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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

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

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

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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Prague has a vast and varied history spanning 1000 years.

Along your travels, you might find people with different opinions about Prague, Czech Republic. Some might think it is too busy, touristy, and not worth the trip. Others see the history, architecture, and other qualities that make it a must-see European destination. As a part of a Danube river cruise you have the option to add on Prague as a pre- or post-cruise extension (learn more about the benefits of land extensions here). These land tours are such a wonderful way to see different cities. Let’s find out what amazing things to see and do await you in the gorgeous city of Prague!

Visit Prague Castle

Visiting Prague Castle is a great thing to do on your visit to prague before or after your Danube river cruise.

Many of the included land extension tours and free walking tours will finish up near Prague Castle. You probably will not get to see the castle through the tours so after will be a great opportunity. Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. It is almost like a village of its own with churches, towers, halls, and palaces. Don’t miss the gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and the Treasures, and the Bohemian crown jewels. The musems are very interesting to learn of the history of the palace for the last 1000 years.

Wander Old Town Square

This square is a hubbub of activity and for good reason. This is a great place to grab a seat, people watch, enjoy the street vendors, and musicians. The buildings around this area are a feast for your eyes with all the history and different types of architecture. The Tyn and St. Nicholas churches are beautiful inside and out. And, don’t forget to be outside on the hour to hear the chime of the absolutely stunning Astronomical Clock (you might find the chime overrated but the detail and artistry are amazing). So much to see and do!

Explore the Catacombs

While your in Old Town Square you might want to explore a little bit of the underground. The catacombs used to be the first level of the medieval houses around the square. These homes have been buried by time and progress. Now they are an exhibit showcase medieval life. You can get to the catacombs through the tourism office. This won’t take too much of your time but you might find it very interesting.

Meander through Petrin Park

After the busyness of Old Town Square and Prague Castle, Petrin Park will be a welcomed break. This park is on top of a big hill on the left bank of the Vlatava River. You could use this opportunity to really stretch your legs or you can take the funicular and save the energy for the park. At the top there are many paths to meander along through the trees. You also might want to climb the lookout tower that looks very similar to the Eiffel Tower for some of the best views of Prague. Other things of interest are the gardens, a maze, and the unusual Church of St. Michael.

Walk Across Charles Bridge

The iconic Charles Bridge is a must see in Prague before or after a Danube river cruise.

No trip to Prague is complete with out a trip to the Charles Bridge. This bridge is one of the most iconic things in Prague. Even though the bridge will be very busy with people it is well worth the trip. This charming bridge was built in the 14th Century ove the Vlatava River and connects Old Town with Mala Strana (another great place to walk through). The bridge is beautiful during the day and magical at night. Climbing the nearby Old Town Tower Bridge will give you wonderful views of the Mala Strana and surrounding area.

This article has only scratched the surface of the wonders of Prague, Czech Republic. This beautiful city has so much to see and do all year round. At Christmastime the Christmas markets make visiting this city even more exciting.

If you would like to find out more about adding Prague to your Danube river cruise, please contact me. I would love to help you create your dream vacation!