Have you ever wanted to do something a little different for your holidays? Then you might want to consider a cycling break. Whether you’re one of the 6.5 million people in the UK that regularly hops on their bike or you’re a complete novice, a European cycling holiday ticks all the right boxes. 

For an active break combining outdoor pursuits with cultural exploration, a trip to some of Europe’s most cultural metropolises is bound to get your pulse racing. Here are some ideas for a cycling holiday in Europe. 

1) Unveiling ancient wonders 

If you’re a lover of history, this one’s for you. 

Weaving and winding your way through some of Europe’s most historical sites, you can cycle the popular routes that take you around famous ancient wonders such as the Colosseum, the Acropolis and Stone Henge. 

By ditching the local bus and taking your bike instead, you’ll get a much more immersive experience. So, there’s much more time to soak in the impressive sites as you pass through. 

If you like the sound of seeing the grandeur up close but don’t fancy the aching legs afterward, you can always look into electric bikes. Just be sure you know the rules and restrictions surrounding them before you go. 

2) Pedalling through medieval treasures 

Europe is home to thousands of medieval towns and castles, such as Carcassonne, Rothenberg ob der Tauber or Avignon. Although they’ve existed for thousands of years, the charm of these well-preserved towns remains thanks to their medieval architecture and romantic cobbled streets. 

These small yet mighty towns are best enjoyed slowly, making a bike the ideal mode of transport. In fact, in many of these places, travelling by car is extremely difficult given their narrow winding streets! 

3) Renaissance rides 

Arty folk will rejoice at the thought of a cultural tour of Renaissance treasures. Ticking off artistic hotspots such as Florence, Prague or Granada, you’ll be able to soak up the vibrant yet civilised atmosphere as you meander through these cities. 

Allowing you to see more of the cities in less time (without rushing!), hopping on your bike is the ideal way to explore these alluring cities. 

4) Architectural wonders 

And if none of the above float your boat? Simply head to some of Europe’s most famous architectural wonders on two wheels. 

Whether you’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in the flesh or you’re yearning to go see the Sagrada Familia or St Basil’s Cathedral, you can see them all when you cruise around a city on your bike. 

Final thoughts…

Although it might be daunting to shun the traditional summer holiday and replace it with a cycling escapade, you’ll be glad that you did. Allowing you to spend time outdoors soaking up different cultures and ways of life while seeing all the sites, cycling holidays are the future. 

Where will you go next?