CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN EUROPE & THE MED
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 or stop off at charming cafes as you take in the sights on a cycling holiday in Italy.
How our cycling holidays in Europe work
Headwater staff meet you, fit you out with your bike, tell you all about the things to see and do, and move your bags from hotel to hotel. Otherwise they won't intrude on your independence, although they're at the end of the phone if you need them.
All our cycling holidays in Europe and the Mediterranean are independent, with generally 2-8 people on each. You move on between hotels every two days. In-between days are an opportunity for some local exploring as Headwater's detailed maps and notes don't just give you the route from A to B, but also suggestions for cycling, day trips, and general exploring on all your 'rest days'. Of course you could just lounge by the pool, or do a little shopping - the choice is entirely up to you!
In the summer, you can choose from thirteen regions in France, Italy, Spain and Austria. Our cycling holidays are from 7-11 days, and start every two days. So it's easy to fit them into a busy diary, or combine two if you'd prefer a longer cycling holiday.
Short break cycling holidays
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. Available in France, Spain and on Gozo, these holidays follow the same routes as our regular 7-day holidays, but you cycle every day (no rest days). You get the same great service as our regular cycling holidays but in a package that's ideal as long weekend break.
Remember too that we can tailor all 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.
Our latest cycling holidays
For 2008, we're very excited to be launching traditional hotel-to-hotel cycling around beautiful Lake Constance staying in some of the prettiest villages in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. That makes a total of 27 different cycling holidays to choose from in 7 different European countries.
People keen on both cycling and walking might like to consider our new "Hike & Bike" options. On these holidays, you walk from hotel-to-hotel every other day, and have a specially kitted out bike available for all alternate "rest" days. The regions where we've chosen to offer this service - the Loire, Jura and Provence - all boast a wealth of easy cycling options taking you through pretty villages, beautiful towns and, of course, some of the world's finest vineyards. This option is also available to customers on our Dordogne canoeing holiday.
Also new for 2008 is the Headwater "Lite" range. On these holidays, we book your hotels and plan your walking/cycling routes, but leave you free to arrange your own travel, meals, etc. As with many Headwater holidays, itineraries can be adapted to just 3 or 4 nights to tie in with busy schedules.
The Headwater difference
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. Longer route options are available if you're feeling energetic.
Our staff spend 40 minutes cleaning and checking every Headwater bike before they are used on our cycling holidays, so we don't expect many problems. If anything does go wrong we'll come out to your hotel and put it right. We also provide puncture repair kits.
We provide map holders which fit onto all bike handlebars. Water is best bought in plastic bottles and carried in panniers, but if you prefer a special cyclists' water bottle, please bring your own with attachments. No problem if you want to bring your own saddle, or pedals with toe clips - we'll fit them for you. Cycling helmets are not provided on our cycling holidays, so you may like to bring your own.
