It'll be early on. You'll round a corner on one of the beach roads, maybe in 'Sconset or Aquinnah. And it will hit you. The quiet. The open Atlantic pulsing on the shore. Sea birds above and a beach breeze rustling the dunes. It gives you that "I'm never going back" feeling where you imagine selling all your possessions and buying a lobster boat. It's okay, the feeling passes eventually. But you'll have five days to enjoy it.
Days 1-2 Downshift into easygoing island life
on Nantucket 
A gentle ride to Cisco Beach leads past beautiful 18th- and 19th-century sea captains' homes and lighthouses Lunch at Cisco Brewery allows for samplings of local microbrews, wine and even vodka Circle the island on two wheels, with gardens, cranberry bogs, harbors, dunes and houses - sporting every shade of gray - enlivening your route The Nantucket Shipwreck and Lifesaving Museum chronicles the area's maritime heritage Up for a stroll along the Atlantic? Siasconset and Surfside beaches beckon with unspoiled stretches of sand.
Day 3 Edgartown's Colonial roots and art galleries
Soak up the rich history of Nantucket Town on a walking tour A private boat transports us to Martha's Vineyard, simply called "The Vineyard" by locals Ride out to Katama Beach past beautiful homes tucked among pines and scrub oak along a stretch of pristine beach popular with local kite-surfers 
Pedal a bike path to Edgartown, known for spectacular Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian architecture Explore the unique town of Oak Bluffs, home to gingerbread cottages that were once part of a historic Methodist camp.
Day 4 The red-clay cliffs of Aquinnah, with a 200-year-old lighthouse
Spin inland through forests and open meadows Fond of art? Galleries tempt you off your bike with watercolors, photography and sculptures by local and world-renowned artists Explore the Cape Poge lighthouse - its first keeper in 1801 was appointed by Thomas Jefferson.
Day 5 Exhilarating ocean views and breezes abound on our ride out to
Vineyard Haven and Tilsbury, with its large estates overlooking Nantucket Sound and the islands only year-round port Enjoy lunch at the ever-popular Black Dog Tavern.
Trip Highlights
- Gentle, tranquil rides past scenic beaches and cranberry bogs
- Fresh seafood and gracious island hospitality
- Tackle hills to the red-clay cliffs of Aquinnah, with a 200-year-old lighthouse
- Edgartown's Colonial roots and art galleries
- Learn maritime history at the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
Premiere Inns
White Elephant (2 nights): A "stylishly refurbished in-town hotel on a quiet waterfront, a brief walk from the historic district," noted Andrew Harper. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (spa)
Hob Knob (2 nights): This 19th-century Gothic Revival home is now a country-style boutique hotel with lovely gardens. (spa)
Routes 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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 10 | 50 | ||||||||
| 2 | 19* | 100 | 24 | 100 | 37 | 200 | ||||
| 30 | 150 | |||||||||
| 3 | 6 | 50 | ||||||||
| 15 | 50 | |||||||||
| Guided city walk (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| Scenic sail to Martha's Vineyard (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 10* | 50 | 24* | 350 | 36* | 350 | 51 | 400 | ||
| 5 | 10* | 50 | ||||||||
| 15 | 100 | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/9-13 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-12 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-19 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-26 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/3 Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
Wonderful trip! Really beyond my expectations.- Pittsburgh, PA
Many things have changed since my first Backroads trip 30 years ago - but not the service. That's why your still the best and that's why I'll keep comming back. Sometimes friends ask why would you spend that much for a bike trip. I just tell them that if they take a Backroads trip, they'll be amazed as to how much they got for their money.- Bend, OR