
Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking
Off the coast of Cape Cod, the relaxed pace and simple pleasures of island life reign supreme, and the small-town hospitality of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard will make you feel right at home. Join Backroads for a carefree spin in this idyllic playground. Pedal leisurely through pine forests and beachside, passing solitary lighthouses, grassy dunes and cranberry bogs. Browse the charming shops and classy galleries of weathered fishing villages and indulge in seafood fresh from the Atlantic. Come evening, succumb to the luxurious comforts of peaceful inns in this laid-back paradise.
Days 1-2 nantucket town
Meet in Nantucket Town
Take advantage of the island's extensive network of bike paths, riding past lighthouses, white-sand beaches bordered by tall grasses and beautiful 19th-century mansions
Break from your bike to stroll along the ocean at Siasconset and Surfside Beaches, or walk out by a cranberry bog
Picnic at the Nantucket Life-Saving Museum, where daring sea rescues are chronicled
Spin along picturesque cobblestone streets lined with shops and galleries
Feast on fresh scallops, clams and lobster at one of the island's hip restaurants.
Days 3-5 edgartown
Enjoy a relaxing ride past old barns, osprey nests, wildflowers and verdant island grasses
Board a private chartered boat for Martha's Vineyard, simply called "The Vineyard" by locals
Stroll through historic Oak Bluffs, now a chic stop for shoppers
Pedal on a seaside path toward Edgartown, a 19th-century whaling port known for its spectacular Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian architecture
Explore roadside galleries filled with local and world-renowned artists' watercolors, photography and sculptures
Follow both bike paths and roads on gentle grades and up a few steeper climbs to the great sand barrens and colorful Gay Head Cliffs
Take in exhilarating sea air and spectacular ocean views as you cycle to Vineyard Haven
Ride past one of the island's many bird sanctuaries
Ferry back to the mainland at Woods Hole.
ELEGANT HAVENS : Premiere Inns
White Elephant (2 nights): This landmark harborside inn is known for its elegantly furnished guest rooms, ocean views, spa and gracious hospitality.
Hob Knob Inn (2 nights): Located in the heart of historic Edgartown, this country-style boutique hotel features charming gardens, individually decorated guest rooms and a cozy library.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 19, 24 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1
4 Route Options Available
- 6, 7, 14, 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 23, 28, 45 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- 7, 12 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/7-11Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/14-18Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/28-10/2Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/5-9Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
This was one of the most memorable vacations I've ever had! The inns where we stayed were awesome. The museums really helped me to get a better historical perspective, especially in Nantucket. It was very clear to me that our leaders really wanted us to have the trip we desired. And that van was always there!- Napa, CA