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Gravel Bike Tours

Adventure Unpaved

Gravel bike tours by Trek Travel combine a mix of paved and gravel roads to let you explore some of our favorite regions in a whole new way. You’ll pedal in classic Trek Travel style, with gravel-specific Trek Checkpoint SLR 7 bikes that are built to conquer any surface with ease. And along the way you may just discover a new side of cycling, the world, and yourself. This isn’t just a vacation. It’s a tour of self-discovery — unpaved and unbelievable.

What You Can Expect on a Gravel Trip

The Perfect Plan

What’s better than planning a vacation? Having someone else do it for you! Each gravel trip is five days long and features one or two hotels. Hotels are handpicked to be near great gravel riding and still provide all the amenities you are accustomed to on a Trek Travel vacation. Most hotels are Explorer level, but you’ll find a few Luxury hotels sprinkled in.

Escape the Crowds

Most people choose to ride gravel to escape traffic and get off the beaten path. Our rides are intended to allow you to do just that. The amount of pavement varies from destination to destination, but one thing holds true, once you are on gravel, you’ll encounter minimal traffic. This goes hand in hand with fewer services, so you will be glad your Trek Travel guides are there to provide support

Signature & Discover

Each gravel trip is designated as Signature or Discover. In general, Signature trips include more and the price point reflects these additional inclusions. Our Discover trips feature Explorer hotels and have the same great rides and hospitality with fewer inclusions, allowing you to enjoy a cycling vacation at a great value.

Is a Gravel Trip Right for You?

Here is the list of indicators that will help you decide if a gravel bike tour is the best option for you.

You want a fully supported cycling vacation with amazing hotels and meals

Our Gravel trips, like our other Classic Guided trips, feature a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels and the finest dining each region has to offer.

You want a fully supported cycling vacation with amazing hotels and meals

Our Gravel trips, like our other Classic Guided trips, feature a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels and the finest dining each region has to offer.

You look forward to getting off the beaten path

The allure of gravel is venturing into rural and remote areas so you can enjoy the quiet as you take in the scenery. Sometimes routes will weave through quaint towns while other times they will be more remote with services and amenities only near the beginning and end of the ride. Lunches will therefore range from cafes or casual roadside lunches during the rides or a late lunch back in town after the ride.

You look forward to getting off the beaten path

The allure of gravel is venturing into rural and remote areas so you can enjoy the quiet as you take in the scenery. Sometimes routes will weave through quaint towns while other times they will be more remote with services and amenities only near the beginning and end of the ride. Lunches will therefore range from cafes or casual roadside lunches during the rides or a late lunch back in town after the ride.

You have some experience riding gravel roads

If not, we suggest you go to your nearest Trek dealer to test ride a gravel bike on gravel roads and see what all the fuss is about. If you don’t live near gravel roads, singletrack mountain biking experience is a good substitute.

You have some experience riding gravel roads

If not, we suggest you go to your nearest Trek dealer to test ride a gravel bike on gravel roads and see what all the fuss is about. If you don’t live near gravel roads, singletrack mountain biking experience is a good substitute.

You are comfortable clipping into pedals

Riding on gravel can be bumpy so we recommend clipping in for safety and efficiency.

You are comfortable clipping into pedals

Riding on gravel can be bumpy so we recommend clipping in for safety and efficiency.

You are comfortable climbing, descending, and cornering on loose, uneven surfaces

We are equipping you with a gravel bike that is capable of handling a wide range of conditions. We are also equipping you with wide, tubeless tires with grippy tread so anyone with good bike handling skills and some experience riding gravel roads or singletrack will be able to handle level 1, 2, or 3 trips with ease. Level 4 trips, as you would expect, mean more technical riding and require more skills and experience. Review our Activity Levels for Gravel Tours more more details.

You are comfortable climbing, descending, and cornering on loose, uneven surfaces

We are equipping you with a gravel bike that is capable of handling a wide range of conditions. We are also equipping you with wide, tubeless tires with grippy tread so anyone with good bike handling skills and some experience riding gravel roads or singletrack will be able to handle level 1, 2, or 3 trips with ease. Level 4 trips, as you would expect, mean more technical riding and require more skills and experience. Review our Activity Levels for Gravel Tours more more details.

You’re in for the adventure, not a race

You understand that gravel riding is about three to four miles per hour slower than road riding, and therefore it takes more time and effort to cover the same distance. You aren’t focused on your average speed, you’re in it for the experience.

You’re in for the adventure, not a race

You understand that gravel riding is about three to four miles per hour slower than road riding, and therefore it takes more time and effort to cover the same distance. You aren’t focused on your average speed, you’re in it for the experience.

Gravel Level Chart

Find your Gravel activity level so you can choose the perfect unpaved adventure for you. 

New Gravel Destinations

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself