Shore Excursions for Cycling Enthusiasts

If you’re interested in cruising, but can’t imagine going the length of a cruise without your usual bike ride, you’ll be glad to know that many ports offer the chance to see the local sights from the seat of a bike. Opportunities range from urban bike routes to leisurely rides through gentle terrain to challenging mountainside ascents – and descents.

In Ketchikan, Alaska, you can take a mountain biking excursion that will have you climbing for two continuous miles into the Tongass National Forest. The rewards for this strenuous ride will be spectacular views.

If your ship calls on Ensenada, Mexico, a mountain biking excursion can take you to through the hills to a charming local winery. Use discretion when tasting the wine, however, as you will be expected to cycle back to the starting point.

Livorno, Italy, is a gateway to the rural beauty of Tuscany. Here, you can take a bike tour over the gently rolling hills, perhaps discovering the taste of the region’s famed cuisine on the way.

If an all-downhill biking experience is for you, a bus can take you to up to the crater of a dormant volcano in Maui’s Haleakala National Park. From there, you’ll bike 28 miles down the side of the volcano, stopping for photos and snacks on the way. Although the trip is all downhill, you’ll need to be able to navigate the trail’s numerous switchbacks.

For an urban experience, hop on a gearless Jopo bike in Helsinki, Finland, for a ride past the city’s points of interest. You can bike from the main public beach to the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House and Toolonlahti Bay.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind that some bike-based shore excursions have age restrictions. Some have height and weight restrictions as well. And, be sure to select an excursion that matches your level of biking experience and ability. Your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert can help you select a biking excursion that you will be sure to enjoy.