Sparkling sandy beaches, delectable seafood, relaxing ferry rides, and extraordinary biking await you on this special tour. We visit in the spring and fall, when the crowds are gone and the weather is perfect for bicycling. The famous picturesque lighthouses of the North Carolina seashore complete our adventure in the historic islands haunted by Blackbeard’s legend!
Designed for flexibility, our routes offer 15 - 50+ miles each day (at your option). Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on each day of the tour, including up to 75 on one day. Less ambitious cyclists take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs. Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles.
The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels. Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route! Several ferry rides are scattered throughout this tour, allowing pleasant opportunities to relax. Along the way, observe coastal wetlands as you bike through the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Tour begins and ends in New Bern, NC.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Historic New Bern, NC is our meeting point. We'll guide you on a biking tour of the historic district. Early arrivals can also take a tour of Tryon Palace, the reconstructed colonial governor's mansion. After an orientation session over wine and cheese, we will make our way to a nearby gourmet dinner. (D)
Day 2: Biking away from New Bern, we make our way south toward the ocean. We will pass fields of cotton, soybeans, and tobacco. Lunch will be enjoyed in historic Swansboro, after which you may bike east on Bogue Banks, or shuttle ahead to Beaufort in the van. Optional activities in Beaufort include a water taxi out to Cape Lookout, and walking the fascinating 18th century historic district. Lodging is Inlet Inn, and dinner will be at a spectacular local restaurant. (B) (L) (D)
Day 3: After breakfast, we bike the Carteret County peninsula toward Cedar Island. Along the way, we pass sleepy fishing villages and pass through the vast salt marsh of the Ceder Island National Wildlife Refuge. At Ceder Island, we catch a 2 hour ferry across Pamlico Sound. We'll relax onboard over a delicious catered lunch. Landing in the early afternoon in Ocracoke, we have time for browsing shops, biking on the island, or walking the beach prior to our guided kayak tour of Ocracoke's harbor and creeks. After this activity-filled day, we'll relax over wine and cheese on the rooftop deck of the Castle bed and breakfast as the sun sets on the island. A short walk away is the wonderful Backporch Restaurant, where we will enjoy fresh local seafood delicately prepared. (B) (L) (D)
Day 4: After and optional early morning beach walk, we will enjoy a bountiful hot breakfast at the Castle. You may spend the day browsing Ocracoke and relaxing at the Castle's heated pool, or take part in a supported bike ride to the Cape Hatteras Light and back. In the middle of the route each way is a 40 minute ferry ride across Hatteras Inlet. At the lighthouse, you may climb to the top for an amazing 360 degree view. When you come down, a catered lunch will be ready at a nearby picnic table. Then, it's back to Ocracoke for another rewarding sunset. Dinner is on your own at any of several great restaurants within walking distance. (B) (L)
Day 5: Rising early, we will catch the first ferry back to the mainland, on which we will have a catered breakfast. Landing in Cedar Island we will back southeast before turning north toward Oriental. A brief ferry ride takes us across the Neuse River to this lovely little town on the water. Harborplace Oriental is a great place to relax after another rewarding day. (B) (L) (D)
Day 6: Our last day finds us bicycling west past farmland and water views toward New Bern. We'll arrive around lunchtime. One final catered lunch together and showers are provided prior to departure. (B) (L)
Accommodation:
Lodging is Inlet Inn, overlooking the waterfront in Beaufort, and The Castle on Silver Lake in Ocracoke, a rambling harborfront inn that is luxurious while still keeping the spirit of Old Ocracoke. For the 6 day version, we also include Meadows Inn and Howard House in New Bern and lovely Harborplace in Oriental, NC.
2008 6-Day Ocracoke Tour Dates:
April 6-11
April 13-18
May 11-16
Oct. 12-17
See also our 4-Day Ocracoke Tour for additional tour dates.
Testimonials:
"Thanks for an enjoyable vacation. Your attentiveness to the details made us feel special and pleasantly pampered. It was great to not have to think about any meal, any snack or drink along the way, admission fees, sun screen, bug spray, etc. You provided it all. We relaxed and enjoyed the week." Jim, Goshen, IN
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes: five nights at bed and breakfast inns, all meals but one, sag van, luggage transfer, snacks. Price based on double occupancy. Single room occupancy available for $375 supplement. Discounts available for early and group reservations.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
North Carolina
Bicycle Touring
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