5 Enjoyable Cycling Tours for a Two-Wheel Vacation

Exploring a new destination on a bike lets you fully immerse yourself in the surroundings while getting your heart rate up. These five exciting cycling tours will have you gliding past stunning scenery, soaking up the sunshine, and breathing in fresh air as you discover new places.

Tour France, Germany and Luxembourg along the River Moselle

Embark on a cycling adventure along the River Moselle, where you’ll travel through the countryside of three different countries. Both sides of the river feature bike paths that are perfect for beginners, and thanks to the Schengen Agreement, you can move between France, Germany, and Luxembourg without ever having to show a passport, as noted by the BBC.

One standout option is Boat Bike Tours’ eight-day trip from Cochem to Metz. Each day, cyclists get to stop at local vineyards to taste regional wines and explore historic towns. A highlight is Cochem, Germany, a charming town home to the ancient Reichsburg Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the river valley. When the day’s riding ends, you’ll board a barge that doubles as a floating hotel, allowing you to wake up each morning in a new riverside location.

Tackle the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia

Stretching 172 miles from Torquay to Allansford, the Great Ocean Road runs along one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines, according to Architectural Digest. This route is a must for experienced cyclists, and Roar Adventures’ Great Ocean Road Cycle Tour takes travelers along the entire length of the road over four days.

Along the way, you’ll encounter incredible natural wonders: the Loch Ard Gorge, a scenic cove with towering cliffs and crystal-clear water, and the Twelve Apostles—iconic limestone sea stacks that rise from the Southern Ocean. You’ll also get to visit Bells Beach, a famous surf spot known for its powerful waves and laid-back coastal vibe. Every pedal stroke brings a new view, making this tour a favorite for those who love combining adventure with breathtaking scenery.

Travel from onsen to onsen in Kyushu, Japan

Onsens, Japan’s soothing natural hot springs, are the perfect way to unwind after a day of cycling, and Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, offers a one-of-a-kind tour that combines biking with these relaxing retreats. Spice Roads’ Onsen to Onsen tour spans six days, taking cyclists along routes that wind past rivers, lush rice fields, and ancient temples, with occasional climbs up gentle mountain passes.

A key stop on the tour is Beppu, a city renowned for its onsen culture, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters and experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Travel and Leisure notes that Kyushu’s well-maintained roads and paths make it ideal for both casual riders and serious cyclists. Whether you’re gliding through rural villages or pausing to admire mountain views, this tour blends adventure with moments of calm, showcasing the best of Kyushu’s natural and cultural beauty.

Take the Jordan Trail to Petra

Jordan’s striking desert landscapes are even more breathtaking when viewed from a bike. Much Better Adventures’ Jordan Trail to Petra: The E-Bike Edition tour starts in the Dana Valley, a region of rugged canyons and diverse wildlife, and takes you through some of Jordan’s most iconic sites.

Along the way, you’ll make stops at Wadi Rum, a vast desert wilderness known for its red sand dunes and rock formations that have starred in countless movies and the Dead Sea, where you can float in its hypersaline waters. The tour’s highlight is Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Here, you’ll dismount your bike and hike into the ancient Nabataean city, which is carved into pink sandstone cliffs. Lonely Planet describes Petra’s monuments as magnificent, including the Treasury—a 2,000-year-old tomb built for Nabataean King Aretas III that leaves visitors in awe. To add to the adventure, two nights of the tour are spent camping under the stars in a traditional Bedouin-style camp, letting you experience the desert’s tranquility after dark.

Explore Missouri on the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail gives visitors a chance to discover everything Missouri—the “Show Me State” has to offer. As the longest rail trail in the United States, it stretches 239 miles, passing by limestone bluffs, sprawling fields, dense forests, and historic towns. St. Louis Magazine highlights Marthasville, one of Missouri’s oldest towns, and Rocheport, a charming spot on the banks of the Missouri River that’s filled with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes.

What makes the Katy Trail accessible to all is its mostly flat, paved surface and car-free design, so both beginners and experienced cyclists can enjoy the ride at their own pace. Adventure Cycling’s Katy Trail tour breaks the route into eight days, allowing for a relaxed journey with plenty of time to stop and explore. Whether you’re visiting a small-town museum, sampling local cuisine, or simply taking in the scenic river views, this tour lets you experience Missouri’s charm in a slow, immersive way.

Catherine Garcia has served as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her work including writing and reporting has been featured in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News, and “The Book of Jezebel.” She is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.