Bike Tour Gear Essentials

When it comes to your self-guided bike tour, the right cycling gear is non-negotiable. Start with high-quality padded bike shorts to cushion your ride and a moisture-wicking cycling jersey that keeps you cool and visible. A lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker is a must-have, as weather conditions can change quickly. Pair these with durable cycling gloves for added grip and protection, and, of course, you may prefer to bring your own helmet and pedals, for comfort and familiarity. If your self-guided cycling tour includes using your smartphone for navigation, pack a universal handlebar mount and a backup battery or portable charger to stay connected and on track.

Clothing Tips for Comfort and Versatility

Packing light yet practical clothing is key to any successful self-guided bike tour. Opt for versatile pieces that can double up for both cycling and casual outings. For warmer climates, bring breathable T-shirts, convertible pants or shorts, and a hat for sun protection. If your route takes you to cooler areas or involves evening exploration, include long-sleeve shirts, a fleece jacket, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Many self-guided cycling tours include stops at charming local eateries or cultural spots, so pack a smart-casual outfit to make the most of these opportunities.

Accessories for Self-Guided Cycling Convenience

Accessories can make all the difference during a bike tour. A small saddlebag or daypack is ideal for carrying essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, a reusable water bottle, and snacks. A personal first aid kit should include plasters, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. Other useful items for your self-guided bike tour include insect repellent, a bandana or cap for extra sun protection, and a waterproof cover for your belongings. To document your adventure, bring a compact camera or make sure your smartphone has ample storage and battery power.

Luggage and Organization

We wholeheartedly love Eagle Creek gear for its exceptional quality, innovative design, and dependability—perfect companions for the adventurous spirit! Their products are thoughtfully crafted to make travel easier and more organized, ensuring you can focus on the journey ahead. We’re thrilled to recommend Eagle Creek to our customers and even offer an exclusive discount, purely to enhance your travel experience. And rest assured, we receive no commission—our recommendation comes solely from our genuine trust in their gear and our desire to share the best with you. Pack anything, take it anywhere, and see everything. With Eagle Creek, experience is already built in.

Current Pure Adventures customers (2025 travellers only), contact us for a unique Eagle Creek discount code!

Practical Packing Tips for Your Bike Tour Packing List

On a self-guided cycling tour, packing light is just as important as packing right. Many bike tours include luggage transfer services, so plan to carry only the essentials while you ride. Choose multi-functional clothing, such as pants that convert to shorts, to save space. Quick-dry materials are helpful for minimizing laundry needs. Pack toiletries in travel-sized containers to reduce bulk, and use packing cubes to keep everything organized. Consider bringing a small toolkit with essentials like a tire patch kit, multi-tool, and spare tubes, just in case.

Final Thoughts

A self-guided bike tour offers the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, and thoughtful packing ensures you’re fully prepared for every moment. Use this bike tour packing list and packing tips to gear up for an unforgettable journey. By focusing on comfort, efficiency, and adaptability, you’ll be ready to fully embrace the adventure, whether you’re tackling scenic trails, charming villages, or bustling cityscapes. So, pack smartly, hop on your bike, and let the joy of self-guided cycling tours lead the way! Happy pedaling!

Check out our complete self-guided bike tour packing guide here!

Italy Self-Guided Bike Tours

France Self-Guided Bike Tours

Spain Self-Guided Bike Tours

and more!

Ready to start planning your dream self-guided bike tour? Let us help! Our team of passionate experts is ready to share their insights and guide you to an unforgettable adventure! Contact us today to start planning your next self-guided bike tour!

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A Tapestry of Cultures

Granada’s history is a blend of influences, from its Islamic roots to its Christian Renaissance transformation. The Cathedral of Granada, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, and the adjoining Royal Chapel, where Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried, offer a glimpse into the city’s layered past. Take a stroll through the Albaicín district, a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets that preserve Granada’s Moorish essence, and enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.

The Alhambra: A Jewel of Islamic Architecture

Granada’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture in the world. This sprawling palace and fortress complex, originally built by the Nasrid dynasty, is a masterpiece of intricate mosaics, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the city below. Wander through the Generalife gardens or lose yourself in the ornate halls of the Nasrid Palaces—each corner of the Alhambra tells a story of Granada’s Moorish past.

The gardens of the Alhambra Palace, known as the Generalife, are a true oasis of tranquility and beauty, nestled against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These exquisite gardens were designed as a retreat for the Nasrid sultans, offering a serene escape from the world. Filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and carefully manicured hedges, the gardens are a masterpiece of Moorish landscaping, where nature and art intertwine seamlessly. Trickling fountains and reflective pools add a soothing harmony, while shaded walkways provide a cool respite under the Andalusian sun. As you wander through the terraces, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of Granada below, creating a dreamlike ambiance that captivates the senses. The Generalife Gardens are more than a feast for the eyes—they are a living testament to the artistry and ingenuity of the Moorish era, evoking a sense of timeless enchantment.

Planning your visit to the Alhambra Palace in advance is essential, as it is one of Spain’s most popular attractions and tickets often sell out quickly. It’s recommended to book your tickets at least 3+ months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. You can choose from various ticket options, including general admission, garden-only tickets, and guided tours, which provide in-depth insights into the history and architecture of the site. For a unique experience, consider a night tour of the Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife Gardens. Tickets can be purchased through the official Alhambra website or authorized vendors, ensuring a smooth and secure booking process. Be sure to select a specific time slot for the Nasrid Palaces, as entry is strictly regulated. With careful planning, your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site will be a seamless and unforgettable journey into history.

The Flamenco Spirit

Granada is a vibrant center for flamenco, the captivating dance and music that embodies the spirit of Andalusia. To truly immerse yourself in this cultural treasure, venture to the Sacromonte neighborhood, renowned for its iconic cave houses carved into the hills. Here, you can witness an unforgettable flamenco performance in an intimate, atmospheric setting, where the rhythms of the guitar, the soulful vocals, and the mesmerizing movements of the dancers come alive. The raw emotion, fiery passion, and masterful artistry of flamenco will stir your soul and leave you utterly spellbound, offering a glimpse into the heart of Andalusian culture

Culinary Delights

No trip to Granada is complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant culinary scene. The city is famed for its lively tapas culture, where small, flavorful dishes are often served complimentary with drinks in countless bars. Treat yourself to local delicacies such as jamón serrano, perfectly cured and bursting with flavor, or savor the smooth, nutty richness of manchego cheese, a Spanish classic. Cool down with a refreshing bowl of gazpacho, Andalusia’s iconic chilled soup, and indulge in pestiños, a honey-glazed pastry with a delightful crunch. Be sure to save room for piononos, a decadent local dessert with a rich, custard-like filling and caramelized topping, providing the perfect finale to your gastronomic adventure. Granada’s culinary traditions promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Exploring Granada by Bike

Granada’s charm extends beyond its historic sites, and Pure Adventures has two incredible tours that visit Granada that you won’t want to miss! Our bike tours offer an intimate way to explore the region, whether you’re gliding through the Albaicín or venturing into the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. Join us for a memorable ride and explore this enchanting city, uncovering hidden gems and creating unforgettable memories.

Spain – Granada to Ronda Andalusian Bike Tour
Experience the best of Spain on this 8-day self-guided bike tour from Granada to Córdoba. Savor incredible food and wine as you pedal through white villages, vineyards, olive groves, and breathtaking natural reserves. Explore iconic World Heritage sites, including the magnificent “Alhambra” in Granada and stunning “Mezquita” in Córdoba!

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It’s the perfect just-for-two experience

There’s no questioning the fact that group excursions can be fun, but sometimes – on your honeymoon – escaping the crowd feels necessary. Not only will you see the sites the two of you prefer on a self-guided tour, you’ll see them when you prefer. You’ll also take them in at your own pace and not have to worry about potential and often inevitable issues that arise when travelling in a large pack. What’s more, the focus of a budget-friendly and meticulously planned tour is yours to choose. From adventure and eco-friendly cycling and hiking tours to explorative and historical treks, our highly experienced team will craft a unique up-close-and-personal experience with the country of your choice, include carefully planned routes to best suit participant’s interests and physical abilities, and we’ll also handpick lodging that ideally fits your preference. All this and we also provide the services of a local Pure Adventures representative for 24-hour support.

We can help you set up a contribution registry

Yes, really. With it becoming more common for couples to forgo traditional store-based gift registries in favour of experiential/travel-based contribution registries, we can arrange for interested friends and family members to have the option to donate funds to your private adventure honeymoon experience. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss details!

We take romance to next-level proportions

Creating a tailor-made experience is part of what we do best. From celebratory champagne and flowers to stellar private dining experiences and many additional offerings, there’s no shortage of ways to make your completely unique honeymoon even more memorable.

The post Looking For The Perfect Honeymoon Getaway? Take A Private Adventure. appeared first on Pure Adventures.

One of the most exciting parts of what we do here at Pure Adventures is dreaming up tours that take adventure travellers “off the beaten path” for an experience they will never forget. Right here, right now, we’ll walk you through one of these tours – leaning towards the more physically challenging end of our trip spectrum. One that will have you riding through the back alleys of Bangkok, have you soaking up the rich history of the temples and cultural sites, and travelling the winding pathways of Chinatown to see, feel and hear the street life.

From Bangkok to the northern capital of Chiang Mai, this cycling tour of Thailand is geared to the traveller who isn’t afraid to kick it up a notch, and push themselves to their own personal limits.  Although this isn’t a self-guided tour, we’ve done our best to make it feel totally hands off.  You’ll have access to support on all rides just in case you need it.

Let’s take a closer look at “Thailand – Chiang Mai Cycling Adventure” shall we?

Why will I love it?

Day 1: You’ll stay at the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort: Set on the banks of the grand Chao Phraya River, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is a thriving oasis offering a unique way to experience the City of Angels. Majestic palms swaying in the breeze. Spa treatments hidden within lush tropical gardens. Luxurious suites lit by the twinkle of the city skyline. Delectable meals fusing tastes from around the globe. Situated on 11 riverside acres of verdant gardens, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort seamlessly blends the thrill of urban living with the serene charms of tropical luxury.

Day 2: Bangkok 7km cycling through Chinatown: After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up and drive you to Chinatown square where you start an interesting walk through one of the oldest parts of Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road where you visit interesting shops selling birds’ nests and shark fins, continue to a very old teashop to enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals before heading down Trok Leng Moi Eia (a small soi)to Talad Kao for a busy local market with variety of fresh food, fresh & dry fruits, Chinese herbs, groceries. End the walk at Wat Leng Nei Yi to visit the Taoist temple. Afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight in Bangkok; breakfast included.

Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai; Short 7km Cycling and Walking: After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up for a transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Upon arrival, your next guide will pick you up and it’s time to put on your walking shoes and head out to explore the highlights of this charismatic South East Asian city by foot! What better place to start our day of discovery than the banks of the Mae Ping River! From here, we join the bustle of Waroros market, a favorite for Chiang Mai locals for exotic species, colorful fruits, an endless variety of rice and bizarre new culinary delights. From here we continue by rickshaw to Tapae Gate and continue to explore ancient Chiang Mai on foot. Tapae Gate is Chiang Mai’s main entrance to the old walled city. In days gone by, it was the gate through which traders, diplomats and visiting monks passed when they had business in the city proper. From here, we continue our walk to Three Kings Monument and the city’s most beautiful temples Wat Chedi Luang, where the famous Emerald Buddha was once enshrined, and Wat Phra Singh, home to a very old and sacred Buddha image. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai, breakfast included.

Day 4: Chiang Mai to Doi Saket (cycling distance: up to 40 km): Transfer south of Chiang Mai to the grounds of Wiang Kum Kam or The Lost City, once the capital of then Lanna Kingdom. After a short cycling around the main site, transfer to Fa Ham, mount the bikes and take off east through the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Have lunch at a local restaurant nearby the dam. At the Mae Kuang Dam, board the long tail boat taking us across the lake. Walk a hill and continue a short ride before arriving at the tree house resort. Here our adventure for today ends. At the resort, just relax, take a walk in the organic garden or continue cycle to the nearby village and visit the Coca Cola trail or the bat cave. Overnight in Doi Saket; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 5: Doi Saket to Mae Taeng (cycling distance: up to 50 km, kayaking approximately 1.5 hours): This morning we start early and ride right out of the resort, cycling the picturesque road bordering Sri Lanna National Park to Buatong Waterfall. Most of the route is paved concrete or asphalt which makes the cycling pleasant and fun. Before lunch arrive at the Mae Ngat Dam for some fresh fruit and drinks. Leave the bikes and change gear, off the road and into the water we go! Take a 20 boat transfer to the floating restaurant in the dam, paddle the lake in sit on top kayaks. At the raft house, dive into the water for a refreshing swim and get seated for lunch. In the afternoon, take a long tail boat ride back and start cycling from the dam through Mae Taeng district. Dinner and Overnight in Mae Taeng; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 6: Mae Taeng to Mae Rim (cycling distance: up to 55 km): Checkout from the resort and begin today’s ride at the resort, cycling the undulating roads south to Mork Fa Waterfall. Hike on the nice path through the jungle and visit the 60 meters high waterfall. Continue Riding through local communities on small roads before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Follow the Mae Rim River south challenging a set of mountain-side hills before arriving at your resort for the night. Dinner and Overnight in Mae Rim; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 7: Mae Rim to Chiang Mai (cycling distance: up to 30 km): Time to explore Mae Rim! Start riding right from the resort on the hillside roads, including a few easy climbs. As we leave the green lush (seasonal) areas behind and start moving closer to more populated areas we get a good glimpse of Chiang Mai “suburbs”, a less travelled area of Chiang Mai where the new blends with the old. By the Mae Sa canal we find the temple Wat Pa Darapirom. What better than a coffee or soft drink after visiting the temple, drop a local coffee shop for a freshly brewed organically grown coffee of your choice. Visit the royal initiated project of the King and learn about sufficiency economy. The Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy developed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand through his royal remarks over the past three decades. Thailand values this new economics philosophy as a practical tool to effectively manage capitalism in a way that aligns and engages it with social sustainable development. Transfer to Huay Tung Tao Lake for lunch before heading back to hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 8: Departure Day: After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up for a transfer to Chiang Mai Airport. Breakfast included.

What do I get?

•7 Nights Lodging – choice of First Class or Superior First Class

• English Speaking certified Adventure Guide

•Additional local guide for 8-16 pax

•Drinking water including 3 litres per person per day

•Bike, helmet and kayaking equipment where mentioned in the itinerary

•Vehicles: Private air conditioned van for pax transfers and pickup for bikes and luggage

•1 first aid kit per guide

•Sightseeing tickets and zone entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary

•Flight reconfirmations

•Luggage transfer

•Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

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Spain is one Pure Adventures’ top selling self-guided cycling destinations. The country’s pleasant climate and extraordinary cuisine are natural reasons to want to visit Spain, but when our travelers return from their vacations, the first thing they say is they can’t believe how beautiful the Spanish countryside is! Our new cycling vacations in Spain (White Villages of Andalusia, Moorish Spain, Andalusia Alpujarra, Mallorca and El Camino Saint James Way) each take in the most picturesque trails and routes throughout the country. Here are our favorite along-the-way trails on our new tours.

Campanet, Mallorca
Mallorca is a favorite destination for both recreational cyclists and amateur road cycling athletes, namely for the easy cycling along dedicated paved lanes. However, we urge you to leave the road bike behind and climb aboard one of our hybrid bikes to explore the woods outside of Campanet. This 43 kilometer cycling trail takes you beneath the canopy of ancient pine, olive, almond and oak trees all the way to the the foothill village of Campanet. Once in Campanet, a visit to the Coves de Campanet round out a magical day of travel.

Descending into the foothills of the Sierra de la Alfaguara
Descending into Olivares, the plains and foothills surrounding the Alfaguara Mountains are breathtaking. This area, once destroyed by forestry and wildfires, has been carefully restored and full of wildlife including wild boar and goats. The Sierra Nevada forms an impressive backdrop to this challenging off-road ride. Mountain bikes or heavier hybrids recommended.

Alpujarra mountain region
The Alpujarra is a region of mountain villages to the south of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with sheltered valleys and gorges running down towards the Mediterranean Sea. The region, declared a National Park and Nature Reserve is home to an authentic treasure of flora and fauna, making it the perfect place to hike! Trails throughout the region consist of unpopulated singletrack – ideal for mountain bikers.

El Camino – St. James Way Trail
Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims from all over Europe were attracted by the grave of the apostle James at Santiago de Compostela at the far North-Western tip of Spain. Today, both hikers and cyclists from around the world follow the pilgrims trail and are impressed by the experience, whether from a spiritual, cultural or sportive point of view. Pure Adventures follows the last 300 kilometers of this historic trail system.

Jerez
A visit to Jerez is part of our White Villages of Andalusia tour, and the route we travel to this quiet village and it’s famous equestrian school takes you past vibrant Andalusian farmlands. Quiet country roads are ideal for side-by-side cycling and of course, soaking in the sights.

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Six Expert Tips for Perfect Fitting Hiking Boots

The most important hiking gear you will ever buy is a pair well fitting boots. Proper fitting boots will ensure that your feet will remain blister free so that you enjoy your hiking adventures, whether you’re taking on the trails around your home, or on one of our self-guided hiking tours in Europe, Japan, or the USA . After you’ve bought your boots, lacing techniques and dry feet ensure your feet stay healthy for the duration of your hike. Elaine Brewer, long time runner and boot fit expert, shares her tips for happy and healthy feet.

Surprising Boot Fit Tricks

Bring the socks you would wear out on the trails into the store and try on the boots with them. Despite how you may have bought or tried to fit your hiking boots in the past, don’t try to feel how much space is between your toes and the front of the boot (“now wiggle your toes…” –  it doesn’t work well. Instead, with laces untied, stand up and tap your toe on the ground a few times. Still standing, feel behind your heel. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your heel and the back of the boot. When you lace up, walk around. There should be the slightest of lift on your heels. This is good and actually reduces blisters because you have room for your feet to swell (and they will swell!). Make sure there are no big gaps or tight squeezes between your foot and the boot. Walk around the store for awhile to get a really good feel. Head over to their pack department – if you can – and try on a weighted pack with your boots to feel the difference in weight.

Lace Up (and sometimes down)

Think Goldie Locks here – not too tight, not too loose…just right. Brewer tends to change up by lacing pressure as she goes from the toe of the boot to the ankle. If you do this, secure the pressure difference by tying a surgeon’s knot. This puts friction on the lace without putting an actual knot in it so that the lace doesn’t slip. She also tends not to tie the finishing knot at the very top of her boot since this causes a lot of pressure on the ankle and lower shin – which can cause host spots and blistering. Instead, she advises that hikers weave their laces from the top downwards. She actually ties her knots a level below what most hikers do.

Loosen Up (your laces that is)

Your feet swell the longer you are hiking. Every couple of hours, untie your boots and loosen the laces as needed. Do you end up with purple toenails that fall out after a big hike? You’re not alone! If you’re going downhill a lot and bumping your toes, try changing up the lacing pressure: put more pressure on the front of your boot, tie it off with a surgeon’s knot, and then loosen the rest of the way up. Your toes and their nails will thank you.

Keep ’em Dry

On really long or strenuous hikes, Brewer covers her feet with Body Glide before putting on her socks. Alternatively, you can use a foot powder. By putting baby powder on your feet before you put on socks, the powder can help suck up any moisture – moisture being a catalyst for blisters forming. On overnight trips, Brewer advises putting newspaper in your boots overnight – the newspaper helps dry them out.

Keep ’em Clean

Change your socks every day. Even if they look clean, there will be dirt in the fibers that can irritate your feet. You’ll appreciate clean socks even more if the socks you wore the previous day are still wet. Brewer recommends wool socks. When wet, wool socks will wick away moisture so your feet are relatively dry, compared to wearing cotton or synthetic socks.

With these six expert tips for perfect-fitting hiking boots, you are sure to keep your toes and feet happy as you embark on your next hiking adventure. If you would like some suggestions on some of the best places to go hiking, drop us a line and we can help you out. Our experts have been hiking all over the world and can put together the hiking trip of your dreams! Contact us to learn more!

Read about hiking in magical Madeira!

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