Discover Europe with a cycling holiday

Bike tours in Europe

66 tours see all tours

In brief

Discovering Europe by bike

From the flat canal paths of the Netherlands to the sun-drenched coastlines of Croatia, and from the river valleys of Austria and Germany to the artistic cities of Tuscany, Europe’s cycling routes are as diverse as the continent itself. No matter your pace or style, we have an itinerary to suit your needs!

To discover

Europe's most iconic cycle paths

Some of the world’s best-loved cycling routes run right through Europe’s heartland. The Danube Cycle Path links Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest along one of the continent’s great rivers — three capitals in a single trip. The River Adige Cycle Route takes you from the Dolomites all the way down to the Adriatic, through South Tyrol and the Veneto. In France, the Loire à Vélo winds past royal châteaux and through UNESCO-listed vineyards, while the Moselle Cycle Path rolls gently between Germany and France through a landscape of terraced vineyards and medieval towns. And connecting it all: the EuroVelo network, a web of long-distance routes that spans the entire continent, making Europe one big cycling playground.

Many countries, many cultures

Europe is one of the few places in the world where you can cycle from one country to the next in a single day — and feel the difference immediately. The architecture changes, the language changes, the food on your plate changes. Medieval castles give way to Renaissance squares, mountain villages to coastal towns, beer gardens to vineyard terraces. For travelers crossing the Atlantic, this is what makes a cycling trip in Europe so special: history and culture aren’t something you visit, they are something you ride through.

A unique way to see it all

On a bike and barge tour, you spend your days cycling along rivers and canals, returning each evening to your own cabin on a floating hotel moored in the next village. It truly offers the best of both worlds: the freedom of the open road during the day and the comfort of a real bed and a hot dinner at night. This is a travel experience that we highly recommend trying at least once in your lifetime.

Tours

Italy (29 tours)

From the Dolomites to the Adriatic, the River Adige Cycle Route is Italy’s great cycling journey — passing through South Tyrol, Lake Garda, and Venice along the way. In Tuscany, vineyard-lined roads connect Renaissance hill towns and world-class wineries. Fuel up on fresh pasta, local olive oil, and a glass of Chianti: in Italy, every stage ends with a great meal! Discover our bike tours in Italy

France (8 tours)

The Loire à Vélo winds past royal châteaux and through vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Further south, the ViaRhôna follows the Rhône from the Alps to the Camargue. Pair every ride with a baguette, a local cheese, and a glass of wine: France makes every lunch stop feel like an occasion. Discover our cycle tours in France.

The Netherlands (13 tours)

Over 22,000 miles of dedicated bike paths connect windmills, tulip fields, and canal cities like Amsterdam, Delft, and Haarlem. Head north to the wilder dunes of Texel and the Frisian Islands. After a day in the saddle, reward yourself with a rijsttafel or a simple Dutch broodje at a waterside café. Discover our cycling holidays in the Netherlands.

Croatia and Greece (12 tours)

Coastal cycling at its finest: the Kvarner Gulf, Dalmatia, and the Ionian Islands deliver dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and impossibly blue water. Best explored by bike and barge, so your hotel follows you from port to port. Fresh grilled fish, local olive oil, and a cold glass of wine waiting at the dock — what more could you ask for? Discover our bike and barge tours in Croatia.

Austria and Germany (8 tours)

Cycle along the Danube Cycle Path links Passau, Vienna, and Budapest along one of Europe’s most storied rivers, or choose the Moselle Cycle Path, which rolls through a valley of terraced vineyards and medieval towns on the French-German border. Stop for a hearty Wiener Schnitzel in Austria or a riverside Bratwurst in Germany: the food is as satisfying as the scenery.

Themes

For families (6 tours)

Enjoy a vacation with the little ones on Europe’s bike paths, but ditch the headache of figuring out the logistics! We’ll check you in to family-friendly hotels and have discounts at the ready for children and teens. Of course, we didn’t forget about special bike attachments and bike rentals for children of all ages. The rides on our family trips are shorter and kid-friendly; on bike paths or roads away from busy traffic. Read more about our cycling holidays for families.

FAQ

Our promise to those who travel with us is this: cycle easy, travel light. These words capture the essence of what we do. Choose your favourite cycling holiday and leave the rest to us: itinerary, handpicked accommodation, luggage transfer between stops and multilingual dedicated assistance. If you choose a self-guided cycling tour, you follow the stages at your own pace with route maps; if you join a group tour, just follow your guide.

The ideal window is April through October, with May, June, and September being the most popular months thanks to long days, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than July and August. But timing can also be a reason to travel, not just a detail. For example, in the Netherlands, the tulip season peaks in mid-April, turning the countryside into a sea of color and making it the perfect backdrop for a bike and barge tour. In Venice, the Festa del Redentore in July is one of Italy’s most spectacular summer celebrations, with fireworks over the lagoon and gondolas lit up across the water.

The Netherlands, the Danube Cycle Path and the Flanders region in Belgium are consistently our top recommendations for first-timers: well-marked routes, flat terrain, and excellent cycling infrastructure throughout. For those looking for a mix of scenery and culture, the Veneto region in Italy is hard to beat, with its gentle countryside, UNESCO-listed villas, and the magic of Venice at the finish line. Provence in southern France offers a slower, more indulgent pace through lavender fields and hilltop villages.

On self-guided bike tours, we provide everything you need to find your way: detailed maps and route descriptions, in printed or digital format depending on the trip. Some trips also include the Ride with GPS app, with GPS tracks and route content, available offline too. On guided group tours, your guide takes care of everything — you just follow along.

Not at all. Our tours are designed for people who enjoy cycling, not competitive athletes. We have five difficulty levels, ranging from flat and easy routes (around 30 km/day) to more demanding rides with climbs. If hills worry you, renting an e-bike solves the problem. You can check the difficulty level on each trip page.

You can rent the bike that suits you best — it will be ready and waiting at your starting point. You can choose between an e-bike and a standard bike and, if you’re travelling with family, there are plenty of accessories for children of all ages, from child seats to bike trailers. On some trips you can also bring your own bicycle. Check the trip page for full details on available 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.

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.

Accommodation varies depending on the trip. It can range from hotels and guesthouses to B&Bs and private rooms, or even boats if you choose a bike and barge tour. We handpick every property with care, favouring those conveniently located along the route. Breakfast is always included. For full details, check the “Comfort” section on the trip page.

Every bike tour includes: handpicked accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfer, route materials and multilingual assistance. Depending on the trip, you can add extra services to your quote, such as bike rental, meals, extra nights and transfers.

Yes, and that’s one of the best things about self-guided tours. You pick the date that suits you, within the tour’s season (usually April to October). A few tours have fixed start days for logistical reasons — this is always flagged on the tour page.

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.

It is simple: select 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.

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.

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.

Discover more

Girolibero cycling holidays

Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance.

Discover all bike tours

Travelers’ tips and stories

Get inspired before your trip with advice and travel tales from fellow adventurers on our blog

EuroVelo cycling routes, a complete guide

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