10 Best Cycling Getaways in Europe to Tick Off Your Bucket List

1. TEST YOURSELF IN AN ALPINE SETTING Even though the Alps can challenge the toughest of Ironmen, the mountain range has something to offer for everyone. Feeling like a professional or at least a determined amateur? The Alps allow you to test your skills at the heart of French Alps, where the best of the best world's cyclists meet to compete in Tour de France each year. And while this route might not be for everyone's capabilities, it is well rewarding with the dramatic and enjoyable scenery. Meanwhile, in the East, you'll find the Via Claudia Augusta - the first real road used as a Roman trade route in 15 BC. The historic road is now turned into a modern cycling trail, which stretches across the Alps at a comfortable altitude of 1600m. Know what that means? It means that to enjoy this trail, you don't necessarily have to be a fitness head. While more relaxing, this route is as exciting with its ever-changing landscapes, variety of orchards, and vineyards keeping you company on the way. 2. THE CORNISH COASTLINE TRAILS OF ENGLAND Ask your British friends what they love about their country, and one of the most heard answers will surely be ''coastal roads and cliff paths.'' Specifically, the beautiful English southwestern county of Cornwall that has been featured in many world-famous movies. (Ever heard of the James Bond's Die Another Day? Yep, that one too!) The Cornish Coastal Way has two of the most popular routes both of which, will provide you with a full on British classic experience: little seaside villages, fish and chips on the beach, and the Land's End - the most Westerly point of England. Overall distance is around 200km, so better plan a longer trip if you want to ride this trail from start to finish. Because it's worth it: The cycling trails Southwest England has to offer are gloriously scenic, with the cliffs protecting the sea shore. That's something you really want to cross off your bucket list. 3. RIDE THE EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL REFLECTION You've probably heard of the Santiago Road, made world-famous after Paulo Coelho's novel The Alchemist. This road leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in a small Spanish town called Galicia, and attracts thousands of tourists every year searching for their spiritual growth. While most people walk this route eager to find themselves, El Camino de Santiago has also been developed for cycling. That's right - you can ride your way to self-discovery, and whilst doing that, enjoy the medieval towns, vineyards of Rioja, and stunning landscapes of Pyrenees. And it gets better: Camino Frances, the 790km long route, is famous for its stops for tapas, wine tasting (yes, please!), and museums. Ride this trail, and it'll take you through a dozen picturesque Spanish villages and full spiritual experience. Namaste! 4. EXPLORE CENTRAL EUROPE BY FOLLOWING A RIVER The Danube River Cycle route is considered family friendly and a relatively easy ride. The route delights with diverse views of the countryside and cities along the way. The most popular trail starts in Germany, in the town called Passau, and goes all the way to Vienna. It's 340 km long and will gift you with many castles, churches, stunning villages, and historic monuments. And consider this: If you have more time to spend traveling, don't stop in Vienna. Continue your journey downstream to Budapest in Hungary, and compare the contrasts between the better developed western and more exotic and adventurous eastern European sides. 5. FRESH SEA AIR AT THE AMBER-RICH BALTIC COAST The Eurovelo 10 route loops around the Baltic Seashore countries. The coastline of over 7000km allows you to pick your starting point from anywhere between the northern part of Sweden and Germany and follow the shore pretty much all the way around. Plentiful of sandy beaches, national parks, and picturesque coastal towns - this route is a pure blast for your eyes. Once you hit the three Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, do not miss out on exploring their historic capital cities and beautiful mountainous sand dunes. Meanwhile, if you are keen on trying something new and aren't afraid of cold, head towards the Finnish side of the Russian border. There, you can experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of fat biking on frozen lakes and snow. 6. BURGUNDY FOR PEDALLING WINE LOVERS When we say Burgundy, you think - wine! And while the wine is definitely on the menu when travelling through Burgundy's cycling trails, this region has much more to offer: The nearly 1000 km of developed cycling trails can take you way beyond the vineyards, through a rich historic heritage, rivers, canals and clifftop villages. For the pedalling wine lover, a particularly teasing ride is from Dijon (the capital of Burgundy region) down the C