Best multi-day cycling tours and routes across Europe

Hey everyone, I'm currently planning a 2-week cycling holiday in Europe for this coming September and I'm looking for recommendations on the best multi-day routes. I'm hoping to find a mix of scenic landscapes, good infrastructure, and charming towns to stop in each evening. I've heard great things about the Danube Cycle Path and the French Vélodyssée, but I'd love to hear personal experiences or hidden gems from anyone who has toured there. What are your absolute favorite multi-day cycling routes on the continent?

The Danube Cycle Path is incredible, especially the section through the Wachau valley in Austria. September is the absolute best time because the vineyards are harvesting and the weather is crisp without being freezing.

If you want something truly magical, look into the Via Claudia Augusta. It takes you from the heart of the Alps down into Italy over old Roman roads. The food alone makes it worth every pedal stroke.

I did the Vélodyssée last year and loved every minute of it. Riding through the pine forests of the Landes and finishing right on the Atlantic coast is unbeatable. Great infrastructure and mostly traffic-free paths.

Have you considered the Baltic Coastal Cycle Route? It spans several countries, but the Polish and German sections are stunning, very flat, and super bicycle-friendly.

While planning your trip logistics, it's also worth checking out some weekend city escapes if you want to tack on a few extra days of urban exploration before you start cycling.

The Drava Cycle Path through Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia is a hidden gem. It's much quieter than the Danube and takes you through some breathtaking alpine and riverine landscapes.

September is prime time for the Loire Valley in France. The castles are less crowded, the autumn light is gorgeous, and you can easily string together a fantastic two-week itinerary from town to town.

If you are traveling by yourself for any portion of this journey, you might find some useful advice in this guide on meeting people while traveling solo which really helped me on my last long-distance tour.

Don't sleep on the EuroVelo 15, the Rhine Cycle Route. Starting near the source in the Swiss Alps and following it through Germany and into the Netherlands offers an incredible gradient of changing cultures and scenery.

I rode the Alpe Adria cycle path from Salzburg to Grado last September. Crossing the Alps via an old railway tunnel converted into a bike path is an unforgettable experience.

Make sure you book your accommodations in advance if you're hitting popular spots like the Danube, even in September. Cyclists love that route and boutique hotels fill up surprisingly fast.

The Greenways of Green Spain, specifically the Vía Verde del Aceite, offer a totally different vibe with olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see and fantastic local tapas every evening.