A single centre cycling holiday is the perfect answer to those looking for a blend of adventure and leisure. They offer a seamless escape without the hassle of constant travel between different hotels, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. With Softies single centre tours, you’ll stay at one base while exploring the surrounding region at your own pace. Whether it be a spa hotel, a luxurious five-star or a château stay, we promise there will be plenty of time to unwind. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a couple seeking a relaxing retreat or someone wanting to settle into a welcoming hotel, these tours are a solid choice.
With our single centre holidays, you can pedal in the winelands of Southern Tuscany, Provence and The Loire Valley, but if a staycation takes your fancy, we also offer single-centre retreats in Sussex and the Cotswolds. Read on to find out more about our favourite single-centre cycling tours in Europe.
Southern Tuscany Single Centre
A popular choice for cycling enthusiasts, Tuscany offers an impossibly scenic holiday with sights so beautiful that they could’ve been plucked straight out of a movie set. Known for its rolling hills, historic towns and famous vineyards, there plenty to explore in this stunning region. Our route takes you through the medieval town of Montalcino, famous for its production of Brunello wine. You’ll cycle past olive groves and 16-century fortifications before indulging at a wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard. Venture into Montepulciano, another renowned wine town which makes for the perfect lunch spot to try some authentic Tuscan cuisine. Finally, you’ll return to the breathtaking landscape of San Quirico d’Orcia, where cypress-lined paths will lead you back to your hotel.
On this tour, Villa Liberty is a relaxing retreat that awaits you after each day of adventure. Grand and elegant, this hotel is flooded with natural light and offers the most incredible views of the surrounding valley. Art lovers will appreciate the pockets of modern creativity dotted around the hotel amongst the classic Tuscan charm. Guests can return to a soothing massage or tuck into a delicious meal at the Al Vecchio Forno restaurant before winding down in the hotel’s plush bedrooms.
Leave the city behind for a few days and escape to the glorious countryside of West Sussex.
Provence Single Centre
Follow the scent of lavender to discover rows of purple flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see on our single centre tour in Provence. Not only is this region famous for its lavender hills but it’s also home to the same town that inspired some of Van Gogh’s most famous works. The routes here are mainly flat, making this area an ideal Softies destination and particularly suitable for less experienced riders. St-Rémy-de-Provence is the perfect base with olive groves, sunflower fields and lively local markets. From here you can explore the hilltop citadel of Les Baux-de-Provence or head into the typically Provençal villages of Eygalières, Mollégès and Orgon using the Eurovelo cycle path.
And what better place to spend your time out of the saddle than at Le Vallon de Valrugues and Spa? This luxurious hotel eludes five-star excellence with indulgent spa facilities, a sun-drenched terrace and two inviting swimming pools. Sleep like royalty in the rooms fitted with cosy furnishings to ensure complete relaxation. Eat in the shade of mulberry trees or take a stroll around the manicured gardens in the warm sunshine. A glass of wine or two here as the sun sets doesn’t go amiss.
Escape to perfection in Provence on this single-centre cycling holiday. Our Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the perfect self-guided adventure.
Loire Valley Single Centre
Known as the “Garden of France”, the Loire Valley amazes with its charming villages, historic châteaux, rolling vineyards and lush countryside. The flat terrain makes for easy cycling through grounds scattered with sumptuous maisons, stylish lofts and charming apartments. On this tour, you’ll reach Candes-St-Martin, a site on the list of ‘des plus beaux villages de France’, the most beautiful villages in France. Pedal onwards along the river and reach the medieval town of Chinon, famed for its fortress and rich local wine. After a tipple or two, the ride up to the abbey at Fontevraud is a must. As you near, its elegant façade demands to be seen, and its grandeur grows ever more striking.
Château de Candes offers a châteaux stay like no other. Its central location allows you to step out onto the cobbled streets of Candes-St-Martin and immerse yourself in the area’s history. The main castle is just as magnificent as some of the famous Loire Valley châteaux whilst their interior suites are a lovely blend of authentic charm and sumptuous comfort. Here there is stunning beauty around every corner. In the château’s private grounds and colourful gardens, let yourself relax and escape everyday life.
Stay in the stunning luxury Château de Candes in the world-famous Loire Valley.
Sussex Single Centre
Our Sussex single centre tour allows you to escape into the luscious green hills of the South Downs and feel the warm countryside breeze. The bike paths here are well-marked, spacious and wonderfully peaceful, with a great variety to suit every type of cyclist. Pedal past blooming meadows and idling streams as you make your way through this rolling landscape. Stop by the Ridgeview Wine Estate, an award-winning producer and supplier of sparkling wine. Get a taste of this delicious bubbly before continuing onto the delightful town of Linfield which will lead you to the Bluebell Railway. Along this stretch of Victorian railway, you can take a ride on a steam train and take in the views.
The Ockenden Manor welcomes you back from your adventures in the English countryside. This classical country house, with historic oak-panels and beautiful stained-glass windows, makes for a cosy stay. It’s excellent spa, fed by a natural spring, is a luxurious space to rest your legs and its award-winning restaurant is the perfect place to refuel. Its unique atmosphere really does make it a hard hotel to leave.
Leave the city behind for a few days and escape to the glorious countryside of West Sussex.
Cotswolds Single Centre
Experience the divine natural beauty of the Cotswolds. Known for its olde worlde atmosphere, this single centre tour allows you to immerse yourself in the rural community. Its picturesque villages, cosy pubs and luscious riverbanks offer the perfect lunch stops during your ride. This tour takes you through the quaint towns and glorious countryside that England is famed for. Head along the banks of the River Windrush until you reach Bourton on the Water and Lower Slaughter, two scenic riverside villages. On your trip, visit the old Roman town of Cirencester, with its stand-stone bricks and charming independent shops.
The Swan Hotel in Bidbury is a quintessential countryside getaway. Its location on the banks of the River Coln allows you to enjoy remarkable views of the enchanting surroundings from the comfort of your own hotel room. Its warm atmosphere and delicious food will make you feel just at home.
Experience the finest hospitality and warmest welcome in the Cotswolds.
That concludes the list of our favourite single centre cycling tours. For more information on single centre cycling holidays in Europe, please call our cycle experts today on 020 3944 9132.
