Don’t miss out on these brand-new cycle tours, with Freedom Treks

Cycling can strengthen the immune system, boost brain power and improve mental well-being.

Plus, it’s also a pollution-free mode of transport, which in this day and age – when toxic air is now the biggest environmental risk and responsible for one in nine fatalities* – is even more reason to jump on a bicycle this year.

Freedom Treks, specialising in self-guided and guided bike tours in Europe and Asia, has launched a selection of brand-new trips to a wide range of exciting regions.

Island hop around the cobalt-blue coast of Croatia, pedal around Portugal’s famous Algarve region, discover Umbria, Italy’s green heart, follow alongside the banks of the Rhine River or enjoy a leisurely tour of Holland.

NEW: Dubrovnik to Split – Deluxe, Croatia
Indulge in some of the Dalmatian coast’s most beautiful attractions by bike and boat on the new Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe tour. Starting with a guided tour of Dubrovnik, the terracotta-roofed stage for the filming of Game of Thrones, guests will then set sail for Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and home to verdant forests and sub-tropical parks. Continue to Lastovo Island, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Adriatic Sea with just 1,000 inhabitants. It may be small, but Lastovo is famous for its vineyards that produce the versatile Marastina grape, used to make dry, sweet and sparkling wines. Cross to the nearby forested island of Korčula, the birthplace of Marco Polo, and cruise to Hvar Town, home to a magnificent Renaissance Square and Spanish Fortress. Journey to the island of Brač, which is famous for its shining white marble used for building the White House. The tour finishes with a delicious farewell dinner in Split with the other members of the group, guides and crew. After each day of cycling and exploring, board the Harmonia, a deluxe-class motor yacht comprising 16 luxuriously-furnished and air-conditioned en-suite cabins.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
A seven-night Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & Bike tour, costs from £1,335 pp (two people sharing a twin cabin below deck). Price includes full board for four days and half board on the other three days as well as guided tours of Dubrovnik, Korčula and Split plus a welcome meeting. Return flights and bike hire extra. Hybrid bike hire costs from £83 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Eastern Algarve Short Break
Beginning and ending in the market town of Loulé, cycle the eastern end of Portugal’s famous Algarve region on mostly quiet, flat roads. Although this tour is only four nights long, it takes in the best of the region including the famous castle in Castro Marim, the Ria Formosa Natural Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Estoi, home to Roman ruins and a charming church square. Breathe in fresh air when cycling past stunning coastlines, through picturesque fishing villages and alongside flowing rivers. Take a break from the saddle and explore the town of São Brás de Alportel, a former cork-harvesting town, plus walk around the charming area of Olhão, the Algarve’s largest fishing port, which is renowned for its Moorish architecture. The bike rides range from 19 to 40 miles each day, and guests can shorten the cycle ride on the second day (40 miles) by taking the train from Tavira to Vila Real or from Vila Real back to Tavira, if they want to rest their legs.
Level: Easy to Moderate
A four-night Eastern Algarve Short Break tour, costs from £390 pp (two sharing). Price includes accommodation in three, four and five-star hotels, GPS, breakfast every day, hybrid bike hire, luggage transportation, maps and route information and return transfers from Faro Airport. Return flights and other meals extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Combine three new Boat & Bike tours, from Rotterdam to Strasbourg
Combine three new boat and bike tours along the river Rhine, running through Holland, Germany and France, to create an unforgettable three-week trip. Starting in Rotterdam, experience one of the largest cycle networks in the world ideal for all abilities. Pedal past the UNESCO World Heritage windmills of Kinderdijk andthrough the protected landscapes of De Biesbosch National Park to reach the historic streets of Cologne. From Cologne, continue to the city of Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace, and see the world’s highest cold-water geyser in Andernach, before rolling on to the Upper Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and home to the only hilltop castle in the Middle Rhine that has not been destroyed. Learn about the legends of Loreley Rock, next to the winding river afore reaching the medieval streets and timbered houses of Mainz. The last week, from Mainz to Strasbourg, takes in historic cities, stunning landscapes and magnificent palaces. Gentle cycle paths lead the way beside the Rhine and Neckar rivers and guests have the opportunity to bike along the romantic Castle Road; this scenic route is imbued with legends and lined with fortresses including Schwetzingen Palace, famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. After each day in the saddle, rest and recharge on board the newly refurbished MS Arkona. Make the most of the en-suite cabins, saloon bar and bright restaurant, plus the large sun deck from which guests can take in the beautiful scenery.
Level: Easy
A three-week tour, combining Rotterdam to Cologne by Boat & Bike, Cologne to Mainz by Boat & Bike and Mainz to Strasbourg by Boat & Bike costs from £2,877 pp (based on two people sharing a twin cabin on the main deck). Price includes full-board accommodation, an English-speaking guide onboard, daily briefings of the bike tours, maps and route information, welcome meeting with a drink, daily cabin cleaning, mooring fees and coffee in the afternoon. Return flights, transfers, bike hire, entrance fees and excursions and drinks on board extra. Hybrid bike hire costs from £216 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Umbria – Leisurely Assisi to Spoleto
Frequently referred to as Italy’s green heart, discover the beautiful region of Umbria by bike. This leisurely tour follows quiet-country lanes and cycle paths; riders can pedal at their own pace, taking in the bright-green fields, vine-covered hills and bold-yellow sunflowers. Starting in Assisi, which features famous basilicas, a fortress and Roman forum, explore the medieval city of Spello before continuing the four-day journey to Spoleto. Pedal to Graziani Baglioni Palace in Torgiano with its wine and olive museums, pause at the Piazza Silvestri in Bevagna and explore the Duomo, Ponte delle Torri and other highlights in Spoleto. On the last night, relax by the pool or join a pizza-making class and learn how to make this authentic, much-loved dish. Guests can pick from a range of accommodation, from three or four-star hotels, plus stay at an ecological country house in Casco dell’Acqua. Situated by the emerald green waters of Clitunno river, sign up for a canoe trip or slide into the salt-water pool.
Level: Easy
A six-night Umbria – Leisurely Assisi to Spoleto tour, departing every day from 1 April 2019, costs from £499 pp (two sharing a double or twin room in standard accommodation) or from £593 pp (two sharing a double or twin room in deluxe accommodation). Price includes breakfast every day, luggage transportation, maps and route information and welcome meeting. Return flights, transfers, other meals and bike hire extra. Hybrid bike hire costs from £74 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Green Heart of Holland – Boat & Bike
Look out for the 19 UNESCO World Heritage windmills of Kinderdijk, admire famous blue pottery in Delft and sample delicious Gouda cheese on this easy boat and bike tour. Beginning and ending in Amsterdam, cycle on flat terrain to historic cities and towns, passing farms, canals and coastal dunes. Throughout the tour, take the time to stroll through Harlem’s centre and Grote Markt (market square), learn more about the university city of Leiden, Rembrandt’s birthplace, and breathe in the incredible scents at the Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer, the largest plant and flower market in the world. Guests can choose from various bicycle routes varying in length depending on how energetic they are feeling. The longest ride is 41 miles, where enthusiastic riders can pedal through Schoonhoven, known as the ‘Silver City’ due to its silver and gold smiths that have been working there since the 17th century. After each day, return to Flora or Lena Maria (both comfortable barges) complete with en-suite bathrooms, a dining area and a sundeck.
Level: Easy
A seven-night Green Heart of Holland – Boat & Bike tour costs from £720 pp (two sharing) on Flora (self-guided tour) or from £767 pp (two sharing) on Lena Maria (guided tour). Price includes full-board accommodation, an English-speaking guide onboard Lena Maria, ferry fees for customers onboard Lena Maria, daily briefings for customers onboard Flora, maps and route information, welcome meeting and drink on the first evening and tea and coffee. Return flights, transfers, bike hire, entrance fees and drinks extra. Hybrid bike hire costs from £70 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)