Exodus launches new cycling holidays to a ‘cycling-mad’ public.

London, 13 October 2014: A treasure trove of brand new cycling tours, Exodus’ new cycling brochure will take cyclists of every skill level to an incredible range of destinations. Guests can soak up the sun in Sicily or travel further afield to experience the ancient temples of South East Asia, explore the hills of Colombia, or even cross the mountainous border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua - all on two wheels.

Over the past 5 years Exodus has seen interest in its cycling trips boom, with regular year on year increases of 30%. With record numbers in attendance at the Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in Yorkshire this year, the new brochure is being launched to an increasingly ‘cycling-mad’ UK public. The 2015 cycling brochure includes 12 new trips, out of 77 in total, and half of the new trips are road cycling tours, reflecting the growing popularity of Exodus’ cultural road trips. A wide selection of mountain biking, self-guided, and drop bar tours are also available ensuring all cyclists can have an extra special experience whether they want to mountain bike the Atlas Mountains or pedal through the vineyards of Provence. 

Exodus’ Head of Product, Andy Ross, said:

“Following the very positive response to existing trips to Vietnam, Cuba, Croatia and others, we have tailored this latest offering to cyclists who value culture and discovery just as much as their beloved pastime. Recent trends for Exodus cycle tours also indicate a growing interest in long haul, two week holidays, so we have developed this area of the brochure including new destinations such as Colombia, Mexico and Laos. As ever, Exodus strives to provide an extensive offering, so customers can also expect some interesting trips to Europe and closer to home destinations such as Albania.”

New long-haul trips include:

Cycling in Laos

This route takes the group through some spectacular scenery, from narrow jungle roads to shimmering rice paddies. Out of the saddle, the group also explores Luang Prabang, an area of striking colonial buildings and colourful temples. Other inspiring visits will include the Buddha caves, home to thousands of Buddha images, and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. First departure 14 February 2015, priced from £2,349 per person for a 16 day trip, including flights from London, all accommodation, all breakfasts and a tour leader throughout. 

Cycling Colombia  

With Colombia's road cyclists gaining worldwide recognition, there really is no better time for a cycling trip to one of South America's most scenic regions. The group will visit the famous Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the coffee zone of Colombia on the western slopes of the Central Andes. Here the route takes the group along paved winding roads that traverse a lush environment of coffee plantations. First departure 14 March 2015, priced from £2,599 per person for a 14 day trip, including flights from London, all accommodation, all breakfasts and most meals. 

Mountain Biking in Costa Rica & Nicaragua

This off-road adventure takes mountain bikers through two of Central America's most unspoilt and picturesque countries. Starting out in the lesser-visited national parks of north western Costa Rica, the group embarks on a journey into Nicaragua. Along the route cyclists will encounter varied terrain including rainforests, cloud forests, and even solidified lava flows. First departure 10 March 2015, priced from £1,999 per person for a 12 day trip, including flights from London, all accommodation and all breakfasts.

Mekong Delta & Angkor Ride 

This seven day journey starts in vibrant Saigon which is then directly contrasted with the rural landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia, where the group cycles for the majority of this trip. The route travels through small villages and the waterways of the Delta before heading north to the Angkor temple complex. First departure 28 February 2015, priced from £1,799 per person, including flights from London, all accommodation and all breakfasts. 

Cycling the backroads of China 

This exciting new cycling trip explores the very best of rural South-West China. Starting in Chengdu, the group will embark on a ride through some of the best kept secrets of the region mas they journey to Guiyang. The route meanders through breath-taking scenery and terraced rice fields before ending among the towering, limestone mountains of Yangshou. First departure 12 April 2015, priced from £2,899 per person, including flights from London, all accommodation, most meals and a tour leader throughout.  

Brand new short haul experiences include:

Cycling in Albania 

This trip kicks off on the border of Macedonia from where the group will cycle towards the ancient town of Gjirokastra passing soaring peaks and lush green valleys. From here the group begins a descent to the Albanian Riviera, passing the UNESCO site of Butrint and Llogara National Park before finally relaxing on the beach in Vlore. First departure 12 April 2015, priced from £1,099 per person, including flights, some accommodation and some meals. 

Cycle the Secrets of Sicily 

This self-guided tour is ideal for those in search of a leisurely cycling experience. Cycling begins on pine-scented roads before an exhilarating whizz to the seaside town of Castellamare del Golfo. The route will then turn inland towards Segesta, with its stunningly preserved 2,500 year old Doric temple. The tour ends in Marsala, renowned for its sweet dessert wine. First departure 4 April 2015, priced from £1,318 per person for an eight day trip, including all accommodation and most meals. 

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk

Press Information

For more information or to discuss a trip, please contact Carolyn van Vliet, Sara Whines or Natalie Amos at Four bgb on 0203 697 4200. Email: exodus@fourcommunications.com 

About Exodus

Celebrating its 40th year, leading adventure tour operator Exodus has a vast range of adventure and activity holidays across seven continents, offering places as diverse and as exhilarating as Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, the Ice Hotel and Antarctica. 

Whether it is solo travellers, couples, groups or families, Exodus offers an incredible choice of different trips for all ages.Operating in 90 countries with over 500 tours, Exodus insists on low impact tourism and increasingly looks to bring benefit to local communities.Activities on offer include walking, trekking, cycling, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, caving, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dogsledding as well as many many more…For the second year running Which?, the consumer champion, has listed Exodus in the top five holiday companies out of over 40 other travel providers.