There’s a joyous sense of freedom found in exploring new places independently, choosing the pace and the pauses, making time for the things that intrigue you along the way. Go by bike, and that freedom amplifies, stretching the boundaries and seeing more.
If you enjoy this independent style of exploring but would love some new ideas, our new collection of self-guided cycling trips are ideal for you. Bringing you to the heart of your destination, our stress-free, expertly tested itineraries, including route directions and detailed maps, allow you to linger for longer as you please. And with our luggage transfer services doing the heavy lifting, you can just pedal at peace and soak up your surroundings.
Starting your wine adventure in the magical city of Colmar, explore the charm of cobblestones lanes and half-timbered houses, where the romantic canals have earned the name of ‘Little Venice’. Following the ‘Wine Route’, our Cycling the Wine Route of Alsace traverses the picturesque scenery through medieval towns and hillside ruins, with chateaux, colourful vineyards, and the Vosges mountains emerging in the background. Uncover the flavours of this region’s world-famous wine, whether it’s Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Noir or Gris, Riesling or Gewurztraminer. Reaching bike-friendly Strasbourg, you can explore the Gothic cathedral in its UNESCO-listed historic centre or enjoy some traditional Alsatian cuisine, such as the lamb or beef casserole, ‘baeckeoffe’ or the thin pizza-like, ‘tarte flambee’.
Cycling is the perfect way to make the most of all this gorgeous island has to offer. Our Undiscovered Sardinia trip takes you around its southwest corner, exploring pristine white beaches, hidden coves and views that stretch across the clear waters. The ancient Bronze Age nuraghe and Roman settlements provide plenty of interest for history fans. Or hop across to the island of St. Pietro and visit Carloforte, an attractively quaint town with pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets. Pause here to try the region’s culinary delights, including saffron-infused ravioli, rich sheep cheeses and freshly caught seafood.
Taking in the beautiful natural landscape of this region, our Cycling through the Unspoilt Costa Blanca trip takes you inland through the olive, almond and sweet-scented orange blossom groves. Linger at the charming Spanish villages, perhaps sampling the local paella, tempting seafood or a wine from the vineyards en route. Our cycle route continues through the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, where the air is filled with flora aromas of the landscape’s medicinal plants, before concluding on the coast at the scenic seaside towns of Denia and historic Javea.
With every pedal, our Secrets of Slovenia trip brings a new turn of mystique and delight. Cycling alongside the emerald waters of Lake Bled really displays its magnificence. Then take to the train for a picturesque ride to Goriška Brda, the ‘Tuscany’ of Slovenia. Here the undulating sun-kissed vineyards and orchards are interspersed by delightful hilltop villages – a perfect place to stop for a bite. Known for its Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, you’ll find fresh vegetables, smoked ham and white polenta. Onwards, the route takes in UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves and Lipica, home of the original Lipizzaner horses stud farm, before culminating in the Venetian coastal towns of Koper and Piran.
Our Cycling the Grand Crus of Bordeaux trip encapsulates all the majesty of this region; its infamous wine, the wealth of chateaux and stunning scenery. Riding from the ‘Entre-Deux-Mers’ area to the land of ‘Haut Medoc’, they’ll be opportunities to taste all of this region’s diverse and prestigious wines, with cheeses, such as Tomme des Pyrénées and Barousse from neighbouring areas, making excellent pairings. Meandering between the Garonne and the Dordogne Rivers, the route reaches the remarkable village of Saint-Emilion, rich in history and legend, then turns back to the UNESCO-listed Bordeaux in the finale of this gastronomic, cultural tour.
If this has inspired you to start planning a self-guided cycling holiday, take a look at our complete collection of trips here.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
