The ultimate Bike tour

The Ultimate Bike Tour: From Dunkirk to Sicily in Five Weeks of Freedom 🚴⛺️

When  Marie and I first dreamed up a European cycling and camping adventure, we wanted to plan something truly epic. Something that would take us across countries, over mountains, and through the kind of landscapes that demand to be experienced slowly, savoring each kilometer. After countless route adjustments, gear checks, and far too many nights dreaming about gelato, we settled on a journey from Dunkirk in northern France all the way down to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily. Five weeks, two bikes, a tent, and a dream. Here’s a rundown of what became the most challenging, rewarding, and awe-inspiring trip of our lives.

London to Calais and Dunkirk: The Starting Line

After a Eurostar journey to Calais, we mounted our bikes, feeling a buzz of excitement for the days to come. We began our ride from Calais to Dunkirk, a shorter leg to kick off the trip. Dunkirk marked the true start of our adventure, and with a deep breath of salty sea air, we set off under a blue sky that would eventually change to countless shades over the next few weeks.

Belgium Bound: Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels

Belgium quickly welcomed us with its flat, cyclist-friendly roads, and we were soon cruising toward Bruges. Bruges was like a fairytale city, its cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, and everywhere we went, the smell of chocolate and waffles wafted through the air. We pedaled onward to Ghent, where we camped nearby, enjoyed some Belgian beer, and strolled along the canals at dusk.

Brussels brought us a taste of city life again. We parked our bikes long enough to take in the Grand Place, dive into some more Belgian delicacies, and marvel at the Atomium. By now, we had fully settled into the rhythm of the road and each other’s company.

Luxembourg and Into France: A Nature Escape

Leaving the bustle of Brussels behind, we headed for Luxembourg. This tiny country, with its stunning scenery and undulating hills, offered a refreshing contrast to Belgium’s urban charm. We camped just outside the city, surrounded by dense forest, and marveled at the peace.

From Luxembourg, we made our way into France, rolling into Strasbourg, where the city’s blend of French and German influences made us feel like we were slipping between worlds. The beauty of the canals, the towering Strasbourg Cathedral, and the scenic cycling routes made it a highlight of the trip.

Switzerland and the Mighty Rhine: Basel to Flaach

Switzerland greeted us with alpine views and pristine lakes, with Basel marking our entry into one of the most beautiful segments of our journey. We made our way to Flaach, a serene Swiss town where we camped next to the majestic Rhine River. It was the perfect spot to rest for a couple of nights and swim in the cool, invigorating waters—a brief but glorious vacation from the demanding cycle legs.

The Alps: Over the Splügen Pass to Chiavenna, Italy

The Alps! The crown jewel of the journey, and also the most challenging. We faced the steep climb of the Splügen Pass, pushing our endurance (and quads) to the absolute max. As grueling as it was, reaching the summit made every drop of sweat worth it. We descended into Chiavenna, Italy, relieved and overjoyed to have conquered such a monumental leg of the journey.

Italian Lakes and Cities: Lake Como, Monza, Milan, Florence, and Beyond

In Italy, the landscape changed, from mountains to lakes and vibrant cities. We spent time on the shores of Lake Como, taking in the beauty of the water framed by green hills and historic villas. Monza and Milan brought a renewed sense of Italian city culture—bustling piazzas, espresso breaks, and the elegance of Milanese style all around us.

Florence was a city of art, history, and inspiration. We spent two days there, marveling at the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, and eating our way through gelaterias and trattorias.

From Florence, we cycled to the quaint town of Lucca, nestled behind Renaissance walls. After days on the road, its winding streets and hidden gems offered the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Rome and Naples: Ancient Wonders and Southern Sun

Reaching Rome was exhilarating; there’s nothing quite like cycling through a city layered in history, with ancient ruins seemingly around every corner. We parked our bikes to walk through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and, of course, the Vatican. Rome’s energy was invigorating, and our legs got a much-needed rest as we soaked up the sights.

Continuing south, we arrived in Naples, a city known for its chaotic charm, which didn’t disappoint. We treated ourselves to what might have been the best pizza of our lives, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere before heading to Pompeii, where we took a fascinating walk through the ruins of the ancient city frozen in time.

The Amalfi Coast and Sicily: Our Italian Finale

Cycling down to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, we were met with some of the most breathtaking coastal views we’d seen on the whole trip. The road was challenging, but the sights of cliffs dropping into the sea, dotted with pastel-colored villages, made it an unforgettable experience.

Finally, we reached Sicily, our last destination. We soaked in the Mediterranean charm of Palermo, explored the island’s beaches, and dined on local seafood as we reminisced on everything we’d seen and experienced. Sicily’s vibrant culture was the perfect way to end our European adventure.

Reflecting on the Journey: Memories to Last a Lifetime

After five incredible weeks, countless kilometers, and memories made at every stop, it was time to fly back to London. Marie and I returned home with a new appreciation and  deeper love for slow travel, From mountain passes to seaside towns, this journey was as much about the landscapes as it was about the people we met, the food we tasted, and the stories we collected. We may have left pieces of our hearts all along the route, but we brought back enough memories to fill a lifetime.

Here’s to the next adventure!