Saddle Skedaddle, a world-class bicycle tour operator with nearly 25 years of experience exploring remote destinations and curating diverse itineraries, has recently begun selling its trips in North America.
From road cycling to remote Colombian villages and mountain biking through Croatia’s national parks, to family outings in the Moroccan desert and adventure rides across the grasslands of Mongolia, these trips are designed to welcome cyclists of all experience levels.
Take the road less travelled in Colombia
Venture on two wheels into Colombia’s relatively unspoilt Andean highlands – mountains that make the Alps look like molehills – on Saddle Skedaddle’s Emerald Mountains. Pedal from Bogotá to Medellín and the coastal city of Cartagena on this 13-day road bike tour that passes through remote villages and tackles the Alto de Letras, the world’s longest road climb. Be among the first to experience an emerging Colombia where cycling is the national sport and people are happy to show you the best routes. Enjoy the privilege of cycling through Colombia’s unspoilt countryside, learn about coffee production on a local finca, then experience the country’s diverse culture with salsa dancing in Medellín and cocktails overlooking the Caribbean in Cartagena.
Live with the locals in Norway’s Lofoten Islands
Discover the Norwegian way of life on a self-guided 8-day tour of the Lofoten Islands on the Biking With Vikings Family Adventure or Lofoten Islands Leisure Cycling Tour. As a family, couple or group of friends, pedal past jagged mountain peaks, stopping to admire an authentic Norwegian longhouse and learn about the ancient conquerors at the Lofotr Viking Museum, which is particularly popular with children. Arrive in the village of Nusfjord and meet the colourful locals – your guides to the region’s many hidden gems – who will show you where to land a herring, the best places for a refreshing swim in the fjord and which sauna to warm up in afterwards! As the day fades away, you can relax in your very own rorbu (one of the many cheerful fishermen’s huts along the water’s edge) or, as the sun shines all night during Norway’s short summer season, get back in the saddle for a midnight ride.
Cycle through the magical land of Croatia
Best known as a glitzy Mediterranean port popular with cruise ships, Croatia is more than just beaches and sumptuous seafood dinners. On Saddle Skedaddle’s new 7-day Terra Magica experience, guests can explore Istria, Croatia’s northern peninsula, home to over 600 miles of cycling trails that take in tranquil bays, mountain peaks and breathtaking sea views. Cycle the cobbled streets of Grožnjan, Istria’s truffle-scented medieval town, and visit the converted Parenzana railway, now Croatia’s most popular cycling route, before stopping to sample olive oil, honey and wine. Then join your local guide on secret, rocky trails through Istria’s nature reserves and finish with a toast to the Adriatic.
Cycle in search of Borneo’s orangutans
Immerse yourself in the rich wildlife and tribal culture of Borneo on this new 14-day trip to Secret Sarawak. Cycle through small kampongs (fishing villages) and past rice paddies and fruit plantations to find hidden viewpoints to spot wild orangutans. Stay overnight in traditional Bidayuh longhouses with Iban tribespeople, enjoy an evening of traditional music and dance and sample home-cooked food, including the local delicacy Sarawak laksa and rice wine. See different sides of the island as you explore national parks, river kayak through rainforest and even steer your own boat on a coastal cruise.
Camp under the stars in Mongolia’s grasslands
Connect with one of the most remote places on earth on Saddle Skedaddle’s new 16-day Route of the Nomads through Mongolia. By day, cycle between sand dunes, river valleys and mountain passes, stopping for a rejuvenating soak in Tsenkher’s hot springs. By night, fall asleep under a blanket of stars at your traditional Ger campsite, where hearty Mongolian meals are prepared by a local cook. With an expert Saddle Skedaddle guide at your side, visit nomadic families as you travel from camp to camp, stopping at Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace and ErdeNne Zhu Monastery to learn about the history and art of falconry.
See Morocco from desert to coast
Get away from it all on Saddle Skedaddle’s 8-day Desert, Mountains and Coast guided family tour, a customisable cycling adventure through Morocco for kids of all ages. Arrive in Marrakech and immerse yourself in the local culture at the sprawling Djemaa el Fna before heading into the Sahara for a camel trek and overnight camp at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.