7 of the best affordable bike tours in Europe (and beyond)

Our pick of the best affordable bike tours in Europe

1. Asturias Coastline Family Cycling Holiday with S-Cape Travel

Best for families wanting an easy-going coastal adventure in one of Spain’s quieter corners.

Coastline of Asturias (photo credit: S-Cape Spain)

Key information

Route: An eight-day self-guided point-to-point tour through Asturias and eastern Cantabria, with rides between Vilde, Poo de Llanes and Nueva de Llanes, plus circular routes and a canoeing excursion.

Terrain: Quiet country lanes, rolling coastal roads and gentle hills, with optional longer routes featuring a little more climbing.

Difficulty: Easy. Daily cycling distances range from around 14 to 45 kilometres, with shorter and longer options on several days, making it well suited to families and leisure cyclists.

Highlights: Green coastal scenery, hidden beaches, fishing villages, prehistoric cave paintings, the Camino del Norte, canoeing on the Deva River and spectacular views towards the Picos de Europa.

Logistics: Self-guided tour with hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers, digital navigation, breakfast included and flexible start dates between April and October.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn, when mild temperatures make it ideal for cycling, swimming and exploring the Asturian coast.

The riding

This tour showcases a gentler side of northern Spain, following quiet country roads through the lush landscapes of Asturias and eastern Cantabria. Rather than focusing on long climbs or big mileage, the routes link sandy beaches, peaceful villages and dramatic stretches of coastline, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the surroundings. Daily distances are deliberately manageable, and several stages include shorter and longer route options to suit different abilities.

The variety is what makes this trip stand out. One day you’re pedalling past traditional farms and hidden coves, the next you’re paddling down the Deva River by canoe or exploring the medieval streets of Llanes. Along the way there are prehistoric cave paintings, coastal viewpoints, local cider bars and even the option to follow part of the Camino del Norte.

Although there are some rolling hills, the gradients are generally forgiving, and the tour is designed to leave plenty of time for beach stops, sightseeing and long lunches. It’s an easy-going cycling holiday that feels as much about discovering Green Spain as covering kilometres on the bike.

What we love

Northern Spain offers a completely different experience to the Spain many people picture, and this tour makes the most of it. The green landscapes, quiet roads and rugged coastline create a wonderfully relaxed backdrop, while the mix of cycling, canoeing and cultural stops keeps every day feeling fresh without becoming over-scheduled.

We also like how family-friendly the whole S-Cape Travel itinerary feels. Flexible route options, welcoming small-scale accommodation and time built in for beaches and exploring mean the holiday is just as enjoyable off the bike as it is in the saddle.

What else they offer

S-Cape Travel specialises in self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Europe, with tours in destinations including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands. Alongside family-friendly itineraries, they offer everything from gentle leisure rides to more adventurous trips, all backed by local expertise, carefully planned routes and on-road assistance.

More information

• Cycling northern Spain, including tips on how to plan your affordable tours.
• Spanish cycling holidays, lour guide on where to go for cycling breaks in this amazing country.
• S-Cape’s website, including how to book this tour.

2. Canal de la Garonne – from Bordeaux to Toulouse with French Bike Tours

Best for relaxed riverside cycling with fantastic food and wine along the way.

Boat along the Garonne canal (photo credit: French Bike Tours)

Key information

Route: A seven-day self-guided ride from Bordeaux to Toulouse, following the Canal de la Garonne through vineyards, historic towns and peaceful countryside.

Terrain: Mostly flat, largely traffic-free canal towpaths and quiet paved roads, with a handful of gently rolling sections early in the route.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Daily rides range from around 45 to 70 kilometres, making it a good option for leisure cyclists, families and e-bike riders.

Highlights: UNESCO-listed Bordeaux and Toulouse, canal-side cycling, vineyards, bastide towns, the Agen Aqueduct, local food markets and world-class wines.

Logistics: Self-guided tour with hand-picked accommodation, breakfast included, luggage transfers available, digital navigation and optional hybrid or e-bike hire.

Best time to visit: Spring through autumn, when warm temperatures and long daylight hours make the canal particularly enjoyable.

The riding

The Canal de la Garonne is one of France’s most relaxing long-distance cycling routes, combining peaceful canal towpaths with quiet country lanes and picturesque riverside towns. The route follows the historic waterway linking Bordeaux and Toulouse, creating days of easy, flowing riding where the kilometres seem to disappear beneath your wheels. Apart from a little more climbing during the opening stages through wine country, the terrain is largely flat.

The scenery changes gradually as you head east. Vineyards give way to orchards and open countryside, while bastide towns, ancient locks and elegant canal bridges provide plenty of reasons to pause along the way. Historic places such as Agen and Moissac add cultural interest, while the tree-lined towpaths offer welcome shade during warmer months.

This is a ride that is suited to a relaxed pace. Whether you’re stopping for coffee in a village square, sampling regional specialities or wandering through Bordeaux’s grand streets before setting off, the emphasis is on enjoying south-west France rather than rushing between destinations.

What we love

This French Bike Tours cycling holiday strikes a lovely balance between easy cycling and memorable experiences. The largely traffic-free route makes it feel wonderfully relaxed, while the combination of historic cities, peaceful countryside and excellent food means there’s always something to look forward to when you climb off the bike.

We also like how manageable it is. The gentle terrain suits a wide range of cyclists, yet the journey still feels substantial as you ride all the way between two of France’s most distinctive cities, following one of Europe’s great historic waterways.

What else they offer

French Bike Tours specialises in self-guided cycling holidays across France, with more than 50 itineraries covering everything from gentle family breaks to longer point-to-point adventures. Their tours combine carefully planned routes with local knowledge, taking care of accommodation, luggage transfers, bike hire and navigation so you can simply enjoy discovering France at your own pace.

More information

• 5 best cycling routes in France that are designed for an easy cycling holiday.
• 8 of the most beautiful river cycling routes if you want alternative options for scenic waterway cycling tours.
• French Bike Tours’ website including booking information.

3. Pearls of Holland with Dutch Bike Tours

Best for first-time cycle tourers looking for classic Dutch scenery and easy riding.

A canal in the university town of Leiden (photo credit: Dutch Bike Tours)

Key information

Route: A seven-day self-guided circular tour from Amsterdam, visiting Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda before returning to the Dutch capital.

Terrain: Predominantly flat, with quiet cycle paths, country lanes and traffic-free routes through polders, dunes and the Green Heart countryside.

Difficulty: Easy. Daily rides range from around 29 to 68 kilometres, with relatively short stages that leave plenty of time for sightseeing.

Highlights: Amsterdam’s canals, Haarlem’s historic centre, the flower bulb region, Delft’s pottery heritage, Gouda’s famous cheese and stroopwafels, windmills and the Green Heart.

Logistics: Self-guided hotel-to-hotel tour with breakfast included, luggage transfers, navigation and optional bike or e-bike hire.

Best time to visit: April to September, with spring bringing colourful tulip fields and summer offering long days for leisurely riding.

The riding

The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by bike, and this tour showcases exactly why. Well-maintained cycle paths, quiet roads and almost entirely flat terrain make for relaxed riding, while the relatively short daily distances leave plenty of time to wander around some of the country’s most attractive historic cities.

Although Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda are the headline destinations, the countryside between them is just as memorable. The route passes through the peaceful Green Heart, where windmills, canals, grazing livestock and neat patchwork fields create the classic Dutch landscapes visitors come to see. Depending on the season, you may also ride alongside colourful flower bulb fields or through the coastal dunes.

Every day feels slightly different without ever becoming demanding. One morning might be spent exploring a museum or canal before setting off, while the afternoon finishes with coffee in a lively market square or a stroll through centuries-old streets. It’s a holiday built around enjoying the journey rather than chasing the kilometres.

What we love

This Dutch Bike Tours itinerary combines two of the Netherlands’ greatest strengths: world-class cycling infrastructure and beautiful historic towns. The riding is wonderfully straightforward, leaving you free to appreciate everything from Amsterdam’s canals to Delft’s pottery, Gouda’s famous cheese and the peaceful scenery of the Dutch countryside.

We also like the variety packed into a relatively short itinerary. Cities, coast, flower fields, windmills and quiet rural landscapes all feature, giving you an excellent introduction to the Netherlands without ever feeling rushed.

What else they offer

Dutch Bike Tours offers more than 50 self-guided cycling holidays across the Netherlands, covering everything from iconic city-to-city routes to peaceful coastal escapes and countryside adventures. They organise accommodation, luggage transfers, bike hire and navigation, leaving you free to enjoy the country’s superb cycling network at your own pace, with local support available throughout your trip.

More information

• Cycling in the Netherlands, an inside guide to the country.
• 10 useful tips for cycling holidays in the Netherlands to help you plan your trip.
• Dutch Bike Tours’ website including more information on this tour.

4. From Zagreb to Zadar with ridescouts

Best for riders who want to cross a country under their own steam.

Cycling through the Velebit offers impressive views (photo credit: V Metelko via Zadar Region Tourist Board)

Key information

Route: A six-day self-guided journey from Zagreb to the Adriatic coast, passing through Karlovac, Oštarije, Majerovo Vrilo, Sveti Rok and Kruševo before finishing in Zadar.

Terrain: Predominantly quiet paved roads with occasional light gravel, featuring rolling countryside, mountain passes and an impressive coastal descent.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Daily distances average around 68 kilometres with approximately 725 metres of climbing each day.

Highlights: Zagreb, the Gacka River springs, Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre, the Velebit mountains, the Zrmanja canyon and the historic city of Zadar.

Logistics: Self-guided point-to-point tour with GPX navigation, carefully designed daily stages and local support throughout the journey.

Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn, when temperatures are ideal for tackling the climbs before enjoying the Adriatic coast.

The riding

This is the kind of ride that feels like a genuine journey rather than simply a cycling holiday. Starting in Croatia’s capital, the route heads steadily south through peaceful countryside before climbing into the mountainous landscapes of Lika and eventually descending towards the sparkling Adriatic. Few tours offer such a dramatic transition in scenery over the course of a single week.

Each stage has its own character. Quiet rural roads wind through forest trails, riverside valleys and traditional villages before giving way to the broad open landscapes beneath the Velebit mountains. Along the way you’ll pass the crystal-clear springs of the Gacka River, visit the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan and experience the changing landscapes as lush inland Croatia gradually transforms into rocky Dalmatian terrain.

The final approach towards Zadar is a fitting finale. As olive groves begin to replace forests and the scent of the sea drifts inland, you know the Adriatic isn’t far away. Rolling into one of Croatia’s most beautiful historic coastal cities after six days in the saddle is a wonderfully satisfying way to finish the adventure.

What we love

Many cycling holidays explore a single region, but the Zagreb to Zadar route feels much more ambitious. Riding from continental Croatia to the Adriatic coast gives you a real sense of travelling across the country, with every day revealing different landscapes, traditions and history.

We also love how naturally the route mixes cultural highlights with outstanding scenery. From Nikola Tesla’s birthplace to the untouched beauty of the Velebit mountains and the historic streets of Zadar, there’s just as much to remember off the bike as there is on it.

What else they offer

As local experts, ridescouts creates self-guided cycling routes across Croatia, focusing on quiet back roads rather than busy main routes. Every ride is tested and regularly updated by local cyclists, with GPX files and detailed offline PDF guides highlighting viewpoints, cafés and lesser-known places you’d probably never find on your own. They’re also backed by a network of local guides and partners who can offer support if you need it.

More information

• Cycling Zadar, Croatia, our deep dive into the region.
• 5 of the best bike tours in Croatia if you’re looking for other options in this beautiful country.
• Zadar official website for more information about cycling in the area.
• ridescouts’ website including more details of this and other tours.

5. Bucovina Painted Monasteries with Bike in Time

Best for cyclists who love combining culture, history and quiet countryside riding.

Ciocanesti has been voted the most beautiful village in Romania (photo credit: Bike in Time)

Key information

Route: A seven-day guided circular tour exploring Romania’s UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, traditional villages and the rolling countryside of Bucovina and Moldova.

Terrain: A mix of quiet asphalt roads, gravel tracks and occasional unpaved sections, with rolling hills and several longer climbs.

Difficulty: Moderate. Around 300 kilometres in total, with daily rides between 45 and 90 kilometres and some sustained climbing.

Highlights: UNESCO-painted monasteries, traditional crafts, the Gacka-like rural landscapes of Bucovina, artisan workshops, local gastronomy and warm Romanian hospitality.

Logistics: Guided tour with accommodation, luggage transfers, vehicle support, most meals, bike hire and entrance fees included.

Best time to visit: Spring through late autumn, when the countryside is at its greenest and village life is in full swing.

The riding

This is a ride through one of Romania’s most fascinating regions, where quiet roads link monasteries, remote villages and spectacular landscapes that often feel untouched by modern life. The pace is unhurried, not because the riding is especially easy, but because there is so much to stop and experience along the way.

Rolling hills carry you between UNESCO World Heritage monasteries, while forests, meadows and traditional farming communities create a backdrop that feels refreshingly authentic. The routes include a mixture of smooth asphalt, gravel and occasional rougher sections, adding a little variety without becoming overly technical. Longer climbs give you sweeping views before equally enjoyable descents into peaceful valleys.

The cycling is only part of the experience. You’ll watch eggs being hand-painted using centuries-old techniques, visit black pottery workshops, explore historic salt mines and enjoy generous home-cooked meals throughout the week. It’s a journey that brings together cycling, history, food and local culture in a way that’s difficult to find elsewhere in Europe.

What we love

Romania still flies under the radar as a cycling destination, and this tour shows exactly why that’s a shame. The scenery is beautiful, the roads are quiet and every day introduces another piece of living history, whether that’s a UNESCO monastery, a family-run workshop or a traditional guesthouse.

We also love how immersive the experience feels on this Bike in Time tour. Rather than simply riding past the sights, you’re invited to meet local people, sample regional food and discover traditions that have been preserved for generations.

What else they offer

Bike in Time specialises in guided and self-guided cycling holidays that showcase Romania beyond its best-known landmarks. Alongside cultural tours like this one, they offer road, gravel and wine-focused trips, bike and boat adventures on the Danube, mountain hikes and iconic rides including the Transfăgărășan and Transalpina, all designed to introduce visitors to Romania’s landscapes, traditions and local communities.

More information

• An insider’s guide to the best cycling in Romania, including where to ride and what to expect.
• Bike tours in Romania, with information on what you need to know before booking.
• Bike in Time’s website including how to book.

Our pick of the best affordable bike tours beyond Europe

6. Far North Ethnic Roads with Mr Linh’s Adventures

Best for adventurous riders looking for remote mountains and authentic cultural encounters.

Aerial view of Ha Giang featuring terraced rice fields (photo credit: Mr Linh’s Adventures)

Key information

Route: A ten-day guided journey through the remote mountains of northern Vietnam, linking Bac Ha, Xin Man, Hoang Su Phi and Ha Giang.

Terrain: Quiet mountain roads with long climbs, flowing descents and rolling sections through rice terraces, forests and traditional villages.

Difficulty: Challenging. Daily rides range from around 30 to 70 kilometres, with frequent sustained climbing and significant elevation gain.

Highlights: Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces, Bac Ha’s ethnic markets, remote Hmong, Dao and Tay communities, mountain passes and unforgettable scenery.

Logistics: Fully guided tour with accommodation, support vehicles, quality bike hire, luggage transfers and all meals included.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when temperatures are cooler and the mountain landscapes are at their best.

The riding

If your idea of a cycling holiday involves traffic-free mountain roads, huge landscapes and places that still feel genuinely remote, this one is hard to beat. Northern Vietnam is good for riders willing to work for the views, with long climbs leading to ridge-top panoramas, terraced valleys and villages that see far fewer visitors than the country’s better-known destinations.

The route constantly changes character. One day you’re weaving between Flower Hmong villages and colourful local markets, the next you’re climbing towards Hoang Su Phi, where rice terraces spill down impossibly steep mountainsides. There are plenty of demanding climbs, but they’re broken up by flowing descents, quiet valleys and enough cultural stops that the days never feel like an endless slog uphill.

Just as memorable are the people you meet along the way. The tour spends time in communities where farming traditions have changed little over generations, with opportunities to share meals, explore local villages and experience a side of Vietnam that most travellers never see. It feels adventurous, but thanks to the experienced guides and support vehicle, you can focus on the riding rather than the logistics.

What we love

This Mr Linh’s Adventures tour isn’t simply a cycling holiday in Vietnam – it’s an opportunity to experience one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable mountain regions at the perfect pace. Travelling by bike lets you appreciate just how dramatically the landscape changes, while also making those encounters with local communities feel far more natural.

We also love the balance between adventure and comfort. The riding is challenging enough to feel like you’ve earned the views, but quality accommodation, reliable support and carefully planned logistics mean you finish each day looking forward to tomorrow rather than worrying about how you’ll get there.

What else they offer

Mr Linh’s Adventures creates tailor-made journeys across Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, with a particular focus on off-the-beaten-track experiences. Alongside cycling holidays, they organise trekking, kayaking, cultural tours, 4×4 expeditions and multi-country adventures, all designed and led by local experts who know how to get travellers beyond the usual tourist trail.

More information

• Cycling Northern Vietnam, with more insights from the founder of Mr Linh’s Adventures.
• 12 must-read tips for planning a cycling tour in Vietnam, so you’re prepared for your own cycling holiday.
• Mr Linh’s Adventures’ website, with information on this and other cycling adventures they offer.

7.  Self-guided Southern Carretera Austral with Cicloaustral

Best for independent cyclists tackling one of the world’s greatest gravel adventures.

Cycling the Carretera Austral (photo credit: Gregory Allen Levo via Cycloaustral)

Key information

Route: A ten-day self-guided ride covering the southern section of Chile’s legendary Carretera Austral from Coyhaique to Villa O’Higgins.

Terrain: Predominantly gravel roads with loose surfaces, corrugations, long climbs and remote mountain valleys.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Around 650 kilometres with several demanding climbs and rough road conditions.

Highlights: Cerro Castillo National Park, the Marble Caves, Baker River, Patagonia National Park, Caleta Tortel and reaching the end of the Carretera Austral at Villa O’Higgins.

Logistics: Self-guided route with luggage transfers, GPS navigation and optional accommodation booking, bike hire and airport transfers.

Best time to visit: Southern Hemisphere summer and early autumn, when roads are generally at their best and daylight hours are longest.

The riding

Some cycling routes become legendary because they’re difficult. Others because they’re beautiful. The southern Carretera Austral somehow manages to be both.

Over ten days you’ll travel through one of Patagonia’s wildest regions, following gravel roads that twist between mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers and rivers so brilliantly blue they almost look edited. The surfaces keep you honest – expect loose gravel, corrugations and plenty of climbing – but the rewards come thick and fast. One morning you might be riding beneath the jagged peaks of Cerro Castillo, the next you’re gazing across General Carrera Lake before finishing the day beside the roaring Baker River.

Despite its reputation, this isn’t an expedition where you have to carry your life on your handlebars. Cicloaustral takes care of the logistics, moving your luggage each day while supplying GPS route directions and local support if anything goes wrong. That leaves you free to enjoy the ride, linger in tiny Patagonian villages, add optional adventures like kayaking to the Marble Caves or rafting the Baker River, and savour the feeling of travelling somewhere that still feels wonderfully remote.

Reaching Villa O’Higgins feels like a genuine achievement. It’s not just the end of Chile’s most famous road – it’s the sort of finish that stays with you long after you’ve flown home.

What we love

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about doing this under your own steam. With Cicloaustral, you get all the freedom of a self-guided adventure, but without the headache of organising luggage transfers or worrying what happens if a mechanical problem crops up hundreds of kilometres from the nearest bike shop.

We also love how varied the experience is. Yes, the scenery is impressive, but it’s the constant changes – glaciers, forests, windswept steppe, turquoise rivers and tiny ancient settlements – that make every day feel completely different.

What else they offer

Cicloaustral specialises in bikepacking and bicycle touring across Chilean Patagonia, with both guided and self-guided adventures along the Carretera Austral. Their portfolio also includes shorter rides through the Lakes and Volcanoes region, gravel routes around General Carrera Lake and the full 1,247-kilometre Carretera Austral, all backed by local expertise built from more than a decade exploring this remarkable corner of the world.

More information

• Guide to cycling the Carretera Austral in Patagonia, for those craving a real sense of adventure.
• 5 of the best places to go cycling in January, including Patagonia and some other warm-weather options.
• Cicloaustral’s website with more tour options in Chile.

What’s next?

Looking for more cycling inspiration? Don’t miss:

• How to plan a bike tour or cycling holiday on a budget, with tips on keeping costs down for your cycling tours.
• 5 of the best luxury cycling tours, if you’re looking for more premium experiences.
• 10 of the best cycling holidays in Europe, with our picks of the iconic routes on their cycling merit.
• 11 of the best bike tours across Europe, focussing more on tours you can book across the continent.
• 13 of the best bike and wine tours in the world, if you like to mix vineyards and wine-tasting with your cycling trips.
• 11 best cycling holidays in Europe (that you can drive to from the UK)
• Porto to Lisbon cycle route, for tips on the best Porto to Lisbon Atlantic Ride

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.