cycling trip in europe

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European Bike & Cycling Tours

Find the right bicycle tour for you in Europe. There are 896 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 23 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Europe.

250+ Europe bike tours with 1,203 reviews

Great Bike Tour of the Baltics (fully guided from Vilnius to Tallinn 2024)

Although the "biking" was not on my bucket list (was talked into the trip by our brother/sister-in-law), but we had a very great time! Mindaugas was a great guide, and our driver was also great. The hotels were fine, the food was excellent, and the biking was better than I'd expected! Our fellow companions were delightful. The history and tours of the Baltic countries was wonderful. It would have been nice to have had a microphone hook-up during our guided walking tours in order to hear all the information. It would have been nice to be able to buy t-shirts (Mindaugas wore a few) that displayed a map of the tour. I think it would have been nice if we could have ordered them before or after the trip. Is it possible to do so now? Otherwise, I'd never done anything like this before, and may do it again at some point.

Cycle the Danube

Great way to visit europe

• Self-Guided Cycling

Baltic Bike Tour: Vilnius to Tallinn (self-guided supported)

Generally good, sometimes unclear description of route; friendly and helpful drivers on/with transportation

Cycle Central Europe & the Danube

Cycle the Baltics

This trip was all about the biking, and without an excellent guide, the trip could have tanked easily. Instead, we had the great fortune to have Minda at the lead. He was kind, intouch with the group, enthusiastic, supportive and fun. He was so knowledgeable about every place we went and each tidbit he imparted came right from his soul. As a result, the entire group was calm, relaxed and up for the adventure. I can not say enough about Minda Now, the trip itself is challenging, beautiful, and exceeded my expectations.

Prague to Budapest Ride

the route was had a good amount of variety. The guide did an amazing job even though she was on her own. The company needs to better communicate hotel changes since I had booked extra nights in Budapest and had to move hotels.

Cycling in the Balkans ( 4 Countries Albania-North Macedonia-Kosovo-Montenegro)

Overall it was a good experience. the trour was excellent, however the organisers made some inappropriate decisions. they tried to book those of us who had paid single supplements into sharing rooms. BAD! they also moved us from one hotel to another when it was an off day which totally interrupted our experience. When they moved us in Kotor, they moved the single people to a hotel 5.5 km away from the town which meant we were stuck there! BAD. the tour guide was also poor at communicating and told us things that were not accurate at all. Communication was also last minute and did not give us time to adjust our expectations. I did not trust what we had paid for and what we got The route also changed according to the outlined provided at the start, so there were also disappointments with the distance and climbing cycled. POOR.

Cycle Tour In Albania - UNESCO 10 Day Tour

This was an excellent tour and a fascinating country. If you enjoy cycling and visiting slightly more more unusual places you will love this holiday. The trip was guided superbly by the team who were able to give thoughtful insights into the culture and politics of this fascinating country. The food was excellent and the scenery stunning.

• Road Cycling
• In-depth Cultural

Cycle the Dalmatian Coast

The local company was very good to deal with. Nela and Zoran looked after us very well and were great guides. It was a excellent way to see parts of the beautiful Dalmatian coast.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

MÜNCHEN-GARDASEE MIT CHARME 11 TAGE / 10 NÄCHTE

Cycling the Baltic States

The tour was well organized. I felt that a better set of maps would have been useful And maybe even something downloadable to your phone.

Lithuania to Estonia Cycle

Loire Cycle Path: Wild-romantic all the way to the sea (from Orleans to St-Nazaire)

Fantastic trip. Hotels were tremendous, especially the meal in the hotel in Saint Florent-le-Vieil. Maps were good though I used my app Bikemap.net, to act as a Sat Nav. A couple of hiccups with luggaeew but minor in comparison with holiday organisation. Would certainly recommend.

• Bike and Barge

Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat

Grand Tour Alps | Switzerland, France, Italy | Guided EBikeTour

Cycling tours & trips in europe reviews.

Although the "biking" was not on my bucket list (was talked into the trip by our brother/sister-in-law), but we had a very great time! Mindaugas was a great guide, and our driver was also great. The hotels were fine, the food was excellent, and the biking was better than I'd expected! Our fellow companions were delightful. The history and tours of the Baltic countries was wonderful. It would have been nice to have had a microphone hook-up during our guided walking tours in order to hear all the information. It would have been nice to be able to buy t-shirts (Mindaugas wore a few) that displayed a map of the tour. I think it would have been nice if we could have ordered them before or after the trip. Is it possible to do so now? Otherwise, I'd never done anything like this before, and may do it again at some point.

Sasa Tour Guide and Andro the driver were great. They took care of the group with their jovial attitude and ensured that individual's needs were met. They provided easy to follow directions and kept the group together. There were occasions when things would have gone wrong but Sasa and Andro ensured that they are there on every step along the way to make it trouble-free and enjoyable experience. I highly recommend intrepid tours and would consider future tours through Intrepid.

We really enjoyed the tour.

Bicycle Tours

• Self-Guided Cycling (302)
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Discover Europe by bicycle!

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long-distance cycle routes that cross and connect Europe. The routes can be used by long-distance cycle tourists, as well as by local people making daily journeys. Only routes approved by the European Cyclists’ Federation can be called EuroVelo.

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We are launching the new printed edition of the EuroVelo Overview Map and two route extensions, respectively for EuroVelo 3 – Pilgrims Route and for EuroVelo 14 – Waters of Central Europe.

EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2024 - Viborg

The 2024 edition of the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference will take place in Viborg. Discover the event, the programme and everything that awaits you in Denmark from 23 to 25 September!

How to plan your cycling trip using EuroVelo GPX tracks?

If you want to plan the daily sections for your dream cycle trip on EuroVelo routes, but you’re not sure what to do with the GPX files saved on your computer, read along. This article is made for you...

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EuroVelo, the European cycle route network, is an initiative of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) in cooperation with national and regional partners. EuroVelo incorporates existing and planned national and regional cycle routes into a single European network.

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Europe Bike Tours

Enjoy Europe’s most outstanding travel highlights, from hidden trails to Michelin-star meals to luxury hotels. With Backroads, you’ll savor thoughtfully planned routes, whether you’re biking in Slovakia or Spain . We’ve been hosting bike tours in Europe since 1988, when we first discovered the pleasures of pedaling through France’s Loire Valley . Since then, we’ve launched Europe tours tailored to all skill levels, and with e-bikes for travelers who prefer to take it easy. We’ve got something for everyone. Join us for a biking vacation in Italy’s Tuscany , Croatia , Ireland or the Netherlands .

A Taste of Camino de Santiago Bike Tour

NEW Couples, Friends & Solos

A Taste of Camino de Santiago Family Multi-Adventure Tour

The Way from Portugal to Spain

NEW Families with Older Teens & 20s

NEW Families with 20s & Beyond

Austria & Germany Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Austrian Alps & Italy's Dolomites Bike Tour

Basque Country Bike Tour

Basque Country Multi-Adventure Tour

Families with Teens & Kids

Families with Older Teens & 20s

Families with 20s & Beyond

Berlin to Prague Bike Tour

Berlin to Prague Easygoing E-bike Tour

Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour

NEW Women's Adventures

Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour

Bordeaux to Biarritz Multi-Adventure Tour

Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour

Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour 

Burgundy Bike Tour

Champagne & Alsace Bike Tour

Champagne & Alsace Easygoing E-bike Tour

Croatia & Slovenia Bike Tour

Croatia & Slovenia Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Ljubljana & Lake Bled to the Adriatic Sea

Croatia Bike Tour

Croatia Multi-Adventure Tour

Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour

Croatia to Montenegro Multi-Adventure Tour

Czech Republic & Austria Bike Tour

Czech Republic & Austria Easygoing E-bike Tour

Discover your next adventure.

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8 of the best European destinations for a cycling vacation

Love getting out in the fresh air to cycle ? Then plan a vacation around it. Of course, not all cycling vacations need to be super intense, eight-hour daily rides with your rucksack in tow (though they can be!). You can simply rent bikes in your destination to get around a new city, do a bike tour or take family cycling excursions together while on a vacation.

Here are some of the best cycling destinations in Europe , whether you're an avid cyclist or simply love the occasional bike ride, as well as a list of tips if you plan to cycle during your vacation.

Related: 9 of the most stunning cycling routes in the UK

Best for city biking

For the leisure biker that wants to explore a new city, consider these spots.

Barcelona, Spain

Save the circular uphill route to Montjuïc or hills heading up to the famed Park Güell (consider e-bikes for these upward routes), Barcelona 's central districts are fairly flat and full of bike lanes. The Mediterranean climate is also apt for biking year-round, just make sure to bring sun protection as it can get very hot.

While the city offers a number of half- and full-day bike tours, it's easy and affordable to rent a bike and take in the sights on your own. Start off in Plaza Catalunya, then explore sites like the magnificent Sagrada Familia , the two famous Gaudi-designed houses Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter and end up along the Barceloneta Beach and seafront.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Obviously, we had to include one of the most famous cycling cities in the world on our list: Amsterdam . With more than 300 miles of bike lanes in the city alone, getting from A to B on two wheels is the best way to get around the city. Just beware: Locals often bike to work, and well, to everywhere, so make sure to respect the bike rules of the road and not get in anyone's way, as they ride fast and with purpose.

Start off with an easy ride through the verdant Vondelpark to get accustomed to your bike, then head out to the Rijksmuseum. Next, bike along the canals, exploring the hip Nine Streets area and to Jordaan, where you can break to see the Anne Frank House. You can also enjoy a ride over to the Botanical Gardens and the NEMO Science Museum. It's easy to get out of the city and bike out into the countryside -- do so with Mike's Bike Tours, which combines biking experiences with cheese tastings and clog factory tours.

Best for beachfront biking

If you're hoping to get some beach time in between bike rides, head to these coastal spots.

Gran Canaria, Spain

With easy bike lanes along the Maspalomas and Meloneras beaches of southern Gran Canaria , this is the perfect destination for beginning or family bikers that want to enjoy a seascape without worrying about traffic or too many other bikers. In fact, you may be able to find a bike rental shop that offers rates below $12 per day if you rent your bikes for longer than a day or two, using them to go to and from the beach each day.

Coastal cyclists will enjoy stopping at the Maspalomas dunes, the Maspalomas lighthouse and the Maspalomas Botanical gardens. If you'd prefer something more strenuous than a leisurely ride, there are plenty of mountain bike paths and rentals available around the island. We suggest the Bici Bike Vintage company for rentals or tours.

Brittany Islands, France

France is home to some of the best cycling routes in the world — does the Tour de France ring a bell? That being said, some of them are pretty intense for the average cyclist. For a leisurely dose of beachside biking, the Brittany Islands are a safe bet: A lack of vehicles and a charming local bicycle culture make it the perfect spot to get around on two wheels. You can bring your own bike on the ferry , or rent one upon arrival.

It's best to plan your trip between the months of April and October for the best cycling weather. For the most idyllic coastal routes, we love Île de Batz, which has a variety of paths and trails to satisfy either more advanced cyclists or beginners. Île de Bréhat is another French island perfect for a ride through quiet fishing villages, past golden sand beaches and along pine-flanked trails.

Best for mountain biking

Serious bikers that don't mind major uphill climbs should opt for mountain biking vacations.

The Alps, Switzerland and France

Best for intermediate or advanced cyclists, avid riders have neverending options when it comes to the Alps in various countries. Ski resort by winter and biking-and-hiking destination by summer, the Crans-Montana in Switzerland is ideal for adrenaline junkies that don't suffer from vertigo. Take the lift up, ride over the peaks and then bike back down to the green valley and charming village below.

Another alternative in Switzerland is the Cuolm Sura, a circular route taking you through the Rhine Gorge that starts and finishes in the village of Ilanz. For those preferring to get their Alps fix in France, consider the Chamonix area. Beginners or those wanting a low level of difficulty can bike in the Chamonix Valley. More advanced riders can take the 2,300-foot climb through the Parc de Merlet.

The Dolomites, Italy

For a quiet biking vacation in the Italian Dolomites with great weather, consider the shoulder season, like May, September or October. The most famous route to cover is the Sella Ronda loop, but expect almost 6,500 feet of climbing here. If you'd prefer to do this loop with thousands of other bikers, the roads shut down for cars each June for Bike Day, and many locals and visitors travel here to do this particular ride.

Since most routes in the Dolomites are quite hilly, this is not the destination for beginners. The Fedaia route is considered to be the most difficult, with some seriously steep grades, but you'll get some breathtaking scenery in return for your hard work.

Best alternative scenic routes

If you want something a little different, consider a visit to one of these destinations.

Alentejo, Portugal

For anyone who prefers wine before, during or after their bike rides (though we suggest after), the tranquil region of Alentejo in Portugal is the destination for you. The region has rolling hills, but ones generally not too difficult for the average rider. This is a great place to bike through various areas, starting in Evora or Estremoz, destinations known for their delicious Portuguese cuisine, especially the local sausages, as well as their wineries.

Biking around Alqueva is beautiful during the day, and plan to return at night (not on bike!) to enjoy the stunning starlight paradise of the Alqueva Night Sky Reserve, one of Europe's top Starlight Tourism destinations. If you want to add a little coastal riding into your itinerary, head south to the Algarve coast.

Related: 11 hotels best for a beach vacation in Portugal

Danube River, various countries

Known as one of the most picturesque cycling routes in Europe, you definitely don't have to do all 750 miles of the Danube River route to have an enjoyable vacation. In fact, since the route is riverside, you can easily combine a day of cycling with a vacation in a country like Austria, Germany , Hungary or Slovakia. True beginners will want to go downstream (read: downhill), which is nice and easy.

Those wanting to see it all may want to consider a bike-and-barge tour, where you'll cycle by day and sleep on a river barge at night. Or, those doing quick city weekend escapes in spots like Bratislava, Vienna or Budapest can simply enjoy a quick bike ride or guided tour within these cities or along the river on the outskirts.

Vacation cycling tips to keep you healthy and safe

• Make sure to always have the proper safety gear. If you're renting, check with shops ahead of time to make sure they can outfit both you and your family with whatever you need.
• Read up on local biking laws. Yes, you can get fined on a bike in many countries! Make sure to find out if it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk, if helmets are required or any other relevant rules that could affect you.
• If you're bringing your own gear, make sure to check fees ahead of time with your airline or train.
• Try to find routes with bike lanes whenever possible, especially in busy cities.
• Consider the season/climate in your selected destination before booking or biking. It may be extremely hot or snowy during certain times of year, which are not great options for extensive biking trips.

• Check with your travel insurance. Make sure that your insurance will cover any incidents incurred while biking. If not, consider purchasing an additional plan.
• Think about the logistics. If you're planning a more serious cycling trip, consider where you'll stay, if you'll also be driving, how long you realistically need to get from A to B and any other important details.

(Featured image courtesy of Drazen_/Getty Images)

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Cycling vacations are a great way to slow down and experience the beauty of the Old World: quaint villages, fantastic cuisine and wines, charming landscapes, rich culture, and warm and hospitable people. We’ve selected the top tours from local bike tour companies in 30+ countries across Europe and the rest of the world, so you can choose with complete confidence.

Click on any country or region to learn more about it and why it appeals to bicycle tourists. You’ll also find lists of tours specific to that country/region.

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6 long-distance bike itineraries in Europe that promise epic adventure

Apr 11, 2023 • 4 min read

You’ll bike up and around the Alps and through three countries on the Tour du Mont Blanc © coberschneider / Getty Images

Some people like to relax on their summer vacations. Some like to stay active. And yet others seek out invigorating, adrenaline-pumping, even grueling holidays that test their endurance and deliver the ultimate in thrills.

If you’re in the last group, read on.

Adapted from Lonely Planet’s The Bikepackers’ Guide to the World , the itineraries below will test your mettle as they take you up, down and across Europe . The payoff? Sublime views, superb training and the endless pleasure of taking the road less traveled. (In this case, way less traveled.)

So gear up – and get ready for some continental-scale adventures.

1. Trans Dinarica Trail

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Hercegovina 758 miles (1220km); challenging

The multi-use Trans Dinarica Trail was designed by local enterprises to encourage visitors to explore the Western Balkans by bicycle, and currently covers Slovenia , Croatia and Bosnia & Hercegovina . It’s a sister trail to the Via Dinarica hiking route , which extends into Albania , Kosovo and North Macedonia . The Trans Dinarica starts in Slovenia’s Soča Valley , famous for its water sports, then rolls through the foothills of the Julian Alps beside the Italian border before dipping into Croatia for a foray into the forests of Risnjak National Park . Next, it shadows the Adriatic before a transfer takes riders across the border and into Bosnia & Hercegovina, where it visits Mostar and Sarajevo .

2. Ronde van Nederland

The Netherlands 860 miles (1384km); easy

Holland’s long-distance cycling routes, known as LF routes , are an easy way of exploring this cycle-friendly nation. Most use traffic-free bike paths that are wide and well made. Some of the classic trips include the LF Kustroute along the North Sea and Wadden Sea coastlines; the popular LF Zuiderzeeroute around an inland sea and through national parks and historic towns; and the LF Vechtdalroute linking quiet Dutch villages. But put some of the LF routes together and you get this fantastic 860-mile (1384km) circuit of the Netherlands . Dunes, dykes, canals, sculptures, megaliths, polders, towns and villages feature. Completing the Ronde van Nederland earns riders a special certificate.

3. Iron Curtain Trail

Germany Distance varies; moderate

EuroVelo’s EV13 route , the Iron Curtain Trail follows that great geopolitical fissure from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea, through Norway , the Baltic nations , Poland , Germany , the Czech Republic , the Balkans, Romania , Bulgaria and beyond to Turkey . It’s not yet complete but will cover more than 6214 miles (10,000km) when finished. However, the German section is mostly signposted and ready to ride. The history of the Iron Curtain means that there are some fascinating sites to visit along these quiet roads and bike paths. But if you want to get further off the beaten track, consider the Iron Curtain Gravel Trail , a 426-mile-long (685km) trail crafted by Markus Stitz that runs from the Harz mountains to the Czech border (maps available via komoot.com ).

4. Tour du Mont Blanc

France, Switzerland & Italy 105 miles (169km); challenging

File this trip under “do now, while you can.” Climate change is causing the glaciers of the High Alps to melt, which means that the stability of these mountains is changing and, increasingly, that trails such as this loop around western Europe’s highest peak are diverted or closed due to rockfalls and other dangers. But while it’s possible, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a fantastic challenge for mountain bikers, who need only carry enough kit for three or four nights spent in refuges. Most start at Chamonix and will enter three separate countries on their ride. They’ll also cross rivers, climb several passes above 6500ft (1981m) and eat their own weight in pastries.

5. Torino-Nice Rally

Italy & France 435 miles (700km); challenging

Beginning life as an annual bikepacking rally – a noncompetitive group ride – designed by James Olsen, this gorgeous route explores some of the lesser-known Alpine regions between Turin in Italy and Nice in France , and can be ridden at any time between late June and early September when the higher parts are free from snow. Riders take a mixture of rough gravel tracks and trails, with some road diversions available if needed. Bikes are usually hardtail mountain bikes, but gravel bikes with chunky tires will also be fine. And accommodation can be in some of the mountain refugios on the route or under canvas, depending on preference. There’s a lot of ascent, obviously, so most need eight or more days if stopping to savor the views and the local food.

6. Great North Trail

UK 825 miles (1328km); challenging

Snaking north from England ’s Peak District National Park to the tip of Scotland , the Great North Trail touches on some of the UK ’s greatest cities and its wildest open spaces. This is a mountain-bike route for experienced cyclists if attempted as a single trip, but it’s easy to break it up into sections. The first leg borrows the Pennine Bridleway , which hugs the ridge of hills between Manchester and Leeds before entering the patchwork of stone walls and green fields in Yorkshire Dales National Park . The route then crosses the open moors of Northumberland National Park , and heads into the Scottish Borders at the mountain-biking hub of Peebles before visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow and taking on the real mountains of Scotland on its way to John O’Groats.

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13 best cycling holidays in Europe (and beyond)

In this article I share our pick of the best cycling holidays – in Europe and around the world.

This article is a bit different to our usual “best of” picks that are fiercely independent. That’s because this article shares the trip I would pick from the cycling tour operator clients we worked with in 2022.

You’ll find a mixture of big and small cycling holiday providers but they’re all businesses I’ve come to know, respect and whom I’m proud to call clients.

They would be the people I would turn to if we were looking for help with organising a cycling trip in Europe (or beyond) for 2023.

See what you think; read on and find out our pick of the best cycling holidays in the world!

This article features our clients but none have paid to feature here. You’ll find information on our relationship with our clients in our disclosure policy and website terms. Operators are listed in alphabetical order within each section.

Cycling holidays in Europe

Multi-country cycling holidays, 1. wild atlantic cycling tours.

Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours is run by energetic duo Fiona Towell and Paul Kennedy.

Speak with either of them and you can’t help but find their determination, spirit of adventure and joie de vivre has rubbed off on you.

So, if you’re an avid cyclist that is looking for their next European cycling tour and want to embark on an interesting new point to point cycling route, it’s definitely worth checking out their trips.

Where they run trips

Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Scotland, Portugal and the Balkans.

Cycling trip we’d choose

Seville to Valencia

There’s a special kind of joy involved with going on a cycling holiday in Andalucia and riding your bike on silky smooth tarmac in warm southern Spain.

Experience your road cycling rite of passage with Wild Atlantic’s ten day tour from Seville to Valencia.

Available tour dates are (sensibly) in the temperate spring and autumn months, with daily distances of around 125 kilometres and 1,700 meters of stunning switchback climbs. So not for the beginner!

You’ll ride through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and through many of Spain’s National Parks, enjoying inland and coastal routes. You’ll also experience an incredible climb day in the pristine Sierra Espuña range with a glorious descent and 26 flowing switchbacks.

This route offers the chance for an incredible cycling trip in Europe that will challenge and reward you day after day.

Find out more

Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours

Or read our articles with Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours

Cycling Andalucia

Cycling MizMal

Cycling Croatia on a boat bike tour

2. Sports Tours International

In my mind, Sports Tours International have always been the benchmark for sportive trips and spectacular cycle holidays in Europe. So getting to work with them was a bit of a dream!

Sports Tours have many competitors but there’s no one else that has been offering such a broad range of Europe cycling tours and holidays to cycling events for the last 45 years. Whether you want to go to the Maratona dles Dolomites or the Étape du Tour, the Marmotte Alps, Srade Bianche or Amstel Gold, you can do it with Sports Tours.

They’re official VIP tour operator to the Tour de France and five monuments of cycling. That means they offer VIP access and hospitality on every stage either as a day option or as part of their fully supported multi-day tours.

They also offer custom tours for cyclists and spectators. Basically if you’re looking for the best cycling holidays in Europe that are focused around a sportive, Sports Tours International have got your back!

All the major cycling events in Europe – and many of the less major ones too!

A VIP trip to the Tour de France

Having spoken at length with Clément Cicuto, Sports Tours International’s General Manager for Europe, I’m confident we’d have an awesome time on whichever of their Tour de France trips we went for.

Perhaps though, one of the big mountain top spectacles would be my first choice. The opportunity to ride the closed roads just ahead of the event and mingle with the movers and shakers of the cycling world in the VIP tent, would be pretty out of this world!

Sports Tours’ website

Interview with Sports Tours about their Tour de France trips

Interview with Sports Tours about their Classics trips

David Harwood was a latecomer to cycling, but has made up for it by setting up SunVelo with his co-founder, the former pro Alistair Irvine. Together they’ve built a great reputation for their popular Mallorca cycling holidays, which offer guided rides at four different group levels during spring, autumn and winter.

SunVelo’s ethos is all about getting groups off the beaten track and away from the ticklist routes. They are rigorous about their quality and training standards and have ride leaders who foster community and camaraderie on the road. That’s a big part of what keeps cyclists coming back year after year.

And finally, I love the flexibility of what SunVelo offers – you can book anything from four nights upwards, with no fixed start dates.

Mallorca and Switzerland

Spring Season in Mallorca

If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy cycling in Europe you really can’t miss Mallorca.

Sun Velo’s Mallorca Cycling Spring Season runs from 24 March 2023 to 12 June 2023, with four varying level guided groups each day depending on what you fancy. Stay for a minimum of four nights in a four-star superior hotel with half board accommodation.

It’s a trip for the endurance style road riders looking for iconic climbs, never-ending switchbacks and stunning mountain scenery. Arrive in a group or travel solo and meet new friends, with daily distances from 70 to 145 kilometres – but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the family too, as non-cyclists are also welcome with discounted rates.

Maybe they should bring a bike just in case though, when they see you experiencing your ultimate cycling holiday in Europe, the FOMO will be fierce.

Our articles with SunVelo

Best cycling climbs in Mallorca

Best cycling routes in Mallorca

Northern Europe cycling holidays

4. austria: roadbike holidays.

I love the simple concept behind Roadbike Holidays: provide cyclists a platform where they can find hotels that are truly road cyclist friendly.

Being listed on roadbikeholidays.com really goes deep. This is no flimsy, easy to pass test. Roadbike Holidays check in person that the hotel complies with the comprehensive list of services they expect each one of their hotels to provide (and when we turned up at two in Slovenia without any warning, we really did find these things).

The idea is that the hotel will do it all. So they’ll provide everything from your routes, to guiding, to bike hire if you need it. So it’s a road cycling holiday that’s entirely centred on the hotel providing everything you need.

Where they operate

Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia.

A stay in Austria’s Salzburger region

For a relaxing break with bikes, we’d choose to come to Roadbike Holidays’ hotel near Salzburg.

The region has got a distinctive mixture of sparkling lakes, impressive mountains and culture that promise a road bike experience you won’t forget. There are lakes, and small hills with some really nice rolling cycling tours. You can mix it up with some harder riding too; not so far from here is the famous Grossglockner Alpine Road.

Roadbike and Triathlon Hotel Mohrenwirt is a four star hotel that’s completely targeted to cyclists.

The hotel owner is a passionate athlete who competed in the Ironman Hawaii. They offer guided tours, have great Canyon bike rental and offer great healthy (but substantial) meals too.

Just 300 metres from the hotels is a private swimming beach at Lake Fuschl with a heated 25 metre outdoor pool (free entry for hotel guests). It’s a great place for a holiday.

Roadbike Holidays’ website

Our article on Austria with Roadbike Holidays.

5. Finland: Saimaa Cycle Tour

“Wow” was the first word that came to mind when I first saw the photos and videos that Juho Suikkari and Lieven de Rycke sent me of their new event in Finland.

Once they started talking about cycling through a continuous sunset on silent roads, past pure, freshwater lakes that are home to incredible wildlife, I was sold.

Admittedly this is not a cycling holiday as such (it’s a 295 kilometre cycling event). But if you’re coming all this way, chances are you’re going to stay a few days and turn this into a holiday.

Saimaa Cycle Tour

The Saimaa Cycle Tour has to be one of the best and unforgettable cycling challenges you’ll ever experience,

Can you imagine riding on silent roads into a continuous midnight sunset, alongside the world’s most beautiful lake landscapes?

Finland doesn’t have mountains but it makes up for that with a magical natural landscape of interconnected freshwater lakes.

Last year 1,700 cyclists took part and with three different distances, (300, 85 or 38 kilometres), this once in a lifetime experience is accessible to everyone.

Oh, and at the finish line area you get a meal ticket to have fresh smoked salmon from one of the nearby lakes. Just saying.

Saimaa Cycle Tour’s website

Our article with The Saimaa Cycle Tour

6. France: Alpine Cols

Alpine Cols are based in the French Alps and Marvin and the team have  been running coaching camps in the French Alps for the last ten years. Their focus is providing camps that offer top quality coaching on top of a really great cycling holiday.

They have two level of camp – an introduction to the Alps and a Gran Fondo performance camp. Both offer active coaching that share the skills cyclists need to ride quickly and safely in the mountains. Usually the rider to coach ration is less than 1:5, so you know you’ll get great attention. Accommodation is in comfortable 3 or 4 star hotels which are well known to the team. In the evenings they offer technical training sessions.

France (plus an early season camp in Tenerife)

Gran Fondo performance camp

Alpine Col’s Gran Fondo performance camp is intended to help cyclists with previous experience in the mountains to get ready for their next event. There’s not many companies out there that offer this quality, focused kind service and we love the look of what Alpine Cols offer here.

Alpine Cols’ website

Our article with Alpine Cols

7. France: France Bike Trips (by Vélorizons)

These guys know cycling holidays in France inside out. It’s what they live and breathe.

France Bike Trips are a small outfit, run by a French team that are based in France and have excellent English. They know France like the back of their hand – whether you’re on a road bike, gravel bike, mountain bike, touring bike, or have kids in tow…

I came across them because I used them twice in 2020 for self-guided family cycling holidays when all the other tour operators I contacted were shut; only after that did they become a client.

Words that come to mind: flexible, reliable, knowledgeable.

Route des Grandes Alpes

I think we may have found the best cycling holiday in France… It’s every road cyclist’s dream to follow in the footsteps (or pedal strokes) of the Tour de France, and with the Route des Grandes Alpes tour, you can!

This unforgettable eight day bike tour in France takes in the very best “cols” of the iconic French multi-stage race. Cross the French Alps by pedal power from Lake Geneva to the Côte d’Azur, experiencing some of the most mythical and world famous mountain passes in road cycling.

You’ll feel like a pro with the support vehicle nearby, and having all of your kit carried for you apart from what you need for the day’s ride. Choose from two different routes each day depending on your fitness, weather and preferences.

France Bike Trip’s website

Our article with France Bike Trips

8. Spain: Girona Cycling

Strictly speaking, Girona Cycling SL are not a cycling tour operator at all. They run a cycling hotel and training base near Lake Banyoles, just north of Girona. However, I think they’re at home in this list because they offer such a comprehensive service that staying with them will allow you to have a cycling holiday, assuming that’s what you’re looking for!

Girona Cycling SL is run by Gareth and Fiona and I’m a big fan of the energy and passion they put into what they do. Just speak with them and you’ll immediately get a feel for their dedication. As Fiona says, “When other training camp companies plan a camp in this area, they ask for our help and guidance. We are here to help. This is a vocation not a job for us.”

Between them, this dynamic team offer everything from sports massage to yoga, cycle coaching and bike fitting. They are also passionate about sustainability and run their whole outfit at a fraction of the carbon footprint most hotels run at. Importantly, most guests don’t even notice!

Girona province, Spain

A week in June, staying at their countryside idyll. If we were looking for a holiday, we’d keep things leisurely: pick their brains over breakfast about the best route for the day and then head off into the Catalan countryside, ensuring we were back to cool off in the pool before temperatures got too feisty.

If we were after a more hardcore cycling camp, we’d make sure we got organised and liaise with them before arriving to match our training plan with rides they could suggest: we’d get them to pick rides to match our training goals (from their catalogue of 150 GPS routes!) and then ensure the post ride routine included some deep stretching and breathing work on top of the all-important pool time!

Girona Cycling’s website

Our article with Girona Cycling

9. Spain: Sierra Sports & Tours

Paul d’Andrea runs Sierra Sports & Tour and is originally from Australia but has lived in Spain for many years. What I think is great about Paul is that he is at the heart of his business and is a meticulous kind of a guy, the sort of person you can trust to do what he says he’s going to do.

Sierra’s trips are definitely worth considering if you are looking for flexibility with your trip as they offer many different kinds of trip within Spain. Sierra are also great for small groups (four or more) wanting a bespoke experience without a big premium. Paul is extremely open about his pricing – you can read more about their fully-guided, self-guided, partially-guided and private trips here.

Self-guided tour of Girona and the Costa Brava

This cycling trip takes you to Girona and through the beautiful regions surrounding it. You can choose between 6, 9 and 12 night packages that take in classic climbs and coastal regions as well as inland lakes and mountains.

Sierra will take care of all the hotel bookings and luggage transfer so all you need to do is ride. You can choose any start date between 1 March and 31 October and there’s a 24 hour contact number in case of emergencies.

Sierra Sports & Tours website

Our article with Sierra Sports & Tours

10. Switzerland: Kudos Cycling

Anthony is a Brit who’s lived in Verbier since 2014. Switzerland is home and speaking to him, you can tell he absolutely loves it.

Anthony gets what cyclists want from their precious holidays and also knows how to provide it.

I’ve always felt Switzerland is a bit of black hole when it comes to knowing where to go and where to ride. Anthony’s knowledge and passion for Switzerland will help you right out of that hole in double-quick time!

Switzerland

Introduction to the Swiss Alps

If you’ve never ridden the Swiss Alps before, Kudos Cycling’s Intro to the Alps tour is – not surprisingly –  the perfect introduction!

This six day tour is thoughtfully designed to build confidence and skill on alpine roads, with tailored training rides and routes on quiet roads and through undulating vineyards before building up to bigger challenging climbs.

With the help of professional coaches you’ll become an expert in managing the weather and terrain, to explore the beauty of the region in a safe and friendly group environment.

You’ll get a branded Katusha cycling jersey in your Kudos Cycling welcome pack too, as a permanent memento of your cycling holiday in the Swiss Alps.

Kudos Cycling

Our article with Kudos Cycling

11. UK: Pedal Britain

Darren Ball set up Pedal Britain to fill a particular gap – he wants to help cyclists do point to point tours in a way he would like to do them himself if he was on a cycling holiday.

In practical terms, that means things like not being forced to ride at a particular pace and it means guides that really care (and aren’t just having a holiday themselves!).

I love the fact he places such importance and recognition on the fact that these are routes and challenges people plan and aim for for months (if not years) and he wants to do them “right”. For example he knows someone probably won’t do a Land’s End to John O’Groats more than once in their life and so he wants to ensure he gives his clients a fantastic experience.

UK including Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Land’s End to John O’Groats

As far as bucket list cycling holidays in the UK go, Land’s End to John O’Groats has to be it. Pedal Britain’s fully guided and supported 16 day tour has 14 days of cycling across the UK’s most spectacular landscapes.

You’ll cover an average daily distance of 116 kilometres with a total of 10,568 metres of climbing, making unforgettable memories along the way.

Ride from Cornwall onto Dartmoor and over the Severn Bridge into Wales, before heading north into the Lake District and crossing the border to Scotland. The higher you ride the more wild and rugged it gets.

Don’t worry about carrying your stuff, as Pedal Britain will do that for you. All you really have to do: ride, sleep, eat repeat!

Pedal Britain

Our article with Pedal Britain

Cycling holidays worldwide

12. bike tour japan.

When I first started talking to Rob from Bike Tour Japan, my first thought was “this guy really knows Japan”.

Throughout our various conversations I really liked the fact his emphasis is on creating holidays that show cyclists the best that Japan has to offer – not necessarily just the most famous parts.

His flexible attitude towards creating holidays that fit in with his clients’ schedules and budgets is also impressive. After all, if you’re going to travel across the world for what might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you want to make sure you’re in the right hands.

Tour of the Japanese Alps

With a name like ‘Japanese Alps Tour – Epic Volcanoes & Ancient Roads’ and 3,200 metres climbing over 160 kilometres, you know it’s going to be up there with the best cycling routes in the world.

This eight day tour is Bike Tour Japan’s “most challenging and ambitious cycling adventure” taking in the breathtaking mountains of central Japan.

Get through the gruelling climbs (including Mt Norikura, the highest road in the country), and you can enjoy the ridiculous descents (60 kilometres on the way back down from Mt Norikura!) before recharging your tired legs in the ancient outdoor hot-spring baths

There’s a reason it’s been given a 5/5 difficulty rating… and a reason we 5/5 want to ride it.

Bike Tour Japan’s website

Our articles with Bike Tour Japan:

Guide to cycling Japan

Article on cycling the Shimanami Kaido cycling route

13. Bici Bucerias

I love what Bici Bucerias offers; the chance to get shown around a beautiful corner of Mexico by local cyclists that know the best roads, beauty spots and places for coffee.

Bici Bucerias is run by Joel and Gillian who have lived here for many years. With them you can do anything from a food tour by e-bike to a challenging, multi-day ride through Mexico.

One of Bici Bucerias’ many day rides from Bucerias. Depending on how we were feeling, we’d select between a moderate 2.5 hours to a 10+ hour gruelling ride over gravel, asphalt and cobbles to Las Palmas and the infamous La Bufa climb.

Bici Bucerias’s website

Cycling Puerto Vallarta

Special mention

And finally, they’re not exactly a cycling holiday provider, but I do just want to finish by mentioning our friends at Bike Van . Their gorgeous camper vans are custom fitted with fantastic bike storage and allow cyclists the opportunity to have a cycling holiday almost anywhere they fancy! You can read more about what they do in our article with them here.

It’s been a lot of fun putting this list together and it reminds me how grateful I am to have worked with such a range of fantastic businesses this year.

There are some amazingly passionate people out there ready to show you the best of their region – I hope this article inspires you to book your next cycling holiday in Europe and beyond!

What has been your favourite cycling tour or holiday?

Tell us about the best cycling tour in Europe or elsewhere that you’ve been on! We always love to hear who’s doing a great job for their clients.

What’s next?

Want more tips for picking a cycling tour operator? Read this guide .

Want to know how a guide cycling tour is different to a self-guided one? This article is for you .

Want general inspiration for the best cycling places in Europe? Head to our destinations hub page.

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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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• Alsace Wine Route - From Strasbourg to Colmar - 5 days
• Amsterdam – Bruges - 8 days
• Brussels - Bruges - 8 days
• Cotswolds by Bike - 7 days
• Mallorca cycling - 8 days
• The Flemish Beer route - 8 days
• Holland Highlights Tour - 6 days
• Provence Backroads - 8 days
• The Cyclist's Coast to Coast - 6 days
• Trentino Dolomites from Passo Resia to Lake Garda - 7 days
• West Flanders - Bruges, the coast and 'Flanders Fields' - 8 days
• Yorkshire Wolds Cycleway - 7 days
• Canal du Midi - from Toulouse to Carcassonne - 4 days
• Catalonia cycling - 5 days
• Waterscapes of Holland - 5 days
• Apulia: Alberobello and the Coast - 5 days
• The Way of St James - From Le Puy-en-Velay to Cahors - 9 days
• Cycling on the Via Francigena - 9 days
• Way of Saint James: From León to Santiago - 10 days
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Perfect cycling holidays in Europe

Welcome to European Bike Tours, the designer of your perfect cycling holidays in Europe! We are the local experts in organising self-guided cycling holidays. From  booking your bike-friendly accommodation  and  bike rental , to organising  itineraries , routes and  luggage transport , we will take care of everything. On this website we inspire you for a wonderful cycling holiday in the countries where we organize bike trips. Check our local websites and find your ideal bike tour:  Belgium ,  The Netherlands ,   France ,   Italy ,  Spain   and the  UK ) Our dedicated experts are specialists in organising self-guided cycling tours. 

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Our dedicated local experts are specialists in organising self-guided cycling tours.  We have  local offices in the countries where we operate and our experienced team is always ready to answer your questions. 

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All of our trips are carefully designed by our team to provide you with the best cycling routes . We offer easy-to-use, up-to-date route notes and maps. Enjoy cycling on comfortable and peaceful routes! 

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Cycling is amongst the lowest-impact way to travel. As you explore off-the-beaten-track, you help support local communities and minimise the damage that mass-tourism can make.

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We know that taking a self-guided trip for the first time can generate insecurity, but with our app you can follow from your mobile and in an intuitive way the daily routes of your cycling trip. Our mobile app will also show you points of interest along your route. 

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About Cycling Holidays Europe

Cycling Holidays Europe offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse beauty and rich culture of Europe on two wheels. With a range of carefully crafted cycling trips to choose from, we cater to riders of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time cyclist. Our team of expert guides are passionate about cycling and dedicated to sharing their love of the sport and knowledge of the local areas with you.

Our cycling tours take you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe . Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover hidden gems along the way. From scenic mountain passes to quaint villages. 

Experience the local culture and cuisine as you traverse this gorgeous landscape at your own pace, with expert support and guidance from our experienced team. We provide detailed maps , route information, GPS tracks , accommodation bookings, and access to our support team available 24/7 , ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb up the Alps, a leisurely ride through the waterways of Venice, or an adventure through the rolling hills of Tuscany, Cycling Holidays Europe has the perfect tour for you. Join us on a journey of discovery and adventure on two wheels, and experience Europe like never before.

How to Prepare for a Multi-Day Cycling Holiday in Europe

From fitness to route planning, this concise guide will arm you with six essential tips you need to get ready for an unforgettable cycling tour in Europe.

1. Fitness Preparation

Start your journey long before you hit the road by engaging in a balanced training regimen. Aim for 8-12 weeks of cardio, strength training, and saddle time to be tour-ready.

2. Gear Essentials

Quality gear is non-negotiable. Invest in a reliable bike and cycling apparel that are suited to the climate and terrain you’ll encounter during your cycling holidays in Europe. If you’re short on gear, we offer convenient rental options to make sure you’re well-equipped for your adventure.

3. Route Knowledge

Knowing your route is crucial. Research the terrain, local cycling laws, and weather conditions. A GPS cycling computer can be an invaluable tool for seamless navigation. But worry not, from our team you will receive detailed handouts and GPX maps before you start your cycling journey.

4. Nutritional Planning

Fueling your body right is key to enjoying your ride. Pack high-energy snacks and ample water, and plan stops along your route where you can replenish supplies.

5. Accommodation and Rest

Book accommodations ahead of time that are strategically located along your route. Look for cyclist-friendly amenities like secure bike storage. Luckily, our team has access to the best bike-friendly accommodations in Europe.

6. Travel Documentation

Ensure all travel documents, including passports, visas, and cycling-specific travel insurance, are in order before you set off on your adventure.

By following these six tips, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding and enjoyable cycling holiday in Europe.

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10 of the best easy cycling holidays in Europe

While Geraint Thomas wannabes might tackle the Alps or Pyrenees, here are 10 less-challenging but equally scenic routes for families and newbies

Toulouse to Sète, Canal du Midi, France

It is possible to cycle all the way across south-west France, from Bordeaux on the Atlantic to Sète on the Mediterranean, following just one river and two canals. Beginners might prefer to pace themselves by cycling the second half, from Toulouse to Sète along the towpaths of the Canal du Midi . At 150 miles (240km), it is a decent distance, but is flat and can be broken up into manageable stages. The going can be a bit rough and bumpy, so consider investing in a gel saddle cover. Places to spend a night or two include the fortified city of Carcassonne, a short detour from the canal, and historic Béziers. DIY info freewheelingfrance.com Organised tour Belle France has seven-night self-guided trip from Toulouse to Agde from £1,620, including six days’ cycling, bike hire and support, luggage transfers and half-board accommodation. There is an optional one-day add-on to Sète.

The iconic river spans 10 countries and 2,850km, and has well-developed riverside cycle paths through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. There is no traffic to contend with – other than the 38,000 cyclists who ride the Austrian section alone every year – and tackling it in a downstream (south-westerly) direction means the route is slightly downhill pretty much all the way. Good starting points include Regensburg or Passau in Germany, finishing in Vienna or Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Alternatively, start in Vienna and cycle the 370km to Budapest, where there are thermal baths to ease aching muscles. DIY info danube-cycle-path.com Organised tour Intrepid Travel has a seven-night guided trip from Budapest to Vienna from £931, including B&B in hotels, bike hire, luggage transfers and entry to the Carnuntum Roman ruins in Austria, and the Esztergom Basilica and Szechenyi Baths, Hungary.

Pisa to Florence, Tuscany

Hilly Tuscany may not be an obvious choice for an easy cycling holiday, but keeping the distances short and adding rest days makes it doable – and the scenery is well worth the effort. Start with a day or two in Pisa, then cycle along the Serchio River to the walled city of Lucca (45km). The next day, cover another 45km to Montecatini Terme, Italy’s biggest spa town, stopping at Collodi and Pescia along the way. Either spend a day in the spa or cycle a circular route around the Medici villas, through vineyards and olive groves, stopping at Vinci to visit the Museo Leonardiano (60km). The final ride to Florence is the longest, at 64km, but it can be shortened to 50km by taking the train to Pistoia and cycling the rest of the way. DIY info italy-cycling-guide.info Organised tour The Carter Company has a seven-night self-guided trip, starting and ending in Pisa, from £890 B&B, including bike hire and luggage transfers.

North Zealand, Denmark

Denmark is very bike-friendly, with 12,000km of cycle routes, safe cycling lanes in cities and largely flat terrain. Cyclists can spend a week following a circular route around North Zealand, known as the Danish Riviera, starting and finishing in Copenhagen – a popular route with families. Cycling anti-clockwise, the path hugs the shores of the Baltic Sea, sometimes turning inland through forests, nature reserves and around lakes, then skirts the fjords – Ise Fjord, Lammefjord, Holbæk Fjord, Roskilde Fjord – before reaching Roskilde. Daily distances average about 45km, and there are lots of beaches and coastal villages to stop at. Attractions en route include Kronborg Castle (Elsinore in Hamlet), and Roskilde’s cathedral and Viking Ship Museum . DIY info visitnorthsealand.com Organised tour UTracks has a seven-night self-guided trip from £1,150 (£830 children), including B&B, bike hire and luggage transfers.

Black Forest, Germany

The Southern Black Forest Cycle Route is a 248km circular journey beginning and ending in Freiburg. The asphalt path follows a former railway line and is suitable for families, including those with young children in trailers. The route is mainly flat, with a few minor hills in the forest (a short train journey from Kirchzwarten to Titisee Lake on the first day cuts out the only steep section). The scenery is a mixture of forest and farmland, with a couple of days spent riding alongside the Rhine and the last day through vineyards. Cyclists can spend the nights in small medieval towns, and take a short train ride across the Swiss border for a night in Basel. DIY info germany.travel Organised tour Flexitreks has a six-night self-guided trip from £483 B&B, including luggage transfers and train to Basel; bike hire £69.

Istrian Coast, Italy, Slovenia & Croatia

Cyclists can visit the three countries that share the Istrian peninsula on a week-long ride. The terrain is slightly hilly but distances are short, averaging 40km a day. The route starts in the Italian port of Trieste, then heads south on a coastal cycle path to pretty Piran in Slovenia. From here, it winds through the Sečovlje salt pans, then crosses into Croatia. Continuing south, places to spend a night include Umag, a medieval walled town; Poreč, with its sixth-century Euphrasian Basilica; and Rovinj, probably the most picturesque town on the peninsula. The path hugs the coast all the way down to the final stop, Pula, known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Fažana, 8km north of Pula, is the embarkation point for ferries to the Brijuni Islands. DIY info istria-bike.com Organised tour Zenith Holidays has a seven-night self-guided trip from £827 B&B, including bike hire and luggage transfers.

Amsterdam to Bruges

The Netherlands is paradise for cyclists: almost completely flat, with courteous drivers and segregated cycle paths everywhere. Cycling from Amsterdam across the border to Bruges, in equally bicycle-friendly Belgium, is perfectly possible in a week, but the distances are a little challenging: the first day’s ride, from Amsterdam to Gouda, is 80km. Another possibility is an organised bike and barge trip, sailing some of the way and cycling the rest, and eating and sleeping on board. A typical itinerary would involve rides of about 40km a day, spending nights in Dordrecht, Antwerp, Dendermonde and Ghent. From Bruges, there is a 37km loop to the beaches of the North Sea coast. And if it all gets too much, there is the option to skip a day’s cycling and stay on the barge. DIY info hollandcyclingroutes.com and fietsroute.org Organised tour Saddle Skeddadle has a seven-night guided bike and barge trip from £925 full-board.

Way of the Roses, Lancashire to East Yorkshire

Not ready for Land’s End to John O’Groats just yet? The Way of the Roses is a challenging but rather more manageable long-distance ride: 275km from Morecambe on the Lancashire coast to the seaside town of Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The route follows quiet country lanes, disused railway lines and cycle paths. There are some tough climbs in the Yorkshire Dales, and the highest point, Greenhow Hill, near Grassington, is 400 metres above sea level. But after this (roughly the halfway point) the hills get smaller, and beyond Ripon the route is largely flat. The varied terrain includes the Forest of Bowland, the Nidderdale AONB, the Vale of York and the Yorkshire Wolds; the first day’s riding goes through Lancaster and the fourth day ends in York. Based on a six-day ride, the average daily distance is 46km. DIY info cycle-england.co.uk Organised tour Open Road Open Skies has a five-night self-guided trip from £445 B&B, including luggage transfers; bike hire is an extra £50.

There is a corner of eastern Catalonia, south of the Pyrenees, where the hills slope down to a fertile valley that is flat and ideal for cycling. Starting inland in the Garrotxa region, cyclists can explore the meadows, woods and hamlets along the via verde (cycle path) and country roads. Near the town of Les Planes d’Hostoles, there are waterfalls to cool off in. The off-road continues right into historic Girona, where it is well worth spending a couple of days exploring sights including the Gothic cathedral, Jewish quarter and city walls. The final stretch leads to the Mediterranean, finishing at the upmarket resort of s’Agaró on the Costa Brava. DIY info viasverdes.com Organised tour Inntravel has a seven-night self-guided trip from £1,018 B&B, including four dinners, bike hire and luggage transfers.

Around Lake Constance

Lake Constance is bordered by Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and a 168-mile cycle path encircles the lake, allowing cyclists to visit all three countries on a week-long trip. The path is well-maintained and signposted, and is suitable for families and beginners. The route goes through forests, farms, vineyards and orchards, past cathedrals, castles and convents, and there are views of the Alps as well as the lake. Highlights include the Unesco-listed monastic island of Reichenau; the historic towns of Meersburg and Lindau; and the wildlife-rich Rhine delta. Cyclists can cool off with a dip in the lake or one of the summer lidos. It is best to ride clockwise, breaking the journey into four or more stages. DIY info bodenseetouren.eu Organised tour Headwater has a seven-night self-guided trip from £1,139, including B&B and five dinners, bike hire, luggage transfers and ferry from Staad to Meersburg.

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The Greatest European Bike Tours of All Times

• Updated on: February 19, 2021

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Table of Contents

Coming from the Netherlands, we were raised in the saddle, learning how to cycle shortly after mastering the art of walking! From riding to school – no matter the weather – to childhood cycling holidays throughout the Netherlands, we’ve both probably spent several years riding bikes. As we grew up and the urge to travel grew stronger, cycling was almost always involved in one way or another.

Luckily for us, there’s no shortage of amazing bike tours on our doorstep, but there are also many more throughout Europe. In fact, Europe is one of the best places for a cycling holiday in the world. Though smaller than other areas of the globe, it’s amazingly diverse, with mountains, rivers, oceans, seas, lakes, villages and mega-cities all close to one another.

Exploring Europe by bike lets you get up close and personal to a wide range of fascinating sights, taste the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the warm sea breeze. As cycling becomes increasingly popular, more and more well-signed cycle routes have begun to criss-cross the continent. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best cycling tours of Europe, for all skill levels!

So saddle up, and let’s go!

Cycling in Europe: What to Expect

Whenever you’re planning a trip, it’s best to go in with your eyes open and to have a rough idea of what to expect. While there are some amazingly bicycle-friendly places in Europe, not all parts can exactly be described as a cyclist’s paradise. Don’t let this put you off though! You will still have a great time by riding a cycling tour in Europe, just don’t expect to find smooth, bicycle-only lanes everywhere you go.

Some countries have made amazing efforts to be as bicycle friendly as possible, with cycle lanes and well signed routes, complete with accommodation options. Some of the best countries for cycling in Europe include:

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland

On the flip side, other places haven’t adapted so much, and you may find yourself riding on bumpy roads, side roads, or major national roads packed with cars and trucks. However, if you avoid major roads, you can often find lots of beautifully scenic side roads that are much quieter. Things are improving slowly though, and even countries that were notoriously bad for cycling holidays have made efforts to create safe, signed trails.

Our Top 8 cycling Tours in Europe

With the basics out of the way, let’s hit the road and check out some of the best cycle routes in Europe. The tours that we’ll list are mostly long-distance, multi-day rides, but it’s easy enough to dip in and out and enjoy the sections that appeal to you if you’re pressed for time.

1. The Rhine Cycle Route (Eurovelo 15)

The famous River Rhine stretches for 1,230 km across 4 European countries, and this cycle route follows it from its source in the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you’ll take in a wealth of natural wonders, 9 UNESCO sites, the epic fairy-tale castles of the Rhine, vineyards, mountain lakes, and quaint villages . The route crosses through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, ending at the North Sea via Rotterdam.

This is a great choice for beginners and families, as the going is pretty easy, with no steep uphill sections . We cycled a part of this route during our trip to Switzerland, and it was among the highlights. The beginning of the Rhine cycle route starts at an altitude of 2,345m, where the Rhine bubbles up from a small mountain lake . Needless to say, the scenery here is stunning, and the road is well-signed and smooth.

For more detailed information about this route check out this guide!

2. Cycling tour in Europe – Atlantic Ocean to the Black Se a (Eurovelo 6)

Riding coast to coast across Central and Eastern Europe is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in everything that Europe has to offer. The 4,450 km long route takes in 6 famous European rivers, 2 very different coastlines, 10 countries, 11 UNESCO sites, castles, cities, and much more . Crossing so many countries means you can be sure to dip in and out of a wide array of cultures too.

While the distance is long, the route is mostly flat and large sections are well-signed, making it a great first multi-day bike tour for beginners. Along the way, you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of the Loire Valley and the slow meanderings off the Blue Danube as it passes through 3 capital cities, before spilling out into the Black Sea. If you’re looking for a shorter trip, it’s easy to take your pick of the different sections, whether you want to follow the Danube, skirt the Swiss Alps and the Black Forest, or enjoy the vineyards of France.

Must read: 30 Best Single & Multi-Day Hikes in Europe

3. The Sun Route (Eurovelo 7)

The Sun Route is one we’d love to tackle at some point, though at 7,700 km it’s an epic undertaking! From Nordkapp (North Cape), land of the midnight sun and the most Northern point of mainland Europe, all the way down to the sunny Mediterranean, the route promises adventure as it passes through 9 countries:

The route is still largely under development, particularly through most of Finland, Norway, and the southern half of Italy. As such, taking on the entire route is perhaps best suited to more experienced riders. Having said that, beginners will feel comfortable anywhere between Copenhagen, Denmark — be sure to cross the bridge to Malmö, Sweden — and Northern Italy. 

Along the way, the route takes in the awe-inspiring and rugged natural beauty of Scandinavia, an array of cities, the Austrian Alps, and the tranquility of Tuscany, before island hopping from Sicily to Malta.

4. The Rhone Cycle Route (Eurovelo 17)

Following the River Rhone as it leaks out of the Rhone Glacier, high up in the Swiss Alps, this route is another superb choice. Starting in the charming Alpine village of Andermatt, you’ll pass through amazing mountain views, stopping off at Lake Geneva and taking in castles and quaint villages such as Chanaz. Around 1,250 km from start to finish, the route eventually takes you through the fragrant lavender fields of Provence, before the river empties out into the sunny Mediterranean Sea.

This is another great route for beginners, and we can confirm that the going is easy, with smooth, well signed roads to follow. We cycled a small section of the Rhone cycle route during our trip to Switzerland, and again, the scenery was simply stunning. If you tackle the entire route, your journey will see you enjoying the snowy mountains one day, and soaking up the sun on a Mediterranean beach the next!

Also read: The Ultimate Swiss cycling holiday guide

5. Bike tour in Europe along the coast of the Mediterranean sea (Eurovelo 8)

The Mediterranean coast is a superb place to relax, eat good food and discover an array of cultures. It’s well worth taking your time with it, and this cycling route is packed full of hidden gems and well-known hot spots alike. It stretches 7,500 km from the south of Spain, following the coast north via Barcelona, through Provence and northern Italy, before rejoining the coast in Venice. From there, the route takes you into the stunning, but largely unknown Slovenian coast — Piran is a must-see! — before dipping south to the turquoise seas of the Adriatic, all the way to Athens. The full route takes in:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

It’s a great route to break into smaller chunks, but the adventurous could certainly spend a fantastic summer tackling the full route. Be advised that many sections are not yet fully developed or signed, so it’s best to take good maps or a GPS system.

6. Bike tour in Europe along the coast of the The Atlantic O cean (Eurovelo 1)

This route is one we’ve been dreaming about for some years now, and we’re sure we will eventually take it on! Following the west coast of Europe for 11,000 km, it takes in 14 UNESCO sites, passes through 6 countries, and brushes past 4 European seas. Starting in Norway’s Nordkapp, it follows the rugged, fjord-torn coastline south, before heading by boat to Scotland.

The route carries on through the Scottish highlands, past ancient castles and lochs, eventually sailing to Ireland’s stunning west coast, the land of fairies and magic. After that it’s back to mainland UK, through Wales and south England, before sailing once again to France. From here, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous French coast, with plenty of opportunities for surfing as you head south, before heading south into Spain and finally circling back north up Portugal’s stunning, idyllic coast.

It’s an amazing way to experience the many very different cultures of Europe’s Ocean touched nations, while indulging in their various takes on seafood!

Must Read: The Best Bike Panniers You Can Rely On During Your Bike Tour

7. Central Europe Cycle Route (Eurovelo 4)

From the beaches of northern France, the Central Europe Cycle Route winds on for 5,100 km, all the way to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev. Along the way, you’ll pass through 7 countries, experiencing beautiful nature, rustic villages, dynamic cities, and medieval castles. The route crosses the following countries:

This is another great route that will show you just how diverse Europe is. As you travel from region to region, you’ll see how food, culture and even nature changes, sometimes slowly, and sometimes abruptly. It’s an amazingly humble experience, and with fairly developed trails for most of the route, it’s pretty user-friendly.

8. European Capitals bike Tour (Eurovelo 2)

If you enjoy taking a few days out of the saddle and indulging in the delights of the big city every now and then, this is a top choice. The route travels for 5,000 km, stopping in the following capital cities; Dublin, London, Berlin, Warsaw, Minsk and Moscow. Each city is vastly different from the last, and the route offers a fantastic opportunity to explore what each has to offer. The route crosses the following countries:

• Republic of Ireland
• United Kingdom

Along the way, you’ll pass 17 UNESCO sites, unspoiled natural beauty, such as the magnificent Białowieża Forest in Poland and Belarus, and of course numerous cities to kick back in. Much of the route is still under development, and most people will need a visa for Belarus and Russia. As such, the entire route is best for more experienced riders, while beginners could comfortably complete the first sections.

Must Read: Bike Touring Essentials | Your Ultimate Bikepacking Gear Checklist

I love to hear from you!

There really is no better way to travel Europe than from the saddle of a bicycle! So, choose the route that suits you and get ready to go! And we hope that there is also a great cycling route in Europe for you. Hopefully the above routes have inspired you. Be sure to let us know if you plan on cycling one of these routes!

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Cycling tours in Europe & the Middle East

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• Cycling tours in Europe & the Middle East

Cycling in Europe is a little like riding through a cliché. Pedaling your way past Provencal orange groves, cellar-door wine tastings on the Dalmatian coast, tracing the gentle curve of the Danube or climbing switchbacks in the hills of the English Peak District – it’s easy to feel like you’ve cycled onto some faded postcard from the 50s. What’s next? Croissants? Singing bluebirds? That’s the beauty of a Europe cycling tour: just when you think it can’t get any more ridiculous, we up the Wow Factor by another 15%. Want to ride through Tuscany’s Borgo a Mozzano valley? Cycle to the wonders of Little Petra and its bigger sibling? Stuff your face with Croatian olives or French cheesecake? (The calories don’t count if you’re cycling.) We’ve got a tour to suit every daydream. The hard bit is picking your favorite. 

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Our cycling tours in Europe & the Middle East

Cycle the danube, 8 days from 2052.

Head to Eastern Europe for a cycling trip through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary,...

Cycle Tuscany

8 days from 2338.

Ride through the hills and olive groves of Tuscany on a cycling adventure from Florence...

Cycle Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum

9 days from 2236.

Pedalling past Petra, Jerash, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum and more – experience the best...

Cycle Croatia

7 days from 2465.

Discover the ancient cities of Croatia on this Dalmatian cycling tour. Ride to Split,...

Cycle Provence

8 days from 2521.

Take a cycling trip through Provence, visiting Avignon, Orange, St Remy and Arles. The...

Cycle the Balkans

8 days from 1880.

An epic cycling adventure through the Balkans, beginning in Dubrovnik and finishing in...

Cycle the Loire Valley

7 days from 2338.

Delight in the inspiring Chateaux and charming French countryside on a Loire Valley...

Cycle Slovenia

8 days from 2610.

Spend 8 days cycling through the spectacular scenery of Slovenia, taking in Ljubljana,...

Cycle Prague to Vienna

8 days from 2295.

Get active on an eight-day European cycling adventure, beginning in Prague, and passing...

Cycle Central Europe & the Danube

15 days from 4419.

Get active on an 15-day European cycling adventure, from Prague through Bohemia then...

Cycle Croatia & the Balkans

14 days from 4344.

An epic cycling adventure through Croatia and the Balkans, beginning in Split and...

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There aren't many places Intrepid hasn't been, so even if you've got a destination in mind that isn't on our list of Cycling tours in Europe or the Middle East, our Tailor-Made team is here to help. We'll use our 30 years of experience and regional specialists to help you create your perfect cycling adventure.

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Our Europe cycling Top 5

Provence, France

Ah, Provence... a place that’s always followed with a little wistful sigh. You’ll understand why when you ride through it. There are the quiet country lanes outside Avignon, the vineyards and cellar doors of Chateauneuf du Pape, old Roman architecture like the Pont de Gard aqueduct, and even optional climbs like the epic Mont Ventoux (prepare your quads, people). But really, this cycling tour isn’t so much about Yellow Jerseys or competitive racing. It flows to a more rural rhythm, a classic Provencal tempo: wandering the cobbled lanes of Orange, a spot of market shopping at Tarascon (try the local-grown sheep milk cheese) or strolling through the famous gardens of St Remy. Ah…Provence.

Find out more

Hvar, Croatia

Take a pin and stick it in a map of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, and the chances are pretty good you’ll hit paradise. Of course, the Istrian Peninsula is quickly gaining a name for itself as a cycling hot spot, but we prefer the celeb-dotted island of Hvar. We’ll load the bikes on the ferry from nearby Bol, dodge a few super yachts on the crossing, and then touch down in beautiful Jelsa. Hvar is what good screensavers are made of, and its inland lavender fields make a pretty spectacular backdrop for an afternoon’s cycling tour. Pedal your way to old Hvar Town, and watch the sun set over a glass of locally-grown Chardonnay and seafood pinched fresh from the Adriatic. Pure cycling bliss.

The Danube River

The mighty Danube River offers up incredible, picturesque highlights every 10km or so. A ride along its banks is classic central Europe: sleepy villages, lowland forests, the UNESCO-listed terraces of the Wachau vineyards and even a sandy beach or two. After a few days in the saddle, what could be better than relaxing in one of the charming riverside towns? Get your group together and go for a wander in search of some hearty post-cycling fuel: goulash and Langos (deep-fried flatbread) should do the trick!

Wadi Araba, Jordan

The breathtaking desert landscapes of Jordan are something you've got to see to believe. Until you're dropping 1200 metres on winding country roads through Wadi Araba into the lush greenery of the Jordan Valley... and then you might not even believe it yourself. Enjoy stunning views of mountains and acacia trees, ride alongside a travelling camel or two, and be left in awe of scenery that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Lucca, Italy

Our Tuscan cycling tour features some pretty spectacular stretches of road, but sometimes it’s the days off the bike that really stick in the memory. And trust us, you’ll remember the little Renaissance town of Lucca for a long, long time. It’s less busy than its nearby neighbour Pisa, and what it lacks in leaning towers, it more than makes up for in shady promenades, cobbled lanes and photogenic piazzas just waiting to be explored on foot. Our tip? Stretch those sore quads with a little stroll through the Roman amphitheatre off the Via Fillungo before heading to the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to stuff your face with fresh pizza and razor-sharp espresso. The next day, we’ll hop back on the bikes for a ride along the Serchio River to Pisa. Just another day on an Intrepid cycling tour.

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A guided cycling trip in Europe is ideal for those of you who enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and appreciate the local knowledge shared by experienced guides.

Your multi-lingual local cycle guide is with you from the time your cycling tour commences until it concludes. They’ll help adjust your bike correctly, provide you with daily trip briefings, and work tirelessly to tailor the trip to your interests while also ensuring that your cycling holiday runs smoothly for everyone.

On a guided cycle tour in Europe you’ll share memories and laughs with enthusiastic cyclists from around the world who also appreciate the benefits of exploring Europe by bike.

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Tour It Yourself: Cycling In Europe

Europe is the birthplace of the Tour de France, the rear derailer, the Dutch utility bike, and the trans-continental bike route. Nevertheless, it can be intimidating to plan your own bike tour there. How do you choose a route? Where do you stay? How much planning do you really need to do?

Despite these challenges, planning your own bike tour can reduce costs, allow flexibility for route changes, get you off the beaten path, and make you proud to be self-reliant. And although there isn’t a SAG wagon, you aren’t on a completely unsupported tour: Europe has a well-developed rail network, lots of campgrounds and bike shops, accurate maps, and delicious food in every town. And it is an excellent place to start touring on your own.

In the summer of 2012, starting with only a rough outline of our route, my wife and I went on a two-month honeymoon, riding our bikes through Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. Here are a few of the things that we learned along the way about trip planning, touring, and maintaining matrimonial bliss.

Where To Go?

A map of Europe can be daunting. There are a lot of roads, and there’s a lot to see. If you don’t know where to start, I have two words for you: river valleys. Rhone, Rhine, Loire, Dordogne, Elbe, Danube: they’re all flat, have bike routes running along their rivers, contain historic cities, and continue for long distances. Another planning tool is to use national or trans-national bike routes. The Eurovelo system currently contains 14 routes that criss-cross the continent. The routes are at various stages of development so it would be best not to rely on them exclusively, and instead, use them as a tool to find classic and well-traveled routes.

When choosing where to go, consider when you’re going. For example, June was a wonderful time to visit northern France: the weather was almost perfect, other than the rain (an accurate postcard said “In Brittany, the weather is beautiful — several times a day”). Attractions like Mount Saint Michel were all but deserted. That changes mid-July through August as most of Europe goes on vacation. Although the Dordogne Valley is beautiful, scenic, and quaint, we did not particularly enjoy being there in July because there were just too many tourists packing the streets and markets of Sarlat and other nearby towns. And July was just too hot for bicycling in Italy.

If you are obliged to travel during July and August, you may want to pick somewhere that is less well-known (and cooler). An example is the southern Rhine in Germany. Although not as well-known as the “Romantic Rhine” further north, it had few tourists in August, miles of bike path through gorgeous forests, and lesser-known but very livable cities such as Karlsruhe that are great for café-sitting and people-watching.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Boats

If you already have a bicycle, why pay to rent another one? Some airlines will allow bicycles to fly for free as long as they are under the maximum-allowed weight. To avoid paying any additional fees, we each packed our bike box to the British Airways limit of 51 pounds by stuffing a pannier, a garbage bag of clothes, and other soft items inside, and then we each used our other pannier as a carry-on.

Another advantage of flying with your bike is starting the tour at the airport. We reassembled our bikes in a quiet corner of the Dublin airport and then rode off to our first B&B. Like James Bond taking off his wetsuit to reveal a tuxedo underneath, it was a satisfying transition from plane passengers to bike tourists. At the end of our trip in Copenhagen, we paid a bike shop to pack up our bikes and deliver our boxed bikes to the airport terminal, which gave us more time to tour the city. We had mailed some of our bike packing materials — pipe insulation and dummy axles — ahead of us to a friend in Copenhagen, which turned out to be a good idea. They were lightweight and cheap to ship, and the Copenhagen bike store did not have them on hand.

When to Ride: Southern Tier

To add an island or two to your trip itinerary, taking a ferry is the ticket. Ferry networks link Ireland and the UK with France and Spain, and criss-cross the Mediterranean. Many tourists from the UK head to the Continent for the summer, so beware — ferries across the English Channel become fully booked months in advance. They can also be a significant expense. We paid about $200 each to get from Cork, Ireland, to Roscoff, France. Shorter ferries such as the one from Puttgarden, Germany, to Rødby, Denmark, are much cheaper and usually do not require advance reservations.

We relied on Europe’s railways to visit a wider range of places than we could have by bicycle alone. Purchasing tickets ahead of time can reduce the price, but having to be at a particular train station on a particular day may add unnecessary stress to your trip. In France, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, we never had a problem showing up at a train station and buying a ticket for the same day. Also, buying tickets from an agent at the station ensured we were always on a train that allowed bicycles and that we had a ticket for our bikes if necessary.

Most trains have a car designated for bicycles. Each country’s system is slightly different but the pattern is always the same: spot the designated bike car as the train arrives, make a dash for it, and get the bikes on board and stowed, possibly removing the panniers in the process. Having a bit of rope or a piece of nylon webbing with a buckle to help stabilize the bikes, and locking them together, gave us peace of mind if we couldn’t sit near them.

To be your own guide means finding your own way, and this usually means having a good map. It also means learning about the scale numbers on map covers. We found the magic number to be 1:250,000. At the beginning of our trip in Ireland, we used a 1:350,000 map but found it to be not detailed enough. This made it unclear which roads were on the map — and marital discord ensued, kind of like on TV commercials. Fortunately for us, the Irish are very outgoing and treated an opened map like a flaming neon sign reading “Help us. We urgently need directions!” making it less of an issue than it might have been elsewhere.  

We started out our trip assuming we would make decisions and navigate jointly as we went along. After a couple of days, we realized this arrangement wasn’t ideal: there is only one map; it takes effort to keep the route in mind; and each fork in the road shouldn’t be a navigation discussion.

In France Michelin’s 1:250,000 regional maps have just enough detail that there is never a question about which turn to take. The coding of roads is also very consistent. White roads are always fully paved and have low traffic. Yellow roads have annoying but not overwhelming amounts of traffic. One chevron means a fairly challenging hill. Two chevrons means a brutal hill. Three chevrons means “Welcome to the Alps.” A green border on one side means “scenic,” which Michelin doles out only to the most worthy road segments. Route planning in France is a matter of maximizing Michelin’s white and green roads and minimizing the number of chevrons and yellow roads.

A Swiss bike tour can be flatter than one might expect because many routes run along valleys. The Swiss national bike-route system is so organized and efficient that we didn’t even need a map, and instead followed signs the entire way. At every juncture where we started to doubt and thought, “Gosh, I sure hope we are still on the route,” suddenly another sign would appear pointing the way. Swiss tour operator SwissTrails has excellent English-language fact sheets on its website describing many of the national bike routes. These also include elevation profiles and lodging options in each town.

Germany also has an extensive network of bike paths. It would be possible to tour much of Germany without ever sharing pavement with cars, however, there are so many bike paths that navigating them can be somewhat complex. A signpost at a major German bike-path crossing might have a dozen signs, with some sporting logos for various regional, national, and Eurovelo routes that share that segment of bike path, and others with names of towns in all directions. Maps from the German National Bike Club, the ADFC , available online and in most German bookstores, put the trails in perspective showing bike paths, bike shops, campgrounds, and restaurants.

Two other helpful pieces of navigation equipment are a compass and a digital camera. A compass on your handlebars can help confirm you are heading a particular direction without having to stop. A digital camera can capture maps that you encounter, such as the tourist maps posted in many European towns or maps online. A picture of the latter is often quicker and cheaper than a printout, allowing you to carry along copies of sections of Google Maps or other online mapping tools.

Trip Leadership

We started out our trip assuming we would make decisions and navigate jointly as we went along. After a couple of days, we realized this arrangement wasn’t ideal: there is only one map; it takes effort to keep the route in mind; and each fork in the road shouldn’t be a navigation discussion. In addition, there were some tasks neither of us enjoyed, like calling around for a place to stay or buying train tickets, and it was tiresome to decide who was going to do those tasks each time.

My wife is a whitewater rafting guide, and we borrowed the term “TL” (for “trip leader”) from the rafting world. We traded off for two days at a time in that role. The TL planned the route for the day, gave a briefing to the other person on expected distance and any hills en route, and planned where we would stay, making calls for a hotel reservation if necessary. This worked very well for us. Being TL provided each of us with a sense of control and the opportunity to learn about the geography of the region, while the days off allowed us to enjoy the scenery and be in “vacation mode.” For other couples or groups, it may make sense to allocate leadership differently, but in a trip without a paid tour guide, it can be helpful to discuss the process for navigation and decision making ahead of time.

Camping Out

Europeans love to camp. This is nowhere more evident than in France, where town governments seem to regard a municipal campground as an infrastructure item only slightly less important than a school or church. Germany, Switzerland, and Italy also have a decent number of campgrounds, albeit more concentrated near tourist areas. For the DIY bike tourist, this means cheap places to sleep and take hot showers which don’t require reservations.

Most campgrounds are designed primarily for camping vehicles, so there is almost always room for a tent and a couple of bicycles. In peak season in highly-touristed areas, you should nevertheless be prepared to be packed in a sardine-like manner next to your neighbors. In the offseason or in less-touristed areas, it is often possible to stay in a mostly empty campground. And although many campgrounds are little more than a plain field at the edge of town, some are spectacular. In Primel-Trégastel, Brittany, we stayed in a mostly empty campground that was about 20 feet from a spectacular shoreline. In Germany, we stayed in a spacious field next to the North Sea.

Finding maps and printed references for campground locations can be a challenge. The France association Camping Qualité mailed us a free map of all of their associated campgrounds, which showed us how many campgrounds were located in various regions. In Germany, we used the ADFC cycling map to find campground locations. It was a bit more challenging in Italy , where campsites are mostly located in touristed areas and are often very large complexes.

In Switzerland the SwissTrails fact sheets provide campsite information, and “ Sleep in the Straw ,” or  Schlaf im Stroh  is an association of farmers with haylofts where tourists can sleep for about the same price as camping.

Cool Camping  lists particularly scenic campsites in France and the UK on its website and in its guidebooks. Camping on parkland or farmland is also an option. We tried it once in Ireland and I have also done it on several other occasions in France, staying in parks where camping is technically not permitted but the restriction is not enforced.

Another option is to ask a farmer for use of their land, however, the downside to these options is the lack of a hot shower at the end of the day when you are sweaty and covered in sunscreen.

To Cook Or Not To Cook?

Camping often goes with camp cooking, but that doesn’t have to be the case in Europe. The French require a baguette or chocolate croissant to start the day, the Germans need their brötchen, and most campsites cater to these needs. Campgrounds often will take orders for baked goods in the evening for delivery the next morning and every town and many campgrounds have a café for a hot drink.

When we planned our trip, we debated bringing a camp stove but never regretted having left it at home. But we didn’t eat in restaurants and cafés for every meal. Europe has a delicious array of cheeses, meats, fresh-baked breads, and fresh produce that can be purchased in grocery stores or at local outdoor markets. For lunch most of the time, we made sandwiches out of a baguette, tomato, soft cheese, and hard salami, and topped them with sauces like pesto or olive tapenade.

While trip-planning, ensure you have enough free space to carry extra food with you. We found that nothing killed the honeymoon spirit as quickly as an underfed spouse. Even for those going fast and light, a day will come when lunchtime arrives and the nearest café, grocery, or market is an hour or two away.

Mechanical Issues

If you can patch a flat, repair a chain, replace a brake or derailer cable, adjust your brakes, and perhaps also true a wheel, you can fix most of the problems that come up on the road. Although there are many things that can go wrong with a bicycle, the remainder are either uncommon or wouldn’t prevent you from riding to the next bicycle shop. If you are mechanically disinclined, an upcoming DIY tour might be the time to sign up for a class to learn essential repairs. Having your bike checked out by a shop ahead of time can also reduce the odds of something going wrong while on tour.

One special mechanical note about Germany is that, while bike paths are everywhere, the material and quality of the paths is variable. Gravel and pavement are marked identically on the ADFC maps, and curbs and tree-root bumps are common and can cause pinch-flats. The Germans adapt to this with fatter tires (35mm or more), which might be wise for a lengthy tour there. Ensuring that you have a pump that reaches high pressure (7 bar/100 PSI) also helps to prevent pinch-flats. If you inflate your tires at bike shops, use a standing hand pump to reach full pressure rather than a hose from an air compressor which often only reach about 5 bar.

Information Technology

If you are only gone for a week or two, and deliberately want to get away from it all, then it may make sense to leave all electronics at home. Your friends can hear about the trip when you return. If you need to phone home a couple of times, internet cafés are ubiquitous and with services like Skype or Google Voice, you can call most numbers for a few cents a minute. Many hotels and campgrounds provide wireless internet so carrying a smartphone can be helpful for the same reason, even if the cell service is turned off.

Another alternative is to get a prepaid phone in Europe. For €30 or so, this is perhaps the simplest and most reliable way to be able to call numbers within Europe, but without a separate calling card, it will be expensive to call elsewhere. Ebook readers are also a great way to bring along guidebooks, reading material, and other documents without adding much weight. Devices using e-ink instead of an LCD display can last a week or longer without a recharge. Even my wife, an entrenched Luddite, was won over by her ebook reader during our trip.

Adventure Awaits

Being our own tour planners was more effort but it was also well worth it. Researching the trip ahead of time added to the anticipation and helped us learn more about the places we considered going. On the road, we knew we had the essentials with us and that the rest would be available along the way. Each day, we’d wake up, pick a spot on the map, and pedal towards it. In the end, it was an adventure that we were proud to have arranged ourselves.

Additional Information:

If you studied a European language in high school for a few years and can barely get out a “Guten Tag” or “Comment-allez vous,” then you might view planning a bike trip around Europe as an opportunity to practice. But even if you don’t speak a lick of anything other than English, you can still get by pretty easily. In countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium, a large part of the population can easily speak conversational English. France is a bit more challenging, although many workers in the hospitality professions and younger people will still speak at least passable English. We found Italy to be the most difficult, with fewer people who speak any languages other than Italian. Almost everywhere, though, hotel staff and other tourism workers were very likely to speak English. Where all else fails, pointing and other hand gestures can go a surprisingly long way.

Bike theft is as much of a problem in Europe as anywhere else, and there is a balancing act between security and reducing weight. When calling ahead to hotels, ask if they have indoor storage for bicycles — almost all do. We brought a mid-weight cable lock, which worked well, although we also never strayed far from our bikes. Another factor is what bike you bring, which I didn’t fully consider ahead of time. Whereas my wife brought a serviceable midrange bike, I brought a beloved custom-made bicycle. While I (possibly) had a better ride during the day, I worried more at night. In campgrounds, other European bike tourists seemed more lax about locking their bicycles up, either using a lightweight lock or a built-in wheel lock. We locked our bikes to a tree if our campsite had one. In a few urban campsites where we felt more paranoid, we tied bells to the bikes and also tied them to our tent with fishing line so that we would be alerted if anyone tried to move them.

What to pack in your panniers is very much a matter of taste but there are a couple of things that can help prevent regrets on the road (or trips to the post office to ship things home). The first is to test-pack: get everything you are going to bring inside your panniers or frame bags and make sure you still have room for food and other on-the-road purchases. The second is to weigh each item and make a spreadsheet as you unpack from the test-pack.

This second point might sound a little obsessive-compulsive, but it helped us sort through the items we were going to carry around for months — it’s much easier to hit “sort” (by item weight) on the spreadsheet than to physically sort items on the living room floor, and you may be surprised at what items weigh the most.

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For example, maps are surprisingly heavy if you are bringing more than a few and they can often be purchased en route. On the other hand, extra pairs of socks may be worth 30 grams each to ensure your feet are always clean and dry. Although we thought we might end up with a total of six or eight panniers, we ended up with just four — two each — for a total of about 40 pounds. At no point on the trip did we feel like we had left something important at home. Another advantage of the spreadsheet packing list was to ensure that we had everything on the final pack.

In particular, we were happy to have resisted the temptation to bring excessive camping gear. A tent and a sleeping bag were really all we needed. As a couple, the camping item that made us happiest was a double sleeping bag. On the other hand, we almost never used the camp chairs we brought along: if we needed to sit, there was usually a café nearby.

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Book your next cycling trip via the EuroVelo website!

A bit hidden – we admit – in the 'Services for cyclists' tab on the EuroVelo.com menu is a page called 'Bookable offers'. But what is a bookable offer?

This obscure word means: cycling tour packages organised by local tour operators along the most scenic EuroVelo routes all around Europe.

Everything, the itinerary to take, where to sleep, luggage transport and even the must-see sights of the region have been researched and planned so that you don’t have to do it. Organising your holidays will never have been so easy and fast!

On the EuroVelo website , each bookable offer is displayed in three languages, with a detailed description (price, duration, and other information) and a link to book the package on the tour operators’ websites. There are normally two types of cycling tour packages: self-guided and guided . If you choose a guided tour, you will have a person leading you around. If you choose a self-guided tour, you will have services such as accommodation, luggage transfer, and much more, but you won’t have a dedicated guide with you at all times.

With our bookable offers tool, we make it easy for you to find your ideal holidays: you can filter the offers by country, EuroVelo route, duration, price, bike type, guide type (self-guided or not) and finally difficulty. Ranging from a relaxing itinerary to enjoy with children to intensive trails which only the fittest can handle. To make it brief, there’s something for everyone and anyone!

On the tour operators’ websites, you’ll find more information about the tour, such as a detailed programme of the tour and its daily itinerary. This often includes the distance, elevation, and difficulty level per day. Several tours offer the option to take well-deserved breaks from cycling by visiting museums, wineries, churches and more – because cycling touring is very much about enjoying what is around you in a slower way.

The accommodations have been carefully selected to guarantee the necessary comfort for a good night's sleep and storage for the bicycles. These are often hotels but can also be guesthouses. Some flexibility is even sometimes offered in terms of comfort category (rating of accommodation, private bathroom, breakfast and dinner option, etc.). Treat yourself! Or not... is the motto here.

Don’t wait any longer to book your upcoming holidays. People are eager in the cycling world... For instance, recently, one of the offers was completely booked out in just a few weeks!

This bookable offer, also known as the Explorer Tour Central, was developed along the central area of EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail in the framework of the ICTr-CE project, of which the European Cyclists’ Federation is a partner. The tour offers an opportunity to discover the Iron Curtain region and its trail, which is certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe for being full of cultural significance. Because this area was a strict border dividing Europe for decades, its landscapes are very natural and home to many biosphere reserves, nature parks and national parks – such as the Thayatal National Park along the Thaya River between the Czech Republic and Austria. Although the Explorer Tour Central is now fully booked, the ICTr-CE project is working on developing another tour which will take place in Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia, the Southern area of the Iron Curtain Trail. Make sure you don’t miss it by regularly checking the project’s news on its website .

In the meantime, there are 80+ offers currently available on the EuroVelo Bookable Offers search engine, covering a variety of European countries and EuroVelo routes.

Browse all tours

The offers showcased on the EuroVelo website contribute to supporting the network financially by aiding in its development and promotion. Are you a Tour Operator interested in listing your bookable offers on the EuroVelo website? Find out more in the EuroVelo for Professionals website .

Article by Cassandre de Froidmont

9 best holiday destinations in Europe for single travellers – from cycling the Danube to painting in Portugal

T he dream of spending a summer in Europe is within arm’s length for UK residents. Stuggling to get that friends, family or your significant other to lock in their plans? Don’t fret. Anyone else’s busy schedule, lack of holiday days or difficult habits shouldn’t hold you back from taking that bucket-list trip to explore unchartered territory or fine-tune a new passion. Think the window seat on the plane, spontaneous sightseeing and all the space in the double bed on breaks free from compromise.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to get away from the day-to-day stress and catch a flight for solo adventures. From culinary classes in Italy to yoga retreats on Corfu‘s beaches and Mediterranean cruises , there’s something to tempt every traveller to go it alone and wrap themselves in a new cultural experience.

With such a large choice of things to do and see on the continent, here is  The Independent’s  pick of the top solo activities to guide your next trip to enchanting European destinations.

Read more on Europe travel :

• Where to go camping in France: Eight best coastal campsites for a beach holiday
• Granada city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Spain’s magical Moorish centre
• The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train from London

Best for: Ski holidays

Location: andorra.

Single travellers to Andorra can immerse themselves in winter sports on the dramatic snowcapped landscape of the Pyrenees Mountains . One of the smallest countries in the world, Andorra wows through scenery, spas and ancient churches as well as stand-out ski scenes. Social solo skiers can head to vibrant apres-ski spots after a run down the slopes or take a table at impressive local restaurants.

Solos Holidays  offers a seven-night half-board holiday to Andorra to experience skiing at Arinsal Resort from the doorstep of a mountain hotel. From £1,269pp, including accommodation, return flights and a Solos tour leader. Expect a modern stay at Yomo Patagonia Hotel , skiing for all abilities and a buzzing atmosphere at the hotspot for UK skiers.

Best for: Cruising

Location: western mediterranean.

The epitome of a dream solo holiday, a cruise across the western Mediterranean is the perfect opportunity to take some “me time” by the pool on deck and at local attractions on land. Float away from the burdens of everyday life to exciting new destinations with the opportunity to form new friendships and enjoy evening entertainment from the comforts of the ship.

An 11-day journey with  Norwegian Cruises  lends itself to idle travel both at sea and on the shores of Italy, France and Spain. The itinerary includes stops at Barcelona , Naples , Cannes and more. From £549pp stay in a studio cabin.

Best for: Foodies

Location: tuscany.

For those who just can’t resist the allure of Italian cuisine, Tuscany is the home of humble dishes and culinary ingenuity right in the heart of Italy . As they say, too many cooks spoil the broth, so a singles cooking escape to improve your skills in the kitchen is bound to be a hit with independent foodie travellers.

Tuscookany Cooking Vacations  offer a one-week Italian cooking  course holiday in Tuscany. From £3,507pp, the course teaches students how to cook four-course meals and basic Italian techniques to make gnocchi, pasta and authentic pizzas. Dessert lessons, such as making Italian meringue and panna cotta, are not forgotten amid the culinary excursions, plus cheese and wine tasting between classes. Accommodation in luxury Tuscan villas is the cherry on the cake.

Best for: Cycling holidays

Location: danube river.

Cycling is one of the UK’s most popular individual sports, although there are many road cycling clubs for enthusiasts to travel in a peloton. To pedal at your own pace and take on personal distance records, a solo cycling holiday through scenic sites on the Danube River in Austria , Hungary and Slovakia is a great way to improve and experience new terrains.

Intrepid Travel  hosts an eight-day cycling odyssey along the Danube River from £1,204pp, including transport, breakfast, accommodation, bike hire and activities such as a day at the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. As this is a group tour, single travellers will share a twin room with someone of the same gender – an ideal chance for social solo cyclists to get to know some like-minded individuals. 

Best for: Avid painters

Location: olhao, portugal.

Whether a budding artist or just a creative soul, painting can be a positive and calming outlet for those looking to spend time expressing themselves on a canvas. New painting programmes are popping up all over Europe, with self-guided and tutored weeks spent recreating unique landscapes and stunning scenery a staple of the artsy holidays.

Friendship Travel’s  Casa Rosa Painting Week experience is a seven-night art retreat led by experienced artists at a 19th-century Olhao building. Five days of painting tuition, most meals, accommodation and flights are included in the package, with prices for September starting at £1,010pp.

Best for: Relaxing

Location: corfu.

Greece ‘s idyllic environment is a haven for solo travellers looking to relax on a yoga and wellness holiday – and hopefully bring some calm into their lives. As a single traveller, each day can be customised to personal requirements, schedules and goals, so that every individual leaves feeling invigorated and refreshed. The endless stretches of golden beach and azure seas are bound to help the progression to peaceful serenity.

Just Relax  yoga retreat in Corfu is hosted by experienced yoga instructors and aims to inspire the mind and enhance physical well-being. Highlights of the seven-night trip include a welcome massage, daily yoga sessions, island tours and free bike hire. The retreat is suitable for all skill levels and costs £581pp, including accommodation and lessons in five different yoga styles.

Best for: Walking

Location: amalfi coast.

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Europe. Rugged hills, cliffside towns and serene beaches perfectly complement towns and cities including Naples and Sorrento, as well as historic sites like Pompeii. Many visitors choose to enjoy the sights with a long and winding drive along this part of the coast, but why not consider a walking tour to combine the towns, villages and natural sites with the pleasant atmosphere of a small group?

Responsible Travel offers a walking tour package that takes in Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii and even the beautiful island of Capri across the span of eight days. This tour shows off southern Italy’s coastal gems, from Mount Vesuvius to the bustling streets of Naples, as part of an eight-person tour priced from £1,170 (with possible discounts upon enquiry).

Best for: Meeting new people

Location: croatia.

Nothing says “I’m looking to make new friends” like spending a week on a liveaboard sailboat on a floating holiday, as part of a fleet comprised of hundreds of strangers. Step out of your comfort zone while exploring hidden coves, cliff jumping and getting stuck in to wild floating parties. From Brač to Hvar , a party sailing holiday in Croatia is rich in history, scenery and plain old-fashioned fun with your sailing companions.

Sail Week’s  Croatia Party Route sees up to 500 people aged 18–36 set sail around the bucket-list European holiday destination. From £528pp, including seven nights accommodation, free Wi-Fi, breakfast and groceries to make your own lunch on the boat. Multiple weeks depart for Hvar in June, July, August and September; alternative destination routes including Greece and Montenegro are also available.

Best for: A bit of everything

Location: barcelona.

Some destinations just seem to be made for solo travellers, and Barcelona is certainly one of them. With dozens of exceptional tourist attractions, miles of beautiful coastline, a picturesque cityscape and a proliferation of excellent cafes, bars and restaurants, the Catalan capital caters to many types of tourist.

A huge range of hostels makes it easy to meet other travellers when staying in Barcelona, though there’s plenty to see and do if you’d prefer to stay alone. From tours of the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell to days spent in the Gothic Quarter or Barceloneta beach, you’ll have plenty to fill your days, as well as a dizzying range of accommodation options.

Friendship Travel offers a solo package holiday including a stay at the magnificent H10 Casanova Hotel in the centre of the city, with prices starting from £975 for four nights including bed and breakfast, return flights, airport transfers and a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Read more on following the trail of Picasso in Barcelona, Catalonia’s art-loving capital

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Walking tours gaining popularity in European cities, says travel company

Thursday, 25 Apr 2024

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If you want to visit tourist sites on foot, Rome may be your best bet, as there are tons of historical sites like the Roman Forum that are within city limits. — AFP

When it published its latest guide, Lonely Planet highlighted the trend to visit tourist sites on foot or by bike, as optimal means for slowly voyaging through unknown regions and really taking the time to discover them. Of course, some destinations are more suitable for this kind of travel than others.

Locals know that if you’re cycling in Paris, France you can usually outpace the cars. But using your legs is also a good way to get around. While this type of vacation is feasible in the City of Light, it’s less the case in other major tourist destinations around the globe such as London, England unless you concentrate solely on the must-sees around Big Ben and Westminster (but that would be a shame!).

The slower pace of travel on foot is in fact an approach gaining ground, and not only among backpackers, as spotted by the Lonely Planet guide at the end of 2023. So-called “soft” travel, or travelling “on foot or by bike”, is truly in vogue. For instance, the Portuguese Way, which links Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela, was an unprecedented success last year, according to Lonely Planet.

For a city break all on foot, Spain offers the most opportunities, according to searches and bookings made on the Guruwalk platform, which organises free pedestrian tours worldwide, spotted by The DailyMail.

In this Top 100 list of the best destinations to explore without ever relying on the metro or bus, Spain appears 28 times!

It’s worth remembering that the methodology of ranking is based above all on popular walking tours.

Other popular Spanish cities for these types of visits include Seville (15th), Toledo (16th), Valencia (21st) and Granada (27th).

France is another option for visiting the sites by foot. There are seven possibilities, including Paris (11th), Bordeaux (47th), Strasbourg (51st), Toulouse (67th), Nice (81st), Marseille (82nd) and Lyon (95th).

However, it is Rome that really stands out as the most popular destination for a visit without any means of transport.

Meanwhile, the only United States city on the list is New York in the 53rd spot. – AFP Relaxnews

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Tags / Keywords: Paris , Bordeaux , Walking Tours , Spain , Historical sites , Cycling , New York , France , Tourism , Rome

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