• Intrepid Travel recommends top cycling trips for non-professionals in 2017
• Travellers of all abilities can embrace their 'inner Chris Froome' with cycling tours

June 2017 –  With less than a month until the 104th Tour de France, it's not too late for Brits to get a taste of the action with Intrepid Travel's range of cycling trips. New tours launched this year are in destinations as far flung as Thailand and Myanmar, to trips closer to home in the Pyrenees and Provence for those who want to experience the Tour de France first-hand.

While the world's toughest cycling champions take on over 3,540 kilometres of hills and flats, Intrepid's Real Cycling Adventures cater for a slightly more relaxed pace, combining leisure activities with grassroots experiences that are only accessible on two-wheels.  From veteran cyclists to people who just like to watch the scenery roll by, all travellers can embrace their inner Chris Froome! There's also a support vehicle available for those who want to rest the legs and recharge.

The new tours range from seven to 15 days with a maximum group size of 12 travellers. Bicycles and basic cycling gear are provided along with all accommodation, most meals and activities.

All trips are also fully carbon offset- meaning they're better for travellers, and the environment.

Frank Cheshire, Intrepid Travel's cycling product manager said “Cycling is one of the most unique ways to experience a destination-  whether that be one of Intrepid's tours through Southern France enjoying wine tasting at local vineyards and visiting historical sites; or cycling alongside the Indian Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar.”

“Demand for active holidays is on the rise, and with Tour de France just weeks away that's more apparent than ever! In 2016, Intrepid Travel has saw a 54% increase in bookings on their active trips, with cycling among the top sellers.”

 'Tour de Intrepid' this summer

Cycle Provence- Eight days from £1,390 per person

Travellers can enjoy an eight-night cycling tour through Southern France enjoying wine tasting at local vineyards and visiting historical sights. This guided tour is perfect for visitors wishing to embrace all the Tour de France action, and take in the beautiful countryside, without having to don the lycra! Included in this tour is a trip to the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works and a visit to a vineyard just outside of Avignon, where cyclists will then enjoy regional red wines. For those that still have energy, there's an option for guests to walk through the cobbled streets of Les Baux and marvel at the stunning views from atop its limestone cliffs.

The tour includes, seven nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, bike, support vehicle and most activities. Excludes flights. For more information about the tour: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/france/cycle-provence-100531

Cycle Myanmar- Thirteen days from £2,045 per person

Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to explore some of Yangon's most stunning attractions and roam the ancient city of Bagan, which is lined with ochre-coloured temples. The tour will take visitors to Inle Lake to watch the traditional methods of fishing and through limestone caves to see the historic Buddha effigies.

The tour includes 11 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, bike, support vehicle and most activities. Excludes flights.  For more information about the tour: www.intrepidtravel.com/myanmar-burma/cycle-myanmar-100514

Cycle Tuscany- Eight days from £1,044 per person

Guests will fall in love with the picturesque hills and olive groves of the Tuscany region whilst cycling from Florence to Pisa and enjoying traditional Tuscan dishes. The tour will take guests to the Verrucole Castle in Garfagnana and to historic bakeries to taste the local biscotti.

The tour includes seven nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, bike, support vehicle and most activities. Excludes flights. For more information about the tour: www.intrepidtravel.com/italy/cycle-tuscany-101012 

Cycle Southern Thailand- Nine days from £870 per person

The tour starts in Bangkok with a train journey through the ancient forests and limestone peaks that formed hundreds of years ago. Guests will cycle through the Khao Sok National Park and peddle down the Andaman Coast before relaxing on the stunning coastline. To finish the tour, visitors will ride inland to Phanh Nga Bay and Ao Nang.

The tour includes seven nights' accommodation, six breakfasts, bike, support vehicle and most activities. Excludes flights.  For more information about the tour: www.intrepidtravel.com/thailand/cycle-southern-thailand-100031

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Media Enquiries:

The Brighter Group intrepid@brightergroup.com / 020 7326 9880

Intrepid Travel team: Amelia Williams and Sarah Sackfield

About Intrepid Travel:

Intrepid Travel has been taking people off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 27 years. The Melbourne-based adventure travel company is part of the Intrepid Group, the world's largest provider of adventure travel experiences. Intrepid offers more than 1,500 trips in more than 100 countries and on every continent. Trips are designed to truly explore local culture, meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and lots of included activities means travellers can have a sustainable local experience that is great value for money. In line with Intrepid's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, all the Real Cycling Adventures are fully carbon offset, and a percentage of proceeds is donated to Bicycles for Humanity, which helps send unused bikes to impoverished communities in the developing world. All donations are matched pound-for-pound by The Intrepid Foundation, which has distributed over £3 million to projects all over the world since 2002.