We think that a mix of leisurely rides, paired with tasty local food and delicious wine, always makes the perfect recipe for a great cycling holiday!
For those who enjoy tasting regional delicacies and sampling unique tipples, we have a range of Food and Wine cycling holidays that include rides through areas famed for their culinary heritage.
To give you some ideas, we've picked a selection of five exciting tours which offer incredible food & wine to sample, and all included in the price of your holiday. From cooking lessons to wine tasting, these activities will make your holiday extra special.
Pretzels, White Sausage and Mustard in Bavaria
Sample the unique, hearty and delicious food of Southern Germany, which is great for replenishing calories lost during this tour's varied and interesting rides. Freedom Treks project manager Saul completed this self-guided tour in June 2016 and one of his highlights was "sitting on the beautiful terrace of our hotel with a big pot of white sausage (Weißwurst), sweet mustard and pretzels". Saul also loved the regular stops in the Bavarian beer gardens, with stunning scenic views.
View tour: Lakes of Southern Bavaria
Fresh Paella in Mallorca
The Balearic island of Mallorca provides Mediterranean cuisine and coastal landscapes at their best. The island is home to glistening bays and authentic fishing villages where daily catches are brought in to shore, making this one of the top spots in Spain to sample fresh paella. On this self-guided tour, see the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains before transferring to the 13th century Lluc monastery. From here, ride on to the mountain village of Fornalutx where you stop for lunch and try the delicious paella.
View tour: Mallorca
Mouth Watering Ice Cream in Lake Garda
Nestled beside the Monte Baldo range of mountains, Lake Garda is the jewel in northern Italy's crown, with a combination of slick resorts and untouched towns, you will never be stuck for something to see and do. Explore a number of lakeside spots and destinations beyond Garda, including Verona and Mantua, returning to your hotel at the end of each day. Included in the price is a stop to enjoy the acclaimed pistachio ice cream in the mountain commune of Mori, on the ride from Trento back to the lake.
View tour: Lake Garda
Bubbly Prosecco in the Veneto Hills
The rolling scenery of the Veneto region makes the perfect backdrop for this self-guided tour, stopping at Prosecco & Pinot Grigio wine-tasting cellars en route. Stay six nights in a beautiful four star hotel with its own vineyard & outdoor pool just outside Treviso. From here you can ride and discover Giorgione’s renaissance artwork and Andrea Palladio’s influential architecture.
View tour: Treviso Prosecco Vineyards
Pasta, Cheese and Wine Between Parma & Bologna
This guided tour takes you through Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy's most exceptional food regions, known throughout the world for the food and wine that it produces. From Parmesan cheese to Lambrusco wine, Parma ham to traditional balsamic vinegar and much more, this region has it all. Enjoy all of these delicacies with tastings on this guided tour. Also included are five dinners in traditional trattorias and a cooking lesson!
View tour: Parma to Bologna Guided