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Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking

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.

big map Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking

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
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Biking
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

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!
Mike Teichman - Napa, CA