Freewheel Holidays Introduces Cyclists to Europe’s Island Cultures

MANCHESTER, UK, March 8, 2019– Two of summer’s pleasures are water and bicycles. The UK specialists in self-guided bicycle vacations articulate ways to combine water and bikes on European island itineraries.

Freewheel Holidays points out the advantages of cycling on islands:

  • Islands are self-contained with lots to see in a defined area.
  • They often have a beautiful coastline and uncrowded beaches.
  • The history, culture and geography of an island differ from the mainland.
  • Oftentimes islands are cooler than the nearby mainland.

Guests can experience island life on a bicycle in two ways. The first is to book a bicycle vacation that includes on-island accommodations and meals. Another experience combines islands and water on Bike & Boat itineraries that match a river cruise along Europe’s famous waterways with daily opportunities to bring a bike ashore to islands and the mainland for exploring.

Rates for programs that offer opportunities to cycle on islands include, among others,

  • Accommodations with breakfast on land or on a boat,
  • Bike hire,
  • Luggage transfers between hotels (when applicable),
  • Welcome meeting/call,
  • Detailed route notes & maps,
  • Emergency telephone assistance.

Netherlands

One example of Bike & Boat on islands is the eight-day Bike & Boat: Dutch Island Hopping in the Netherlands. The per person rate is from £859. Aboard one of the most comfortable sailing ships, the Mare fan Fryslân, the Wapen fan Fryslân and the Leafde fan Fryslân, guests experience pure nature while enjoying water, sun and a stiff breeze on the big inland lake IJsselmeer and the so-called “Wadden Sea”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve. This tour also explores the Frisian Sea and some of its islands. Evenings guests are rocked to sleep along the shore.

Scandinavia

An itinerary with island lodgings is the six-day Stockholm Archipelago in Sweden. The per person rate is from £729. This tour begins and ends in Stockholm. Guests explore some of the country’s finest scenery -- a seemingly endless archipelago of 24,000 glorious islands lying right on Stockholm’s doorstep. The islands are linked by ferry service, bridges and a subway system.

The eight-day Funen Island and Odense (the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson) is in Denmark. The per person rate is from £949. The island Funen, in the center of Denmark, is often referred to as the garden of Denmark. South of Funen lies the archipelago with small picturesque islands connected by ferries, offering both a break in the bike riding and also an experience of being off the beaten track where time and speed is really not that important.

Italy

The eight-day Easy Sardinia is from £659 per person. Guests cycle by beaches, cultural sites and vineyards on an itinerary that allows for plenty of beach time with shorter daily rides. Families appreciate this low-key pace.

Spain

An eight-day program on Lanzarote, a volcanic island with a strange, moon-like landscape, is from £879 per person. This is one of the Canary Islands that all are of volcanic origin. Lanzarote had a series of eruptions in the 18th century and as a result has some fascinating landscapes with volcanoes and lava flows. The architectural works of César Manrique complement the volcanic environment. The climate, neither hot in summer nor cold in winter, means that cycling is possible all year round..

The eight-day Majorca Coast to Coast is from £869 per person. This cycling tour is designed for people who want to enjoy the pleasures of Mallorca and its excellent hotels with swimming pools. The tour starts on the south of the island next to the Mediterranean Sea. After a day near the coast guests cycle inland along stunning, flat country roads where bicycles have priority. This tour is also suited to families with older children.

The eight-day Menorca is from £779 per person. The tour takes in all that the beautiful, low-key Balearic island of Menorca has to offer, from inland pine forests to picturesque coves and rocky cliffs. Awaiting guests are unspoilt countryside, pretty beachside towns with sweeping bays and fascinating architecture from lighthouses and fortresses to Bronze-Age caves. The trip ends in the beautiful medieval town of Ciutadella.

Portugal

The eight-day Madeira Flowers and Coast is from £819 per person. Guests ride through most of the island over roads offering panoramic views of bays and cliffs and intimate looks at flora and fauna in parks and gardens. Transfers help out where it’s too mountainous for biking.

To check trip availability, make reservations, or to find out more about Freewheel Holidays’ leisure cycling tours call +44 (0) 161 703 5823, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or visit www.freewheelholidays.com.

About Freewheel Holidays

A division of Sports Tours International, Freewheel Holidays specializes in self-guided, expertly supported European cycling holidays that strike the perfect balance between leisure pedaling and immersive sightseeing. The company offers easy cycling programs designed with special appeal to European and North American travelers. Guests cycle on their own, with enroute assistance and distinctive accommodations expertly chosen and secured by the company. A portfolio of over 40 established European holidays offers riders of all levels a freedom of choice. The company features a range of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9-night itineraries to 12 European countries including the UK, Austria, France, Holland, Czech Republic, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Sweden and Portugal. The majority of tours are self-guided with the exception of a few fully-guided vacation packages in Croatia, France, Italy and Prague to Vienna.  The company also offers family-focused, coastal, wine lover, bike and boat, and solo traveler holidays.

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Media Contact:

For inquiries, interviews and photos please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:

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