Cycling Tour Options

Guided and Self-Guided Cycling Tours

Deciding to go on a cycling tour can very well be one of the best decisions you can make. This will not only give you much needed exercise, but will also allow you to recharge your batteries by taking in the view of the country and breathing fresh air.

Cycling of any kind is an excellent way to burn calories and shed some pounds in the process. Cycling tours, on the other hand, provide you with an even more effective means of losing weight because you will be far away from your usual temptations and you will actually be more inspired because of the sense of adventure.

Among the first decisions you have to make when going on a cycling tour is to select a destination. You will then have to choose whether to join a guided tour or follow your own instincts. While some people may feel safer with a guided tour, we actually recommend going on a self-guided cycling tour, which offers more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the experience so much more. You will still receive a copy of the route, but you will be able to cycle at the speed that you prefer without worrying about staying with the rest of the group.

Companies that offer self-guided cycling tours will provide you with a host of bicycles to choose from, some of which even have GPS navigation systems that will give you a sense of security even when following unfamiliar paths. The hotel accommodations will all be taken care of as well. All you have to do is to get yourself checked in, get yourself a good night’s sleep and get ready for another day of cycling the following morning.

There are some things that you will have to do on your own, though, like replacing flat tires or handling other types of repairs. You will also have to bring a helmet to use for the tour because these are usually not provided by the tour companies.

If you prefer a more organized plan, you can opt for the guided cycling tour, which means that you will be traveling with a party of other cyclists and a couple of tour guides. These guides will provide you with everything you need along the way, and you will have to follow a strict itinerary along with the rest of the cyclists. Most cycling tours usually last for about a week or so, and coves about 52 miles (60 kilometers) a day.

Self Guided Bicycle Tours Through Europe

A unique experience, is seeing Europe through a self guided bicycle tour. It is guaranteed to be one of the best vacations in your lifetime. It’s easy to view the world from the seat of a bicycle. You see so much more from a bike than you do through from the window of a car. Taking a bicycle tour through Europe is as easy as deciding which country you want to start from.

A variety of bicycle tours through Europe start in Germany. The Lake Constance self guided tour through Bavaria starts in the town of Lindau, which calls itself “the happy end of Germany.” This ride is not recommended for beginners, as the elevation through the Allgaeu Mountains of Bavaria and the highlands of the Allgaeu call for strong climbing legs. The scenery is well worth the effort, with views of the spectacular alps, alpine lakes and forests. This is a self guided, seven-night tour.

A much better option for beginner cyclists, is the bicycle path that goes round Lake Constance. This path is the most popular bicycle riding route in all of Europe. Travel through the medieval villages of Meersburg, Lindau, Stain, and Konstanz. This is a self guided, seven-night tour.

The Innsbruck to Munich bicycle tour through Europe is another challenging bit of roadway, with high mountains and deep canyons providing challenges and thrills. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the Ziller Valley, with its rustic guest houses and turquoise blue water. This is a self guided, six-night tour.

The Four Countries, Three Lakes tour takes cyclists through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Germany, along three picturesque lakes. This seven night tour is also self guided.

The Berlin to Copenhagen tour provides 400 miles of scenic cycling on some of the best maintained bike paths in Europe. You’ll see rustic fishing villages and royal palaces as you travel quiet country roads.

It’s been said that Holland is such a low country; one can see the horizon from under the belly of a cow. You can try this for yourself when you take the Dutch Lowlands bicycle tour through Europe. Ride your bike along the sluices, bridges and other waterworks that keep the Netherlands above water, if not above sea level.

For families with children aged between 7 and 11, the cycle and sail holiday takes you on a guided tour for seven nights. Activities of interest for children are included in this tour. Sail across Ijssel Lake to the port town of Hoorn, then cycle to an open air museum and other sight seeing destinations.

Even if you’ve been to Europe before, you haven’t seen it all unless you have taken a bicycle tour through Europe.