This unique adventure brings you two days of fascinating cycling and exploring in France along with wonderful rides through the rich variety of Kentish landscapes and history. This is a great tour if you want to sample the delights of both countries.
Begin in Canterbury and enjoy the unrivalled past and 21st century cosmopolitan vitality of this city. Then head for the south coast on a pretty route through classic Kentish villages. Discover how easy and safe it is to cycle on and off the ferry boat and enjoy a waterside ride to our recommended lunch stop. Amble on to the French market town where you will stay the night. There's lots to explore there including the lake with its water based activities. Pedal back to Calais and Dover and enjoy a fascinating ride the next day along the Kent coast, through cinque ports and around apple orchards to return to Canterbury.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £990 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
What’s included?
There are no extras, however you’ll love what’s included as standard
Duration
5 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Saturdays and is circular from Canterbury
Hotels
- Classic
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Centrally located hand picked hotels
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (2) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
4 days of cycling 10 - 27 miles (16 - 43 km) per day
Terrain
An occasional slope on Day 2
Traffic-free
Very largely
Options
- Additional nights in Canterbury
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Arrive in Canterbury
Arrive in Canterbury and check into your hotel in the heart of the city. There's so much to explore in this astounding heritage city with its magnificent cathedral, and many museums. At a time to suit you make your way to our base a few minutes walk away, which is open from 10.00 to 17.30, to pick up your cycling equipment. Your host will also meet you to run through your itinerary and to familiarize you with the route.
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2. Day two
Canterbury to the Coast
This ride to the sea is blessed with leafy lanes and bridleways. There are woodlands to enjoy and a host of classic Kent villages and hamlets with their cosy pubs. Your overnight stop near Dover is in a charming village.
21 miles (34 km)
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3. Day three
Dover to a French Market Town
We will transfer you and your bikes to the boat at Dover for the crossing to France. Its safe and easy to ride off the ferry at Calais and almost immediately you are pedalling along a peaceful waterway. We recommend a lunch stop in one of our favourite restaurants close by. The gentle ride leads on to a fascinating market town with plenty to explore in the town and something different at its adjacent lakeside. Relax here and enjoy the water based activities. You will spend the night in the heart of the town which boasts several fine restaurants.
15 miles (24 km)
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4. Day four
A French Market Town to Dover
Soak up the French atmosphere and have fun before pedalling back to Calais. We will meet you off the ferry and transfer you back to your hotel near Dover.
10 miles (16 km)
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5. Day five
The Coast to Canterbury
Start the day by freewheeling along the coast and exploring the maritime history and intrigue of the cinque ports of Deal and Sandwich. Its time then to turn inland and cycle through the 'Garden of England' - a tapestry of market gardens, timeless orchards and ancient villages. Awaiting you in Canterbury, is a warm welcome back to your hotel.
27 miles (43 km)
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6. Day six
Depart Canterbury
Relax in Canterbury and discover more of the hidden things this cosmopolitan city has to offer and depart at your leisure. Your cycling equipment will be collected from your hotel.