Cycling holiday suggestions

kelzer

Hi I'm considering going on a cycling holiday this year. Would like it to be in Germany/Austria or any other similar Central European countries, don't mind that much. I would want a fairly easy route as I'm not a regular cyclist but have good fitness in general.
I have looked at some companies already but they seem quite pricey around 700-900 for the week not including the flight there.
I have seen some interesting bike and boat tours and the Austrian lakes seem nice with a UK operator but put off by prices.
I'll be going on my own so wondering will that be a problem?

Would anyone have any suggestions?

TinyExplosions

Going on your own is fine, but I'd say not to bother with package tours -fly over to amsterdam or somewhere, and venture out on your own -there's plenty of cheap hostels/hotels around that you can stay in, and just find the closest when you run out of puff!

-this is assuming that your main reason is to do some cycling and see things you might not ordinarily see.

Captain Havoc

It's going to cost you money. Stay in cheap places, at the end of the day all you want is a bed and a shower. If you organise it yourself, you'll definately get it cheap. Only flip side is that you'll have to brush up on your mechanical skills. 11 days across France and Switzerland including ferry and flight home is costing me €480 but then obviously I have to pay for food etc.... which can end up costing €20 - €50 depending on how many meals you eat (I average 150kms a day).

Captain Havoc

I forgot to say, plan it and book everything at least one month in advance, you'll save a few quid.

studiorat

http://www.rheinradweg.eu/en/index.php?page=rhine_cycle_route/description

Also:
http://www.warmshowers.org/forum

2 Wheels Good

Plan well and you should be able to do it cheaper than you think.
Hostelworld for cheap accomodation
Sky Scanner for an idea of flight costs
Maybe use the train on occasion to get past the boring parts
Have done some cycling in Austria - Innsbruck & it's stunning, mountainous but stunning scenery.
There are budget travel guides and some cycling guides as well so check them out at the local book store/library. You should pick up some tips there.

Lawrence1895

The Black Forest Region in the South West of Germany has some designated routes for cyclists, for example the region around Lenzkirch. And the landscape is really stunning over there

blorg

The Danube Cycleway is flat as a pancake and very beginner friendly. Most is on dedicated cycle tracks (no cars.) Ticks the Germany and Austria box. I rode on it in parts on my way to Istanbul (some pics there.)

kelzer

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, a good book I think would be an excellent investment. Just another question - are there places to hire bikes in France/Germany or do most people bring their own? I would like to hire a bike preferably.

Doctor Bob

You should check out the ECF's EuroVelo network:

http://www.ecf.com/14_1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuroVelo

Some routes are more complete than others, some are virtually non-existent, but the criteria would seem to fit your bill:

For a route to be part of EuroVelo it must:

• have no gradient above 6%
• be wide enough for two cyclists
• have an average of no more than 1,000 motorised vehicles a day
• be sealed for 80% of its length
• be open 365 days a year, have provision points every 30 km (19 mi), accommodation every 50 km (31 mi), and public transport every 150 km (93 mi).

blorg's Danube Cycleway is part of the network, and his photos give a good indication of what you might expect.