Surge in demand for cycle holidays, reports operator

Freedom Treks is expanding its Cruise and Cycle programme for 2013 following a surge in popularity for cycling holidays.

Helped by British success in the Olympics and Tour de France, according to Freedom Treks, the market has been expanding for a number of years. For 2013, the company’s cycle tour programme will widen with a combination of ‘Cruise and Cycle’ and ‘Hotel and Cycle’ tours and a choice of over 179 cycling holidays across 23 European countries.

There are a total of 47 new additions to the portfolio, comprising 18 new Cruise and Cycle tours in ten countries, including Belgium, Turkey, Croatia, Scotland and other popular European destinations.

“The cycling holiday market has undergone considerable growth in recent years and is still expanding, thanks in part to the golden summer of 2012 and Bradley Wiggins cycling success," said Freedom Treks manager Andy Harmer.

"Cycling holidays have become a much more accessible and feasible holiday option, especially for leisure cyclists who appreciate the fresh air, beautiful landscapes and the obvious health and fitness benefits.
Cycling holidays allow holidaymakers the opportunity to truly get under the skin of a destination, immersing themselves in the culture amidst ever-changing landscapes, something not easily replicated by other types of holidays. We have already seen a strong increase in early bookings for 2013, compared to this time last year, and this highlights the growing appeal of these highly enjoyable holidays.”

Freedom Treks said that the tours offer a unique way of discovering a country, where holiday makers can cycle as much or as little by day exploring new places and at night dine and sleep on board a barge, ship, boat or sailing yacht. The holidays run from April through to October and are graded according to the level of ability required.

The new 2013 line-up includes a leisurely Bruges to Brussels tour, rides in Croatia, the Lorraine and Mosel Valley, as well as cycle holidays in Greece, Holland, Italy, Scotland, Balearic Islands and Turkey.

www.freedomtreks.co.uk; 01273 224066