The birthplace of the bicycle, Europe has something to offer riders of all abilities, with everything from shimmering coastlines to rocky mountain paths. If you’re looking to set the wheels in motion, but you’re not sure where to start, our top 5 cycling tours in Europe will help you pick the perfect point-to-point journey for you.
Separated from your destination by almost 300km of tulips and waffles, your route to Bruges is as relaxing as it is scenic. This practically pancake-flat tour cruises through a plethora of islands, windmills and waterways. Take some time out of the saddle for churches and cheese in Gouda, Antwerp’s glinting diamonds and the castle of Ghent, before exploring the nooks and crannies of fairytale Bruges.
Get ready to ride the legendary Parenzana railway – or what’s left of it. The historic narrow-gauge line, which once connected the former Habsburg Empire, is reborn as a cycle path that delves deep into Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. Starting in Italy, you’ll steam through Slovenia, past an untouched scenery of salt pans, fortified hilltop towns, rolling vineyards and olive groves, finally tucking into truffles in the port town of Pula.
The road to Lisbon is paved in gold – golden sand and sunshine. This sublimely wild, coastal landscape sweeps lazily south past idyllic fishing villages, where you can pause for flame grilled fish and custard tarts, through pine trees and emerald lagoons. Peaceful pristine beaches at Figueira da Foz give way to the record-smashing waves of Nazaré, promising magnificent views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean on this family-friendly ride.
Crossing southern Italy in six days, this is a coast to coast challenge that will make you earn your dinner. You’ll follow an ancient Roman road from east to west, through the stunning mountain scenery of the Lucan Dolomites and Cilento National Park, to the Amalfi Coast. Your efforts are rewarded by views of Italy’s prettiest villages, the spectacular city of Matera, and the great downhill ride the other side.
A cross-border nine-day journey of seemingly epic proportions, traversing 800km and four European capitals, the route from Prague to Budapest is nonetheless helped along by fairly flat terrain, shady trails and a good few four wheel transfers. An ever-changing backdrop of medieval castles, impenetrable forests and the meandering River Danube is punctuated by the cobbled charms of Cesky Krumlov, Vienna’s parks and palaces, and dumplings in Bratislava.
Cycling tours in Europe offer the opportunity for slow travel. Whether you choose to pedal across three countries, or from city to city, the entire continent is yours to explore, at your own pace.
A cycling tour from Prague to Budapest offers more time to see little-known sights, visit beautiful countryside and live like a local, if only for a little while.
Castles, culture and fairly flat terrain make self guided cycling tours from Vienna to Budapest great for families and beginners with a reasonable level of fitness.
Expand your pedalling parameters as you peruse our cycling holidays travel guide and discover routes that take you from Europe, to Asia, to South Africa, and beyond.