Why September is the best month of the year to go on a cycling holiday

There was a time when the end of August signalled the end of summer. That is no longer the case. September has emerged as one of the best months of the year to go on holiday, a last summer fling before the leaves start falling and the nights draw in. The most obvious reason is the lack of crowds, once high season has passed and the children are back at school, many popular tourist destinations offer life at a much more tranquil pace.Travelling in September is a more cost effective time to travel too, with airlines and local suppliers offering competitive savings. The climate for cycling in September in Spain and Portugal is more favourable, with temperatures turning milder and the sky taking on that deep blue hue. So, here are Freedom Treks top 5 September tours for a late summer cycling break, whether you have 3 nights or a full week available.

Catalan Coast and Villages With its sheer diversity and varied natural landscapes, this cycling tour unearths the beauty of the Catalan coast. Cycle along the ‘Wild Coast’ with miles and miles of sandy, golden beaches and pretty coves tucked between rocky cliffs. Head inland to discover the beautiful Catalan countryside, passing fields lined with vineyards and olive groves and through medieval villages, full of character and steeped in history. Travelling through the Aiguamolls Natural Park offers the opportunity for some animal spotting within their natural habitat. The region’s acclaimed gastronomy and excellent local wines serve as a welcome bonus after an accomplished day in the saddle.   

Portugal – Cycling in Paradise For those who prefer to base themselves in one place then this cycling tour is the perfect fit, staying in a rustic and typical Alentejo country house. This tour offers plenty of flexibility and can be taken as a 3, 4 or 7 night tour, with a guided or self-guided option and everyone receives a bespoke cycling itinerary, according to their individual abilities. Enjoy the Portuguese countryside at its best and enrich your mind to the varied sights and sounds as you cycle through the hidden Alentejo. A perfect complement to a day’s cycling is relaxing with local food and wine at the end of the day.

Umbria – Wine Tasting Choosing Umbria, one of Italy’s leading wine-growing regions, as the destination for a cycling tour serves as a prerequisite for combining wine tasting to the itinerary. The tour starts in the medieval town of Spello, where you will start to become acquainted with the Umbrian wines, before delving into the green ‘Valle Umbra’, home to four famous wine regions. The famous towns of Assisi, Spello, Montefalco and Bevagna are welcome stops along the way, complementing the green, rolling hills, lined with vineyards and olive groves.

Bolzano to Venice Capturing some of Italy’s most loved holiday destinations, this cycling tour starts in the city of Bolzano and embraces the beauty of Lake Garda as well as the cultural cities of Verona, Vicenza, Padova and Venice. Riding mainly on the flat, on cycle paths or along country lanes, the route starts off tracing the River Adige passing through orchards, vineyards and small villages before reaching the northern shores of Lake Garda. A ferry cruise takes cyclists from Riva southwards to Peschiera, the starting point for the route through the vineyards and on to Verona. From here a more hilly region just south of Vicenza offers a more stimulating ride before flattening out. After Vicenza you can continue to Abano Terme, one of Italy’s famous spas, followed by a night in Padova before reaching the final destination of Venice the following day.  

Loire – Discover Chateaux Country Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Loire Valley, home to some of the most prestigious Chateaux in France, and focus on the grandeur of the region. This tour starts in the royal town of Blois, with its paved streets and magnificent chateau, a masterpiece of French architecture. From here, cycle on a circular route through forest and vineyards, passing royal chateaux and through charming villages, with plenty of time to marvel at the magnificent landscapes and rolling green countryside. For more information visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk