Relaxed walking and cycling specialist, Headwater, have today unveiled its latest range of cycling holidays, adding brand new, interest-packed cycling itineraries in France, Spain, Portugal and Austria.

FRANCE: Pathways of the Canal du Midi

 

Enjoy gentle, traffic-free cycling along the quiet towpaths of the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi, passing verdant vineyards, mediaeval villages and peaceful nature reserves packed with fabulous flora, fauna and birdlife. Starting off from cassoulet-capital, Castelnaudry, guests follow a linear route east, staying in fairytale Carcassonne and beautiful Beziers, before arriving in the lively Mediterranean port of Sete.

 

Holiday Factfile:

 

Departs: daily 1 May - 15 Oct

Holiday type: 7 nights hotel-to-hotel self-guided itinerary; bags moved for you

Meal plan: includes all breakfasts and 2 evening meals

Also included: high quality bikes, meticulous maps and route notes, 24/7 UK and local support and back up

Costs: from £1299 (self drive), £1439 (inc return BA flights from Heathrow-Toulouse), £1278 (tour only); unsuitable for under 12's

Activity level: 1-bike "easy"

 

SPAIN: Catalan Coastal Cycling

 

Follow the unspoilt Catalan coast on this easy 8-night cycling tour taking in olive groves, peach orchards and stunningly beautiful sun-coloured villages, scented with blossom and cooled by gentle sea breezes rolling in from the coast. Much of the time is spent cycling alongside wide sandy beaches and boat-speckled bays and, in the evening, all hotels - including a luxury 14c converted castle - have private swimming pools.  
      

Holiday Factfile:

 

Departs: every 2 days from 13 April - 20 Oct

Holiday type: 8 nights self guided, hotel-to-hotel itinerary; bags moved for you

Meal plan: includes all breakfasts and 4 evening meals

Also included: high quality bikes, meticulous maps and route notes, 24/7 UK and local support and back up

Costs: from £1258 (self drive), £1437 (inc return BA flights from Heathrow-Barcelona), £1236 (tour only); under 12's sharing £968/ £1198/ £978

Activity level: 1-bike "easy"

 

PORTUGAL: Cycling in the "real" Algarve

 

Discover a land that time forgot as you pedal the unspoilt wild coastlines, passing pretty white villages en route to Europe's most southerly cape, beautiful San Vicente. The area is a birdwatchers paradise too, with endemic and migratory species from Africa and Northern Europe.

 

Holiday Factfile:

 

Departs: every 2 days from 24 Oct 2013 - 13 Nov 2014

Holiday type: 6 nights self guided hotel-to-hotel itinerary; bags moved for you

Meal plan: includes all breakfasts and evening meals

Also included: high quality bikes, meticulous maps and route notes, 24/7 UK and local support and back up

Costs: from £1149 (inc return BA flights from Heathrow-Lisbon)/ £939 (tour only); under 12's sharing £769/£559

Activity level: 2-bike "moderate"

 

AUSTRIA: Carinthia Lakeside Cycling

 

The Austrian region of Carinthia may be small and little known, but it packs a pretty hefty punch! From shimmering turquoise lakes to lofty mountain ranges, and from lush pine-clad forests to enchanting majestic mediaeval villages, it's a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. And with easy-to-follow lake and riverside bike trails, it's as though it's been created with cyclists in mind too but, for guests wanting  to give legs a rest, Headwater is including the Carinthia Card, which gives free ferry and cable car travel to all holders, as well as free access to over 100 local museums and attractions.

 

Holiday Factfile:

 

Departs: every 2 days from 13 May - 20 Sep

Holiday type: 8 nights self guided hotel-to-hotel itinerary; bags moved for you

Meal plan: includes all breakfasts and 6 evening meals

Also included: high quality bikes, meticulous maps and route notes, 24/7 UK and local support and back up

Costs: from £1228 (self drive), £1569 (inc return flights with Austrian Airlines from Heathrow-Klagenfurt)/ £1199 (tour only); under 12's sharing £749/£1099/£729

Activity level: 2-bike "moderate"

 

For bookings and further information, please call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email sales@headwater.com 
 

All press enquiries to Catherine Crone 0845 591 9342; email Catherine.press@headwater.com

Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/headwater