#1
Amsterdam-Bruges canal route
May-Sep
Flat 350km cycle path. Canal-side dining nightly.
Key fact: Self-guided possible. Multiple operators handle luggage transfers.
Best for cycling holidays
From flat canal-side weekends to Alps multi-pass tours. Pack the right kit, pick the right weather, hire the right bike.
Before you book
- E-bike rentals open up climbs to non-cyclists — many Alps tours now mostly e-bike.
- Bring your own helmet + pedals from home; everything else rents.
- Hand luggage + courier services exist for multi-day point-to-point.
- Saddle sores are real — chamois cream is the difference between joy and misery.
12 best destinations
#2
Tuscany hills
May-Jun, Sep-Oct
Strade Bianche + Chianti vineyards. Climbs + lunch culture.
Key fact: Eroica vintage race in October. Avoid Aug heat.
#3
Mallorca
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Pro teams winter-train here. Sa Calobra + Cap Formentor iconic climbs.
Key fact: 300+ days of sunshine. Sa Calobra is best in early morning.
#4
Alpe d'Huez
Jun-Sep
21 hairpins + Tour de France lore. Iconic with full-on Alps backdrop.
Key fact: Combine with Col du Galibier + Croix de Fer + Madeleine for ultimate route.
#5
Vietnam Mekong Delta
Nov-Apr
Mostly flat through villages. Multi-day Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh tours.
Key fact: Mekong views, food culture, plenty of pho stops.
#6
Wine country (Sonoma)
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Healdsburg + Russian River. Self-guided tours with bag drops.
Key fact: Westside Road is iconic. Stops at wineries every 5-10 miles.
#7
New Zealand South Island
Nov-Mar
Otago Central Rail Trail + West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Key fact: Rail Trail mostly flat 150 km. Wilderness Trail more remote.
#8
Patagonia / Carretera Austral (Chile)
Dec-Mar
Wild, remote, gravel roads. Adventure cyclist territory.
Key fact: Hire bike + plan with operator — wild camping common.
#9
Sicily
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Mt Etna climbs + coastal routes. Sicilian food.
Key fact: Spring wildflowers Apr-May. Mt Etna 1.8 km elevation gain.
#10
Provence
May-Jun, Sep
Lavender fields + Mt Ventoux. Tour de France stage classic.
Key fact: Mt Ventoux 1.6 km climb — 'the giant of Provence'.
#11
Vermont (USA)
Aug-Oct (foliage)
Covered bridges + maple farms. Best fall foliage cycling.
Key fact: VBT and Backroads offer guided. Self-guided possible on D&H rail trail.
#12
Croatia coast
May-Jun, Sep-Oct
Adriatic island-hopping. Cycle + sail combo tours common.
Key fact: Boats with bikes — sail to a new island each evening.