The Best Bike Tours for Experienced Cyclists

Cycling has always been where my two passions - travel and fitness - come together. There’s something uniquely rewarding about discovering new places from the saddle and knowing you’ve earned a refreshing beverage at the end of the day!

Since joining Freedom Treks in early 2023, I’ve racked up over 1,600 km on two wheels and cycled through 10 countries - and that’s not even counting my personal trips! I’ve followed classic routes along the Danube, pedalled through Latvia and Estonia, ridden trails on the Atlantic’s rugged coastline, conquered Albania's mountain and coastal roads, and island-hopped around Croatia’s stunning Kvarner Bay.

Each tour has been unique, but I’ve learned that the most rewarding rides strike a balance between endurance, culture, and spectacular scenery. Based on these experiences, here are my top picks for experienced cyclists - whether you’re chasing steep climbs or long, steady days in the saddle, these routes promise the perfect mix of challenge, adventure, and reward. Having ticked two off my list, I can't wait to take on the third next!

For more information on any of these tours, or for personal advice from our team, enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

With demanding daily climbs through magnificent mountain ranges, our Highlights of Albania Guided Bike tour deserves top spot on this list. I cycled this guided route in April 2024 and can confirm that confident cyclists will love this rewarding ride through a lesser-known European gem, and worthwhile ascents of up to 1,000 metres!

Over 10 glorious days, you will pedal across 300 miles (474 km) of varied terrain, stopping off at three UNESCO World Heritage sites, hot springs and the Albanian Riviera. Plus, the scenery that revealed itself after each climb is quite literally breathtaking - particularly on day 9.

Your final day of cycling concludes with a unique 1,000 metre climb through Llogara National Park above the Ionian Sea. At the peak, there’s an abundance of natural beauty and sweeping views of the shimmering coastline, eradicating any memories of thigh burn on the way up. The day finishes with a cruise down to a beach resort on Vlore’s shoreline in the early afternoon. This presents the perfect opportunity to spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel pool or sunbathing on the private beach just outside.

While you should be confident in your cycling ability to tackle this tour, your fitness doesn’t necessarily need to be that of an Olympic cyclist. To take the sting out of the steeper hills, e-bikes are available. And those who opt for a hybrid bike have peace of mind knowing there’s a support van readily available to pick them up if needed.

“I have been on a few cycling trips & this was one of the most challenging! This is what we wanted out of our trip - cycling through mountains & the coast. The last day of cycling is the toughest with climbing, but what an achievement! Amazing views as well. Our guides were great - always available to help” - Sally Sheehy

View Tour: Highlights of Albania Guided Bike Tour

With five of the seven riding days topping 70 km - including one epic 92 km stretch - this Baltic Coast route between two of the region’s most vibrant cities is a dream for cyclists who love nothing more than clocking up big miles in the great outdoors.

After cycling this tour in June 2025, I realised that the real achievement wasn’t just in the constant pedalling, but in conquering the diverse terrain along the way. While the route from Riga to Tallinn is mostly flat, there are options to ride on gravel paths along former railway lines instead of smooth cycling on the secondary roads, which I absolutely loved.

One of my favourite legs of this trip is on day 7 - cycling 86 km from Haapsalu to Laulasmaa. Much of the route follows gravel tracks through Estonia’s unspoilt countryside, and there’s a beautiful lakeside spot to pause for lunch and refuel. The peaceful ride through forests and meadows, past rushing waterfalls and flowing rivers, epitomises the tranquil nature of this tour.

Starting in Riga and finishing in Tallinn gives a structure to a trip that covers immense daily distances. Once charmed by Riga’s beautifully preserved old town on the first day, there’s a real motivation to push through and reach Estonia’s capital to uncover more rich culture. Both cities are vibrant and rewarding in their own right, and everything in between is beautifully authentic and off the beaten path.

“An excellent cycling holiday - the bikes were ideal for the terrain, the hotels were of very good quality and interesting and the route was great with lots to see and experience” - Mike Norman

View tour: Baltic Coast - Riga to Tallinn Bike Tour

My last recommendation is the Granada to Ronda Bike Tour - the next route I plan to explore on two wheels. I have previously visited Ronda on foot, and the rugged landscape, coupled with its vibrant culture, instantly captivated me.

While the distance is half the length of the previous two, don’t let this fool you into thinking the cycling is any less challenging. There are fierce climbs in beautiful rural areas and lunar landscapes, including the ascent to the Puerto de los Vientos mountain pass and an off-road climb through the limestone mountains of El Torcal Nature Reserve.

What goes up must come down, and the steep terrain means the added challenge of fast, technical descents. To reach Antequera, with its ancient, whitewashed houses marking the halfway point, you will put your technical descending skills to the test on the quiet, winding roads leading into town. 

There’s a huge amount of culture to soak up right from the get-go. Starting in Granada, you’ll be treated to elegant architecture, flamenco dancing and tasty tapas dishes. Not to mention Alhama’s popular thermal baths the following day. My top tip is to book a visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada in advance - I'm told it’s unmissable!

“Excellent holiday, great accommodation, food and scenery. The cycling was a good mixture of on and off-road - it was tough though, with one easier day appreciated. All in all, we cycled a total ascent of 5,250 metres!” - Martin Mitchell

View Tour: Granada to Ronda Bike Tour

If one of these three tours sounds like your next cycling adventure, you can book your spot online right away. Want to hear about my personal experience or get some advice? Enquire online or call on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

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