Cycling trips on your doorstep; Europe at its best.

There’s nothing quite like the warm summer breeze, sunshine for days, majestic views and picturesque towns and, of course, your two-wheeled friend! We’d argue it really doesn’t get much better than this!

We’ve had our own fair share of sunshine this Summer, making for plenty of opportunities to get away for short weekend breaks and explore some of the great countryside here in the UK. And for those wanting to explore a little further afield, then we reckon we’re pretty lucky to have Europe just a hop, skip and a cycle away.

Boasting some of the best routes in the world, Europe has something for everyone. Ride capital to capital, follow coastal roads, famous rivers and across Europe’s many borders into the brilliantly unique and diverse cultures that make up the European continent.

As we start to wrap Summer up, we asked the PMB team where they’d headed for their annual break or what was on their cycling bucket list, and here’s the results … our top 5 European trips on two-wheels.

1. Rhine Valley
   
   Amsterdam - Germany - Switzerland
   
   Maybe more well known as a route to take by train, the Rhine Valley takes you across 3 spectacular countries. Starting in Amsterdam, you can follow a route that uses only paved roads, making for a safe and leisurely ride. Stop off to sample the local delicacies as you wind your way through some stunning scenery; quaint streets, medieval castles, the famous riverbanks and endless vineyards, ending the ride in Basel, Switzerland, around a week later. Probably our No.1 trip.



2. Malaga to Seville
   
   Spain
   
   Ok, so traversing the Pyrenees is probably best left to the pro’s or those of you looking for a hardcore challenge. And we say go for it! But for those looking for a rewarding ride that’s slightly easier on the thighs, then there are plenty of guided and self-guided routes on offer.
   
   Explore the sights of Granada, cycle the hills of Cordoba, and take in the breath-taking vista’s of Seville. And each day wouldn’t be complete without an evening spent sampling some of the best tapas that Spain has to offer. The icing on the ‘cycling’ cake.



3. Canterbury to Rome
   
   UK – France – Switzerland – Italy
   
   This was mentioned a few times by the team as being on their cycling bucket list. An historic path, once walked by the Archbishop Sigeric in AD990, to collect his pallium from the Pope. On his return journey, he decided to document each of the 80 stops he made, which forms the basis of what is now known as the Via Francigena.
   
   An important pilgrimage route, it’s also a stunning ride. With different regions to focus on, either tackle the whole route or focus on some of the spectacular rides around the Dover cliffs, the battlefields of Northern France, Lake Geneva and the mighty Alps [not for the faint hearted!].Or spend some time exploring the Italian leg, as one of our claims advisors did this summer, from Lucca, through San Gimignano, the city of the star-crossed lovers, to the street maze of Siena and onwards, down to majestic Rome. A truly fantastic ride offering something for everyone. Bucket List - check!



4. Eurovelo 2 ‘The Capitals Route’
   
   Ireland – UK – Netherlands – Germany – Poland – Belarus – Russia
   
   A 3,400 mile long route, starting in Galway, Ireland and passing through seven countries, and all their capital cities, finally ending in Moscow, Russia. Got some time on your hands, or a well-earned extended break, then this is the perfect route. Or, do as our MD did, and pick a shorter capital to capital route to challenge yourself and take in the sights as you go along.
   
   Grab the ferry over to the Hook of Holland or to Rotterdam and pick up the trail to Berlin, Germany. The route is really well signposted, so you can relax knowing you don’t need to have your map at the ready and can simply enjoy the ride, the fresh air and the stunning landscape. Cruise through glorious countryside, forests and local villages, stopping to try the delicious food and beer as you go. “Two weeks well spent”, our MD said. The only question is which capital-capital is next!



5. The Amalfi Coast
   
   Italy
   
   A family holiday that offers the best of both worlds, spectacular cycling as well as some R&R, pool side. One of our customer service representatives spent a week in the beautiful Amalfi coast with her husband and two teenage girls. They rented bikes and took to the coast and into the hills to explore this stunning part of Italy on two-wheels. And they topped the holiday off with a few days of R&R, enjoying the other thing that Italy has to offer its visitors, delicious food and wine! A fun holiday experience, making great family memories together.

That rounds off our team’s Summer two-wheeled adventures in Europe. And as Autumn approaches, we’re hoping there’s still some sun left in the last of the summer weeks here, so as we can get out and about and stretch our ‘two-wheeled’ legs!

From all of us here at PMB, enjoy the ride!