Taking a break from cycling to enjoy the Dutch landscape | Hollandse Hoogte
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Hotel-Based Alternatives to Bike and Barge Holidays
However, if you missed your preferred bike and barge travel dates, there are still great options for you to enjoy an amazing
cycling holiday in Europe.
Instead, browse our hotel-based cycling tours as an alternative. The below hotel-based trips follow a close itinerary to their barge counterparts and offer similar unforgettable experiences.
Highlights of Provence by Bike
Provence is blessed with fertile, lush valleys, the Mediterranean coast, ancient and medieval cultural centres, the scent of herbs and the Provençal lifestyle. Its unique light and intensive colours have attracted countless painters such as van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall.
Besides this wonderful and varied landscape, Provence offers rich history, art and architecture. Discover architectural masterworks such as the Papal Palace in Avignon (world heritage), the Arena in Arles and the Pont du Gard (world heritage), as well as the Greek-Roman excavation sites of Glanum and medieval Les Baux in the Alpilles.
Cycling through the Camargue, the protected moor landscape in the Rhône delta, is another highlight - its famous pink flamingos and white horses are hallmarks of the landscape.
Backroads to Venice
This enchanting journey takes you through the historic Veneto region of north-east Italy. Taking in the splendid cities of Trento, Verona and Vicenza you'll have time to appreciate the architectural and cultural delights specific to each.
Starting from the mountains around Bolzano, passing the beauty of Lake Garda and winding through pretty meadows and orchards you'll head east to the lovely town of Mestre, located on the doorstep of Venice.
Hike the Great Glen Way
Opened in April 2002, this long distance walking trail travels right through the very heart of Scotland. From Fort William to Inverness you'll discover the highlights that make this area such a magnet for walkers.
Pass by the foot of Ben Nevis (1344m), the highest mountain in the UK. Follow undulating forest tracks along the shores of Loch Ness and walk through a mixture of farmland, exposed high moorlands and woodland as you make your way to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness.
Along the route you will also encounter the forts and castles scattered along the way that lay witness to Scotland's turbulent past, from the Iron Age to the Jacobite Rebellion led by Bonnie Prince Charlie who was finally defeated at the Battle of Culloden.
Amsterdam to Bruges Cycle Tour
When it comes to self-guided cycling holidays the cities and countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium are ideal for this flexible style of travel.
Starting in the dynamic city of Amsterdam, where you should allow time to explore its many fine museums, you'll ride south to the Green Heart of the country, through some of the most picturesque, well preserved and evocative towns of the Netherlands and Flanders including the cheese capital of Gouda and the fortified town of Willemstad.
The ride will also see you take in the famous Kinderdijk windmills, polders and nature reserves en-route to the Belgium city of Bruges, the pearl of the Flanders region.
Champagne Trails Cycle Tour
Known throughout the world for its celebratory drink, the Champagne region is just under two hours by train from Paris. Exploring the region by bike reveals so much more to Champagne than endless vineyards.
There are forests, interspersed with quiet trails along the Marne River, leading to charming villages. The cycle route begins in the capital of Champagne, Epernay, where you can visit the underground cellars of Moët and Chandon, before discovering the quintessential scenery of the Marne valley.
With time in Reims and the surrounding vineyards, there is ample reward for your cycling effort as you pedal between villages and wine cellars. Overnight stays in specially hand picked hotels where you can sample the excellent local cuisine.
Paris to Amsterdam Cycle Tour
Cycle your way from the 'City of Lights', Paris, to the canals of Amsterdam on this diverse self-guided cycling trip traversing three countries.
Pedalling on a combination of dedicated cycle ways along canals and rivers, sleepy country lanes and urban cycle friendly roads, this is a relaxed ride where you can focus entirely on the changing scenery, flavours and languages as you make your way from France through Belgium and finally to The Netherlands.
The trip is ideal for those who revel in city experiences, but also enjoy activity. Combine time at the museums and world famous buildings of Paris and Amsterdam with visits to Gouda, famous for its cheese, Antwerp, and the medieval architecture of Ghent.
Your time in the saddle will be well rewarded in each country as you ride through changing landscapes and lifestyles, from beautiful French villages with their local food and wine, to Belgium's beer and chocolate and of course The Netherlands' iconic Kinderdijk windmills.