DESTINATIONS EUROPE |CYCLING


Challenging Cyclists explore the countryside around Ohrid


CYCLE MACEDONIA & NORTHERN ALBANIA EXODUS TRAVELS For those after a real challenge, the mountains beckon – and if clients have already done the Alps, it’s time to look to the Balkans. Crystal-blue lakes, dramatic gorges and emerald peaks characterise the landscapes of northern Albania and North Macedonia, with ancient, barely-changed villages scattering the valleys. Exodus gives adventurous types the chance to explore the best of them on this eight-day guided group tour, passing the spectacular Komani Lake, the Black Drin Valley, the Unesco-listed town of Ohrid and more. Scenic delights include ancient trading routes, winding mountain roads


and steep, hilly climbs. Book it: From £1,049 including hotels, guesthouses, cycling leader, bike hire and vehicle support, with e-bikes available on request. exodus.co.uk


CYCLING COAST TO COAST EXPLORE Biking holidays don’t have to require a flight, of course, and for those looking to take on a challenge without a huge time commitment, Explore has the answer – a four-day coast-to-coast adventure through the north of England, starting in Whitehaven on the west coast of Cumbria and ending in Tynemouth on the shores of Northumberland. Highlights include pedalling along a


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disused railway to reach the Lake District, crossing the dramatic Pennines and taking on the Waskerley Way, with challenging climbs and rewarding descents aplenty along the way, and daily distances ranging from 33 to


53 miles. Book it: From £445 including three nights’ guesthouse accommodation, breakfasts, tour leader and bike hire. explore.co.uk


SELF-GUIDED CYCLING: THE CALEDONIA WAY WILDERNESS SCOTLAND Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland’s majestic peaks, shimmering lochs and stately castles are just as worthy a backdrop for two-wheeled exploration – and the 234-mile Caledonia Way cuts through the heart of such sights, ambling from the Mull of Kintyre to Inverness via a mix of off-road climbs, roads and cycle paths. The route can be followed independently, but for those seeking the luxury of a support driver, luggage transfers, a welcome briefing and bike maintenance, suggest Wilderness Scotland’s seven-day itinerary, which takes in the Isle of Arran, Tarbet, Oban and beyond. Distances range between 30 and 62 miles a day, with plenty of jaw-dropping scenery to compensate for the effort –


which is really what this cycling thing is all about. Book it: From £995 including three to four-star B&Bs, support vehicle, bike hire, private transfers and more. wildernessscotland.com


TW travelweekly.co.uk


FIVE TOP TIPS FOR SELLING CYCLING TRIPS


Dan Jackson, UK agency sales manager for Exodus Travels, shares his advice


1. Listen to your client: Find out how much cycling experience they have and choose a grade accordingly. Softer trips with e-bike availability are a great option for those with limited


experience or for families and groups of mixed abilities. Full


vehicle support is also offered on many tours as a ‘safety net’ for those concerned about longer distances.


2. Don’t pigeonhole: Many clients are in their 60s and


we get customers of all ages, sizes and backgrounds.


3. Push the selling points: Bike breaks are a fantastic way for clients to get fit and immerse themselves in a destination.


4. Talk about guides: If you’re selling an escorted cycling tour, highlight the advantages of


having an expert leader who can share their knowledge and offer morale-boosting encouragement.


5. Reap the rewards: Cycling holidays are lucrative. We get a huge amount of repeat business (nearly 50%), so if you sell a trip, the client will very likely return to you and book another.


PICTURES: Shutterstock/Michal Szymanski; Michael Armstrong; Anton Gvozdikov; Olly Pemberton


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