Cycling is a great way to see the world at your own pace, and have a fantastic holiday to boot - whether on roads or dedicated cycle trails. The best cycling in the world combines all the benefits of hiking - the outdoors, the fresh air, the scenery, the exercise - but with far greater freedom. Cycling means roaming free.

There are plenty of cycling specialists who can organise a memorable cycling holiday for you - either in your own small group, or with other cyclists. The best part is having their road transport take care of your luggage, which then magically appears at the charming rural hideaway you wind up at in the evening, before a well earned table groaning with gourmet treats. There's plenty of choice, from the basic to the most luxurious. Europe is still the most popular, with the greatest variety of landscape and cultures within short cycling radiuses - in particular there's great cycling in France (aided of course by the vine!), Germany and Italy. If you've never tried a cyling holiday, you'll be amazed by what you have missed when you do.

You can also 'do it yourself'. One easy way to do it is to go camping in a fixed location, then cycle out for day rides in the surrounding countryside - that way you don’t have to carry everything on your back. You can travel independently and explore the region for yourself, or enjoy the camaraderie of travelling with a like minded group of cyclist explorers. Either way, as cycling becomes ever more popular, both as a form of regular transport and for holidays, cycle routes are being improved and cycle trails being blazed in new countries, so there’s a cycling journey to suit all skills in some of the world's most spectacular settings.

Related categories: Cycling, Horse Riding, Train Journeys, Road Trips, Sailing, River Trips, Walking

Experts in Cycling:  Andrew Straw,  BikeBrats,  Mandy Richards,  Hedley Wilton,  John Fulton,  Ralph Junghanns,  Kim Marsden,  Catherine Crone,  Bruno Toutain,  Eileen Holland

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