Self-guided trips - freedom and security for adventurers!
If you love the security of having your accommodation booked and getting to know an area in depth, but also love the freewheeling style and flexibility of your own explorations, then why not try self-guided trips? You’ll benefit from our quality research and support, but you can pace your holiday each day as you wish. Whether you pause or power on: the choice is up to you, from cherry-picking the sightseeing stops along the way, deciding to linger a little over your lunch, or setting off an hour earlier to catch the coolest part of the day.
We will book your hotels and luggage transfers and technical support, should you need it, is only a phone call away. We will supply you with excellent route notes and detailed maps, allowing you to opt for a longer or shorter ride or hike than the one planned for the day.
Choose from 3-star accommodated trips, or perhaps a bike and barge, or treat yourself to a premium trip which often have gourmet meals included. Either way, enjoy the freedom of the open road with a partner or with a group of friends!
Here are our most popular self-guided itineraries.
France: Loire Gastronomic Cycling- Premium
7 days from $2185
Rated leisurely, 1 out of 10
This is an incredibly relaxed self-guided itinerary, ideal for those who enjoy their food and wine as much as culture and cycling. The distances are kept short, with optional cycling days built in so you have plenty of time to explore the many fabulous chateaux, enjoy long lazy lunches or a lengthy stop at a vineyard. If this isn't enough to tempt you, the setting is beautiful, with rides along the pretty river banks that meander through the countryside. To top it off our hotels are superb and your evening meals will be a highlight! View trip
France: Cycle Provence & the Luberon
8 days from $2185
Rated moderate to challenging, 4 out of 10
Provence is renowned for welcoming cyclists to its quiet roads, rolling lavender fields and picturesque hill-top villages. As a self-guided cycling destination it couldn't be more perfect. This route takes us along the Durance River, passing through the picturesque market towns and quaint villages of Forcalquier, Cucuron and Cavaillon under the shadow of the Luberon National Park. Amid the lush colours of the lavender fields we make our way towards the majestic Mont Ventoux, with the option to take on this mighty mountain, rewarding you with spectacular views across the plains of Provence. View trip
France: Dordogne Gastronomic Cycling - Premium
9 days from $2635
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10
The Dordogne is set apart by its dramatic scenery characterised by steep sided river valleys and ancient villages. Pedalling along the banks of the Dordogne and Vezere rivers, this self-guided route meanders down quiet lanes, through ancient woodland, magical villages and uncovers hidden chateaux. As an area known for exquisite cuisine, this trip is filled with gastronomic meals giving you a taste of the best local delicacies, while the excellent hotels offer swimming pools, local charm and comfort allowing you to completely unwind at the end of each day. View trip
Germany & Austria: Cycling the Danube - Passau to Vienna
8 days from $1295
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10
Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. The densely wooded slopes and ravine forests help to create the setting for one of the most significant river landscapes of Central Europe; with the largely flat landscape perfectly suited to self-guided cycling. You will pass many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys whilst visiting historic towns such as Linz, Melk and Krems. The final destination of Vienna is the perfect place to explore, enjoy some great food and perhaps take in a concert. View trip
Austria & Hungary: Cycling The Danube: Vienna to Budapest
8 days from $1325
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10
This is a classic ride linking two historic cities. Your journey starts in Vienna, which requires little introduction, with its abundance of famous sites, entertainment and culture. The River Danube serves as the spine of the cycling route as you meander back and forth through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills. A night is spent in the pretty city of Bratislava and in the lovely town of Gyor, as we head towards the Danube Bend at Esztergom. The end point for the trip is the city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and enjoy the stunning architecture. View trip
Italy: Walking in the Italian Dolomites - Premium
8 days from $1725
Rated moderate, 3 out of 10
In the heart of the Dolomites, close to the border with Austria and dominated by the famous Tre Cime (Three Peaks), is the beautiful Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco. A week’s self-guided walking from here allows you to discover the beauty and sheer magnificence of the majestic Alta Pusteria Valley, an area renowned for its jagged peaks and recognised by UNESCO as one of the most unique and spectacular mountain environments in the world. View trip
Italy: The Amalfi Coast Self-Guided
8 days from $1295
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines in Europe. Mountains rise steeply out of the Mediterranean far below and picturesque towns nestle neatly in isolated coves. This self-guided walking holiday sees you descend from your quiet base on the Agerola Plain, following mule tracks and old paths through hillside villages, lemon groves and beautiful deep gorges to towns with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and fascinating churches, monasteries and cathedrals. Away from the trails there is plenty of time to partake in the traditional Amalfi pastimes of sampling incredible food and wine, as well as enjoying the Mediterranean climate. A highlight of the tour is one of the world's greatest walks, trekking on the 'Path of the Gods'. A visit to the Bay of Naples would not be complete without seeing the incredible Roman remains of Pompeii beneath the volcanic cone of Vesuvius. View trip
Italy: Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa to Florence 8 days from $1515
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10
Cycle from the iconic leaning tower of Pisa to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, passing through beautiful Tuscan landscape that inspired artists and composers such as Leonardo da Vinci and Puccini. The gentle cycling is mainly along riverside paths and quiet roads, and there are the opportunities to lengthen the rides, or take the train at some stages to spend extra time at your destinations. Enjoy a free day in the romantic city of Florence and take some time to visit the sights in one of the world's most stunning cities! View trip
Malta: Calypso's Isle: Self-Guided Walking in Gozo - Premium
8 days from $1485
Rated leisurely, 1 out of 10
Blessed with a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, the island of Gozo is tranquil and verdant. Sleepy towns lay brimming with baroque architecture, gardens and churches, and only the occasional farmhouse punctuates the countryside. Such is the beauty here, that Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's Isle of Homer's Odyssey - a peaceful, mystical backwater. From our base at one of the island’s top hotels, our self-guided walks will unveil the island's charm. View trip
Spain: The Self-Guided Camino de Santiago
11 days from $2655
Rated moderate, 3 out of 10
The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is one of the world's oldest pilgrimage routes, and in 1987 was declared the first European Culture Route. Since Apostle James’ tomb was discovered in the ninth century, the route has also been known as 'The Way of St James'. The symbol of the scallop shell, typically found on the Galician shores, marks the way. On completion of at least 100km of the route, it is great tradition to receive a certificate or ‘compostela’. Taking a self-guided walk along the Camino is a perfect way to meet travelers from all over the world, as they journey from far and wide to walk this important route. View trip Portugal: Cycling from the Mountains to the Sea
8 days from $1615
Rated leisurely to moderate, 2 out of 10 In the far north of Portugal, on the border with Spain, lies the Minho region: a wild, rugged area of historical and cultural significance. Starting from the Geres National Park, you cycle downhill through small villages and extensive vineyards, following the River Minho towards the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is a stunning combination of high mountains, rolling river scenes, historic towns and dramatic coastal landscape. You will stay in authentic accommodation offering friendly Portuguese hospitality and delicious regional cuisine. There is plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden stretches of beach you cycle past, maybe accompanied by a glass of the local Vinho Verde (white wine) for which the region is well known. The ride finishes in Porto, named best European City Destination in both 2013 and 2014. View trip