Cycling guide
Expand your pedalling parameters as you peruse our cycling holidays travel guide and discover routes that take you from Europe, to Asia, to South Africa, and beyond.
Family cycling holidays in Europe
Get little Wiggos and Pendletons pedalling with aplomb through competitions, rewards, alternative activities and days off by the pool.![]()
Cycling holidays in Europe for families are a great way to get outdoors and active together. Usually a minimum age of 12 is suitable for family cycling trips but do yourselves a favour and get some practise in first before you buy matching Lycra outfits. Keep daily distances to an achievable length and try a tailor made or self-guided itinerary just so you can be flexible when it comes to tired limbs or sudden bouts of ‘cycle-it is’, in case a rest day is needed Finally, small group tours for families are usually designed for a maximum of 16 people and can be a great way to make friends and keep up momentum, particularly over the course of 30 to 60km days.
Chateau to Chateau family cycling tour in the Loire
Unique itinerary for families to discover the Loire Chateaux
From
€750 to €1105
7 days
ex flights
Catalonia family self guided cycling holiday, Spain
Customised road cycling tour in Girona, Catalonia
From
€375 to €833
8 days
ex flights
Family cycling holiday in Alsace, France
Cycling holidays along the wine route
From
€620 to €990
5 days
ex flights
Sweden self guided cycling holiday
Self-guided cycling in Stockholm's picturesque countryside
From
SKr10600
6 days
ex flights
Sweden cycling holiday, Stockholm archipelago
Self-guided cycling in Stockholm's fantastic archipelago
From
SKr9375
6 days
ex flights
River Lot family cycling tour in France
A historical biking family holiday in France at river’s side
From
€835 to €1375
7 days
ex flights
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What's do family cycling holidays in Europe involve?
Self guided cycling
Most of our trips are self guided, and follow a single route, from location to location, with your bags moved to each night’s accommodation for you. This is a great way to see a decent chunk of a country, with lots of variety built in and a real sense of achievement at the end when you tot up how far you’ve pedalled. Centre-based cycling, such as you will find in Catalonia, is a slightly more flexible choice. There’s always the option to take a day off the bikes to have a rest day or try another activity such as hiking or paddle boarding. But even some point-to point-cycling holidays build in rest days or a few nights in a single place, so you can take shorter circular rides or spend a day out of the saddle.On self guided trips you are given very good maps and route instructions and making your way from A to B, rather than just following a set route which is all marked out, adds a sense of achievement to the day. Naturally, support is just a phonecall away.
Terrain
These routes are designed by experts, often by regular cyclists who live in the area themselves or at least know it well. So you can be confident that daily distances are achievable (around 30km the day is the norm) and that for the most part you’ll be either on dedicated cycle paths, or well-surfaced roads that see little traffic. You will get the odd ascent, but these are usually at a very manageable gradient, and of course there’s always the descent to look forwards to.TOP TIPS FOR CYCLING WITH KIDS
Go wild
Pick an itinerary that’s designed to take you to well-known habitats for wildlife, or to waterfalls, hot springs or deserted beaches – this gives you something to get excited about and provides a range of different scenes to break up the journeys. Nature walks, photography sessions and outdoor picnics are just a few alternative activities to give you all a change of pace and revive flagging spirits.
Pedal into the past
Although a history lesson may not be everyone’s cup of tea on a cycling holiday in Europe, the thought of taking a break to explore a few Roman ruins, palatial properties or ancient fortifications can often inspire one last push. Cycling from chateau to chateau in the Loire Valley, or looking for Moorish castles in southern Portugal or over the border in Andalucia, are great activities for educating and exciting younger, two-wheeled explorers.
Island hopping
Ferrying your bikes from one island to the next is certain to add to the appeal of cycling holidays in Europe. Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, the Greek islands, Stockholm’s archipelago and the Hardangerfjord in Norway invite cyclists to pedal on and pedal off ferries before cycling away. Using public ferries gives you the chance to explore new lands where roads are quiet, beaches are empty and every fishing village becomes the ideal spot to cycle to, sit and breath it all in.
CYCLING WITH KIDS IN EUROPE
Andy Ross is Cycling Manager at our cycling holiday partner, Exodus, He shares his advice on going on a family cycling holiday in Europe: “Cycling is a great family activity as long as the route is suitable. Avoid biting off more than you can chew, it is far more relaxing to keep distances manageable.”
More Europe cycling articles
Discover the best times of year for cycling in Europe, region by region, with our tips on climate.
Our cycling holidays in Europe travel guide features a wealth of tips, tricks and timing advice.
What to expect from cycling in a number of our most popular destinations in Europe.
Some great travel advice for cycling in Europe with handy hints from our expert partners.
Our top 10 easy cycling are for those who prefer a gentle scenic route over a challenging climb.
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