For 22 years, Cycle Breaks has been offering gently-paced , self-guided cycling holidays through the UK and Europe. This year, following the huge increase in popularity of the cycling holiday following the Olympics and 'Bradley Wiggins effect,' the operator added 14 new tours in 4 new locations bringing the European trip portfolio to 37 trips total. One of the trips includes one of Europe's most iconic cycle routes around Lake Constance and the Rhine Falls.

Using hybrid touring bikes (although there is an option of electric bikes if preferred), guests have their luggage transferred between accommodation so they only have to carry a drink and sunscreen each day. Cycle Breaks also places a strong emphasis on 'activity by day, comfort by night', using accommodation typical of the region travelled through, usually with swimming pool and between 3 and 5 star. Wine and water are included in the price of the tour.

The new trips include:

Switzerland, Germany and Austria

Lake Constance & the Rhine Falls (8 days, 7 nights).  Three countries. Four islands. One enormous expanse of water and perhaps Europe's most iconic cycling route. Lake Constance combines spectacular views of the Alps with cities brimful of culture, captivating castles and the most enchanting of painted towns. Boat trips are a must. Accommodation is mainly in four stars hotels or comfortable, well-located property.  The trip costs from £776 per
person on a B&B basis. Upgrades to half board can be accommodated on request.

Lake Constance (5 days, 4 nights) The university city of Konstanz, Stein am Rhein's Hohenklingen castle, the vineyards of historic Meersburg, the island town of Lindau, Austria's capital of Vorahlberg - cultural Bregenz, Friedrichshafen and the charming town of Radolfzell - just some of the highlights of this single centre exploration of Lake Constance which brings together great gentle cycling with so many countries, cultural influences and places to visit. This tour includes ferry crossings, boat trips and admission to attractions as stated. The trip costs from £481 per person on a B&B basis. Upgrades to half board can be accommodated on request.

Spain

From Volcanoes to the Coast ( 5 days, 4 nights). Get a real taste for the idyllic region of La Garrotxa - renowned for both its volcanic landscapes and its gastronomy before enjoying some great country lanes and traffic-free cycling down this former railway line route where iron, coal, wood and cork was once transported from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the port of St Feliu de Guíxols on the Mediterannean coast. Highlights include the natural magic of the volcanic hills; views of craggy La Barroca mountain around El Pasteral; the varied and authentic architecture of ancient rural villages; the bright medieval houses leaning out over the Onyar River in Girona, the City of Four Rivers and St Feliu de Guíxols' seafront beach and clustered port. The trip costs from £558 per person including taxi transfers from/to Girona. Also available as a 3 night break.

The Catalan Coast (7 days, 6 nights) Pedal down from vibrant Figueres to spot the Medes Islands by the Mediterranean coast at L'Estartit then explore medieval villages around the beautiful Gola del Ter estuary. Bike alongside beautiful beaches much of the way from L'Escala to Roses. Sit back and sip a refreshing glass of well deserved Empordà during a day in the vineyards or put a toe in the water in some quiet Catalan cove. As well as stunning scenery, highlights include Dalí's eccentric Theatre Museum in Figueres; the citadel and lighthouse at Roses; the village of Sant Pere Pescador; the natural park of Aiguamols de l'Empordà and the famed Empordà wine museum Coll de Roses - such a must that we've included a ticket in the tour price. Cost from £646 per person including transfers from/to Figueras railway station. Also available as a 4 night break. 

Get the best of both Catalan worlds on the 7 days, 6 nights Volcanoes & the Catalan Coast . The trip costs from £728 per person including taxi transfer from Girona to Olot.

The Mallorca Explorer (8 days, 7 nights) Starting south of Palma in Cala Blava,head inland before you reach the unspoilt, steep rocky coastline which then leads down towards the salt fields by stylish Colonia Sant Jordi, before you follow the coast of 100 coves towards the beautiful bay at Cala Santanyi and the famous dragon caves near Porto Cristo. Pass by pearl oyster farms at Manacor and through olive groves and orchards en route inland to historic Petra and C'an Picafort on the coast. Nearby S'Albufera boasts an amazing wetland nature reserve and the small climb to Alcúdia (" The Town of the Hill") is worth it for the great fusion of cultural influences in this historic fortified town. Heading westwards inland, there's a transfer across the mountains of Serra de Tramuntana to the famed monastery at Lluc and on to even higher ground before you jump back on your bike for the long descent to breath-taking Fornalutx and on through the citrus groves to Port de Sόller. Cycling mostly on quiet roads with some hills and some busier stretches, this tour takes the strain out of any major mountain climbs with minibus transfers and brings you in to Palma by train and tram on the final stage of the route. The tour costs from £715 per person on a half board and B&B basis.

Italy

The Piedmont Star (7 days, 6 nights, single centre) Take up residence in a smart, stylish villa renowned for its fine Piemontese cuisine in Romano Canavese and pick your cycling adventures to suit your very own gentle pace. Your à la carte menu includes vibrant Lake Viverone; wildlife-rich Lake Candia; the imposing towers of Ivrea; Pavone's hilltop castle; medieval Chiavasso and the mysteries of Turin - not to mention perfect panoramas and vineyards by the score. Day routes are mainly on small side roads and cycle paths.  Price from £590 per person on a B&B basis. Upgrades to full board are available. Also available as 4 and 5 night breaks.

For bookings or for further information, please call 01449 721555 or visit http://www.cyclebreaks.com/index.html

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For further information please contact:
Rebecca Scrase
Tel: 01449 677033
Email: rebecca@cyclebreaks.com