If you’re new to bike touring or simply just enjoy stress-free bicycle touring, taking a tour on primarily on dedicated cycle paths might be just the thing for you.
BikeTours.com has a number of tours that are primarily along dedicated bike paths or greenways, which are typically built just for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Most feature asphalt surfaces, though some are on packed gravel or dirt. Many have superb signage, as they’re central to local or regional tourism efforts. However, keep in mind, not all bike paths are 100% traffic-free, as some sections might run parallel to car traffic or allow local resident vehicle access. And, to get to each night’s accommodation, it’s often a short detour off the cycle path, where some road riding and traffic will likely be encountered.
Check out our favorite tours where you spend much of your time on dedicated bike paths.
One of the most famous cycling routes in Europe, and one of the most accessible! The Danube Bike Path is lined with rest stops, plenty of signage, easy-riding through some of the bigger cities. Full of natural beauty and historical landmarks, this trip is sure to cement your love of Austria and the region. The icing on the cake is the 4 and 5-star accommodations. We have no doubt this will be a most memorable adventure!
We’re not saying you should build your travel plans entirely around the opportunity to test out some Toblerone chocolate right at the source, but we’re not saying you shouldn’t, either! This Swiss adventure lets you pass by the magnificent Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger Mountains, and along the Aare and Rhine Rivers, all on a dedicated bike path or easy local roads. As an added bonus, see the Rhine Falls up close on the tour’s boat excursion.
For the wine lovers out there, this tour is a perfect chance to try all things wine: tour through the wine-making villages Pommard and Volnay, visit the homes of local winegrowers and taste the lush and varied wines of the region. Travel on mostly-flat terrain on primarily bike paths and paved surface.
Numerous vineyards on both sides of the river and breathtaking natural landscapes are your companions on this delightful cycling tour. You’ll cycle through historic cities and charming villages tasting famous fruity wines along the way. Don’t forget to a side trip to the medieval castle “Burg Eltz,” which is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in Germany!
The overwhelming beauty of the Alps will provide the backdrop on this tour through medieval cities frozen in time. Travel along the Rivers Inn and Adige to castles in Trento, olive groves near Lake Garda, and monasteries in Stam. This easy route has the added bonus of cycling you through fruit orchards and vineyards!
You’ll ride through the Inn River Valley passing quaint historical cities like Wattens, Hall, and Schwarz, the beautiful and awe-inspiring Alps your constant scenic companion. Don’t worry – you won’t have to cycle up them – a transfer is provided over the mountain pass! This tour boasts numerous natural sites that not to be missed, including waterfalls, caves, and gorges.
Cycle from Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, into the hilly lake district of the Salzkammergut, then follow the Danube as it meanders to Vienna. You will cycle past hypnotizing blue lakes, romantic castles, cozy villages and vineyards, all on a well-maintained, paved bike path and infrequently, on low-traffic roads.
For newbies who also want to get a lot out of their tour, this is a good place to start. You’ll explore three beautiful countries (Austria, Germany, and Switzerland) and four islands (Reichenau, Mainau, Lindau, and Werd). The tour also adventures to Rheinfall, the largest waterfall in Central Europe, and the spectacular “Flower Island” of Mainau. With short daily routes and flat paths, this trip offers plenty to see, and an easy ride to get there.
“Best of” is a truly fitting qualifier for this trip. Tour chocolate, cookie, and cheese factories visit a clog-production factory, and never tire of all the windmills. Check out the train museum, and spend some time exploring the charming village of Stavoren. The majority of this tour’s route is on flat terrain, and you even have the opportunity to shorten many of the day’s rides.
Discover the charms of the Western part of the Loire Valley (optionally) all the way to Le Croisic on the Atlantic Ocean. Choose your own adventure on this tour with the options to travel for 5-, 9-, or 13-nights. This itinerary’s highlights include the French countryside, chateaux, and delectable cuisine all whilst following the cycling path “Loire à vélo.”
See all tours primarily on cycle paths.
Guided, Top tours, Burgundy, Catalonia, Mosel, Lake Constance, Dolomites, Rhine, Austrian Alps, Austria, Holland, Danube