Where to Go for a Cycling Holiday in September

We find that popular destinations and attractions are less busy after the summer rush, temperatures are just right for cycling - cooler but still plenty of sun - while sea temperatures are perfect for swimming, and prices are often favourable too. For many tours, you can take advantage of low season rates, while flights can be notably cheaper than in July and August.

Most of our tours run in September, but if you're looking for the best of the best, we've picked seven routes that are sure to impress.

For personal advice and recommendations from our team, enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5:30pm UK time). Whether you have dates or a specific tour in mind, or you're just looking for ideas, we're here to help.

With spectacular scenery, famous landmarks and easy-going cycling, it’s hard to go wrong with the Passau to Vienna bike tour. Breeze down cycle paths along pleasant green riverbanks on a route that traverses easy, flat terrain along the lovely Danube River.

The fairytale turrets and traditional riverside towns make this a tour full of incredible cultural richness. See the most famous parts of the Danube including the captivating cities of Passau and Linz and the 500-year-old castles of Burg Clam and Greinburg. And what better way to round off the trip than by relaxing in Vienna with a decadent Viennese coffee and delicious cake.

“We thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time with a river, seeing the subtle changes as one progressed. A big surprise was the number of fascinating and high quality places of interest that it is possible to visit along the way. The quality and choice of food was outstanding. A very peaceful experience.” - John Vallance, UK

View tour: Passau to Vienna Bike Tour

Green vineyards and orchards line the waters edge, where pristine water reflects the skyline of distant shimmering Alps. Cycling the shores of Lake Constance is a breathtaking experience. You’ll find huge variety and beauty on any one of our five available tours, with walled mediaeval villages, fairytale castles and spectacular waterfalls to name just a few of the highlights.

Each of the five tours offers a different way to experience the area - you can enjoy scenic ferry rides, shoot off westwards to see the spectacular Rhine Falls, or cycle a lap of the entire lake across seven days. The cycling is mostly undemanding and is perfect for families and those looking to go at a leisurely pace.

“What a great self-guided tour, very well organised and easy to follow. Lake Constance was awesome and the bikes we hired were much better than we had hoped for. Looking forward to booking the next trip.” - Kevin Bishop UK

View tour: Lake Constance Cycling Holidays

Cycling the whole Algarve Coast from east to west gives a real sense of achievement, following the Ecovia do Litoral cycle route from the Spanish border to the rocky headland of Cape St Vincent, Portugal’s most southerly point. You'll discover lesser-visited parts of the area free from the trappings of tourism, from authentic towns and villages like Tavira and Olhao to stunning coastal nature reserves.

You will get a taste of typical Algarve holidays as you ride into popular beach resorts, visit a luxury marina and skirt past green golf courses, but it's the stunning coastal stretches, nature reserves and traffic-free routes that make this tour special. After a week of cycling, the laidback lifestyle of Sagres - with its sculpted cliffs, fine beaches and surf culture - is an appealing place to finish.

"The Algarve tour had something for everyone: a moderate amount of generally fairly easy cycling - although be prepared for a few challenging hills along the route; plenty of opportunities for beach stops and a dip in the sea; overnight stays in high quality hotels and the chance to explore this beautiful part of Portugal. As always, organisation from Freedom Treks and their partners in the Algarve was outstanding in every respect. We cannot fault this cycling tour - what a joy to be on holiday again! We will be back for more next year." - Fiona Marriott, UK

View tour: Algarve Bike Tour

A Puglia bike tour in September only enhances the contrast between the area's countryside, and both Ionian and Adriatic coastlines. Emerald-coloured olive trees line the dusty trails and provide shelter from the late summer sun, while frequent dips in the ocean is the coastal region's solution to staying cool.

Italy has plenty of natural appeal, however the historic white towns dotted with trullo's (traditional drystone huts in Alberobello) can scratch that rustic itch. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans and Spaniards have all had their influence on Puglia's architecture, making the region a must-see. The real incentive for cycling the 'Italian boot and heel' in late summer is the noticeable lack of tourists which means quieter cycle paths and no queuing for your morning espresso!

"Had a fantastic time in Puglia, we started with an overnight stay in Matera, which is stunning and highly recommended. The tour itself started in Arberobello with a stay in the beautiful UNESCO site in a Trulli hut. Getting the bikes and the tour introduction the following morning was both informative and straight forward and we set off on our bikes. The routes were simple to follow as we headed into the countryside amongst endless olive groves with virtually no traffic at all. The first two days were rural cycling before we hit the coast and followed the stunning coastal road before ending in Lecce. Each day felt different, each evening spent exploring and dining in a new place, was excellent. All the accommodation was of a good standard, the cases always met us by the end of the day, the cycling was fantastic, the scenery stunning and the pace of the tour was just right. If you like to explore historic towns, stay fit, eat good food, drink good wine and swim in clear waters then I would highly recommend this holiday." - John Tiffen, UK

View tour: Puglia Bike Tour

This is a tour that has it all (really!) and is a fantastic way to see a huge amount of Slovenia in just nine days. Cycling south from the romantic lakeside town of Bled to the Venetian harbour town of Piran, you'll pass spectacular mountains, picture-postcard lakes, dramatic valleys, fascinating cities and pristine coastlines. Slovenia is only growing in popularity, making it into many 'places to see in 2024' lists, so visiting out of season allows you to experience it when it's still fairly quiet.

We highly recommend spending extra nights at the beginning of your trip to enjoy beautiful Bled. Rent a traditional rowing boat and paddle out to Bled Island (or sit back and relax on a 'pletna') and visit the church, where legend has it that whoever rings the bell will have their wish come true. For more tips on how to make the most of Slovenia, read our blog 10 Unmissable Sights on a Slovenia Cycle Tour.

"We really enjoyed this cycling holiday as it had a variety of scenery and experiences. We booked this route as we wanted to cover as many of the main sights in Slovenia that could be covered on a cycling route on our first visit to this lovely country. The local people are friendly and each day was different - from exploring the capital Ljubljana, mountains and lakes, caves, to the coast. A great way to explore a new part of the world!" - Justine Patterson, UK

View tour: Best of Slovenia Bike Tour - Lakes to the Coast

If you've already ticked the Algarve off your list, how about cycling the Istrian Coast from north to south? Starting in the Italian city of Trieste, you'll then cover the whole of Slovenia's 29 mile (47km) coastline before crossing into Croatia where you'll cycle down to Pula on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula. The route includes rides through nature reserves and along harbour walls, with stops to enjoy delicious local food and wine as well as fascinating historical sites.

You'll have a whole day in the summer resort of Poreč, where you can choose to cycle a 28 mile loop tour inland, head out on a local boat excursion or take an easy stroll around the historic old town. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to set aside time to visit the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica!

"We had a brilliant week enjoying the stunning Istrian coastline and views. A lot of the route was right along the edge of the sea - through nature reserves and holiday camps and along harbour walls. There were a few good climbs inland for variety, but a higher proportion of off-road gravelly cycle paths than we expected. The organisation and accommodation were excellent and we were very impressed by the cleanliness in Croatia and the friendliness of everyone. There was plenty of time to explore the lovely towns and there were lots of good places to eat in the evenings. Highly recommended!" - Peter Speight, UK

View tour: Istrian Coast - Trieste to Pula Bike Tour

Umbria is one of our team's favourite Italian regions - and not just for the local food and wine! The hill towns, vineyards, rocky mountain backdrops and tranquil blue lakes make it an incredible place to explore by bike. Each town and village you visit holds unique appeal, from the interlocked stone houses of Spello to the isolated tower at Torgiano - a peaceful village that makes a perfect place for a rest day.

You'll start and finish in the pretty town of Assisi, with plenty of time to visit the famous basilicas, get lost in the little alleys and squares and relax with a glass of local wine on a sunny terrace overlooking rolling vineyards.

"A delightful tour - beautiful scenery, delicious food and with the odd uphill challenge along the way. The distances were ideal as it meant we could enjoy long lunches in wonderful little hilltop restaurants or use the hotel swimming pools each evening." - Sophie Corbett, UK

View tour: Umbria Discovery Bike Tour

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

If you're looking for something a little different, view all September cycling holidays.

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