11 of the best bike tours across Europe

11 of the best bike tours across Europe

1. Bruges to Paris (Belgium and France)

This route connects the medieval beauty of Bruges with the splendour of Paris, taking in art, history, and peaceful rural landscapes along the way. Ride through Flanders’ charming cities – including Ghent and Oudenaarde – and into northern France, where WWI memorials and the Grande Guerre Museum offer a moving perspective on the Somme.

Meander along rivers like the Scheldt and Seine, visit Van Gogh’s resting place in Auvers-sur-Oise, and finish beneath the Eiffel Tower. Gentle terrain and cultural depth make this a rewarding and varied ride for history lovers and leisure cyclists alike.

More information:

• Bike barge tours France: tips, routes + things to consider
• Cycling Belgium
• Cycling in Belgium: 30 tips for tackling Flanders and the famous cobbled climbs

Looking for an organised tour? Boat Bike Tours offer a 15-day Bruges to Paris bike and barge tour. Check out our interview with Steffie Kranz to find out more.

Pedalling peaceful country lanes in France (photo credit: Boat Bike Tours)

2. Trans Pyrenees (Spain and France)

Crossing the Pyrenees from coast to coast is a classic road cycling adventure in Europe. It’s also very demanding! The route – of which there are many variations – typically stretches from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, linking together a series of legendary mountain climbs.

Expect a heady mix of Tour de France icons like the Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque alongside quieter gems such as Port de Pailhères or Puerto de Larrau. Regardless of your exact route, this bike trip is a serious challenge, with big daily elevation and spectacular mountain scenery that makes every ascent worth it.

More information:

• Trans Pyrenees route: Expert tips for your Pyrenees cycling tour
• Cycling in the Pyrenees: an overview of the Pyrenees from a road cyclist’s perspective
• Pyrenees cycling holidays (for gravel cyclists)
• Cycling the Col du Tourmalet

Looking for an organised tour? Saddle Skeddadle offer 10 to 12-day trans Pyrenees tours. Check out our interview with the Skedaddle team to find out more.

Riding across the Pyrenees (photo credit: Lighttrapper Photography via Saddle Skedaddle)

3. Camino Portuguese (Portugal and Spain)

This pilgrimage-inspired ride traces the beautiful Atlantic coastline from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, offering a gentler and more scenic alternative to the classic Camino Francés.

Expect a relaxed mix of seaside cycle paths, boardwalks and quiet backroads, with plenty of time to soak in fishing villages, forest trails, and cultural highlights like Ponte de Lima and the Galician coast. While this is a spiritual route for many, it’s also a great option for cyclists looking for a rewarding point-to-point tour that can be done with relatively low daily mileage and a strong sense of journey.

More information:

• Guide to cycling the Portuguese Camino: Porto to Santiago de Compostela 
• Camino de Santiago cycling FAQs: what every cyclist needs to know about Spain’s Caminos
• Cycling the Camino de Santiago: how to plan a Camino de Santiago bike tour

Looking for an organised tour? Top Biketours Portugal offer 7-day Camino Portuguese tours. Check out our interview with Sérgio Marques, founder of Top Bike Tours Portugal, to find out more.

Exploring the coastal scenery on the Portuguese (photo credit: Top Biketours Portugal)

4. Alpe Adria (Austria and Italy)

The Alpe Adria route links Salzburg with Italy’s Adriatic coast, delivering one of Europe’s most scenic multi-day rides. Starting in the Austrian Alps, you pedal through lush valleys, mountain tunnels and riverside cycleways before descending into Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region – a land of Roman ruins, vineyard-covered hills and star-shaped fortress towns.

Look forward to touring Salzburg, the Hohe Tauern National Park, medieval Venzone, and the historic port of Grado. With signposted paths, e-bike options, and train support through the high mountains, it’s ideal for leisure riders wanting an alpine-to-coast adventure across two cultures and landscapes.

More information:

• A guide to the Alpe Adria cycling route in Austria and Italy
• Cycling Northern Italy: how to plan a cycling holiday in Northeast Italy
• Guide to cycling Friuli Venezia Giulia

Looking for an organised tour? FunActive offer a number of Alpe Adria tours. Check out our interview with Freddy Mair, founder of FunActive Tours, to find out more.

Salzburg Old Town

5. Island hopping in Turkey and Greece (Turkey and Greece)

This unique bike and boat tour takes you between Turkey’s rugged coast and Greece’s sun-drenched islands – two countries, one unforgettable trip. Most routes start in Bodrum, where you’ll board your floating base and set sail for the Dodecanese islands, cycling through olive groves, whitewashed villages, and ancient ruins.

Highlights often include Symi’s pastel harbour, the fortress town of Kos, and Turkey’s Knidos peninsula. Expect warm hospitality, spectacular coastal scenery, and just the right mix of riding, swimming and cultural discovery. With your boat always nearby, it’s a relaxed and flexible way to explore the Aegean by bike.

More information:

• Turkey cycling tours: tips, routes + things to consider
• Greece island hopping (for cyclists): how to pick the best bike-boat tour in Greece
• 12 practical tips for cycling holidays in Greece

Looking for an organised tour? Islandhopping offer a number of bike boat tours through Turkey and Greece. Check out our interview with the Islandhopping team to find out more.

Admiring islands from Turkey’s mainland (photo credit: Island hopping)

6. Land’s End to John O’Groats (England, Wales and Scotland)

Riding the length of Britain is one of the country’s most iconic cycling challenges – and a rite of passage for many UK road cyclists. The classic 14-day LEJOG route covers around 1,000 miles from Cornwall’s windswept cliffs to the wild coast of northern Scotland.

It’s a ride of ever-changing scenery: from the sharp climbs of the West Country to quiet Cumbrian lanes, the drama of Glencoe, and the final push across the Highlands. Long days, varied terrain, and the sense of crossing a nation under your own steam make this a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

More information:

• LEJOG: Your guide to the Land’s End to John o’ Groats cycle route
• 16 of the best (long-distance) cycling routes in the UK and Ireland
• Ultimate cycling challenges 2025

Looking for an organised tour? Pedal Britain offer bike tours from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Check out our interview with Darren Ball, founder of Pedal Britain, to find out more.

7. Lake Constance (Germany, Switzerland and Austria)

Circling Lake Constance – also known as the Bodensee – is one of Europe’s most scenic and accessible cycling journeys. The full loop is around 270 kilometres and crosses through three countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The terrain is mostly flat and the riding relaxed, making this a perfect multi-day tour for cyclists looking to combine beautiful views with cultural marvels.

Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque towns like Meersburg, Lindau and Bregenz, pedal beside vineyards and orchards, and enjoy sweeping lake and mountain views. It’s a ride that combines easy cycling with the charm of central Europe’s lakeside living. It’s also a great option for a family bike trip across Europe.

More information:

• Cycling Austria
• 5 best family cycling holidays in Europe
• 16 of the best European cycling routes

Gorgeous Lake Constance

8. Parenzana trail (Croatia, Slovenia and Italy)

Once a narrow-gauge railway, the Parenzana is now a 123-kilometre cycling route linking Trieste with Poreč via Slovenia’s hills and coast. It’s a relaxed, mostly traffic-free ride, through olive groves, vineyards, and historic towns like Grožnjan and Motovun.

You’ll cross scenic viaducts, roll through old tunnels, and pass salt pans and sea cliffs along the way. The route has minimal elevation and mixes gravel paths with quiet roads, making it ideal for leisure cyclists. Three countries, diverse cultures, and constant scenery shifts make this a rewarding cross-border journey.

More information:

• Parenzana bike trail: an in-depth guide to cycling the Parenzana Trail
• 10 best coastal cycling routes in the world (our independent pick)
• Self-guided bike tours in Croatia: how to plan a trip + where to go

Looking for an organised tour? FunActive offer a 4-day Parenzana trail tour. Check out our interview with Freddy Mair, founder of FunActive Tours, to find out more.

Navigating the Parenza bike route (photo credit: ©wisthaler.com)

9. Danube Cycle Path – EuroVelo 6 (Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia)

One of Europe’s most popular long-distance cycling routes, the Danube Path follows the river from Germany to the Black Sea. The most famous section runs from Passau to Budapest, taking in charming towns, castles, vineyards and capital cities. The terrain is mostly flat and accessible, with well-marked paths and good infrastructure throughout. It’s perfect for leisure cyclists, families, or anyone looking for a long ride without the climbs.

The route forms part of the longer EuroVelo 6, so if you want possibly the ultimate bike trip across Europe, you could start your trip on the west coast of France from Nantes and head along the Loire Valley and through Burgundy into Switzerland en route to Passau for the Danube leg.

More information:

• Danube bike and boat tours: the best way to cycle the Danube?
• 6 best EuroVelo routes: long distance cycling across Europe
• River cycling: 9 of the most beautiful river cycling routes

Looking for an organised tour? BikePlanet offer an 8-day guided Danube bike and boat tour. Check out our interview with Lenny Versteeg, founder of BikePlanet Tours, to find out more.

A sunny day in the UNESCO Wachau Valley

10. Iron Curtain bike tour (Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary)

This multi-country tour follows the former Iron Curtain from Berlin to Budapest, tracing Cold War history across six nations. You’ll cycle from the Berlin Wall to the Danube, through forests, wine regions and fortified borders that once divided Europe.

You’ll love the romantic Elbe Valley, medieval Telč, Vienna’s grandeur, and the poignant remains of Cold War fortifications. The route weaves through castles, palaces and once-restricted zones, ending in Budapest – a city shaped by rebellion and resilience. It’s a ride rich in scenery and memory, with Europe’s 20th-century story unfolding at every turn.

Panoramic view of Budapest at sunset

More information:

• 16 of the best European cycling routes
• 17 of the world’s best (long distance) cycling routes

11. Balkans (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey)

Spanning seven countries and nearly 1,800 kilometres, this epic ride explores one of Europe’s most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions. You’ll cycle from the Adriatic coast to the Sea of Marmara, through switchback climbs, scenic lakes, mountain passes, and ancient towns.

Highlights include Kotor Bay, Lake Ohrid, the Serpentine climb, and the ruins of Troy. The terrain is demanding but rewarding, with warm hospitality, varied cuisine, and a constant sense of discovery. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure that combines history, landscapes and challenge, few routes offer more.

More information:

• Cycling the Balkans: tips, routes + things to consider
• A roadie’s alternative to EuroVelo 8: Cycling Venice (Italy) to Corfu (Greece)
• 13 of the world’s best islands for cycling

Looking for an organised tour? Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours offer an 8-day guided Danube bike and boat tour. Check out our interview with Fiona Towell, Co-Director at Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours, to find out more.

Ohrid Fortress overlooking Ohrid Lake (photo credit: Wild Atlantic Cycling)

3 multi-country bike tours (beyond Europe)

12. Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (Vietnam and Cambodia)

Cycle from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap on a journey through the Mekong Delta and rural Cambodia. This 500-kilometre ride offers flat terrain and varied scenery – lush rice paddies, coconut groves, floating markets, and quiet temples.

You’ll meet welcoming locals, ride peaceful back roads, and swap your saddle for a boat in bird-rich wetlands. The tour ends with a sunrise ride through the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat. It’s a culturally rich and accessible route that’s for cyclists seeking immersion over intensity.

More information:

• Guide to cycling Vietnam to Cambodia, from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
• Cycling Vietnam
• Cycling Cambodia

Looking for an organised tour? Mr Biker Saigon offers a 12-day Vietnam to Cambodia tour. Check out our interview with Thai Minh Hang, the founder of Mr Biker Saigon, to find out more.

More cycling through rice fields (photo credit:Mr Biker Saigon)

13. Trans Borneo (Malaysia and Brunei)

Ride the length of northwest Borneo on a 1,300-kilometre, 14-day road cycling tour that crosses three regions: Sarawak and Sabah of Malaysia, and Brunei. Starting in Kuching, the route follows the coast through mangroves, paddy fields and bustling towns like Sibu and Bintulu.

You’ll explore notable landmarks such as the Niah Caves before reaching beachside Miri. In Brunei, enjoy rolling terrain before tackling a spectacular ascent into Sabah’s Crocker Range. A long descent to Kota Kinabalu marks a triumphant finish. Expect tropical landscapes, rich biodiversity and a deep dive into local cultures on this unique Southeast Asian cycling adventure.

More information:

• Cycling Sarawak, Borneo
• Cycling in Borneo – itinerary + tips for a cycling holiday in Sarawak, Borneo
• 17 of the world’s best (long distance) cycling routes

Looking for an organised tour? Paradesa Borneo offer various Borneo bike tours. Check out our article sharing our experience with Paradesa Borneo to find out more.Looking for an organised tour? 

Road cyclists exploring Borneo’s tropical landscapes (photo credit: Paradesa Borneo)

14. Trans Africa coast to coast (Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini)

An epic 3,000-kilometre, 21-day journey from Namibia’s Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean in South Africa. This fully supported ride takes you through four countries – Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Eswatini – via gravel tracks, tarmac highways, game parks and cultural heartlands.

Highlights include riding past the Okavango Delta, safari-style days through wildlife reserves, and resting your legs in hot springs. You’ll enjoy varied terrain, remote landscapes, and unforgettable encounters along the way. This is a once-in-a-lifetime cycling expedition through the diverse and untamed heart of sub-Saharan Africa.

More information:

• Guide to cycling in Namibia
• 17 of the world’s best (long distance) cycling routes
• Ultimate cycling challenges 2025: 12 of the world’s best cycling events for your road cycling bucket list

Looking for an organised tour? Naturefriend Safari offer bespoke Namibia bike tours. Check out our interview with them (coming soon)

Exploring Namibia’s dusty desert trails (photo credit: NatureFriend Safaris)

What’s next?

Have we missed any great border-hopping bike rides? Let us know in the comments below!

You might also be interested in the following articles:

• Training for long-distance cycling
• How to prepare for long distance cycling
• Best long distance routes in the world
• The best Mediterranean bike tours
• The best cycling tours in Asia

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.