Pedal the Paths Less Cycled

Nine tours for quiet cycling away from the crowds

Escape the crowds on your next cycle tour and discover one of Europe's less cycled paths. Think unspoilt landscapes, sparkling lakes and rugged coastlines, as you pedal through peaceful areas in some of Europe’s most beautiful places.

All of the tours below are self-guided, so you’ll spend most of your time with your cycling companions while going at your own pace. They feature more rural routes, avoiding major towns and cities as much as possible, or taking you to usually popular destinations during quieter off-peak periods. 

Our team have cycled in eight of the nine destinations and can personally attest to the calm and tranquility, as well as the bragging rights of visiting somewhere before it becomes mainstream!

For personal advice and recommendations from our team, enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5:30pm UK time). Whether you have dates or a specific tour in mind, or you're just looking for ideas, we're here to help.

Tour Between the Sparkling Freshwater Lakes of Southern Bavaria

Ride along an amazing network of well-connected cycle paths through extraordinary scenery in rural Germany. From valley floors you’ll be looking up at the Bavarian Alps on routes that are undemanding and easy to follow. Although starting and finishing in Munich, this tour has an off the beaten track feel, as you pedal through green forests, marshlands and alpine foothills, stopping in lakeside market towns and traditional Bavarian villages.

Lakes Of Southern Bavaria - Lake Riegsee
Quiet cycling towards Lake Riegsee

Freedom Trekkers say: "A wonderfully varied and interesting bike ride with the Bavarian Alps as a backcloth and picturesque towns and villages to delight and provide welcome refreshment stops! A hugely enjoyable week's cycling holiday which feels off the beaten track but accessible. Thanks to Freedom Treks for organising and doing all the planning for us." - Wendy Bisiker, UK

View tour: Lakes of Southern Bavaria Bike Tour

Escape to Umbria

This short, four night tour in the peaceful Umbrian countryside is a great introduction to cycle touring. The rides between sleepy towns are easy, with options for steeper climbs or gentler routes through rolling landscapes cloaked in vineyards and olive groves. Each place you’ll visit holds unique appeal, from the interlocked stone houses of Spello to the peaceful wine village of Torgiano.

Umbria poppy plains, Italy
Umbria poppy plains, Italy

Freedom Trekkers say: "Perfect - a few sunny days spent in peaceful and beautiful rural Italy cycling between some amazing hilltop medieval walled towns. Assisi was buzzing (there was a festival and it was a Saturday) but the other towns and villages were so quiet - it was like stepping back in time. The hotels in Spoleto and Bevagna were charming and perfectly situated in the old town with their narrow cobbled alleys and pretty squares." - Vicki Nunn, UK

View tour: Umbrian Escape Bike Tour

Tour the Medieval Villages and Castles of Central Spain

Starting in the uncrowded, UNESCO-listed city of Segovia, this easy to moderate tour follows country roads and off-road paths through open countryside dotted with rustic villages and hilltop towns. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and don’t forget your swimming gear - you’ll stop by healing spring waters, a dramatic gorge and crystal clear rivers.

Segovia - The Heart of Spain - Wild Flowers
Cycling through fields of wild flowers in the heart of Spain

Freedom Trekkers say: "Amazing BIG country with outstanding views. Easy cycling on EBikes along empty country roads and tracks which means you can arrive at another lunch stop without being stressed. The cycle to each of the villages came with impressive views of open plains or sierras or fantastic canyons with glimpses of castles and medieval villages getting ever closer." - Christopher Moon, UK

View tour: Segovia's Medieval Villages & Castles Bike Tour

See a Quieter Side of Mallorca

Gain a new perspective of Mallorca as you tour its glistening bays and authentic villages by bike and the UNESCO-listed mountains by transfer. Mallorca’s natural history is as fascinating as its historic towns, with pink salt lakes, natural sea arches and the beautiful Dragon Caves among the highlights. Not to mention the spectacular beauty of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains!

Pollensa Beach, Mallorca, Spain
Pollensa Beach in Mallorca outside of peak season

Freedom Trekkers say: "A thoroughly enjoyable tour around Mallorca, generally on beautiful quiet lanes. The rides each day were satisfyingly long - but with plenty of time for lazy lunches and exploring the pretty villages. There were a few hills, but nothing too challenging. Highly recommended." - Jo Brocklesby, UK

View tour: Mallorca Bike Tour

Visit the Land of the Volcanoes

For another popular island destination, visit Lanzarote out of the peak summer season for some winter sun without the crowds. This year-round tour takes you on a loop of the island’s unique and spectacular volcanic landscape, with stops at beaches, mountains, caves and geysers. Two optional rest days mean more time to relax on the beach if you desire.

Fuerteventura dunes
Cycling on Fuerteventura, an option for extra cycling on this tour

Freedom Trekkers Say: "In this anticlockwise tour of the island, there are stunning and varied inland and coastal volcanic landscapes. It's a windy island but the routes have been carefully crafted to minimize exposure to the prevailing winds. Also, the routes avoid the main commercial parts of resorts. All the food in our hotels and restaurants we visited was of high quality. Highly recommended." - John Gladman, UK

View tour: Lanzarote Bike Tour - Land of the Volcanoes

Slow Down in Sardinia

For a longer Italian escape, this leisurely 10 day tour includes rest days for relaxing by the pool (or more cycling if preferred!) As well as the pristine beaches, captivating history and alluring island culture of south west Sardinia, short ferry hops will also take you to the islands of San Pietro and Sant’Antioco. Explore their green vineyards and gleaming coasts or spend some time off the bike soaking up the laidback vibes.

Nebida, Sardinia
You'll be stopping often with views like this

Freedom Trekkers say: "The tour was very enjoyable, with some fantastic scenery along the beautiful south west coast of Sardinia. The cycling was mostly as described, with the odd challenging incline thrown in to keep you on your toes! The accommodation was good and the staff at each very friendly, and the food was always of a good standard." - Phil Styan, UK

View tour: Sardinia Leisurely Bike Tour

Enjoy Lakes, Rivers, Gorges and Waterfalls in Slovenia

Perfect for those who love mountain scenery without the challenging cycling, this moderate tour in Slovenia takes in lakes, rivers, gorges, waterfalls and stunning views of the Julian & Kamnik Alps and the Karavanke mountains. Riding from the pine forests and pastures of the Pokljuka high plateau to tiny villages nestling in the hills of the Bohinj Valley, this is a tour you won’t forget in a hurry.

Jelovica, Slovenia
Hilltop cycling with an impressive mountain backdrop in Slovenia

Freedom Trekkers say: "Beautiful scenery and country side. A real mix of up and downhill riding. Good hotels. Friendly people. For older /less fit riders an electric bike ensures a happy day and enables you to enjoy the side trips easily" - Niki Worth, New Zealand

View tour: Slovenia's Castles, Lakes & Mountains Bike Tour

Discover the Unspoilt Landscapes and Local Legends of Southern Poland

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of rural Poland as you tour through medieval towns, authentic villages and the dramatic Dunajec Gorge. It’s an unforgettable part of the trip -  you’ll pedal beneath limestone cliffs dripping with lush vegetation, touring past traditional wooden churches and horse-drawn carts laden with hay. At one stage you will even cross the border into Slovakia and cycle by the iconic peaks of Trzy Korony.

Cycling through flower meadow, Poland
Cycling through a flower meadow in Poland

Freedom Trekkers say: "An interesting trip through scenic rural Poland. The cycling was easy on most of the days. Recommended if you are looking for an experience off the beaten track." - Clive Lane, Australia

View tour: Krakow & Dunajec Cycle Path Bike Tour

Cycle Your Way Around Norway’s Unspoilt Fjords

If seemingly otherworldly landscapes and peaceful rides with lots of fresh air are your thing, then this is the tour for you. Cycling through Sunnhordland on the west Norwegian fjord coast will leave you breathless... from the scenery! This tour brings you so much in the way of beauty; fjords, mountains and green hills abound. Island hopping each day on the fjord’s ferries allows you to take some time off the bike to appreciate the stunning scenery.

Sunnhordland Fjords, Norway
The impressive Sunnhordland Fjords of Norway

Freedom Trekkers say: "An excellent way to see the beautiful Norwegian landscape by bike and ferry. The food was fantastic too." - Katharine King, UK

View tour: Sunnhordland Fjords Bike Tour

Find Out More

If you would like to learn more about any of the tours above, enquire online or call our team on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

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Tours featured in this post