With the holiday season upon us, there’s no better time to reflect on the gift of togetherness than by planning your next family getaway. ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, invites families of every and any combination – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friend groups, and more – to discover the joy of two-wheeled discovery on a vast array of private, custom, and regular trips in Europe and South America – perfect for creating lasting memories and new traditions.
From multi-generational adventures through Italy’s Alpine Valleys or exploring Croatia’s gravel trails, to unique Bike and Barge holidays or an amazing Patagonian journey, all ExperiencePlus! tours – be it self-guided or on a guided group tour – seamlessly blend active travel with cultural immersion. Families enjoy shared experiences exploring historic towns, indulging in local cuisines, and cycling through breathtaking landscapes, all at their own pace.
“Travel offers families a unique opportunity to connect in meaningful ways, away from the demands of everyday life,” says Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Cycling brings everyone together – whether it’s conquering a challenging ascent or savoring gelato after a day’s ride, these moments become the foundation of cherished family traditions.”
Here are just a few examples of ExperiencePlus! tours that are perfect for multi-generational families and groups new to touring:
Cycling Italy’s Alpine Valleys: Cycle through Northern Italy’s most bike-friendly regions, exploring lush meadows, Alpine views, and historic towns like Merano, Bolzano, and Trento. Perfect for varied abilities, this journey blends Austro-Italian history with stunning landscapes, pristine bike paths, and charming cafés in picturesque plazas.
- Level 1.0
- Stress-free and safe route mostly follows bike paths through gorgeous river valleys surrounding the Dolomites
- A 12-day itinerary is also available that includes Venice.
- Also available as a self-guided tour
Bike and Barge: Bruges to Amsterdam: Discover northern Belgium and the southern Netherlands by bike and barge, exploring 7,500 kilometers (4,660 miles) of historic waterways and serene canals. This journey combines medieval cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp with tranquil cycling paths, showcasing the region’s rich history whose growth and development are intricately tied to the water.
- Level 1.0
- Unpack just once
- UNESCO World Heritage sites, Flemish architecture, medieval Bruges
Emilia Romagna’s Culinary Delights Plus!: Experience the essence of Italy’s dolce vita on a cycling tour through Emilia-Romagna, a region celebrated for its rich history, culinary excellence, and cultural innovation. Explore medieval cities like Parma, Modena, and Bologna, taste Parmigiano-Reggiano and balsamic vinegar straight from the source, and pedal through stunning landscapes from the Apennines to the UNESCO-listed Po River Delta. This journey offers a unique blend of history, cuisine, and the vibrant spirit of Italian tradition.
- Level 1.5
- Behind-the-scenes visits to parmesan cheese factory, balsamic vinegar distiller, and wine makers; ancient castles and World Heritage UNESCO sites
- Also available as a self-guided tour
For high-energy families or groups, experienced multi-generational families, and families and groups looking for adventure:
Bike Across Italy: Venice to Pisa: Embark on the classic cycling tour that started it all in 1972! From Venice to Pisa, pedal through Italy’s iconic art cities, savor gourmet meals from Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, and explore hidden gems off the tourist path. Highlights include visits to Ferrara, Ravenna, Florence, and a stop at “the Hub,” ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ European headquarters, for a behind-the-scenes look at their operations.
- Level 2.5
- The quintessential Italy and ExperiencePlus! tour enjoyed by families of all abilities, interests, and ages
- Bypass the hardest day over the Apennines by jumping on a train
- An 8-day tour option from Venice to Florence is also available if time is of the essence.
Gravel Explorer: Coastal Croatia: Cycle across three borders on a mix of paved and gravel paths through Istria, the Adriatic’s largest peninsula. Begin in Pula, home to a remarkable Roman amphitheater, and pedal from Rovinj’s picturesque fishing port along Croatia’s stunning coast and through Istria’s rolling, Tuscan-like hills. Ride Slovenia’s Adriatic coastline and finish in historic Trieste, a city rich with Austro-Hungarian heritage.
- Level 3.0 – Part pavement, part gravel/dirt road/trail
- Cycle dirt sections of the Parenzana “rails to trails” route between Trieste and Porec
- Beaches, truffles, Roman ruins, UNESCO world heritage site, medieval hilltop towns and striking scenery
- The itinerary features two 2-night stays
Bicycling Patagonia’s Lakes District Plus! the Island of Chiloé: Embark on a 10-day journey through Patagonia’s Lakes District and Chiloé Island, cycling from Argentina to Chile. Cross the Andes’ Continental Divide and experience Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes of pristine lakes, lush forests, volcanoes, and snowcapped peaks. Explore Chiloé Island’s serene fjords, historic wooden churches, and rugged Pacific coast, discovering a culture as unique as its remote location.
- Level 3.5
- Pedal across the Andes from Argentina to Chile
- Stunning scenery, penguins, volcanoes, thermal springs, local guides
- There is also a shorter, 8-day itinerary available
Things to consider when selection the right trip for families or groups:
- Look for trips where options abound for rest days off the bike, for example, itineraries with two-night stays.
- Non-riders will have more flexibility on bike and barge tours than any other style.
- Self-guided itineraries come with daily ride options that appear to cyclists with differing appetites for miles.
Need help finding the right tour? Check out the company’s Tour Finder where you can set filters for style and level to generate departures that best fit your criteria. If you have a specific destination in mind, this took can be particularly helpful.
Make it private!
For any groups with 10 or more people, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours also offers private departures as the perfect ‘plug and play’ option for folks who are perfectly happy with any of the company’s existing itineraries. Custom tour options are also open for groups of eight or more who are interested in a route, itinerary, or hotel upgrades that ExperiencePlus! doesn’t currently offer.
