Whether cycling leisurely past windmills and flower fields or pedaling alongside a palm-fringed beach, you’ll find that remarkable things happen to your family when you explore actively together. Putting your bodies in motion sets the wheels of imagination spinning and frees your sense of fun. The scenery becomes richer. Encounters become more rewarding. And shared discoveries on and off the bike transform travelers of all ages into enthusiastic explorers.
As your kids pedal through fascinating new cultures and amid extraordinary natural wonders—while enjoying plenty of fresh air and exercise in the process—they’ll have the chance to learn without feeling taught. It’s real history, real biology and geology, and authentic human connections. Best of all, a carefree biking vacation together gives you the opportunity to grow closer as a family. As you explore, learn, laugh and adventure together, you’re building a wealth of shared experiences that you’ll all remember forever.
Brittany and Normandy
Here in Brittany and Normandy, the history is epic. The stories are action-packed. It’s a quiet, unassuming corner of France. Yet the scene of some of history’s most heroic acts. Think Vikings. William the Conqueror. Faithful pilgrims. Allies landing. These stories really happened. And you’ll know it. When you and your family stand on windswept beaches by abandoned gun posts. Or gaze at the spire of Mont-St-Michel’s cathedral. But there’s also the exhilarating present. Biking. Horseback riding. Kart sailing. Glassblowing. Clearly “action-packed” is not a thing of the past.
Tuscany
Your crew will discover lots to rave about in Tuscany—including some of the best gelato you’ll ever taste! Enjoy miles of smiles on kid-friendly biking routes in the world-famous Chianti region. Pedal through a landscape that seems to have jumped out of a Renaissance painting. Lanes lined with cypress trees overlooking the patchwork vineyards will stop you on your bike. And no view will compare to that view. Until you round the next bend and see another. It’s a wonder anyone ever finishes the rides. And that’s only what you’ll see; imagine the wines, the multitude of pizza choices and the luxuries you’ll discover. The perfect family biking adventure awaits in Tuscany.
Holland and Belgium
Explore the quiet back roads of Holland and Belgium like the locals do—by bike! Out here on two wheels, it’s easy to feel connected to your surroundings. Follow a mix of flat, peaceful country roads, dijk (dike) walls and scenic fietspaden (bicycling paths) past windmills, flower fields, quaint cottages and “oreo cookie” cows. Enjoy an insider’s look at regional history and culture. Visit storybook villages and explore romantic Bruges, perfectly picturesque with its narrow cobblestone streets, steep-gabled brick houses, lofty spires and meandering canals. And discover that all the wonderful things you’ve heard about biking in Holland and Belgium are true.
Vietnam and Cambodia
If you’re in charge of the family vacation this year, don’t pack the car. Pack your family’s passports and do something truly unforgettable. Take a rickshaw. Buy a wood carving right out of a craftsman’s hands. Walk through a long-lost capital city. Explore mysterious temples and ancient ruins. Bike quietly past rice paddies, farmers walking oxen and homes perched high on stilts. Discover bustling markets and vibrant cultures, watching your family’s eyes grow wider each day. Pack in a week’s worth of unforgettable. Pack your bags for Vietnam and Cambodia.
Santa Barbara and Ojai
A super way to connect with the Golden State’s rich history and culture, a family biking trip in Santa Barbara and Ojai Valley is pretty irresistible. Kids can dive into surf culture during a fun-filled lesson with experienced local instructors, and they can view the Ventura River Valley up close on horseback with local Ojai wranglers. And did we mention the perfect weather for biking along the coast, a waterfront park with an old-fashioned carousel, the chance to explore a real Spanish mission, groves of oranges and tasty tangerines? Plus, the hotels here have pretty awesome swimming pools!
Bring Your Family Biking With Backroads
Backroads offers an inspiring collection of carefree family adventures designed to captivate your whole gang. With their trademark mixture of amazing activities, family-friendly hotels, kid-approved cuisine and stellar personal service, you’ll be free to simply enjoy one another’s company and look forward to the lifetime memories that come from exploring new places together as a family. Whether you choose a biking, walking or multisport vacation, you’ll enjoy incredible routes at your own pace, in comfort and style—enhanced by a perfect blend of cultural immersion and intimate encounters with nature. You’ll travel in the company of extraordinary Trip Leaders, consistently hailed as the best in the business, who handle all the logistics and set the stage for an array of fun firsthand experiences. Savor the perfect balance of time together and time apart. And at every turn, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your kids broaden their horizons while having the time of their lives.
For more on biking trips, visit Backroads.