We take care of the details – all you have to do is ride!

Our self-guided tours are perfect if you don’t want to plan the routes or hotels on your own, but still want to have the flexibility to choose your dates and be on your schedule every day. This formula works for all traveler types:

  • Solo travelers, couples, groups of friends and even families;
  • From first timers to very experienced cyclists and travelers;
  • For easy to moderate cycling as well as challenging, more difficult itineraries
  • Especially for those who want the freedom to set their own schedule every day and get off the track on detours.

Our Self-guided tours always include

  • The best cycling routes, many of which we have been refining as far back as 1972!
  • A well-organized tour itinerary, sightseeing tips and cultural information that we’ve been curating for decades. For details regarding our self-guided tour app, see our page on self-guided navigation (click on link).
  • Local activities and experiences that you can reserve prior to your tour start (cooking classes, visits with local producers, tastings at local wineries, and much more). On our Classic tours, some of these activities may even be included
  • Pre-travel tour information that will help you prepare for the bike tour as well as organize your arrival and departure travel.
  • Great customer service! Contact us via email or call us on the phone, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the right tour.
  • Our high-quality bikes are available for rent – we take great pride in having one of the best touring bike fleets in Europe!

Our self-guided tours come in two types – Classic and Casual

Be sure to read the detailed descriptions below to understand important differences in inclusions.

Classic Self-guided tours

Over 50 years of experience designing and leading guided group tours in Europe are also leveraged in our self-guided itineraries. Our Classic self-guided tours are for those who like the independence of cycling on their own, but still prefer to start their adventure with a welcome meeting and personalized bike fitting, or enjoy a 4-star hotel with larger rooms and possibly with a view!

Classic self-guided package inclusions:

3- and 4-star hotels and farmhouse lodgings, possibly with better views or in a central location, often with more available services and room upgrade options (with breakfast every morning).

Our English-speaking staff meets customers at tour start with a personalized bike fitting and detailed tour briefing, explaining the use of navigation tools and/or roadbook, as well as answering all your questions in person.

Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel.

We can personalize or even customize our Classic tours. Add days or shorten the tour, include additional activities and local experiences, or customize the routes and itineraries – we are experts at creating tailor-made tours!

We include our “digital roadbook” provided via the app Ride With GPS Experiences (emailed to you before your start). A GPS device and printed roadbook are offered as options at an extra cost. More details in our page navigation on a self-guided tour (click on link).

All bicycle types are available for rent

Casual Self-guided tours

Our Casual self-guided tours include the same great cycling routes and experiences, at a lower price point. This tour type is right for you if you are happy to sleep in a cozy B&B without any frills (with the same cleanliness and a smiling staff) instead of a 4-star hotel; or if you don’t need to have the bike personally fitted and can make basic adjustments on your own (such as saddle height or stem reach).

Casual self-guided package inclusions:

Mostly 3-star (some 2-star) hotels, B&Bs or farmhouse stays, often family-operated, without frills but still clean, charming and with local character (with breakfast every morning.)

Welcome meeting is NOT included; if you need a briefing and personalized bike fitting at tour start, our Classic tours are for you!

In an effort to offer more sustainable options, luggage transfers between hotels are not included but offered as an option. Self-supported cyclists can enjoy this bike itinerary carrying their belongings in bike panniers, thus reducing fuel and vehicle emissions!

For those who prefer to cycle without their luggage, we are happy to offer luggage transport from one hotel to the next (see pricing section of the tour webpage). The luggage is normally collected from 09.30 at the reception of the hotel and is delivered at the following hotel by 15.00 hrs. Please use the luggage tags provided by BikesPlus on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay a local taxi for the service. Please consider that the luggage is not insured during transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage. Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you.

Personalization or customization are not available. If you need to add or shorten days, remove or include activities, or customize routes and itineraries, our Classic tours are for you!

Navigation is the same as our Classic tours: we include our “digital roadbook” through the app Ride With GPS Experiences (emailed to you before your start). A GPS device and printed roadbook are available as options, at an extra cost. More details in navigation on a self-guided tour (click on link).

All bicycle types are available for rent

  • Travel to and from the tour start and end
  • Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included
  • City hotel tax (typically 2 to 7 euro per night per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
  • Any meals or beverages not indicated as included
  • Any type of insurance (medical, trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, bike rental)
  • Bicycle rental is not included in the base price – see rental options in tour webpage description

Partner Tours Collective

Great cycling experiences abound throughout Europe! Since we cannot directly operate self-guided tours everywhere, we use our vast network in the continent to curate and offer tours operated by select local partners that we know and trust. These tours are similar in quality to those we operate directly – for example, they usually begin with an in-person briefing and bike fitting (with English-speaking local staff); bicycles are provided in optimal condition; the roadbook and navigation instructions, as well as lodging/accommodations are of similar quality. Please be sure to check the detailed description and package inclusions in the tour webpage, and f you have any questions about these tours, please feel free to ask us!

Bike rental

Our high-quality bikes are available for rent – visit our bike fleet page for detailed specs and photos.

Bikes rented on our tour packages include the following accessories – a water bottle, mini pump, under-seat pack with repair kit (tube, tire irons and patch kit), a lock, an odometer, and a handy rear rack bag (please see photos below). Self-guided tour packages may also include a map holder, a universal cell phone mount and a small handlebar bag to carry your battery bank and small essentials. GPS devices and printed roadbooks are available at an optional extra fee. please see the inclusions on your tour package webpage for details.

Push bikes come equipped with flat pedals or pedals with toe cages; e-bikes are equipped with flat pedals only, for safety reasons.

If bringing your own pedals for a push bike (such as SPD pedals), please inform us in your tour reservation form. We will be happy to install them during the bike fitting, and will provide you a pedal wrench for removal of the pedals at tour end (on our Casual Tours, we do not fit the bikes in person but will provide a pedal wrench nonetheless). Please note – for pedals that require an Allen key for removal, the mini-tool kit we provide will usually include the correct Allen key; however, we recommend bringing your own Allen key, or other necessary tool, to ensure you’ll be able to remove the pedals at tour end.

Lightly used helmets are available free of charge (upon request, using the tour reservation form).

Although our cycling water bottles are included with the bike rental (free of charge), we encourage our customers to bring their own reusable water bottle from home and help reduce plastic waste!

Italy
Bicycle Across Italy - Venice to Pisa

Bike - Self Guided

Our original and now classic bike trip across Italy, now with a second night in Florence! Starting on the Venice lagoon, stopping in renowned art cities (Ravenna, Florence, Lucca) and picturesque towns (Faenza and Vinci), crossing the Veneto, Romagna and Tuscany regions of Italy. You'll cycle on routes that we've been perfecting for over five decades.

Since 1972, the perfect Italian cycling tour!

 

Duration 12 days
Level 2
from € 1895
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Italy
Bicycle Romagna, Heartland of Italy's Homemade Pasta

Bike - Self Guided

The Romagna portion of Emilia-Romagna is the heart of Italy's homemade pasta and one of the most bike-friendly regions in Italy. Starting in historic Ravenna, cycle scenic countryside and picturesque, off the beaten path towns such as Faenza, Riolo Terme, and Dozza, ending in glorious Bologna, Italy's culinary capital!

New revamped itinerary with two nights in Faenza, our home base in Italy!

 

Duration 7 days
Level 2
from € 1105
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Spain
Catalonia Food & Wine: the Emporda Region

Bike - Self Guided

This itinerary takes you through the Empordà, one of the world's oldest wine-producing regions. In 2005, the influential wine guru Robert Parker put Empordà on the global wine map.

Duration 8 days
Level 1
from € 790
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Italy
Classic Tuscany - Cycling Florence to Pisa

Bike - Self Guided

Cycle through Tuscany, enjoying the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, history, and postcard scenery that makes this a one of a kind destination. You will visit the famous art cities - Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and Pisa - and experience the earthy wines, rich art history, stunning architecture, and the welcoming people of this fabled region.

Duration 8 days
Level 3
from € 1495
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Croatia
Cycling Croatia's Dalmatian Coast

Bike - Self Guided

Cycle Croatia's stunning Dalmatian coast, from Split to Dubrovnik. Explore the picturesque Mediterranean islands of Hvar, Brac and Korcula along the way.

 

Duration 8 days
Level 1-3
from € 2660
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Italy
Cycling Italy's Art Cities from Venice to Florence

Bike - Self Guided

Our most popular bicycle tour in Italy for beginning cyclists is also a great introduction to Italy's spectacular cities. Start in the Veneto region, across Emilia-Romagna and into Tuscany, you'll experience Italian culture and history, food and wine, landscapes and scenery - there's no better way to do it than from a bike saddle!

 

Duration 8 days
Level 1-2
from € 1485
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Portugal
Cycling the Alentejo region: Portugal's Best Castles and Wine

Bike - Self Guided

Explore Portugal's Alentejo region with undulating wheat fields, cork and eucalyptus trees, olive orchards and vineyards. This region perfectly blends centuries of ancient Roman, Arabic, Medieval and Renaissance influence.

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 1460
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France
Cycling the Best of Provence

Bike - Self Guided

Tour the renowned hilltop villages of Les Alpilles and Van Gogh's beautiful country landscapes, visit Avignon and St. Rémy de Provence.

 

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 1710
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Italy
Cycling the Dolomites plus the Alpine Valleys of Italy

Bike - Self Guided

A perfect blend of our Dolomites and Alpine Valleys itineraries, choose to cycle on lovely bike paths through rolling valley floors, or challenge yourself on epic mountain climbs.

 

Duration 12 days
Level 2-3
from € 1995
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France
Cycling the Loire Valley

Bike - Self Guided

Bicycle from one famous historic town to another, visiting architectural masterpieces along the way.

Duration 8 days
Level 1
from € 1990
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Italy
Cycling the Majestic Dolomites - Cortina to Bolzano

Bike - Self Guided

The postcard valleys of the Dolomites are a paradise for any outdoor activity, and the gentle bike paths that crisscross the region are perfect for bicycle travel. On this flexible self-guided itinerary, you can choose to cycle on the rolling valley floors, or challenge yourself on epic mountain climbs.

Duration 8 days
Level 2-4
from € 1425
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Germany
Cycling the Mosel Wine Region

Bike - Self Guided

Wine-tour on the Moselle cycle path: In close proximity to the river, surrounded by nature, urban, mysterious and spectacular; these are all attributes that describe the Mosel Cycle Path perfectly and which ensure you are never bored.

Duration 6 days
Level 1
from € 695
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Italy
Cycling the Prosecco Hills and Vineyards

Bike - Self Guided

New for 2025! Cycle the Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, to the heart of the Veneto region, where every turn brings you closer to a perfect blend of history, culture, and inspiring scenery. The journey ends in Vicenza, where the elegance of Palladian buildings provides a fitting finale to this unforgettable adventure.

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 1295
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Switzerland
Cycling the Swiss Lakes Route

Bike - Self Guided

Set in one of the most beautiful corners of Switzerland, the Lakes Route allows travelers to experience famous Swiss destinations such as Montreux, Gruyeres, Gstaad, Interlaken and Lucerne, while cycling on exquisite routes and scenery.

 

Duration 7 days
Level 3
from € 1415
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Italy
Cycling the West coast of Sardinia

Bike - Self Guided

Cycle along Sardinia's breathtaking West coast, starting in charming Alghero, traversing the rugged landscapes of the Costa Verde, and concluding at the pristine beaches of Chia and the vibrant village of Pula.

This challenging tour offers exhilarating rides amidst breathtaking coastal views and rich cultural landmarks.

Duration 8 days
Level 4
from € 940
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Italy
Discover Emilia-Romagna, the Gastronomic Heart of Italy - 5 days

Bike - Self Guided

A short version of our recently updated cycling tour through Italy's renowned foodie region! Wonderful riding through scenic countryside and farms, picturesque towns and famous cities, as well as many UNESCO world heritage sites, splendid food and drink, art and history, topping it off with the legendary friendliness of its locals.

8-day itinerary also available

Duration 5 days
Level 1
from € 615
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Italy
Discover Emilia-Romagna, the Gastronomic Heart of Italy - 8 days

Bike - Self Guided

A new spin on our classic culinary adventure cycling through Italy's renowned foodie region! Pedal through pretty countryside, explore colorful towns and discover renowned Italian art cities as well as UNESCO world heritage sites, topped off by splendid food and drink and the legendary friendliness of its locals.

5-day itinerary also available

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 870
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Italy
Discover Italy's Art Cities Cycling from Venice to Florence!

Bike - Self Guided

Our most popular bicycle route in Italy for beginning cyclists takes new form! A great introduction to Italy - its history and people, culture and art, food and fantastic cycling routes.

Duration 7 days
Level 2
from € 740
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Italy
Discover Romagna, the Land of La Dolce Vita

Bike - Self Guided

A new take on our classic tour of Romagna, the heart of Italy's homemade pasta (and la dolce vita!), as well as one of the most bicycle-friendly regions in Italy. Start in marvelous Ravenna, cycling through postcard villages like Dozza, to the historic art city of Bologna.

Duration 7 days
Level 2-3
from € 645
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Italy
Eastern Sicily: Cycling Baroque Cities and Magna Grecia

Bike - Self Guided

This self-guided tour explores southeastern Sicily and the famous baroque towns of the Val di Noto. Starting in lovely Siracusa, you'll cycle along the coast and inland, through charming small towns and picture perfect scenery. A fantastic cycling tour in the Spring and Fall!

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 840
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Italy
Grand tour of Emilia-Romagna from Ravenna to Parma

Bike - Self Guided

Experience Italy's most famous culinary delights while cycling through classic Italian landscapes on this unforgettable bike tour through Emilia-Romagna. Starting in Ravenna, famous for its mosaics, you’ll cycle through Bologna, charming towns like Faenza and Dozza, ending in elegant Parma, and experience balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and some of the best pasta dishes in Italy along the way.

 

Duration 13 days
Level 2
from € 1975
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France
Heart of the Dordogne By Bicycle

Bike - Self Guided

Pedal through the rich Dordogne valley from the cave paintings of pre-history to the formidable castles of medieval times while tasting some of the best cuisine in France.

 

Duration 8 days
Level 2-3
from € 2635
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Italy
Italy Coast to Coast

Bike - Self Guided

An epic bike itinerary, crossing Italy from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian, through the Apennine mountains. Start in marvelous Ravenna and end in Lucca, savoring the famous sites and discovering the hidden gems along the way!

Duration 9 days
Level 2
from € 1570
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Italy
Italy's Alpine Valleys - Sud Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona

Bike - Self Guided

This low-difficulty itinerary is for everyone, from families to sport cyclists alike - cycle on perfect bike paths or choose optional challenging rides to epic mountain climbs and passes. Great tour for couples, friends or groups of mixed cycling abilities, blending the culturally unique Austro-Italian north with everything expected from an Italian bike tour – great food, cycling and scenery!

Duration 8 days
Level 2-3
from € 1495
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Italy
Postcard Southern Tuscany - Cycling Cortona to Siena

Bike - Self Guided

Come cycle through this beautiful corner of Tuscany, stopping in Cortona (of Under the Tuscan Sun fame), Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino; crossing the postcard perfect Val d'Orcia region; and ending in the one-of-a kind city of Siena. The perfect Italian cycling itinerary!

Duration 8 days
Level 3
from € 1395
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Italy
Puglia and Basilicata - Best of Southern Italy

Bike - Self Guided

The regions of Puglia and Basilicata occupy the "heel" of Italy's boot, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Here, ancient Greek and Italian culture mingle in hillside vineyards, olive groves, and whitewashed villages nestled against the blue of the Mediterranean.

 

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 1290
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Italy
Taste of Italy, Emilia Romagna Culinary Cycling - 5 days

Bike - Self Guided

A 5-day version of our cycling and culinary adventure through Italy's renowned foodie destination! Known to Italians as the gastronomic heart of the country, Emilia-Romagna is still being discovered by foreign travelers and has become a traveler favorite!

8-day itinerary also available

Duration 5 days
Level 2
from € 995
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Italy
Taste of Italy, Emilia Romagna Culinary Cycling - 8 days

Bike - Self Guided

A cycling and culinary adventure through Italy's renowned foodie destination! Known by Italians as the gastronomic heart of the country, Emilia-Romagna is still being discovered by foreign travelers. This 8-day version includes two-night stays in charming Parma and in a wonderful farm estate (with its own parmesan cheese factory!). Our most popular bike tour!

5-day itinerary also available

Duration 8 days
Level 2
from € 1370
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Italy
Tuscany Gravel - The White Roads of L'Eroica

Bike - Self Guided

Strade Bianche means 'white roads' in Italian, named after the limestone gravel turning into white dust on the famous racecourse of L'Eroica. These iconic Tuscan roads boast steep climbs, fierce attacks, and breathtaking vistas, making it a must-visit for gravel cycling enthusiasts, as well as for bicycle travelers who prefer quiet, unpaved backroads

Duration 7 days
Level 3
from € 1690
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Italy
Umbria, Cycling The Green Heart of Italy

Bike - Self Guided

Start in Perugia the ancient and modern capital of Umbria, then explore Assisi home of Saint Francis, and pedal through vineyards and olive groves, past chestnut and oak forests, and over rolling hills to monasteries, castles, and hilltop villages virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Duration 8 days
Level 3-4
from € 1485
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