Winding cobblestone streets. Dark and romantic medieval castles. A rich and storied history that has stretched for centuries, coupled with a modern culture that is vibrant and engaging.
It’s no secret that Europe oozes with charm.
Paris, London, Rome, Vienna, and Copenhagen frequent the must-see lists of world capitals, but we at BikeTours.com want to give proper credit and attention to the lesser-known cities and towns that dot the countryside and steal our hearts.
Here are some of Europe’s most charming towns and villages, and the bike tours that will take you there.
This medieval town with half-timbered houses looks straight from a fairy tale. The town wall still stands, with a walkway on top so you can promenade above the streets to get a higher vantage point on the quaint town.
The hills may be alive, but its the narrow streets and Old World charm that captivate us each time we visit. And the pastries.
The sun-burnt orange roofs shimmer beside the sea in this beautiful ancient walled town, also the film location of Game of Thrones. History, architecture, charm, and the sea. It’s a must-stop on your way to the Dalmatian Islands.
Vibrant, old, and charming, all at the same time. This Catalonian town boasts a walled Old Quarter that begs for you to take a promenade to soak in all the beautiful medieval architecture.
Siena’s vast Piazza del Campo is the heart of the medieval city, and also the setting for the famed Palio horse race. It’s a great place to refresh yourself with a gelato and scanning the comings and goings of the Sienese through the heart of their city.
This hilltop medieval fortress will make you feel like you’re walking through a castled city. Amble through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore this beautiful old stronghold.
This de facto capital of the stunning Connemara region is a gem of a jumping-off point for cycling the region. It’s a tiny town with a big heart. Hear some music, dance a jig, explore some ruins, and then head pedal off to explore more of pretty, pretty Connemara.
Colorful architecture (both in character and actual hue) fill this idyllic town, including the Gripsholm Castle, whose history dates back to the 14th century when its construction began. The castle is home to more than 4,000 pieces of art from the national portrait collection.
Food and wine, Top tours, Catalonia, Romantic Road, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland