There’s nothing better than being caught unawares by a breathtaking sight or piece of scenery; the type of view that just can’t be caught on camera and has to be seen with your own eyes. On a Softies tour, there’s no shortage of views like this, from lavender fields to emerald seas. Whilst some travel for food, and others for wine, the best experiences can often be the unexpected sights you encounter. Read on to discover some of the prettiest views on our tours.

Lavender of the Luberon

If you plan your trip just right, you’ll be able to experience the lavender bloom in Provence. The lavender fields which sprawl beneath hilltop towns under the Provençal sun offer not just a visual spectacle, but an experience of the senses. Cycling past, a wonderful aroma is carried with every breeze. Our Picture Perfect Provence tour was designed to incorporate the most beautiful sights in Provence, including the lavender of the Luberon.

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Emerald Coves of the Costa Smeralda

Sardinia was once the secret haven of Europe’s elite, but has since become a destination everyone can enjoy. Its popularity lies in its undisputed beauty. The northern coast, known as the Costa Smeralda, is named after the emerald sea and idyllic grottos found here. Cycling along this coastline on our Sardinia’s Northern Secrets tour offers sight after sight. Tranquil villages gaze out over a sparkling expanse of the Mediterranean; one of the prettiest views on our tours.

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Armies of Bluebells

In April, the UK undergoes a vibrant transformation. Every forest floor, and seemingly any green space, will see bluebells sprout up in countless numbers. A carpet of blue covers the entire island in a phenomenon unique to Britain. Cycling through these woods offers many pretty views, as the sun’s dappled light filters through and shines on the vibrant blooms. On our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds, you’ll pass through these ‘bluebell woods’ which are perfect for mid-day picnics.

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Florence of the South

Lecce is a stunning city in Puglia and is known as the ‘Florence of the south’ due to its beauty. Painted entirely white, it shines no matter what the weather may be. With ancient architecture and bags of charm, wandering down any street will produce a pretty view here. Our Highlights of Puglia tour has you cycling to Lecce, where an already beautiful coastal route leads you to this shining white jewel of Puglia. Perhaps it is unfair for it to be named ‘Florence of the South’, as we believe this city shines in its own name.

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Romantic Vistas in the Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia is classic Tuscany, where golden hills are crowned with cypress trees, and winding roads lead to ancient towns. Cresting one of these hills will reveal a beautiful, panoramic view of the region. During sunsets, the golden rays cast long, dramatic shadows along the landscape to produce one of the prettiest views on our tours. On our Grand Tour of Tuscany, you’ll cycle to the beautiful San Quirico d’Orcia, which sits above the valley, offering one-of-a-kind panoramas.

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Arundel Castle

One of the most imposing sights on our tours is that of Arundel Castle, rising above the River Arun. The most famous castle in Sussex, Arundel has a long history which is fascinating to learn about, featuring many a royal visitor to the site in centuries past. As you cycle through blissful English woodland on our Sussex Beach Break, the trees will suddenly reveal the proud fortress. This moment alone places Arundel on our list of prettiest views.

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Sleeping Beauty’s Castle

Next on our list, we head to the enchanting Loire Valley, where a château inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Château d'Usse is a gorgeous French castle with towering peaks and a beautifully maintained garden. Such is the beauty of this Château, the tale of Sleeping Beauty is said to have been written with this site in mind. Even if this is just a local myth, you can’t help but feel equally inspired by its regal design. On our Loire in Luxury tour, you’ll cycle to Château d'Usse. In fact, it’s the cycle route towards the site that produces one of the prettiest views on our tours.

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Camargue, Pretty in Pink

Filled with picturesque lagoons, olive groves, white horses and limestone cliffs, the Camargue is undoubtedly a beautiful environment. But its more show-stopping features all happen to be pink. The region in the south of Provence boasts pink salt marshes and flocks of vibrant flamingos. On our Provence & Camargue tour - one of our excellent ‘Bike and Boat’ holidays - you’ll see these exotic, and definitely pretty, sights with your own eyes.

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Vineyards of the Douro Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Portugal, with thousands of years of history. It also features one of the prettiest views on our tours: cascading vineyards down the valley walls, reflecting off the shimmering Douro River. This is one of those sights where you have to stop pedalling and just take it all in. Enjoying a picnic with the vineyards as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience on our Historic Douro Valley e-bike tour.

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Catalonian Botanical Gardens

The temperate climate of Catalonia has meant the region is home to a huge variety of gorgeous plants. As a result, there are many botanical gardens and blooms of all colours to be seen. One such site is the Jardin de Cap Roig, where red blossoms and terraced palms create a tranquil atmosphere. Just a short cycle from Palamós, this is one of the prettiest sights on our tours.

View our Catalonia from Mountains to Sea holiday

For more information on the prettiest views on our tours, call our cycle experts today. Alternatively, view all our cycling holidays here.

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