A Cycling for Softies holiday is all about leisurely days in the saddle, exploring the charming towns and villages of Europe’s premier wine regions. 2025 will be another fantastic year for cycling, and the stage is set for your next indulgent adventure on two wheels.
Our experts have picked six of our top tours for the ultimate 2025 Softies experience. From the châteaux of the Loire and the lavender of Provence to the golden hills of Tuscany, these cycling holidays are your next unforgettable escape to the wine regions of Europe.
Loire in Luxury, France
Escape to the regal land of the Loire Valley, where elegant châteaux and indulgent experiences await you. Wonderfully easy for cycling, enjoy leisurely days pedalling past the fantastic castles the region is known for. Dine in true style at luxurious restaurants, where the regal history can be felt in their inventive and delicious dishes.
We Love
The magical Château d’Ussé. This incredible castle was the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty, and when it first appears on the horizon, you’ll be left awestruck. The gardens of this château are said to be the finest in the Loire Valley.
George, Cycling for Softies Expert
This cycling holiday is perfect for cyclists of any ability, where time out the saddle is just as leisurely as the time spent on it. On this tour, visit elegant towns like Rivau and Fontevraud, where vibrant markets and artisan craftsmen give you a taste of the local culture. Fascinating history is your constant companion in the Loire Valley, and tales of a court scandal or an exiled princess are around every corner.
Famed for its grand châteaux, leftover from its past as a preferred home for French royals and aristocrats, few other regions in the world exude the same sense of class as France’s Loire valley. Today, the valley is one of the most popular cycling destinations in the world.
Chianti Classico, Italy
Chianti is a region synonymous with fine vintages and a dream for wine lovers. Known as the birthplace of the famous Chianti Classico brand, this area is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine-producing regions.
We Love
The stunning city of Siena. The historic districts are as cobbled and colourful today as they were back in the 1300s, with winding streets studded with medieval brick buildings, artisanal boutiques and sweet-smelling pastry shops.
Steven, Head of Cycling
As you venture deep into the landscape on your trusty e-bike, you’ll find yourself amidst sundappled hills, stone fortifications and the distant hum of village life. Cypress trees guide the way to medieval towns, where each stop brings a sip of local wine, a taste of Tuscan cuisine, and the sight of elegant architecture. After cycling amongst rolling vineyards, there’s only one thing on your mind… a glass of Chianti anyone?
This cycling tour in Chianti combines physical activity with cultural enrichment, making it a perfect way to experience the authentic Tuscan lifestyle.
Luberon Valley Vistas, France
Provence has everything you need for a cycling escape: bright sunshine, effortless charm, indulgent dining and gorgeous sights everywhere you look. The Luberon Valley is perhaps the crowning glory of the region where picture-perfect towns and rows of lavender enchanted the likes of Van Gogh.
We Love
The famed lavender bloom of the Luberon Valley. The very air is perfumed with the calming scent of this phenomenon, and one of the best times to experience this is in June, when the valley is the first place in the region to burst into colour.
Marton, Cycling for Softies Expert
Cycling here is the best way to explore Provence, beneath the radiant sun. Artisan markets are a common sight in the region, where a plethora of lavender treatments can be found; the perfect gift for friends and family back home. Combining the elegance of French cuisine with the flavours of the Mediterranean, experience some of the finest food in Europe. A trip to Provence would also not be complete without a crisp glass of Provençal rosé.
It’s impossible not to be seduced by the beauty and glamour of cycling Provence. On your cycling holiday take in the best that this glorious region has to offer.
Grand Tour of The Cotswolds, UK
Idyllic countryside views, golden villages, and rural beauty can be found in abundance on a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds. One of the most peaceful regions in the country, spa hotels offer unparalleled relaxation, fed by the healing hot springs in the region. For many, the Cotswolds is synonymous with bliss.
We Love
The stunning Roman baths in Bath. Beautifully showcasing the rich spa history of the region, and fed by the same healing springs found across the Cotswolds, these baths are a wonderfully preserved place to learn all about the past.
Simon, Cycling for Softies Expert
On this tour, cycle through a land untouched by time, where farmers markets and the peace of village life are king. Countless cosy pubs and cottage gardens are the perfect place to spend a blissful evening after a day exploring on your e-bike.
Take a tour of the classic English countryside aboard a top of the range e-bike. Traversing the Cotswolds from north to south, this route blends the historical charm of the region with some of its finest contemporary touches.
Vineyards of Champagne, France
Pedal in Champagne where the landscape sparkles in more ways than one. Sloping hills cradle endless rows of delicate grapevines and hold the secrets of centuries of Champagne-making traditions. Noble varieties of sparkling wines started their journey from these soils and have blossomed into a global symbol of celebration and refinement.
We Love
The monumental Ruinart chalk cellars. Discover the underground maze of chalk caves that hold some of the world’s most beloved wine, made by the Ruinart Champagne House. Finish the day with a tasting and savour the bubbles.”
Sacha, Marketing Director
Cycling through the towns of Reims and Épernay, you’ll experience the region’s rich history of famous wine houses and enjoy a taste of this beloved bubbly in the place where it all began. The cuisine here pairs perfectly with the wine, so a glass of golden sparkles is always on the menu.
Experience the rich history and delicious wine that Champagne has to offer. Our cycle tour will take you past charming towns and beautiful vineyards.
Umbria in Luxury, Italy
Dive into the green heart of Italy whilst indulging in five-star stays and gourmet experiences. This e-bike tour will take you cycling through verdant valleys and vibrant towns rich in culture and natural beauty. In this landscape moulded by history, hilltop fortresses and beautiful Byzantine ruins are scattered across the hills, offering a glimpse into Umbria’s medieval past.
We Love
Dinner with Giancarlo Polito. When in Umbria, why not delight in a meal cooked by one of Italy’s most beloved chefs. Using the best regional ingredients, his cooking blends intelligence and creativity to create meals bursting with authentic flavour.
James, Operations Manager
Towering castles like Rocca Maggiore in Assisi and the fortress of Gubbio stand proudly, their stone walls telling stories of centuries gone by. Return to your villa to wind down in luxurious comfort, where an Umbrian truffle dish and a glass of local wine doesn’t go amiss after a day of pedalling.
An indulgent escape to Umbria, this leisurely self-guided cycling holiday is filled with delicious food and romantic scenery.
For more information on our leisurely cycle tours, give our experts a call today on 020 7471 7760.