Get back in the saddle with Explore and choose from one of its five new cycling trips. Discover Roman ruins in Lebanon, travel lesser known routes along Poland's Baltic coast or stop off to sample the local sherry and enjoy traditional flamenco dancing in Andalucía.

• LEBANON - Visit the iconic Roman ruins at Baalbek and cycle a less-travelled route around Mount Sannine before staying overnight at a working monastery
• POLAND'S BALTIC COAST - Follow Eurovelo Route 10 through Poland's varied landscape, visiting a World War Two missile testing site and the world's largest castle
• BOSNIA AND MONTENEGRO - Visit Bosnia and see the stunning Mediterranean landscape of Montenegro, one of Europe's current travel hotspots
• ANDALUCIA - Discover a different side to Spain, tasting local sherry and watching traditional flamenco dancing.
• SICILY - Loop around iconic Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the largest Ancient Greek settlement outside of Greece

New for 2020 Cycle Lebanon

Explore is the first tour operator to launch trips to the country since the FCO lifted its travel restrictions, putting the destination firmly back on the map for 2020. Cycle in the Chouf Mountains and visit Sidon's Crusader Castle on this unique itinerary. Visit Baalbek and cycle through Maronite Christian villages. Stay overnight in the grounds of a working monastery in the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, experiencing rural Lebanese life and homemade food. Marvel at 1000 year-old cedar trees and visit a 9,000 year-old crusader castle in Byblos. Prices for this 8 day moderate to challenging grade trip start from £1,699 per person including flights, bed and breakfast, a bike and an Explore leader. Departures April-October 2020.

New for 2020 Cycle Poland – Gdansk and the Baltic Coast

Cycle past shifting sand dunes in Słowiński National Park and follow part of EuroVelo route 10, which encircles the entire Baltic Sea. Follow a cycle path past sandy beaches along the 35km sand bar Hel Peninsula and visit the world's biggest castle at Malbork. Visit Frombork, the town where famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus spent most of his life, and visit an abandoned World War Two missile testing site. Prices for this 8 day easy to moderate grade trip start from £975 per person, including flights, bed and breakfast, a bike and an Explore leader. Departures May, June, August & September 2020.

New for 2020 Cycle Bosnia and Montenegro

Explore Sarajevo, known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe', cycle through alpine scenery and through Skadar Lake National Park, with views of the largest lake in the Balkans. Pass through Mediterranean landscapes, see a monastery carved out of a cliff and cycle the slopes of Prekornica Mountain. Prices for this 8 day moderate grade trip start from £1,180 per person including flights, bed and breakfast, a bike and an Explore leader. Departures May, June & September 2020.

New for 2020 Cycle Andalucía – Cadiz To Jerez

Cycle past the golden beaches of Costa de la Luz and ride through nature reserves and coastal towns on this week-long tour of Andalucía. Pass vineyards, olive groves and seaside towns and try local sherry in Jerez da la Frontera. Look out to sea to the site of the Battle of Trafalgar, visit one of the world's best horse training schools and watch traditional flamenco dancing in Jerez. Prices for this 7 day moderate grade trip start from £1,150 per person, including flights, bed and breakfast, a bike and an Explore leader. Departures March, April, May, September, October & November 2020.

New for 2020 Cycle Sicily – Syracuse to Mount Etna

Explore's Cycle Sicily trip visits Syracuse, the largest Ancient Greek settlement outside of mainland Greece, with its mix of Greek ruins and Baroque architecture. Circumnavigate Mount Etna by bike for a 360-degree view of the iconic volcano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the option to ascend it too. Enjoy Sicily's distinctive food and wine, from arancini to cannoli. Prices for this 8 day moderate grade trip start from £1,299 per person, including flights, accommodation with breakfast, a bike and an Explore leader. Departures May, September & October 2020.

James Adkin, Explore's Programme Manager for Cycling, comments, 'Our new trips for 2020 really go to show that cycling can be the best way to see the landscapes of a country and really get under its skin. Our Cycle Lebanon trip is a real highlight – the only itinerary of its kind, it takes in thousands of years of history and uncovers the very best of Lebanese culture, stunning scenery and cuisine. Our new trips also take our travellers on some incredible journeys through Europe, from the natural beauty of the Balkans in Bosnia and Montenegro to the white washed villages and sherry triangle in Andalucía.' 

www.explore.co.uk / 01252 884 709

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For more media information, interview requests or images, please contact:

Jordan Brackenbury, Junior PR and Partnerships Manager

+44 (0)1252 379503 /  jordan.brackenbury@explore.co.uk

Lisa Tyrrell, Senior Marketing Communications Manager

+44 (0)1252 379499/ lisa.tyrrell@explore.co.uk

Notes to editors:

Explore is a global adventure travel company with nearly 40 years' experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 500 trips in 120 countries, Explore's expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensures unforgettable travel experiences in extraordinary destinations. Whether its wildlife, culture, walking and trekking, a polar voyage, cycling or a family adventure, our trips will give you once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every day.