My dear bicycling friends,

I am Herman Hindriks, owner of Hindriks European Bicycle Tours. I run this company with my dedicated team of expert European guides and drivers. Twenty-one years ago, after earning a doctorate in modern and ancient history, I realized that my future as a historian was not to be from a desk, but instead from a bicycle seat. To ride through different countries, learning the local culture, seeing the historical sights first hand, experiencing the local culture through food and drink and, best of all, enjoying the exercise and outdoors – I was soon addicted. The first bicycle trips were organized in the little Northwestern European cycling paradise close to the Atlantic Ocean called Holland. With many satisfied and returning clients, the list of destinations grew and grew. Today we cover most of Europe including Italy, France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Norway, Greece, Sicily and everything in between.

My European heritage and history background allows me to provide a very unique tour experience. Instead of just visiting primary tourist sights, you will see quaint local villages, and places where the tourists do not normally visit, with a peek into the little-known historical background of the country. And, best of all, all of this with the unique perspective that can only be found from the bicycle seat.

For 2009, we offer a variety of trips for a variety of cycling enthusiasts. The Portugal, Spain, and Tuscany trips are all for the enthusiastic riders. The beautiful terrain can be challenging, the days though never very long can be tough, and you’ll get some good work-outs. The French Alps trip has been done last year for the first time and the riders loved the scenery, it is fantastic. But serious prior conditioning is recommended, the major Alp mountains like Madeleine, Galibier and to top it off the Alpe d’Huez are on the schedule.

Our other trips with our hybrid bikes are recreational with 25 to 35 mile rides each day. Of course, these are still bicycle trips but the goal is recreation and sightseeing combined in a leisurely way. I take pride in selecting the best and most unique routes, hotels and sightseeing opportunities. And, unlike the other bike companies, our prices are great. Eleven day to Portugal for the unbelievable bargain of $2200!! And the guided trips all around $ 2900 for 10 days of active vacationing in luxury and comfortable surroundings. Mostly 4 star hotels with excellent dinners provided, our great bikes (with dual drive gearing, hydraulic brakes, puncture proof tires), airport transfers, guide on the bike, cultural and historical sightseeing highlights included. You will be amazed by the excellent quality of accommodations, the great riding in amazing countryside, and the friendly people on affordable European bicycle vacations. Come and see...

Want to try something different for 2009?
How about a custom trip? Cycling adventures can provide a unique and healthy alternative for family reunions or a group of friends to see a new country in a completely different way! Check out the available destinations in our “Custom Trips” section of our website. Custom trips can be created to any of the listed destinations with any type of service levels. If you need any more information or would like our advice, don’t hesitate and contact us. Also if you like to receive updates for our tours by email, just click at the link at the bottom of this page and let us know.

I look forward to seeing you on the bike,

Herman Hindriks