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Editor's picks: Cycling holidays
  • Best for: Food lovers. Explore the joys of  Umbria and southern Tuscany, taking in three beautiful little towns in the Maremma region: Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano, all dating back to Etruscan times, and far enough from Siena and Rome to be off the tourist route. Both Sorano and Pitigliano soar high above their river valleys on high cliffs, so precariously perched that some parts of Sorano have been declared terminally uninhabitable. Begin with a feast of gourmet food - and as you explore the region, you'll be treated to more and more delectable dishes and flavours.

    The details: For more information visit: www.thechaingang.co.uk

  • Best for: Cycling pros. This one isn't for the fainthearted! If you have lots of mountain biking experience and a good level of fitness, the Atlas Traverse trip promises thrills galore. The Central High Atlas is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful mountain regions in the world, and offers some of Morocco’s best mountain biking terrain, with mile upon mile of uninterrupted jeep tracks and trails. The ten-night trip includes a night’s wilderness camping and a night with a local family with the chance to sample local cuisine.

    The details: The Atlas Traverse costs £895 per person exlcluding flights. Visit saddleskedaddle.co.uk for information.

  • Cycle Mallorca's Tramuntana Mountain range - as well as lots of less demanding flatter country rides - on a four-day trip with The Healthy Holiday Company. You'll be kitted out with the very best carbon road bikes and a special cycling map of the island. From £1,165 per person based on two adults sharing and includes return flights, four nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner each day, guide and equipment as well as three relaxing massages.

  • Best for: chocolate box scenery. The picturesque region of Gstaad in Switzerland has launched an array of newly refined biking trails, and increased the facilities for cycling enthusiasts with 11 new specialist certified 'bike hotels' offering 3-5 star accommodation, on-site repair services, lockable bike storage, bike cleaning areas, hire services, expert advice, packed lunches and luxurious wellness facilities to relieve sore muscles at the end of a long day.

    The details: Visit gstaad for more information.

  • Best for: Getting off the beaten track. Squeezed between Croatia, Serbia, Herzegovina, Albania and the Adriatic Coast, Montenegro boasts towering mountains, immense lakes, a stunning coastline and a varied array of mountain biking trails. This eight-day trip takes in the Ziovo mountains along the Montenegrin-Albanian border, as well as the mysterious high plateau of Sinjajevinja, followed by lunch with local shepherds.

    The details: Prices from £995 per person (excluding flights). Visit saddleskedaddle.co.uk for more information.

  • Best for: Downhill cyclists! Head south from Salzburg deep into Austria’s 'Little Canada’, surrounded by the highest mountain peaks. Pedal away from St Michael im Lungau through a National Park rich with birdlife to the buzz of Graz, the lively capital of Styria. Forests, farms, fertile plains and trailing vineyards mark this amazing tour through hidden Austria right down to the borders of Slovenia. You'll be cycling mainly on a dedicated cycle path in countryside which is practically downhill all the way. Accommodation is in comfortable three and four star hotels with plenty of local character in Salzburg, St Michael im Lungau, Murau, Judenburg, Bruck, Graz and Mureck.

    The details: Visit cyclebreaks.com

  • Best for: anyone in need of something more demanding. Cycle over Dolomite mountain passes while experiencing Italian, German and Ladin cultures and exceptional cuisine. A week long guided holiday starts and finishes from Cortina d’Ampezzo  Tackle a different area of the mountains every day (the difficulty will be adapted to the experience of the group).  Enjoy hairpin turns, testing ascents and exhilarating descents. From £1,960 pre person with the Healthy Holiday Company

  • Best for: Nature lovers. Situated in the foothills of the Massif Central, Limousin is a paradise for anyone with a passion for nature. You'll take in the Dordogne Valley, the regional parks of Millevaches and Périgord-Limousin and some of the prettiest villages in France.  Discover its medieval villages, granite churches, magnificent countryside and mouth-watering cuisine at your leisure.

    The details: Visit bonkersfrog.co.uk

  • Best for: Vulcanologists! This trip covers the wonderful area from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna to the Mediterranean shore. Quality rides rule - you can forget guidebook-style sightseeing. Stay at Castello Camemi, an impeccably restored 15th-century castle with a pool and spa, and enquire about family cycling holidays.

    The details: Visit backroads.com for more details.

  • Best for: Sea views. Discover the mountain passes of South Africa’s beautiful Cape region as well as breathtaking coastal rides with an expert guide. A five-day (four night) cycle adventure covers between 100km and 150km per day depending on your fitness, accompanied by a professional rider. There's an easier itinerary can be arranged for less experienced riders. From £795 per person.  thehealthyholidaycompany.com

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