4th, 25th Oct; 2008.
PRICE: £710 per person. Single Supplement £110 (includes full board)

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SPAIN

RIVER EBRO AND RIOJA VINEYARDS 8 Nights/9 Days
A beautiful tour through some of the most unspoilt and unknown parts of Spain. Beginning high in the Cantabrian Mountains near the Pico de Tres Mares the route follows the River Ebro as it begins its journey southwards towards the Mediterranean Sea. From its source the river is transformed from a tiny mountain stream to the wide river which irrigates the vineyards of the Rioja. The surrounding landscape also changes from the Atlantic north to the drier south. There are incredible canyons where eagles and vultures circle overhead, unspoilt villages and beautiful countryside. The last section leads to La Rioja, famous for its beautiful scenery and fine wines with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. The tour would not be complete without a visit to some of the wine bodegas for sampling of the local produce. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATE: Saturday 3rd May 2008

PRICE: £690 per person. Single Supplement £90

 

WHITE VILLAGES OF ANDALUCIA 7 Nights/8 Days
Cycle the far south of the Iberian Pensinula, where Europe meets Africa, through the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz with their fine combination of mountain and coastal scenery. Begin high in the mountains in the town of Ronda and then slowly descend westwards towards the coast. Pass picturesque villages, steeped in their Arab past, visit the internationally famous sherry and brandy producing towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria then head down the coast of Tarifa with Africa visible across the Straits of Gibraltar. This is the land of flamenco, whitewashed villages, orange trees, bullfighting, fine seafood, unspoilt Atlantic beaches and all with a beautiful mild climate- a cyclist's heaven. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATE: Saturday 27th Sept 2008

PRICE: £690 per person. Single Supplement £90

 

THE ROUTE OF THE CALIPHS 7 Nights/8 Days
A journey through history to experience the part of Spain ruled by the Arab Empire for eight centuries. This occupation which ended in the 15th century left a cultural and architectural heritage of immense importance. It is hard to equal the incredible architecture of the 8th century Mosque of Cordoba, capital of the Omayyad Caliphs, centre of civilisation and a bridge between the cultures of east and west. In Granada, visit the famous palace-cum-fortress of La Alhambra and the winding streets of Albayzin. This is a route of immense open horizons with infinite olive plantations giving way to the vineyards of Montilla and the wheat field of Cordoba. It continues through the beautiful mountain scenery of the Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas between the villages of Zuheros and Priego de Cordoba. An immensely colourful tour where all the villages are whitewashed and bedecked with geraniums and where the olive trees stretch into the distance, creating a beautifully decorated landscape. Itinerary
DEPARTURE DATE: Saturday 12th April 2008

PRICE: £690 per person. Single Supplement £90

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TOUR RATINGS

Scottish Cycling Holidays
87 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Scotland PH10 6DT
Telephone 01250 876100 Fax 01250 873383
E-mail info@scotcycle.co.uk