wayneIII

Hello- going on a honeymoon late Nov of this year (2012) for a couple of weeks. Im looking for suggestions of a 5+/- day bike touring loop in the middle of the honeymoon. Something that is pretty, minimal traffic, and void of large towns would be preferable.

Criteria: It needs to be warmish weather for the gal so mainland and northern Europe is out, I think southern Spain/ Italy/ Portugal is pretty warm and dry that time of year? Im aware its still a bit of a crap shoot weather wise.

We will not be bringing our bikes so need to rent bikes and packs, etc, but plan on staying in hotels or B&B so will be traveling pretty light. I would prefer to not have a guide, but am not completely opposed.

The title of this post says Europe, but honestly, I don't care where in the world you suggest as long as its not Asia, Africa, or NZ or Australia as they are too far to travel from the states given our time frame.

We have the best 'problem' in the world to have right now, figuring out where to take a trip! any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

valygrl

Hawaii. Big Island.

znomit

We're just three movies, two dinners and a few wines away.
ps, AIRNZ have honeymoon friendly "cuddle class" seating.

Newspaperguy

Costa Rica. You can rent bikes from Bike Arenal. If you've got minimal Spanish, you'll do fine as a lot of the people will speak English. And the prices are modest. There are some horror stories about crazy drivers there, but I didn't have any problems.

late

https://www.ciclismoclassico.com/find...tina_magnifico

fietsbob

Yea, November is late spring in the southern hemisphere.

Boudicca

What about Morocco?

Chris Pringle

If you are in the East Coast, catch a flight to the island of Dominica (not to confuse w/ the Dominican Republic!) via Puerto Rico. This is by far the most paradisiac island I have ever had the opportunity to visit. Lots of small, quiet roads around the island. Hit cooler weather by taking some of the mountain roads. Not too many tourists at all. The local food is excellent as Dominica (English-speaking) is situated in between two French-speaking islands. Lots of friendly people there with a nice local music scene (if you like Reggae.) Hire a local guide for some of the most amazing hiking that you'll ever do through tropical forest with beautiful waterfalls. Opportunities for fishing, snorkeling and eco-tourism abound. I visited about 10 years ago and made a vow to myself to go back one day for a very special occasion with my soulmate. Get a small boutique hotel by the ocean - I remember hotels there not being cheap though. Other than that, just a fantastic place!

Edit: I was just reading that, as beautiful as Dominica is, it's really hard for cycling given its very mountainous terrain. Look into the nearby French island of Guadeloupe, called by many as a "cycling paradise."

chas58

Rained every single day for 10 days when I was there last November. People on bike tours (even the Dutch) looked miserable. After 10 days of rain, I was ready for some sun, and headed down to the beach (people bike touring the Central American Highway looked miserable too - that is a nasty rode for a bike).

For what it is worth, I found Costa Rica to be very expensive compared to the rest of Central America, abut the same as the US. That said, the quality and relatively safety (and beauty) of the country was worth the $$$. I'll be back, but not on a bike.

chas58

I agree, an island is probably your best bet that time of year. I would do Bali if it was me, but that is probably too many movies and glasses of wine away for you. Keep in mind that Europe is much farther north than we are and has about 7 hours of daylight that time of year.

Late honeymoon trip? - spring in Provence (Fr) is wonderful from a bicycle...

alan s 

I was in southern Spain in early November, and the weather was great. Not riding though. Lots to see from Madrid south.

djb

As for Costa Rica...I was there in May with my.bike and wouldn't recommend it for biking simply because of the traffic. There are some areas and roads that are no worse than many other places I've ridden in, but there are some roads that can be very busy and combined with being narrow means that unless you are both very experienced in traffic , I can't recommend it.
Costa Rica is very close to my heart and I have close Tico friends, but as a bike touring destination, wouldn't feel right recommending it, purely from the safety/enjoyment factor.