After more than three decades spent searching out the very best hidden gems the world has to offer, we're pleased to say we've uncovered some real winners. These are our most popular cycling holidays - known to please, charm and delight in equal measures. A mix of different destinations, cycling styles and a variety of scenery are all represented amongst these favourites, but what unites them is our passion for these idyllic corners of the world.
Headwater has been helping travellers discover the best of these beautiful regions for years, uncovering local traditions, travelling through the landscapes along the quietest, prettiest routes and meeting the people who call each place home. We'd love to share them with you.
Our 10 night holiday takes you from the turquoise waters of Lake Bled, nestled below Slovenia's jagged Julian Alps, along the Alpe Adria Trail, passing into Italy. Wind down through the mountains to the island of Grado on the Adriatic coast. On route pass through the historic towns of Venzone, Udine and Palmanova.
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This self-guided 5-night cycling tour is a fairly easy bike ride through some of the most picturesque villages and some of the best scenery that the Cotswolds has to offer. Visit world-famous and quaint English golden-stone villages including Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Saxon capital of Winchcombe.
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Enjoy meandering rides along the Danube river and through 3 iconic cities - from Vienna in Austria, through Bratislava in Slovakia and on to Budapest in Hungary. The cycling is mostly along the river through small villages and nature reserves but the real highlights are some of the stunning architecture to be seen in the cities.
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With over 250km of gentle cycling trails - plus the option to hop on/off the local train (with your bike) - this region is perfect for exploring by bike. You'll visit Baroque churches, Gothic cathedrals, fairytale palaces - and the views are pretty special too!
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Wonderful gastronomic meals, world-famous wines, fabulous historic sites and postcard-pretty villages are just a few of the highlights of this popular 8-night cycling tour. You're usually close to the rivers too, so lots of swimming, plus all hotels have pools.
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Known for tales of the seldom seen monster, the area around Loch Ness is also famous for having some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the UK. Here numerous other lochs await discovery along with ruined castles, shady forests, tranquil waterways, high viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, a huge variety of wildlife (including many birds of prey and notably golden eagles) and a history that at times seems indiscernible from the area's timeless folklore.
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The Istrian peninsula just south of Trieste is a superb backdrop for a cycling holiday. Swim in the clear blue waters of the Adriatic and stay in gorgeous Italianate harbour towns. Great food, interesting routes, masses of history and electrifying sunsets make discovering this coastline particularly memorable.
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Packed with contrast and variety, this easy 6-night cycling tour takes in the unspoilt Catalan coast, passing through olive groves, peach orchards and stunningly beautiful, pretty coloured villages. All the hotels have pools, and 2 nights are spent in a luxury 14th century castle.
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Firmly tucked away in the South, Puglia is a sun-soaked region of deserted white sand beaches, unspoilt villages and gently rolling hills backing the clear emerald seas of the Adriatic. Highlights include UNESCO Alberobello and whitewashed Ostuni.
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This self-guided 7-night cycling tour takes in some of the best Norfolk has to offer, cycling on coastal routes and quiet country lanes between charming villages and to places of interest including Sandringham and Holkham Hall. Enjoy the natural surroundings with the possibility of bird spotting and seal spotting.
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Discover one of Spain's most iconic areas by bike. From the capital city of Andalucia, Seville, cycle through small towns to reach your final destination, the ancient city of Cadiz. You'll follow country lanes, ride alongside rivers and through Mediterranean woodland and agricultural land taking in some of the highlights of the region including Jerez, home of flamenco and sherry and Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalucia's most dramatically positioned white villages.
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Easy cycling across Mallorca, taking in coastal trails and beautiful inland routes
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Cycle a quieter mix of inland and coastal routes close to the famous Ring of Kerry. Experience the 'real' Ireland on the Iveragh Peninsula; it's mystical, beautiful and grand, and you'll certainly soak up the charming Irish welcome en route, with live music and delicious seafood too.
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Varied beach-front cycling along some of the most spectacular stretches of coast we've ever seen! Starting in wine capital, Porto, your route heads south beach and bay-hopping to Aveiro, Portugal's Venice before finishing beside the beach at Praia de Mira.
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Cycle between Oxford, 'City of Dreaming Spires' and Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage City on an 8 night holiday riding along canal paths and quiet country roads. Discover pretty Cotswolds villages, Roman history and beautiful gardens along the way.
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Superb hotels, world-famous wines and exceptional cuisine are just some of the reasons to choose this 8-night cycling holiday! The cycling takes you through softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets and via the pretty wine towns of Barbaresco and Barolo.
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