From Rorbu Cabins to Cave Hotels, make the most of these quirky places to stay, with Freedom Treks
Specialising in self-guided and guided bike tours for all cycling levels, Freedom Treks knows there is no better way to get beneath the surface of a country than from the comfort of a saddle. Travelling by bike allows riders to engage with a new destination, immerse themselves in different cultures, sample fresh produce and feel more motivated.
A well-known quote by the American essayist, philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, states, ‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey’, and all of Freedom Treks’ itineraries have been created with richness and variety in mind. Accommodation plays a big part in this; the company strives to match the perfect – and quite often unusual – place to stay with each trip.
From secret caves in Puglia, Italy and magnificent paradors near Madrid, Spain, to flamboyant hotels in Amboise, France and colonial-style boats in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, guests can relax and recharge whilst feeling like a local.
And with Freedom Treks having just won the new Feefo Platinum Customer Service Award for delivering exceptional service (after winning the Gold Award for the last three consecutive years), customers can be sure of an unforgettable holiday filled with plenty of bucket-list experiences.
NEW: Float away on the regal RV River Kwai boat in Thailand Combining the grandest luxuries of the colonial era in a small and intimate vessel with 10 deluxe air-conditioned cabins, the RV River Kwai makes for an ideal home-from-home for the first three nights of this boat and bike trip. Based on a design from the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, which was founded in Myanmar in 1865, the newly-built cruiser has been designed to feature a spacious dining area, welcoming bar and inviting sun deck. After jumping on a transfer out of Bangkok, pedal through peaceful countryside and untamed forests, stopping to take the train along the historic Death Railway and visiting the fascinating Angkor era ruins at Muang Sing. On returning to Bangkok, jump onto a domestic flight to Phuket (included in the tour price) and check into Paradise Resort on Koh Yao Island for the remainder of the trip. The appropriately-named destination is home to pristine beaches, exotic jungle, enticing water sports and is ideal for leisurely bike rides. Rent a boat for a fishing trip, take a Thai cooking course or just unwind in this idyllic setting.
Level: Easy
A six-night Boat, Bike & Beach Thailand guided tour, departing in February, June, August, October and November 2020, costs from £2,144 pp (two adults sharing a twin) and includes seven nights’ accommodation (three nights in four-star hotels and three nights on the RV River Kwai) on a full-board basis (apart from five meals), service of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support vehicle, bike hire, flight from Bangkok to Phuket, all entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, snacks and drinks when riding and cycling jersey to keep as a souvenir. Return travel, drinks on board, visas and cycle helmets extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Indulge at a parador near Madrid, Spain
A parador is a type of extravagant hotel usually located in a converted historic edifice such as a monastery or castle. The buildings are considered authentic art pieces and are often encompassed by nature with outdoor pools; guests can expect beautiful and unique surroundings. Each day, pedal through rural landscapes, charming towns and large farms, looking out for prolific wildlife including birds of prey and Spanish ibex, before stopping at one of the impressive paradors for a special evening. Expect archways and courtyards at Parador de Plasencia, a hilltop fortress with a turret at Parador de Oropesa and vaulted ceilings at Parador de Cáceres. Highlights include exploring Monfrague National Park, admiring the monuments left by the Spanish Conquistadors in Trujillo and marvelling at the cathedral and charming old town of Plasencia. The cycle distances range from 21-43 miles each day along undulating roads.
Level: Moderate
A six-night Conquistadors & Paradors self-guided tour, departing every day throughout March, April, May, June, September, October and November 2020, costs from £833 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in four-and-five star paradors and one restored farmhouse, luggage transportation, maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request) and local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike hire and cycle helmets extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Stay in a cave and a trullo in Puglia, Italy
Home of ancient towns, sparking coastline and incredible architecture, the southern region of Puglia in Italy has it all. After each exhilarating day in the saddle, guests can stay at a selection of enticing places, including a cave hotel at The Sassi in Matera UNESCO World Heritage Site and the intriguing UNESCO-listed trulli in Alberobello. Specific to the region of Puglia, trulli feature white stone walls, famous cone-shaped roofs and many of them are more than 200 years old. Beginning in Matera and ending in Lecce, the leisurely cycle routes, averaging around 35 miles each day, wind through olive groves, past long sandy beaches and around impressive castles. Puglia is also the perfect region for food and wine lovers and is well-known for its olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables and pasta.
Level: Easy to Moderate
A seven-night Puglia self-guided tour, departing in March, April, May, June, August, September and October 2020, costs from £630 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in a choice of three-and-four star hotels and a trullo hotel, luggage transportation, maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request), train from Ostuni to Lecce, bike handover (if renting bikes) and local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike hire and cycle helmets extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Cosy up in a traditional Rorbu Cabin on the Lofoten Islands in Norway
Native to Lofoten, the first Rorbu huts were commissioned by King Øystein in 1120 as housing for the fishermen during the fishing season. Back in the day, the cabins were simple structures built on poles in the sea and consisted of two rooms: a storage room and a living room with beds. Nowadays, the cottages come in a range of categories, from basic to high standard. The name, Rorbu, is derived from ‘Ro’, to row, and ‘bu’ little house; Rorbu simply means ‘the little house where fishermen lived while they rowed for fish’. This tour starts and finishes in Bodø, look out for graceful sea eagles near the village of Kabelvåg, walk to the top of Hoven hill for spectacular views and snap a few shots of Uttakleiv, the most photographed beach in Lofoten, on this once-in-a-lifetime holiday. The cycle rides are relatively flat, but guests should come prepared to experience varied weather conditions.
Level: Moderate
A seven-night Lofoten Islands self-guided tour, departing in June, August and September 2020, costs from £1,378 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation in local guesthouses and cabins, seven self-made packed lunches, three dinners (at the guesthouses), bike ferry from Ballstad to Nusfjord, luggage transportation, maps and route information and local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike hire, cycle helmets, the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer from Bodø to Svolvær and the ferry from Moskenes to Bodø extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Settle into a charming 17th century house in Amboise, France
The Royal City of Amboise has a host of historical ties plus plenty of first-class accommodation, including a 17th century home that has been carefully transformed into a four-star hotel. Located in Rue Rabelais, just moments from the pedestrian shopping streets, guests can look forward to regal rooms, a large landscaped garden and an inviting swimming pool surrounded by rose bushes. Spend three or five days exploring the beautiful Loire Valley and enjoy an ideal balance of rich history, carefree cycling and pure relaxation. Guests can cycle past green forests, through huge vineyards and around ancient cities. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Park and the Clos Lucé manor house with its da Vinci museum, reach the famous Château de Chenonceau, which was the scene of a famous rivalry between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, and sample a glass of Vouvray wine with a local producer. Because travellers stay at the same place throughout this trip, they can either cycle the easy distances of up to 30 miles each day or make the most of the delightful hotel and its grounds. Amboise is easy to reach by train from the UK: take the Eurostar to Paris and then board the SNCF.
Level: Easy to Moderate
A five-night Loire Valley – Vineyards & Chateaux from one hotel self-guided tour, departing every day in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October 2020, costs from £934 pp (two sharing) and includes B&B accommodation, two dinners, maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request) and local contact number for assistance. Return flights / train, transfers, bike hire, cycle helmets and entrance to the monuments and local attractions extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
To find out more about any of these tours visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk, call 01273 224 066 or follow Freedom Treks on Facebook (Freedom Treks).
