Self-Guided Bike Tours: Everything You Need to Know About GPS Navigation

Most self-guided bike tours rely on GPS navigation to help you follow a pre-planned route independently.

Whether you're riding through countryside, along rivers, or between cities, GPS allows you to stay on track and enjoy the journey with confidence.

One of the most common questions we get is how GPS navigation works on a self-guided bike tour. This guide gives you a clear overview of touring with GPS, including the difference between GPS devices and smartphone apps, along with practical tips and FAQs.

One important detail to note is that some tours offer GPS devices to rent, while others provide route tracks to download and use on your own device or smartphone.

GPS Computer vs. Smartphone App

There are two main ways to view GPS tracks: a GPS device or a dedicated smartphone app. Many tours offer an invitation link which will lead you directly to the route on a smartphone app (i.e. Maps.me, RideWithGPS, or Guibo). Some tours offer GPS device rentals with preloaded route tracks, while other tours only offer the files to load on your personal smartphone or GPS device.

GPS Device

The GPS computer works exactly like the GPS you might have in your car. You can pick the end destination, points of interest, and journey based on the fastest route, shortest distance, tolls etc. The main difference is that when bike touring, you will need to load the tracks on the device and follow the bike route.

If the self-guided tour offers a GPS device rental, the file will be preloaded on the device and there will be instructions on how to use this at the bike pickup location. If the tour doesn't offer a GPS rental and you plan to use your own device, you can refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to load tracks.

Smartphone Apps

Depending on the tour, there may be a specific recommended app with a login that you can use to load the maps for that tour. Alternatively, you might have to download one and load the tracks yourself. In this case, the tracks will be sent to you by email before the trip so that you can load the tracks before the tour.

It is important to take into consideration that some apps can be used offline whilst some rely on cellular data. So, plan ahead and keep your cell data plan in mind. There are many apps available – we recommend doing some research to find one that fits your needs.

Maps.me

One of our favorite apps for offline navigation is Maps.me. This free app allows you to download country maps when you have an internet connection, then use the maps offline. Read our Step by Step Guide for Loading GPS Tracks Using maps.me.

Note: GPS files are usually GPX or KML files. Some programs can only open certain file types, so you may need to do a simple file conversion using a free online tool.

Important Notes

1. Familiarize yourself with downloading tracks and your personal GPS device – There are hundreds of videos and articles on the internet that are very helpful. If you are using your smartphone for the tour, download tracks and country maps, then get familiar with using the app before you leave for your trip!

2. You can only open GPS tracks with special apps/GPS devices – Don’t expect to be able to view them on your computer. Refer to the section GPS Computer vs. Smartphone App section of this blog or read our Step by Step Guide for Loading GPS Tracks Using maps.me.

3. Check if your GPS needs cellular data – Know whether the smartphone app you are using can be used offline or needs cellular data. You don’t want to get to the start of your tour with no cell data/service and no GPS!

Explore all of our self-guided bike tours here, or read on for some of our top recommendations!

FAQs About GPS Bike Touring

1. Do I need a GPS device for a self-guided bike tour?

Not necessarily. Many travellers use their smartphones with apps such as Maps.me or similar navigation tools. Some tours also provide GPS devices with preloaded routes. In both cases, routes are prepared in advance, making them easy to follow without needing navigation experience.

2. What happens if I get lost on a self-guided bike tour?

GPS navigation makes it easy to see your location in real time and return to the route if you take a wrong turn. Routes are designed to be straightforward, and most apps allow you to zoom in, reroute, or backtrack easily. In extremis, you may phone the local support team for assistance.

3. Do I need mobile data to use GPS on a bike tour?

No. Most GPS apps, including Maps.me, allow you to download maps and routes in advance for offline use. This means you can navigate without mobile data or signal during your ride. However, make sure to download your maps in advance of your tour!

4. Are self-guided bike tours suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many self-guided bike tours are designed for a range of abilities, with clearly mapped routes, manageable daily distances, and optional e-bikes. The combination of GPS navigation and pre-planned routes makes them accessible even for those new to cycling holidays. For a refined list of our 'Easy' or 'Easy to Moderate' self-guided tours, click here.

5. How do routes work on a self-guided bike tour?

Routes are carefully designed in advance and provided as GPS tracks. Instead of planning your own route, you simply follow the track using a device or app, allowing you to focus on the experience while benefiting from expert route planning.

Popular Self-Guided Bike Tours

Looking to experience a self-guided bike tour for yourself? Explore some of our most popular routes, where GPS navigation makes independent travel easy and stress-free.

• Aare River: From the Swiss Alps to the Rhine – A gentle, scenic ride through Switzerland’s river valleys, with well-marked paths and effortless navigation from the Alps to the Rhine
• Loire Valley – Châteaux Country (Based in One Hotel) – Cycle past fairytale châteaux, vineyards, and quiet riverside paths on one of France’s most relaxed and scenic routes
• Tuscany – Pisa & Florence – Ride through rolling Tuscan countryside, connecting historic cities, vineyards, and timeless landscapes at your own pace
• Around Lake Constance – An easy loop around one of Europe's most famous lakes. Enjoy beautiful bike paths, countryside & villages - perfect for stress-free, self-guided cycling
• Pearls of the Alsace Wine Route – Pedal through storybook villages and vineyard-lined roads along one of France’s most charming and culturally rich regions

Alternatively, explore all of our self-guided bike tours or browse our interactive tour map to discover your perfect route!