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Tours and Destinations / March 14, 2018

Top 8 most charming towns-- and the bike tours to take you there in 2019!

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.

1. Rothenburg, Germany (Romantic Road from Wurzburg to Donauworth Tour)

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.

2. Salzburg, Austria (Tauern Bike Path (Salzburg-Salzburg) Tour)

The hills may be alive, but its the narrow streets and Old World charm that captivate us each time we visit. And the pastries.

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3. Dubrovnik, Croatia (Split to Dubrovnik: the Islands and Coastline of Croatia Tour)

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.

4. Girona, Spain (Medieval Villages of Catalonia Tour)

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.

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5. Sienna, Italy (Tuscan Wine Classic: Pienza to Castellina via Siena Tour)

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.

6. Carcassonne, France (Canal du Midi: Carcassonne to Sete, the South of France and the Sea Tour)

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.

7. Clifden, Ireland (Connemara Lazy Days Cycling Tour)

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.

8. Mariefred, Sweden (Stockholm Round Trip Across Swedish History Tour)

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.

Tags from the story:

Food and wine, Top tours, Catalonia, Romantic Road, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland


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