Cycle South Australia's Wine Regions
Cycle South Australia's Wine Regions
6 Days Starting in Adelaide and ending in Glenelg
Visiting: Adelaide, Barossa Valley & Auburn, Clare Valley Riesling Rail Trail, Clare Valley & Hahndorf, McLaren Vale & Adelaide/Glenelg, Adelaide (Glenelg)
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PZXS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Is there a better way to enjoy South Australia's renowned wine country than on a bicycle? If there is, we’re yet to find it. Just a short distance from cosmopolitan Adelaide, this is a region well known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and of course delicious red and white wines. This cycling trip takes in the best of it at a pace set to enjoy rather than race. Get started in the very heart of vibrant Adelaide, one of the world's most liveable cities, then transport out to the nearby yet distinct wine regions. From the Barossa Valley – home of Australia's best-known red wine – to the northern Clare Valley (ripe for a drop of Riesling), south to the birthplace of South Australia's wine industry, McLaren Vale, and west to the stunning Glenelg Beach, it’s not just the wine that is diverse. The varied scenery, easy network of cycling paths, and support vehicle make this a trip for every rider.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Adelaide
Location: Adelaide
Accommodation: Hotel
Your cycling adventure begins in Adelaide (Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located). There will be a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm this evening as you meet with your leader and fellow travellers for a brief run-down of the days ahead. If you arrive early, there are a heap of things to do in the state capital – check out Henley beach, take a walk along the Torrens, or visit the factory home of Haigh's, an Aussie chocolate icon. This evening, choose to get to know your fellow cyclists better with an optional group dinner out on the town.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Barossa Valley & Auburn
Location: Barossa Valley & Auburn
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast leave the busy streets of Adelaide behind on a short (approximately 1 hour) drive out to the world-famous Barossa Valley. Arguably Australia’s best-known red wine region, this is home to some of the finest wineries and local producers in the country, and today you will visit some truly iconic places. Experience your first taste of cycling in South Australia as you begin along the quiet pathways of the Barossa Trail, a fully sealed and traffic-free route that runs through the heart of this region. As you might guess from the name, the Barossa also has a strong German heritage dating back to the 1840s, and it’s something you can still see today in the bakeries that produce traditional German breads and pastries, as well as the historic buildings. The trail itself is rated as ‘easy’ and you’ll have ample time to enjoy the best of the region, including a stop at the Penfolds winery – home of Australia’s legendary red wine, Grange – and Maggie Beer's shop, perhaps Australia’s best loved cook. At the end of the day, put your feet up in your vehicle as you transfer north (approximately 1 hour) to the Clare Valley and the small town of Auburn.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Clare Valley Riesling Rail Trail
Location: Clare Valley Riesling Rail Trail
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you cycle the scenic Riesling Rail Trail in the famous Clare Valley. First established in second half of the 19th century, the trail was originally a railway line between Adelaide and Spalding that ran until the it was damaged by bush fires in the 1980s. It sat idle for the next 10 years, until a group of locals rejuvenated as a recreation trail – the first conversion of a railway line into a recreation trail for walking and cycling in South Australia. Starting at the restored Auburn railway station building, wind your way north through small towns and villages – including Penwortham, the first site of European settlement in the region, the historic Jesuit settlement of Sevenhill Cellars (the first winery established in the Clare Valley) and St Aloysius Church. Stop for a cellar door visit and a memorable lunch (optional) at Skillogalee Winery, best known for their varieties of white. From here it’s a gentle and flat 10-kilometre ride on to the lovely old town of Clare and it’s amazing selection of interesting historic buildings. Perhaps take a relaxing walk around town before settling in for the night.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Clare Valley & Hahndorf
Location: Clare Valley & Hahndorf
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start the day with a ride back south to Auburn, leaving the Riesling Rail Trail and taking quiet routes and roads to discover a less travelled part of the region. Discover new cellar doors along the way. It’s another relaxed ride and there is plenty of time to explore before boarding the vehicle and transferring to the picturesque tree-lined town of Hahndorf in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Originally inhabited by the Peramangk Aboriginal people up until the 1850s, Hahndorf is also acknowledged as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, and maintains links to its German heritage until today. Enjoy a stroll around a vibrant village full of handcrafted products, multicultural restaurants, cafes and galleries. For fantastic examples of genuine Aboriginal art from the Central and Western deserts of Australia, drop into the Aboriginal Arthouse Gallery.
Day 5: Mclaren Vale & Adelaide/Glenelg
Location: McLaren Vale & Adelaide/Glenelg
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Head south to McLaren Vale, running for 30 kilometres sandwiched between stunning coastline and low ridges, for a day of cycling along the Coast to Vines Rail Trail (also known as the ‘Shiraz Trail’). Built along a disused rail corridor, this vehicle-free trail will take you past glorious scenery and superb wineries. Make an extended stop at the eccentric but acclaimed Wirra Wirra Winery for an included lunch and a wine tasting and tour. Wirra Wirra is an Aboriginal name meaning “among the gum tree” and the 125-year-old ironstone winery is still surrounded by the trees today. After your visit it’s time to say goodbye to your bike and swap vineyards for beach as you head to Glenelg for your final evening. One of Adelaide’s premier beachside suburbs, Glenelg is famed for its long sandy beaches, historic Bay Discovery Centre and thriving Jetty Road area. Chill out or enjoy some espresso-infused retail therapy or pick a nearby restaurant for a final night’s dinner with your new cycling friends – the choice is yours.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Adelaide (Glenelg)
Location: Adelaide (Glenelg)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your South Australian cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave after checkout.
What's Included
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches
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Accommodation
Hotel/Guesthouse (5 nights)
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Barossa - Wine tasting at Maggie Beer's shop
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Barossa - Penfolds Winery visit
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Clare Valley - Skillogallee wine tasting & gourmet lunch
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McLaren Vale - Wirra Wirra Wines wine making & tasting tutorial
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Transport
Bicycle (e-bike available, subject to availability), Support Vehicle
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Barossa Valley - Winery visit & tasting
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Barossa - Maggie Beer's shop visit
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Skillogalee Winery Cellar Door visit
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- On this trip we use the Giant Roam ‘hybrid’-style bikes that have been chosen specifically for the easy Trail style riding. They feature front suspension, flat handlebars, Shimano gearing, and puncture-resistant tyres.
- Please provide your height at time of booking so that we can reserve the perfect sized bike for you.
- INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
- You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- An e-bike option is available for request on this trip (at an extra cost). Due to limited stock our e-bikes are always 'ON REQUEST' only and cannot be 100% confirmed we have received confirmation of availability. Our e-bikes come in 2 sizes:
- Small/Medium (42cm) suitable for UP TO 177cm/5’10 riders
- Medium/Large (46cm) suitable for riders from 173cm/5’8 and above.
- Bikes are step though style with rear racks, pannier bags for incidentals, water bottle and water bottle cage.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
- You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Accommodation
- Hotel/Guesthouse (5 nights)
Important Information
- 1. To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
- 2. On this trip, we have a single leader that rides with the group.
- 3. Your luggage is transported for you from accommodation to accommodation each day.
- 4. Our riding is done mostly on a well-graded and maintained gravel cycle path, so there are no technical cycling skills required. Riding distances may vary depending on the fitness and interests of the group.
- 5. As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can.
- 6. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 7. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip, please ensure you bring your own bike helmet.
- 8. Note that on public holidays some included activities (including Maggie Beers, Penfolds, etc.) may be closed, and those open may be extremely busy. We will endeavour to source alternative activities during these times.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This itinerary has a full time support vehicle for emergencies and to transport your luggage between accommodations.
Due to the relatively small distances cycled on this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group. -
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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1 Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Thursday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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