With demand for cycling holidays up 25% since the start of the year, Explore has unveiled seven new destinations for its 2015/16 Cycling Adventures collection.
p>With demand for cycling holidays up 25% since the start of the year, Explore has unveiled seven new destinations for its 2015/16 Cycling Adventures collection.
The new offerings, in the US, Russia, Israel, Malta, Sicily, Ireland and Scotland, have added more choice for cyclists and the collection also now includes airport transfers.
As a launch incentive the company Is offering 5% off new tours when booked before November 5.
As examples of new additions, Israel by Bike offers a nine-day, nearly 300km moderate graded cycling tour which encapsulates the culture, history and landscapes of Israel. Customers will explore the ancient city of Jerusalem, pedal along the Sea of Galilee and visit the biblical town of Nazareth. Customers will also be able to sample local wines and take in the landscapes of the Carmel Range.
Tours depart in March, April, September and October 2015 and cost from ?1,990 per person. The price includes flights; eight nights? hotel accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader, driver and cycle guide.
For an off-the-beaten-track experience, Cycle Russia: Moscow to St. Petersburg captures the rural landscapes of Russia and the two cities. During the ten-day, easy to moderate graded cycling tour, customers will explore the sights of Moscow including the Red Square and the Kremlin; visit Lake Seliger and Lake Valdaysky and ride between the historical villages in the picturesque Torzhok region. Customers will also discover the grand architecture in St Petersburg. Tours depart in May, June, July and September 2015 and cost from ?1,590 per person. The price includes flights; nine nights? hotel accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis; four other meals; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader and driver.
Closer to home, the company's Cycle Ireland is a seven-day moderate graded cycling tour costing from ?893 per person. During the tour, customers will uncover the Kerry coastline of Ireland; cycle the Killarney National Park and the famous Slea Head Loop, as well as journey through the mountainous landscapes of Tralee. Alternatively, a new Coast and Castles Cycling tour is a five-day moderate to challenging cycling trip visiting Scotland and costs from ?455 per person. Customers will cycle from Newcastle to Edinburgh, taking in the scenery and cultural heritage along the route, as well as explore the Tweed Valley and the inspiring Moorfoot Hills.
Carl Burrows, the operator's sales director, said: ?Cycling holidays have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last couple of years, and this year alone we have seen a 25% rise in bookings, with Europe, North Africa and Central America being amongst the most popular destinations to date. We?ve noticed a steady rise in the number of people booking both ?easy? and ?moderate? graded tours, suggesting this type of active holiday is becoming more appealing to customers of all abilities, including less frequent cyclists.
"Not only do our cycling tours offer a luggage transfer, customers are also accompanied by a support vehicle to provide any necessary back-up. What?s more, we are one of the only operators to include the hire of high-quality bikes in the cost of all of our trips, meaning that customers don?t have to worry about taking their own bike abroad or paying extra to hire one locally. Also, we do not offer online discounts, so agents won?t be undercut by the web or our call centre."
For further information or to book visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844-0499 0901.
