Beginners · 15 October 2026

Never done a cycling holiday? What to expect, and whether to choose an e-bike

Most people who join us have never been on a cycling holiday before. Here’s an honest picture of what a day looks like and how to prepare.

What a typical riding day looks like

After breakfast we load the luggage into the van and set off around mid-morning. You ride with a light day bag. There’s a coffee stop, a long lunch in a village, and time to stop for photos or a castle along the way. Most days you reach the next hotel by mid to late afternoon, with time to walk around town before dinner. Your bags are already waiting in your room.

How far will I ride?

On our tours, riding days are usually 25–60 km. That sounds like a lot, but spread over a day at a relaxed pace of 12–15 km an hour with plenty of stops, it’s about three to four hours of actual riding. River routes like Prague → Dresden are mostly flat. Hillier routes like Sicily use e-bikes.

Do I need to be fit?

You need to be comfortable on a bicycle and able to ride for an hour or two without strain. You don’t need to be an athlete. If you haven’t ridden for a while, two or three rides a week in the month before the trip, slowly building up to a couple of hours, makes a big difference, mostly to how comfortable you feel in the saddle.

Bike or e-bike?

An e-bike is a normal bicycle with a small motor that helps only when you pedal. It doesn’t do the work for you, but it takes the sting out of hills and headwinds.

• Choose an e-bike if the route is hilly, if you’re travelling with someone fitter than you, or if you’d rather save energy for sightseeing.
• A regular touring bike is perfect for flat river paths if you ride regularly and enjoy the exercise.

Ask us which suits you best for your tour.

What to pack

• Padded cycling shorts, or padded liner shorts under normal shorts
• Breathable layers and a light windproof or rain jacket
• Cycling gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes that work for both riding and walking
• A helmet, or ask us about rental

Is it safe?

Our routes follow dedicated cycle paths and quiet country roads wherever possible. On group departures a CYC tour leader travels with you, you get route maps and GPS navigation, and support is a phone call away.