Get into gear for the new year, with these brand-new tours, from Freedom Treks

Since 2003, Freedom Treks has been helping couples, families, solo travellers and groups of friends discover the many benefits of exploring a destination on two wheels and now offers more than 190 guided and self-guided tours by bike.

Cycling is a wonderful way to make the most of your time on holiday, with fresh air and exercise adding to the sense of adventure. Plus, a recent article* noted the sport can help boost fitness, improve health, help the environment, strengthen the immune system and increase brain power.

This year, Freedom Treks has launched 11 new, exciting tours. From the pure mountains in Ireland and the ancient cities of Japan, to the untamed landscapes of Scotland and rich history of Greece, there are plenty of spectacular sites and wonders to behold. 

NEW: Japan’s Noto Peninsula  
Imagine untamed coastal scenery, ancient cities, deep valleys, snow-capped mountains and tiny fishing villages; needless to say, pedalling through Japan’s Noto Peninsula takes cyclists on an unforgettable ride. After flying into Tokyo, board the renowned bullet train and transfer to Kanazawa, where the tour begins. Head around spectacular coastline taking in the sights along the way before finishing in Takayama. Look out for Ganmon Cave (a natural arch in the cliffs), Mitsuke Islands (connected to the mainland by a rocky causeway), Zuisen-ji Temple (one of Japan’s largest wooden structures) and Zuiryu-ji Temple and Great Buddha. The daily distances average 73 km and follow smooth, undulating roads, making this a great tour for regular and experienced cyclists. Plus, a support van is on hand should anyone want to have a rest. Each evening dine on delicious Japanese delicacies, such as soba (buckwheat noodles), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and unagi (grilled eel) washed down with plenty of sake. Level: Moderate to Challenging

An eight night Japan Noto Peninsula guided tour, departing in May, June, July and August 2020, costs from £3,119 pp (two sharing a twin or double room) and includes eight nights’ accommodation in a selection of 3* hotels and traditional ryokan inns on a full-board basis, service of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support vehicle for assistance, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, snacks and drinks when riding and cycling jersey and water bottle to keep as a souvenir. Return flights, airport transfers, visas (if necessary), drinks, bike hire and cycle helmets extra. Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Scotland – Boat & Bike
Journey through the stunning islands of Western Scotland and see the most incredible wild landscapes on this enticing boat and bike exploration. Nature lovers can look out for a wide range of flora and fauna, including red deer, otters and eagles. Foodies will enjoy tucking into a range of local cuisine, including neeps and tatties, haggis and perhaps even a deep-fried Mars Bar, all washed down with a wee dram of whisky. Starting and finishing in Glasgow, discover Kilmartin Glen, where 6,000 years of history are displayed in the form of astounding prehistoric stone circles. Cycle north on the quiet isle of Jura, home to 5,000 deer and famous whisky and pause at Calgary Bay, which has a white beach considered to be one of the most beautiful in Scotland. Although the rides can be challenging at times (suitable for regular and experienced cyclists) there’s no danger of going hungry on this trip with plenty of places to stop and enjoy some homecooked fare. After each day, relax on The Flying Dutchman, a graceful top-schooner with two masts that was built in 1903.
Level: Moderate to Challenging 

A seven-night Scotland – Boat & Bike guided tour, departing in June and August 2020, costs from £1,231 pp (for two adults sharing a twin cabin) and includes seven nights’ accommodation aboard the tall ship The Flying Dutchman on a half-board basis, English-speaking tour guide on board and on bike and overview of the maps for the daily tours. Return travel, drinks on board, entrance fees to museums and sites, bike hire and cycle helmets extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Loire Valley – Leisurely
Pedal along flat cycleways and quiet roads through the beautiful Loire Valley looking out for majestic castles on route, on this brand-new family-friendly tour. Each day, the rides cover distances between 35-45 km and Freedom Treks offers a wide range of bikes ideal for all ages: a family tandem (suitable for an adult and child aged 4-12), a child trailer (ages 1-4), follow-me bike (ages 4-7), a child bike plus bikes for the grownups (hybrid or e-bike), meaning everyone can enjoy the itinerary in comfort and style. Look out for the impressive Amboise Château, the spectacular Château de Chenonceau and the magnificent Chambord Castle and conjure up some magical fairy tales. Plus, cycle past picturesque farming fields, cobbled hamlets and through green forests. Every evening, stay at a selection of welcoming 3* and 4* hotels with swimming pools, ideal for jumping into after a sensational day in the saddle.
Level: Easy

A six-night Loire Valley – Leisurely self-guided tour, departing every Saturday from April to September 2020, costs from £484 pp (for two adults and two children (age 5-12) sharing a Quad Room) and includes 3* and 4* hotels with swimming pools on a B&B basis, maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request), welcome briefing, luggage transport and local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike hire and cycle helmets extra.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Galway and the Connemara Coast  
A place of contrasts, colours, wilderness and warm welcomes, Connemara, in western Ireland, is an incredible cycling destination. Beginning and ending in Galway, journey through natural unspoilt mountains, past ancient buildings and alongside the rugged coastline. Discover the 800 year old Ashford Castle in the village of Cong, cycle north into the spectacular Doo Lough valley, visit Derrigimlagh – the site of the first ever transatlantic crossing – and explore Dun Aonghusa, a 3,000 year old fort perched on the cliff. Traditional Irish music will also be a big part of this tour, with guests having the time to listen to the many talented performers in local pubs in Galway and Clifden. The average daily cycling distance is 40 km along easy to moderate trails, with options to lengthen the distance to 60 km if wanted. Every evening, stay at a selection of highly-rated and friendly B&Bs and guesthouses, all of which will serve a delicious homecooked and hearty breakfast.
Level: Moderate

A seven-night Connemara Express self-guided bike tour, departing every day from April to October 2020, costs from £622 pp (two adults sharing a twin/double room) and includes seven nights’ accommodation in B&Bs or small guesthouses, maps and route information, welcome briefing, luggage transportation and local contact number for assistance. Return flights, transfers, bike hire and cycle helmets extra. 
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)

NEW: Greece’s Coasts & Islands
Experience the diverse landscapes, blue seas and rich history of the Peloponnese and Saronic Islands of Greece on this captivating boat and bike tour. Beginning and ending in the historical and grand city of Athens, set sail across the sparkling sea for a number of beautiful shores. Drop anchor on Poros, which in ancient times was considered to be the isle of Poseidon, cycle along the spectacular coastline of Galatas, stop at Spetses, known as the ‘island of herbs’, and cruise to the Methana Peninsula, home to more than 30 volcanoes. The captain will also drop anchor when possible so guests can slide or leap into the crystal-clear sea for a cooling paddle. Although the cycle rides can be demanding at times (reaching 50 km), there is plenty of time to relax on the sundeck of the motor yacht when needed. Level: Moderate to Challenging

A seven-night Greece’s Coasts & Islands – Boat & Bike guided tour, departing in April, June, July, August and October 2020, costs from £1,369 pp (for two adults sharing a twin or double cabin) and includes seven nights’ accommodation aboard Bahriyeli A (two nights full board and five nights half board), English-speaking tour guide on board and on bike, overview maps for the daily tours and entrance fees for the museums and archaeological sites on group visits. Return flights, transfers, other meals, drinks, bike hire and cycle helmets 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).

*https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/fitness-and-training/30-great-benefits-of-cycling/