What are the best cycling holidays in Europe for beginners?
Cycling holidays are undoubtedly one of the best types of holidays. While we might be a bit biased, they truly are, and we encourage you to embark on a cycle tour for the first time. During a beach or package holiday, you might engage in activities like swimming in the sea, building sandcastles with the family, and perhaps taking a short excursion by bike around the local resort.
However, merely lounging in the sun or strolling around the local area can become monotonous. An active holiday, especially one centred around biking, can revolutionise your holiday habits forever.
We understand that not everyone desires to spend hours cycling while on their summer break but trying a cycling holiday at least once is incredibly worthwhile. You'll experience so much and relish fulfilling moments with friends or family. Active on Holiday offers a selection of family and beginner cycle tours tailored for first-time cycle tourists. So, leave the sun lounger behind and prepare to pedal.
Choosing the right destination is key to initiating your cycling holiday adventure. We recommend starting with an easy route, such as the Danube Cycle Path or one through the South Tyrol in northern Italy.
Opting for shorter distances will help build your confidence, while our included luggage transfers will alleviate the stress of riding a heavily loaded bike. Moreover, staying in good-quality hotels will enhance the overall experience each day.
What are some of the easiest cycle routes in Europe?
Europe offers a plethora of cycle routes perfect for easy cycling holidays. The key to selecting an ideal route lies in finding a cycle trail that showcases picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and excellent cycle infrastructure.
There are various options worth considering: the Netherlands, renowned for its cycling culture; Denmark, with Copenhagen as a bike-friendly capital and the starting point for several tours; and Germany, offering numerous family-friendly trails of varying difficulty levels.
One of the standout routes is the Danube Cycle Path, linking Passau in Germany to Vienna, the capital of Austria.
The Austrian section ranks among Europe's most popular cycling holiday routes, particularly suitable for beginners. You can opt for the family-friendly Linz to Vienna route or embark on a leisurely 8-day or longer tour starting from Passau.
While destinations play a crucial role in choosing an easy cycling holiday in Europe, it's the package of services that truly sets experiences apart. All self-guided cycling holidays come inclusive of luggage transfers, pre-booked hotels, comprehensive route notes, and a selection of top-notch bikes. Hybrid bikes stand out as the optimal choice for touring Europe, equipped with high-quality components like Shimano gears, CST puncture-proof tyres, KTM frames, and compact Vaude panniers. Additionally, there's an option to upgrade to an electric bike, enhancing the overall experience.
Our primary message is that booking a cycling holiday need not be daunting; there are options available for first-timers, beginners, or those seeking a more challenging yet leisurely holiday experience.
Family-friendly cycling holidays around Europe
We offer an extensive range of family cycling holiday options across Europe, specifically tailored for families and younger riders. Our packages cater to all ages and ensure an enjoyable experience.
For instance, our self-guided tours along the Danube or Lake Constance are perfect for young children, featuring traffic-free cycle paths and manageable daily distances. Moreover, our bikes are suitable for riders of all ages, ensuring everyone can participate.
We meticulously select hotels based on their suitability for young children, ensuring they offer activities, swimming pools, or nearby attractions to keep the whole family engaged.
Safety is paramount on our family cycling holidays. We understand the importance of avoiding dense traffic and busy roads while on tour. That's why we've curated routes with low traffic volumes to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for young riders and family members alike.
Additionally, we provide a dedicated service line that you can contact at any time during your tour should you encounter any issues along the way. We aim to ensure peace of mind and support throughout your cycling adventure.
Featured family-friendly cycle route: Lake Constance
There are numerous incredible cycling holiday destinations throughout Europe, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. But what if I told you there's a region where you can experience all three countries in one exhilarating cycle tour? That's precisely what Lake Constance offers.
Locally known as Bodensee, it's a unique destination encompassing three countries in a single cycling adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in diverse cycling infrastructures, cultures, and towns throughout the week.
Lake Constance stands as one of Central Europe's primary holiday destinations, boasting a plethora of family-friendly attractions. From the Ravensburger Spieleland theme park to the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, there's a wealth of places to explore, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all ages.
The cycling route around the lake is meticulously maintained, well-signposted, and spans approximately 300 kilometres. While the full route might not be ideally suited for families due to its length, there are shorter stages that can be comfortably covered in a few hours rather than the entire day.
Additionally, you have the flexibility to combine stages by utilizing the network of ferries that cross the lake at regular intervals, offering even more options for exploration and convenience.
