April 30, 2015
Ever dreamed of taking a self-guided European bike tour? If you long to meander through the European countryside, discover hidden gems, and interact with locals along the way, this might be just the time as the US dollar will take you far. Here are two ideas on self-guided European bike tours from the cycle tour experts at Pure Adventures.
Sightseeing on a bicycle can be one of the more affordable ways to travel while engaging with the countryside, the people and local culture. Self-guided European bike tours offer a flexible pace, ranging from easy to challenging. And, better yet, when you arrive at your evening accommodations, your luggage is already there waiting for you.
“Our popular self-guided tours are comprehensive premium vacation packages that still cost far less than fully guided itineraries,” says Loren Siekman, Pure Adventures founder/owner. “Lodging can be adjusted from modest to luxury to accommodate budgetary requests and dining choices range from simple to gastronomic multi-course extravaganzas!”
Here are two of Siekman’s suggestions for self-guided European bike tours:
France – Normandy Impressionists & Memorials Bicycle Tour is a five or seven night self-guided bike tour, covering 40 to 50 km daily. Along the way you can enjoy the gastronomical delights of the region such as Camembert cheese, apple cider, and Calvados (apple brandy) as emblems of this beautiful and green region of France.
The tour also includes important historical sites such as the famous D-Day landing beaches used by the Allied forces to liberate France and Europe during World War II and the tranquil impressionist town of Honfleur, the birthplace of Impressionist art. And, it can be easily combined with a few nights in Paris.
Spain – Costa Brava Bicycle Tour is a seven night, more challenging bicycle tour over the coastal roads into France via Collioure and the panoramic route between Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar, including routes where some of the legends of cycling train and some great foodie hotspots. 
Other highlights include the town of La Bisbal d Emporda, famous for its production of ceramics, the former home of Salvador Dali, and the Pyrenees. The departure gateway of Barcelona is a wonderful and easy add-on.
For more information, rates, and specifics visit http://www.pure-adventures.com.
Pure Adventures 2015 European bike tour itineraries span Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States
The company was recently recognized with a Best of Travel 2015 award by OUTSIDE Magazine for their California tours that elevated that state to the top destination in the category of Best Road Biking.
Photos courtesy of Pure Adventures.
