Cycling holidays

Why choose a cycling holiday in Europe?

A cycling holiday gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose using our maps and notes. Our suggested routes use quiet country lanes, and go by the places we think are most interesting - from cycling in France along rural lanes past pretty chateaux to coastal tracks and delightful hidden coves on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Gozo. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations so you can discover the hidden delights of cycling in Spain, sample our new cycling in Portugal or stop off at charming cafes as you take in the sights on a cycling holiday in Italy.

If you opt for our cycling holidays in the Czech Republic, you'll stay in fairytale villages, whilst our cycling in Austria and cycling in Switzerland follow fantastically flat, lakeside trails below stunning mountain backdrops. If you prefer to holiday in the UK, Headwater also offers 5-night cycling in Britain - ideal for first-timers or those pushed for time.

Why choose Headwater?

All our cycling holidays are independent and each one is graded, starting off with just enough exercise to work up an appetite for the next great meal, with longer route options if you’re feeling energetic! We build in plenty of 'rest days' too, so you've time to do as you choose: local sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting, sun-bathing by the pool, etc.

Independent doesn’t mean unsupported though. Our staff meet you and, before you set off on your tour, they fit you out with a top quality bike sized specially to suit you, demonstrate it and check you're happy. They provide a puncture demonstration and give advice on things to do and places to visit. They also move your bags from hotel-to-hotel (on our touring holidays), pick up any wine purchases you make en-route (in selected regions), and they're on 24-hour call should you need them. To help you find you way from A to B we provide detailed maps and our own comprehensive route notes.

Finding a holiday that suits you

To help you choose a cycling holiday that best suits your level of fitness our cycling holidays are graded using our bike rating system, starting off with just enough exercise to work up an appetite for the next great meal.

Tailor-made tours

If you'd like to try a cycling holiday but can't fit in a full week away, or perhaps you're new to cycling and would prefer a short introduction to cycling with Headwater, a short break cycling holiday is just for you. These follow the same routes as our regular holidays, but you cycle every day.

If, on the other hand, you'd prefer a longer holiday then our extended cycling tours would be perfect. For these, we've taken the most popular of our existing holidays and have combined itineraries to create longer trips. In order to give your cycling legs, a well deserved rest, we have also built in optional city extensions at regular intervals.

For those looking for a great value break, with flexible travel and meal choices, our range of 'lite' cycling tours are ideal.

These are just a few of the alternatives we can organise - we're happy to tailor any of our cycling holidays to suit your requirements. Just give our sales team a call and we'll be happy to provide you with a personalised quote.