We compare: Family cycle holidays

These family cycle holidays offer exotic two-wheel challenges for tweens and teens.

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 15 Aug 2016, 16:00 BST, Updated 7 Jul 2021, 14:30 BST

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal.

Photograph by Getty Images

India

What
Cycle and enjoy game drives through landscapes that were the inspiration for The Jungle Book, including Kanha Tiger Reserve. Pedal through ancient villages, visit a colourful and remote tribal market, stay in tree houses and luxury eco-lodges and learn all about tiger conservation.Average daily distances range from 20-35km but can be tweaked to suit your family's fitness levels, interests and ability (stragglers can hop into the support vehicle if they get too tired).

Cost
Nine days from £2,995 each (over-12s). The trip can be adapted for younger children but this isn't advised. Includes international flights, all meals and transfers, and use of a Trek X-Caliber bike. steppestravel.com

Our Verdict
Ideal for teens keen on wildlife and parents who love cycling with a little bit of luxury thrown in.

Nepal

What
Hike and bike the Annapurnas on a 15-day holiday to experience some of the world's highest mountains and most outstanding natural scenery, staying in local guesthouses after soaking sore muscles in hot springs along the way. Highlights include an exhilarating downhill mountain ride from Muktinath, pedalling through the deepest gorge on earth and cycling along ridges set high up in the mountains with the mighty Annapurna as a backdrop.

Cost
£1,375 per person (over-12s). The trip can be adapted for younger children but this isn't advised. Includes all transport (land only), accommodation, food, bike hire and porters. lostearthadventures.co.uk

Our Verdict
This is great for intrepid parents and teenagers looking for real action and adventure among big peaks.

Vietnam

What
Cycle through local villages, visiting one of the oldest parks in the country, explore a cave, sleep on an overnight train, stay in a longhouse homestay and cruise along Halong Bay, the would-be setting for James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, and learn about Vietnam's war history.

Cost
12 nights from £1,999 per adult, £1,749 per child (age nine and over). Includes flights, all transport,
nine nights' accommodation, most meals and a tour leader. familiesworldwide.co.uk

Our Verdict
An educational trip with plenty of variety, plus extras that can be added on, notably water sports at the beach. A great chance for kids to experience rural Vietnamese village life.

Germany

What
Pedal through Bavaria's pine forests, past scenic lakes with the Alps as the backdrop. Explore spa towns, fairytale castles, beer-brewing 8th-century monasteries and royal mountain retreats. The terrain is flat and requires cycling 38-45km every other day to reach a different hotel, each with great swimming facilities. Tandems and electric bikes are available on request.

Cost
12 nights (six hotels) from £1,495 per person, including flights. bspoketours.com/garmisch-itinerary

Our Verdict
An easygoing, relaxed trip, ideal for younger kids (ages 9-13), though it's suitable for most ages.

Published in the Summer 2016 issue of National Geographic Traveller Family (UK)

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