The Most Spectacular Places to Cycle in Illinois

Kelsey Grace Pfeifer

With two wheels and beautiful nature, where could you go wrong? Illinois is one of the most beautiful states in America, so take advantage of it. With winding trails or historical landmarks, there are plenty of gorgeous places to explore simply on a bike. Here are a couple of the best routes for anyone who loves to cycle.

Des Plaines River Trail

Des Plaines is a relatively unknown suburb of Chicago, but boy is it beautiful. It has that adorable small town feel, but also happens to be surrounded by wooded areas perfect for cycling. The River Park is a must-see for anyone with a bike, as the scenery is simply breathtaking. There are many other hikers and cyclists in this area, so feel free to get to know them and add to your roster of biking buddies. Des Plaines is also the site of the first McDonald’s, so it’s not a bad idea to stop by after a nature-filled ride.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Springfield

Much to the surprise of many, Chicago is not the capital of Illinois—Springfield is. And it truly is an awesome place to explore on a bike. The Capital Building is incredible, and the streets around it are littered with cool tours and things to do. But if you’re there purely for the nature and cycling, be sure to venture out to the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, where there are more than 40 acres of unadulterated beautiful flora and fauna.

Downtown Springfield, IL

Wilmette

Wilmette is a city just north of Chicago, but it often seems like it’s in a world of its own. The small town reads very Stars Hollow—the fictional town in Gilmore Girls—but the entire town is bordered by the gorgeous Lake Michigan. Gilson Park is a fantastic place to take a leisurely ride while looking at the lake. One must-see landmark is the Baha’i House of Worship, which is one of the most heart-stopping buildings in the world.

Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois

Evanston

If you fancy going from the Baha’i House of Worship to somewhere new, Evanston is a short ride away. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is an awesome place to explore and cycle. There are paths by the river, and downtown is really bike friendly. You may run into quite a few college kids, but overall the bike lanes are free and open, which is fantastic for a downtown area. Plus, the architecture in the area is straight up unbelievable.

Evanston, Illinois

Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn is an enigma even to some Illinois residents. The tiny town is just west of Chicago, but is unforgettable. The area is a mix between old and new, and the places to bike hold that same tone. There are nature-filled routes, including an adorable lake, and the downtown will feel like you’re stepping into a vintage film. The place is bike and family friendly, so all ages can enjoy a ride.

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