Guide to Cycling Adventure Holidays - KE Adventure Travel

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2020 - 2021


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GUIDE TO CYCLING

WHY KE? Here at KE, we’ve been creating real adventures for more than 35 years. Originally running expedition-style trips in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan, we now offer walking, trekking, cycling and family adventures in over 80 countries. All of our trips are active, whether that’s an unhurried exploration of Europe’s most breath-taking destinations or an epic ride in some of the world’s greatest mountain ranges. We are a fun, friendly and caring bunch, with a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of adventure travel and the outdoors. Here are some of the things that we think set us apart, and a few of the main reasons why we feel you should consider KE for your next adventure: We love what we do – and think that our passion for travel and the outdoors shines through in all aspects of our work. We are trusted – our travellers come back time after time, because they trust us to get things right, and to give them an authentic travel experience. Pushing boundaries – we have always been known for our innovative itineraries, and for travelling in a unique way to destinations that others would not consider. Making a difference – we work hard to ensure we’re responsible in all that we do. We come highly recommended – you don’t need to just take our word for it – have a look online to see what our travellers say about us.

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121


ENJOY THE RIDE

GUIDE TO CYCLING

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The first mountain bikes I ever saw were pearly-white Muddy Fox Couriers delivered to the KE office in 1988. It was love at first sight and, as well as riding them here in the Lake District, we wasted no time in taking these bikes out to the Karakoram Mountains in northern Pakistan where we set up a cycling holiday that was the precursor for everything we’ve achieved on 2 wheels since then. Over the succeeding 3 decades, as our experience of worldwide adventure cycling has grown, so too has the range of the cycling holidays that we offer. From Albania to Zambia, our cycling experts have left no stone unturned in their search for the perfect cycling holiday. The result is that we have cycling adventures to suit all aspiration and levels of ability, whether your passion is for Tour de France style road cycling, epic mountain bike journeys in weird and wonderful places or something more leisurely like our new collection of self-guided European journeys.

97% EXCELLENT AITO INDEPENDENT REVIEWS 4.7 OUT OF 5 AVG STAR RATING KE ONLINE REVIEWS £250,000 THE JUNIPER TRUST: KE’S PARTNER

CHARITY HAS RAISED OVER £250,000 FOR PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD

Kit Wilkinson Cycling Product Manager

“ Brilliant from start to finish. I have no hesitation in booking another tour with KE or referring anyone looking for a similar experience.” Neville from Balgowlah

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


CYCLE KAZAKHSTAN This is the chance to experience true adventure and incredible cycling in a remote, seldom visited and utterly captivating part of Central Asia.

Our cycling route will take you from the high steppe, within sight of the Tien Shan, through echoing canyons and into the beautiful desert world of the Altyn-Emel National Park, on a good mix of surfaced and gravel roads. An astounding country of contrasts, over 9 days you’ll pedal across grassy highland below towering mountains, discover weird and wonderful landscapes around Lake Tuzkol and witness outrageously colourful sandstone formations in the desert.

Trip Code: KNMB

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121

What makes this more than simply a great ride is Kazakhstan’s intriguing culture and history, which defines any visit. Whilst riding crosscountry between riverside camps, you’ll encounter the settlements of nomadic Kazakh shepherds, who’ll invite you into their yurts for tea, and finish your visit in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest and most vibrant metropolis. With the Stans on the up, now is the ideal time get on your bike, beat the crowds and go.


GUIDE TO CYCLING

ON THE ROAD IN EUROPE Challenging climbs, sweeping descents and miles of stunning scenery await. Try these unique tours to experience some of finest road cycling Europe has to offer.

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TOUR OF GRAN CANARIA

BALKAN TRILOGY ROAD CYCLE TOUR Starting out from Dubrovnik, this is an adventure on roads rarely cycled, perfect for those who fancy a break from British sportives and Alpine cols. Cross borderto-border through three fascinating countries, riding a healthy mix of not-tootough climbs, coastal routes and quiet rural roads.

This balmy sun-kissed isle offers the perfect winter escape for keen cyclists looking to expand their experience. An anti-clockwise circuit reveals some of Gran Canaria’s most exhilarating landscapes and includes iconic climbs, such as Serenity and the Pico de las Nieves. Trip code: GCMB

Trip code: BAMB

CYCLE FJORD NORWAY AND THE ATLANTIC ROAD Arguably one of the world’s most spectacular road cycling routes, it’s incredible how little-known Norway is for cycling – for now, anyway. We’re not sure which part is the true highlight of this tour; the ride along the Atlantic Road or the days weaving through deep fjords and steep mountains. Spectacular.

Trip code: NOMB

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


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GUIDE TO CYCLING

RIDE THE KASBAH

KE’s CEO Ashley Toft recounts his experience rediscovering Morocco by mountain bike.

It was with some trepidation that I returned to Morocco this year to join my first KE Adventure, Ride the Kasbah. My time as a trainee tour leader had started in Morocco 25 years earlier, and I had been utterly enchanted. Would it hold the same charm now? It was clear from the moment I flew into Marrakech the answer was yes. Vibrant souks and the buzzing square of the Djemma el Fna welcomed us, before we departed a day later. We were a small international group of six; all were regular cyclists, though not all mountain bikers. Some were quicker than others, but this didn’t matter. Everyone wanted to drink in the views at the top of the climbs anyway.

Morocco - Ride the Kasbah | JEMB

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121

From steep gorges to high plateaus, into the Jebel Sahro and over spectacular passes, the riding was incredible. The scenery was remarkably varied, with red-rock outcrops, green valleys and the distant snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. Expect some magical descents in Morocco, with up to 10km of exciting riding down winding trails from the top of high passes. I’d say in some places the views and the trails were some of the most spectacular I’ve experienced. This magical trip packed so much into just one week away: fantastic cycling (285km over 5 days with 3400m of ascent and 4800m of descent), stunning scenery and insights into a traditional way of life. Morocco is just as captivating as I remember.


CYCLING LAKE CONSTANCE Katy from the office recently cycle-toured solo around Lake Constance on a KE self-guided adventure. Here are just three highlights of her journey.

As you’re making me pick, I’ll choose the three things that have formed lasting memories.

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Cycling round Lake Constance. It was just delightful and untouristy – all the cycle paths are used by the locals on roller blades and bikes after work. In summer, bathing platforms are set up and everyone cools off in the lake. There seem to be mini-festivals and local markets in every pretty little town.

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Other popular self-guided holidays Bolzano to Venice | SGVB

It’s amazing to travel to three countries in one trip– Switzerland, Austria and Germany, all at your own, unhurried pace too. From Constance, you can see the huge mountains of Austria and then two days later you arrive underneath them – it’s stunning.

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The astonishing number of perfectly preserved medieval old town centres in Switzerland due to its neutrality in WWII. The painted facades of the timber houses in Stein am Rhein are beautiful and the whole Old Town is completely charming – it’s like being in a fairytale. Katy cycled a rental bike on her trip. E-bikes and regular bikes are available on all self-guided trips.

Passau to Vienna | SGPV Mallorca | SGMC NEW Andalucia | SGAC

Self-guided cycling Lake Constance & Rhine Falls | SGCO

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


HOW WE BIKE Our cycling holidays are divided into different categories, and each is given a grade to help you decide if it’s right for you. Road cycling holidays – follow surfaced roads throughout, covering relatively long distances. Best tackled on a road bike with drop handlebars. Mountain biking holidays – can involve anything from easy forest roads to technical singletrack, where you’ll use either a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike. Adventure cycling holidays – vary from relatively easy to epic, on tarmac or dirt roads. A mountain bike fitted with semi-slick tyres (or low rolling resistance cross-country tyres) is ideal for these journeys.

Leisure cycling holidays – these are on quiet roads or cycle paths with no technical cycling. They have a strong cultural and sightseeing focus with plenty of time off the bike. Easy-to-ride hybrid bikes work well and bike hire is usually included in the holiday cost. Self-guided cycling holidays – where you can go at your own pace on some of the best cycling networks in Europe. These are generally on flat, surfaced roads and cycle paths, best enjoyed on a hybrid bike. E-bikes are available on many of our leisure and self-guided holidays - just ask when you book. For more information about our cycling holidays and our grades go to www.keadventure.com

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121


SELF-GUIDED CYCLING

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SELF-GUIDED CYCLING HOLIDAYS ITALY

TRIP CODE: SGBV

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING BOLZANO TO VENICE

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GER, SWI, AUS

TRIP CODE: SGCO

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING LAKE CONSTANCE & RHINE FALLS

Cycle from the Italian Alps to Venice, sail across Lake Garda and explore Verona

Cycle through Germany, Switzerland and Austria in just one week

- Relax on a boat cruise across Lake Garda

- Discover medieval Meersburg home to the oldest inhabited castle in Germany

- Enjoy a glass of wine in Piazza San Marco and soak up Venice’s splendour - Discover the fantastic architectural designs of Palladio in the UNESCO town of Vicenza

- Visit the magnificent Rhine Falls and take a boat journey across to Reichenau Island - Relax in the Spa town of Radolfzell, officially recognised for its health benefits

From £895 | 8 Days | Apr - Oct

From £825 | 8 Days | Jul - Oct

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

TRIP CODE: SGPV

SELF-GUIDED DANUBE CYCLING

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TRIP CODE: SGZU

SELF-GUIDED CYCLING IN SWITZERLAND

Discover the beauty of the famous Danube cycle path from Passau to Vienna

Cycle Switzerland’s Schoggi trail from Zurich through Baden and Lucerne

- Explore the historic towns of Passau, Linz and Vienna

- Explore the preserved medieval architecture of Zurich and Lucerne

- Sample Riesling and Gruner Veltliner wines at a wine tasting in Wachau

- Create your very own deliciously sweet souvenir

- Cycle through vineyards and enjoy a slice of Vienna’s famous Sacher Torte

- Discover the tranquillity and wildlife of Sihlwald Forest and Nature Park

From £605 | 8 Days | Apr - Oct

From £825 | 7 Days | May - Oct

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To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


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ADVENTURE CYCLING

ADVENTURE CYCLING HOLIDAYS BOT, NAM, S. AFR

TRIP CODE: VCMB

VICTORIA FALLS TO CAPE TOWN

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JORDAN

TRIP CODE: DRMB

BIKE JORDAN DEAD 2 RED

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An epic blend of challenging cycling and exploration in southern Africa

A challenging journey by bike from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea

- Wildlife encounters at Moremi and in the Okovango Delta

- Cycle to the Dead Sea and take a dip at the lowest point on Earth

- Victoria Falls, the Kalahari, Sossusvlei and the Fish River Canyon

- Spend a day at the incredible ‘Rose Red City’ of Petra

- Meet the San Bushmen and cycle across the wild Namib Desert

- Enjoy a night at Wadi Rum in a Bedouin camp in the desert

From £2595 | 21 Days | Mar - Nov

From £1195 | 9 Days | Mar - Apr, Oct - Dec

TURKEY

CUBA

TRIP CODE: TUMB

TURKISH DELIGHT

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TRIP CODE: CUMB

CUBA - BUENA VISTA CYCLING

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A unique adventure cycling holiday in Cappadocia

A ‘revolutionary’ Cuban cycling holiday from Havana to Trinidad

- Cycle from Sarihan to Uchisar through the rock spires of ‘Love Valley’

- Ride the ‘skyline route’ from San Diego de los Banos to Soroa

- The traditional market at Urgup and the underground city of Derinkuyu

- Visit stunning Vinales and the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara

- Cycle the exciting paths and trails of the Ihlara Canyon

- Sightseeing in the UNESCO listed cities of Havana and Trinidad

From £795 | 9 Days | May - Jun, Sep - Oct

From £1745 | 12 Days | Jan, Mar, Nov - Dec

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121


ROAD CYCLING HOLIDAYS

INDIA

TRIP CODE: RJMB

CYCLING TOUR OF RAJASTHAN

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ARGENTINA, CHILE

TRIP CODE: ARMB

NEW: CYCLE ARGENTINA AND CHILE

A superb Indian cycling holiday from Udaipur to the Taj Mahal

Fun cycling amongst the lakes and volcanoes of northern Patagonia

- Cycle through timeless villages and meet the local people

- Cross the Andes twice from Argentina into Chile and back again

- Search for tigers and other wildlife at Sariska National Park

- Take on the challenge of cycling to 1150 metres on Volcan Villarrica

- Visit Jaipur’s Amber Fort and the unmissable Taj Mahal at Agra

- Cycle Argentina’s stunning Seven Lakes Route and the Circuito Chico at Bariloche

From £1545 | 12 Days | Mar, Nov - Dec

From £1795 | 12 Days | Mar, Nov

CAMBODIA

ALBANIA, MACEDONIA

TRIP CODE: CAMB

BACKROADS OF CAMBODIA BIKE

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TRIP CODE: ALMB

ULTIMATE ALBANIA CYCLING TOUR

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A cycling holiday in Cambodia from Angkor Wat to the Cardamom Mountains

Explore this unspoiled and little-known Balkan country by bike

- Short and fun day-rides amongst the amazing temples at Angkor

- Beautiful Lake Ohrid and a visit to the nearby Monastery of Saint Naum in Macedonia

- Travel by boat on the lake of Tonle Sap and the Sangkae River

- Stroll through 2500 years of history at Butrint, Albania’s premier archaeological site

- Dirt road cycling in the Kirirom National Park and in the Cardamom Mountains

- Get your fix of sun, sea and sand at Sarande and Himare on the Albanian Riviera

From £1395 | 14 Days | Feb - Mar, Oct - Dec

From £995 | 9 Days | May, Sep - Oct

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


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ROAD CYCLING

ROAD CYCLING HOLIDAYS FRANCE

TRIP CODE: GNMB

GENEVA TO THE MED ROAD CYCLE

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CANARY ISLANDS

TRIP CODE: GCMB

TOUR OF GRAN CANARIA

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Europe’s finest road cycling holiday the Route des Grandes Alpes

Road cycling on the sun-kissed and mountainous island of Gran Canaria

- Ride the famous cols of Iseran, Galibier and Izoard

- Climb Serenity - 9 kilometres of super smooth hairpins

- Superb finale through the Alpes Maritimes from Jausiers to Menton

- Cycle to Pico de las Nieves (1951m) the highest point on the island

- We make this classic Alpine challenge achievable - 8 cycling days

- Ride the ‘Dragon’s Tail’ from Agaete along the island’s wild west coast

From £1595 | 9 Days | Jun - Sep

From £1295 | 8 Days | Feb - May, Oct - Nov

CRO, BOS, MON

CORSICA

TRIP CODE: BAMB

BALKAN TRILOGY ROAD CYCLE TOUR

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TRIP CODE: COMB

ROAD CYCLING TOUR OF CORSICA

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Fantastic and fun road cycling through 3 countries in the Balkans

Stunning coast and mountain road cycling on the island of Corsica

- Cycle across Montenegro’s beautiful Lovcen National Park to Cetinje

- Dramatic red rock spires of the Calanques, rising out of the Gulf of Porto

- Ride Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the Island of Korcula

- The 30 kilometre climb to the Col de Vergio (1478m) highest on the island

- Visit medieval towns such as Kotor and Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic

- Secluded beaches, sleepy villages, soaring peaks and forests of Corsican pines

From £1095 | 8 Days | May, Sep - Oct

From £1395 | 8 Days | May - Sep

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121


NORWAY

TRIP CODE: NOMB

NEW: CYCLE FJORD NORWAY AND THE ATLANTIC ROAD

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SRI LANKA

TRIP CODE: SEMB

SRI LANKA END TO END ROAD CYCLE TOUR

Challenging coastal and mountain road cycling from Alesund

Cycle north to south across this exotic and colourful Indian Ocean island

- Cycle the Atlantic Road south-to-north, then north-to-south in the same ride

- The ultimate Sri Lanka cycling holiday from Jaffna to Dondra Lighthouse

- Tackle some of Norway’s most famous climbs, including Trollstigen and Dalsnibba

- Rice paddies, tea plantations, forestcloaked mountains and tropical beaches

- Six spectacular days of road cycling between deep fjord and steep mountain

- Visit Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla and the ‘hill capital’ of Kandy

From £1895 | 8 Days | Jun, Aug

From £2495 | 12 Days | Jan, Apr, Jun - Sep

MOROCCO

THAILAND

TRIP CODE: MSMB

ROAD CYCLE TOUR OF TOUBKAL

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TRIP CODE: BPMB

BANGKOK TO PHUKET ROAD CYCLING TOUR

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Classic road biking holiday from the Atlas to the Sahara in Morocco

Tropical road cycling holiday in Thailand on the Thai-Malay Peninsula

- Exploring the vibrant souks of magical Marrakech

- Cycle amongst the limestone peaks of Sam Roi Yot National Park

- Cycling through the Draa Valley to the oasis town of Zagora

- Spend a free day mid-route in the coastal fishing village of Ban Krut

- Bike the Tizi n`Tichka and Tizi n`Test, the highest roads in Morocco

- Ride alongside the Andaman Sea to Nai Yang Beach on Phuket

From £845 | 9 Days | Mar - Apr, Oct - Nov

From £1975 | 11 Days | Jan - Mar, Jul - Dec

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


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LEISURE CYCLING

LEISURE CYCLING HOLIDAYS CYPRUS

TRIP CODE: YPMB

CYCLING IN CYPRUS

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PORTUGAL

TRIP CODE: APMB

NEW: BEST OF THE ALGARVE

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Leisure cycling on the south coast of this historic and hospitable island

Coastal and inland rides from our charming eco-lodge base

- Cycle to Chrysochou Bay from the rugged Akamas Peninsula

- Watch the sunset from Cabo Sao Vicente the most south-westerly point in Europe

- Explore Ancient Kourion, Cyprus’ most spectacular archaeological site

- Cycle to Lagos, explore and enjoy dinner and overnight in this historic coastal town

- A free day in Pafos, one of Lonely Planet’s top-10 places to visit in Europe

- Quiet rides on backroads and on gravel forest tracks

From £955 | 8 Days | May, Sep - Nov

From £825 | 8 Days | Apr, Oct

ITALY

INDIA

TRIP CODE: TYMB

NEW: TOUR OF TUSCANY

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TRIP CODE: KLMB

BACKWATERS AND BEACHES OF KERALA

Cycle and see Lucca, Pisa, Vinci, San Gimignano, Siena and Florence

A leisurely cycling holiday at the tropical tip of southern India

- Cycle on country roads through one of Europe’s iconic landscapes

- Take a sunset cruise amongst the islands at Kochi

- Comfortable 3-star hotels, locally sourced Tuscan food and Chianti wine

-S pot monkeys, giant squirrels and lots of birds at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

- 5 days of cycling (bike hire included) and sightseeing in Siena and in Florence

- Enjoy a free day at the chilled-out resort of Kovalam beside the Arabian Sea

From £1295 | 8 Days | Apr - Jun, Aug - Oct

From £1345 | 12 Days | Apr, Nov, Dec

Speak to one of our experts 01768 615121

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OUR FULL RANGE OF CYCLING HOLIDAYS COUNTRY

DAYS CODE

15 GRADE

EUROPE

Albania Ultimate Albania Cycling Tour 9 ALMB 5 Austria Self-Guided Cycling the Danube 8 SGPV 2 Canaries Gran Canaria Road Cycle 8 GCMB 8 Corsica Tour of Corsica Road Cycle 8 COMB 9 Croatia Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria 8 WRMB 3 Croatia Balkan Trilogy Road Cycle 8 BAMB 7 Cyprus NEW Cycling in Cyprus 8 YPMB 2 France NEW Self-Guided Cycling in the Loire Valley 8 SGLV 2 France NEW Self-Guided Cycling in Burgundy 7 SGBU 3 France Geneva to the Med Road Cycle 9 GNMB 10 Germany NEW Self-Guided Cycling Lake Constance and Rhine Falls 8 SGCO 2 Greece Cycling Captain Corelli’s Island 8 KFMB 4 Italy NEW Self-Guided Cycling Bolzano to Venice 8 SGBV 2 Italy NEW Classic Cycling Tour of Tuscany 8 TYMB 4 Macedonia High Trails of Macedonia 8 MAMB 7 Mallorca NEW Self-Guided Cycling in Mallorca 8 SGMC 4 Norway NEW Fjord Norway and the Atlantic Road 8 NOMB 9 Portugal NEW Best of the Algarve 8 APMB 2 Spain NEW Self-Guided Cycling in Andalucia 9 SGAC 5 Switzerland NEW Self-Guided Cycling in Switzerland 7 SGZU 3 Turkey Turkish Delight 9 TUMB 4

ASIA Bhutan India India India Kazakhstan Sri Lanka

Thunder Dragon Ride 13 BHMB 10 NEW Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala 12 KLMB 3 Cycling Tour of Rajasthan 12 RJMB 4 Himalayan Hill-Stations Ride 14 HPMB 6 Cycling in Kazakhstan 11 KNMB 6 End to End Road Cycle Tour 12 SEMB 7

THE AMERICAS Argentina Cuba Guatemala

NEW Cycle Argentina and Chile 12 ARMB 5 Buena Vista Cycling 12 CUMB 4 Route of the Conquistadores 14 GUMB 9

AFRICA Madagascar Morocco Morocco South Africa Zambia

Highlands to the Coast 17 HCMB 5 Ride the Kasbah 8 JEMB 5 Road Cycle Tour of Toubkal 9 MSMB 6 Cape Town and the Winelands 12 CWMB 5 Victoria Falls to Cape Town 21 VCMB 10

SOUTH EAST ASIA Cambodia Indonesia Thailand Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam

Backroads of Cambodia 14 CAMB 2 Bali and Java, Cycle the Islands of the Gods 14 BJMB 4 Bangkok to Phuket Road Cycle 11 BPMB 6 Cycle Saigon to Hanoi 17 SHMB 5 Hoi An to Angkor Wat Cycle Discovery 14 HSMB 5 Hanoi to Hue Ho Chi Minh Highway 11 HVMB 8 Hanoi to Laos Mountain Bike Epic 13 HLMB 9

MIDDLE EAST Iran Jordan

Exploring Iran By Bicycle 15 IRMB 7 Bike Jordan Dead to Red 9 DRMB 8

To view all 400 trips visit keadventure.com


WHERE NEXT? CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE T +44 (0) 1768 615121 USA / CANADA TOLL FREE 1 888 630 4415 sales@keadventure.com www.keadventure.com


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