The Jura Mountains Cycle Tour from Basel

Day 1: Individual arrival to Basel | Basel – Miécort – 51 km / 32 miles profile up 840 m down 640 m

Baggage drop-off in Basel. With the pulse of Basel still in your ears, you climb the first heights of the Jura, find peace along the wooded Swiss-French border stream La Lucelle, and slowly immerse yourself in the gentle hilly landscape of the Ajoie.

Day 2: Cycling Miécourt – Saignelégier – 44 km / 28 miles, profile up 1075 m, down 575 m

Beyond the next Jura chain, the medieval town of St. Ursanne awaits on the mysterious Jura river Doubs. It’s another sweaty climb to the plateau of the Franches-Montagnes, a wide, peaceful landscape with meadows, firs, grazing cows, and horses.

Day 3: Cycling Saignelégier – Travers/Couvet –  71 km / 44 miles, profile up 845 m, down 1095 m

From the plateau of the paradisiacal Freiberge with its dark moorland ponds up to the largest solar power plant in Switzerland. Then through a quiet, rugged and contemplative landscape down to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the cradle of the Swiss watch industry (UNESCO World Heritage Site). From here through the Les Ponts-des-Martel raised moor to Travers or Couvet.

Day 4: Travers/Couvet – Ste-Croix 28 km / 18 miles, profile up 570 m, down 230 m

Continue on the trail of the Green Fairy through the Val-de-Travers. Ste-Croix and L’Auberson are known for the manufacture of musical automatons, music boxes and artificial puppeteers.

Day 5: Ste-Croix – Vallée de Joux 48 km / 30 miles, profile up 570 m, down 230 m

A short stop on the plain awaits you before the TGV swings over the tracks in Vallorbe. The journey over the Dent de Vaulion takes you into the Vallée de Joux. The cool and clear Lac de Joux lies in this high valley.

Day 6: Vallée de Joux – Nyon surroundings 43 km / 27 miles, profile up 385 m, down 995 m

High up on the Col du Marchairuz. Up here, you will find hundreds of anthills and rows of artistically constructed stone walls in the quiet Parc Jura Vaudois. Finally, you can effortlessly roll down into the serenity of Lake Geneva to Nyon. After arriving in Nyon, you will collect your luggage and depart.

Self-guided cycle itinerary from Lake Constance to Lake Maggiore

Day 1: Individual arrival to Kreuzlingen – Region Rorschach,  37 km/23 miles, + 175 m, – 175 m

Luggage drop-off in Kreuzlingen. You follow the railway line past the lively lakeside town of Romanshorn to Arbon. A charming old town and a large castle are among the landmarks of this small town on Lake Constance. Continue along the lakeshore to today’s accommodation in the Rorschach area.

Day 2: Region Rorschach – Buchs SG,  70 km/44 miles, up 270 m, – 250 m

St. Galler Rheintal is an area often cosseted by the warm wind called “Föhn”. Much land has been won by the correction of the Alpenrhein waters in the Rhine-Valley. You spend the night in Buchs – an important border station and the gate to the principality of Liechtenstein.

Day 3: Buchs SG – Chur,  47 km/29 miles, up 315 m, – 200 m

The Bündner Herrschaft, Grison’s fertile garden and winery, lies on a mound of slate detritus. It is also the home of Heidi, Peter, and Alpöhi from the world-famous children’s tale. Chur is the oldest town north of the alp and is enticed by numerous restaurants.

Day 4: Chur – Disentis,  69 km/43 miles, up 1040 m, – 465 m

The Rhine Gorge – Switzerlands Grand Canyon is an impressive first part of this tour. Afterward, you reach “Surselva”, Grison’s largest Romansch-speaking region. Today’s tour leads you to the monastery of Disentis.

Day 5: Disentis – Lukmanierpass – Biasca,  40-59 km/25-37 miles, up 110-850 m, 1685-1870 m

The route ascends through the gorge „Höllenschlucht“ and Val Medel to the rugged pass head of Lukmanier, the boundary between the cantons of Ticino and Grisons. In the sunny Valle di Blenio, it descends through centuries-old cultivated landscapes, scented flower-filled meadows, and terraced walls towards Biasca.

Day 6: Biasca – Locarno | Individual Departure or extension, 47 km/29 miles, + 145 m, – 235 m

The castles and the city wall of Bellinzona lure from afar while you head towards the plain of Magadino with its small villages. You pass the Delta of Ticino and roll on a nice promenade towards Lago Maggiore. After arrival in Locarno individual departure.

Description itinerary of the self-guided bike tour

Day 1: Leenane – Individual arrival

The starting point for the bike Challenge Connemara Tour is located in the picturesque village of Leenane, nestled between the Maamturk mountains, at the head of the Killary Fjord. You can study the route notes and maps that you will find in your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time the agency representatives will meet with you to assign bicycles and equipment, otherwise this will be done the next morning. Discover the nightlife of the village pubs and a selection of restaurants serving delicious local food.

Day 2: Leenane – Westport  60 km / 37 miles 

On the first day of your bicycle holiday in Ireland, you will arrive to the heritage city of Westport, Co Mayo. This spectacular route will allow you to explore the shores of the Killary fjord to the Aasleagh waterfalls, through the rugged valleys of Delphi and Doolough to the city and coastal market of Louisburgh. The final part of your trip will lead you to the coast of Clew Bay in the shadow of the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick to take you to the city of Westport. You will spend the next two at Westport which Will be your starting point. There you can enjoy the restaurants, pubs and other activities.

Day 3: Around Westport – Croagh Patrick 70 km / 37 miles

Explore Westport. There, you can climb the sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick which has been a pilgrim route since pre-Christian times, and visit the House of Westport, the ancestral home and property of the Marquis of Sligo. If you want to explore the farmland and the surrounding coastal regions, you can take the great Western Gran Greenway 42 km long. This follows the Westport route to the Achilles railway line which closed in 1937. Alternatively, you can travel along the coast of Clew Bay to Louisburgh, visiting the 14th-century Murrisk Abbey.

Day 4: Westport – Cong  60 km / 36 miles

Today the client will leave Westport to go to the village of Cong in Co Mayo, famous for John Ford`s film in 1952, the Quiet Man, and the Hotel Ashford Castle, a picturesque and interesting place to visit. After having breakfast you can explore Aghagower, Tourmakeady, Lough Finny, Clonbur, and Cong (70km), it`s a fantastic bike tour discovering a variety of landscapes, hills, trout lakes, winding rural roads and villages Agricultural. You will spend the night at Cong where you can taste the best of traditional and contemporary cuisine, as well as live music in many pubs.

Day 5: Cong – Leenane – Between 65 – 90 km / 40 – 56 miles

Continue your bike route south from Cong along the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake, famous for fishing and sailing. At the end of the lake lies the village of Maam, from which you will cross a small mountain pass to Maam Cross. The area around Maan and Maam Cross is surrounded by hills and valleys, ideal for a break and to contemplate its surroundings. The journey continues to the Connemara Valley, an unpopulated tour along the winding road next to Lake Inagh, ending in the village of Leenane where you will be staying for the next two nights. It is a tour of 90km that can be made shorter if you prefer.

Day 6: Around Leenane – From 50 – 80 km / 31 – 50 miles

Today your bike tour will take you to Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, and Renvyle Castle, and finish again at Leenane (50km). The longest option of the tour includes going further south to the fishing village of Cleggn and the Bay of Streamstown (80km), where you can visit the Abbey of Kylemore, a Gothic castle by the lake, where you can see one of the best gardens in Ireland, a six-acre walled Victorian garden. The entrance to Connemara National Park is in the village of Letterfrack, where you can climb the Diamond Hill or simply visit the Visitor Center and tea rooms. You Will return to Leenane that night.

Day 7: Leenane – End of tour  or extension

Breakfast and departure from Leenane on your onward journey.

Description itinerary of the self-guided bike tour

Day 1: Clifden – Individual arrival

Arrive in Clifden town, the “Capital of Connemara” to start your tour. Clifden is bursting with culture, traditional music, quaint streets, cosy pubs and restaurants. All bikes and equipment will be waiting for you at your accommodation, giving you the chance to try everything and to make sure everything fits you perfectly before your cycling adventure begins the next day. Enjoy an evening in this friendly town where everyone knows each other but where there is a natural curiosity and warmth towards visitors.

Day 2: Clifden – Renvyle – 45 km / 28 miles 

This second day will bring you via the Sky Road from Clifden to the Renvyle peninsula where you will spend your second night. The Sky Road brings you to the very edge of Connemara with soaring views over the rocky Atlantic coastline. Further along the way you will be passing by the Connemara National Park in the village of Letterfrack, where you can take a break from the bike and enjoy a walk on their looped trail walks or find out more about this ancient Irish landscape at the visitor centre. Reaching the Renvyle peninsula you will be enchanted by this rugged promontory which juts into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a vibrant and welcoming farming and fishing community.

Day 3: Renvyle – Leenane 25 km / 16 miles

Making your way from the Renvyle peninsula you will pass through the pretty village of Tullycross with its traditional thatched cottages, a reminder of times past in this area. You will soon come to Kylemore Abbey, a recommended stop on your way. This gothic-style castle was built in 1867 and boasts one of Ireland’s finest gardens. The six-acre Victorian walled garden at Kylemore was created by Mitchell Henry in tandem with the building of Kylemore Castle. Leaving Kylemore you will experience the full majesty of the Twelve Bens mountain range as you pass beneath their brooding peaks. Killary Harbour, reputed to be Ireland’s only fjord, will appear beside you as you round a corner. You will spend the night in the tiny village of Leenane tucked beneath the Maamturk mountains at the head of the fjord.

Day 4: Leenane – Westport 55 km / 34 miles

Following the shores of Killary Fjord, you will cross from Co Galway to Co Mayo and emerge into the Delphi Valley. Once heavily populated it is now a place of few houses. This emptiness allows its untamed beauty and spectacular views greater impact. The road then winds alongside Doolough (the dark, deep lake) to bring you to the coastal town of Louisburgh. In Louisburgh you can pause to witness the gentle pace of life in a small agricultural west of Ireland town. Following the coast road once more, along the shores of Clew Bay, you will reach the heritage town of Westport. With the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick providing a striking backdrop, Westport is beautifully planned and maintained. Enjoy an evening exploring this vibrant market town on the final day of your adventure trip in Ireland.

Day 5: Westport – Individual departure 

Breakfast and individual departure for your onward journey.

Baltic Sea bike tour self-guided bike itinerary

Day 1: Klaipeda – Individual arrival

Arrival in Klaipėda. Individual transfer to the hotel offered as optional extras. Check into your hotel – a renovated mill located right on the waterfront and in the heart of the Old Town. Hotel Old Mill or similar.

Day 2: Circular route from Klaipeda – along the Seaside cycle path to Palanga – 58 km / 36 miles

Your local host will meet you in the hotel at 9 am, organise your bicycles offered as optional extras and run through your itinerary. Today you are off to cycle to the resort town of Palanga, an idyllic route that leads north through the Giruliai Forest and the Seaside Regional Park. En route you will pass Plazė Lake and the Dutchman’s Cap. Arriving in Palanga, you can visit the Botanic Park and the remarkable Amber Museum housed in a former palace, relax on the miles of sandy white beach, stroll along the 470 metre pier and delight in the charming cafes and restaurants of J.Basanavičius pedestrian street. Return to Klaipėda using the same or slightly different route.  Overnight in Klaipėda.

Day 3: From Veivirzenai to Siluté – 47 km/29 miles, minibus transfer from Klaipeda 40 km / 25 miles

Start the day with a short transfer to the small town of Veiviržėnai where start your cycling ride on picturesque countryside roads through Pamarys meadows to Šilutė, once a notable fish market with the old market square and harbour and plenty of cafes and restaurants. All day cycle through the region known as the land of storks and the white stork truly deserves its place as Lithuanian’s national bird. En route stop in Švėkšna village to explore the estate with its beautiful park and impressive neo-gothic church of St.Jacob the Apostle.  Overnight in Šilutė: Gilija hotel or similar.

Day 4: Circular ride from Siluté – Rusnė Island – 47 km / 29 miles

This morning you ride on the tiny lanes and bridle paths to Lithuania’s only island – Rusnė Island on the Russian border and located in the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park. The village of Rusnė is full of rural charm and its museum houses a traditional fisherman’s smallholding. When you stand on the bank of the Nemunas River in Rusnė you see the Russian oblast of Kaliningrad just 100 metres across the river. En route back to Šilutė stop at the old lighthouse in Uostadvaris harbour and the old water pumping station. Overnight in Šilutė: Gilija hotel or similar.

Day 5: Šiluté to Nida & crossing the Curonian Lagoon – cycling 33 km / 21 miles, by boat 14 km / 9 miles

Cycling to Ventė Cape with a bird ringing station and ornithological museum along the way. Stop at the 19th Century lighthouse for glimpses of the glistening Curonian Spit sand dunes and then sit back as you cross the lagoon by ferry (1.5-2 hrs) to arrive in Nida, the largest settlement on the Curonian Spit. Your hotel lies at the heart of this former fishing village. Check-in and optional dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Nida: Nerija or Nida banga.

Day 6: Free day in Nida – 10 km / 6 miles

Nida is one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania blessed with the Curonian Lagoon one side and the fine sandy beaches of the Baltic coast on the other. Famous for its amber – trawled from the sea bed and its impressive sand dunes, there is plenty to do here. Visit the Fisherman’s House, the Amber Gallery and the summer home of the famous writer Thomas Mann; relax on the beach, cruise in a traditional sailing boat, canoe to see the Dead Dunes and take your pick of the cafes and restaurants. Optional dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Nida: Nerija or Nidos Banga.

Day 7: Nida to Klaipeda along sand dunes of the Curonian Spit – 58 km / 36 miles

Pedal through the timeless landscape of the spit today on the peaceful seaside bike path leading to Klaipėda. Often in pine forests with the coast always nearby, the bike path gives you one or two dunes to scale – the only slopes of the tour! Stop at the Dead Dunes and spot the colonies of grey herons and cormorants.  Stop en route at golden sandy beaches, go swimming in the Baltic Sea and saunter through the forests to reach Smiltynė where you take the ferry back to the Old Town of Klaipėda for your last night.

Day 8: Departure from Klaipeda or extension

Enjoy a final stroll through this fascinating town before we transfer you to Palanga airport or international ferry terminal or bus/train station for your departure offered as optional extras. You may also stay extra nights (offered as optional extras) and enjoy Klaipėda longer.

Dates & Prices for Season 2025 per person