The best cycling holidays in Europe really are some of the most rewarding ways to explore the continent. From quiet backroads and riverside trails to high mountain passes, every region offers something unique – and when you join an organised tour, the experience becomes effortless.
For many cyclists, that’s the real magic of European bike tours: the freedom of independent travel combined with the ease and insight that only local experts can provide.
I’ve taken part in numerous guided and self-guided tours across the continent and the team at Epic Road Rides has interviewed every operator featured in this list. These are companies we’ve worked with, trust, and would happily suggest to friends looking for unforgettable bike tours in Europe.
This list isn’t exhaustive – Europe has far too many great rides for that – but it highlights operators who consistently deliver excellent experiences, from the planning stage to the final day in the saddle.
To make it easy to navigate, we’ve divided our selection into three regions: Northern Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe. Each offers its own style of cycling and character, from coastal rides and cultural journeys to high-altitude climbs.
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.
We’ve worked with all of the bike tour operators featured in this article over the years (there are links to our interviews with them in the relevant section). We have chosen to include them in this article because the European cycling experiences they offer are ones we’d suggest to a friend, or book ourselves, if we were heading to Europe.
Northern Europe
UK and France
Be aware! You won’t see UK bike tours of French cycling trips in the list below; that’s because we’ve covered them in dedicated guides instead. If you’re weighing up where to ride in these popular European destinations, start here:
- Best UK cycling tours, for tips on choosing a UK-based trip – coming soon!
- Bike tours of France to see which are the top cycling tour companies in this incredible country
- French Alps cycle tours with our pick of the best bike tours this side of the mountains.
1. Amsterdam to Bruges with BikePlanet Tours
Bicycle parking by a canal in Amsterdam
The riding
Cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges is one of the classic Europe bike tours. Linking two of the continent’s most beautiful cities, it follows a network of peaceful canals and rivers through the Netherlands and Belgium.
The riding is gentle and sociable – around 40 kilometres a day – with time to enjoy coffee stops, windmills and local markets along the way.
Highlights include theUNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk, the fortified town of Willemstad, and the medieval centres of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. With flat terrain and well-marked paths, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to combine relaxed cycling with cultural discovery.
What we love
BikePlanet Tours is a family-run Dutch company founded by Lenny Versteeg and now run with her sons, Wouter and Tim. Their barge, IRIS, offers the charm of a floating hotel and the friendliness of a small group tour. Guided rides, hearty meals and thoughtful details – from well-fitted bikes to support on the road – make the experience seamless.
We love the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere the team creates. It feels personal and unhurried, with the right balance between exploration and comfort – proof that some of the best cycling holidays in Europe are about connection as much as kilometres.
What else they offer
BikePlanet Tours also runs bike and barge or bike and hotel holidays along the Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers, as well as in France, Austria and Germany – all with the same friendly touch that defines their Amsterdam–Bruges adventure.
More information
- Bike and barge tours in Europe offers an in-depth look at this route and what BikePlanet Tours has to offer.
- BikePlanet Tours’ website to find out more.
2. Grand tour of Lake IJssel with Dutch Bike Tours
The town of Huizen on Lake IJssel (photo credit: Dutch Bike Tours)
The riding
Encircling Lake IJssel (IJsselmeer) is one of the most distinctive cycling experiences in the Netherlands. Once a saltwater sea, this vast inland lake was transformed into freshwater by Dutch engineering, and today its dykes and fishing towns offer a mix of nature and history.
Dutch Bike Tours’ Lake IJssel Tour traces the shoreline on quiet cycle paths and low-traffic roads. The terrain is almost entirely flat, but the open landscapes and occasional coastal wind can add a hint of challenge.
Over eight leisurely days, you’ll pedal through traditional ports such as Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Stavoren, explore the low-moor wetlands of Weerribben Wieden National Park, and cross the lake by ferry.
Each stage brings a new view of how the Dutch have shaped their land – from colourful harbours to green meadows and graceful windmills.
What we love
Dutch Bike Tours has been crafting self-guided cycling holidays from its base in Elst since 2003 and knows every corner of the country. Their tours feel easy yet thoughtful: hotel-to-hotel routes, daily luggage transfers and reliable navigation through their GUIBO app mean you can simply enjoy the ride.
We love how seamlessly they showcase Dutch cycling culture – safe paths, scenic routes and the freedom to stop whenever you like. For travellers who want independence without the logistics, it’s the perfect balance of structure and spontaneity.
What else they offer
Dutch Bike Tours runs a wide range of self-guided holidays across the Netherlands, from tulip-season rides through the Bollenstreek to cultural loops like the Pearls of Holland. Some tours also incorporate Belgium as part of a classic Amsterdam to Bruges route.
More information
- Cycling in the Netherlands: the inside guide offers more information on this route and what Dutch Bike Tours can do for you.
- Check out our guide to cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges – coming soon!
- Dutch Bike Tours’ website has more information.
3. Flanders with Bergs & Cobbles
The ‘Oude Kwaremont’ Climb, well known from the Tour of Flanders bike race. It is a cobblestoned hill near Kluisbergen in the Flemish Ardennes of Belgium.
The riding
Few places capture the spirit of European cycling like Flanders. Bergs & Cobbles’ four-day guided tour puts you right in the heart of it – based in the medieval city of Ghent, with daily rides that trace the legendary roads of the Tour of Flanders.
From the cobbled slopes of the Koppenberg, Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg to the iconic Muur van Geraardsbergen, every ride combines heritage with challenge.
The routes are designed for all abilities, covering 50–95 kilometres a day with plenty of time for café stops, photo breaks and a celebratory beer at the Tour of Flanders Museum. You’ll return each evening to a premium 4-star hotel in Ghent with bike storage, an outdoor pool and easy access to the city’s vibrant restaurants and canal-side bars.
What we love
This is Flanders at its friendliest – a small-group cycling experience led by passionate local guides who know every climb, cobble and café stop by heart. The Bergs & Cobbles team takes care of everything: carbon bike hire, van support, energy snacks and a warm welcome drink when you arrive.
We love how they’ve made an iconic cycling destination genuinely accessible. With routes tailored to your fitness level and a relaxed, social atmosphere, it’s as much about soaking up the culture as conquering the bergs.
What else they offer
Beyond this signature Flanders tour, Bergs & Cobbles also run guided trips in the Ardennes and Roubaix regions – perfect for cyclists wanting to explore Belgium’s other great classics terrain, from rolling forest climbs to the legendary pavé of northern France.
More information
- Belgium cycling holidays: Must-read tips gives you a detailed look at Belgium and what Bergs & Cobbles can offer.
- Bergs & Cobbles’ website gives more details of their tours.
Central and Eastern Europe
Italy and Croatia
Be aware! You won’t see bike tours of Italy or Croatia in the list below; that’s because we’ve covered them in dedicated guides instead. If you’re weighing up where to ride in these popular European destinations, start here:
- Our pick of the best Tuscany bike tours dives deeper into this popular cycling region.
- Our pick of the best tours in Croatia has the best cycling holidays in this amazing country.
- 6 best cycling tours in Italy picks out the best highlights of Italian cycling.
- 5 of the best self-guided bike tours in Italy, if you want to plan your own trip
4. Danube Cycle Path with Intrepid
Wachau vineyard ride (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
The riding
Few cycle routes in Europe are as iconic as the Danube Cycle Path, and Intrepid’s eight-day guided tour lets you experience its most beautiful stretch – from Vienna to Budapest via Slovakia. You’ll pedal along leafy riverside paths, far from busy roads, tracing the course of empires from Roman to Habsburg.
Daily rides weave through small villages, forests and farmland, with stops at landmarks such as Schonbrunn Palace, Bratislava Castle and the vast Esztergom Basilica. There’s time to explore baroque towns, Roman ruins at Carnuntum, and the twin spa city of Komárom, which straddles Hungary and Slovakia.
What we love
This is classic Intrepid: a small-group journey that combines cycling, culture and connection. Their local cycling leaders are the real highlight – fluent in the region’s languages and full of stories, they know every hidden café, riverside viewpoint and perfect lunch stop.
Each trip includes bike hire, luggage transfers, support van assistance and guided city walks, making it ideal for travellers who want all the adventure without the logistics. We also love that this ride supports World Bicycle Relief, providing life-changing bikes to communities in need.
Intrepid has offered Danube tours since 2016, with an optional Prague to Vienna trip you can combine for a longer adventure.
What else they offer
Intrepid runs cycling tours around the world – from Vietnam and Sri Lanka to Cuba, New Zealand and beyond – all with the same commitment to small groups, local expertise and meaningful travel.
More information
- Our guide to the Danube cycle path offers a deep dive into this tour and what Intrepid can offer you, with a promo code should you wish to book!
- Intrepid’s website offers other cycle tours for you.
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Danube bike tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount* on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
5. Alpe Adria with FunActive Tours
Cycling the scenic Alpe Adria cycle route (photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)
The riding
The Alpe Adria Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most rewarding long-distance rides, tracing 410 kilometres from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea in Italy.
Starting in Salzburg, the route weaves through alpine valleys, quiet river paths and historic towns before finishing beside the beaches of Grado in Italy. Along the way, you’ll pass wildflower meadows, mountain tunnels, vineyards, and UNESCO cities like Palmanova and Aquileia.
FunActive Tours’ version of the route combines Austria’s dramatic Hohe Tauern peaks with Italy’s rolling Friuli hills, offering the perfect mix of mountain air and Mediterranean sunshine. Daily distances vary from 40–80 kilometres, with options to shorten or extend days using the excellent local rail network.
What we love
Founded in 2002 in the cycling heartland of South Tyrol, FunActive Tours has over 20 years’ experience crafting affordable, well-organised cycling holidays across Italy and Europe.
Their local expertise along the Alpe Adria really shines – with detailed route notes, secure hotels, luggage transfers and mechanical support all handled for you.
We love how flexible this trip feels: choose from full or partial routes, add e-bike assistance if you like, and enjoy farm stays or 3–4 star hotels along the way.
What else they offer
FunActive runs a huge range of self-guided cycling tours throughout Italy and Europe – from the Dolomites to Venice and Lake Garda, to the Drava Cycle Path and beyond. All focus on relaxed exploration, local food, and great value for money.
More information
- Our guide to the Alpe Adria cycling route has plenty of tips on the route itself and on what FunActive has to offer.
- FunActive Tours’ website gives you more detail on their tours.
6. Hotel Rupertus (Leogang) with Gravelbike Holidays
Enjoying the gravel in Leogang, Saalbach (photo credit: Yvonne Hörl)
The riding
Think “Alps from your doorstep.” Biohotel Rupertus sits in Leogang in SalzburgerLand, with gravel trails leaving straight from the bike room into meadows, forest tracks and gentle alpine climbs.
It’s an ideal base-and-ride holiday: spin an easy valley loop one day, then link longer routes into Saalbach, Fieberbrunn and the wider Pinzgau network the next.
Expect a mix of well-graded forest roads, riverside paths and occasional steeper ramps to scenic huts and viewpoints.
Short on time? Pick a 25–40 kilometres loop like the Schwarzleotal tour. Feeling fresh? Stitch together a big day across interlinked valleys, with lift- or train-assisted options to shape distance and elevation.
What we love
Rupertus blends bike know-how with genuine hospitality. It’s a fully certified organic (bio) hotel with regional, seasonal food; after-ride recovery actually tastes good here.
On the cycling side, you get direct trail access, secure storage, workshop/cleaning facilities and on-site expertise: hosts and certified guides (Emil and Patrick) run daily guided gravel rides and help tailor routes to your fitness and the weather.
There’s even an in-house BMC test centre if you want to try the latest gravel bikes. Add a relaxed spa vibe and you’ve got the perfect base to ride hard, refuel well and properly switch off.
What else they offer
Gravelbike Holidays curates a range of bike-friendly hotels across Austria – all vetted for cyclist-ready facilities and local route knowledge – and they’re based in NE Italy, right on the doorstep of the Alps–Adriatic playground.
Beyond SalzburgerLand, their collection spans Austria’s Tyrol and Carinthia, plus handpicked bases in Germany, Italy and Slovenia.
More information
- Our guide to gravel cycling in Austria has more information on the hotels that offer a good base for your holiday, as recommended by Gravelbike Holidays.
- Gravelbike Holidays’s website for more details.
7. Transfăgărășan & Transalpina with Bike in Time
Transfagarasan and Balea Lake aerial view
The riding
Few rides in Europe rival Romania’s legendary Transfăgărășan and Transalpina roads. Both climb above 2,000 metres through the wild Carpathian Mountains – a dream for cyclists who love long, sweeping ascents, alpine switchbacks, and near-empty asphalt.
Bike in Time’s road tour links both climbs in one epic adventure, rolling through pristine valleys, forests and high plateaus that feel untouched by time.
Expect big elevation gains, crisp mountain air, and jaw-dropping panoramas at every turn. Between mountain days, rides wind through rural villages, fortified churches and traditional guesthouses that give you a genuine sense of Romania’s culture and warmth.
What we love
Founded by local guide Ionuț Maftei, Bike in Time is built on deep local knowledge and a real passion for sharing Romania’s landscapes and culture.
Every tour balances adventure with authenticity – it’s not just about the climbs, but also about meeting locals, tasting regional dishes, and staying in handpicked guesthouses where you’re treated like family. Support is exceptional, with guides, vehicle backup, luggage transfers, and flexible routing for all levels of fitness.
What else they offer
Bike in Time runs cycling tours across Romania, from Bucharest and the Danube Delta to Transylvania, Bucovina, Maramureș and Moldova. Trips range from one-day wine rides to week-long cultural journeys and can be tailored to road, gravel or leisure riders.
Each tour is graded by fitness level, with options for custom itineraries that mix riding with history, gastronomy and nature.
More information
- Our guide to bike tours in Romania gives details on the various route options and the tours that Bike in Time has to offer – and you can claim a 10% off promo code.
- Bike in Time’s website offers more tips as well as route information for more details.
Sponsor Message
Want help organising your Romania cycling holiday?
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Head over to Bike in Time's website to start crafting your perfect Romania cycling trip.
Exclusive offer: use the code below and get 10% discount* on any services that you book direct with Bike in Time before 16 January 2026. *T&Cs apply
Southern Europe
Spain
Be aware! You won’t see Spain bike tours in the list below; that’s because we’ve covered this region in dedicated guides instead. If you’re weighing up where to ride in these popular European destinations, start here:
- Our pick of the best Spain cycling tours covers the best options in Spain.
- Top Mallorca cycling holiday/tour companies offers an in-depth look at cycling on the island.
- Girona bike tours delves into the range of options available in this major cycling destination.
8. Ionian Islands Bike & Boat with Islandhopping
The kids (and many of the adults too!) spent a lot of time jumping off the boat into the gorgeous water
The riding
Cycling the Ionian Islands is a dreamlike combination of sea breezes, olive groves, and sun-drenched coastal climbs. Each day brings a new island – Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefallonia, Meganisi – with gentle rides through sleepy villages, quiet lanes, and fragrant hillsides that spill into turquoise coves.
The cycling distances are modest (10–30 kilometres per day), leaving plenty of time for swims, sightseeing, and leisurely café stops under bougainvillea-shaded terraces. The mix of gentle riding routes makes it accessible for all levels (including children), while the boat acts as your floating hotel – meaning no packing, transfers, or route logistics to worry about.
Expect a wonderful rhythm: ride in the morning, swim and sail in the afternoon, and dine al fresco as the sun sinks behind the islands.
What we love
Islandhopping has been running bike and boat tours in Greece since 2002 – and their Ionian route captures everything that makes this style of travel special.
The guides handle every detail, from fitting your bike to leading each ride, so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. Life on board the traditional wooden motor yacht Panagiota is sociable and relaxed, with sun decks for reading, a shaded dining area, and plenty of swim stops in quiet bays. Meals feature fresh Greek flavours, and evenings are spent exploring lively harbours or sipping wine beneath the stars.
What else they offer
Islandhopping operates bike and boat tours across Europe, including Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, with itineraries ranging from classic road and e-bike routes to multi-adventure and cultural cruises.
All tours include accommodation aboard a comfortable motor or sailing yacht, full or half-board catering, guided rides, and daily excursions.
More information
- Cycling the Greek islands covers this tour and more of what Islandhopping has to offer.
- Greece island hopping (for cyclists) explains the destination in more detail.
- Croatia bike and boat tours is another great destination option available with Islandhopping.
- Turkey cycling tours gives you information on another Islandhopping destination.
- Islandhopping’s website for more details.
9. Porto to Lisbon with Explore
A quiet ride in Portugal (credit: Explore, Cycle Portugal – Lisbon to Algarve)
The riding
Follow Portugal’s beautiful Atlantic coast on this Porto to Lisbon cycling adventure. Over seven days, you’ll ride from the colourful riverside of Porto to the tiled streets of Lisbon, tracing quiet backroads, pine forests, and the golden sweep of the Atlantic.
The route, graded leisurely to moderate, averages around 42 kilometres a day, with mostly flat terrain and a few short climbs as you head south. Along the way, you’ll pass fishing villages, sand dunes, and lagoons alive with birdlife.
Highlights include the pastel façades and canals of Aveiro, the surfer’s paradise of Nazaré, and the medieval hilltop town of Óbidos, before finishing in vibrant Lisbon. Most of the riding follows the EuroVelo coastal trail, which enjoys fantastic ocean views for much of the way.
What we love
This is classic Explore: small-group adventure travel done with care and curiosity. What makes this route shine is how it blends relaxed cycling with rich cultural moments – morning rides by the sea followed by local lunches of grilled sardines, custard tarts, and vinho verde.
The itinerary includes guided city walks in Porto and Lisbon, time to explore UNESCO-listed Óbidos, and peaceful coastal stopovers that capture the best of authentic Portugal.
What else they offer
Explore runs small-group cycling tours across Europe and beyond – from Portugal and Spain to Italy, Croatia, and Vietnam. Each trip combines great riding with cultural immersion, led by experienced local guides and supported by a dedicated team.
Expect carefully chosen family-run hotels, daily luggage transfers, optional bike or e-bike hire, and group sizes capped at around 16 for a friendly, flexible experience.
Explore’s commitment to responsible travel – including its B Corp certification – means your holiday supports local communities and minimises environmental impact.
More information
- 5 reasons to try off-peak cycling in Portugal gives tips on the country and on this particular tour, with more detail on Explore’s options.
- Explore’s website includes their full range of tours.
- Looking for more options in Portugal? Our pick of the best bike tours in Portugal (coming soon) explores more tours across the country.
What’s next?
- 8 of the best Mediterranean bike tours, for a look at warm-weather European bike rides.
- 11 of the best bike tours across Europe includes more of our favourite options.
- 7 of the best cycling tours in Asia, if you’re looking for something exciting away from Europe.
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Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!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.
Last Reviewed: 15 December 2025
First Published: 14 December 2022
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