Explore, the adventure travel specialist, has unveiled seven new destinations for its 2015/16 Cycling Adventures collection. Not only have the new offerings in the USA, Russia, Israel, Malta, Sicily, Ireland and Scotland added more choice for cyclists, but the 2015/16 collection now includes airport transfers for all customers. What's more, all of Explore's cycling tours include the hire of a good quality bike and as a launch incentive; Explore is offering 5% off new tours when booked before 5th November 2014.

As a new cycling destination for Explore, Israel by Bike offers a nine day, nearly 300km moderate graded cycling tour which encapsulates the culture, history and landscapes of Israel. Customers will explore the ancient city of Jerusalem, pedal along the Sea of Galilee and visit the biblical town of Nazareth. Customers will also be able to sample local wines and absorb the beautiful landscapes of the Carmel Range. Tours depart in March, April, September and October 2015 and cost from £1,990 per person. This price includes return flights; eight nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader, driver and cycle guide.

For an off the beaten track experience, Cycle Russia: Moscow to St. Petersburg captures the rural landscapes of Russia with these two magnificent cities. During this 10 day, easy to moderate graded cycling tour, customers will explore the great sights of Moscow including Red Square and the Kremlin; visit the beautiful Lake Seliger and Lake Valdaysky and ride between the historical villages in the picturesque Torzhok region. Customers will also discover the grand architecture in St Petersburg. Tours depart in May, June, July and September 2015 and cost from £1,590 per person. This price includes return flights; nine nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; four other meals; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader and driver.

Further afield, Cycle California is a 13 day, 540km moderate graded cycling tour journeying along the West Coast of the USA. Customers will cycle through the Napa Valley and sample wines from the region; pedal across the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and explore Point Reyes National Seashore, where customers can relax on the beaches or admire the elephant seal colonies. The tour also travels to Santa Barbara where customers can cycle around the beautiful Lake Casitas. Tours depart in March, May, June, September and October 2015 and cost from £3,166 per person. This price includes return flights; 12 nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; 10 other meals; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader, cycle guide and driver.

Adding a wider selection of cycling tours to European destinations, Explore's Cycle Western Sicily is an eight day; nearly 200km easy to moderate graded cycling tour of the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sicily. Customers will explore the pretty coastal towns, cycle the outstanding archaeological site of Segesta Doric Temple and discover the old quarter of the bustling town of Trapani. There will also be time to rest the bikes and enjoy a dip in the sea or customers may choose to visit the local hot springs. Tours depart in April, May, September and October 2015 and cost from £1,251 per person. This price includes return flights; seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; four other meals; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader, cycle guide and driver.

Alternatively, Malta and Gozo by Bike offers an easy to moderate graded cycling tour on the islands of Malta and Gozo. During the eight day tour, customers will explore the Ggantija temples in Gozo, ride along the northern coast and take an optional boat trip to the Blue Grotto. Customers will also visit the bustling streets of Valetta and the medieval city of Mdina. Tours depart in March, April, October and November and cost from £997 per person. This price includes return flights; seven nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire; transport and the services of a tour leader, cycle guide and driver.

Closer to home, Explore's Cycle Ireland is a seven day moderate graded cycling tour costing from £893 per person*. During this tour, customers will uncover the Kerry coastline of Ireland; cycle the stunning Killarney National Park and the famous Slea Head Loop as well as journey through the mountainous landscapes of Tralee. Alternatively, Explore's new Coast and Castles Cycling tour is a five day moderate to challenging cycling trip visiting Scotland and costs from £455 per person**. Customers will cycle from Newcastle to Edinburgh, enjoying the breath-taking scenery and cultural heritage along the route, as well as explore the Tweed Valley and the inspiring Moorfoot Hills.

Ashley Toft, Managing Director of Explore commented, “Cycling holidays have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last few years. This year alone we have had a 25% rise in bookings and have seen substantial growth in regions such as Europe, North Africa and Central America. This is why we have expanded our cycling collection and offered new tours for cyclists of all abilities.”

He continued, “Explore's cycling tours offer great value for money. Our 2015/16 collection now includes free airport transfers for all customers, whether they have booked their own flights or have booked them with Explore. Additionally, unlike most other operators, we include the hire of high-quality bikes in the cost of all our trips, which eliminates any additional costs or hassle associated with taking a bike on holiday.”

For further information, or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 0499 0901.

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Notes to Editors

The terms and conditions can be found here.

* Explore's Cycle Ireland departs in July, August and September 2015 and the price includes return flights; six nights' guesthouse accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire and the services of a tour leader and driver.

** Explore's Coast and Castles Cycling departs in May, June, July and September 2015 and the price includes two nights' hostel and two nights' hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis; bike hire and the services of a tour leader and cycle guide.

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

Olivia Lewis, PR Executive – olivia.lewis@explore.co.uk, 01252 379 506

Michelle Laverick, Head of Marketing – michelle.laverick@explore.co.uk 01252 379507