Leisure cycling is the ideal way to see, explore and visit new places by bike. Instead of riding as fast as possible each day, you can take your time and use the bike to get the most out of your holiday. If you are out cycling and see a vineyard, historical place of interest or somewhere that you would like to discover in more detail, then you can. There is no tour bus to catch or organised group to follow and you are free to ride at leisure. You can explore some of the best parts of Europe by bike and the hardest part of leisure cycling is simply deciding where to go.
You can find a full range of Leisure Cycling Holidays packages on the Freewheel website here >>>
Leisure cycling is the ideal way to enjoy a holiday together as a family. With so many destinations to choose from and so many places waiting to be explored, check out our top reasons for taking you and your family on a cycling holiday, and our top destination picks below.
Reasons for Family cycling Holidays
1. Family Friendly Cycle Tours
There are easy tours on offer which are usually on flatter routes with dedicated cycle paths.
2. Gain Independence
Kids get to ride their own bikes and may have opportunities for a bit of exploration on their own, or with minimal supervision.
3. Great for Fitness
We are encouraged to get our kids as active as possible, getting on your bike on a holiday is a great start.
4. Educational
There’s no better way to learn about places of interest than visiting them and finding out interesting facts
5. Fun – Enjoy together
Make each day an adventure, with route planning and adding in visit’s to the local attractions without the boring coach trip.
6. Great for the Active family
Return from your holiday having see and explored lots of new places. Return form your holidays fitter and healthier too!
Out top leisure cycling destination picks
Into the Valley of the Alps
You start this tour in the village of Krimml, high in the Hohe Tauern National Park, close to Europe’s highest waterfall which plunges 1,250 feet in three remarkable cascades. The cycling route follows the Salzach Valley on cycle paths through pine forests, picturesque villages and flower-strewn meadows. As you approach Kaprun the snow-capped peaks of Austria’s highest mountain range come into view – the Grossglockner at 12,400 feet is an awesome sight. The route continues along the lakeside through stylish Zell am See to Maria Alm. This is a superb tour offering quality hotels, leisurely cycling away from traffic, and an enticing range of activities when you’re not cycling. Remarkable scenery is guaranteed and ever-present.
Tour operates July to September 2016
7 nights from only £769 per person inc. bike hire
9 nights from only £879 per person inc. bike hire
Child discount £125 off the adult price
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Austrian Lakes and Mountains
This unique leisurely cycling tour through Salzkammergut will provide stunning mountain views which tower over the quiet lakeside cycle paths which hug the crystal clear lakes. The route is generally flat or downhill and takes in the charm of St. Gilgen, the beauty of Bad Ischl and then onto Lake Hallstatt in the Traun Valley, which some say is the prettiest of all of the famous Austrian Lakes. This itinerary also offers the option to ride to the lakes of Altausee and Grundlsee or you may wish to try a different activity such as walking, swimming or trips by boat, cable car or mountain train. Alternatively, you may wish to simply relax in the luxury of your 4* spa hotel which is located in Bad Aussee.
Tour operates June to September
8 nights from only £819 per person inc. bike hire
9 nights from only £959 per person inc. bike hire
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Danube Cycle Path (Passau to Vienna)
Never far away from the flowing Danube, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and popular cycle routes. You can either start your trip in the bordering German baroque towns of Schärding or Passau, the town of three rivers. You will cycle through various districts of Upper and Lower Austria and finally to the capital of Austria of Vienna. You will love the breathtaking natural beauty of the Danube valley and the Schlögen bend. To accompany these wonderful sights, you can enjoy many traditional Austrian traditions, from savoury dumpling specialties to the wines of the Wachau region. This cycle tour is a true classic, one of the most popular in Europe and is ideally suited as your first cycling holiday.
8 days from only £459 per person including bike hire
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Swiss Lakes & Mountains
This holiday is single-centre, based in Interlaken, in close proximity to some of the most remarkable scenery in the world. The Swiss Alps of the Bernese Oberland justify all the superlatives, and you will see many amazing sights from your saddle or through the window of your train. On this holiday we are offering a unique, new combination of cycling and inspiring rail journeys. From Interlaken you can cycle near the beautiful Lakes Thun and Brienz, taking in the fantastic views of lake below and mountains above; special routes using trains or the Postbus take the strain out of climbing to an altitude where you can enjoy the scenery and then cycle without serious gradient and then downwards on well-marked cycle routes.
Tour operates from April to October 2016
7 nights from only £779 per person inc. bike hire
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Lake Garda Family Tour
Lake Garda is a picturesque area in Northern Italy and one of the most popular locations for an active holiday. Many of the resorts are shielded by original Venetian walls and surrounded by water. There is also one of Europe’s top theme parks in the region too and this tour gives you time to explore ‘Gardaland’ close to Peschiera. You will also have time to go to the local zoo to see a conservation project that will appeal to adults and children alike. The local attractions can be visited by bike or local public transport. The tour follows quiet routes on cycleways and rural roads. There is little climbing or descending to do and loop rides take you back to your hotel in Peschiera.
Tour operates from May to September 2016
6 nights from £489 per person inc. bike hire
Find out more here >>>
You can find a full range of Leisure Cycling Holidays packages on the Freewheel website here >>>
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