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3 Exhilarating Active Family Biking Vacation Tours in Europe

Awesome Biking Adventures for your family, or family reunion

Your family can enjoy a biking vacation in Europe.

Are you ready to adventure outside of the United States? Ready to experience history that has gone back hundreds and hundreds of years, astounding architecture, other traditions, foods, and cultures? Ready to pedal through the countryside rather than speed past by car? Then Europe is a perfect destination for an active vacation for your family or family reunion. Check out these 3 active family biking vacation tours in Europe!

Are you wondering if this would be a good trip for a family reunion? If quite a few members of your family would love to bike across Europe than one of these tours might be a great option. For the family members who would rather not ride there are other activites they can do while everyone else is out riding. Those hanging back can visit the towns, go hiking, shopping, or relax at the hotel. They can, of course, join the group on the non-riding activities during the trip. There is quite a bit of flexibility of what your family can do during the day. And then everyone can meet up for the afternoon or at dinner and have so much fun talking about what they did and saw that day.

Prague to Vienna Family Biking Tour

  • Český Krumlov
  • Klet Mountain
  • Lipno Lake

This active family biking vacation tour in Europe will take your family from one beautiful European capital city to another through some stunning countryside, small towns, and wandering rivers. The heart of Europe was a center of history ready to be explored. Visit castles and ruins, churches and architecture, rivers and roads. Plus, your family can discover a different lifestyle, culture, landscape, and food than they are used to. What a marvelous adventure! Let’s see what this adventure holds!

The terrain for this trip has gently rolling hills on smaller roads with less traffic for the first few days. The last few days are spend mostly riding on flat paths. This is a level 1/2 trip. There is always the option of boosts in the shuttle for tired riders and ebikes for those who want the extra help on the hills. And, there are activities available for those who don’t want to ride at all or transportation if they want to meet up with the group for the other (non-biking) activities.

  • Day 1–Holašovice to Český Krumlov–Welcome to the Czech Republic! Right off the bat you are whisked away on a shuttle from Prague to the charming village of Holašovice. After a traditional hearty lunch, your family will be fitted for bicycles and set out to ride to Český Krumlov. Want a challenge? Climb up Klet Mountain for stunning views of South Bohemia.
  • Day 2–Český Krumlov to Zlata Koruna–This morning you ride down the banks of the winding Vltava River to the small village of Zlata Koruna. Then you will trade your bicycle for some paddles as you raft down the calm Vltava River back to Český Krumlov. During the afternoon you can explore Český Krumlov and visit an art museum or the Marionette Museum. Klet Mountain is another option for you to ride, hike or take a chairlift to the top. In the evening you will enjoy a private guided tour of this medieval town and learn about its history and interesting facts.
  • Day 3–Lake Lipno to Austria–The shuttle will take your family to Lake Lipno for a thrilling morning of speed and heights. Pick from activities such as a bobsleigh track or treetop walk (with massive toboggan and lookout tower). Bike through the southern countryside of the Czech Republic and into northern Austria after lunch. Lastly, you will shuttle along the Danube River for a couple of hours to the delightful town of Dürnstein. In Dürnstein, you will enjoy a local Austrian evening meal and then you can take in the night sights.
  • Day 4–Dürnstein to Melk Loop–Dürnstein will be home base for the rest of the trip. The rides from here are some of the most picturesque of the trip. You will absolutely love exploring the Wachau valley and the delightful villages along the way. Today’s destination is Melk and the highlight will be visiting the breathtaking Melk Benedictine Abbey. It is absolutely stunning! Get more info about the abbey here. To head back to Dürnstein your family can choose to take the shuttle or bike. There will be some more time to explore Dürnstein when you get back.
  • Day 5–Dürnstein to Gottweig Loop–This morning your bike ride will bring you to the bottom of Gottweig Abbey Hill (for an extra challenge you can ride up also). After your ride, you will be hungry and glad for a stop at the World of Morwald to get to taste a sophisticated twist on Viennese classics. And even better, you will learn to make two traditional Austrian desserts in a private cooking class. Then it’s time for relaxation or exploration before the farewell dinner.
  • Day 6–Dürnstein to Spitz and back–This last morning will start with a hike to the castle ruins overlooking Dürnstein that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Another option for the morning is a quick ride to Spitz. You will love the last look at the beautiful Danube countryside before getting on the shuttle to the Vienna train station or airport.

Want to know a little more about Dürnstein? Read this article!

Netherlands and Belgium Family Biking Tour

  • Kinderdijk Windmills
  • Cheese Shop in Gouda
  • Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Bruges, Belgium

Biking through the Netherlands and Belgium is the perfect destination for your family’s first biking vacation adventure in Europe. Everyone will love the flat-as-a-pannekoek landscape! Plus, you all will love cycling past the fields and fields of flowers and flowing canals.

Due to the mostly flat riding this trip is suitable for most all riders. For those who want an extra challenge there are longer ride options available. If you have members in your family who don’t want to ride at all there is options for them too. A perfect trip for everyone!

  • Day 1–Amsterdam to The Hague–Start your vacation biking from Amsterdam to the coast past fields of green, flowers, and windmills. The landscape changes to sand dunes and seaside lanes as you get closer to The Hague. The kids will love some time playing organized games in the sand of the beach while adults have some time to themselves.
  • Day 2-3–Gouda to Utrecht–The biking will start from Gouda (don’t forget to tase the Gouda cheese) to the UNESCO site of Kinderdijk, the land of windmills. Then the kids get to spend the afternoon adventuring with a Leader while the adults ride to Utrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities. Today is a day to explore ancient castles, ride through traditional Dutch villages and past grand manors. Kids will also love learning to make cheese. Definitely bragging rights!
  • Day 4-6–Belgium–How fun to bike from one country to another. You will cross from the Netherlands to Belgium through the scenic countryside to Bruges. Your family will really enjoy riding in the mostly car-free city. This medieval city has so much to explore down the cobblestone streets flanked with gabled brick houses, lofty spires, and meandering canals. Most likely the favorite part of the trip will be the visit to the Chocolate Museum and chocolate-making workshop. What would a trip to Belgium be without a little chocolate! On the last days of your trip, you will visit the WWI monuments at Flanders Fields and take a relaxing ride through the charming Belgian neighborhoods.

Brittany and Normandy Family Biking Tour

  • Seaside in St-Malo
  • Dinan, France
  • Omaha Beach Monument
  • Mont-St-Michel

This tour of Brittany and Normandy combines stunning landscapes, European history, United States history, French culture, and delicious cuisine. There is so much to see and do in this small portion of France! Check out this last family biking itinerary for your vacation in Europe.

While this trip is slightly more challenging (biking wise) than the tour of the Netherlands and Belgium, guests will have choices about how much they want to exert themselves. Your guides are ready to help make the day just right for your family and their activity level.

  • Day 1–St-Malo–Your family journey starts in Brittany’s restful countryside. Your first stop will be the amazing fortified walled city of St-Malo. Once there, the kids will have an amazing adventure of land sailing on the beach.
  • Day 2–Dinan and St-Suliac–Today is a day full of exploration! First, in the lovely harbor town of Dinan, you will discover what’s behind those half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The kids will get to try their hand at learning to make crêpes. Yummy! Finally, you will bike to the captivating village of St-Suliac. At the end of the day, you might want to take the family for a stroll along the beach of St-Malo while watching the beautiful sunset.
  • Day 3–Mont-St-Michel–You will be amazed by the rugged coastline during your morning ride. After you arrive in Cancale, you will have a chance to taste the local specialty, oysters. The highlight of your day will be a private tour of the stunning island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel.
  • Day 4–Arromanches–The next couple of days will be spent remembering the events of D-Day and WWII. Today you will visit the famous sites of Mulberry Harbor and Juno Beach. Then the kids will saddle up for a scenic horseback ride while the adults bike through the Norman landscape. As you pass the apple orchards and grand manors you will want to stop and take pictures around every corner.
  • Day 5–Omaha Beach— You will visit WWII battle sites, memorials, and the landing beaches with a local historian. Some highlights of the day will be biking past the bunkers of Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Military Cemetery.
  • Day 6–Bayeux and Longues-sur-Mer–You will finish your trip with a relaxing ride to Longues-sur-Mer. This was once a section of Germany’s coastal fortifications. Now it is a fascinating site will stunning views across the channel. You will also have the chance to see the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry. This tapestry tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in embroidery.

These 3 amazing family biking vacation tours in Europe are a sampling of what is possible for your family in Europe. Do you have a destination in Europe that you would like to take your family to? Contact me and we can get started planning your next active family biking adventure vacation in Europe!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Adventures by Disney

An Action-Packed Trip to Costa Rica for Your Next Family Reunion Vacation!

Visit Costa Rica on your family reunion vacation and experience the Pura Vida or simple life culture.
Pura Vida–The culture of the Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination for families. And, for good reason! Costa Rica isn’t too far from many places in the United States, it is tropical and stunningly gorgeous, there is so much wildlife to see, there are many different ecosystems to visit, and of course, you can’t forget the beaches and delicious food. Mountains, jungles, rainforests, beaches, waterfalls, monkeys, and sloths are just a few of the amazing things you will encounter in Costa Rica. Now, let’s check out a day by day, one adventure after another, action-packed itinerary through Costa Rica for your family or a memorable family reunion vacation!

Why take a destination vacation in Costa Rica for your family reunion

There is nothing better than getting away from the every day with your family. This time away gives families a chance to talk and hang out, getting away from the interruptions of school, sports, a calendar full of after-school activities, deadlines, work assignments and so much more. The laid-back attitude of Costa Rica is perfect for enjoying a meal together, hiking through the jungle trails, soaking in a hot spring, or ziplining over the canopy–all things that will get your family excitedly talking together!

Who should go?

The itinerary below is great for most fitness levels. It isn’t too challenging but there is some walking and hiking. It is best for guests age 7 and up. This is an excellent trip for a family, reunion, or groups of families who all are somewhat active. If your family has members who have trouble walking for a few hours or climbing stairs then this might not be the best vacation for your family (don’t worry, there are others that would be perfect for you).

One of the best things about a family reunion trip is that your family could be the only ones on the tour. A private guided tour for just your family! How awesome is that!

Your Costa Rica Family or Reunion Vacation

Day 1 Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica

On the first day your family will just be arriving in Costa Rica. In the evening you will meet your fellow travelers. How fun would it be if your family made up the whole group! This evening would be a wonderful first reunion.

Day 2-3 Monteverde Cloud Forests

The hanging bridges of Monteverde will be a highlight of your family reunion vacation in Costa Rica.

On Day 2 you will head out to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde. Monteverde is one of the must-do activities in Costa Rica. Up here you are going to get to visit a working farm and coffee cooperative. Not only will you get to tour the property but you will also get to have a cooking class and coffee-making demo. You will absolutely love the evening experience following your guide into the cloud forest. Keep your eyes out for the nocturnal animals you can’t see in the day like the red-eyed tree frogs and spiny porcupines.

Day 3 will let you see the cloud forest during the day. After helping out at the tree nursery in the morning to help with the reforestation projects, you will get to choose your own adventure. Maybe you will go zip-lining or hike through the cloud forest reserve during, enjoy the canopy from hanging bridges, or just relax at the pool.

Day 4-5 Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Day 4 On to the land of volcanos, mud pots, and hot springs on! The first day in this National Park will be your chance to relax and unwind. Zipline through the jungle surrounding, soak in the thermal hot springs, and get muddy in the mud baths. Can it get any better than this?! This evening you might enjoy visiting the local butterfly garden.

Day 5 will be another of your most favorite days on this family vacation in Costa Rica. You will really get to see Rincón de la Vieja National Park today. First, you will travel on horseback to join your guide on a hike through the park looking for wildlife. After, you will be able to cool off swimming beneath the waterfalls of the Río Negro. Not up for all that? You can just stay at the resort and relax by the pool.

Day 6-7 Playa Potrero

Days 6 and 7 bring you out of the central inland to the Pacific Coast. For these two days, you get to soak up the sun and play in the sand and surf of the stunning Gold Coast of Costa Rica. Or maybe you prefer to lay by the pool. Whatever you want to do, the days are yours.

Some optional things you might want to do are to sail around the Catalina Islands, or go horseback riding,

Day 8 Palo Verde National Park and San Jose

Day 8 begins the journey back inland to San Jose. But first, a stop in Palo Verde National Park. You will love the break from driving on a jungle boat cruise down the Tempisque River. How many different animals can you spot? Crocodiles? Monkeys? Osprey? Wood storks? So much wildlife to see on the ride! Then back in the van for the rest of the ride to San Jose where you will have a farewell dinner. Tomorrow everyone will be heading home.

Oh my goodness! What a fantastic family reunion vacation in Costa Rica. You and your family will have such memories to bring home and talk about for years to come.

Want to know more about a family vacation or a reunion vacation in Costa Rica? Contact me today and we can get start planning your next adventure!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Alaska

3 Heart-pumping Active Family Vacation Tours in the United States

Biking is a great option on an active family vacation in the United States.

Relaxing beach vacations are awesome for some families. But for other families, they want a little more activity on vacation, a little more adventure. Guess what! Active families are not out of luck. There are vacations designed just for active families to be out biking, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Starting to sound perfect for your family? Read on and learn about 3 active vacation options your family can take in the United States!

Multi-generational possibilities for an active vacation

Now, what about if you are planning a multi-generational family vacation? An active vacation could be a great experience for your multi-generational family. For less active members of the family, there will be shorter ride options available or they can use an e-bike. They could also take a day at the resort, spa, or shopping while the others are out. Families will young children will appreciate the trailer bikes, kids bikes, and other accommodations available for their rides. Sometimes there will even be specially planned activities for the kids giving adults a little time away. The United States active family vacation possibilities below are planned for families to be able to adjust to the needs of each member while still having plenty of time to adventure together.

San Juan Islands

While biking on your active family vacation in the San Juan Islands in the Untied States you will see a lovely lighthouse overlooking the water.
Lighthouse on San Juan Island

Explore the charming towns, glistening waters, and wooded lanes of the Pacific Northwest islands. During this 6day/5 night vacation, your family will bike along the seashore, kayak through the ocean, hike through dense forests, and enjoy mountain views. Each night your family will stay at boutique inns along the way. The San Juan Islands are a terrific destination for your family adventure.

  • Day 1–Fidalgo Island–Bike the island to get to the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Cruise the stunningly blue sound to Lopez Island. Explore the village and enjoy delicious local food for a welcome social and dinner.
  • Day 2–Lopez Island–Climb on your bike for a flat island ride through farmland and by the sea keeping an eye out for eagles. Following lunch, the ferry will take you to Orcas Island to wander the village and relax at your lovely inn.
  • Day 3–Orcas Island–Time for a little shopping! The first stop is Orcas Island Pottery. Even if you don’t love pottery you will love the dramatic coastal bluff setting and possibly a pottery demonstration. Then spend some time shopping in the village or enjoying the waterfront. On to Moran State Park where you can hike Mt. Constitution. And then possibly swim in the crystal clear waters of Cascade Lake. Tonight, special events are planned for the kids so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner.
  • Day 4–San Juan Island–Begin the day with a ferry ride to Friday Harbor, the largest town in the San Juan Islands. Enjoy the local art galleries or whale museum. After lunch, get back on your bike and ride past the popular photo spot of False Bay and through a lavender farm. The highlight of the day will be the sunset wildlife cruise to learn about the orca whales, porpoises, and bald eagles in the area.
  • Day 5–San Juan Island–Kayaking along the beautiful coastline will start the day. You might even see some harbor seals. Get back on your bike after a relaxing lunch and ride past Lime Kiln State Park. This is a great place to possibly see orcas feeding in the kelp beds.
  • Day 6–San Juan Island–Your last ride around the island will take you to the tip for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountain Range and the lighthouse. Then it will be time to pack up and head home on a late morning ferry back to Anacortes. You are sad for it all to come to an end but you will forever remember the fun and adventure you shared with those you love!

What will the family members who don’t want to bike do?

  • Spend some time at the spa
  • Relax at the charming inns you will be staying at
  • Take a catamaran cruise from Lopez Island
  • Visit the museums or art galleries
  • Go horseback riding on San Juan Island
  • Hiking all around the islands
  • Sea kayaking

Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake at Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, in Northwest Montana, is more than just another protected place for wildlife. It is a gorgeously stunning land of snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes, evergreen valleys, colorful rocks, as well as moose, bears, and mountain goats. Couple that beauty with the vibrant western town of Whitefish and some riding and rafting in the Flathead Valley. Definitely a recipe for an awesome family vacation!

  • Day 1–Two Medicine Lake to Saint Mary’s Lodge–First thing in the morning you will take a shuttle ride past jaw-dropping mountains and lakes to arrive at Two Medicine Lake. After a picnic lunch, the whole family will be fitted for their bikes, and then off you all ride past Lower Two Medicine Lake, through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, and over Looking Glass Hill. The ride will end at Saint Mary Lodge on the edge of another stunning lake. You will then get a chance to learn more about the history and legends of the Blackfeet Nation that you are visiting and to really bring your trip to life.
  • Day 2–St. Mary Lake–After a short but rigorous ride toward Logan Pass everyone will meet up at the Rising Sun Boat Dock read to enjoy all St. Mary Lake has to offer. On the scenic boat ride around the lake, you will get a different view of the surrounding mountains, Wild Goose Island, and Sexton Glacier. Then it is on to a 3-mile round trip hike to St. Mary Falls to marvel at the beauty of the rushing water and take some pictures. There should be some time after the boat ride back to possibly explore the visitors center before returning to the hotel.
  • Day 3–Going-to-the-Sun Road–Oh my goodness! Today will be a day to remember because the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic roads in America. It is narrow and windy and has treasures to see around almost every corner. You will ride past waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, wildflowers, cedar forests, and maybe even some local wildlife. There will be so many places you will be dying to stop and take a picture before arriving at Logan Pass and the Continental Divide. Then it is a thrilling downhill ride to Lake McDonald and a rejuvenating lunch. A shuttle will take your family to Whitefish where you will explore the town for the afternoon.
  • Day 4–Whitefish to West Glacier and the Flathead River–You will now be riding in the less hilly Flathead valley from Whitefish to West Glacier. At your destination of Belton Bridge, you will have a chance to fill up with some food and take a dip in the Flathead River if you like. You aren’t done on the river yet today! The next adventure is a 3-4 hour rafting experience through Class II and III rapids. An outdoor BBQ dinner will finish off the day.
  • Day 5–Whitefish Lake–The schedule today will start with a quiet ride around Whitefish lake. You will love the beautiful farmland views along with the surrounding majestic mountains. Then will be a tough choice. Do you head back to Whitefish and have an afternoon at the spa or time exploring the town OR do you head up Big Mountain for a 5-mile climb with the promise of breath-taking panoramic views?! Tonight will be your farewell dinner.
  • Day 6–Columbia Falls–Time for your final relaxing ride to the town of Columbia Falls. After a quick stop at a favorite coffee shop, you will say goodbye to your guides and be on your way to the airport or possibly another adventure.

What is available for the the family members who aren’t as strong of riders or don’t want to bike?

This biking adventure at Glacier National Park is a little bit more rigorous due to the hilly terrain. It is rated for bikers at a level 2 or 3. If you don’t think you are quite at that level don’t worry. Since this is a family trip there will most likely be bikers of all different abilities. The guides you are will are more than willing to make accommodations for those who don’t want to go up all the hills by providing ebikes, rides in the shuttle or the day off. Other activities might include (additional costs could apply):

  • Explore Whitefish
  • Relax at the spa
  • Kayaking or paddleboarding at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
  • Go horseback riding or hiking

Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula

Mountains across the Cook Inlet near Homer

There simply couldn’t be a list of active, adventure family vacation tours in the United States without one in Alaska! The wilds of Alaska are perfect for a family vacation full of hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking. Let’s see what Alaska’s Kenai Penninsula has in store for your family on this six-day tour!

  • Day 1–Anchorage to Girdwood–Ride out of Anchorage down the Turnagain Arm on one of the most scenic roads in America. Then spend a little time exploring the quaint little town of Girdwood. You might want to take a tram ride up the mountain and hike down.
  • Day 2–Prince William Sound–From Whittier, you will board a boat for a cruise through Prince William Sound. You will be amazed but the glistening blue waters, towering mountains, and hanging glaciers. Then you will travel further south to the town of Seward.
  • Day 3–Kenai Fjords National Park–Get up close and personal with glaciers today! Kids will hike to the toe of Exit Glacier and adults will trek up the mountain to experience the spectacular views of the Harding Icefield. While the kids wait for the adults to return they will get to meet some of the stars of the Iditarod and explore Alaska marine life at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Today will definitely be a day to remember for everyone!
  • Day 4–Homer–Not only will you travel by van to Homer but along the way you will hop on your bikes to slow down a bit and truly appreciate the jaw-dropping views of the Cook Inlet and the volcanoes of the Alaska Range. Your hotel for the night is at the very end of the Homer Spit jutting out into Kachemak Bay. You might get a chance to see a harbor seal or sea lion or just do some tide-pooling when the tide is out.
  • Day 5–Kayaking in Kachemak Bay–A water taxi will bring your family across the bay to pick up your kayaks. For the next few hours, you will enjoy kayaking around Yukon Island. This is another wonderful opportunity to spot harbor seals, porpoises, and sea otters.
  • Day 6–Homer–Take a trip to a local farm complete with furry animals, herbs, art, and views of Kachemak Bay. A nice relaxing finish to a truly adventurous family vacation!


Does any of these active vacation possibilities in the United States sound perfect for your family? Do you have somewhere else that you are dying to explore with your family in a very active way? Let me know in the comments below!

If you would like more information about booking an active vacation in the United States for your family or with other families please schedule a complimentary consultation!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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