Cycling for Softies has launched its new Flavour Collection, bringing together 17 of its most food-focused cycling holidays into one curated portfolio, celebrating iconic food across Europe. As travellers increasingly choose destinations based on culinary experiences, the collection has been designed to help guests discover each destination through its food. The cycling tours take guests beyond the restaurant to uncover the vineyards, markets, artisan producers, and family-run kitchens that shape each region’s identity. With leisurely routes, handpicked accommodation, luggage transfers and carefully planned itineraries, every holiday pairs immersive cycling with exceptional cuisine.
Flavours of Emilia Romagna
The Home of Parmesan, Parma Ham and Balsamic Vinegar
Some of Italy’s best-known ingredients originate in Emilia-Romagna, and this leisurely four-night route takes travellers through the landscapes that produce them. Quiet country roads link Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma, where Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar and Parma ham have been made for generations. Optional visits to local producers offer the chance to see these regional specialities being crafted before enjoying them on menus later that day. Between vineyard-lined lanes, medieval towns and UNESCO-listed landmarks, the journey explores a region where food is part of everyday life.
Flavours of Catalonia
Tapas, Markets and Mediterranean Flavours
From mountain villages to the Mediterranean coast, this cycling adventure showcases the rich flavours that have made Catalonia one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary regions. Along the route, travellers can savour local wines, artisan cured meats, and traditional Catalan specialities while exploring historic market towns and family-run eateries. A guided food tour of Girona offers an authentic introduction to the vibrant gastronomic culture, with visits to bustling markets, independent cafés, and neighbourhood favourites serving pintxos and locally loved delicacies. With each day punctuated by memorable food experiences, guests can delve into the traditions and flavours that define Catalonia.
Luberon in Luxury
Markets, Olive Groves and Michelin-Worthy Dining
Few places are as synonymous with exquisite produce as Provence, where over 300 days of sunshine help produce intensely flavoured tomatoes, fragrant herbs, olives and grapes. Cycling through the Luberon Valley, travellers can pass time eating seasonal food in village squares, sampling olive oils, rosés and artisan cheeses, and browsing colourful markets replete with freshly harvested produce. Evenings are spent in luxurious five-star hotels with gourmet dining options, where local produce takes centre stage. From vineyard tastings to market-fresh menus, this journey offers a unique perspective on the landscapes and producers shaping Provençal cuisine.
A Taste of Tuscany
Wine, Trattorias and the Heart of Chianti
Tuscany’s food culture is rooted in simplicity, where local ingredients shape generational recipes. While travelling by e-bike through the rolling vineyards of Chianti, medieval villages, and the historic streets of Siena, guests can enjoy celebrated Chianti wines, try handmade pasta and freshly produced olive oils, and spend long lunches in traditional trattorias. With shorter riding days and the assistance of an e-bike, there’s plenty of time to savour Tuscany’s celebrated cuisine as much as its landscapes.
