Where to Go for a Cycling Holiday in April

Craig Charley
With Easter just around the corner, here are the best tours for April adventures by bike. Expect flowers in bloom, pleasant temperatures and quieter destinations before the summer rush.

These tours all run throughout April and so work whether you're tied to school holiday dates or you're planning a post-Easter getaway.

For recommendations from our team based on our own personal experience and feedback from our customers, enquire online or call us on (+44) 1273 224066.

Best for Families

Bolzano to Lake Garda Leisurely

Family cycling by Lake Garda © Fototeca Garda Trentino
Family cycling by Lake Garda © Fototeca Garda Trentino

This is a great tour for families or those looking for a leisurely holiday as the distances are shorter and there are numerous options to shorten the stages. With cycle rides between 15-28 miles (25-45km), you're free to ride at your own pace and take time to explore the charms of north-east Italy - including two nights in the fascinating town of Bolzano with its Austrian and Italian influences. There is a wide range of bike hire options for children of any age, including child seats, trailers, FollowMe tandems and three sizes of bike.

Freedom Trekkers say: "A very good tour in a beautiful region, perfect for families."... "Really fun and good for children. Loved the route, lots to do and to see along the way."

View tour: Bolzano to Lake Garda Leisurely Bike Tour

Best for a Short Break

Holland's Tulips, Windmills and Historic Cities

See tulips and windmills on this quintessentially Dutch tour
See tulips and windmills on this quintessentially Dutch tour

Take a 4 night trip to see the tulip fields of Holland during spring and be amazed by the vibrant colours and beautiful scent of thousands of flowers. Starting and finishing in Amsterdam, you’ll ride along quiet, well-signposted cycle paths lined by colourful blooms between a number of Holland’s most appealing cities. We highly recommend booking an extra night in Leiden to experience the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. They're open throughout April, with seven million flower bulbs planted and ready to bloom.

Freedom Trekkers say: "Absolutely beautiful country with flat biking through amazing fields of flowers and sand dunes by the coast."... "The tour took us all round the tulip fields and much more - we learnt so much about Holland and enjoyed all the canals, fields of tulips, windmills, forests and cities."

View tour: Holland's Tulips, Windmills and Historic Cities Bike Tour

Best for Riverside Cycling

Mantua to Venice Boat & Bike

The Ave Maria following the Po from Mantua to the coast
The Ave Maria following the Po from Mantua to the coast

Travelling by bike and boat, follow the longest river in Italy as it winds its way across northern Italy through Lombardy and Veneto before reaching the Adriatic near Venice. Pass through rural regions dotted with palaces and ride alongside riverbanks and canals towards Renaissance cityscapes. Expect easy waterside cycling with frequent stops to refuel with gelato and espressos.

Freedom Trekkers say: "Easy riding with great company and wonderful local food and wine. We couldn't have asked for more."... "This was our second holiday with Freedom Treks and was by far the best. The boat was superb, loads of room, ALL the staff were so lovely and helpful. The food was fantastic better than a 5 star hotel."

View tour: Mantua to Venice Boat & Bike Tour

Best for Coastal Cycling

The Ionian Islands Boat & Bike

Ionian Island cycling © Kleomenis Koufaliotis
Ionian Island cycling © Kleomenis Koufaliotis

See the best of the beautiful Ionian islands on this 7 night Boat & Bike tour. Highlights include arriving in Fiscardo harbour on Kefalonia from the comfort of your traditional wooden Greek boat and exploring the smaller islands of Meganisi and Paxos. This tour has rides that can be demanding at times, but there is plenty of time to relax on the sundeck of your boat or swim from quiet beaches.

View tour: The Ionian Islands Boat & Bike Tour

Best for Getting Away from it All

Spain's Conquistadors & Paradors

Quiet cycling in western Spain
Quiet cycling in western Spain

Experience a unique cycling tour in western Spain's remote Extremadura region, with leisurely riding from parador to parador (luxury hotels located in restored palaces, castles or monasteries). Cycling from the ancient castle of Oropesa, you'll pass granite peaks, green foothills and rugged farmland to reach beautiful cities such as Trujillo and Plasencia - home to elegant mansions and monuments left by the adventurous Spanish Conquistadors.

Freedom Trekkers say: "Brilliant holiday with stunning countryside & quaint Spanish villages & towns. Staying at Paradors was very special, amazing places & excellent food."... "Magnificent old towns and magnificent and varied scenery with quiet well-maintained roads."

View tour: Spain's Conquistadors & Paradors Bike Tour

Best for a Challenge

Highlights of Albania

Scenic cycling in Albania
Scenic cycling in Albania

With amazing views as you cycle amongst mountains and on to the coast, this 10 day guided cultural tour visiting three UNESCO World Heritage sites is ideal for confident cyclists who are looking for a challenge, with the peace of mind of a support van if needed. UNESCO-listed Ohrid is a highlight on day two, with its church spires and lakeside cafés, as are the thermal springs at Benje on day five.

Freedom Trekkers say: "This is what we wanted out of our trip - cycling through mountains & the coast. The last day of cycling is the toughest with climbing but what an achievement! Amazing views as well. Our guides were great - always available to help."... "We all bonded as a team and laughed all the way. The food was amazing. Albania is a hidden gem."

View tour: Highlights of Albania Bike Tour

Best of the Rest

More Ideas for Spring Sunshine

Happy cyclists in Piran, Slovenia
Happy cyclists in Piran, Slovenia

Looking for more ideas?

  • Tour the countryside in Puglia on quiet roads, stopping off at historic towns to try the famous local fare or taking a break on long sandy beaches backed by limestone cliffs.
  • Follow a medieval merchants' route from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana to Piran on the west coast, cycling through flat marshlands and karst mountain scenery.
  • Cycle along quiet roads and leisurely paths through the Anapo Valley in Sicily, stopping off for a creamy gelato or cappuccino and a slice of almond cake along the way.

Find out more

If you would like to learn more about any of the tours above, enquire online or speak to one of our team by telephone on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

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Tours featured in this post