My dear bicycling friends,

I am Herman Hindriks, owner of Hindriks European Bicycle Tours. I run this company with a dedicated team of expert European guides and drivers.

After earning a doctorate in modern and ancient history 25 years ago, I realized that my future as a historian was to be not from a desk but from a bicycle seat. I rode through different countries, learned the local traditions, saw historical sights first hand, experienced culture through food and drink. Best of all, I was getting exercise in the outdoors - I was soon addicted.

The first bicycle trips were organized in a little northwestern European cycling paradise called Holland. With many satisfied and returning clients, our company - and our 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 educational background enable me to create tours you won't find outside of this company. Instead of just visiting predictable tourist sights, you will see quaint villages, hidden destinations and glimpses into the little-known histories of countries. And, best of all, you'll experience views that can only be found from a bicycle seat.

Our goal is to combine recreation and sightseeing in a leisurely way. I take pride in selecting the best routes, hotels and sightseeing opportunities. And, unlike other bike companies, our prices are great.

Guided trips are all around $3000 USD for 10 days of active vacationing in luxurious and comfortable surroundings. This includes mostly 4-star hotels (with excellent dinners provided), airport transfers, guided bicycle routes, cultural and historical sightseeing highlights. We provide fantastic bikes - the latest Giant Aero RS1s, with 27-speed Shimano Deore and puncture-proof tires. They weigh only 24 pounds, and pedalling has never been easier.

Come and try it. You will be amazed by the quality of the rides in the breathtaking countryside, the accommodations and the friendly people on these affordable European bicycle vacations.

The Andalucia trip returns, plus more

For 2013, we offer many trips for a variety of cycling enthusiasts. The Andalucia trip is back on the schedule. New are trips in the western part of Ireland, in between the Shannon River and Galway Bay, as well as the heart of Germany, designed around the highlights of German history Luther, Goethe and Bach.

The Andalucian trip in the south of Spain balances bicycling with Andalucian culture and history. In April and May, the trees and wildflowers are in bloom and the scent of the orange blossoms fills the plazas. Many Moorish monuments witness of a glorious past. Passing through Cordoba, Palma del Rio, Sevilla, El Rocio, we combine sightseeing with bicycling in a quintessential southern Spanish setting.

The trip in Germany is another historical and cultural gem. This route uses scenic bike paths through woods and along rivers, and it is punctuated with historical towns. It is a cyclist’s delight. Sightseeing opportunities are abundant: the Wartburg where Luther translated the bible, Bach’s home, Goethe’s cabin, the town of Weimar, the one and only Bratwurst museum, the local breweries—we combine sightseeing with bicycling in this quintessentially German setting.

The trip in western Ireland winds through the Clare region between the Shannon River and Galway Bay—an area of outstanding natural beauty. You are never very far from the ocean, and the sights and vistas are spectacular. The area is full of history, and there are a lot of sightseeing possibilities. These include some prehistoric Irish monuments from over 5000 years ago, like the Poulnabrone Dolmen (one of Ireland’s most photographed ancient monuments), the visitor’s centre for Burren natural park, the famous Cliffs of Moher, Spanish Point, and the quaint towns like Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan, and Ennis. We combine natural beauty, friendly locals, and superb beer for the ultimate experience of Ireland.

Want to Try Something Different For 2013?

How about a custom trip? Cycling adventures provide an exciting and healthy alternative for family reunions or friends hoping to see a new country in a completely different way! Check out the available destinations in the "Possible Destinations" section of our website. Custom trips can be created for 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 to contact us. If you would 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