The Slow Cyclist

Destinations

We take our guests to parts of Europe & Africa that we’re passionate about, where we have the knowledge and the finest contacts to create cycling holidays and journeys that live long in the memory.

Armenia

A tiny, landlocked nation in the far reaches of Europe, Armenia is a country of epic wilderness, inviting cities and deep-rooted traditions.

Our journey takes us through the rich landscapes of the northern highlands, from grasslands to lush forests and meadows, rushing rivers to canyons. We’ll pedal and walk along Soviet-era trails and blooming meadows, meeting some of the friendliest people along the way.

Discover Armenia

Greece

Ancient Greece, the cradle of Western democracy, is of course home to some of the world’s most celebrated historic sites, not to mention an endless array of idyllic islands.

Our journeys see us heading off the beaten track by sail, by bike and on foot, to the lesser-known mainland regions of the Peloponnese, Zagori, Crete’s hinterland and the remote Dodecanese islands.

Discover Greece

Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most visited countries, home to a vast number of classical sites, museums, magnificent mountain ranges and of course, famed for its culinary delights.

Our journey through Abruzzo is genuinely a path less travelled, taking in the dramatic ranges of Gran Sasso and the Majella massif. This extraordinary untamed landscape offers an immersive wilderness in tandem with customary Italian hospitality and charm.

Discover Italy

Poland

Poland’s charming countryside is a destination to explore slowly. You’ll discover medieval palaces and castles, rolling hills dotted with traditional villages and churches, and some of the best food the region has to offer.

Lower Silesia is located right in the heart of Europe, and combines a fascinating mix of cultures. As you cycle through, the landscapes shift from gentle hills, to lush forests and extinct volcanoes. This peaceful, little-visited region is one to take slowly.

Discover Poland

Portugal

Portugal is a cyclist’s dream. Away from the country’s bustling cities and coastal resorts, you’ll find some of Europe’s most beautiful villages, rugged countryside and fresh local wines.

Portugal may be a popular holiday destination, but we’ve found an off-the-beaten-track corner with almost no other visitors. In the majestic Côa Valley, discover an expansive wilderness, picturesque hilltop villages and one of Europe’s most ambitious rewilding projects.

Discover Portugal

Romania

Romania is one of Europe’s most beautiful but least explored countries and remains one of the continent’s most exciting destinations for the slow traveller.

Transylvania in particular is home to rich medieval heritage, wildflower meadows, endless beech forests, brown bears, wolves and lynx and a way of life that has, in some parts, changed little for centuries.

Discover Romania

Rwanda

The Land of a Thousand Hills – or The Land of a Thousand Smiles as it was named by early Slow Cyclists – packs an enormous punch. Home to some of the most beguiling landscapes in Central Africa, from game-rich grasslands and lakes to tea and coffee plantations, rainforests and a chain of volcanoes that separate it from its northern neighbours.

With its troubled past behind it, Rwandans are optimistic and proud to show off their remarkable country and a bicycle is a wonderful way to experience its wonders.

Discover Rwanda

South Africa

South Africa is a land of stunning natural diversity, vibrant culture and abundant wildlife. From the breathtaking coastlines of the Western Cape to the awe-inspiring wildlife of Kruger National Park and the enormous space of its interior, the country offers something for everyone.

The Karoo, where we focus our attention, is a vast region that covers a significant portion of South Africa’s interior. With its mix of stark landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged terrain, it’s the perfect place in which to unwind as you pedal through old Dutch towns and villages, past towering cliffs and winding rivers, and into the heart of some of South Africa’s most spectacular natural scenery.

Discover South Africa

Spain

Spain is a country of contrasts, a land whose diverse topography ranges from the mountain peaks of the Pyrenees, Picos and Sierra Nevada and the high plateaux of the Meseta Central to the lowland plains of Andalucia and the extraordinary beauty of the Balearic Islands.

The Spain of today is a country indelibly influenced by its long history. As rich in gastronomy as it is in art and architecture, culture, folklore and heritage, a nation where fiery passions, proud traditions and distinct regional identities reign supreme, a journey through Spain will not fail to stir the soul.

Discover Spain

Turkey

A melting pot at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, modern Turkey is vast and varied with vibrant cities, ancient sites and antiquities and a spectacular coastline.

As well as sailing the Greek Dodecanese Islands, launching from Bodrum on Turkey’s south-west coast, we head into the interior, to the little visited Taurus Mountains on a journey way off the beaten track through otherworldly landscapes and with typical Turkish hospitality at its heart.

Discover Turkey

GUEST JOURNEYS

We absolutely adored every last beautiful minute. We had the most wonderful time getting to know your team during our cycling chats on the road, listening to Jado’s marvellous singing or their various translations en route with the kids. The whole week was full of laughter and smiles.

We were completely blown away by the mountains, the forests, the rivers; the beauty stretched on and on and often had our chatty group silenced. It was real soul enriching and spirit lifting stuff.

What an amazing holiday. It lived up to all expectations and more. I’d never been off-road or on an electric bike before, but found it completely exhilarating.

I learnt so much about Rwanda in 10 days, it is a stunningly beautiful country, incredibly welcoming, friendly and safe. I loved the community projects, they were an added surprise.