Family cycling holidays in Europe for May half-term

For a family-friendly adventure this May half-term, HF Holidays suggests pedalling at your own unhurried pace through picturesque countryside past historical sights, exploring a new culture and country.

For example, one of the most popular cycling holidays in France is the seven-night, self-guided Brittany Cycle Tour– graded easy – it’s ideal for families with distances of between two and 28 miles each day and follows the scenic towpaths of the Nantes-Brest canal, quiet country lanes and cycle paths along the old railway line.

Other cycling holiday highlights include the fairytale chateaux of Josselin and Pontivy, the 18th century streets of Mur-de-Bretagne as well as the traditional foods and produce of Brittany including cider, crepes and cotriade (fish stew). The itinerary offers safe cycling and at various stops there are swimming pools and play areas, plus kayaking opportunities.

The week commencing 25 May costs £675 per adult, twin-share, whilst the price for children aged under 16 years – and sharing with parents – is £575. Also included is seven nights’ B&B accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses along the way.

Alternatively, its seven-night, self-guided Leisurely Danube itinerary – also graded easy – is a relaxed tour which follows the purpose-built flat cycle paths along the Danube from Passau in Germany to Grein in Austria taking in historic town centres – such as Linz – lakes for swimming and picturesque abbeys as well as featuring two free days to discover the local sights or simply relax. Daily cycling distances are between 13 and 19 miles.

May half-term week costs £530 per adult, twin-share, with children aged under 16 – and sharing with parents – paying £430 each. This includes seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast in three-star hotels and two ferry trips on the Danube.

All prices quoted include cycle hire, luggage transfers between overnight stops, plus route notes and maps. Travel to the destination is extra.

About HF Holidays

HF Holidays has been helping people enjoy the great outdoors for nearly 100 years. Today over 50,000 people come on holiday with us every year. They come for the walking. They come for the activities. They come for the fun. They come for the food. And they come for the high quality accommodation. It’s why we’re Britain’s biggest walking and outdoor leisure holiday specialists.

Background info:

* Founded in 1913, HF Holidays is a co-operative society arranging walking, outdoor and
leisure activity holidays for 50,000 people each year (for non-members, a £5 associate fee
is payable per holiday).
* Options range from guided walking breaks and self-guided trails in Britain to challenging
ascents Worldwide. The leisure activities range includes art, music, literature and mindand-body holidays.
* HF Holidays is the recommended walking holiday partner of the Ramblers, Britain’s
walking charity (ramblers.org.uk), and supports the work of the Ramblers through
membership initiatives and charitable donations.
* HF Holidays has 20 Houses in the UK’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays.
* HF Holidays’ walks leaders are passionate about walking and keen to share their
experience with guests (after passing a rigorous selection course).
* HF Holidays is committed to Responsible Tourism, contributing to environmental projects
around the UK – such as footpath maintenance – through its Pathways Fund and
supporting local Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue teams as well as charities in Kenya
and South Africa.
* Voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2010, 2011 and 2012,
with a 2012 satisfaction score of 98 per cent. Also Best Large Short Break Operator 2011
and 2012.
* In recent research (March 2012) carried out by Which?, HF Holidays achieved
Recommended Provider Status receiving an overall customer satisfaction score of 94%.
* HF Holidays is a member of ABTOT and is ATOL protected.