Cycling Adventures: Best Bike Routes and Tours Around the World
- TopTravelIndex
- Mar 14
- 5 min read

Cycling offers a unique way to explore new destinations while staying active and connected with nature. Whether you prefer urban bike paths, challenging mountain trails, or leisurely countryside rides, there’s a cycling adventure for every type of rider. This guide covers the best bike routes and tours around the world — perfect for fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
1. Danube Cycle Path, Europe
The Danube Cycle Path stretches from Germany to Hungary, following the path of the Danube River through historic towns, vineyards, and rolling countryside. It’s one of Europe’s most popular cycling routes, known for its flat terrain and well-maintained paths.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Mostly flat and easy to navigate
✅ Plenty of bike-friendly accommodations along the route
✅ Passes through historic cities like Vienna and Budapest
Highlights:
Passau, Germany – Start your journey in this charming riverside town
Vienna, Austria – Stop for coffee and pastries in a traditional café
Budapest, Hungary – Relax in thermal baths after a long ride
Best Time to Ride:
May to September for mild weather and open facilities
2. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA and Canada
This epic route runs from Banff, Canada, to the US-Mexico border, spanning over 2,700 miles. It’s a challenging ride through rugged mountain terrain, offering breathtaking views and a true test of endurance.

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Demands strength and endurance — ideal for experienced riders
✅ Stunning views of the Rocky Mountains
✅ Mix of paved and dirt trails for variety
Highlights:
Banff, Canada – Start your journey in this scenic mountain town
Yellowstone National Park – Watch for bison and other wildlife
Colorado Rockies – High-altitude passes with incredible views
Best Time to Ride:
June to September for warmer weather and clearer trails
3. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
This 93-mile trail follows an old railway line through New Zealand’s South Island, winding through rolling hills, farmland, and historic gold mining towns. It’s perfect for a relaxed multi-day trip.

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Well-marked and easy to follow✅ Wide, gravel paths ideal for all skill levels✅ Scenic countryside and charming small towns
Highlights:
Middlemarch – Start your ride with breathtaking mountain views
Alexandra – Known for its orchards and local wines
Clyde – A historic town with cozy lodges and cafés
Best Time to Ride:
October to April for mild weather and fewer crowds
4. Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is famous for its vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages. The cycling routes here are flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for a relaxed yet scenic ride.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Flat terrain — suitable for beginners and casual riders
✅ Plenty of wine and food stops along the way
✅ Beautiful river views and historic architecture
Highlights:
Château de Chambord – One of the most beautiful castles in France
Tours – A lively city with excellent food markets
Saumur – Known for sparkling wines and troglodyte caves
Best Time to Ride:
May to October for warm weather and grape harvest season
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Cycling along the Amalfi Coast is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The steep climbs are balanced by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, colorful cliffside towns, and delicious Italian cuisine.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Demands strength and climbing ability — ideal for advanced riders
✅ Spectacular coastal views
✅ Authentic Italian food and culture along the route
Highlights:
Positano – Famous for its colorful cliffside houses
Amalfi – Try the local limoncello after your ride
Ravello – Known for its stunning gardens and panoramic views
Best Time to Ride:
April to June and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer tourists
6. Cape Town to Cape Point, South Africa
This coastal route offers dramatic ocean views and diverse terrain, passing through vineyards, mountains, and national parks. The ride is physically demanding but well worth the effort.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Coastal views and varied landscapes
✅ Opportunities for wine tasting and wildlife encounters
✅ Mix of paved roads and challenging climbs
Highlights:
Chapman’s Peak Drive – One of the most scenic roads in the world
Cape of Good Hope – The southernmost tip of Africa
Simon's Town – Home to a colony of African penguins
Best Time to Ride:
March to May and September to November for mild weather and clear skies
7. The Shimanami Kaido, Japan
The Shimanami Kaido is a 37-mile cycling route connecting Japan’s Honshu and Shikoku islands via six bridges. Riders can enjoy ocean views, coastal towns, and traditional Japanese culture along the way.

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Well-marked and easy to navigate
✅ Opportunity to explore small fishing villages
✅ Mix of flat and moderately hilly terrain
Highlights:
Onomichi – Start your journey with views of historic temples
Ikuchijima Island – Known for lemon groves and sea views
Imabari – Famous for its towel industry and delicious seafood
Best Time to Ride:
March to May and September to November for mild weather and fewer crowds
8. The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds offer a network of quiet country lanes, rolling hills, and charming villages. This area is ideal for cyclists looking for a relaxing ride through the English countryside.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Gentle terrain and well-marked paths
✅ Plenty of historic villages and pubs
✅ Beautiful countryside scenery
Highlights:
Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds"
Stow-on-the-Wold – Charming market town with antique shops
Bibury – Famous for its row of historic stone cottages
Best Time to Ride:
May to September for mild weather and blooming countryside
9. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway runs from California to Washington, offering breathtaking ocean views and a variety of terrain. It’s a long-distance ride that requires both strength and endurance.

Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Coastal views and diverse landscapes
✅ Mix of challenging climbs and flat stretches
✅ Opportunities to stop at beaches, towns, and vineyards
Highlights:
Big Sur – Known for its rugged cliffs and ocean views
San Francisco – Iconic city views and cultural stops
Oregon Coast – Dramatic sea stacks and sandy beaches
Best Time to Ride:
May to October for warmer weather and less rain
10. Ruta Austral, Chile
The Ruta Austral is a remote and scenic cycling route through Patagonia. It’s a demanding ride with rugged terrain, but the reward is breathtaking natural beauty.
Why It’s Great for Cyclists:
✅ Rugged and challenging — ideal for experienced riders
✅ Remote and unspoiled natural scenery
✅ Variety of terrain — gravel, dirt, and paved roads
Highlights:
Carretera Austral – Remote roads through Patagonia
Queulat National Park – Stunning glaciers and waterfalls
Puerto Rio Tranquilo – Marble caves and crystal-clear lakes
Best Time to Ride:
December to March for warmer weather and less rain
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer coastal rides, mountain climbs, or countryside tours, these cycling routes offer a perfect mix of physical challenge and scenic reward. Gear up, hit the road, and experience the world on two wheels!
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