Cycling itineraries

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of Europe's most spectacular cycling routes — and you absolutely don't need a guided group tour to experience it. This self-launched version follows the same stunning arc from Split to the Zrmanja Canyon: UNESCO old towns, island ferries, limestone moonscapes on Pag, and the dramatic climb into the Velebit Mountains. You'll rent your own hybrid bike in Split, book local ferries, and stay in budget hotels and guesthouses along the route. Breakfasts are cheap at local bakeries, picnic lunches are easy to assemble from markets, and dinners at traditional konobas cost a fraction of restaurant prices. Expect roughly 34–53 miles per riding day on mostly quiet roads — this is a serious cycling trip, so make sure your legs are ready. The trade-off for going self-launched: no support vehicle and no guide, but significantly more flexibility and savings of around £700–£900 per person.

Travel Crew

~£750

Trade the Parador price tags for the same stunning Andalucian route — whitewashed hilltowns, sherry country, Via Verde cycle lanes and Cadiz's ancient beaches — all at a fraction of the cost. This self-launched version follows the exact Seville–Carmona–Montellano–Arcos de la Frontera–Jerez–Cadiz route, swapping packaged bike hire and 3/4-star hotels for independently hired bikes, charming mid-range guesthouses and boutique hostels. You'll navigate using free apps like Komoot or Wikiloc, eat where the locals eat, and pocket around £1,400 in savings. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£585

Ride Albania's most dramatic backroads independently — from the shimmering shores of Lake Ohrid through the Gramos Mountains, along the Vjosa River Gorge and over the iconic Llogara Pass to the Albanian Riviera. This self-launched version swaps the guided group tour for a hired e-bike, locally booked guesthouses and public/shared transport where needed. You get the same jaw-dropping landscapes, Ottoman towns and coastal descents at a fraction of the price. Albania remains one of Europe's best-value destinations, and the backroads here are quiet enough to explore confidently on your own. Budget roughly £25–35/day for food and accommodation; e-bike hire is the biggest single cost.

Travel Crew

~£520

Pedal from Sarajevo to Trebinje through Bosnia's wild Dinaric Alps on this self-launched cycling adventure — the same epic route as the Much Better Adventures group tour, but booked independently at a fraction of the cost. Hire your own mountain bike in Sarajevo, follow the Olympic trails into the Bjelasnica mountains, trace ancient Ottoman caravan routes, ride the scenic Ciro Trail through abandoned Austro-Hungarian stations, and finish with a wine tasting in Trebinje. This is one of Europe's most underrated cycling destinations, and it's very doable without a guide. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£490

Swap the guided package for your own self-launched e-bike adventure through the UNESCO vineyards of Piedmont — same ochre villages, same world-class Barolo and Barbaresco wines, same rolling Langhe hills, but at a fraction of the price. Rent your own e-bike locally in Alba or Benevello, book mid-range agriturismi and guesthouses along the route, and use Google Maps / Komoot for navigation. With roughly 130 km of cycling spread across four ride days on mostly quiet country roads, this is a very achievable trip for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. All the highlights — Alba's cobbled streets, Barolo village, Fontanafredda wine cellars, Neive's piazza — are free to explore independently, and the Langhe's restaurants and enoteche offer outstanding food and wine at every price point. Estimated costs below are per person based on shared twin/double accommodation.

Travel Crew

~£1,060

Pedal through the sun-baked heel of Italy entirely on your own terms — no tour group, no operator markup. This self-launched cycling route traces the same stunning path from UNESCO-listed Alberobello to Baroque Lecce, taking in the Valle d'Itria, the Ionian coastline, whitewashed Ostuni, and the dramatic tip of Salento at Santa Maria di Leuca. You'll hire your own bike locally, book budget-friendly guesthouses and agriturismi directly, and navigate using free apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£735

Follow the same spectacular off-road cycling route across Mongolia's vast steppe, mountain passes and ancient river valleys — independently. This self-launched version of Exodus's 15-day cycling adventure swaps the group tour price for budget guesthouses, a hired mountain bike, and local shared transport, saving you over £2,700 per person. You'll ride the same jeep tracks from Erdenet to Karakorum, wild-camp under the Mongolian sky, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, and finish with a traditional show in Ulaanbaatar — all on your own terms. Costs are approximate estimates for independent budget travellers.

Travel Crew

~£1,900

This self-launched version of Exodus's iconic Route 62 cycling journey takes you from Cape Town to Knysna along one of South Africa's most spectacular roads — all independently booked, at a fraction of the guided price. You'll rent your own mountain bike locally, stay in a mix of guesthouses, budget hotels and lodges, and follow the same legendary route through the Cape Winelands, Klein Karoo semi-desert, dramatic mountain passes and down to the Garden Route coast. Local shuttle services, Baz Bus links and shared taxis bridge the gaps where the tour uses support vehicles. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,055

Skip the guided group tour and do Namibia your way — same epic dunes, same wildlife-filled national parks, same starry desert skies. This self-launched route takes you from Windhoek north to Etosha, west to Swakopmund's Atlantic coast, and south through the ancient Namib to Sossusvlei's iconic red dunes. You'll hire a 4x4 camper (the standard independent way to explore Namibia), rent fat bikes and mountain bikes locally, and book game drives directly at park gates. Namibia is one of the most self-drive-friendly countries in Africa — well-signposted gravel roads, excellent campsites, and stunning scenery at every turn. Costs below are estimated per person based on two people sharing a rented 4x4 camper, with some budget guesthouse nights in Swakopmund and Windhoek.

Travel Crew

~£1,450

Cycle one of Europe's most iconic routes along the Danube from Passau to Vienna entirely on your own terms. The EuroVelo 6 / Donauradweg is a well-signed, dedicated cycle path requiring no guide — just a hired bike, a free navigation app like Komoot, and a sense of adventure. Swap the operator's package hotels for a mix of budget guesthouses and mid-range riverside inns, arrange your own luggage transfers or pack light, and save a huge chunk of what a commercial operator charges. This self-launched version follows the exact same daily stages through hilltop castles, Baroque abbeys, the UNESCO Wachau Valley and sunflower-lined plains — all the magic, none of the markup. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on solo travel in a shared/double room.

Travel Crew

~£910

Skip the guided group tour price tag and explore Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own terms. This self-launched version covers the same iconic cycling routes — through Saigon's backstreets, along Mekong river channels, past coconut candy factories, and through the rice paddies around Cu Chi — but replaces the all-inclusive operator package with self-bookable bike hire, GetYourGuide day tours, local buses, and budget guesthouses. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£170

Trade the guided group price tag for the same epic coast-to-coast cycling route across Costa Rica — independently. From the Pacific mangroves and wildlife-rich national parks of the south to the coffee valleys, Tortuguero canals and volcanic landscapes of the north, this self-launched version covers every highlight of the Exodus original. You'll hire your own bike, book local transfers and guided park walks via GetYourGuide or direct, and stay in equivalent guesthouses and lodges — saving hundreds of pounds while keeping every ounce of the adventure.

Travel Crew

~£815

Cross Costa Rica coast to coast under your own steam — from the Pacific at Manuel Antonio to the Caribbean at Cahuita — combining e-bike rental, hiking, white-water rafting and sea kayaking. This self-launched version follows the same epic 250km route, swapping the guided group package for independent bookings via local operators and online platforms. You'll hire e-bikes from specialist rental shops in San José, book rafting and kayaking day trips on the Pacuare River through GetYourGuide or direct with local outfitters like Tico's River Adventures, and camp or stay in budget guesthouses along the route. Estimated costs below are approximate per-person figures based on current backpacker rates, assuming solo travel with shared dorm or twin budget accommodation where camping isn't used.

Travel Crew

~£680

Discover Slovenia's most spectacular landscapes by bike — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched 8-day cycling route traces the same iconic path as the Headwater/Exodus tour: from the turquoise shores of Lake Bled through the Julian Alps, along the emerald Soča river, into the wine country of Goriška Brda, across the Karst plateau past Štanjel and the UNESCO Škocjan caves, via the Lipizzaner stud farm at Lipica, and down to the Venetian coastal towns of Koper and Piran. By sourcing your own bike hire, booking accommodation directly, and using public trains and shared transfers, you can follow the same route for a fraction of the operator price. All estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£635

Slovenia's greatest cycling traverse — from the glacial lakes of the Julian Alps to the Venetian streets of Piran on the Adriatic — done entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version follows the same stunning route through Triglav National Park, the turquoise Sočа Valley, the Karst Plateau and the Parenzana Trail, swapping guided group logistics for independent planning, budget accommodation and self-booked transport. Hire your own mountain bike in Kranjska Gora, navigate by GPX track, and pocket serious savings without missing a single highlight. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£565

Pedal independently through Portugal's stunning Minho region — from the fortified border town of Monção, along the River Minho through vine-draped valleys, past Atlantic fishing villages, and all the way into UNESCO-listed Porto. This self-launched version swaps the Exodus guided package for a hire bike, free navigation apps, budget guesthouses, and self-booked wine tastings — delivering the same incredible route at a fraction of the price. Luggage can be forwarded between stops using local taxi transfers or lightweight panniers. Approximately 250 km of mostly flat-to-downhill cycling across 6 riding days, with one loop day in the Lima valley.

Travel Crew

~£820

Follow the ancient Silk Road by mountain bike from Tbilisi to the Black Sea, crossing the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, tackling the legendary Goderdzi Pass, and exploring the cave city of Vardzia and Rabati Fortress — all without a guided group tour. This self-launched version swaps the commercial package for independently hired bikes, self-booked guesthouses, and local transport, saving you a substantial chunk while keeping every highlight intact. Georgia is one of Europe's most underrated adventure destinations: the roads are quiet, the guesthouses are warm and welcoming, and the chacha flows freely.

Travel Crew

~£480

This self-launched cycling adventure follows the iconic Alpe Adria Trail from the turquoise shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia, through the Julian Alps, across the Austrian border and down through the Friuli region of northern Italy to the sun-drenched Adriatic island of Grado. You'll ride mostly on dedicated cycle paths through alpine valleys, medieval walled towns, Roman ruins and vineyard-draped plains — finishing with a dramatic lagoon crossing to the beach. By booking your own hire bike locally, staying in guesthouses and budget hotels, and navigating with free apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS, you can replicate virtually every highlight of the Headwater/Exodus itinerary at a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£765

A self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' popular Cuba cycling trip — same stunning backroads, Caribbean coastline, and Viñales valley, without the guided tour price tag. You'll hire your own bike in Havana, book casas particulares directly, and follow the same western Cuba route through Las Terrazas, San Diego de los Baños, Puerto Esperanza, and Viñales. Cuba rewards independent travellers who embrace the improvised, warm, and wonderfully unpredictable nature of island life. Note: The UK government currently advises against all but essential travel to Cuba — check the latest FCDO guidance before booking.

Travel Crew

~£485

Ditch the guided group and saddle up independently for one of Spain's most rewarding coastal rides — Barcelona all the way down to Valencia along car-free Via Verdes, wild natural parks and sun-drenched Mediterranean seafronts. This self-launched version follows the exact same route, swaps the operator's hotels for well-rated budget seafront guesthouses and mid-range hostels, and replaces the support vehicle with a decent hire bike and a downloaded GPX track. You'll still swim in the Med every evening, spot flamingos in the Ebro Delta and roll into Valencia for a celebratory paella — just at a fraction of the cost. All distances are the same as the original itinerary (30–59 km/day), making this very doable for any reasonably fit cyclist. Costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates in Spain.

Travel Crew

~£695

Same stunning Sicilian cycling route — southeastern coastlines, UNESCO baroque towns, vineyards, and the dramatic Cavagrande del Cassibile canyon — without the guided group price tag. You'll hire your own bike locally, follow the same day-by-day route independently, and stay in characterful guesthouses and agriturismi along the way. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,050

An epic coast-to-coast cycling journey from heritage Kochi to sacred Rameswaram — pedalling through Kerala's backwaters, the mist-shrouded Western Ghats, and Tamil Nadu's temple-dotted plains. This self-launched version strips out the operator margin and replaces guided group logistics with independent travel: hire your own bike, book direct, use local transport for transfers, and spend a fraction of the price without sacrificing a single view. Best suited to experienced cyclists comfortable with 31–60 mile days and back-to-back riding. Costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£349

This self-launched version of the legendary Ha Giang Loop cycling adventure follows the same spectacular route through northern Vietnam's dramatic karst highlands, terraced rice paddies and remote hill tribe villages — without the guided tour price tag. You'll rent a quality mountain bike in Hanoi, use local buses and shared vans between key stages, stay in a mix of budget hotels and authentic homestays, and book the Halong Bay cruise directly. The Ha Giang Loop is a well-trodden independent route with good infrastructure for self-launched cyclists, making it highly achievable without a guide. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£488

Pedal through the fairy-tale landscapes of Transylvania under your own steam — past UNESCO-listed fortified churches, medieval citadels, Saxon villages and the mighty Fagaras Mountains — before finishing in Bucharest. This self-launched version swaps the guided group package for independently hired touring bikes, guesthouses bookable direct, and public/shared transport where wheels are needed. Same iconic route, same hidden stories, roughly a third of the price. Costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£875

Cycle the full 270km Bodensee-Radweg loop around Lake Constance entirely on your own terms — no guide, no group, just you and one of Europe's most scenic flat cycling routes. This self-launched version of Exodus's popular Lake Constance tour covers the same daily stages through Austria, Switzerland and Germany: cherry orchards, Rhine delta wildlife, medieval Stein am Rhein, the UNESCO island of Reichenau, fairytale Meersburg, and a triumphant finish back in Bregenz. Rent a quality bike locally, book budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels along the route, and handle your own luggage transfers (most accommodation will store bags or you can pack light). All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£755

Pedal through the vineyards, canals and medieval hilltop villages of Burgundy under your own steam — no guide fees, no group pace, no compromise on experience. This self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' popular cycling tour follows the same iconic route from Dijon through the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and back along the Burgundy Canal. You'll hire your own hybrid bike, book budget-friendly characterful accommodation en route, join self-bookable wine tastings at local estates, and eat and drink exactly where you please. All the highlights, a fraction of the price.

Travel Crew

~£595

Pedal through some of the world's most iconic wine country on this self-launched cycling adventure across the Bordeaux vineyards. Following the same route from Entre-deux-Mers to Médoc, you'll visit Cadillac, Saint-Émilion, Blaye, and Margaux at your own pace — swapping the tour operator's package price for a hired bike, free GPS apps, and budget-friendly guesthouses. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£445

Pedal your own way from Amsterdam to Brussels across two countries, covering roughly 360km of mostly flat cycling through Holland's Green Heart, windmill-dotted Kinderdijk, the Biesbosch National Park and the historic cities of Gouda, Antwerp and Leuven. This self-launched version swaps the guided operator package for independently hired bikes, budget-friendly 2-3★ hotels and guesthouses, and self-navigated routes using free apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS. All the same highlights, stroopwafels, moules-frites, Belgian beer and Grand Place photo ops included — at a fraction of the Exodus price.

Travel Crew

~£795

Pedal the length of Vietnam from electric Ho Chi Minh City to the buzzing capital Hanoi — independently, at a fraction of the cost. This self-launched version follows the same iconic route: Cu Chi tunnels, coastal Mui Ne, highland Dalat, tropical Whale Island, the legendary Hai Van Pass, ancient Hoi An, imperial Hue and the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Swap the group tour's support vehicle for a mix of local buses, overnight trains and shared boats, rent your own bike on arrival, and book activities directly through GetYourGuide or local operators. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker/budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£608

Cycle the stunning Portuguese Silver Coast from UNESCO-recognised Porto to the historic university city of Coimbra — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version follows the same route as Exodus's guided trip: coastal paths, the Aveiro Lagoon, towering sand dunes, and charming canal towns — but replaces 4-star group hotels with excellent budget guesthouses and B&Bs, and swaps the operator markup for direct bookings. Rent your own bike in Porto, use local trains for the short hop across the lagoon, and save over £1,500 per person compared to the commercial tour price.

Travel Crew

~£1,195

Pedal one of Europe's most stunning coastlines — from Lisbon south through the Alentejo to the wild Algarve — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of Exodus's popular guided ride follows the same route along the Rota Vicentina, swapping the group tour price tag for budget-friendly bike hire, local guesthouses, and self-bookable ferries and transfers. You'll take in dramatic sea cliffs, hidden beaches, pine forests, and end at the windswept headland of Cabo de São Vicente before rolling into laid-back Sagres. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£820

This self-launched version of Exodus's classic Bangkok-to-Saigon cycling journey covers the same three-country route — Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam — at a fraction of the cost. You'll cycle through rural Thai landscapes, explore the Angkor temple complex by bike, pay your respects at Phnom Penh's Killing Fields, and wind through the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. Instead of group tour operators and packaged transport, you'll hire your own bike locally, book budget guesthouses along the route, and use public buses, shared taxis and local ferries to connect the dots. All the highlights, none of the premium price tag. Costs below are estimated per person and assume solo travel with shared dorm or budget double rooms.

Travel Crew

~£576

This self-launched version of Exodus's classic Dolomites-to-Venice cycling route lets you pedal the same stunning 300km journey through South Tyrol and Veneto entirely on your own terms — no group, no premium price tag. You'll follow the old narrow-gauge railway track past Tre Cime, roll through Cortina d'Ampezzo, Belluno, Feltre, and Bassano del Grappa before gliding into Treviso and finishing on the doorstep of Venice. By hiring your own bike locally, booking budget-friendly guesthouses and B&Bs, and managing your own luggage transfers cheaply, you can save over £1,000 vs the Exodus price. All costs below are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£720

Pedal some of Europe's most legendary cycling passes — Gavia, Stelvio, Mortirolo, Bernina — on a self-launched version of Road Bike Tours Italy's Great Alps tour. Based in Bormio, you'll hire your own road or e-road bike, ride the same Giro d'Italia routes, soak in thermal spas, and cross into Switzerland without the luxury-tour price tag. Accommodation shifts from a 4-star hotel to a comfortable 3-star guesthouse or B&B in Bormio, meals swap to local trattorie and mountain rifugi, and you navigate each stage with GPS routes downloaded to your device. These cost estimates are approximate and based on current independent traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£975

Explore Cuba independently on two wheels — from Havana's streets to the limestone mogotes of Viñales, the Bay of Pigs coastline, and the cobblestoned UNESCO city of Trinidad. This self-launched version mirrors the G Adventures cycling route using casas particulares (Cuba's beloved homestay B&Bs), local buses (Viazul), and self-booked bike hire. Cuba is a cash-only destination — bring USD or EUR to exchange into CUP on arrival. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£475

Ditch the guided group and saddle up independently on this 10-day self-launched cycling adventure from Ho Chi Minh City through the Mekong Delta and into Cambodia, finishing at the legendary temples of Angkor Wat. You'll rent your own bike, hop on local buses and ferries, stay in budget guesthouses and a family homestay, and explore Cu Chi Tunnels, floating markets, Phnom Penh, Oudong Mountain, Tonle Sap Lake, and Angkor Wat at your own pace. Same incredible route, same experiences — a fraction of the cost.

Travel Crew

~£415

Trade the guided group price tag for the open road and do this iconic Moroccan cycling route on your own terms. From the foothills of Mount Toubkal through the Anti Atlas Mountains to the windswept Atlantic coast of Essaouira, this self-launched version follows the same spectacular route — high passes, kasbahs, Paradise Valley and all — using a rented road bike, local guesthouses, riads and shared transport. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£510

Ditch the guided group and tackle this epic Peloponnese cycling loop on your own terms. From Athens you'll pedal to Piraeus, ferry across to Poros, and then wind your way through ancient Epidaurus, Nafplio, Mycenae, Nemea's vineyards and the Gulf of Corinth coast before finishing with a self-booked Acropolis tour back in Athens. Bike hire, ferries, and local buses are all independently bookable — at a fraction of what a group operator charges. These cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£590

Ride the Silk Road independently — from the Chatkal Mountains and vineyard valleys near Tashkent, through Zaamin National Park and the Nuratau ridge, all the way to ancient Samarkand. This self-launched version follows the same spectacular route as Much Better Adventures' guided cycling tour, swapping guided group transfers for local shared taxis, renting your own mountain bike in Tashkent, and staying in budget guesthouses, family homestays and a yurt camp you book direct. Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's most rewarding and affordable countries for independent travellers — low costs, warm hospitality and epic scenery at every turn. Costs below are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£480

Pedal between seven stunning Italian Lakes — Garda, Iseo, Bergamo, Lecco, Como, Varese and Maggiore — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of the classic Italian Lakes cycling route replaces the Headwater/Exodus package with independently hired bikes, budget-friendly 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses, and free navigation via Komoot or Strava. You'll follow the same spectacular Ciclopista del Sole, Adda river paths and lakeside roads, sampling Franciacorta wines, exploring medieval old towns and crossing briefly into Switzerland — all without the operator premium. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on solo travel in a shared/double room.

Travel Crew

~£615

Ditch the guided package and pedal southern Italy on your own terms. This self-launched version of Exodus's popular Matera-to-Lecce cycling route takes you through UNESCO cave cities, fairy-tale trulli villages, Baroque hilltowns and shimmering Adriatic coastline — all at your own pace, without the group markup. You rent your own bike locally, book budget-friendly B&Bs and guesthouses along the route, and navigate using free apps like Komoot or Wikiloc. The route itself is mostly quiet tarmac roads through one of Italy's most rewarding and under-visited regions. Estimated cost is around £850–£1,000 per person for 12 nights, compared to £1,500+ with Exodus — a saving of roughly £550 or 37%.

Travel Crew

~£965

A revolutionary ride through western Cuba's beautiful interior and Caribbean coast — independently planned and self-launched. This itinerary replicates the Much Better Adventures route through Viñales, Las Terrazas, Puerto Esperanza, and Cayo Jutias, swapping guided group tour pricing for self-booked casas particulares, local transport, and direct activity bookings. Cuba's backroads are very bikeable independently, and casas particulares are easy to book direct or via platforms like Airbnb and AirCuba. Renting a quality bike in Havana or Viñales is straightforward. Note: the UK government currently advises against all but essential travel to Cuba — check FCDO advice before booking. All costs are approximate estimates in GBP per person.

Travel Crew

~£575

Pedal 240 km along the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version swaps the operator-arranged package for independently rented bikes, budget-friendly guesthouses and chambres d'hôtes, and your own pace along one of Europe's most scenic cycling routes. Same towpath, same cassoulet, same Mediterranean finish line — at a fraction of the guided price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£630

Tackle the most spectacular sections of the Jordan Bike Trail independently — pedalling through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, descending to Little Petra, rolling into Wadi Rum and floating in the Dead Sea — all without paying group-tour premiums. You'll hire your own mountain bike, book budget guesthouses and Bedouin camps directly, use public minibuses and shared taxis between hubs, and self-book site entries. The riding is the same, the landscapes are identical, and the savings are substantial. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current independent-traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£550

Ride the full length of Taiwan independently — from Taipei's riverside cycle paths to the sun-drenched beaches of Kenting — on a rented hybrid bike, staying in budget guesthouses and fuelling up at night markets and roadside convenience stores along the way. This self-launched version follows the same epic route through the East Rift Valley, over the Coastal Range and down the Pacific coastline, swapping the guided group tour for your own pace, your own schedule, and a fraction of the cost. Taiwan is one of the world's most cycle-friendly countries, with well-marked routes, dedicated bike paths and a culture that genuinely loves cyclists — making it ideal for an independent adventure.

Travel Crew

~£525

An independent week-long cycling adventure through the Douro Valley — from medieval villages near the Spanish border to UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards and world-class Port wine estates. You'll follow the same spectacular route as the Exodus tour, swapping the operator markup for self-booked bike hire, budget guesthouses, and direct wine tasting bookings. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£630

Pedal your way through two countries and some of Europe's most scenic cycling terrain — from the fairy-tale canals of Bruges to the buzzing streets of Amsterdam. This self-launched version ditches the operator management fee and replaces 3★/4★ hotel packages with well-rated budget hotels and guesthouses, while you navigate freely using free apps like Komoot or Ride with GPS. You'll hire your own bike locally (often cheaper than packaged hire), carry a small day bag and let luggage move by public transport or your own arrangement between stops. Same iconic route, same windmills, beaches and cheese — roughly half the price. All costs are approximate estimates.

Travel Crew

~£805

Ditch the guided tour price tag and explore the temples, villages, and waterways of Siem Reap on your own terms. This self-launched cycling itinerary follows the same incredible route through Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, and Tonle Sap Lake — renting your own bicycle, booking a local boat, and kayaking to the Mechrey floating village independently. You'll save a bundle while still getting up close to rural Cambodia in a way that most tourists never do. All activities are bookable on the ground in Siem Reap or via GetYourGuide and Klook, and accommodation options keep you well-rested without the resort price tag.

Travel Crew

~£185

An epic self-launched cycling adventure across the Mongolian steppe, tackling mountain passes, river valleys, and larch forests on a hired mountain bike — all without the group tour price tag. You'll follow the same legendary route from Erdenet through the Khangai Mountains to ancient Karakorum, and cap it off with two days at the UNESCO-listed Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar. By arranging your own bike hire, booking your own transport, and camping wild (as is your legal right across Mongolia's open steppe), you can replicate virtually every highlight of the Exodus tour at a fraction of the cost. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£630

Trade the group tour price tag for this self-launched 12-day cycling adventure through Namibia's most jaw-dropping landscapes. You'll ride gravel passes from Windhoek into the Namib, watch the sunrise from Dune 45 at Sossusvlei, fat-bike over dunes at Swakopmund, camp beneath the stars at Spitzkoppe, and game-drive through Etosha National Park — all at a fraction of Exodus's guided price. You'll need to arrange your own bike hire locally (Swakopmund and Windhoek both have reliable MTB hire shops), book campsites and budget lodges in advance (Namibia's popular spots fill up fast), and hire a self-drive 4x4 or campervan for the longer transfers. All costs below are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£2,050

A self-launched cycling adventure from Rennes through Brittany and Normandy, taking in medieval walled cities, oyster harbours, the ethereal Mont-Saint-Michel, and the moving D-Day beaches — all at a fraction of the guided-tour price. You'll hire your own touring bike locally, navigate canal towpaths and quiet country roads independently, and stay in characterful budget hotels and guesthouses along the route. Distances are gentle (30–57 km per day) and the terrain is largely flat, making this very achievable for any reasonably fit cyclist. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£795

Trade the guided group tour for a self-launched cycling adventure through Croatia's stunning Istrian Peninsula — same sun-drenched coastal trails, vineyard routes, Roman ruins and medieval castles, but at a fraction of the cost. Hire your own bike, follow the same Parenzana Trail, sip Istrian malvasia at family-run wineries, and explore Rovinj and Pula independently. Local buses and taxis replace the support vehicle, and comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels replace the Superior-grade tour accommodation. All in, expect to spend roughly £800–£950 per person for the week, versus nearly £3,000 on the Exodus tour.

Travel Crew

~£870

Three countries, three cultures, one epic cycling adventure — done entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of Exodus Travels' premium cycling tour follows the same Bangkok-to-Ho Chi Minh City route through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, swapping out private minibuses for local transport and luxury resort nights for quality guesthouses and boutique budget hotels. You'll still pedal past Ayutthaya's ancient temples, spend two full days exploring Angkor by bike, cross overland into Vietnam, and wind through the Mekong Delta — just at a fraction of the price. Bike hire, Angkor passes, river cruises and cultural stops are all self-bookable independently or via GetYourGuide. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£723

An epic self-launched cycling adventure through Kyrgyzstan's dramatic canyons, high-altitude steppe and the shimmering shores of Issyk Kul — same breathtaking passes, same nomadic encounters, same star-filled nights, but booked independently for a fraction of the cost. You'll hire your own mountain bike in Bishkek, use shared marshrutka minibuses and local taxis between stages, camp wild or at simple guesthouses, and connect directly with local yurt camps and cooperatives. Kyrgyzstan is one of the most backpacker-friendly destinations in Central Asia — low costs, incredibly welcoming locals, and virtually no visa hassle for most Western passport holders.

Travel Crew

~£305

Pedal point-to-point through remote Berber valleys, ancient kasbahs and the Valley of Roses in southern Morocco's Atlas foothills — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' guided cycling tour swaps group transfers and included guides for independently hired bikes, local gîtes and guesthouses booked direct, and shared taxis or hired minibuses between stages. You'll follow the same spectacular route from Marrakech over the High Atlas to Skoura, through the Amejgag gorges and deep into the Valley of Roses, at a fraction of the cost. All cost estimates are approximate and based on 2024 budget-traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£340

Take on one of the Middle East's most spectacular cycling adventures independently — riding the Jordan Bike Trail from Dana to Wadi Rum and all the way to Petra, without the group tour price tag. You'll rent a quality mountain bike locally, book your own Bedouin camp stays, arrange shared transport between sections, and self-navigate using the Jordan Trail Association's free GPS tracks. Same epic desert landscapes, same starlit wild camps and glamping domes, same Petra backdoor hike — just a fraction of the cost and the freedom to go at your own pace. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£510

Pedal through one of South America's most dramatic landscapes entirely on your own terms. This self-launched version of Exodus's iconic Lake District cycling route takes you from Puerto Varas in Chile, across the Andes twice, through Argentine Patagonia's Seven Lakes Road and Pehuén Route, and back into Chile via Conguillio National Park. You'll rent a quality mountain bike locally, book your own ferries and bus transfers, and stay in well-rated budget guesthouses and hostels — all for a fraction of the guided tour price. Expect volcanic skylines, turquoise lakes, ancient araucaria forests and the kind of riding that rewards every uphill push with an unforgettable descent.

Travel Crew

~£793

Ride vineyards, mountain passes and wild coastline on a self-launched cycling loop from Cape Town — no tour group required. This 12-day route replicates the iconic Exodus Cape & Winelands circuit, taking in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, the Great Karoo, Cape Agulhas, Hermanus and the Cape Peninsula. You'll hire your own hybrid bike, book budget-friendly guesthouses along the route, and use shared shuttles or local buses where transfers are needed. The result is the same breathtaking scenery and epic riding at a fraction of the guided tour price. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£870

Pedal through Sicily's stunning Val di Noto independently — from the hilltop Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla and Modica to the wild coastline around Portopalo di Capo Passero and Siracusa. This self-launched version follows the same spectacular backroads route, swapping guided group riding for a hire bike and self-booked accommodation, saving you hundreds while keeping every highlight: canyon viewpoints, winery tours, nature reserves, and chocolate tastings in Modica. Use local buses for airport transfers, book activities direct or via GetYourGuide, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Travel Crew

~£650