New year, new you — and what better way to kick it off than on two wheels? Cycling is one of the most fun ways to get active, boost your energy, and see the world at the same time. Plus, with professionally run cycling tours, you get the perfect balance of freedom, support, and local insight too.
Hop on and ride through destinations like Jordan, China’s Guangxi region, Cuba, Vietnam, and Thailand, where every turn brings a new view, a friendly face, or a hidden gem. You set the pace — stop for a café, snap that perfect photo, or just take a minute to soak it all in.
Whether you’re cruising or going full pedal-power, these destinations serve up adventure, culture, and scenery in equal measure. Bikes? Provided. Routes? Flexible. Luggage? Already waiting for you. That’s the beauty of guided cycling tours — all that’s left is to hop on, start pedalling, and make this your most active year yet. So, without further ado, here are 10 of the best cycling destinations for 2026:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands doesn’t just welcome cyclists — it’s built for them. The city is famously home to as many bikes as people, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Cycling is woven into everyday life here, supported by an extensive network of dedicated bike paths, clear signage, and a culture that puts two wheels above any other form of transport. Hiring a bike is effortless, lockups are everywhere, and navigating the city by pedal is second nature.
With the vast majority of residents riding regularly, cycling in Amsterdam is more than transport — it’s how locals live. It’s the easiest and most authentic way to explore neighbourhoods, glide along canals, and slip into the city’s rhythm without missing a beat. Just be sure to stop for a stroopwafel and a honking big bouquet of fresh tulips. You’re in Amsterdam after all…
Dive into it on: Essential Western Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin & Epic Views
Jordan
Jordan offers one of the most striking cycling backdrops in the world, where ancient history and dramatic landscapes unfold mile by mile. Riding here means moving through layers of civilisation — from Roman roads near Jerash to Nabataean routes leading toward Petra — all while surrounded by vast, open scenery. The country’s varied terrain keeps things interesting, with forested hills near Amman giving way to desert plains, sandstone mountains, and wide, empty roads with picture-perfect views.
What sets cycling in Jordan apart is the access it provides. Travelling by bike here allows you to reach archaeological sites, rural communities, and remote desert landscapes at a pace that feels immersive rather than rushed. Long stretches of open road in places like Wadi Rum create a powerful sense of space, while cultural encounters and local meals along the way add depth way beyond the ride. From historic routes to natural wonders, cycling here rewards you with experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Experience it for yourself on: Jordan Cycling Adventure
Pinar del Río, Cuba
Pinar del Río is one of Cuba’s most rewarding regions to explore by bike. Known as the country’s tobacco heartland, this scenic western province is defined by quiet rural roads, fertile valleys, and the dramatic mogotes of Viñales rising sharply from the landscape. Cycling here lets you move through the scenery at a relaxed pace, passing small farms, drying tobacco leaves, and villages where daily life unfolds unhurriedly.
The terrain is varied but manageable, with gentle climbs, open countryside, and shaded stretches that make long rides enjoyable rather than punishing. There’s also a strong sense of history woven into the route, from within rural communities to sites linked to the Cuban Revolution. With little traffic and plenty of reasons to stop — whether for photos, conversation, or a cooling dip — Pinar del Río offers an authentic, immersive cycling experience and a true snapshot of rural Cuba.
Explore Pinar del Río on: Biking Cuba
Hội An, Vietnam
Just a hop, skip, and a jump over the border from Guangxi lies Vietnam, and it’s here you’ll find Hội An — the glowing ‘City of Lanterns’. Graceful and steeped in history, Hội A was once one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, and that legacy lives on in its beautifully preserved architecture, riverside setting, and relaxed pace of life. Unlike many other cities in the country, traffic and pollution barely register here, making it a dreamy place to explore on two wheels.
Cycling around Hội An takes you beyond the lantern-lit old town and into the surrounding countryside, where narrow lanes wind through emerald rice paddies and quiet villages. You’ll pass farmers tending fields, locals chatting outside their homes, and waterways that shape daily life. It’s gentle, scenic riding that connects you directly to the rhythm of rural Vietnam.
Live it out on Vietnam Hike, Bike & Kayak
Yangshuo, China
China’s megacities (and pandas) get most of the attention, but Yangshuo shows a completely different side of the country — and there’s no better way to experience it than by bike. Set in Guangxi province bordering Vietnam, this laid-back riverside region is defined by misty waterways, verdant rice paddies, and towering karst mountains that feel like they belong in Avatar. Cycling through the countryside lets you slip away from the crowds and into quieter villages, where daily life moves at a gentler pace.
Pedal along calm riverside paths, pass farmers working the fields, and stop for a local lunch with postcard-worthy views in every direction. The distances are manageable, the roads are peaceful, and the scenery never lets up. It’s a refreshing contrast to China’s high-speed trains and towering, neon skylines — slower, more personal, and deeply immersive. Yangshuo by bike is about space, scenery, and seeing a side of China many travellers miss.
See it firsthand on China: Bike Rides & Village Walks
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Kanchanaburi is a place where Thailand’s natural beauty and powerful history sit side by side. Set among rivers, jungle-covered hills, and limestone cliffs, this western province is best known for its role in World War II and the construction of the Thailand–Burma Railway. Cycling through the area brings that history into sharp focus, with quiet roads leading past the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and the nearby war cemetery, where thousands of Allied prisoners of war are laid to rest.
Travelling by bike here allows time to reflect while still taking in the surrounding scenery — lush landscapes that feel a world away from the events they witnessed. Beyond its historical significance, Kanchanaburi offers moments of calm, from riverside paths to nearby waterfalls hidden in the jungle. It’s a destination that balances remembrance with discovery, making it one of Thailand’s most moving and memorable places to explore on two wheels.
Discover it on Thailand Hike, Bike & Kayak
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is arguably New Zealand at its most epic. Nestled between the dramatic Southern Alps and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu, this lively town is surrounded by scenery that feels straight out of a movie — in fact it was — hello Lord of the Rings! Rugged mountains, deep valleys, and winding rivers create a playground that’s perfect for adventure — and nothing lets you take it all in quite like a mountain bike.
Trails here cater to everyone, from gentle lakeside rides to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, all framed by some of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Pedal past snow-capped peaks, glide through native forest, and take in panoramic views that reward you with every turn of the wheel. Whether you’re chasing thrills on challenging tracks or enjoying a scenic ride at your own pace, Queenstown’s terrain is just made for getting outside, staying active, and fully soaking in New Zealand’s legendary landscapes. Adrenaline junkies need look no further.
Experience it on Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Cotopaxi is the kind of place that grabs your attention the second you arrive. This towering Andean stratovolcano rises above the high-altitude plains of Ecuador, its snow-capped peak framed by sweeping skies and rugged volcanic landscapes. Cycling near Cotopaxi gives you a front-row seat to all of it — winding trails through polylepis forests, open plains dotted with wildflowers, and views of the volcano that feel impossibly close.
The terrain is varied, from smooth stretches perfect for easy pedalling to steeper climbs that get the heart pumping, making every ride an adventure. Away from the crowds, you’ll pass local farms, grazing llamas, and hidden corners of the national park that reveal the quieter side of the Andes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including the elusive Andean fox and wild horses which call the national park home.
See it firsthand on Ecuador Multisport
Taketomi, Japan
Taketomi Island is a tiny slice of paradise just off Ishigaki in Okinawa, where Japan’s coral-rich southern waters meet traditional Ryukyu culture. The island itself is a living showcase of coral walls, red-tiled roofs, and tropical gardens, giving it a charm that feels both timeless and delightfully compact.
Cycling is the perfect way to explore. With narrow lanes winding past historic houses, sandy paths lined with hibiscus, and quiet beaches and sleepy villages just a pedal away, you can cover more ground while still soaking in the island’s pace and character. Off the coast, the surrounding coral reefs hint at another side of Taketomi — snorkelling and diving here reveal vibrant marine life like ribbon eels, nudibranchs, sea slugs and crystal-clear waters.
Discover it on Active Japan: Kyoto & Okinawa Island Hopping
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a city that’s always on the move — and cycling is the best way to keep up. With flat terrain and an enormous network of bike paths, getting around on two wheels is easy, fast, and very Berlin. Pedal from gritty street art and character-filled neighbourhoods to leafy parks, woodlands outside the city and canal paths, all in the same ride. This is a city where history and nightlife collide, and cycling lets you bounce between both without missing a beat.
One minute you’re riding along the former path of the Berlin Wall, tracing the city and Germany's divided past; the next, you’re locking up outside a warehouse-style techno club that won’t get going until well after midnight. Add in beer gardens, street food markets, and late-night kebab joints into the mix, and you’ve got a city built for exploration. Berlin by bike is immersive, efficient, and seriously goddamn fun — just the way travel should be.
Live it out on Berlin to Paris: Bike Rides & Big Nights
