{"id":135940,"date":"2025-09-11T10:45:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/135940\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T10:45:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:45:30","slug":"15-of-the-best-cycling-holidays-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/135940\/","title":{"rendered":"15 of the Best Cycling Holidays in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Going on a cycling holiday doesn\u2019t mean you have to rough it. You don&#8217;t have to camp (though it can be fun) and you don&#8217;t have to finish each day feeling like your legs are about to fall off. Why not dine on local delicacies and take the time to explore off the bike as well? The best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/explore\/europe\/cycling\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">cycling holidays in Europe<\/a> get you properly out into the wild, but also allow you to recover at night. We love to cycle &#8211; but we also love stopping for coffee.<\/p>\n<p>You can take in a whole lot of beautiful scenery while avoiding dehydrated food packets &#8211; and feasting on fine local produce each night instead.<\/p>\n<p>Picture it. You could<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10954-adventures-hiking-yoga-trip-madeira\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/a>be climbing a hairpin bend in the Albanian mountains, with views of the Adriatic on one side and the Accursed Mountains on the other. You could be riding dusty trails on the southwest coast of Portugal on an e-bike, nibbling past\u00e9is de nata as you go. Or, you could be jumping on a fat bike and riding through snow in the Arctic Circle, wrapped up all warm.<\/p>\n<p>Whatever your preferred choice of scenery; there&#8217;s something for you in this showcase of the best cycling holidays in Europe. Of course, what is &#8216;best&#8217; is in the eye of the beholder &#8211; but these beauties are sure to inspire your travels.<\/p>\n<p>What Makes a Cycling Holiday the Best?<\/p>\n<p>The best cycling holidays combine rolling, winding and weaving roads, gravel and off-road routes with the best local cuisine a place has to offer. They let you recover from your time in the saddle with a comfy bed at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/explore\/europe\/cycling\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Cycling Holidays in Europe | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Locally guided cycling holidays in Europe. Award-winning adventures without the logistical headache, helping wild places thrive one adventure at a time.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The list below is not a list of the best cycling trails in Europe &#8211; it&#8217;s a list of the best cycling holidays. It&#8217;s about the all-round experience, not just the riding.<\/p>\n<p>Heck, there might even be a bit of hiking or canoeing involved in the trip too.<\/p>\n<p>These cycling holidays are led by expert local guides, to keep you safe and talk you through the flora, fauna and folklore of wherever you&#8217;re riding through.<\/p>\n<p>1. Cycle the Backroads of Albania<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Albania-cycling.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"A scenic view from the backroads of Albania. Photo: Zbulo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"682\" \/>A scenic view from the backroads of Albania. Photo: ZbuloNumber of nights: 8Best for: Mixing rugged mountains and scenic coastCheeky extras: Farm-to-table food in rural villagesTop treat: The Benje hot springsWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Small, locally-owned guesthouses and hotels<\/p>\n<p>Take in scenic lakes, glimmering coastline and the rugged mountain passes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/explore\/albania\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Albania<\/a> &#8211; pedalling past horse-drawn carts and traditional villages.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe start at Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO site,\u201d says Endrit Shima, a guide on this adventure through Albania. \u201cThe rest is quite remote, in southeast Albania. There are mountain roads with almost no cars, small villages and towns bordering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/explore\/greece\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Greece<\/a> with a lot of greenery and high mountains &#8211; and the Vjosa River.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There are mountain roads with almost no cars, small villages and towns&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>The most notable climb is the Llogora Pass. You&#8217;ll reach 1,600m of elevation as you climb on the hairpins, with views over the Ionian Sea. Off the saddle, soak in the Benje hot springs, and dip in the sea. Eat farm-to-table food in scenic, rural villages and stay at small guesthouses, on the shore or in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10915-adventures-cycling-albania-backroads\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Cycle the Backroads of Albania | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join a small group cycling adventure to pedal to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera via rugged mountain passes, with expert guides and vehicle support.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/albania-cycling_Vjosa_Valley.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>2. Arctic Circle Fat Bike Expedition<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_216_iStock-458302013-1.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"A fat bike in the snow of Norway, deep in the Arctic Circle Photo: Getty.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\"  \/>A fat bike in the snow of Norway, deep in the Arctic Circle Photo: Much Better AdventuresNumber of nights: 5Best for: Combining ride time with the northern lightsCheeky extras: Sauna timeTop treat: Sleeping beneath the skies &#8211; in a see-through domeWhere you\u2019ll sleep: In mountain refuges and dreamy domes<\/p>\n<p>Most people don&#8217;t expect to see snow on a cycling holiday. But, as long as you&#8217;ve got a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/what-is-a-fatbike\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">fat bike<\/a> &#8211; winter is fair game on two wheels. On this trip, you&#8217;ll cycle across Norway&#8217;s Finnmarksvidda plateau, sleep in remote huts and relax in saunas.<\/p>\n<p>On the bike, expect to see reindeer and forests weighed down by the snow.<\/p>\n<p>The Aurora Canvas Domes are perhaps the highlight of this trip, though. When night falls, you can fall asleep in a cosy bed in a private dome with a see-through roof, allowing you to see the stars. Or if you&#8217;re really lucky &#8211; the northern lights.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10058-adventures-arctic-circle-fat-bike-expedition\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Fat Biking Expedition in the Arctic Circle in Norway | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join our small group tour and you\u2019ll cycle across a snowy Arctic plateau in Norway with a team of huskies, sleep in a cosy aurora dome &amp; relax in saunas.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/iStock-1007763382__2_.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>3. Cycle the Backroads of Sicily<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1458895614--1-.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Sunrise over the old baroque town of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"  \/>Sunrise over the old baroque town of Ragusa Ibla in Sicily. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 6Best for: FoodiesCheeky extras: Trattoria dinners and gelato stopsTop treat: Chocolate tasting in ModicaWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Quiet B&amp;Bs and small hotels<\/p>\n<p>The cycling in Sicily is stunning &#8211; along pristine coastlines, into some of Europe&#8217;s deepest canyons, and along hairpin views with remarkable views of the coast.<\/p>\n<p>But let&#8217;s face it, cycling can only ever be one part of an exploration of Sicily. A lot of that is going to have to take place in the historic towns and, yes, on the plate.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll hope off your bike for lunch in Ragusa Ibla, a hilltop town renowned for its baroque beauty, and ride to Modica, where you&#8217;ll indulge in a chocolate tasting led by locals who have making for generations. The next day, cycle on to Pozzallo on the coast. You&#8217;re never far away from a snack &#8211; whether it&#8217;s gelato or cannoli.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10966-adventures-cycle-backroads-sicily\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Cycle the Backroads of Sicily | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Pedal Sicily\u2019s Val di Noto from hills to coast, with wild swims &amp; Baroque towns. Join like-minded folk &amp; expert guides \u2013 book now!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2379216397.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>4. Cycle the Atlantic Coast of Portugal<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/the-rugged-cliffs-of-Cabo-de-Sa-o-Vicente--Farol-do-Cabo-de-Sa-o-Vicente-lighthouse.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The rugged cliffs of Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente, with Farol do Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente lighthouse on the edge. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" \/>The rugged cliffs of Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente, with Farol do Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente lighthouse on the edge. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 6Best for: Mixing seafood and cyclingCheeky extras: Stops for past\u00e9is de nata custard tartsTop treat: A sunset swim beneath Atlantic cliffsWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Comfy hotels and beachfront stays<\/p>\n<p>Pedal through relaxed Portuguese villages, montado cork forests and along the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Sard\u00e3o &#8211; on the Rota Vicentina &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/rota-vincentina\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Fisherman&#8217;s Trail<\/a>&#8216;.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll ride along some of the Algarve\u2019s most remote and pristine beaches, stopping at golden sand beaches and finishing at Cape St. Vincent, Europe&#8217;s most southwesternmost point. On the plate? Local seafood, olive oil and fresh bread.<\/p>\n<p>We look for the guy or woman who produces cheese and bread in their courtyard, or who has some bees and lovely honey&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We look for the guy or woman who produces cheese and bread in their courtyard, or who has some bees and lovely honey,&#8221; says guide Luis Coelho. Oh, and there&#8217;s also an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/11029-adventures-ebiking-tour-algarve-portugal\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">e-bike version of this cycle on the Atlantic Coast trip<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10963-adventures-cycling-tour-algarve-portugal\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Cycle the Atlantic Coast of Portugal | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join expert guides to pedal along Portugal\u2019s wild Atlantic coastline with a small group of cyclists, following the legendary Rota Vicentina to the Algarve.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cycling-Rota-Vicentina-coast-portugal-host.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>5. Hike, E-Bike and Wine in Italy&#8217;s Prosecco Hills<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cycling_Prosecco_Hills__Italycyclingtours_supplier.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"A cycling group in the Prosecco Hills. Photo: Italy Cycling Tours.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/>A cycling group in the Prosecco Hills. Photo: Italy Cycling Tours.Number of nights: 5Best for: Prosecco lovers, of courseCheeky extras: Three wine tastingsTop treat: An indulgent tasting at the Pietrovecchio WineryWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Traditional agriturismos<\/p>\n<p>The UNESCO-protected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/prosecco-hills-active-travel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Prosecco Hills<\/a> are not far from Venice, but they are far from the tourist gaze. Picture green, agricultural terraces and quiet, rollings hills.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s a mix of nature tourism, quiet hiking and cycling trails, and of course there\u2019s the wine and the sumptuous food,&#8221; explains local Vania De Paoli.<\/p>\n<p>Leaving the door of your agriturismo, you&#8217;ll ride to the 16th-century mill of Molinetto della Croda. You&#8217;ll climb up to the hamlet of Rolle (with power-assist help) and freewheel down to Revine Lake for a picnic and a swim.<\/p>\n<p>The gastronomy is the key pull here, though &#8211; fresh produce, all farm to table.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10727-adventures-hike-bike-prosecco-hills-italy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Hiking, E-Biking and Wine Tasting in Italy\u2019s Prosecco Hills | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join a small group of travellers on the ultimate foodie adventure for indulgent tastings, idyllic hikes and scenic rides among UNESCO-listed surroundings.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Prosecco_Hills_GettyImages-1456770805.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>6. Hike, E-Bike and Canoe in the Dolomites<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-2179412253--1--1.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The distinctive mountains of the Dolomites, on the Cinque Torri trail. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1585\" height=\"1178\"  \/>The distinctive mountains of the Dolomites, on the Cinque Torri trail. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 5Best for: Those craving spiky mountainsCheeky extras: Delicious dinners with Dolomite specialitiesTop treat: Cycling up Monte FertazzaWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Quaint hotels and agriturismo<\/p>\n<p>The Dolomites are a place of legend; where high, limestone mountains stretch up and pierce the sky &#8211; and turquoise lakes glimmer beneath lush green valleys.<\/p>\n<p>The beauty of this holiday is the variety. Head to the Dolomites and you can get your cycling fix; ascending Monte Fertazza (2,080m\/6,824ft) on two wheels for remarkable views of the most famous mountain spires in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>After that you can get out on the hiking trails &#8211; take on the Cinque Torri trail and the Mondeval high plateau. Canoe in the waters of Lago del Mis, and at the end of each day? Kick back in a four-star mountain spa hotel and agriturismo.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10770-adventures-hiking-biking-canoeing-dolomites-italy\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Hike, E-Bike and Canoe in the Dolomites | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join a small group of adventurers in Italy\u2019s Dolomite Mountains to explore iconic peaks, wild trails, verdant valleys and hidden lakes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Canoeing_Lago_del_Miss___Ian_D._.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>7. Intro to Off-Road Riding in the UK<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Copy-of-IMG_3067--1-.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The rolling green hills of the Chilterns. Photo: Wild Cycles\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"  \/>The rolling green hills of the Chilterns. Photo: Wild CyclesNumber of nights: 2Best for: Your first off-road cycling adventureCheeky extras: Basecamp campfire and home-cooked mealsTop treat: The climb to Ivinghoe Beacon (or at least, the view at the top)!Where you\u2019ll sleep: A big, beautiful bell tent<\/p>\n<p>This adventure starts at Tring Train Station, which is reachable from Euston in the centre of London in under an hour. It&#8217;s a dreamy trip which combines off-road riding on chalk paths and the green, rolling hills in the Chilterns.<\/p>\n<p>Think bell tents, campfires, good food and starry skies.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll pedal the Ridgeway, a famous, scenic trail which often cited as Britain&#8217;s oldest road, and you&#8217;ll learn all the techniques you need to know for off-road cycling with expert guides. Each evening, you&#8217;ll return back to bed down at a cosy base camp. Think bell tents, campfires, good food and starry skies.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10552-adventures-intro-to-gravel-riding-weekender\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Intro to Off-Road Cycling: A Weekend Adventure | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Develop your off-road cycling skills on mixed-terrain trails in the English countryside, with expert guides to help you hone your technique.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gravel_cycling_Host.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>8. Hike, E-Bike and Wine in Spain&#8217;s Basque Country<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_248_18861040.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Eguren Ugarte Hotel &amp; Winery, just outside of Laguardia. Photo: Much Better Adventures\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"  \/>Eguren Ugarte Hotel &amp; Winery, just outside of Laguardia. Photo: Much Better AdventuresNumber of nights: 5Best for: Rocky cliffs, red wine and nibblesCheeky extras: Hot spring, anyone?Top treat: Sampling wines on-site at Eguren UgarteWhere you\u2019ll sleep: a rather remarkable hotel and winery<\/p>\n<p>A dream on the saddle, and in the glass. Head to Rioja Alavesa in the Rioja wine region for your first glimpse of the many vineyards here. Eguren Ugarte (above), is your accommodation, a hotel and winery set amongst greenery and high cliffs.<\/p>\n<p>The Via Verde del Cidacos cycling trail is a gravel route past lush groves, farmland, olive orchards and riverbanks.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s hiking here, notably on the storied <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/wine-fish-route-la-rioja\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wine and Fish Route<\/a>, but also superb cycling. The Via Verde del Cidacos trail is a gravel route past lush groves, farmland, olive orchards and riverbanks. Cycle the Cidacos River Valley, and at Arnedillo, on the banks of the Cidacos, revitalise in natural hot springs.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10823-adventures-basque-country-adventure-spain\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Hiking, E-Biking, Food &amp; Wine Tasting in Northern Spain | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join an active foodie adventure through La Rioja Wine Region and \u2018pintxo-hop\u2019 in San Sebastian, staying at a winery hotel in Basque Country.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mario-la-pergola-sVWA1zvMD3E-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>9. Hike, E-Bike and Feast in Italy&#8217;s Puglia and Matera<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1496435726--1-.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"A local woman selling fresh orecchiette on the streets. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"  \/>A local woman selling fresh orecchiette on the streets. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 5Best for: An active foodie adventureCheeky extras: An abundance of meals. Some big, some small. All deliciousTop treat: The cheeses? Focaccia? Pasta? Take your pickWhere you\u2019ll sleep: A cave hotel and a glorious agriturismo<\/p>\n<p>Matera is the city of stone; a mish-mash of Italian architecture, in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. There are UNESCO-protected caves here dating back to the Paleolithic era, and boutique hotels nestled in the stonework.<\/p>\n<p>Leave Matera on a bike and head into the rolling hills. You&#8217;ll find peaceful, deserted country lanes, head along San Guiliano Lake and stop at the Crypt of the Original Sin, a cave known as the &#8216;Sistine Chapel of rock art&#8217; for its frescoes.<\/p>\n<p>Stop at bakers. Nibble on local olives, ride along old aqueducts and enjoy homemade cheeses and orecchiette (an Apulian pasta). This is a trip for those who like to see the sights on the bike and gorge on local goods after.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10898-adventures-hike-bike-foodie-holiday-puglia\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Active Foodie Adventure in Puglia and Matera | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join a small group trip to pedal, hike and munch your way through Southern Italy\u2019s foodie paradise, taking trails to hillside trulli villages and olive groves.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Alberobello_shutterstock_2341407943.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>10. Hike, E-Bike and Wine in Tuscany<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_190_cycling-tuscany-shutterstock_2220191819.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"Cycling in Tuscany, amongst the olive trees. Photo: Shutterstock\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\"  \/>Cycling in Tuscany, amongst the olive trees. Photo: ShutterstockNumber of nights: 5Best for: Living the Tuscan dreamCheeky extras: Farm-to-table lunches with local produce tastingsTop treat: How does an Etruscan cave spa sound?Where you\u2019ll sleep: A spa hotel<\/p>\n<p>Pedalling through the iconic, rolling hills of Tuscany is&#8230; well, exactly what you imagine it is. Picture cypress trees rising up on either side of gravel paths. Picture hilltop towns, with ancient towers rising up and providing a focal point on the horizon. And picture Val d&#8217;Orcia vineyards on terraced hills, green and bright.<\/p>\n<p>This is an active take on the Italian dream \u2013 combining all that beauty with Tuscan feasts along the way, in towns like Pienza and Montepulciano. Specialities in this area include cured meats, olive oils, juicy tomatoes, handmade pasta and world-class wines like Brunello di Montalcino.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10957-adventures-hike-bike-and-wine-tuscany\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Hike, E-Bike and Wine in Tuscany | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join our active take on the Italian dream \u2013 idyllic hikes, scenic rides and Tuscan feasts among the hills, villages and hot springs of Val d\u2019Orcia.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Valdorcia-shutterstock-576901747_1_.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>11. Hike, E-Bike and Canoe in Abruzzo<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1421032921.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"An aerial view of the jaw-dropping town of Roccamorice. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\"  \/>An aerial view of the jaw-dropping town of Roccamorice. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 4Best for: A multi-activity adventure in ItalyCheeky extras: Traditional breakfasts and dinners, Italian styleTop treat: Riding across the remote Campo Imperatore plateauWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Hotels and lodges in tiny villages<\/p>\n<p>The Central Appenines are Italy&#8217;s great wilderness; the &#8220;green lung of Europe&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>Just a few hours drive from Rome you&#8217;ll find Roccamorice, a remarkable ancient, stone village set on a high plateau in the lush Maiella National Park. Head to Gran Sasso &#8211; one of the largest protected areas in Europe &#8211; and ride across the remote Campo Imperatore plateau, known as &#8220;Little Tibet&#8221; for its beauty.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re not on the bike, explore local mountains and ruins. You can climb to the fortified hamlet of Rocca Calascio to see an ancient castle, and will reach the high point of your trip on the summit of Corno Grande at 2,912m (9,553ft).<\/p>\n<p>This trip is a true mix of activities too &#8211; there&#8217;s also canoeing on the Tirino River.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10546-adventures-adventure-in-italys-central-apennines\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Hike, E-Bike and Canoe in Abruzzo | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Discover Italy\u2019s great wilderness on a small group adventure. Explore lunar landscapes, high plateaus and sparkling rivers in the Central Apennines.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tirino_12.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>12. Hike, E-Bike and Feast in Greece&#8217;s Peloponnese Peninsula<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_166_dimitsana-greece-shutterstock.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The town of Dimitsana, on the edge of the Lousios Gorge. Photo: Shutterstock\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1499\"  \/>The town of Dimitsana, on the edge of the Lousios Gorge. Photo: ShutterstockNumber of nights: 5Best for: A Greek odysseyCheeky extras: Olive oil tasting!Top treat: Snorkelling about a sunken city in the Aegean SeaWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Brilliant boutique Greek hotels<\/p>\n<p>Ride out of Dimitsana, a Greek village above the Lousios Gorge, and take to the Menalon Trail. You&#8217;ll roll past sleepy villages, shady forests and sun-dappled hills. Afterwards, try Greece&#8217;s most famous red wine &#8211; the storied Agiorgitiko.<\/p>\n<p>Back on land, there&#8217;s olive oil tasting to be done and mezze to devour.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the cycling trails, grab a canoe and paddle out into the calm waters around Epidaurus. Snorkel above ancient stone walls and columns, which sit just beneath the surface of the Mediterranean waters. Back on land, there&#8217;s olive oil tasting to be done and mezze to devour.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10973-adventures-active-adventure-peloponnese-greece\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Active Foodie Holiday in Greece\u2019s Peloponnese Peninsula | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join an active, small-group trip to pedal, paddle, stroll &amp; swim your way around this gorgeous Greek peninsula, with sumptuous food and wines galore.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/epidaurus--greece-shutterstock-2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>13. Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-800320136--1-.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The northern coast of Spain. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1123\"  \/>The northern coast of Spain. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 6Best for: Adventure tapasCheeky extras: Local delicacies, from fabada and chorizo to Asturian ciderTop treat: Cycling the Camino along the cliffsWhere you\u2019ll sleep: A hotel in the coastal town of Llanes<\/p>\n<p>Asturias is the wild heart of Spain, still far from the radar of mass tourism. To some that&#8217;s because of the coastal SUP. To others, the 13th-century architecture. Then there&#8217;s the enthralment of the canyoning, the circling Griffon vultures, and dreamy hiking like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/ruta-del-cares-picos-de-europa-guide\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ruta del Cares<\/a> canyon walk.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10529-adventures-canyons-to-coast-adventure-in-northern-spain\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Canyons to Coast Adventure in Northern Spain | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join a small group adventure in Cantabria and Asturias. You\u2019ll go hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, canyoning and caving \u2013 all with local experts.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SUP_2.jpeg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the activity which remains further from the tourist gaze here is cycling &#8211; but there&#8217;s plenty to be done, whether that&#8217;s on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/magazine\/camino-de-santiago-trail\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Camino de Santiago<\/a>, on the coast, through the rolling farmlands just in-land or in the mountains beyond.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to sample the Camino, head to the coast. You&#8217;ll ride by clifftop lookouts and may even see the Bufones de Pria &#8211; a phenomenon where seawater erupts up from the holes and cracks in the limestone cliffs, like volcanic geysers.<\/p>\n<p>14. SUP, E-Bike and Wild Swim in Finland<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/imgi_238_shutterstock_2177067273.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"A dreamy world of forests, lakes and quiet roads awaits. Photo: Shutterstock\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"  \/>A dreamy world of forests, lakes and quiet roads awaits. Photo: ShutterstockNumber of nights: 4Best for: A real relaxing getawayCheeky extras: A wood-fired hot tubTop treat: Daily saunas and constant viewsWhere you\u2019ll sleep: A wilderness cabin, in amongst the trees<\/p>\n<p>The Saimaa Arcipelago Route is a 95 mile (154km) cycling tour through the southern Saimaa region of Finland &#8211; defined by water, forests and islands.<\/p>\n<p>Along the way are historical attractions including several Saimaa Geopark sites. Dine on local delicacies like freshly-caught salmon, or potatoes and dill, and stay in a remote (but comfy) cabin with a sauna and a hot-tub, just next to the water.<\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;ve completed the cycle, there&#8217;s still more to explore. Walk the ancient forests of the Orrainpolku Trail, SUP and kayak on Lake Saimaa and keep your eyes open for rare Saimaa ringed seals, which are endemic to the area.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"kg-bookmark-container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/products\/10899-adventures-sup-bike-wild-swim-finland\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>SUP, E-Bike and Wild Swim in Finland | Much Better Adventures<\/p>\n<p>Join us for a wild adventure of biking, kayaking and hiking in Finland, pausing for saunas and wild swims.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/shutterstock_2177067273.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a>15. Cycle the Ciro Trail in Bosnia and Herzegovina<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-533051024--1-.jpg\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"The old bridge in the magical city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo: Getty\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"  \/>The old bridge in the magical city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo: GettyNumber of nights: 7Best for: Balkan explorationCheeky extras: Strong coffee and flaky burekTop treat: Big viewpoints over Svitava LakeWhere you\u2019ll sleep: Refuges and guesthouses<\/p>\n<p>This 90-mile (150km) route runs from Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Dubrovnik in Croatia, along the abandoned route of an old narrow-gauge railway which was discontinued in 1976. Today, the \u0106iro Trail is all about bicycles.<\/p>\n<p>This 90-mile (150km) route runs from Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Dubrovnik in Croatia.<\/p>\n<p>Leaving the famous Old Bridge of Mostar, you&#8217;ll pass through old, traditional villages where traffic is a foreign concept. You&#8217;ll ride by the sprawling Svitavsko Lake and take in far-reaching viewpoints, looking out over valleys, agricultural land and forests. Then you&#8217;ll pedal into Zavala and head on to Dubrovnik.<\/p>\n<p>This is a sublime route connecting two great European cities.<\/p>\n<p>Guided vs. Self-Guided Hiking Holidays<\/p>\n<p>The choice between whether to go guided or self-guided on a cycling holiday is a big one. While riding solo might appeal to experienced riders, a guided trip offers serious piece of mind to those who haven&#8217;t taken on such an adventure before.<\/p>\n<p>For a start, you&#8217;ve got someone on hand to fix your bike or flat tyre if you have a mechanical. But a guide also adds so much more &#8211; from a deep knowledge of the area you&#8217;re passing through to route-finding skills en route.<\/p>\n<p>Your local guide is a bridge to the culture of the place you&#8217;re visiting. If you&#8217;re after a hassle-free, immersive adventure, a guide is hard to beat.<\/p>\n<p>Inspired? Then check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muchbetteradventures.com\/explore\/europe\/hiking\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hiking Adventures in Europe<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\n                            Stay safe out there: Our guides are well-researched, short summaries, designed to<br \/>\n                            inspire but not for navigational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee<br \/>\n                            completeness. Outdoor activities come with serious risk, and individuals must take full personal<br \/>\n                            responsibility for their own safety. Much Better Adventures, and the authors, disclaim any<br \/>\n                            liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of the information from this article.\n                        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Going on a cycling holiday doesn\u2019t mean you have to rough it. You don&#8217;t have to camp (though&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":135941,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[49,48,635,82],"class_list":["post-135940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135940"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135940\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/135941"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=135940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=135940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}