As travellers become more adventurous with their holiday styles, Freedom Treks has noted a sharp rise in the number of first-time customers trying out short bike breaks.

With nearly 30 short cycling tours to choose from, the cycling holiday specialist has found that many holidaymakers feel a 3 to 5 night break is the perfect introduction to the sport.

Saul Follett, Freedom Treks Manager, said: “For those new to bike tours, a short break can be a great way to try this style of holiday without committing too much time or money. In many cases, having become hooked on cycling after a long weekend away, customers come back to book a longer or more challenging trip for the following year.”

For others, however, weekend or mid-week breaks are simply ideal if they're short on time but big on holiday ambition.

Saul Follett added: “Guests are always amazed by how much they can pack into a few days away on a Freedom Treks' short break. Whether they're looking to recharge their batteries or want to take advantage of better value mid-week flights, they can count on returning home feeling like they've achieved something after a short cycling break with us.”

Of Freedom Treks' range of short break cycling tours, five of its most popular include:

• Escape to Bruges (Belgium: 4 nights from £216pp) – For those who prefer to unpack once, this is a wonderfully relaxed introduction to cycling tours and the picturesque city of Bruges. Travellers have the flexibility to pedal through the Flemish countryside and North Sea coast beach towns on a series of quiet tracks or take it easy back at base, wandering the medieval streets on foot and indulging in the moules-frites, chocolate and Belgian beers for which it is famed. For an extra special stay, guests can upgrade to a 4-star converted 17th century convent for £63.
• Umbria - Wine Tasting (Italy: 4 nights from £385pp) – Just a 1.5hr train ride from Rome, Tuscany's less touristy neighbour is a Mecca for wine-lovers . This four day tour allows travellers to savour the region's charming history and drink in the lush landscapes as they journey between some of its most delightful towns.  And with two tasting sessions of the area's world-class wines included along with a tantalising tasting menu, cyclists will relish the chance to enjoy a guilt-free gastronomic getaway.
• Tulips in Holland (Holland: 4 nights from £417pp) – For a classic view of the Netherlands in the springtime, this short break was designed to enjoy the Dutch landscape's legendary kaleidoscope of colours. Pedal past tulip fields, sand dunes and traditional windmills, cycle along tranquil canals and stop in Edam to sample some of their famous cheese.  And on day 4 there's even the option to take a break from the bike by heading into Amsterdam or set off to explore the 17th century mills of one of Europe's oldest industrial areas.
• Brewery Tour (Austria & Germany: 4 nights from £292pp) – With Bavaria famous for its breweries, this circular trip provides as much of an introduction to wheat beer as the joys of two-wheeled travel. After touring the Austrian Lake District and sampling the refreshing local tipple along the way, what better way to unwind than by soaking up the brew's medicinal benefits - with a beer bath in Franking!
• Bolzano to Verona (Italy: 4 nights from £410pp) – With four days of leisurely riding to enjoy, this idyllic itinerary picks out quiet country roads to cycle through Tyrolean mountain villages and along Lake Garda's glistening shores to the enchanting setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. For some well-deserved down time, there may even be the chance to catch a spectacular opera performance at Verona's open-air amphitheatre.

For more information on short cycling breaks or to book call 01273 224 066 or visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk.

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For all press enquiries please contact:

Lynsey Devon    lynsey@heavenpublicity.co.uk  020 3544 1563 / 07717 078 862

Becky Horton     becky@heavenpublicity.co.uk   020 8330 2143 / 07766 738 020

About Freedom Treks

• Freedom Treks, part of Ski Safari Ltd, has been offering a wide choice of cycling holidays throughout Europe since 2003.
• With over 150 self-guided and guide-led bike tours offered across 19 European countries, Freedom Treks' destinations are hand-picked to introduce active travellers to the most scenic of Europe.
• Its itineraries offer pedalling at a relaxed pace by day and comfortable accommodation in characterful hotels, guesthouses, boats or barges by night.
• All tours enjoy the practical benefits of having luggage transported separately and the security of knowing local assistance is available if needed along the way.
• To find out more visit freedomtreks.co.uk, call 01273 224 066 or follow us on Facebook (Freedom Treks)