Bike tours for beginners

In brief

Your first bike tour

Are you interested in traveling by bike but unsure where to begin? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you discover the best cycling routes tailored for beginners. From Austria to Flanders and France, by bike or bike and barge, we’ve got you covered. These routes feature short stages, gentle gradients, and convenient transfers to make your journey easier. You will have plenty of time to rest, explore, and enjoy your cycling vacation.

To know

Organized cycling holidays with Girolibero

A cycling vacation means freedom – enjoy beautiful scenery and fresh air, follow your own itinerary at your own pace, stop wherever and whenever you want. We take care of all the organization. You will find your bike on site, accommodations are booked, and your luggage will be waiting for you at the end of each day’s ride.
If you choose a self-guided tour, we provide maps and roadbooks of the routes and offer phone support seven days a week.
If you choose a group trip, the tour leader will guide you along the route and assist you if needed, offering useful advice along the way.

Everything is easy; all you have to do is enjoy cycling.

Tours

FAQ

Which are the best destinations for a first bike tour?

If you are looking for an easy cycling holiday, be sure you check out these destinations: the Loire Valley, Holland‘s endless cycle routes, the bike-and-barge tours in Provence and the Camargue, along the Danube Cycle Route, or along the green Moselle. All of these routes are marked, flat, and filled with amenities.

Do you provide e-bikes?

Yes, on almost all our trips you can rent an electric bike — a great help when the stages are hilly or when the heat kicks in. If you want to find out more before deciding, our blog has everything you need to know about e-bikes: how they work and why you might want to choose one.

How does the luggage transfer work?

Every morning you leave your luggage at the reception desk and we take care of transporting it to your next accommodation. We will provide you with luggage labels and drop-off times. During the day, you can carry your essentials in the side bag provided with your rental bike. The service is always included in the price. Cycling light makes all the difference.
If you choose a bike and barge tour, your luggage stays on board.

What kind of support do you provide during the trip?

From the moment you book until you’re back home, we’ve got you covered. On self-guided trips, it is good to be prepared for the small mechanical hiccups that come with cycling — that’s why we provide a full repair kit with everything you need to handle a flat tire on your own. For anything else, our support line is available 7 days a week, from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend it. A good policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and cycling-specific incidents. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently before your trip.

How can I book?

It is simple: choose your trip, get your quote, and book directly online by filling in the required details and paying a deposit by credit card or bank transfer. Within 3 working days we will send you a confirmation email or an update. If you have any questions or doubts, get in touch. We are available by phone or email.

What should I pack for a bike tour?

From clothing and footwear to electronics and luggage tips, we’ve put together a complete cycling holiday packing list. Don’t forget the essentials: a raincoat, padded shorts, sunscreen and a power bank. Check out all our suggestions in this article.

Bikes

You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.

Unisex touring bike

28″ wheel
27 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle
speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
the only one suitable with children’s accessories

Bosch unisex e-bike

28” wheel
9 speed
disc or V-brakes (depending on the tour)
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle
speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height

Men's touring bike

28″ wheel
27 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle
speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height

Child bike 24"

age: 8-10 years old
body height: min 135-max 148 cm
24” wheel
7 speed

Child bike 20’'

age: 6-8 years old
body height: min 120 cm -max 135 cm
20″ wheel
7 speed

Family tandem

1 adult + 1 child 6-8 years old
26” wheel
11 speed

Hybrid Bike

28″ wheel
27 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle
speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above

Adult tandem

26” wheel
8 or 27 speed
anti-puncture tires
comfort gel saddle

Ortlieb bag

material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
weight: 1300 g
capacity: 12,5 l

Handlebar bag

dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
depth: 6cm
4 velcro straps

Child trailer

Age: between 11 months and 4 years old
weight: max 35 kg
compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike

Bike helmet

size: L (58-61)
weight: 260 g
cartification: TUV-GS and EN1078

FollowMe tandem + 20" bike

age: 6-8 years old
height: min 120, max 135 cm
weight: max 30kg
includes hitch + baby bike 20″
compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike

Repair Kit

Kit includes:

1 pump
1 inner tube
1 allen key
tyre levers
patch
glue

Rear seat

age: 1-5 years old
weight: max 22kg
reclining backrest
compatible only with unisex non-electric rental bike

Assistance

Luggage transportation
Traveling light makes all the difference! All travel itineraries come with our signature luggage transport service: simply leave your bags at the front desk each morning and we’ll drop them off at your next lodging.

Tour information
We’ll send you all the tour information before you set off on your adventure. It contains practical information, instructions on how to reach the starting point, a list of hotels, and answers to frequently asked questions. For our self-guided tours, we’ll also hand over detailed maps and roadbooks, in either physical or digital format, so you can follow the route on your own.
No need to worry about figuring out which turn to take if you opted for one of our group trips; in this case, your chaperone will gladly tell you where to go next!

Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but in case you need assistance, we’re available for support 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

1040 reviews

It has been a fantastic tour through the beautiful countryside of Provence,good accomodations on the barge, great food, quality bikes, wonderful Crew and tourlead.

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A really excellent and well supported and thought out holiday. Will repeat in a heart beat!

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Very satisfied of the organisation

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Discover more

Girolibero Cycling holidays

Tours on bike paths and on the best bike touring routes in Italy and Europe, with overnight stays in selected facilities, luggage transport service, informational material, bike rental and assistance

See all bike tours