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The best excursions for exploring on two wheels

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
By Azamara

Cycling offers the chance to explore the far-flung corners of the earth in ways that other means of transport can’t. From exploring off the beaten track where cars can’t venture to pedalling along a trail too long and demanding to hike, cycling offers explorers the best of both worlds.

A biking tour also gives you the opportunity to sightsee and experience the culture close up on one swift ride, stopping at landmarks and impressive vistas to learn about their history and take some treasured photos.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most amazing Azamara cycling tours available that are sure to delight for those who love to explore the world on two wheels.

Key West, Florida

Key Lime Bike Tour

key west florida

Cycling tour highlights 


  • Cycle like a local on a beach cruiser bike

  • Get a true taste of Key West by riding around scenic backstreets

  • See the most popular attractions in Key West, including Hemingway House, Higgs Beach, Mallory Square and more

  • Finish with a slice of Key West’s famous Key lime pie

Find out more

A vibrant city on the Florida Keys archipelago, Key West is a 7-square-mile paradise home to sun, sea and tropical treasures. On Azamara’s Key Lime Bike Tour, you’ll be able to explore this captivating city in all its sun-kissed glory, peddling through pastel-coloured backstreets while also visiting the city’s main attractions.

Travelling Dany blogger Danila told us what makes Key West so magical. “Key West is one of the most incredible destinations in the US – you won’t find anything like this cute little island. Unlike many other islands in Florida, Key West isn’t only amazing because of the ocean views: it has a whole different feel. Starting with the fact that there are roaming roosters all around the place. Not many people know about it, but the locals call them ‘gypsy chickens’, and it’s not uncommon to see traffic stop because they decided to take a nap in the middle of the street!”

Danila told us what other attractions are worth visiting in Key West. “Another thing that you shouldn’t miss in Key West is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Here you’ll meet more local friends... only this time they have whiskers and a long tail - the Hemingway house is, in fact, full of cats! About 54 little rascals live on the premises, and if you look closely enough, you’ll notice that many have six toes! They are in fact descendants of a white polydactyl cat owned by Ernest Hemingway himself.”

Danila also spoke to us about Key West’s renowned Key lime pie. “We always stop at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime shoppe to buy a slice of the best Key lime pie in Key West. They also sell ingredients to make it at home as well as lime juice - quite often you’ll find free samples to taste the local delicacies! The added bonus? They have a nice patio in the back where you can sit to enjoy your pie.”

Hamilton, Bermuda

Railway Trail Bike and Beach

hamilton bermuda

Cycling tour highlights


  • Take time out of the bustling city and get back to nature on a bike ride free of cars and other vehicles

  • Enjoy a smooth and mostly-flat ride along Bermuda’s old railway line, often referred to as the “Rattle and Shake”

  • Take in the stunning vistas of the sea and the wilderness and enjoy a short hike to the 17th-century estate of Fort Scaur

  • Unwind after the ride with a relaxing beach swim with views of Ely’s Harbour

Find out more

The heart of Bermuda, Hamilton is a pastel-coloured paradise with tropical palm trees lining the streets and a fantastic seascape to admire. With art-deco buildings and a cosmopolitan culture, this harbour-facing city has an eccentric energy that carries on way into the night. On Azamara’s Railway Trail Bike And Beach cycling tour, enjoy a unique ride along the original Bermuda Railway Trail, taking in panoramic views of the sea and Bermuda’s natural beauty. Stop for a hike up to Fort Scaur, an impressive 17th-century estate, before riding to the beach for a relaxing, cool-down swim.

Skagway, Alaska

Klondike Bicycle Tour

white pass alaska

Cycling tour highlights


  • Enjoy a scenic drive up to the summit of White Pass

  • Ride down the Klondike road taking in the mountains and glaciers around

  • Stop for photo opportunities of the fantastic panoramas and historic sites such as the Yukon Route Railway

Find out more

If you’re looking for untouched wilderness and brilliant views, you can’t go wrong visiting Skagway, Alaska. Azamara’s Klondike Bicycle Tour will change everything you thought you knew about Alaska, showing you the natural beauty of the summit of White Pass while enjoying a thrilling downhill ride along the Klondike road.

Luxury travel blogger Jamie from Wine, Travel and Song told us what makes Skagway so unique. “Skagway has to be one of the most iconic ‘Gold Rush’ towns of Alaska. Since the 1800s this city has stood between the inside passage and the mountains.”

“Downtown, the city retains some of the ‘frontier town’ charm - pale-coloured clapperboard buildings offer independent shops including an ice cream parlour and gold shops.

“History buffs will want to check out Captain Moores Cabin, the first settlement in Skagway, before heading to the White Pass Railway. These iconic Green and Yellow carriages will carry you high into the mountains as the local guides tell you the history of the pioneers who walked these routes to find the gold fields. Expect amazing views a rapid education!

“Pan for gold at Alaska 360 or catch the sled dog show next door. Learn about the incredible Iditarod sled dog race and grab a selfie with the most adorable puppies.”

Travel blogger Joy from A Jaunt With Joy loves Alaska, with Skagway being one of her favourite cruise ports. “Skagway’s gold-rush-era buildings and railroad history make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The town may be small, but the number of outdoor activities, sights, and tours is not. There are dozens of picturesque hiking trails and bike rides, along with opportunities to go rock climbing, gold panning, ziplining, wildlife viewing, and even glassblowing!

“Grab a coffee at Bites On Broadway before starting your Skagway adventure, and don’t miss a visit to the historic Red Onion Saloon or the Skagway Brewing Company for food afterwards. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to stop in at Sugar Mama’s for their famous red velvet cupcakes!”

Hue & Hoi An (Da Nang), Vietnam

Countryside by Bicycle and Hoi An Town

hoi an vietnam

Cycling tour highlights


  • Enjoy a drive to Tra Que, a sweet-smelling vegetable village outside of Hoi An

  • Ride next to far-reaching rice paddies and traditional Chinese temples, homes and shops and get a true feel for local life

  • Explore the ancient streets of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An, and marvel at traditional structures and landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge

Find out more

Immerse yourself in true Vietnamese culture on a ride through Hoi An, a quaint yet ancient town alongside the Thu Bon River. Begin your ride cycling through Tra Que, a sweet-smelling farming hamlet where you’ll get to see traditional rice paddies and slow-paced lifestyle of the Vietnamese. Cycle past authentic Chinese shops, temples and homes and the famous 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge.

Juneau, Alaska

Bike and Brew Glacier View

mendenhall glacier juneau alaska

Cycling tour highlights


  • Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride through Juneau’s valley, stopping at various natural wonders for photo opportunities

  • Enjoy views of the Chapel-by-the-lake, Mendenhall Glacier and more

  • After the ride, drive over to Merchant’s Wharf for a spot of beer-tasting of local award-winning craft beers

Find out more

With so much untouched wilderness and breath-taking views, it’s no surprise that Alaska is on this list twice! Only accessible by boat or by plane, the roadless city of Juneau couldn’t be further entwined in the natural beauty that surrounds it, making it perfect for exploring lush green forests and glaciers on two wheels with Azamara’s Bike and Brew Glacier View bicycle tour.

Avid cruiser and travel blogger Gary from Tips For Travellers told us why Juneau offers the most incredible views and experiences, whether you’re exploring by bike or by other, unconventional methods of transport!

“Juneau provides the most memorable experience of my trip to Alaska. Whilst there is a lot to do around the town, we chose to take one of the helicopter excursions up above the clouds onto the Norris Glacier where racing huskies spend the summer months. Here we got to go dog sledding and experience the power and drive of these remarkable animals. As they hear the helicopters arriving the dogs not out sledding start to bark with excitement as running is what they love. Seated on the sleds hearing about the history of the families and their dogs, and how the summer dog sledding keeps them fit and ready for the racing season in the winter.”

Valencia, Spain

Bike It Like A Local

valencia spain

Cycling tour highlights


  • Pedal through the charming streets of Valencia, marvelling at historic structures and prized gardens

  • Ride the City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Gardens and the old part of the city

  • Stop for a break and enjoy a local bite to eat and a horchata

Find out more

With so much beauty and charm to its name, there’s no better way to see Valencia than cycling along its elegant streets. With the Bike It Like A Local cycling tour by Azamara, you’ll be guided through the city’s old town, graceful gardens and futuristic structures.

Driftwood Journal’s blogger Ben told us what makes Valencia such a fantastic city to explore on two wheels. “With its blissful Mediterranean climate and almost 100km of dedicated cycle lanes, Valencia is the perfect Spanish city for exploring by bike. As well as the ornate streets and orange-blossomed squares in the old town, Valencia's serpentine Túria Park is an absolute joy for saddle-bound tourists. As the 18 bridges that arch their way over the park hint, the park traces the route of the old Túria River, all the way from the city down to the glorious beaches.

“At the halfway point, riders are treated to the glistening sights of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, which is home to innovative museums and the largest aquarium in Europe. And once you hit the beach, you can cruise the Paseo Maritimo or chill on Malvarrosa beach, before stopping by the famous La Pepica beachfront restaurant for one of the best seafood paellas in Valencia. This is the ultimate joy ride.”

Travel blogger Sanne from Spend Life Traveling told us what makes it so different from other cities in Spain. “Valencia is my favourite city in Spain. Not just because of what the city has to offer, but also because of what it doesn’t. Valencia isn’t as touristy as Barcelona, nor as big and busy as Madrid.

“Stroll around the city centre, climb one of the old city gates, go for a long, lazy brunch by the beach and enjoy the Spanish way of life. Did you know that Valencia is the birthplace of Spain’s famous dish: paella? So definitely don’t leave Valencia without trying some paella!”

Have we inspired you to discover the world on a cruise cycling excursion? Check out our late cruise deals or speak to a member of the Azamara team today.


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