What is a Guided Cycling Holiday?

Guided cycling tours offer the perfect mix of adventure and ease for all levels of cyclists.

In this blog, our team have put our heads together to curate everything you need to know - what these tours include, who they’re ideal for, and why they’re so popular among our Freedom Trekkers.

We’ve experienced a vast range of our tours first-hand, so we can suggest the best tour type for you. Whether you’re after coastal rides, cultural highlights or countryside trails, there’s a tour suited to you.

Browse all our guided cycling holidays to start planning your dream tour. If you’d prefer some first-hand advice from our friendly and knowledgeable team, enquire online or call +441273224066.

A guided cycling holiday is a fun, stress-free way to explore new places by bike, with the support of an experienced guide and riding as part of a small group of up to 20 people.

While cycling, your guide handles the navigation and will know exactly where to go so you won’t miss out on any perfect viewpoints, hidden locals' cafes and interesting cultural spots. This means you can focus on the pedalling, views and great company. On a few of our tours (typically in hotter climates or in Asia), a support vehicle travels with the group, transporting luggage, offering mechanical assistance, and carrying snacks and water along the way.

Each day follows a carefully planned itinerary, jam-packed with fun both on and off the bike. On a typical day, you’ll follow scenic loops or point-to-point rides. There’s also designated time for sightseeing, such as long lunches in small towns and full rest days to explore vibrant cities.

E-bikes are available for all our guided tours across Europe and Asia. Never tried an e-bike? Our team have listed ten reasons to hire an e-bike on your next Freedom Treks holiday.

At Freedom Treks, our guided cycling tours come in two main styles: Hotel & Bike or Boat & Bike.

With Hotel & Bike, you cycle between hand-picked hotels, where your luggage is transferred for you daily. Many hotels are locally owned, full of regional character, and often right in the heart of the places you’re visiting.

Boat & Bike tours offer a unique twist - your accommodation travels with you. That means no daily packing or unpacking,  just settle into your comfortable cabin that floats between each daily stopover. These tours typically include breakfast and dinner, and most tours include a relaxed picnic break along the way.

On a guided tour, you won’t have to think about logistics; the route is planned, your bags follow you, and accommodation is booked in advance. Plus, with an expert leading the way, you're in safe and knowledgeable hands.

Guided tours are also very social, where you'll meet like-minded cyclists, chat as you ride, and share the highs (and hills!) - ideal if you're travelling solo or at a different pace to your group. People come from all over the world to enjoy these tours, so you could be riding alongside Australians, Canadians or a mix of European cyclists.

Your guide sets the pace, manages the route, and keeps the group moving smoothly. You'll hear stories and insights you’d likely miss on your own, and never need to check a map or an app - unless you want to of course! And on the off chance the unexpected happens - a flat tyre, bad weather, road closures - you’re not figuring it out on your own. Your guide handles it, so you can focus on what really matters - enjoying a well-deserved holiday.

Not what you're looking for?

If you prefer complete independence, like setting your own schedule, or want the flexibility to stop whenever something catches your eye, a self-guided cycling holiday may be a better fit. On a self-guided trip, your route, accommodation, and luggage transfers are still fully organised, but you decide how far you ride, when you stop, and how your day unfolds. Read our blog: What is a Self-Guided Cycling Holiday? to find out more.

Experience the historic charm of Holland and Belgium by bike and barge, cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges (or in reverse) along gentle riverside paths and through iconic Flemish landscapes. Explore historic cities like Antwerp, with its boutiques and cobbled streets, and admire Ghent’s renowned art. Choose from five barges, either one of the premium Magnifiques or the Clair D-Etoile.

Start your holiday early by adding an extra night in Amsterdam or extend your stay in Bruges to enjoy its medieval beauty.

View boats: De Holland and MS Fluvius (riverboats), Magnifique I, Magnifique II, Magnifique III, Magnifique IV, Clair D’Etoile (premium barges)

View: Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour

Explore Croatia’s jaw-dropping coast from the saddle, with an e-bike to provide an extra boost where necessary. Starting in Dubrovnik and ending in Split, this journey takes you through the Adriatic islands of Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar, and Brač.

Highlights include lush forests, lavender fields, historic towns and pristine beaches. Choose between staying on the Harmonia (deluxe class motor yacht) or the Bellezza (luxury motor yacht).

View boats: Harmonia or the Bellezza

View: Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour

This top-selling tour for confident cyclists reveals the natural beauty and rich heritage of a lesser-known European gem. Pedal from Albania’s vibrant capital to the Adriatic Coast, exploring dramatic landscapes, historic towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Highlights include Lake Ohrid, cultural Korcë, and hillside Gjirokastra. Ride through wild mountains, past rivers and thermal springs at Benje, before reaching the stunning Albanian Riviera. Swim at Himarë, explore ancient Butrint, and finish in Llonga National Park, home to eagles, wolves, and other wildlife. This full board tour (excluding dinner on days six and seven) includes a support van available for assistance and can accommodate seven riders at one time. Read Darryl's Highlights of Albania Guided Bike Tour trip report to find out more!

View: Highlights of Albania Guided Bike Tour

Cycle between Prague and Dresden along the scenic banks of the Vltava and Elbe rivers, passing dramatic mountain landscapes, Bohemian towns and vineyard-lined valleys. Begin in the enchanting city of Prague and explore its historic streets and hidden courtyards.

As you ride from the Czech Republic into Germany, enjoy a mix of green hills, sandstone cliffs and fairy-tale castles. The tour concludes in the elegant city of Dresden, where the skyline leaves a lasting impression. Tour includes a support mini-bus which supplies light refreshments, such as soft drinks, snacks and fruit.

View: Prague to Dresden Guided Bike Tour

Looking to go further afield?

We also offer incredible guided cycling tours across Asia - from the rice paddies of Vietnam to the mountain trails of Japan. Read our blogs ‘Think Cycling Asia's not For You? Think Again!’ or ‘The Best Cycling Tours in Asia for 2025’ for more information and first-hand suggestions.

So there you have it - absolutely everything you need to know about guided cycling holidays. If you can see yourself cruising alongside incredible sights with a like-minded group, browse our guided cycling tours online.

First time on a cycling holiday? Why not read our blog on the best tours for your first cycling holiday for some inspiration?

And if you’d prefer to chat it through, our friendly team is here to help. Give us a call on +441273224066 or enquire online - we’re always happy to help you plan your perfect two-wheeled adventure using our first-hand experience.

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