Self guided bicycling vacations

Imagine cycling past sublime scenery, safe in the knowledge that your luggage is waiting for you once you dismount. On our self guided cycling vacations, your luggage will be transported from one point to the next; all you have to do is make sure you meet it. That's just one of the benefits of a self guided cycling tour, and there are many others.

This option is perfect for you if like to enjoy things at your own pace. Going on a self guided cycling vacation lets you cycle independently without the need to catch up or wait for other members of a group. You can also stay in smaller, more boutique properties along the way.

You’ll be alone, but you won’t be unsupported. On our self guided cycling vacations, all the planning is done for you, so you don’t have to do any of the work. You’ll get bespoke recommendations, and a local point of contact will be on hand to oversee your tour and offer a goldmine of recommendations that are well worth paying attention to.

Our self guided cycling vacations will generally start with a meet and greet and a bike fitting – although you can bring your own bike if you prefer. You can also choose an e-bike on an increasing number of our tours. We provide all the maps you need, including mobile route planners like Ride with GPS, copious written notes, accommodation, luggage transfers and food. You’ll be given essentials, like a puncture repair kit and spare inner tube.

You will be given a full range of routes and 24/7 support – there will be someone on the end of the phone, usually in-country, should there be any problems. With all that sorted – you’re off on the open road! Itineraries are designed so that you’ll start with a shorter ride to ease you into the trip and to address any problems that come up.

Self guided cycling tours are designed to be more self-reliant (unlike on a small group trip, you won’t have a guide or a support vehicle accompanying you). This means that vacations like this tend to take place in areas that aren't too far off the beaten track; mainland Europe, for example. Many of our cycling trips are point to point, meaning that you will be staying in a new place every night, with your luggage transported on for you, so you just need to carry a day pack. Our trips focus on family run, locally owned accommodation and we often use small properties with just a few beds – that’s yet another perk of going self guided, rather than traveling in a group.

In general, the spring and autumn are both considered the best time to go on a self guided cycling vacation as you'll encounter fewer crowds, milder temperatures and much more variety in terms of natural landscapes.

Summer months are obviously going to be hotter and it's worth bearing this in mind when considering how far and how hard you want to cycle over the course of a day. Winter will conversely be colder and conditions can be treacherous, with ice and rain adding to darker days.