Some of my favorite Road & Electric Road Bike experiences in Europe

For more than 15 years, Europe has been one of my favorite places to explore by bicycle. From legendary mountain climbs in the Dolomites to quiet coastal roads along the Mediterranean, cycling has given me a unique way to experience destinations far beyond the typical tourist path. As I continue spending much of each year traveling throughout Europe—and soon exploring cycling adventures in Japan and other parts of Asia—I look forward to sharing some of the tours, routes, hotels, ships and experiences.

After many years of cycling throughout Europe, I’ve come to appreciate both traditional road bike tours and the newer generation of electric road bike tours. Some of my most memorable travel experiences have taken place on two wheels, exploring destinations that reveal themselves in a completely different way when experienced by bike.

Over the years, I’ve ridden throughout Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and beyond. Along the way, I’ve discovered incredible routes, unforgettable scenery, charming villages, and cycling experiences that continue to inspire me to return year after year.

One of the most exciting developments has been the arrival of modern electric road bikes. Many travelers assume electric road bikes are heavy, slow, or feel completely different from a traditional road bike. That has not been my experience. Modern electric road bikes maintain much of the feel, handling, and performance of a high-quality road bike while providing assistance when needed.

I experienced this firsthand while riding Trek Travel’s electric road bikes along Spain’s Costa Brava. I was genuinely impressed. The bikes felt natural, responsive, and fun to ride. They provided power when needed on climbs and longer days, but still delivered the authentic experience of riding a performance road bike.

One thing worth mentioning is that not every tour company offers electric road bikes. Many companies provide traditional e-bikes, but electric road bikes are still less common. Fortunately, rental options continue to improve throughout Europe, making these experiences more accessible than ever before. Some travelers may even choose to ride independently rather than on an organized tour, creating their own cycling adventures while still enjoying many of Europe’s most spectacular routes.

Another reason I enjoy guided cycling tours is the quality of the guides themselves. The best guides communicate clearly, speak excellent English, understand local culture, and help create a relaxed and enjoyable experience for every rider. Their local knowledge often becomes one of the highlights of the trip.

Some of the destinations that have left the biggest impression on me so far include Costa Brava, Montserrat, Mallorca, the Dolomites, Lake Garda, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Holland. Each destination offers its own unique combination of scenery, culture, food, history, and unforgettable riding.

What makes this article different is that it is always evolving. As I continue spending more than half of the year in Europe, I expect this list to grow and change. Every season brings new roads, new destinations, and new discoveries.

I’m also looking forward to expanding beyond Europe. Upcoming travels will include organized cycling experiences in Scandinavia and Asia, including Japan and other destinations that I’m excited to explore and share through future articles and photography.

For me, road cycling and electric road bike travel represent one of the best ways to experience a destination. They combine adventure, culture, scenery, food, and personal achievement while creating memories that last long after the ride is over.