See more on a bike

In this week's reader postcard Alannah Holgate cycles Europe for a unique tourist experience.

As a tourist you have many tour options available that all claim to show you the best and brightest of whatever that particular city has to offer, from bus tours to ghost tours, to free walking tours.

But having tried out a few in Europe, I have discovered that the best way to see a city and country is from two wheels.

Cycle tours may seem daunting to many travellers who believe they are not fit enough and would feel ashamed if they were left behind, or slowed down the group.

But bicycle tours are designed specifically to be strain-free; they are relaxed and have a much more jovial air than walking or bus tours.

They tend to attract a more carefree and adventurous set of tourists, which makes for a very social experience.

You also see more in the same amount of time and generally for the same amount of money or less.

While doing a cycle tour of Europe last year, I sampled some of the available city cycle tours; it made sense, as I was already on a bike.

And hidden away I found a few gems and made some new friends.

The best bike tour I took in Europe was with Krakow Bike Tours in Poland.

It takes four hours, and is extremely educational.

It was led by a very informative American, John, who ensured everybody enjoyed their ride.

It is a beautiful city to ride around and the tour included the old city, a fire-breathing dragon, the Jewish quarter and Oskar Schindler's factory.

It was a remarkable balance of education and fun.

This is a tour for anybody who loves history.

If history is not your thing, then I suggest you try Fraulein Maria's Bicycle Tours in Salzburg, Austria and if you are a fan of The Sound of Music this tour is simply a must do.

It takes three and a-half hours, but do not expect to learn anything about the city.

Due to the strict tourism laws in Salzburg, the tour guides are only permitted to speak about the places and facts concerning The Sound of Music.

The tour takes you through locations from the movie and also significant places of the real Maria Von Trapp.

It is very intimate, offers some amazing photo opportunities and spectacular scenery, and if you have always dreamed of riding down the lane singing "doe, a deer", this is your chance.

If you truly want to experience a city I certainly suggest you try it by bike: cycle tours take you places others only see from behind a pane of glass.

Alannah Holgate is a Dunedin NZ Post employee.