Discover the enchanting lakes and villages of the spectacular Salzkammergut region by bike staying in charming hotels. The Austrian Lakes region of Salzkammergut is one of the most delightful and charming regions in all of Europe. Made famous by the film, the Sound of Music, its breathtaking landscapes feature postcard perfect alpine lakes, high rolling mountains, verdant green meadows and scenic valleys. If you have the opportunity to slow down and experience this spectacular region by bike - do it. On this one week self guided cycling trip in Austria you will pedal at your own pace between ten glistening lakes, including classics like Lake Attersee, Mondsee and Wolfgangsee. Beginning in Mozart's home town of Salzburg, where there is time to explore this enchanting city, you'll soon be immersed in an alpine wonderland as you cycle through Salzburg's stunning alpine foothills en route to the many picturesque lakeside towns including the beautiful UNESCO listed village of Hallstatt before returning to Salzburg. Overnight stay in charming hotels set in the heart of the historic town centres or on the lakeshore, specially handpicked for their fine cuisine, local character and friendly service.
Starting in the historic centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 with a plethora of landmarks, museums and historical sights, the city has a fairytale atmosphere with its cobbled streets and squares, canals on which you can take boat trips past the traditional houses as well as its medieval architecture. Bruges is also world-famous for its lace production.
In the province of Zeeland, the beautiful sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe. In Holland, historic fortified towns provide an incomparable atmosphere and the windmills of the Kinderdijk are a must-see when visiting the region. Your week ends in Amsterdam, the famous metropolis with its canals, museums and many boutiques for shopping fans.
In between, lush green landscapes with grazing cows, extensive forests and lots of water await you. You will also see national parks and picturesque villages as well as impressive buildings and monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour from Bruges to Amsterdam is also a culinary journey, with Flemish delicacies, Belgian beer, cheese and syrupy waffles from Gouda as well as plenty of fresh seafood. Everything your heart desires!
Discover the Highlights of Holland on this mostly gentle circular cycling trip, starting and ending in the delightful city of Amsterdam with its UNESCO World Heritage canal ring area, its bustling squares and cultural hotspots, including the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums. The varied countryside of Holland beckons with a mix of rectangular polders (low-lying land reclaimed from rivers and protected by dykes), woodland, country estates and wild gardens. Cycle through beautiful traditional villages, past windmills and farmhouses and on to the famous flower fields near Haarlem (visit in April and early May for the full effect of the blooms).As well as Amsterdam and the archetypal countryside of the Netherlands, you get to explore the cities of Zandvoort, The Hague, Rotterdam, Gouda, & Utrecht, all with their own histories and cultural characters. On the North Sea coast, extensive dunes and sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe, or you can simply stroll along the promenades. Art and culture lovers will find exciting museums and shopping fans will get their money's worth in trendy Rotterdam. Don't forget to try the famous delicacies, Gouda cheese and syrup waffles are just two of them. Gouda, as well as being the venue for the famous summer cheese market (Thursday mornings April - August), has a fabulous, gothic town hall in the main square, romantic canals and even more food options with warm syrup waffles - perfect to try after a day of cycling.
Begin your cycling journey from Lake Garda, riding along the beautiful 'Ciclopista del Sole' past the glistening lake shore and Mincio river. Visit the bustling resorts of Desenzano and Sirmione, known as the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda, before arriving in Breschia, a city rich in Roman and medieval remains.
A relaxing ride brings you to Franciacorta, a land of excellent local wines where the nearby Benedictine abbey stands proud amongst the castles of Passirano and Clusane. The second Italian lake you reach is the much smaller Lake Iseo, known for its abundance of water birds within this protected area. Following the Oglio river from Lake Iseo takes you through the medieval old town of Montello, before reaching Bergamo. A pearl of Northern Italy, you'll have the afternoon to explore both the lower and upper towns of Bergamo, accessible by funicular.
You'll soon reach the blue shores of Lake Lecco, a branch of Lake Como, where you ride along the green cycle path of the Adda. Pass by the small lakes of Annone, Pusiano, & Alserio, before arriving in the centre of Como and of course its famous lake.
Your last day takes you across the border into Switzerland, along the Monate lake with opportunities to swim in in the clear waters. Finally, you arrive in Ispra on Lake Maggiore with spectacular views all around. The natural beauty of these places, the rich cuisine and excellent local wines, give colour and culture to your cycling holiday, creating some incredible memories of the Italian Lakes.
Crete is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece - and rightly so! Eastern Crete in particular has retained its genuine character and style and holds its place as the 'quieter' side of the island. With plenty to see and many local tavernas to enjoy, don't forget to sample the national drink Raki alongside your delicious Greek meze.
This trip offers a unique experience to explore Crete in the best way, on two wheels! You'll cycle the islands spectacular coastline, passing through the intriguing villages of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno. With important archaeological sites to visit and tranquil golden beaches to relax on, there's heaps to admire in between your rides.
The accommodations on this trip are mostly family-run and traditionally Cretan. While Crete is typically home to more simple accommodations, these have all been chosen for their great location, services, and comfort.
This guided cycling cruise tour in Dalmatia starts and ends in Split, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and a popular hub for Croatia sightseeing tours. Head towards Brac, best known for the white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape). Cycle along the coast roads and visit the old fishing villages, Splitska and Postira. Then, get to admire the view of Pakleni islands from Hvar, one of the main tourist attractions. Next, enjoy the cycling tour starting from the small, picturesque bay, Pokrivenik—decorated with impressive cliffs and beautiful pebble beaches—and descend towards the eastern point of Hvar Island, Sucuraj. Later, cycle through the Trstenik vineyard area in the village on the Peljesac peninsula, famous for the best Croatian wines, and visit Mljet Island, renowned for its diverse National Park with two saltwater lakes. Next, explore Korcula Island, often known as "Little Dubrovnik” for its charming medieval architecture. Return to Hvar Island to discover one of the most peaceful towns in Croatia—Stari Grad, meaning “Old Town.” On your final day, cruise to Solta and cycle from Stomorska to Gornje Selo, the island’s highest point, before continuing to Maslinica and concluding your journey back in Split.
The Peloponnese is the Greece of myth and legend. Hera bathed in the Carathus spring near Epidaurus, the attack against Troy was led from Mycenae and it was in Lerna that Hercules killed the Hydra, a mythical beast with many heads. Aside from being the cradle of Greek civilisation, it is also astoundingly beautiful. The mountainous region of Arcadia has thick pine forests and meadows alive to the scent of wild mint and the gently sloping lowlands towards the coast are a tangle of vineyards and citrus and olive groves, bright with oleander bushes.
Great trip. All the destinations were worth visiting. The countries are fascinating and different from each other. Generally well paced with the exception of one day with a long bus ride followed by bicycling that felt a little too rushed. Great accommodations.
Cycle and cruise the Lycian Coast between Bodrum and Fethiye. There are few coastlines which offer the appealing combination of sublime landscapes, rich cultural history and legacies from ancient civilisations found on Turkey's Lycian Coast. We spend a week discovering the coastline and backcountry between Bodrum and Fethiye with our three-masted motor yacht. Our charming and stylish vessel is built to the highest of standards. Accompanied by our guide you will discover the unique natural wonders and historical cities which grace the area. Admire the famous tombs of Dalyan, which were cut into the cliffs between 4 and 2 BC by the Lycian coastal inhabitants, and the spectacular Saklikent Canyon. Spend your evenings relaxing on board in the deserted bays or make the most of the nightlife in the port cities and their many cafes and bars.
This is not just a cycling holiday it is an immersion into local Tuscan life, from wine and oil sampling to hot thermal spa baths and the chance to taste local wines and olive oils. Sample the Vino Nobile of Monepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni.
Our undiscovered corner of Veneto, just 60 minutes (but a world away) from bustling Venice, is the perfect setting for a relaxed cycling holiday. Nestled between the art cities of Padua, home to one of the oldest universities in the whole of Europe, and UNESCO-recognised Vicenza, the region is bursting with Patrician villas - built by Venetian nobles to escape the muggy heat of the city - and ancient castles, although it is surprisingly almost entirely untouched by tourism. Palladio was the most famous Renaissance architect and many of his buildings, including the Villa Rotonda, can be visited on day 7 of this interest-packed itinerary.
We take you across the Venetian plain, past cherry orchards and swaying vine terraces, with the outline of the conical shaped Euganean Hills and imposing Colli Berici acting as a constant backdrop. The cycling is wonderfully gentle, over the flatlands of the plain and the low foothills of the Colli Berici, along peaceful canalside paths, cycle tracks and quiet country roads, passing sumptuous villas and historic towns with wine-tasting opportunities on the way.
En route you'll stay with some of the friendliest people we've ever met. There’s a warm welcome at Gabriella and Alessandro’s Agriturismo il Feudo as you arrive in Cortela and it’s a home away from home at Valfrido and Angelina’s charming Agriturismo near Vicenza.