Vietnam and Cambodia

The route A 14-day tour with Explore traces a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, inviting riders to discover landscapes shaped by centuries of history. Starting in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the route shifts from frenetic city energy into slower-paced rural life. Motorbikes and eclectic stalls give way to rice paddies, quiet villages, and winding waterways vital to daily life.

A private boat trip takes you through mangroves and past islands in the Mekong Delta – sample honey tea and fruits while listening to traditional singing. Cross by ferry to Can Tho to explore floating markets and visit ancient temples, then reach Cambodia by speedboat along the Mekong. Phnom Penh offers sharp contrasts, from the golden Royal Palace to the silence of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Ride north to Kampong Thom and the forested temple of Sambor Prei Kuk. In Siem Reap, enjoy two days cycling beneath the banyan-wrapped ruins and sandstone spires of Angkor Wat.

The cuisine Tuck into crisp bánh xèo pancakes and bowls of pho in Vietnam; moving on to the likes of freshwater fish amok, fragrant with lemongrass and coconut, in Cambodia.

Thailand

The route From Bangkok’s temple-tipped skyline to Chiang Mai’s cool northern hills, Freedom Treks’ seven-day ride north draws you away from the noise and into rural life as the road winds throughancient capitals, mango groves and sleepy riverside towns.

The trip starts in Bangkok, where a short transfer takes you away from the whiz of a tuk-tuk and on to vast plains. The ride rolls through rice paddies and villages to Ayutthaya, once the former Kingdom of Thailand’s capital and heart of the Siamese empire. Today, its temple spires are best explored as dusk draws in. Then you head north to Uthai Thani – passing the temple of Wat Chaiyo Worawhihan, which is home to a 22m-high golden Buddha – to relax in a lakeside resort where you can indulge in a traditional Thai massage. Next, a scenic stretch leads you to Kamphaeng Phet and on to Sukhothai, where you will be cycling among Buddha statues, lotus lakes and ancient moats of the Unesco-listed historical park. Then it’s north to Phrae, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, known for its teak wood houses and Kingdom of Lanna heritage. You’ll move on to Lampang, where horse-drawn carriages still trundle and coffee shops line the Wang River. The final ride has you zigzagging down the narrowlanes of the old town of Lamphun, snaking your way through orchards and forested foothills. The mountainous city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand marks the end of the journey.

The cuisine Days begin with steaming rice porridge or freshly cut tropical fruit. Later, expect grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves, coconut-rich curries fragrant with lemongrass, and noodle soup.

South Africa

The route South Africa’s varied terrain, shifting from towering mountains to semi-arid deserts and rugged coastlines that jut into the Atlantic Ocean, is yours to discover on Exodus’s 12-day tour around the Western Cape, blending acclaimed cuisine, wine tasting and whale watching. Your journey begins and ends in Cape Town, leading you into the wine heartlands – home to cabernet sauvignons, chenin blancs and merlots, with the chance to samplethe wines of Stellenbosch estates. The route meanders through the semi-arid desert of the Karoo, dramatic mountain passes that cut through the Langeberg Mountains, and into the Bontebok National Park. Cycle past cultivated farmlands and fishing villages until you reach the southernmost point in Africa at Cape Agulhas. No need to follow a map as you keep the sea to your left, and start your pursuit back to Cape Town. Swoosh in and out of cliffs to Hermanus, with a day to relax and look out for whales in its secluded bays. Follow the Whale Coast to Gordon’s Bay, with the iconic Chapman’s Peak marking your finish line.

The cuisine Braaied (barbecued) meats, slow-cooked seafood potjiekos (stew) and golden syrup-infused koeksisters (doughnuts) are all in the mix. Taste award-winning wine in a Stellenbosch farm and sample local beer at Birkenhead Brewery.

Canada

The route Over six days, the ride from Montreal to Sherbrooke with Véloroute Gourmande reveals southern Quebec at a leisurely pace, linking waterways, farmland and forested hills, with stays in three- or four-star hotels and inns. After leaving the city streets, the ride slips on to the Chambly Canal towpaths. Pedal past fields, historic bridges and village squares and stop for the night in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, with its abundance of terraces and local restaurants. Then climb gentle hills toward Bromont, the scent of fresh bread, and artisan cheeses wafting from roadside stops.

Beyond, verdant lanes and open-air museums lead to Magog, braided with clear, cobalt lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains. Here, you can explore the beach and boutiques, hike in the natural landscape of the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises, or cycle the loop around Mont-Orford Park. The route traces the Montagnarde and Magog paths, winding through forests, past lakes and rivers. Sherbrooke appears gradually, framed by hills and river valleys, where a cold pint from Siboire Pub awaits. A shuttle takes you back to Brossard or Montreal.

The cuisine Flaky pastries, locally churned butter and, of course, maple syrup are on the menu, alongside poutine (cheesy fries in gravy), cretons (pâté) and craft beers from nearby microbreweries.

Kenya and Tanzania

The route Few places stir the senses quite like East Africa. This is cycling at its most elemental, delving into wildlife-rich savannahs and sharing roads with communities who have maintained their ancestral heritage. This 15-day journey with Escape Adventures blends raw adventure and immersion in the cultures of Kenya and Tanzania with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

The journey begins in Nairobi, before a short transfer whisks you to the edge of the Maasai heartland. The night will be spent camping under a blanket of African stars, following an introduction to members of the Maasai tribe. Tarmac soon gives way to dirt roads as your steer south towards snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape slips between farmland, bush and savannah; a ride may occasionally be interrupted by the surreal sight of giraffes or a real-life ‘zebra crossing’. The tour offers an opportunity for extra wildlife spottings on optional game drives.

There’s a variety of terrain under wheel, with a mix of tarmac, gravel and dirt, but the support vehicle means there’s flexibility when the going gets tough. Respite comes in the form of stays at eco-lodges, atmospheric camps and family-run guesthouses. The terrain changes as you cross into Tanzania. The Usambara Mountains offer cooler air, a switchback of climbs and rewarding views, before the route dips to the coast. The Indian Ocean awaits, where dhows drift with the tide and palm trees border white-sand beaches. The final ride meanders through small fishing villages, reaching Bagamoyo town and a coastal lodge. The tour ends among the buzz of Dar es Salaam.

The cuisine Enjoy freshly grilled nyama choma (barbecued meats), ugali (maize) and seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean.

New Zealand

The route From sweeping glacial valleys and alpine ranges to still, glassy fjords and rolling vineyards, the landscape of New Zealand’s South Island is a realm of extremes and unexpected beauty, and Pacific Cycle Tours’ ten-night trail takes you to the heart of these terrains. Starting and ending in Christchurch, the route threads through quaint towns, along peaceful riverbanks and deep into ancient woodlands. E-bikes come as standard, allowing access to more adventurous stretches, with climbs leading panoramic views.

Historical highlights include the gold-mining town of Arrowtown, while dramatic mountains form the backdrop to crystal-clear lakes – notably Lake Ohau – and at times, the trail dips into vineyard country. Rows of vines responsible for some of the country’s renowned sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs stretch across hillsides, with the tour offering a glimpse into the winemaking traditions of the South Island, where long sunlight hours, cool evenings and the mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions. Accommodation is split between carefully selected lodges and boutique hotels. You could be surrounded by a native forest one night and watch the sun disappear behind vineyardcovered slopes or distant peaks another.

The cuisine Expect local lamb, wild venison and freshly caught seafood, accompanied by just-picked produce and regional wines.

Philippines

The route Some places are best discovered by water, others by road. In the Philippines, it’s about both. The 14-day island-hopping ride with Roar Adventures links Cebu, Camotes, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros, with a patchwork of jade hills, jungle, fishing villages and coral-fringed seas. Each ferry crossing resets the scene. Set off from Cebu for Camotes, where cave pools tempt a swim and waterfalls cool the heat of the ride. Weave across Bohol with a view of the Chocolate Hills, which rise from the rice fields and take their name from their colour in the dry season; coast roads pass drifting fishing boats and peaceful villages and, on Siquijor, palm-shaded paths slip to the sea. Finally, cross from Negros to Moalboal, where turtles graze on seagrass and sardines shimmer in endless shoals.

The cuisine Grilled seafood, tropical fruit and coconut-based stews fuel the ride.

Chile and Argentina

The route Weave your way through Patagonia’s Lake District on Experience Plus’s seven-day journey that connects Argentina with Chile. The route starts on the high plateau of Argentina’s mountain town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Follow back roads through forests and past lakes to reach Lake Nahuel Huapi. Enjoy a catamaran ride across the cobalt lake to Arrayanes National Park – its ethereal beauty has convinced many it was the natural muse for Walt Disney’s Bambi – where you can hike among cinnamon-coloured trees.

As you cross the Andes from Argentina and into Chile, landscapes shift from rich vegetation to green forests and expansive farmlands. After crossing Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass into the thermal resort of Termas de Puyehue, a scenic picnic is followed by a downhill descent into Chile. Enjoy a dip in hot springs while taking in views of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, and experience cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The final day rides past the iconic Saltos de Petrohue waterfall and into the picturesque town of Puerto Varas, nestled next to Lake Llanquihue.

The cuisine Argentina’s asado with beef as the star, perhaps with chimichurri sauce, will keep you satisfied; while Chile’s bold national cazuela stew provides a bowl of comfort. Wine lovers should focus on Argentina’s deep malbecs and Chile’s crisp sauvignon blancs.