Top 5 Cycling Tours in Europe

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.

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Top 5 Cycling Tours in Europe

1. Amsterdam to Bruges

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.

When to go: April to September
Our top selling trip: Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge holiday
See all our trips: Cycling tours in Europe holidays
Read more: Small group cycling holidays travel guide

2. Trieste to Pula

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.

When to go: April to September
Our top selling trip: Trieste to Pula cycling tour
See all our trips: Cycling tours in Europe holidays
Read more: Croatia travel guide and Slovenia travel guide

3. Porto to Lisbon

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.

When to go: April to October
Our top selling trip: Porto to Lisbon cycling holiday
See all our trips: Cycling holidays in Portugal
Read more: Portugal travel guide and Self guided cycling travel guide

4. Puglia to Sorrento

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.

When to go: April to September
Our top selling trip: Cycling holiday across Italy, Puglia to Sorrento
See all our trips: Cycling holidays in Italy
Read more: Italy travel guide, Puglia travel guide and Small group cycling travel guide

5. Prague to Budapest

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.

When to go: May to October
Our top selling trip: Prague to Budapest cycling holiday
See all our trips: Cycling tours in Europe holidays
Read more: Small group cycling holidays travel guide

More about Cycling Tours in Europe

Cycling tours in Europe travel guide

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.