The new Thomson gravel bike tours promise all the hospitality, gorgeous scenery, and top-notch destinations and food as their road bike tours, just not on a paved road. With four European routes to choose from, and more coming, you now have some pretty rad ways to see a new country on the roads less traveled.
Here are the details for each of the currently scheduled trips, followed by a few teasers for others coming online this year…
Provence & Mt. Ventoux Gravel
Always wanted to climb the legendary Mont Ventoux in France? Or already done it and want a fresh challenge? Thomson’s found an off-road route to the top, with rustic roads through lavender fields and old cities before aiming upward and finishing at the famous antennas on the roof of the mountain.
This 7 day/6 night gravel tour is one of the tougher ones, with a minimum recommended tire width of 700×40. Next scheduled ride departs on September 12, 2021.
Price is for each of these trips is $3,295 per person, and all trips include gear transport between stops, accommodations, and all meals.
Tuscany Gravel
Ride the pristine Strade Biancha’s crushed white stone as you pass cypress trees en route to chianti, olive oil, and likely lots of fresh pasta and other amazing Italian food.
This one’s a little easier, and smoother, but no less gorgeous (maybe more so…it is Italy after all). Next trip starts October 3rd, 2021.
Girona & Catalonia Gravel
Ride from Girona into the Pyrenees, then back to the Mediterranean Sea on this 7 day/6 night tour. You’ll ride through a national park, past extinct volcanoes, and in birch tree forests while exploring the Catalan countryside.
This one’s medium difficulty with a few singletrack sections and a bit of technical terrain, but not as much climbing as Ventoux. Next trip starts October 24th, 2021.
Portugal-Algarve Gravel
Start near the border of Spain and work your way toward, then down the coast on a mix of cobble roads, singletrack, and gravel paths over 7 days. This area is one of Thomson’s staff favorites, it winds through pine trees and eucalyptus forests before edging high above the water for spectacular views.
This one’s medium difficulty, too, thanks to a more mixed set of surfaces you’ll be riding, but includes two nights at a resort with thermal baths. Next trip is November 14, 2021.
Look for additional trips in Morocco to come soon, plus one in Vermont in the fall to catch all those changing leaves. Get all the details, more photos, and a daily itinerary with mileage on their website.
