Traveling on Two Wheels

Pedaling with the wind in my face, riding my trusty two-wheeled friend. From Chile on the route to Cape Horn to Italy, along the Via Francigena, tread before us by pilgrims on their way to Rome, to the long Danube.

There are many alternatives, ranging from easy to moderately challenging. It's up to us and our legs to choose the length of the route and how many stages to divide it into.

Here are the most beautiful itineraries to experience by bicycle, on the environmentally friendly vehicle par excellence, savoring all the details and local delicacies.

From the flat "Polderland" to the dunes of the North Sea, through romantic ports and picturesque windmills. The cycling route from Amsterdam to Texel Island is flat and technically suitable for everyone. Completing the entire itinerary requires at least 8 days, cycling about 40 km a day.

Everyone is free to choose where to stop and how much to pedal unless participating in an organized cycling tour. In this case, a boat follows the participants, serving as a floating hotel, without having to worry about finding a place to sleep.

On two wheels in northern England, following cliffs and wild Scottish landscapes.

Heading south from Edinburgh, you reach Lindisfarne Island, connected to the mainland by a road that is submerged by tides twice a day. After exploring the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, try one of the famous crab sandwiches on the island. biketrax.co.uk for renting bicycles and equipment in Edinburgh.

Here you can find itineraries to discover Scotland on the road.

Over 1000 km of flat, entirely bikeable path from Puerto Montt in central Chile, running towards the northern Patagonia.

A mythical land, inhabited by National Parks, Queulat and Cerro Castillo to name a few, huge forests, and at the end, the vast and captivating calm of Patagonia.

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The tobacco roads tracing the steps of Hemingway and Che. Biking offers the chance to explore the most authentic areas of Cuba. From Havana to Vinales, at the far tip of the island, then heading towards Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and Santa Clara. From here, the long and white beach of Varadero is not far. A ride along the shore to fully enjoy the life of the sea. Info at www.girolibero.it

The famous scenic road stretches along the southern coast of South Africa. The road starts in Cape Town and runs up to Port Elizabeth. The itinerary crosses the Karoo region and reaches the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Venture into the Garden Route National Park, which includes ancient forests and wild coastlines connected by a chain of lakes. The bike route lasts about 8-10 days. Here you find useful info to prepare for the trip.

The 5000 km route cuts through Quebec from east to west. The path is marked and leads to numerous points of interest, crossing rivers, lakes, and green expanses. The Route was established by the Vélo Québec association in collaboration with the government of Quebec.

An epic journey along the coast of Vietnam that will take you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The route stretches 1200 km. Leaving the capital, the path will lead you to the rice fields of Ninh Binh province and Halong Bay.

A discovery itinerary in Australia traveling the Munda Biddi Trail, a route that winds from Perth to Nannup. The path follows trails in the forest and along disused railway lines.

The route is about 1000 km long and can be completed in about a week.

A bike path approximately 170 km long that follows an old railway used for transporting minerals. The itinerary starts from Middlemarch and reaches Clyde, a small village along the Clutha River.

Among castles and vineyards where the finest wines of France are produced, bike paths flow through the Garden of France. The trail starts in Orleans: the first stop is Blois with its picturesque Castle where Joan of Arc was blessed. Continue towards Tours, and the more experienced cyclists or those with enough time can proceed to Nantes, following romantic rows of Sauvignon and Chenin blanc grapes, stopping for tastings. "The Loire Valley" by J. MacConnachie is a beautiful guide on the Loire and cycling routes.

(Michal Szymanski / Shutterstock)

It used to be the most important communication route in Europe, with ships often being towed upstream. The roads used for this purpose now constitute the longest and most fascinating cycling route in Europe. Start from Vienna and continue to Bratislava and beyond, as far as your legs will carry you. The Hungarian section leading to Budapest is the least developed, with few dedicated bike paths, but the view of the Paris of the East is worth the effort. If you are planning a bike trip in Austria, here you can find all the most interesting itineraries. Info at www.austria.info

The island is known as the smallest province of Canada. You can bike along the Confederation Trail or around the entire perimeter of the island. The path is 435 km long and retraces the tracks of a former railway; the route starts in Tignish and goes to Elmira, connecting several small urban centers.

The 3327 km-long route follows the Underground Railroad, the pathways used by American slaves in the 19th century. The main trail starts from Mobile in Alabama to Owen Sound in Canada.

The route is challenging and spectacular at the same time. The itinerary is about 1000 km long and partially unpaved. The path starts in Lhasa, Tibet, and reaches Kathmandu, Nepal; it is one of the most beautiful and challenging routes in the world.

Among gentle slopes and vineyards, stopping at wineries and cellars producing rich and fine reds. From romantic Cormons, the home of Italy's best ham, you reach Gorizia and then follow the banks of the Isonzo River, immersing in the lagoon vegetation of the Foce dell'Isonzo Nature Reserve and Isola della Cona.

A mountain bike route for lovers of the mountains that connects 12 alpine villages on the border between France and Switzerland. The elevation changes are varied, as are the levels of difficulty. If fatigue takes over sporty spirit, don't worry; you can take the opportunity to taste excellent cheeses in mountain huts and at the shops in Portes Du Soleil.

From Canterbury to Rome, a long and challenging itinerary once traveled by hordes of pilgrims marching toward St. Peter. Traverse the last Italian stage of the Via Francigena, from Perugia, passing through Spello, Trevi, and Assisi, to Rome, exploring the most beautiful villages of the green region of Italy.

We have selected the most beautiful cycling itineraries in Europe. From tips on how to cycle the Camino de Santiago to the Ecovia Litoral in the Algarve, here are the best bike paths in Europe.

Italy also has its beautiful itineraries to explore on two wheels. Here you can find a selection of the most beautiful bike paths to discover Italy in a new way.