Pedal through pastoral landscapes, ancient forests, and historic villages in Europe’s best bike-touring destinations.

Thanks to its deep history, stunning scenery, and lively cycling culture, Europe is home to the highest concentration of the best bike tours on Earth. Nations like France and Italy, are full of bucket-list classics—but you don’t need to follow the crowds to ensure a brag-worthy biking vacation. Book any one of our self-guided bike tours below, and you’ll find yourself rolling amid spectacular scenery in some of the most stunning locations on the planet. 

Why Choose Self-Guided Biking Tours in Europe

Biking vacations are a healthy and enjoyable way to explore tons of new terrain under your own power. That said, the logistics can get complicated, especially when you’re visiting somewhere new. If you don’t speak the local language, it can be tough to ask for directions or figure out which local bike shop has what you need. That’s where our self-guided tours come in. 

Self-guided biking tours are great for beginner cyclists, avid travelers, and anyone who wants a big adventure without the weeks of tedious planning. With a self-guided bike tour from Macs Adventure, we take care of all the bookings and route-planning for your vacation. You’ll get turn-by-turn instructions, local tips, and a GPS map pre-loaded with all your essential stops in your Macs Adventure app. We also handle luggage transfers—which means you’ll never have to pedal with your suitcase in tow. 

Best Biking Tours in Europe

There are hundreds of incredible biking vacations in Europe, but these adventures are among the most memorable. 

Portugal

Colorful seaside towns, verdant countryside, and lush pine forests make Portugal a cyclist’s dream. For a mellow tour, cycle Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, a trip that traces canals and medieval city streets from Porto to Coimbra. Want to turn it into an epic pilgrimage? Start at Porto and bike the world-famous Camino Portugues, a nine-day trip that winds through the nation’s most stunning scenery on its way to Spain’s sacred Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. 

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom shares much of the mainland’s enthusiastic cycling spirit. Add to that mild temperatures, rolling hills, and endless country roads, and you’ve got the ingredients for an idyllic biking vacation. For a bite-sized frolic through southern England, try Cycling in the Heart of the Cotswolds, a route that weaves among thatched-roof cottages, green meadows, and blooming rose gardens. Looking for a taste of the north? Head to the Great Glen Cycleway, a legendary journey through the rugged bluffs, deep lochs, and emerald hills of wild Scotland.

France

Cycling is a deeply quintessential part of French culture. As a result, the country is latticed in a network of stunning bike routes. For a longer journey, try cycling the Camino Frances. One of best-known Camino de Santiago routes, the eight-day trip will take you from Leon, France, to the awe-inspiring Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. Looking for an option that’s a little less involved? Target the Loire Valley for miles of dedicated bike paths that lead past elegant castles, quaint towns, and thriving French vineyards. 

Italy

Italy has it all: white-sand beaches, cypress-dotted highlands, colorful villages, and incredible food. So, it’s no surprise that this nation is also home to some of the best biking vacations on the continent. For a leisurely trip, cycle The Highlights of Puglia, a gentle tour of the architectural marvels and turquoise bays lining the Salento coastline. Have more time? Pedal 284 miles through Tuscan wine country on your way between Lucca and Rome. This route, the Via Francigena, is one of Italy’s most iconic pilgrimages and one of the best ways to sample the incredible variety the country has to offer.  

If you’re considering a self-guided biking tour in Europe but aren’t sure how to choose, give Macs Adventure a call. Our adventure specialists have completed many of the routes we mention above. Tap into their insider knowledge to help you choose a country, dial in your packing list, and select the perfect trip for your needs.