The world's greatest cycle tours

From Hanoi to Havana, Delhi to Dakar, bicycles rule the roads.

Environmentally friendly? Tick. Cost effective? Tick. And not only do they keep you fit, but they also help you fit in. Across Asia, Africa and beyond, it’s the way the locals get around. Whether you’re haggling over the handlebars or racing children home from school, you’ll be experiencing the real destination – at ground level.

Nothing beats that feeling of freewheeling the last big downhill of the day, thighs tingling, lungs bulging, wind in your hair (and flies up your nose). But best of all, cycling means you can sample the region’s delectable delicacies without a twinge of guilt.

While buses and trains hurtle from city to town and back again, bikes open up the world in between. Travel at your own pace, pause for a picnic or take an impromptu swim as you stumble upon hidden spots. Biking offers hands-on, independent adventure. Whether your idea of bike bliss is a gentle morning pootle followed by a bottle of burgundy, or a bone-rattling marathon of mighty peaks, we’ve picked our favourite trips to suit every fitness level, pocket and persuasion.

Tanzania

New Zealand

The wide roads of New Zealand lure cyclists from around the planet, and it’s easy to see why – the jaw-dropping scenery, top-notch pit stops and absence of traffic make for some of the best cycling in the world.

Guatemala

Tackling Central America on two wheels offers a different perspective on the jungle landscapes, Mayan ruins and bubbling volcanoes. Antigua is the best launching point, with plenty of agencies offering equipment, maps and a variety of tours. Freewheel through the Guatemalan highlands, passing colourful market towns and coffee plantations on the way to Lake Atitlán, a tranquil spot overlooked by three towering volcanoes. From here you can head north to the remote Cuchumatanes mountains to rub shoulders with the local Amerindians, or strike out to Tikal National Park, where quetzals trill from the undergrowth and a trek through this pre-Hispanic world of Mayan temples, engulfed by rainforest, makes a magical departure from dirt roads.

South Africa

Why take a car when you could tackle wine country on two wheels? Cycle the scenic route from Cape Town to Stellenbosch to sample the region’s finest drops, pottering lazily among vineyards, enjoying bibulous picnics between neat rows of juicy grapes. Once you’ve drunk your fill, head east on peaceful roads to explore the interior’s national parks before hitting the coast, rounding Cape Agulhas – Africa’s southernmost point – and spotting whales and penguins all the way back to Table Mountain.

Karakoram Highway

For serious scenery, the Himalaya takes some beating. The lonely Karakoram Highway (KKH) links Pakistan with Kashgar in western China; its 1,300km are entirely paved, with surprisingly gentle gradients – ideal for adventurous cyclists, who can also explore remote lands surrounding the highway.

From Islamabad, bus or fly to Gilgit, an excellent base – head east to scale the road to Skardu, west over the challenging Shandur Pass, south to catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat (8,125m) or north into the breathtaking Hunza Valley. With views to take your breath away, wonderful wild camps and remote shepherd villages, this is extreme cycling at its best. Bring your own bike, cold-weather camping gear, plenty of spare parts and a puncture repair kit.

Japan

Delve into the delights of old Japan, snaking around the coast of little-visited Shikoku, with sea views and Shinto temples to adorn your ride. This volcanic region makes for challenging ascents, but road surfaces are good and the rewards fantastic – volcanic spring water is tamed at onsens (communal baths) where you can scrub, soak and steam your aching muscles. Cross to neighbouring Kyushu for the big push up brooding Aso-san, the world’s largest active caldera, before gliding down to the Pacific Coast, pausing for breath at tiny fishing villages and sampling real Japanese living in a traditional ryokan (inn).

Sri Lanka

Bite-sized Sri Lanka is a satisfying stop for cyclists – a diverse mix of ancient Buddhist culture, verdant tea plantations and wheel-welcoming tarmac that is delightfully traffic-free. From the cultural triangle of ancient cities, glide along quiet backroads, past rock fortresses and fascinating cave temples, inhaling sweet spice-infused air as you go. Dip south through the rolling estates of tea country and park your bike at Yala National Park. Here you might spot leopard, elephant, wild boar and abundant birdlife in the jungle before treating your sore limbs to a chill-out on some of the planet’s best beaches. Colombo’s National Mountain Biking Association has information on routes and can arrange guides and advise on purchase or rental options.

Jordan

Give the camels a break and opt for a bicycle – not only are they more comfortable, but bikes are easier to control and far less flatulent! Ride south from Amman for a cross-section of Jordan. Bike to Biblical Mount Nebo and the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba, explore the rose-red city of Petra and conquer majestic desert landscapes at Wadi Rum.

There are plenty of places to escape the heat as you glide through ancient olive groves and sleepy Bedouin villages. Finish your trip with some water therapy – enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea, or descend into the fish-rich waters of the Red Sea. With smooth roads, most signs in English and major places of interest less than a day’s ride apart, cycling is firmly on the up – although infrastructure is still in its infancy. Accommodation is readily available, so there’s no need for tents or stoves, but bring your own bike and spares, or consider travelling with a specialist UK operator.

North America

If you’ve got the stamina, North America has certainly got the scenery. Pedal a section of the Continental Divide Trail, which stretches 5,000km along the Rocky Mountains from the top of Montana to the bottom of New Mexico. Too rugged? Plump for sea views from Vancouver, Canada, to Tijuana, Mexico on the Pacific Coast Highway.