Dreaming of a European cycling holiday next year? You don't necessarily need a huge budget to explore some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes by bike.

From Croatia's historic coastal towns to an Alpine adventure finishing beside the Adriatic Sea, and a greenway journey through northern Spain, these three self-guided cycling holidays offer very different ways to experience Europe.  All three have starting prices under €1,500 per person, including bike hire, making them worth considering if you're planning your next cycling adventure.

1. Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg to Grado

8 days | From €1,348 per person including bike hire

For a cycling holiday with a real sense of journey, it's hard to beat traveling from the Austrian Alps to Italy's Adriatic coast.

The Alpe Adria Cycle Path connects Salzburg, Austria, with Grado, Italy, taking cyclists through a changing landscape of mountains, valleys, historic towns and northern Italian countryside.

Starting in Salzburg, a city known for its baroque architecture and musical heritage, the route heads south through Alpine scenery. Along the way, Bad Gastein is a memorable stop, with its dramatic waterfall and grand historic buildings.

As the journey continues into Italy, the landscapes and atmosphere gradually change. You'll pass through towns such as Udine, where Italian architecture, food and café culture provide a different flavor of the journey.

The final destination, Grado, is a seaside town on the Adriatic. After several days of cycling, it's a lovely place to enjoy the coastal atmosphere and reflect on the journey from the mountains.

Although the route crosses an Alpine region, this doesn't mean every kilometre involves climbing a mountain. The Alpe Adria route makes use of established cycle paths and quieter roads, with train transfers used on certain sections. It's still important to check the tour's activity rating and daily distances to make sure it suits your fitness level.

Who might enjoy this tour? Cyclists looking for a longer adventure, varied scenery and the satisfaction of traveling between two countries under their own pedal power.

Alpe Adria Cycle Path: Salzburg - Grado

From $1,392.45 USD

Ride from Austria to Italy on an 8 day self-guided cycle tour along the beautiful Alpe Adria Cycle Path

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2. Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria, Croatia

8 days | From €1,080 per person including bike hire

If your idea of a cycling holiday involves beautiful coastal scenery, historic villages and plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food, Istria could be just the place.

Located in the northern Adriatic, Croatia's Istrian peninsula combines a Mediterranean atmosphere with a fascinating mix of coastal and inland landscapes. Away from the beaches, you'll discover rolling countryside, olive groves and medieval towns perched on hilltops.

One highlight is the picturesque town of Motovun, famous for its historic centre and views across the surrounding countryside. Nearby Grožnjan is another appealing stop, with narrow streets, historic buildings and an artistic character.

Food lovers have plenty to look forward to, too. Istria is known for its olive oil, truffles and regional cuisine, while local grape varieties such as Malvasia and Teran offer a taste of the region's winemaking traditions.

The cycling provides an opportunity to explore at a leisurely pace, stopping in villages and enjoying the scenery along the way.

Who might enjoy this tour? Travelers who love Mediterranean culture, traditional villages, local food and coastal landscapes, and who want to combine cycling with plenty of opportunities to explore.

Cycle the Wine Roads of Istria

From $1,078.90 USD

Gorge on Istria’s delicious wines as you cycle this glorious peninsula

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3. Plazaola Greenway: Pamplona to San Sebastián, Northern Spain

5 days | From €948 per person including bike hire

For a shorter cycling escape, northern Spain offers a wonderful alternative to Europe's better-known cycling destinations.

The Plazaola Greenway follows a former railway corridor through the green landscapes of Navarra and the Basque Country. Known in Spain as a Vía Verde, this type of route uses disused railway lines to create cycling and walking paths through the countryside.

One of the route's distinctive features is its many tunnels, remnants of its railway history. You'll ride through wooded valleys and lush mountain landscapes, passing small settlements along the way.

The tour begins in Pamplona, a historic city best known internationally for its San Fermín festival. From there, the journey takes you towards San Sebastián, one of the Basque Country's most appealing coastal cities.

San Sebastián is famous for its beautiful La Concha beach and exceptional food scene. In particular, its pintxos — small, flavorful bites served in bars — are a highlight for visitors who enjoy discovering a destination through its cuisine.

At five days, this is the shortest of the three holidays, which makes it an interesting option for travelers who want to experience a different part of Spain without committing to a full week away.

Who might enjoy this tour? Travelers who enjoy green countryside, quieter cycling routes, local culture and excellent food, and who prefer a shorter holiday.

Plazaola Greenway by Bike: From Pamplona to San Sebastian

From $784.45 USD

Cycle tour Spain on a short adventure between Pamplona and San Sebastian along the Plazaola Greenway over 5 days.

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Which European cycling holiday is right for you?

These three tours offer quite different experiences, so the best choice depends on what you'd most like from your holiday.

Choose Croatia's wine roads for Mediterranean scenery, historic villages and a strong emphasis on regional food and culture.

Choose the Alpe Adria Cycle Path for a longer journey through the Alps, with the added adventure of cycling from Austria into Italy.

Choose northern Spain's Plazaola Greenway for a shorter escape through green landscapes, with a memorable finish in the food-loving city of San Sebastián.

All three are self-guided cycling holidays, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace while following a planned route. These three tours offer inspiration for your next European adventure — all with starting prices under €1,500 per person, including bike hire.

Explore the full range of European cycling holidays to find a trip that suits your interests, budget and preferred pace of travel.