Choosing your cycling holiday

How fit do I need to be to go on a cycling holiday?

Great question! While it’s true that being in decent shape will make your cycling holiday more enjoyable, don’t stress if you’re not a pro cyclist. Our tours are all about taking it easy and riding at your own pace, so there’s no race to the finish line here! Whether you’re a weekend rider or a bike enthusiast, you’ll love exploring the local sights and scenery. We always recommend a bit of prep before you go, but don’t worry, most of our guests aren’t hardcore cyclists, and they still have a blast!

What’s the ability level of each cycling holiday?

We’ve got something for everyone here at Freewheel! Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you can ride at your own speed without worrying about keeping up with a group. Some tours are easy breezy, while others are more of a challenge for those craving adventure. Check out the “Tour Difficulty” rating (Easy, Moderate, or Challenging) to find the perfect match for your fitness level.

What are the distances and terrain like?

Expect about 50 km (or 35 miles) a day, that’s plenty of cycling to feel like you’re on an awesome holiday, but not too much that you can’t enjoy the sights along the way. Most tours are A to B, meaning you’ll be cycling from hotel to hotel, and you’ll have lots of time for pit stops and sightseeing. If you’re feeling tired, no worries! You can hop on a train or take a ride in the luggage van if space permits. Each ride takes about 4-6 hours, plenty of time to soak in the views!

What’s the accommodation like? Are evening meals available?

You’ll sleep in comfy hotels, carefully selected to ensure a great experience. Most tours include a bed-and-breakfast option, with the chance to upgrade to half-board (so, yes, evening meals are an option!). Feel free to extend your stay for an extra night at most hotels. We’ve got you covered when it comes to relaxation after a long day on the bike!

How do I get there?

We don’t include flights or rail travel in the price, but don’t worry, we’ve got all the details you need in the “Getting There” section for each tour. We’ll share tips on flights, trains, and transfers, so you can get to your starting point without a hitch!

How can children enjoy a cycling holiday?

We love family cycling holidays! Teens can usually tackle the same routes as adults (with a little prep), but we recommend trips with “rest days” or additional activities to keep things fun. For younger kiddos (ages 7-12), we suggest tours with shorter distances, around 15-20 miles a day plus rest days for more playtime. We can even provide tag-alongs and child trailers on many holidays. Just let us know when booking!

Single Travelers – which tours are best for me?

Don’t worry, solo adventurers! Almost all of our tours can be booked by singles. If you’re traveling solo and looking for some company, our Guided Holidays or Boat & Bike tours are a great fit. You’ll get to ride with a group of like-minded travellers. And if you don’t mind a little extra space for your own adventure, we’ve got single supplement pricing available on most tours!

Bike Hire, E-Bikes, and Luggage Transfers

We’ve got bikes covered! Your hire bike is excluded from the tour price, and it’s a good-quality hybrid. If you’d rather bring your own bike, that’s totally cool too, but we recommend leaving it at home and letting us handle the heavy lifting. Need a little extra power? E-bikes are available for a small supplement, perfect for those hilly days! As for luggage, we’ll handle the transfers so you can ride light, just leave your bags at the hotel reception in the morning, and they’ll be waiting for you at your next stop!

What clothing should I wear?

For a comfy ride, we suggest padded shorts, a lightweight cycling outfit, and a trusty windproof/waterproof jacket just in case. Don’t forget your helmet (bring your own for safety!). Footwear? Flat-soled shoes work great, but feel free to rock your cycling shoes if you prefer. And of course, sunscreen and plenty of water are a must!

Do I need a passport or visa?

If you’re a UK passport holder, no visa is required for most of our European destinations, but do check that your passport is valid for at least six months. If you’re from another country, be sure to check with your authorities for specific entry requirements.

Should I take out insurance?

Yes, absolutely! Travel and health insurance are essential for peace of mind. If you don’t have it and need medical help, you could end up with a big bill. So make sure you’re covered before you head out!

Should I get an EHIC card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you access state-provided healthcare while traveling, but it’s not a replacement for travel insurance. It’s a good idea to have one, but don’t rely on it for everything. For example, it won’t cover private medical care or things like lost luggage, so make sure you have travel insurance too!

ABTA Protection

Rest easy knowing that your holiday is financially protected by ABTA via KE Adventure Travel, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong. From March 2024, we are no longer part of Sports Tours International. We’re now part of KE Adventure Travel, based in the beautiful Lake District and one of the UK’s leading adventure travel companies.