road bike trips in europe

Popular Searches

• Portugal Bike Tours
• Family Trips
• National Parks
• River Cruises
• Women's Adventures

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

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 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

Czech Republic & Austria Multi-Adventure Tour

Discovering the Heart of Europe from Prague to Vienna

NEW Families with Teens & Kids

Danube River Cruise Bike Tour

Discover your next adventure.

By sharing your email address, you agree to the practices described in our  Privacy Policy .

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)

EuroVelo is now on LinkedIn!

With the new year comes the new EuroVelo LinkedIn page! Follow us to get all the insights and news on the work we do for professionals.

EuroVelo Route Planner: all you need to know to start planning your trip

You dreamt of it and we did, too – here is the brand-new EuroVelo Route Planner to help you organise your future cycling trips along EuroVelo routes.

Five tips to plan your cycling trip

When planning a cycling trip, especially for the first time, you can sometimes feel a bit lost. We're here to help!

Theme unveiled and Call for abstracts open for the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2024

ECF and the City of Viborg are happy to announce ‘Legacy and Localhood’ as the theme of the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference 2024, taking place in Viborg, Denmark, from 23 to 25 September. A Call for abstracts is open and will help build an enticing programme.

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.

New in: 2023 EuroVelo Overview Map!

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.

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...

About EuroVelo

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.

Routes & Countries

Latest news, the turkish section of eurovelo 8: alone, female and out of season, cycling your first eurovelo route: tips for beginners, one thousand memories: bikepacking madrid to trondheim, on your bike to velo-city 2024: your top 3 eurovelo options, get inspiration for your next cycling holiday sent straight to your inbox..

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest news and offers from across the EuroVelo network

Make a donation and support our work to complete EuroVelo, the European Cycle Route Network. Donors can receive an official certificate as well as a gift of exclusive EuroVelo merchandise, including EuroVelo Overview Map, Official EuroVelo Jersey, handbooks etc.

Investing in EuroVelo

With over 5.3 million visitors and an average 20% increase every year, EuroVelo.com is one of the main cycling tourism web platforms for planning your holidays by bike in Europe. Find out more about advertising, listing bookable offers and other opportunities that EuroVelo offers for your business here.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

10 great long-distance cycle routes in Europe: readers’ tips

Whether it’s a few days pootling along the Normandy coast or an epic 1,800km ride from Canterbury to Rome, our readers’ continental bike trips will inspire you

Winning tip: Passau, Germany, to Vienna

For a one-week first cycle tour, I’d recommend flying to Linz then catching the train over the German border to Passau, a beautiful city where the rivers Inn, Danube and Ils meet. Rent bikes from Matthias Drasch at Fahrrad-Klinik and pedal off along traffic-free paths beside the Danube. Esterbauer publishes a guide in English for this classic route: maps are excellent, with accommodation listings and places of interest along the way, like Melk and the Austrian vine and fruit growing areas. Fahrrad-Klinik has an arrangement with a hotel on outskirts of Vienna where you leave the bikes. Spend a day or so in Vienna before catching the train back to Linz and flying home. Philip Moore

Via Francigena: the pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome

In AD990 Archbishop Sigeric walked the 1,800km from Canterbury to Rome to collect his pallium (his “stole” of office) from the pope. On the return journey he helpfully recorded his overnight stops – all 80 of them – which form the basis of today’s Via Francigena . Much less well-known than other pilgrimages, like the Camino de Santiago, this route is still taken by more than 1,000 people each year. Cycling it over 20 days is perfectly feasible – I did it in June this year – but be aware it involves crossing the Alps (the 2,469-metre Saint Bernard Pass) and the Apennines (the Passo della Cisa at 1,041 metres). Pilgrim accommodation (€10 a night on average) is sparse in France but much more common in Italy. More information at csj.org.uk . viefrancigene.org ericonabike

Cycling the River Loire, France

We did the first section of the EuroVelo 6 route from Orleans to Nantes. We took our bikes over on the car and parked in Nantes using the ZenPark app. We then took a train to Orleans – it has a special bicycle carriage – and started our ride back to Nantes. The route is well-signposted and uses a mix of dedicated cycle paths and minor roads. It works its way along the river and the scenery is stunning. The route is flat but there are worthwhile diversions inland – involving moderate hills – to visit chateaux. There is plenty of good accommodation (B&Bs, small hotels) along the route: we pre-booked it all online. Nantes is a great place to finish as it has Les Machines de L’Île and the amazing giant mechanical elephant. We covered about 400km over two weeks. Andrew Spencer

Romantic Road, southern Germany

This is a wonderful 440km cycle ride through peaceful countryside and the beautiful walled medieval towns of Nördlingen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The route also passes through the larger town of Augsburg. Towards the end of the ride, with the Alps in the distance, there is the amazing scene of Neuschwanstein castle in its mountain. The Europabus coach service offers transport for cyclists and their bikes (reservations advisable), as well as offering short packages for cycling tours. It is, however, easy to organise yourself, as most German train stations have bike hire places, and it is easy to get to the start and from the finish by train. Jennie Parsons

Beautiful (almost) traffic-free ride to Berlin

Get the ferry to the Hook of Holland or Rotterdam and pick up the Eurovelo 2 cycle trail, also called the Capitals Route. It takes you across the Netherlands and Germany to Berlin (then on to Moscow if you wish). The route is so well-signposted that you rarely have to look at the map (except to find a campsite or hostel, which are handily marked on the route book, which can be ordered from the website for a donation), and it feels a bit like a treasure hunt looking out for the next signpost. You are taken along small, well-paved paths through forests and rambling countryside, with delicious food and beer and friendly people along the way. It’s long enough to be a real challenge (it took me two weeks) but also flat and smooth enough to not feel overwhelming. Rj Hahn

The sublime road to the Croatian coast

The beauty of cycle touring is that you see amazing things while you are in motion. Watching a landscape shift as you pedal round it is a fantastic feeling, and occasionally you stumble upon a path that makes your heart thump. For me, that was the D25 road from Gospić to Karlobag, in Croatia. It takes you from the leafy interior along 24km of gradual climbing up through a mountain pass. Yes, it is gruelling but, if you stick to bottom gear, put your head down and ride it out, you will be rewarded.

After a few hours of solid uphill, the enclosed pass suddenly opens out and you enjoy a calf stretch as you free wheel through the village of Baške Oštarije. You are at the top of the mountain ridge. The road goes into a tunnel and on the other side is an entirely new world. I could see a dozen rocky islands in the glistening Adriatic Sea – the first sea I had seen for 60 days of cycling. To see so far and so unexpectedly, I thought I had jumped into Google Earth.

The remainder of the journey was a 1,000-metre descent, full of hairpin bends you only see on car adverts. The main danger was keeping an eye on the road while such an incredible view was in front of me. This journey kept me buzzing for days and is the best afternoon of cycling I have ever had. Alexander Lewis-Jones

Ride the Amalfi coast

Our family cycling holiday around the Amalfi coast was a great way to enjoy the amazing scenery and gave us the flexibility to stop and see loads of beautiful spots both on the coast and in the hills and forests. In fact, most tourists were stuck in cars in traffic jams as we rode past them. For €30 a day we rented excellent bikes from cyclingamalfi.com – they have a choice of trekkers or e-bikes including locks, helmets, kits and panniers and give advice on routes, too. funinfinland

The Giro d’Italia

At the age of 50, I realised my dream of completing a leg of the famous Giro d’Italia cycle race last spring when I biked from Milan to Sanremo. I hired a bike from Bici Rossignoli in Milan. The 200-mile trip did take me four days at 70 miles a day, stopping off at excellent youth hostels in Genoa then in Finale Ligure on the coast. Coming back, I took advantage of Trenitalia’s take your bike onboard service from €3.50 a day. TheCapeCruiser

Through French countryside to Paris

It may not be a long distance for some but the 127 miles from Dieppe to Paris provide a beautiful few days’ cycling. The most famous route is the Avenue Verte, but the best route has been pioneered by Donald Hirsch .

The early miles of the route meander through little French villages, over rolling downs and past fields of wheat and corn. The roads are quiet, and there are just enough hills to keep it interesting but not exhausting. Donald’s website contains links to cycle-friendly accommodation.

As you near Paris, unlike the Avenue Verte, this route takes you through a series of royal hunting forests to avoid the traffic. After 120 miles of villages, fields, and hunting forests, you enter Parc St Cloud. It’s an area of woodland just after Versailles, traffic-free, long and straight, and bordered by tall trees. Then, you see that the road opens out to a paved area, fountains, and something beyond.

Donald’s route takes you to the left, so you never see what’s at the end of the road. But it’s worth cycling on to investigate. You find yourself on a cliff, with all of Paris stretched out in front of you. It will leave you breathless from the view, not the exertion. FrancesValdes

Baie de Somme, Picardie, France

If you’re looking for an introduction to cycle touring (or your partner isn’t as keen as you) the 100-mile Baie de Somme route is the perfect way to explore this underrated region. The cycling is easy throughout and a self-guided route with Belle France (£895pp half-board) is easy to follow with comprehensive maps and notes. We took our own bikes, though bike hire (or even e-bikes) can be included. Rob Fearn

• Cycling holidays
• Readers' travel tips
• Europe holidays

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• 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
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Company History
• Company profile
• Environmental policy

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. 

The only thing you will have to do is

All our tours in Europe

Our most popular trips

Our most popular trips:.

Local Experts

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. 

Best roadbooks

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! 

Sustainability

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.

Cycling Travel App

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. 

Popular tours

• Italy: Pisa-Florence
• The Netherlands: Holland's Highlights Tour
• France: Cycling Provence Backroads
• Spain: Way of Saint James
• Belgium: the Flemish Beers Route
• United Kingdom: Yorkshire Wolds Cycleway

Local Offices

• The Netherlands
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie settings

European Bike Tours uses cookies to manage the website, to show you personalized content and to manage business goals. Below you can find more information on how we use cookies. You can accept all cookies, select them individually or reject them all. To learn more about our cookie policy, you can visit the dedicated page at any time.

Functional cookies

Always active. These cookies are necessary for the essential functional of the site, such as the management of network security and its accessibility. Standard cookies cannot be deactivated

Analysis cookies

These cookies collect information, such as the number of users who are using our site or the most visited pages, to help us improve the user experience. Disabling these cookies makes it impossible for us to collect information to improve the browsing experience.

Advertising cookies

These cookies are set by us and/or our partners and help us build a profile of your interest based on your browsing profile. If you accept these cookies, you will be shown ads that match interests as you browse other sites.

Official website of the Best Destinations in Europe.

Best destinations 2024

Christmas markets

Ski Resorts

Romantic destinations

Hidden gems

Best beaches

Best landscapes

Family destinations

Best National Parks

More inspiration

City breaks

Beach destinations

Cultural destinations

Shopping destinations

Sustainable tourism

Destinations for nature

Culinary destinations

Ski destinations

Christmas destinations

Book your flight

Compare low cost flights to Europe countries then book your airline tickets directly by clicking through to agency and airline sites.

Find your hotel

Big savings on hotels in thousands European destinations. Read hotel reviews & find the best price on hotels for all budgets.

Tours & Activities

Discover Europe’s biggest collection of things to do and guided tours. Whatever you want to do you’ll find it here. Best price guarantee !

•   City Breaks
•   Christmas
•   Ecotourism
•   Trip Finder
•   Best destinations 2024
•   Best beaches
•   Romantic destinations
•   Best hidden gems
•   Best landscapes
•   Best ski resorts
•   Best Christmas markets
•   More inspiration
•   Tours & Activities

❤ Join us on :

Best Cycling Destinations in Europe

The most epic routes for active holidays on your road bike.

• Best cycling destinations in Europe

The most epic European routes for active holidays on your road bike

Road biking and active holidays are becoming more and more popular. Many people are rediscovering the only sport that allows them to explore a region or a whole country while improving their physical condition.

Europe offers endless possibilities, but it is not necessarily easy to know where to go and when. Here is a selection of destinations offering  picturesque landscapes  and the  best conditions throughout the seasons for road cyclists . Many of these destinations are also  popular with World Tour teams  where they organize training camps under the sun to prepare for their season. 

Want to leave your usual training routes to discover new horizons? Ready to challenge yourself by climbing the passes where professional cyclists train? Pack your best cycling kit and explore  Europe's best roads for cycling .

1. Tenerife, Spain

Welcome to cyclists' paradise , welcome to Tenerife ! The main island of the Canary archipelago off the coast of Morocco enjoys an ideal climate all year round for road cycling with average temperatures ranging between 22°and 25°C.

For several years now, Tenerife has become World Tour teams’ favourite destination for winter camps . In addition to a perfect climate and breathtaking landscapes, the geographic variety of the island is perfect for stays at high altitude; Lance Armstrong was one of the first to experience it by staying at the famous Parador de Cañadas del Teide hotel at over 2000m altitude.

As you can see, you may come across professional cyclists while climbing El Teide, the emblematic volcano of Tenerife. Do not miss the winding roads leading to Masca or those of the rural park of Anaga.

  Anaga, Tenerife

  adamkolarski  

  When to go?   All year round.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Tenerife South or Tenerife North Airports.

  Where to stay:   " Hotel Suite Villa Maria " located next to Tenerife Top Training center.

2. Provence, France

Located between the south of the French Alps and the Mediterranean, Provence is one of the must-see destinations during the Tour de France . The hinterland of Nice and Monaco offers intermediate topography and good climatic conditions almost all year round. Many professional cyclists have also chosen Monaco as their training base and place of residence.

Ready to conquer the giant of Provence? The mythical Mont Ventoux offers a demanding climb averaging 10% over 18km from the village of Bedoin; there are 3 fairly easy routes to reach the top of the mountain (over 1900m). For a more "relaxed" stay, the roads of the Côte d'Azur between Hyères and Menton offer magnificent panoramas over the Mediterranean.

You are a Tour de France addict? Each year amateur cyclists follow in the cyclists‘ footsteps: letapedutourdefrance.com .

  Mont Ventoux, France

  When to go?  From  March to October.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Nice or Marseille Provence Airports.

  Where to stay:   " Hotel Ventoux Provence " at the foot of the Mont Ventoux, " Hotel Les Terrasses d'Eze " near Nice.

3. Dolomites, Italy

This mountainous region is located in northern Italy on the border with Austria . If you are in good shape and like to climb, the Dolomites offer unique landscapes classified UNESCO world heritage.

The number of passes (passo in Italian) is almost limitless with an incredible amount of possibilities . Passo dello Stelvio, the highest road pass in the Italian Alps with an altitude of 2758m, is used regularly during the Giro; be aware that it can be a major challenge. The Dolomites have many villages that will allow you to recharge your batteries.

The region is the setting for famous amateur races and each year two important cycling events take place. Each time, the Sella Ronda Bike Day and the Maratona Dolomites bring together thousands of cyclists to conquer the region's passes, a unique opportunity to ride on closed roads .

  Passo dello Stelvio, Italy

  adrianospics

  When to go?  From June  to September.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Venice or Innsbruck Airports.

  Where to stay:   " Boutique Hotel Villa Blu Cortina  " in Cortina d'Ampezzo

4. Andalucia, Spain

Located in the far south of Spain , Andalusia is certainly the region of continental Europe which offers the best climate to extend the practice of cycling outside of summer .

The region offers great possibilities for beaches, nature and culture routes . Whereas the famous Costa del Sol offers stunning panoramas over the Mediterranean, the interior of the region with its varied relief offers lovely views . Challenge yourself and tackle the roads that crisscross the mountains and the typical Pueblos Blancos around the town of Ronda.

In winter, many professionals like Peter Sagan do training camps in the Sierra Nevada , south of Granada. The massif offers very good climatic conditions and roads that are always very calm and of good quality. The most spectacular climb is for sure La Carretera de la Cabra (36.7km at 5% average) which connects the sea to Granada.

  Andalucia, Spain

  adamkolarski

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Malaga or Seville Airports.

  Where to stay:   Hotel Fuerte Grazalema  located 20 km from Ronda, Hotel El Guerra a bikefriendly hotel in the Sierra Nevada

5. Switzerland

France and Italy are probably the best-known countries for cycling climbs but Switzerland and its mountains offer new possibilities on lesser known terrain. The Swiss are very welcoming and the roads in perfect condition .

Although Switzerland has many valleys where you can recover in between two climbs, it is mainly intended for cyclists who are used to climbing difficult passes. The country is small but the number of passes is limitless . For example, you can attack the Susten Pass and make a loop by linking with the Furka Pass (do not miss the photo opportunity in front of the Belvedere hotel) then Grismel Pass, 3 peaks over 2,200 m on a route 120 km long.

Even though it may not be advisable before starting an ascent, you will definitely benefit from the local gastronomy during your  training camp in Switzerland : think divine chocolate and scrumptious cheeses!

  Susten Pass, Switzerland

  When to go?    June to September.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Geneva or Milan Airports.

  Where to stay:   Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe  and the Frutt Mountain Resort are ideally located on the loop of the most beautiful passes.

6. Algarve, Portugal

With destinations such as the Azores , Madeira or the Algarve , Portugal is one of the best countries for road cycling.

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is one of the sunniest in Europe , with a pleasant climate all year round. In July and August, the coastal roads are very busy with tourists who come to enjoy the beaches, but the rest of the year is very calm and offers excellent training ground .

The interior of the region is very sparsely populated and hilly with roads; at over 900m altitude, Mount Foia is the highest peak in the region. To enjoy nature, set off from Sagres towards Aljezur, continue towards Mamelette and then Monchique before the ascent to Foia. Need to refuel? During your stay in Monchique we recommend a stop at " Velochic " a new establishment offering a menu dedicated to cyclists exploring the region.

When planning your routes, take a look at the " Volta ao Algarve ", one of the first professional races that brings together a great gathering of cyclists every February . 

  Aljezur, Portugal

  When to go?  All year round.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Faro Airport

  Where to stay:   " AP Victoria Sports & Beach " for its central location, " Pestana Viking " next to the most beautiful beaches.

7. Mallorca, SPAIN

If you want to avoid the bad conditions in spring or autumn and swap your thermal tights for bib shorts, then you've come to the right place!

Mallorca has become a classic destination for professional and amateur cyclists thanks to a perfect climate before and after summer and magnificent roads and activities for all .

It is in the northern part of the island between the lovely villages of Soller and Pollença that you will find the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana and its roads suitable for training.

Located at the far north of the island, Cap de Fromentor offers probably the most beautiful panoramas and one of the most epic routes in Europe . The road leading from Port de Pollença to the tip of the cape is not easy (35km long, + 1,000m) but the memory of the landscape, between sea and mountain, will remain with you for a very long time.

  Sa Calobra, Mallorca

  jsemondra

  When to go?  March to June and September to October

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Mallorca Airport

  Where to stay:   Hotel Illa d'Or in Port de Pollensa is an excellent option for cyclists and non-cyclists. 

8. SLovenia

Slovenia is currently in the spotlight thanks to its talented champions who shine by winning the biggest European races; why not explore the training routes of these Slovenian greats?

Although small, the country's geography is diverse and allows you to discover a wide variety of landscapes in a minimum of time. The roads are generally of good quality and the country, turned towards ecotourism, very welcoming to cyclists .

If you like challenges and spectacular climbs then you must head for the Julian Alps , on the Italian and Austrian borders. The Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle have little to do with the most famous passes and at the same time offer incredible views of unspoiled nature .

If you don't like climbing, Slovenia also offers more accessible routes in the valleys at the foot of the Alps or in the Mediterranean region.

  Prelaz Vršič, Slovenia

  anjakalan

  When to go?  May to September

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Ljubljana Airport

  Where to stay:   Hotel Ribno in Bled is a cycling-friendly hotel that offers many facilities like bike storage, bike wash service or repair corner

Norway normally does not come to mind when it comes to cycling, yet it is an ideal destination for lovers of unspoiled nature and epic roads .

The Atlantic Road has been voted the most beautiful road for cycling in Norway ; it is not terribly difficult but there are great seascapes and at times you will find yourself surrounded by sea on both sides. This road is quite busy in high season.

For quieter routes, follow the Fjord Coast north of Bergen and its dramatically deep fjords surrounded by mighty mountains. You will enjoy unpolluted roads, little traffic and noise to concentrate on your effort.

July and August are the best months to discover Norway by bike . It is also in August that the most northerly professional race in the world, the Arctic Race of Norway , takes place each year; you can take inspiration from the stages of the race to plot your own routes.

  Trollstigen road, Norway

  EuropeanBestDestinations

  When to go?  June to September.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Bergen or Olso Airports

  Where to stay:   Valldal Fjordhotell  is a good base to explore the Trollstrigen region.

10. Croatia 

Croatia is a perfect destination if you want to combine cycling and discovering a country with unspoiled nature, secret beaches and small fishing ports. The climate on the coasts is Mediterranean, with summers where the sun shines every day while spring and autumn are very mild .

In the north of the country, Istria is an ideal region for pedalling in a hilly setting strewn with vine, and discovering villages with Romanesque architecture. Do not miss the medieval village of Motovun , the coastal town of Rovinj (the local Saint Tropez) or the arenas of Pula . Further south, Dalmatia will offer you some of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe ; from Split to Dubrovnik there are many islands, villages and small beaches to explore on your journey.

Finally, for those looking for more difficult roads, why not head to Slovenia from Zagreb , the Croatian capital. The neighbouring country offers magnificent passes that are still very little known and in unspoiled nature.

  Biokovo, Croatia

  martajestsuper

  When to go?  April to October.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Zagreb, Pula, Split or Dubrovnik Airports

  Where to stay:  The Sol Garden Istra  in Umag and the Aminess Maestral in Novigrad offer great cycling services.

11. Azores, Portugal

The Azores have become one of the best destinations for an active holiday surrounded by nature. You can practice many sports such as hiking, climbing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking and road cycling.

Located off the Portuguese coast in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores archipelago is made up of 9 islands with a mild climate all year round . If you love nature, the ocean and epic roads, this is probably the destination for you.

The island of Sao Miguel is the largest island and therefore the most suitable for the practice of road cycling ; the island allows several more or less difficult circuits: the ascent to Alto da Lagoa requires good physical condition but rewards you with an amazing panorama on arrival. The islands of Pico and Terceira also offer great possibilities. Tour ideas can be found on the Komoot app .

Reconnect with nature and yourself - Discover the Azores! 

  Sete Cidades, Azores

  Hopcylcing

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Ponta Delgada Airport

  Where to stay:  The Pestana Bahia Praia Nature hotel located on the south coast of the island of Sao Miguel is an excellent base halfway between the eastern and western points of the island.

12. Scotland

Are you looking for a place where you can feel far from all civilization , just you and your bike? Have you ever thought of Scotland ?

Although alone on the road, you will not tire of landscapes as varied as the weather, all in a single day. Adventure will always be part of your trip dotted with the most beautiful castles in Scotland , famous lochs and typical fishing villages where time seems to stand still.

Scotland, this glorious country, offers terrain for all skill levels :  flat or from the rolling hills of the border with England to the lofty mountains of the Highlands. 

  Isle of Mull, Scotland

  mattwstevenson

  When to go?  Mai and September

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports

  Where to stay:  If you want to explore the Highlands, you can stay in Inverness or Ullapool. The village of Peebles is an excellent base for exploring the border area.

Plan your trip to Europe

Hotels, Apartments, B&B...

Fresh deals every single day

Thousands reviews you can trust

Tours, Sightseeing & Activities

Discover Europe’s biggest collection of things to do and guided tours.

Whatever you want to do you’ll find it here.

More destinations

• Best of Europe

Best in Europe

Best Destinations 2024

Best Romantic Destinations

Best ski resorts

Best Christmas markets 2024

Best beaches in Europe

Sustainable tourism in Europe

European Best Destinations

EDEN Destinations

Connect with us

Subscribe to discover latest travel inspiration, tips and deals from European Best Destinations.

My Newsletter

Best in  Europe.

Your ultimate bucket list to travel in Europe

destinations 2024

Most exclusive

destinations

sustainable destinations

romantic destinations

fairy tale destinations

places to visit Netherlands

Art Nouveau destinations

places to visit in Portugal

medieval destinations

Family holiday

hidden gems

blue water destinations

for digital detox

Green Capitals

open-minded destinations

natural wonders in France

hidden gems in Italy

islands in Greece

things to do in Austria

European Best Destinations ®

• Scroll to top

Multi-Day Tours

• Bike & hotel tours
• Bike & boat tours
• Destinations
• Boats & barges
• View all tours
• Bike tour reviews
• Tulip tours
• E-bike tours
• Gravel bike tours
• Family-friendly
• First-timers
• Staff picks
• Top rated tours
• Client favorites
• Discounts/specials

General info

• How to book
• Terms & conditions
• How to choose
• Guided vs. self-guided
• A typical day
• What to bring
• Extend your trip
• Travel insurance
• Passports & visas
• Why our travelers love us
• Tailwinds (our blog)

Road cycling tours

While the vast majority of our tours are in fact on roads, this page is devoted to the true 'roadies' out there. The ones who drool over a sleek carbon frame, the purr of skinny tires, and spinning a quick cadence mile after mile.

Rental road bikes are always available, but let us know if you prefer to bring your own race machine or components. And, if you’re traveling with a non-riding partner, many of these tours have activities for non-riders as well.

Suggested tours

Catalonia Road Biking: Girona to the Sea Take this Spanish cycling tour and you’ll see first-hand why so many European pros choose Girona as their training base. The routes include a fantastic mix of stunning coastal scenery, quiet and hilly inland roads, challenging climbs, and buzzing descents that take you through undoubtedly some of the most picturesque scenery on the Costa Brava. The rides have been carefully selected to take you along high-quality secondary roads that reduce your exposure to traffic – even during the busier times of the year.

French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux This tour proves just how the pro riders both suffer and take inspiration from the amazing beauty of these spectacular mountains. Cyclists will go to the top of Alpe d’Huez, touch the monument to Henri Desgranges at the summit of the Galibier, climb Les Deux Alpes, Lautaret, and others. Then there’s the mythical mountain of Ventoux, famous for its steep ascent, its heat, its bald and exposed peak, and simply its legend. For those who are really strong, there is the 'Club des Cingles', for which we will propose a service to achieve this status. Can you conquer the ‘Giant of Provence’?

Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena This self-guided cycling tour in the region of Tuscany features culture, art, food, wine, and, of course, some amazing cycling. You’ll cross the hilly region with gorgeous views of olive groves, wheat fields, and vineyards.

Find my tour

• Guided vs self-guided
• Getting around Europe

Popular trip types

• Family-friendly tours
• First timer tours

HOW TO REACH US

Phone (local + international): 1-215-613-0874

[email protected]

BikeTours.com PO Box 30 Dimock, PA 18816

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST

• Bike day tours
• Discounts and special offers

Top destinations

• Switzerland

Top tour categories

• Great for first-timers
• Bike and boat

Europe Cycling Holidays

Best cycling holidays in europe.

Ultimate Road Cycling – Slovenia, Italy & Croatia

Self-guided Cycling from Alps to Adriatic

Tuscany Road Bike Tour

Self-Guided Cycling along the Adriatic Coast

Cycle Tour Catalonia

Danube Bike Tour

Our europe cycling brands.

Denmark Bike Tours

Slovenia Cycling Holidays

Spain Cycling Holidays

Cycling Holidays Mallorca

Cycling Holidays France

Cycling Holidays Italy

Road Cycling Slovenia

Cycling Holidays Croatia

Portugal Cycling Holidays

Cycling Holidays Austria

Tenerife Cycling Holidays

Bike And Boat Croatia

Cycling Holidays Holland

E-Bike Slovenia

Greece Bike Tours

Bike Tours Norway

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.

Hassle-Free

Trusted by many, handpicked adventures, unbeatable support.

• Terms of Service
• Cookie Policy
• Sustainability

This website uses cookies.

Cookie Settings

Choose which cookies you want to allow. You can change these settings at any time.

These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off.

We use these cookies to analyze how our visitors use the website and monitor site performance.

These cookies are used to personalize ads and content based on your interests.

The Best Cycling Tours in Europe for 2024

Planning a cycling tour in 2024 but unsure of your destination? Discover the best bike tours that Europe has to offer with our top picks for 2024.

With over 150 cycling tours in 27 European countries in our programme, choosing a tour is not always easy, and it certainly wasn't easy to narrow down our top 10 tours for 2024! Based on customer feedback, our team's personal experience and up-and-coming destinations, these tours are the best of the best and guarantee a special experience that leaves lasting memories.

For recommendations from our team based on our own personal experience and feedback from our customers, enquire online or call us on (+44) 1273 224066.

Best for Cycle Paths

Cycle the danube from passau to vienna.

The Danube Cycle Path is one of the world's best, following the course of Europe's second-longest river from its source in Germany all the way to Romania. For most cyclists, their first taste of the path is from Passau to Vienna , a section which is flat, traffic-free and extremely well-maintained - ideal for less-confident cyclists and those who prefer a slower pace. The scenery is beautiful throughout, as you follow the river you’ll pass wooded slopes, riverside cities and traditional towns. The famous Schlögener Schlinge (Great Loop) is a highlight on your first day of cycling, and it's worth extending your stay in Vienna at the end for more time to explore the museums, palaces and coffee shops.

"This was our second cycle trip with Freedom Treks and both holidays will remain among the best ever. This trip from Passau to Vienna along the Danube was spectacularly beautiful with a blend of city, village, farmland and vineyards plus historic castles along the route - always something to enjoy. The trail itself was extremely well-marked and in great condition, and the cycling is easy for the most part. We travelled with another couple and we all agreed we would do another trip with Freedom Treks again; their communication, customer service and personal attention were wonderful." -  Anne McCaw, Canada

View tour: Danube - Passau to Vienna Bike Tour

Best for a Short Break

Escape to umbria's unspoilt countryside.

Can't commit to a full week of cycling? Spend four days in the green heart of Italy on our Umbrian Escape Bike Tour , touring through the unspoiled countryside with rolling landscapes and hilltop towns. The pilgrimage town of Assisi is a stunning place to start and end the tour, with time to explore the town’s pink marble buildings and relax on a sunny terrace with a glass of local wine, some homemade gelato or a bowl of fresh pasta.

" Perfect - a few sunny days spent in peaceful and beautiful rural Italy cycling between some amazing hilltop medieval walled towns. Assisi was buzzing (there was a festival it was a Saturday) but the other towns and villages were so quiet - it was like stepping back in time. The hotels in Spoleto and Bevagna were charming and perfectly situated in the old town with their narrow cobbled alleys and pretty squares. Everything well organised, bikes were good and routes easy enough to follow."  -  Vicki Nunn, UK

View tour: Umbrian Escape Bike Tour

Best for Culture

Puglia's rich greek & roman cultural heritage.

For fans of architecture, history and food, Puglia has it all. Italy's 'heel' is a melting pot of culture, influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Bourbons and especially the Greeks. Each town you stay in is a highlight in its own right, from Alberobello's 'trulli' houses to the rocky outcrop of Gallipoli to Lecce's Baroque churches and ancient amphitheatres. Much of the cycling follows the peninsula's coastline (known as the 'Caribbean of Italy'!) with scenic views and deliciously fresh seafood at every stop.

" Had a fantastic time in Puglia, we started with an overnight stay in Matera, which is stunning and highly recommended. The tour itself started in Alberobello with a stay in the beautiful UNESCO site in a Trulli hut. The routes were simple to follow as we headed into the countryside amongst endless olive groves with virtually no traffic at all. The first two days were rural cycling before we hit the coast and followed the stunning coastal road before ending in Lecce. Each day felt different, each evening spent exploring and dining in a new place, was excellent. If you like to explore historic towns, stay fit, eat good food, drink good wine and swim in clear waters then I would highly recommend this holiday."  -  John Tiffen, UK

View tour:  Puglia Bike Tour

Best for Coastal Cycling

See more of croatia's enchanting dalmatian coast.

This tour has it all, starting and finishing in historic UNESCO cities with amazing islands along the way, including the beautiful Mljet Island, the vineyards of Lastovo and Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. As well as incredible natural beauty, you'll also take in the captivating culture of the region, with interesting spots to admire as you ride and guided walking tours in the cities included. We'd recommend booking extra nights before or after your tour to explore the UNESCO world heritage sites in Dubrovnik and Split.

" Our trip from Split to Dubrovnik was extraordinary, we were able to cycle through all of the beautiful coastal green hills, visit small fishing villages, meet locals and still have plenty of time to enjoy the cruising aboard the Harmonia. My husband and I loved hearing about the local history, taking evening tours through the small towns, cycling all around the lovely Dalmatian coast islands and feeling like we were able to see beyond the usual tourist spots." - Kirstin Menne, USA

View tour: Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & Bike Tour

Best for Families

Daily visits to parks and attractions in lake constance.

If you're looking for an easy-going tour to give your kids their first cycle touring experience, Family Lake Constance should be your first port of call. The daily rides are short with a rest day in the middle and the chance to further shorten time on the saddle with ferry rides. Children of all ages are catered to by a wide range of bike hire options including child bikes, child seats, trailers, tandems and e-cargo bikes. You'll cycle around the whole of Lake Constance, riding through Germany, Austria and Switzerland with interesting attractions to visit in each town along the way - many of which are included in the tour price! Highlights include the stilt houses at the Lake Dwelling Museum in Unteruhldingen, the family-focussed Ravensburger Spieleland theme park in Friedrichshafen and the petting zoo at the top of the cable car on Mount Pfander.

" What a truly fantastic family holiday. The organisation was spot on from the moment we arrived at the first hotel until the day we left. We are a family of 5 with 3 boys (13,11 & 9) and had never done anything like this before. In no way are we cyclists but we loved every minute. It was great to head out each morning on a new mini adventure knowing we were going somewhere we'd never been. Everywhere we went was perfectly set up for cycling with dedicated cycle tracks over the vast majority of the trip and exceptionally well signed paths. Even though the trip is self-guided we barely took a wrong turn. This meant we felt really safe which is a huge thing when you have children. Overall, I couldn't recommend this holiday more for a family adventure!" - David Rollin, UK

View tour:  Family Lake Constance Bike Tour

Best for Variety

Slovenia's mountains, lakes, coastlines and cities.

This is a tour that has it all - cycling southwards from Bled on the edge of the Julian Alps near the Austrian border to the pretty Venetian harbour of Piran near the Croatian border, the scenery is ever-changing. Rugged mountain backdrops and glistening lakes give way to karst landscapes with underground caves and waterfalls before you reach the pretty beaches of the Adriatic coast. As well as enjoying beautiful natural sights, you'll also visit the country's capital city, Ljubljana. Crowned European Best Destination 2022, you'll have time to explore the pretty bridges, the imposing hilltop castle and the expansive Tivoli Park.

"We really enjoyed this cycling holiday as it had a variety of scenery and experiences. We booked this route as we wanted to cover as many of the main sights in Slovenia that could be covered on a cycling route on our first visit to this lovely country. The local people are friendly and each day was different - from exploring the capital Ljubljana, mountains and lakes, caves, to the coast. A great way to explore a new part of the world!" - Justine Patterson, UK

View tour: Best of Slovenia Bike Tour - Lakes to the Coast

Best for Bragging Rights

Up-and-coming albania is still an undiscovered gem.

Awarded "Best in Travel 2023" by Lonely Planet, we don't expect Albania to retain its 'hidden gem' status for long. So if you're the type of traveller who likes to say they've seen the sights before everyone else, our Highlights of Albania tour is a great way to see as much of this amazing country as possible. Starting and finishing in the buzzing capital city of Tirana, you'll cycle south past picturesque mountains and sparkling rivers down the eastern border of the country before following the coastline back up in the west. It's a tour of cultural hot spots and unique wildlife, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a national park that's home to wolves, eagles and more. The cycling is more challenging than our average tour but the climbs and distances are more than worth it and you'll have a support vehicle on hand if you need it.

"Highlights of Albania: totally superb tour with excellent food and accommodation. Friendly and safe with a great international crowd and really experienced guides and support. This is the best Freedom Treks tour I've done (I've done about 4). If you love landscapes, go to Albania now, before everyone discovers it!"  -  Jeanette Martin, UK

View tour:  Highlights of Albania Bike Tour

Best for Ticking Off Countries

Six countries in two weeks along the danube.

Of our many tours that follow the Danube River, our 6 Countries Boat & Bike tour is the one to do if you want to tick off as much as possible, cycling and cruising from Passau in Germany to the Iron Gates gorge on the Serbia / Romania border and back in two weeks. There are far too many highlights to mention here, but with rest days in Budapest, Belgrade, the Iron Gates National Park and Vienna, you'll have more than enough time to get a cultural fix while the cycling in between will take you to parts of the Danube lesser-visited. However, we must warn you that there are only three departure dates for this tour so book quickly to secure your spot on the sundeck!

"An excellent tour - it felt good at the time and left us with a continuing lighthearted glow. The cruise, the rides and special tours, the food and accommodation were all excellent and managed with understanding and wit by a virtuoso cruise director. The travelling along the Danube was, of course, the centrepiece and lived up to its reputation. The special rest-day tour guides were well chosen and, together with the bike routes themselves, gave glimpses of their countries beyond the usual brochure view. All in all a very good and lasting experience."  - Reg Phillips, UK

View tour:  Danube River - 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour

Best for Year-Round Cycling

12 months of warm temperatures in madeira.

Nobody wants their tour spoiled by rotten weather, so if you're looking to travel from late autumn to early spring, it pays to head to more southern climates. The sub-tropical Portuguese island of Madeira is ideal for an off-season adventure, with temperatures reaching up to 20ºC even in December (as Andy found out first-hand last year!). On our Madeira Bike Tour , you'll spend 7 nights exploring the best that the island has to offer, with mostly coastal cycling past historic landmarks, welcoming towns and tempting beaches. The self-guided tour involves a few long ascents, including a stunning cycle to Europe’s highest cape, so it's better suited to regular and experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness - although the steepest and longest climbs are softened with transfers.

" Lots of Madeira covered in the trip on mainly quiet roads. Beautiful scenery. Distances manageable given the hills. An interesting wonderful island to visit."  - Brenda Herbert, UK

View tour: Madeira Bike Tour

Best for Getting Away from It All

Wildlife spotting in spain’s remote extremadura region.

Spain might be the UK's favourite country to visit, but that doesn't mean there aren't still new parts to discover outside of the tourist hot spots. The Extremadura region in western Spain is one of them - an area of historic buildings and monuments left behind by Conquistadors and quiet countryside populated by unique wildlife. You'll stay in 'paradors', luxury hotels in restored palaces, castles and monasteries, as you cycle between beautiful cities that you're unlikely to have heard of. This is a tour where bringing a pair of binoculars or a zoom lens for your camera is highly recommended. Local fauna includes wild bulls, black Iberico pigs, Spanish Ibex and then a real highlight of vultures, eagles and hawks on day four in Monfrague National Park.

"This trip is a combination of luxury awesome places to stay and amazing countryside in a backwater of Spain that is much less travelled. We only met 6 English people all week! We were blown away by the national park which you ride through on day 4. Amazing landscape and if you like watching eagles, vultures, hawks its one for you. underplayed in the blurb. Take binoculars even if you are not a twitcher like me."  - Gaius Jones, UK

View tour:  Spain's Conquistadors & Paradors Bike Tour

Find out more

If you would like to learn more about any of the tours above, enquire online or speak to one of our team by telephone on +44 (0) 1273 224066 .

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more tips and advice from our team.

• Boat & Bike
• Hotel & Bike
• Boat and Bike
• Hotel and Bike
• Tips and Advice

Tours featured in this post

The Greatest European Bike Tours of All Times

• Updated on: February 19, 2021

This article may contain affiliate.  For more information, please see our disclaimer  here.

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!

For more travel inspiration and tips, check out more of our travel tips .

All travel tips posts

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Iceland Packing List: What to Pack in Winter and Summer?

How To Install An Off-Grid Solar System In Your Car Successfully?

30 Best Single & Multi-Day Hikes in Europe

2024’s Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for Multi-Day Hikes

Also interesting, best daypacks for women, best travel insurance, destinations, travel tips.

11 best cycling holidays in Europe (that you can drive to from the UK)

In this article we share our pick of the best cycling holidays in Europe that you can drive to from the UK (with a train/ferry for the wet bit!).

At the best of times, a holiday you can drive to can make a lot of sense if you’ve got bikes and/or children to transport. With the uncertainty over air travel and travel advice we’ve experienced over the last few years, a cycling holiday that doesn’t involve flying might be even more attractive.

And with the option of hiring a minibus, there are some great group cycling holidays Europe can offer too.

To help you plan, we’ve selected eleven of the best no-fly road cycling holiday destinations in Europe. They’re (roughly) ordered by journey time.

Limiting ourselves to 11 was tough… Let us know what you think of our choices in the comments below. Do you think we’ve captured all the best cycling holidays Europe has to offer without a flight?

Journey times listed below are estimated and assume normal travel time, without delays.

Looking for inspiration for the best cycling routes in Europe to try out? Read this.

Want to hire a bike van to take you and your bikes to your destination? Read this.

Interested in eco-friendly cycling holidays? Read this.

In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes/events in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below!

All metrics in this article are approximate.

Cycling holidays in Belgium

They say legends are born and careers are made in the flatlands of this area of Belgium. Cycling is woven into the very fabric of Flandrien life. It seems as if almost everyone has a bike and, fortunately for visitors to the area, the authorities have invested in a wonderful cycling infrastructure, making Belgium a brilliant place for both regular and ebike cycle holidays in Europe.

Cycling here really is a way of life, and it makes Belgium cycling holidays a delight not just for the tough cobbled climbs but for the bike-friendly atmosphere.

Many people feel that Belgium offers the best European cycling holidays – do you agree?

Want to hire a bike van?

To find out more about bike van hire for a camper van holiday or transport to a cycling event, get in touch! Email Katie at [email protected] or go to bikevan.co .

• Custom vans with bike storage and bike washing facilities
• Sleep two to five people
• Three day minimum hire period (off-peak)
• UK mainland delivery available
• Use code ERR10 for a 10% discount on any bookings made before 31 August 2023

Cycling holidays in Ireland

Wicklow mountains.

You don’t need to head to mainland Europe for cycling holidays abroad. Ireland’s just a short ferry trip away, and is known for its hospitality, its misty green rolling hills, colourful towns and coastal panoramas.

You’ll find all of this within the Wicklow Mountains. They’re one of the most easily accessible areas of Ireland, due to their close proximity to Dublin. They’re also home to Ireland’s largest national park and some wonderful road cycling.

If you base yourself in the small town of Laragh, you’ll find quiet roads that lead west to the Wicklow Gap, north to Glencree and Enniskerry and south to Rathdrum, Woodenbridge and Aughrim.

With the proximity to mainland UK, it’s the ideal choice for last minute cycling holidays in Europe for couples or for groups who want to make short-term plans.

Just don’t expect sunshine.

Check out our in-depth guide to cycling in the Wicklow Mountains .

Cycling holidays in France

This peaceful and most north western region of France is the perfect destination for a cycling holiday in Europe. It is accessible by ferry and road via the A16 / A28 autoroute from Calais.

While not often considered among the very best places to cycle in Europe, it still has plenty of great roads and attractive scenery. Perhaps an underrated gem? Especially for shorter breaks – a great choice for cycling weekends in Europe.

French Alps

The Alps are synonymous with cycling holidays in France and for many, they represent the ultimate challenge of testing themselves on the same mountains that host the Tour de France each year. The area is packed with skiers in the winter but does a swift about turn every spring. Throughout the late spring and summer, it sees cyclists from all over the world converge on the fabled slopes.

You can drive to the Alps from the UK in a day, but if you fancy a stop over, beautiful Reims or Troyes are ideally situated. A more hassle-free journey can be found on the Eurostar, which will deliver you right into the Alps. However, it takes 20 hours from London, and you will then need to find transport to your preferred destination.

The most famous (but not necessarily the most picturesque or difficult) climb in the Alps is Alpe d’Huez , which lies just outside the small village of Bourg d’Oisans at the entrance to the Ecrins National Park.

The good condition of the asphalt roads in the region make this one

Mention Provence to a cyclist and they will very quickly tell you about Mont Ventoux or, as the locals refer to it, Le Géant de Provence. The mountain stands alone in the Vaucluse region of southern France and, at just under 2,000 metres above sea level, it can be seen from miles around. It’s one of the most popular destinations for bicycle holidays in Europe.

Ventoux is a Tour de France classic and is very unusual in appearance due to its lunar style landscape that has earned it the nickname of the ‘bald mountain’. Amongst road cyclists, it’s certainly a large part of what has made cycling holidays in Provence so popular.

Provence feels like old-fashioned France, with untouched quaint villages, local cuisine and mile after mile of fertile vineyards. The hills are adorned with lavender and olive trees and are the perfect backdrop to tantalisingly perched villages and pavement cafés with the locals playing pétanque in the village square.

It is a quiet part of the country so, in the main, you should find quiet roads and endless cycling opportunities for day rides and longer excursions. The Gorges de la Nesque is situated in the Ventoux area and is an absolute must ride as part of a cycling holiday in the south of France.

You can certainly make the trip by car within a day, by taking the very good autoroutes that bypass Paris and head due south via Reims, Troyes and Lyon. The Eurostar runs a service from London to Avignon which takes just over 11 hours.

Check out our in-depth guide to cycling Ventoux and Provence .

French Pyrenees

Cycling holidays in the Pyrenees are always a popular choice. The Pyrenees are one of the world’s most natural frontiers, stretching some 430 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean right across to the Mediterranean Sea. At their centre point they reach some 120 kilometres in width.

It’s quite a lengthy journey to get to the Pyrenees by land, as the ferry crossing to Santander (in Spain) takes a day and the route by road from Calais effectively runs the length of the France. The towns of Tours and Limoges make good stop over points if you don’t want to rush.

Tourists flood to the Pyrenees National Park all year around for skiing, hiking, and cycling tours. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the village of nearby Lourdes to see where Saint Bernadette received her visions of the Virgin Mary and to sample the sacred water.

In cycling terms, the area is a climber’s paradise. It has some short and very steep ascents mixed with the famed high mountains of the Tour de France. Where to stay will depend on which climbs you most want to tackle.

We suggest a French cycling holiday based out of the small town of Argèles-Gazost if you want to tackle climbs like the Hautacam , Col d’Aubisque and Col de Aspin . Alternatively, the old spa town of Bagnères de Luchon (twinned with Harrogate in Yorkshire) is on the doorstep of the smaller but no less challenging peaks of the Col du Peyresourde and the Col d’Aspin. Both towns can be used to tackle the mighty Col du Tourmalet, that lies in between Argèles-Gazost and Bagnères de Luchon.

Check out our in-depth guide to cycling in the Pyrenees (from Argèles-Gazost and Bagnères de Luchon ). Our overview of the Pyrenees and guide on where to stay in the Pyrenees for cyclists , are also worth a read.

If you are considering a cycling holiday in Europe and want somewhere renowned for its culture, cuisine and superb coastline, then look no further than Nice. Throw in a strong Tour de France history, challenging climbs and a very temperate climate, and you can see why a lot of the leading professional cyclists now make the Cote d’Azur their home.

The area was initially made famous by the notorious Lance Armstrong, who lived in the city for a couple of years in the 1990s whilst competing in Europe. The surrounding French Riviera has now become very popular with pro cyclists, with the likes of Chris Froome having a permanent base on this coastline.

Climb the Col de la Madone or the photogenic and hairpin-laden Col de Braus early in the morning, and you are more likely than not to see a professional out on the road on a training ride. Despite the challenges and the popularity with the pros, it’s still a good choice for leisure cycling holidays too.

French Basque Country

Although not the most well-known part of Basque Country, southwestern France, on the border with Spain, has a strong Basque heritage. It’s an area well worth considering for a new adventure on your bike. It may take a little while to get there, but the riding makes the travel worth it. It’s one of the emerging destinations for cycling holidays Europe has to offer.

You can expect a variety of riding in this area, from coastal rides with stunning vistas, to long challenging climbs underneath leafy forest coverings. Although the climate is generally warm and the road quality is good, there is a reason it’s so green and leafy…

As it’s not as popular as other parts of France for riding, it can be quite serene, and you can ride through many traditional villages without seeing many other people. It’s a great location for a week-long getaway, with plenty of cuisine for you to try at the end of your long rides.

You can choose to travel there either by the usual Eurotunnel destinations of Folkestone to Calais and face a long drive, or hop on the ferry (although this takes even longer)! Maybe not the most recognisable destination on this list, but we think it will become a popular place for Europe cycling holidays.

Check out our essential guide to cycling in this region.

Cycling holidays in Spain

Northern spain.

The northern coastline of Spain is completely different to the costas of the south. Its verdant rolling landscape, rugged coastline and prevailing winds blowing off the Bay of Biscay mean you could be forgiven for thinking that you are much further north!

This is a unique part of Spain with a different culture, its own language and, for some in the Basque region, its own country. The coastline runs from the stunning architectural magnificence of San Sebastián at the foothills of the Pyrenees in the east, via the city of Bilbao, towards the world-famous religious site in Santiago de Compostela in the west.

Cycling is incredibly popular in this part of the world, and you will find some of the best cycling in Spain here. The Vuelta a España visits the region each year as the professional peloton takes on some of the most fearsome climbs in world cycling. As an example, the Alto de l’Angliru in the Asturias region is a savage 12 kilometre climb with sections at well over 20% gradient.

You will need some energy and fortitude to cycle in these parts, but fortunately the area has an excellent reputation for food and the local fish and chicken stews are regarded as being the best in Spain! There are apparently more Michelin-star restaurants in San Sebastián per square metre than anywhere else on the continent – all the more reason to book your cycling trips to Europe here!

When professional cyclists flock to a city to live and train, it’s time to take note. Situated in the northeast of the country, the province of Girona doesn’t have the wall-to-wall sunshine that prevails in the south of Spain, but it more than makes up for it in terms of style, panache, and cycling opportunities.

Girona cycling holidays have now become very popular, and both the city and the countryside around it have lots of cycling-friendly businesses ready to help those who arrive ready to ride. One such example is Girona Cycling SL, the eco-friendly cycling training camp that’s located near Lake Banyoles and is popular with pro teams ( interview with them here ).

If you choose to stay in Girona itself, the old town is made up of a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that seem to have been untouched for centuries. It’s packed with medieval palaces, art nouveau buildings and a magnificent cathedral. The old town is separated from the newer part by the River Onyar and the famous pastel-coloured buildings that lie on the river’s edge.

The Girona Pyrenees and the Garrotxa National Park lie to the north, and provide the perfect training ground for professional and leisure cyclists alike. So there’s plenty of accommodation to suit group cycling holidays from the UK.

The famous Rocacorba climb and the nearby Lake Banyoles are a must-do, as is the ascent of the Mare de Deu del Mont .

You would be hard-pushed to find a better location for a cycling holiday in Spain – and hopefully, this thought will fortify you for the journey!

Check out our in-depth guide to cycling in Girona .

We hope this article has inspired you to consider a no-fly cycling holiday in Europe this year. There are lots of destinations that are close at hand and will provide a fantastic change of scenery.

Let us know where you’re planning to visit in the comments below!

What next?!

Keen to go on some Europe bike tours? Don’t miss our cycling destinations page which has links to all our in-depth guides on the best cycling destinations in Europe and around the world.

Alternatively, here are quick links to our pages on cycling in France , cycling in Belgium , cycling in Spain and cycling in Italy . Enjoy!

Want to check travel advice before you go? If you live in the UK, a good place to start is the government’s travel website .

And let us know if we’ve missed your favourite destinations for biking holidays in Europe too.

Please support Epic Road Rides

A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!

If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar  here .

It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.

Leave us a tip here!

Got a question for John?

Fill out this form and we will send it to John. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours wherever possible!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to John and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

Leave your comment

Click here to cancel reply.

• Name (required)
• Mail (required) (will not be published)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips

Book your fall training now – see Ride Camps

European Classic booking fast – see the trips

• Request a Catalog
• 866-464-8735

Select Date Range

Modal title, popular searches.

California Wine Country Bike Tour

Croatia and The Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour

Tuscany Bike Tour

Greater Europe Bike Tours

Discover the hidden gems of europe on a bike tour. from stunning landscapes and charming cities, to rich cultural experiences and cuisine..

Experience the wonders of Europe by bike. From the untouched beauty of Norway to the charming allure of Amsterdam, the surprising delights of the Dalmatian Coast, the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia, and the historical charm of Prague. Journey into the heart of Europe and see everything this beautiful continent has to offer.

Showing Trips

Destinations

Rider level, hotel level.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Experience our Road Cycling Tours...

Tours where riding roads in spectacular landscapes takes center stage. Expertly chosen by our team of road cycling enthusiasts, each road bike trip aims to challenge and thrill at every stage of the cycling journey. Ultimately we want to empower all of our cyclists to achieve their pro-riding dreams. From the best road bike tours in Europe to exotic road trips in Colombia , we've got it covered.

Best selling trips

Guaranteed small group tours.

Don't miss out on the chance to secure your spot on one of these superb guided cycling trips, already guaranteed to run!

Long-haul Tours

Discover Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco & More!

Iconic Journeys

Traversing the UK, France, Italy and Spain - our Iconic Journeys take you on an ever-changing adventure that explores the entire length of a country...

Holiday Inspirations

Mountain challenges, intro to the mountains, hidden gems, useful holiday information.

We go the extra mile...

Meet our friendly team of cycling enthusiasts

Experienced

For over 20 years we've searched the globe for the best roads

Pedallin' Promise

Good vibes and great experiences

96% of Skedaddlers say they'll return for more

News, Reviews & Stories

Where to go and when in 2023.

Hear from our specialists! Your chance to marvel at the authentic experiences that that make these places so special...

Our 26 favourite days in the saddle

What is the best day you can experience? Well, our expert team has some ideas...

A day in the life on a cycling holiday

Eat, ride, relax, repeat! We take a trip inside the mind of a cyclist as they navigate their day on tour...

• Last Minute

Guided Cycling Tours

Destination

Bosnia and herzegovina, czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, north macedonia, switzerland, türkiye/turkey, united kingdom, bike & boat, multi-activity, vessels & boats, advanced search, guided cycling trips, experience the highlights of europe on a guided cycling tour.

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.

Depending on the chosen ride, group sizes generally vary from 6 to 22 people, and somewhat larger on boat based departures. While you are cycling with others, you will still have the flexibility to go off exploring on your own.

Explore Europe with others, on a guided cycling trip.

Find your Guided Cycling trip

Croatia Bike & Sail

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Comfort

Introductory

Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Barge - Deluxe

Provence Bike & Boat

Introductory to Moderate

Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Barge - Comfort

Veneto Bike & Boat

More about guided cycling.

• Popular destinations
• Staff picks

Why travel with us

Responsible travel.

• Accommodation
• Related articles

Trip reviews

Essential information, popular guided cycling destinations.

Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.

Our aim is to provide you with the most affordable and comprehensive range of European walking and cycling experiences in a style that allows you to explore Europe your way.

Here’s 10 reasons why you should travel with UTracks.

Our human-powered trips minimise your impact on the environment, taking you out of main cities and contributing to a more even distribution of wealth and resources. We are proud of our Responsible Travel policies, which are currently leading the industry in a variety of ways and are continuously being assessed and improved. By supporting local communities, minimising waste, ensuring that the mules we use on our Mont Blanc trips are properly looked after, adhering to a ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy where possible and offsetting air travel, we are doing our bit to minimise the impact of tourism on the countries we travel to.

Related Articles

Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

• Trip Grading

Inclusions & Equipment

Introductory Level

Introductory to moderate level, moderate level, moderate to challenging level.

Challenging Level

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

• Cookie Policy
• Strictly Necessary
• Performance

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences, your device or used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually identify you directly, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. You can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, you should know that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on the site and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will no longer work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, we will not know when you have visited our site.

These cookies allow the provision of enhance functionality and personalization, such as videos and live chats. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then some or all of these features may not function properly.

These cookies are set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites and promotional activities through our newsletters. They work by uniquely identifying your browser and device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will not experience our targeted advertising across different websites or via newsletters.

• Walking Holidays in England
• Walking Holidays in Finland
• Walking Holidays in Scotland
• Walking Holidays in Wales
• Walking Holidays in Austria
• Walking Holidays in the Channel Islands
• Walking Holidays in France
• Walking Holidays in Germany
• Walking Holidays in Switzerland
• Walking Holidays in Romania
• Walking Holidays in Slovenia
• Walking Holidays in Croatia
• Walking Holidays in Greece
• Walking Holiday in Italy
• Walking Holidays in Portugal
• Walking Holidays in Spain
• Cycling Holidays in Denmark
• Cycling Holidays in England
• Cycling Holidays in Finland
• Cycling Holidays in Ireland
• Cycling Holidays in Scotland
• Cycling Holidays in Sweden
• Cycling Holidays in Wales
• Cycling Holidays in Austria
• Cycling Holidays In Belgium
• Cycling Holidays in the Channel Islands
• Cycling Holidays in France
• Cycling Holiday in Germany
• Cycling Holidays in Holland
• Cycling Holidays in Switzerland
• Cycling Holidays in Czech Republic
• Cycling Holidays in Poland
• Cycling Holidays in Romania
• Cycling Holidays in Slovenia
• Cycling Holidays in Croatia
• Cycling Holidays in Greece
• Cycling Holidays in Italy
• Cycling Holidays in Montenegro
• Cycling Holidays in Portugal
• Cycling Holidays in Spain
• Walk the St Francis Way
• Walk the Via Francigena
• Jacobs Trail
• Camino de Santiago
• Bike & Boat Holidays
• E-Bike Holidays
• Family Cycling Holidays (under 12)
• Active Teen Family Cycling Holidays
• Road Bike Cycling Holidays
• Sporting/Experienced Road Cyclists
• Gran Fondo and Cycle Sportives
• Easy Walking Holidays
• Easy to Moderate Walking Holidays
• Moderate Walking Holidays
• Challenging Walking Holidays
• Easy Cycling Holidays
• Easy to Moderate Cycling Holidays
• Moderate Cycling Holidays
• Challenging Cycling Holidays
• Trip Search
• Meet The Team
• Activity Gradings
• Guided v Self Guided
• E-Bike FAQs
• Brochure Request
• Essential Travel Information
• Book With Us
• Booking Conditions
• Payment Methods
• Travel Insurance

6 Best Road Bike Trips In Europe

Europe is packed with some of the best road biking routes in the world. Whether you’re a hardcore cyclist or a casual rider looking to go beyond your comfort zone, Europe has something for you. It’s filled with rich history, fun-loving people, mouth-watering cuisine, and a variety of breath-taking landscapes, from majestic mountains to beautiful coastlines. For those who love biking as much as we do, there are plenty of amazing rides to be found in Europe. Here are 6 of the best road bike trips in Europe that you must check out.

The Must Do Road Bike Trips in Europe

Italian Cycle Resort

In order for a destination to attract visitors, it must be both beautiful and welcoming. That is what makes Riccione such a great cycling vacation spot. The tranquil nature of its town makes it an ideal place for cyclists of all ages and abilities. This area is also very popular with families who cycle , offering them the opportunity to enjoy the many amenities on offer while enjoying the outdoors. Our cycling holiday is a guided fixed location cycle trip, but you are also free to cycle self-guided. Some weeks you can expect the hotels to be almost full just with cyclists. Discover more on our ICR tour page .

Provence by Road Bike

Imagine cycling through Provence on a road bike-based cycling holiday . You’ll love the beauty of Provence, and you’ll enjoy the countryside and the magical colours and lights that attracted so many painters over the centuries. Admire the Roman influence in the area’s architecture, the Orange-stage wall and the Pont-du-Gard. Also admire the excavation sites of Vaison-la-Romain and Les Baux-de-Provence. But don’t forget the local cuisine which is rich in herbs found in Provence.

Corsica Sporting

This is a great cycling vacation in France . Corsica is known locally as “The Mountain in The Sea.” It is an island with spectacular mountain scenery and quiet roads that are suitable for biking enthusiasts due to the limited traffic volumes. You’ll enjoy a variety of the island’s culinary delights, from the simple to the refined. Each day will see you pedal farther, so you can experience the spectacular scenery of Corsica at your own pace.

Majorca By Road Bike

One of the top cycling destinations in the world, Majorca is a cyclist’s paradise . From the professionals of the pro-cycling teams to the daily leisure cyclists getting off the bike to explore the island, there is something for everyone. Now by road bike, you can take on the incredible climbs and mountain roads leading into inland Majorca. One of the most enjoyable parts of this cycling holiday is that you are not stuck in one hotel for the duration. Instead, you travel to beautiful locations while your luggage is being transported. You will be able to see wonderful coastal and inland views on roadways as they zigzag up and down the mountains.

Bavarian Lakes by Road Bike

On the edge of the beautiful Bavarian Alps , you will find a wonderful landscape with rivers, lovely lakes and mountains. We’ll start in the famous town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen that is surrounded by high mountains and offers alpine ski races in wintertime. You will be travelling along the Isar River Trail with your bicycle, passing through many small villages and farms en route to Munich. Expect to see the real Bavaria, with its churches, beer gardens, monastery, and scenic landscape.

Scottish Borders By Road Bike

Scottish Borders is a beautiful area to cycle, with peaceful riverside towns and historic castles. If you are looking for a road cycling holiday in Scotland, this road bike cycle tour takes you from the English/Scottish border town of Berwick upon Tweed upriver to Kelso and Melrose. The many little roads, lanes, and paths and a low-population region of the UK make it a great place to ride a bike. Even though the region is flat at the coast, it becomes more hilly as you travel inland.

It is a beautiful area with four medieval abbeys, Dryburgh, Jedburgh, Kelso and Melrose. Other historic sights to see include Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, Thirlestane Castle, Traquair House as well as castles such as Bamburgh and Floors. You can also take a cycle ride to Lindisfarne on Holy Island (tide permitting).

The European countryside stretches as far as the eye can see. There are thousands of miles of trails and roads, and you could ride for years and never get bored. Now that you have been given a hint of just what’s on offer why not check out our road bike cycling holidays ?

Let us know in the comments below if you have a road bike cycling holiday that you have loved doing!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More Information

Why book with us.

• 100% Financial Protection
• Established in 1997
• Family Owned Business
• ABTA Member – Y6420
• Great Value For Money

Latest News

Privacy Overview

Deals of the Week   Bucket List   Up to 50% OFF

Self-Guided Cycling Tours & Trips in Europe

From the aquamarine waters of Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and the rolling sun-drenched Tuscan hills in Italy to the lush slopes of the Pyrenees in Spain . With so many spectacular mountain biking holidays throughout Europe, you're sure to find one that's right for you!

250+ Self-Guided Cycling tour packages in Europe with 106 reviews

• 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

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.

Lake Constance - Lake Koenigssee - Salzburg 14/13

Setting up the tour, and the tour itself were wonderful. We had a few glitches in our plans and Paula was a great help in getting them worked out. Hotels were very good and clean, food at the hotels, excellent! That said, the bikes were NOT. Even though they were brand new, and the gearing great for what they were. However, we did this tour under our own power, no electric bikes, and were told that hybrid bikes were not available for this tour, also told we weren’t allowed to use clip-in pedals. The bikes were heavy, and we found ourselves walking and pushing them up many hills, some rocky and gravel roads, which, if we would have had a decent bike for this tour, a hybrid bike, we would most likely had an easier time of it. Not happy about the bikes! Also, the opening page of the tour says 1-99 as in years old of people that could do this tour, definitely false advertising, there is no way, even with the electric bikes, that some people could not navigate the roads on this tour. We are 2 women in our 70’s and did it, I am proud to say, we have a lot of experience, it was not easy. It could have been much more enjoyable with a different bike. Over all, a fantastic trip. Thank you.

Alpine Rhine Cycle

Porto to Coimbra Cycling

Julian Alps to the Adriatic Cycling

Lithuania to Estonia Cycle

• Hiking & Trekking

Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days

We had a great time! Many thanks to the girls, Sirma and Brikena.

Main River BikeTour | Self-Guided | Wurzburg to Frankfurt

• Road Cycling

Lake Constance | Self-Guided | Germany, Austria, Switzerland

Speyside and Moray Self Guided Cycle tour

Panoramic Alps Cycle Tour from Innsbruck to Salzburg

• Christmas & New Year

Provence Secrets - Pont du Gard

Croatia Islands Cycling Holiday

Danube Cycle Path – Winegrower’s Tour Individual Cycling Tour from Linz to Vienna

Reviews of self-guided cycling tours in europe.

We really enjoyed the tour.

Travel Styles

• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

International Versions

• Deutsch: Europa Selbstgeführte Radtour
• Français: Europe : Circuits cyclisme autoguidé 2024/2025
• Español: Ciclismo Autoguiado Circuitos en Europa
• Nederlands: Fietsen zonder gids Rondreizen in Europa

• My Quiz Activity
• Newsletters
• Sports Betting
• MY FAVORITES
• Add Sports/Teams
• Arizona Cardinals
• Atlanta Falcons
• Baltimore Ravens
• Buffalo Bills
• Carolina Panthers
• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Dallas Cowboys
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New England Patriots
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Jets
• New York Giants
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tennessee Titans
• Washington Commanders
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Atlanta Braves
• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago White Sox
• Chicago Cubs
• Cincinnati Reds
• Cleveland Guardians
• Colorado Rockies
• Detroit Tigers
• Houston Astros
• Kansas City Royals
• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Miami Marlins
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Minnesota Twins
• New York Yankees
• New York Mets
• Oakland Athletics
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants
• Seattle Mariners
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Texas Rangers
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Washington Nationals
• Atlanta Hawks
• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• Charlotte Hornets
• Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Denver Nuggets
• Detroit Pistons
• Golden State Warriors
• Houston Rockets
• Indiana Pacers
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New Orleans Pelicans
• New York Knicks
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Orlando Magic
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Phoenix Suns
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Sacramento Kings
• San Antonio Spurs
• Toronto Raptors
• Washington Wizards
• Anaheim Ducks
• Arizona Coyotes
• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Calgary Flames
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Colorado Avalanche
• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Dallas Stars
• Detroit Red Wings
• Edmonton Oilers
• Florida Panthers
• Los Angeles Kings
• Minnesota Wild
• Montreal Canadiens
• Nashville Predators
• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Ottawa Senators
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• San Jose Sharks
• Seattle Kraken
• St. Louis Blues
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Vancouver Canucks
• Vegas Golden Knights
• Washington Capitals
• Winnipeg Jets
• Entertainment Home
• Lifestyle Home
• More Sports
• YB on Facebook
• YB on Twitter
• YB on Flipboard
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• College Basketball
• College Football
• Entertainment
• Formula One
• Horse Racing
• Motor Sports
• Premier League
• Sports Business
• Track and Field
• More Sports ▸

Lifestyle News

20 of the best road trips in Europe

Europe is a continent best known for amazing public transportation. Seriously, the rail network and bus connections over there put the US to shame. However, this limits your trip, as not every site or adorable town or viewpoint is located conveniently on the train line or near a bus stop. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best road trips around Europe.

Romantic Road, Germany

This route weaves through two southern provinces, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg,  and follows an old Roman road. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the Bavarian Alps, storybook castles like Neuschwanstein, and medieval towns like Rothenburg de Tauber.

Alsace Wine Route, France

One of the original wine routes in France, Alsace is ideal throughout the year. You’ll stop at numerous wineries between Mulhouse and Strasbourg. Additionally, many other fairytale villages, such as Colmar and Riquewihr, are included.

Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is one of the few parts of Croatia that can still be considered a true hidden gem, as the masses have yet to descend. The beaches, wineries, hilltop towns, and olive oil producers are best visited via car. Base yourself in Pula or Rovinj and take day trips!

The Northwest Coast, France

Brittany and Normandy are some of the most underrated coastal regions in Europe. White sand beaches and turquoise waters await, with none of the crowds of the south. Start in Rennes and head west to Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Dinard. Then head north to Cancale and before stopping at the straight-from-Disney Mont St Michel. End your trip at the D-Day beaches.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 1,600-mile route would be ambitious to complete on a single trip. It stretches from Kinsale in the south along the west coast all the way to Malin Head. Most people complete one or two sections at a time.

Southern Albania

Thanks to electric blue waters and stunning cliffs, Albania has blown up on social media in recent years. And all those stunning beaches you see on Instagram? They’re located in the southern part of the country. So rent a car in Tirana and head to Vlorë, then continue south with stops in Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil.

Dalmatia Coast & Montenegrin Coast, Croatia/Montenegro

Travelers flock to southern Croatia for a reason: it’s amazing. Rent a car in Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry to an island, check out Zadar and Cavat, and then head to Montenegro. Must-sees in this country include Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

It would be almost criminal to leave Italy’s most iconic stretch of coast off this list. And it’s best explored by car if you can stomach the narrow roads and occasional street cliffside drop-offs. Start in Salerno and head to the town of Amalfi before heading to Ravello, Positano, and Sorrento.

Villages de Caractère Drôme/Ardèche, France

These two neighboring regions in central-southern France are home to many “Villages de Caractère” (basically an official title designating them as cute), castles, wineries, and hikes. Rent a car in Valence or Montélimar, then head west to Aubenas, the entry point for the Regional Ardche Park. Return to the Drôme via Vallon Pont d’Arc and make sure to hike among the natural arches. Then check out Alba (Roman ruins), Grignan, and Nyons.

Benelux, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

These three small Western European countries are best covered in a vehicle. Fly into Amsterdam and pick up a car. Explore the Netherlands before continuing south to Belgium and ending in Luxembourg.

Northern Lakes, Italy

Start in Milan and hit up all the major lakes in northern Italy, from glamorous Lake Como to less pretentious but still lovely Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, plus plenty of other small ones. You’ll delight in the Italian mountain scenery!

West Coast, Sweden

Sweden’s west coast is a beautiful part of the country, with amazing cities such as Malmo and Gothenburg. However, plenty of smaller towns, beaches, and lakes await you in this epic part of the country.

Cotswold, UK

This storybook part of the United Kingdom is full of adorable thatched cottages, scenic walking routes, and villages plucked from a Miss Marple episode. The towns are best explored with a car but can also be walked between if you’re keen on some hiking!

Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is a well-trodden (or, in this case, driven) tourist route for a reason. You’ll hit up all the best sites in the country: cascading waterfalls, glacier beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Just be prepared to share the roads with lots of other tourists!

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This mountain route through the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking at every turn. Just be mindful of the speed limit, as you’ll need to go slow at many points due to curves and landscape preservation.

Basque Country, Spain and France

This unique part of both countries is perfect for those looking for something different. Begin in Bilbao and drive north with stops in San Sebastian, the Pyrenees Mountains, and Bordeaux. As a bonus, plenty of amazing wine is available to sample along the way (once you’ve finished driving for the day, of course.)

Atlantic Road, Norway

This beautiful drive along the Atlantic Ocean in Norway is great if you’re not looking for a major road trip. It’s only a few miles long but crosses bridges with the ocean on either side and has amazing views of fjords and mountains.

The Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Greece is often thought of as a sea-oriented trip, thanks to the ease of island-hopping via ferry. However, if you want to explore the mainland, a car is the easiest way to get around, especially the historic Peloponnese Peninsula. Home to Nafplio, Sparta, and numerous ancient sites, it’s the ideal place for a road trip.

European Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France

This route is ideal for mountain lovers, whether you want to complete it in the winter and ski along the way or wait until summer to hike your way through it. Start in Vienna and grab a rental car, then head west to Salzburg, Austria’s gateway to the Alps. Continue to Innsbruck before crossing into Switzerland and, finally, France.

Wine Country to the Med, Slovenia

Slovenia is a great country for a road trip as it is compact but diverse in its small area. Start in Maribor in the east before heading west to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Spend a few days hiking in Triglav Nation Park before turning south to Piran on the coast. Then return to the capital, Ljubljana, to end your trip!

Sydney is a writer and language nerd from Seattle. She’s lived in Sydney, Montreal, and Luxembourg and is always on the lookout for her next adventure. When she isn’t downing another cup of coffee or conjugating verbs, you can find her in the mountains or near the water. She writes about travel, lifestyle, and language all over the internet. 

More must-reads:

• Rams' Jimmy Garoppolo hopes to follow in footsteps of Baker Mayfield
• Top WR prospect doesn't work out at pro day
• The 'Left-handed Cy Young winners' quiz

Breaking News

Customize your newsletter.

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

20 of the best road trips in Europe

Posted: February 19, 2024 | Last updated: February 19, 2024

Europe is a continent best known for amazing public transportation. Seriously, the rail network and bus connections over there put the US to shame. However, this limits your trip, as not every site or adorable town or viewpoint is located conveniently on the train line or near a bus stop. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best road trips around Europe.

Romantic Road, Germany

This route weaves through two southern provinces, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg,  and follows an old Roman road. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the Bavarian Alps, storybook castles like Neuschwanstein, and medieval towns like Rothenburg de Tauber.

You may also like: 24 things you didn’t know about Subway

Alsace Wine Route, France

One of the original wine routes in France, Alsace is ideal throughout the year. You’ll stop at numerous wineries between Mulhouse and Strasbourg. Additionally, many other fairytale villages, such as Colmar and Riquewihr, are included.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Istria is one of the few parts of Croatia that can still be considered a true hidden gem, as the masses have yet to descend. The beaches, wineries, hilltop towns, and olive oil producers are best visited via car. Base yourself in Pula or Rovinj and take day trips!

You may also like: The 23 best European cities during the spring

The Northwest Coast, France

Brittany and Normandy are some of the most underrated coastal regions in Europe. White sand beaches and turquoise waters await, with none of the crowds of the south. Start in Rennes and head west to Dinan, Saint-Malo, and Dinard. Then head north to Cancale and before stopping at the straight-from-Disney Mont St Michel. End your trip at the D-Day beaches.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

This 1,600-mile route would be ambitious to complete on a single trip. It stretches from Kinsale in the south along the west coast all the way to Malin Head. Most people complete one or two sections at a time.

You may also like: Add these 20 unusual U.S. destinations to your travel bucket list

Southern Albania

Thanks to electric blue waters and stunning cliffs, Albania has blown up on social media in recent years. And all those stunning beaches you see on Instagram? They’re located in the southern part of the country. So rent a car in Tirana and head to Vlorë, then continue south with stops in Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil.

Dalmatia Coast & Montenegrin Coast, Croatia/Montenegro

Travelers flock to southern Croatia for a reason: it’s amazing. Rent a car in Split or Dubrovnik, take a ferry to an island, check out Zadar and Cavat, and then head to Montenegro. Must-sees in this country include Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.

You may also like: 20 essential travel hacks

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

It would be almost criminal to leave Italy’s most iconic stretch of coast off this list. And it’s best explored by car if you can stomach the narrow roads and occasional street cliffside drop-offs. Start in Salerno and head to the town of Amalfi before heading to Ravello, Positano, and Sorrento.

Villages de Caractère Drôme/Ardèche, France

These two neighboring regions in central-southern France are home to many “Villages de Caractère” (basically an official title designating them as cute), castles, wineries, and hikes. Rent a car in Valence or Montélimar, then head west to Aubenas, the entry point for the Regional Ardche Park. Return to the Drôme via Vallon Pont d’Arc and make sure to hike among the natural arches. Then check out Alba (Roman ruins), Grignan, and Nyons.

You may also like: 18 things you think are normal but are actually uniquely American

Benelux, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

These three small Western European countries are best covered in a vehicle. Fly into Amsterdam and pick up a car. Explore the Netherlands before continuing south to Belgium and ending in Luxembourg.

Northern Lakes, Italy

Start in Milan and hit up all the major lakes in northern Italy, from glamorous Lake Como to less pretentious but still lovely Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, plus plenty of other small ones. You’ll delight in the Italian mountain scenery!

You may also like: 22 of the warmest destinations around the world in winter for your escape

West Coast, Sweden

Sweden’s west coast is a beautiful part of the country, with amazing cities such as Malmo and Gothenburg. However, plenty of smaller towns, beaches, and lakes await you in this epic part of the country.

Cotswold, UK

This storybook part of the United Kingdom is full of adorable thatched cottages, scenic walking routes, and villages plucked from a Miss Marple episode. The towns are best explored with a car but can also be walked between if you’re keen on some hiking!

You may also like: 11 most scenic Pacific Northwest road trips

Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is a well-trodden (or, in this case, driven) tourist route for a reason. You’ll hit up all the best sites in the country: cascading waterfalls, glacier beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Just be prepared to share the roads with lots of other tourists!

Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

This mountain route through the Carpathian Mountains is breathtaking at every turn. Just be mindful of the speed limit, as you’ll need to go slow at many points due to curves and landscape preservation.

You may also like: 15 essential scenic drives in the United States

Basque Country, Spain and France

This unique part of both countries is perfect for those looking for something different. Begin in Bilbao and drive north with stops in San Sebastian, the Pyrenees Mountains, and Bordeaux. As a bonus, plenty of amazing wine is available to sample along the way (once you’ve finished driving for the day, of course.)

Atlantic Road, Norway

This beautiful drive along the Atlantic Ocean in Norway is great if you’re not looking for a major road trip. It’s only a few miles long but crosses bridges with the ocean on either side and has amazing views of fjords and mountains.

You may also like: The 14 most beautiful beach towns on the West Coast

The Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

Greece is often thought of as a sea-oriented trip, thanks to the ease of island-hopping via ferry. However, if you want to explore the mainland, a car is the easiest way to get around, especially the historic Peloponnese Peninsula. Home to Nafplio, Sparta, and numerous ancient sites, it’s the ideal place for a road trip.

European Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and France

This route is ideal for mountain lovers, whether you want to complete it in the winter and ski along the way or wait until summer to hike your way through it. Start in Vienna and grab a rental car, then head west to Salzburg, Austria’s gateway to the Alps. Continue to Innsbruck before crossing into Switzerland and, finally, France.

You may also like: 15 amazing train rides across the US

Wine Country to the Med, Slovenia

Slovenia is a great country for a road trip as it is compact but diverse in its small area. Start in Maribor in the east before heading west to Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. Spend a few days hiking in Triglav Nation Park before turning south to Piran on the coast. Then return to the capital, Ljubljana, to end your trip!

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

More for You

Lev Parnas, ex-Giuliani associate, testifies allegations against Bidens are false and 'spread by the Kremlin'

Trump Files Defamation Lawsuit Against ABC for Mentioning Rape Case on Air

13 Things You Should Never Clean with Windex

Gaza is being turned to rubble — and Jared Kushner thinks its waterfront is a 'very valuable' real-estate prospect

Stephen A. Smith Calls For National Championship Head Coach To Be Fired After NCAA Tournament Loss

I became a millionaire at age 27—here are 4 'unpopular' rules rich people follow that most don't

'All hell's gonna break loose': Michael Steele on outlook for Trump campaign

Mitch McConnell urges GOP against term limits

Charges Dropped against Gold Star Father Arrested During State of the Union Address

8 Common Phrases You Say To Your Hair Stylist That Are Actually Rude

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says 'next stop' for Haitians who land in Florida Keys may be Martha's Vineyard

How a cheap, generic drug became a darling of longevity enthusiasts

‘Keep your filthy hands off Trump Tower!’: Trump team fundraises off bond deadline

Harvard psychologist: If you say 'yes' to any of these 9 questions, you're 'more emotionally secure than most'

First Look At Michael Keaton & Jenna Ortega In Costume For Tim Burton's ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice'

Pepsi takes down rival Coke’s biggest client, landing its beverages and snacks in 20,000 Subway sandwich shops

Former Biden Business Partner Accuses Hunter, Jim of Lying under Oath about Chinese Dealings

USS New Jersey to leave port for first time in 24 years, big guns will fire salute: 'I love this ship'

Megan Thee Stallion Turns Up the Heat With 2024 Hot Girl Summer World Tour Dates

Judge allows Trump to appeal Fani Willis ruling

Cowboy launches all-road electric bike to attract riders beyond European city centers

Cowboy is better known for its sleek electric bikes that you can see in many major cities across Europe. And if you look at the persons riding those Cowboy bikes, most of the time, you’ll see a young adult heading to an office with a laptop in a backpack.

That’s why the company is launching a brand-new bike called Cowboy Cross. It’s an all-road model that aims for comfort and long-distance trips.

I had the opportunity to see the new Cowboy Cross last week and take it for a test ride for a few minutes. When it comes to design, it definitely looks like a Cowboy bike with its pill-shaped front light, angular design and soft matte colors.

Similarly, Cowboy is betting on a fully integrated design with as little maintenance as possible. There’s no (physical) gear, braking cables are hidden as much as possible and the company uses carbon fiber belts.

What’s new with the Cowboy Cross are the tires. The wheels are slightly smaller (26.5 inches), but the custom-designed tires are much larger.

At the front of the bike, you’ll see front fork suspension. But unlike most road bikes, the front fork is inverted with the suspension near the wheel. In addition to a better design, that’s how Cowboy manages to hide the front brake cable in the frame.

There’s also a seat post suspension for navigating rough terrain. For both the front fork and the seat post, the suspensions can be adjusted with a screwdriver.

And if you’re a small person who just can’t ride a Cowboy bike due to your height, the saddle can go a bit lower on the new bike. The handlebar is a bit larger as well. Again, everything has been designed to make the Cowboy Cross more comfortable than existing Cowboy bikes.

Image Credits: Romain Dillet / TechCrunch

There are two designs for the aluminum frame as the Cowboy Cross is available in step-over and step-through variants. The bike is available in three different colors — light gray, dark gray and green. You’ll also find a rear rack that can support a child seat or various bags.

The battery is a bit larger with a 50% increase in capacity. The company claims that you should be able to ride for 60 to 120 km on (37 to 75 miles) on a single charge.

That’s about it for specifications. However, potential customers expect to keep their new bike for years to come. So it’s going to be important to make sure that the Cowboy Cross can easily be maintained over the long haul. But it’s hard to tell how it will fare on launch day. In addition to this hardware release, Cowboy is also announcing a new “Check My Bike” diagnostic tool.

Preorders start today with an early-bird price of €3,499 (that’s $3,800 at today’s exchange rate). Eventually, Cowboy expects to sell the Cowboy Cross for €3,999 ($4,350).

As a reminder, Cowboy’s “classic” bike models cost €2,699 ($2,940), but there are two software upgrades that cost €199 and €299 each. The €199 Cowboy Connect pack is included with the Cowboy Cross models.

“According to our studies, this will double our total addressable market,” Cowboy co-founder and CEO Adrien Roose told me. “I think it’s a different customer overall. It’s a customer who’s looking for more comfort. So they’re usually a little bit older and have a bit more budget.”

In my test ride, I also played with Cowboy’s mobile app. This app hosts all the smart features of the electric bike. You can turn on the lights, switch between Eco mode and AdaptivePower , get turn-by-turn directions and see historical data. AdaptivePower is the feature that automatically adjusts the power of the motor depending on the current slope and weather conditions — and that was under the spotlight following a patent suit with eBikeLabs.

The company also added some minigames that should encourage you to push harder without distracting you too much. For instance, the app will tell you to push as much as possible during 30 seconds. Or the app might say that you’ve entered a popular segment and tell you if you’re faster than your friends.

These Strava-like features won’t replace Strava just yet — they can even be disabled in case you find them too distracting. But it’s interesting to see the company going down that road and making software a first-class citizen.

Different models for different needs

Cowboy mostly sells its bikes to customers living in Belgium (its home country), Germany, France, the Netherlands and the U.K. Instead of launching in new markets, the company has decided to expand its product range with more form factors.

“We mostly spent the first two years of the company prototyping. During the next five years, we refined our platform. Now we want to offer our product in different form factors to meet different needs,” Roose said. So you can expect other models in the coming months and years.

In July 2023, Cowboy’s main competitor VanMoof filed for bankruptcy . This led to a difficult summer for Cowboy, too, as many potential customers dismissed Cowboy’s products. “There was a big overlap of customers considering both VanMoof and Cowboy bikes,” Roose said.

But he now believes that Cowboy can move forward, as the company is in a different position than VanMoof. “There are about 100 employees at Cowboy. The figure I saw when they closed shop was that 700 people were working for VanMoof,” Roose said.

With a gross margin of 40% on each bike sold directly to consumer, Cowboy expects to become breakeven on an EBITDA basis this year and generate a net profit next year.