Pedal past the crowds and deeper into authentic local life with new gravel, coastal, vineyard, and island routes.

France’s Pont de Balazuc, a historic bridge offering stunning views of the Ardèche River and picturesque landscapes. (ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours)

ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a leader in guided and self-guided cycling adventures across Europe and South America, is inviting travelers to discover a different side of three beloved destinations with its newly released 2026 itineraries. These new tours are designed to steer cyclists away from the beaten path and deeper into the more hidden corners of France, Italy, and Greece, blending stunning scenery, rich culture, amazing regional flavors, and unique experiences.

“These new itineraries embody what we love most about bicycle travel: the chance to go deeper, to ride at your own pace, and to connect with local people and traditions far from the crowds,” says Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Our 2026 trips deliver authentic adventures in Europe’s hidden corners.”

Below is an overview of some of the new guided tours that cyclists seeking adventure can enjoy in 2026.

Grotte Chauvet 2 in Ardèche is a remarkable replica of the original Chauvet Cave, showcasing some of the world’s oldest and most exquisite prehistoric cave paintings dating back over 36,000 years. (Photo credit: Canva.com)

Stunning France

Gravel Explorer: Wild and Scenic Southern France: Discover rugged gorges, quiet villages, and ancient Roman ruins on this seven-day Gravel Explorer adventure in France’s Ardèche region. With an average daily distance of 30 miles/49 km, the part-paved, part-gravel tour shuttles from Montèlimar, to the starting town of Vals-les-Bains. Nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park and along the banks of the Volane River, Vals-les-Bains is known for its thermal waters and natural springs, including a unique intermittent geyser that erupts every six hours. From Vals-les-Bains, riders pedal to Roums, Orgnac, Saint Martin d’Ardèche, and back to Montèlimar. Along the way, explore Occitanie medieval villages, prehistoric caves, beautiful rail-trail paths, Côtes du Rhône vineyards, and riverside beaches, where one can rent a canoe and get out on the water.

Cycling Burgundy and the Côte d’Or: Discover the charm, flavors, and hidden corners of the legendary regions of Burgundy and the Côte d’Or on this captivating weeklong Classic tour. Explore the medieval city of Auxerre and the historic town of Semur-en-Auxois. Visit the UNESCO-listed Fontenay Abbey and cycle through the scenic countryside to Montbard and Flavigny, a hilltop village that served as the town setting in the film Chocolat. Stay in a historic château and indulge in Burgundy’s renowned cheeses and wines. In Dijon, wander through the medieval quarter, visit the Palace of the Dukes, and savor the region’s exceptional gastronomy. This journey blends breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and unforgettable flavors for a truly immersive Burgundy experience.

• Cycling Burgundy and the Côte d’Or Plus! Champagne: Extend your Burgundy adventure by three days (11 days total) and enjoy an added taste of France’s iconic sparkling wine country, including a guided visit of the Hôtel-Dieu and, of course, Champagne tasting in Reims.

Discover the beauty of Italy’s Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO-listed landscape. (Photo credit: Canva.com)

Undiscovered Italy

Cycling Sardinia’s West Coast: The Italian island of Sardinia – a Mediterranean jewel that is often overlooked by non-Italian tourists – is renowned for its rich history, colorful, and endless miles of beach. The itinerary follows the western coast south to Bosa – arguably one of the world’s best rides – and then continues inland, with loop rides into the sparsely populated Marmilla and Sulcis regions, one famous for its high mesas, the other for its industrial and mining heritage. Spend eight days exploring breathtaking coastal roads, visiting ancient ruins that predate Roman civilization by more than 1,000 years, and savoring local Sardinian specialties.

• Cycling Sardinia’s West Coast Plus! the South: For those with more time to spend, ExperiencePlus! offers a 12-day option that includes a sailing trip around San Pietro Island, riding on Sant’Antiocon – Sardinia’s largest satellite island – a visit to the ruins of the fascinating Phoenician city of Nora, and much more.

Bicycling Friuli and Prosecco Vineyards and Villages: This new eight-day Classic tour explores the natural beauty and abundant vineyards of the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO-listed landscape. Starting in Conegliano, considered the hub of Prosecco production and home to Italy’s oldest wine school (Instituo Cerletti), the route then heads into the heart of the Prosecco countryside, passing villages, farms, and vineyards en route to Pieve de Soligo. It then leaves the Veneto region and enters Friuli-Venezia Guilia, stopping in Sacile – often dubbed the “Venice of Friuli” due to its charming canals and historic buildings. Riders continue along the base of the Alps into the easternmost part of Italy, passing through Maniago, known as the “City of Knives,” and San Daniele, home of one of Italy’s most prized prosciuttos. The journey concludes in Udine, riding through the lush, rolling hills of central Friuli.

• Extend the experience with the Bicycling Friuli and Prosecco Vineyards and Villages Plus! 11-day tour, which continues on to the region’s Eastern Hills, or Colli Orientali, for scenic riding through lush vineyards and rolling hills en route to Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes in Gorizia with a loop ride in the Collio hills.

Explore the land and cool off in the water on a Bike and Boat tour in Greece. (ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours)

New Horizons in Greece

Bike and Boat: Cycling Greece’s Dodecanese Islands: Combine the freedom of cycling with the charm of island-hopping as you explore Greece’s sun-drenched Dodecanese archipelago. This eight-day bike and boat tour starts in Bodrum, Türkiye, before sailing to the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, and Symi. Daily rides explore scenic coastlines and rugged interior landscapes. Highlights include visiting the ancient site of Asklepieion on Kos, exploring the volcanic landscape of Nisyros, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and discovering the diverse cultural footprints left over centuries. Each night is spent aboard a newly revamped (2023) traditional gullet.

All ExperiencePlus! trips include detailed route notes, chalk arrow or GPS navigation, exceptional local guides, and thoughtfully selected accommodations and meals that connect cyclists with each region’s heritage and culinary bounty.

For more information about ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ many guided and self-guided cycling adventures, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

About ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours: Founded in 1972 by Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price, and now run by their daughters, Maria Elena and Monica, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers a wide range of extraordinary bicycling vacations, including guided tours in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and new self-guided tours in Italy. With a range of touring styles and tour levels, exceptional local leaders, thoughtfully designed routes, and meaningful cultural immersion, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers cycling vacations for every type of cyclist and traveler. For more information, visit the company online at ExperiencePlus.com.