ATOL Protected
Cycling Holidays
- Choose from 20+ European lake and mountain resorts
- Pedal your way - whether by road, mountain, or e-bike
- All trips are self-guided, for total cycle freedom!
At Heidi, we believe that two wheels are one of the best ways to get out and explore. That’s why our European cycling holidays are entirely self-guided. Set your own pace and go where you want, when you want (and have a rest day when you want too!). There’s no fixed itinerary; simply hire a bike from one of the many sports shops in your chosen resort, grab a map, plan your route, and start pedalling!
The French and Austrian Alps and lofty Italian Dolomites are a playground for some of Europe's best cycling. Climb dramatic passes, sweep down panoramic descents, or grab an e-bike and let the leisurely miles slip by on lakeshore cycles finished with a refreshing dip - the choice is all yours!
Self-Guided Cycling Holidays
The Italian Dolomites boast breathtaking scenery, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes—perfect for road cyclists and e-bikers. Canazei features family-friendly flat routes, while Corvara invites road bikers to enjoy all the dramatic downhill descents they can manage, with both locations offering bike-friendly lift access included in their summer passes.
For novice mountain bikers or those in a mixed-ability group, we recommend Chamonix and Morzine in the French Alps, with extensive trails suitable for all levels, including numerous flat, wide beginner runs. For those seeking something a little meatier, Austria's Saalbach boasts over 90km of MTB routes, including the epic Hacklberg Trail, 6km of swoopy singletrack and pure joy.
Looking to truly kick back and relax? Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled in Slovenia offer miles of pristine lakeside cycling ideal for e-biking, with the option to dip your wheel into some technical mountain trails and road biking should you fancy. All polished off with a refreshing post-cycle swim, of course!
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Austria Cycling Holidays
Saalbach, Austria
Saalbach is pure pedal paradise. As part of Austria’s largest bike region, it’s home to over 400km of cycling routes, including 90km of MTB trails and plenty of e-biking.
Bicycle Holidays Europe
Alta Badia, Italy
A bucket-list destination for cyclists, Alta Badia treats road riders to iconic Dolomite passes, mountain bikers to flowing trails, and e-bikers to cruisy mountain viewpoints.
Cycling Trips in Europe
Your questions answered by our cycling holiday expert
Phoebe Hewitt
What is a self-guided cycling holiday?
Self-guided cycling trips in Europe are your golden ticket to freedom in the hills. It allows you to set your own pace and go where you want, when you want, and how you want.
Whether you’re interested in road biking with friends, e-bike adventures with the family, or embarking on a solo mountain biking journey, self-guided bike holidays in Europe offer an excellent way to stay fit, enjoy breathtaking scenery, push your limits, and explore your destination faster and further.
With a Heidi self-guided bicycle holiday, there are no planned itineraries, stops, or guides. Simply arrange to rent and pick up your bike from one of the many local hire shops, grab a map, plan your route, and get pedalling!
Remember: Bike hire is widely available from sports shops and bike rental stores across all our summer destinations, with many of our summer cards also offering fantastic discounts and savings. Check out each location to learn more.
Why choose a self-guided cycling holiday?
The better question is, “Why not?” A cycling holiday is the perfect choice if you want to escape the crowds and the hustle and bustle during your summer holiday.
Instead of being part of a group, on a tour, or tied to a fixed itinerary, self-guided bicycle holidays in Europe offer you the freedom to travel where you like, when you like, at precisely your own pace.
There's no leading the pack and waiting for others to catch up, and no being the last in line just because you want to stop and capture some snaps of the scenery. On a self-guided cycling holiday, you can take breaks whenever you wish, choose the routes you want to follow, and do as little or as much as you desire.
Is bike hire included in the price?
Bike hire is not included in the price of your holiday, nor are any tours. On a self-guided bike holiday, you will need to organise bike hire and collection yourself.
Fortunately, cycle hire is widely available from sports shops and bike rental stores across all our summer destinations, with many of our summer cards also offering fantastic discounts and savings.
We recommend checking out each resort's information to learn more.
Where to go for a cycling holiday in Europe?
Fortunately, our experts have already selected the best bicycle holidays in Europe for you, featuring a range of fantastic destinations in France, Austria, Italy, Poland, and Slovenia.
France cycling holidays and Italy cycling holidays offer challenging climbs and stunning views, making them perfect for anyone keen to push their limits and take in those breathtaking peak panoramas.
Where to go for a mountain biking holiday in Europe?
If MTB is your preference, we also have a great selection of Europe's best mountain biking holidays. For instance, consider a Morzine cycling holiday, home to Europe’s largest bike park, or venture on an Austria cycling trip to Hinterglemm for an extensive bike trail network and access to the renowned Leogang bike park.
How do I plan a bicycle holiday?
With Heidi, planning a cycling holiday involves selecting your destination, picking up your bike hire from one of the resort's hire shops, deciding on your routes, and pedalling along the pathways!
And that’s all there is to it! At Heidi, we’ve even done the hard work of choosing the destination for you, with a selection of over 20 fantastic summer bicycle holidays in Europe to choose from. Whether you’re after a leisurely e-bike pedal, a challenging road cycling weekend, or a boatload of MTB descents, browse our best bike ride holiday destinations, make your selection, and off you go!
If you need further assistance, why not chat with one of our friendly Heidi experts? You can give us a call or start a live chat.
How should I choose and plan my cycling routes?
To plan all your cycling holiday adventures in advance, begin by selecting a location, your preferred type of bike (are you in the mood for road biking, MTB, or just a leisurely e-bike?), and the starting point of your ride.
If you’re keen to organise your itinerary ahead of time, we recommend exploring apps like AllTrails or visiting the website of your chosen resort for a variety of excellent recommendations.
Once you arrive at your hotel or accommodation, they may provide maps and cycling guides that will also highlight any local bike hire options if you've yet to book. Alternatively, it's always worth consulting the local tourism office for a wealth of helpful tips and tricks.
Many cycling trails may begin high up in the mountains, which might require a lift for access. We recommend checking what your summer card includes, as many offer free or discounted bike-assisted lifts as well as great savings on bicycle hire.
Where to go for a cycling weekend holiday?
For speedy cycling weekends brimming with variety, consider a weekend in the splendour of Seefeld, Austria. This fantastic destination offers adventure and ease under a 30-minute transfer from Innsbruck airport, with 570km of picturesque forest trails and stunning mountain tracks.
For a mountain biking weekend, we suggest a stop at Hinterglemm, Austria, home to one of Europe’s most extensive bike networks, the Leogang bike park, and less than a two-hour transfer from Salzburg.
Where's the best place for beginner road cycling holidays?
Lake Bled, Slovenia, is a great place to have your first go at a cycling holiday. With its iconic lake views, Bled is brilliant for beginner cyclists with great flat loops around the lake and beginner trails in the Julian Alps.
What's more, e-bikes are widely available to hire, making this an excellent pick for those keen to explore on two wheels without the extra effort
Where's the best place for beginner mountain biking holidays?
What’s more, Chamonix offers plenty to enjoy off the saddle, including the Luge Alpine Coaster, Merlet Animal Park, and many mountain hiking trails suitable for ramblers, walkers, and summit seekers.
What are the best greenways in Europe?
A greenway is a shared-use path that serves as a wildlife corridor and connects parks, nature reserves, and green spaces.
The Alpe Adria Radweg (Austria to Italy) is arguably the most well-known, offering views of the dramatic Alps, tranquil villages, shimmering lakes, and the stunning Adriatic Sea. At 410km long, it’s no small feat, but with a stop at St Johann in Tirol on your Austria cycling holiday, you can catch a glimpse of the action and have a go at pedalling through some of the finest scenery along the route for yourself.
Can I bring my bicycle on a plane?
Although we don't provide transport for your bike as part of your holiday, most airlines allow you to travel with your bicycle, so you can always add this option yourself before or after booking.
When taking your bicycle, it's essential to note that each airline has its own regulations that you must follow before boarding. We recommend checking with the airline you intend to travel with to learn more, as this may need to be done prior to booking.
Remember:
- Bike hire is widely available from sports shops and bike rental stores across all our summer destinations, with many of our summer cards also offering fantastic discounts and savings. Check out each location to learn more.
- As a rule, e-bikes cannot be brought with you and must be rented at the resort.
Airline information (please check your airline website for more details)
- British Airways: You can take bikes in a bicycle cover or box on flights. They count as one item of your checked baggage allowance. Otherwise, you can pay to put your bike and container in the hold as an extra checked bag.
- TUI Airways: Bicycles must be pre-booked for your flight and placed in a bicycle bag. Handlebars must be turned inwards, pedals removed, tyres deflated, and the bicycle must be wrapped in plastic or cardboard.
- Aer Lingus: Bicycles are carried as checked baggage in the aircraft hold. Bicycle space can be reserved by contacting your local reservations office, and a fee must be paid at the airport on the day of departure. The handlebars must be lowered and fixed sideways, pedals removed, tyres deflated, and the bicycle must be wrapped in plastic or cardboard.
- Ryanair: Bikes up to 30kg only. Must be paid to go into the hold and be contained in a protective box or bike bag.
- Lufthansa: Register your bicycle online at least 72 hours before departure. Bicycles must be packed in a bicycle travel case or bag and have dimensions of 280cm or less.
- Jet2.com: Contact customer services to add a bicycle to an existing booking. 32kg bike carriage limit and charges will apply.
- SWISS International Air Lines: Register your equipment before travel. Bicycles can only be accepted if they are packed in a suitable bicycle case or a similar container. In Zurich and Geneva, SWISS provides complimentary bicycle boxes.
- EasyJet: One piece of sports equipment per person. Maximum allowance of 32kg. It must be placed in a bicycle box or bag, with the handlebars flush to the frame and the pedals removed or flush to the frame.
- Wizz Air & Wizz Air UK: One piece of sports equipment per person added during booking creation or 3 hours before flight departure (limited availability per flight). Cannot exceed the size of 149 x 119 x 171cm and a weight of 32kg. Bicycles should be packed in a bicycle travel case with the wheels and pedals removed, and handlebars turned parallel, or packed in cardboard, provided that the tires are deflated.
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All flight-inclusive holidays sold on Heidi are fully financially protected under the ATOL scheme (ATOL 11456)