Tour de Family

One cornerstone in most childhoods: learning to ride a bike. City kids, country mice and everyone in between have (usually) had their own ups and downs, experiences and memories on a bike. Whether commuting to work or hopping on a bike for a family ride, the age-old recreation refuses to lose its charm.

Combine a scenic oasis with cycling and you have an ideal outdoor adventure. Freewheel Holidays offers self-guided cycling tours and Sports Tours International blends the best part of leisure tours and active adventure.

With tours available for everyone from beginners to experts and itineraries that cater to both, Sport Tours International is a great way for European and North American travelers to explore on their own. Enjoy leisure time and appreciate a deeper connection to the region visited.

For families looking for great food, wine, culture and a healthy mix of leisure and activity, Portugal is an easy choice. Make the family vacation easy on yourself and check out the extensive sightseeing and culture riding along the Algarve coastline.

Each tour includes eight-days’, seven-nights’ accommodations, breakfast, airport transfers, bikes, luggage transfers, a 24-hour service hotline and detailed route notes and maps.

Algarve Coast to Coast

Opt for the full beach experience riding with the family along the Ecovia do Litoral. The path links Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border with Cabo de São Vicente (Sagres) in the west, showcasing nearly the entire southern coastline. Riders and families, expect stunning coastal vistas, protected nature regions, fishing villages, Moorish architecture and incredible historic sites. The route is car-free so rest easy with the kids on the path. Rates begin at €779 per person.

Eastern Algarve 

Ride along the Spanish border through ancient history. Take in the view of resorts and old fishing villages before visiting the local markets and cobblestone streets of Silves. Shop, dine, bird watch and enjoy tales of history for €839 per person, double rate.

Algarve, Portugal © Anobis | Dreamstime.com

Lisbon to the Algarve

Begin at the capital city, Lisbon, and ride to Sesimbra, viewing limestone cliffs, the Troia Peninsula and the Nature Park of Arrábida. Ride alongside orange and lemon groves, vineyards and cork oak trees on your way to Cabo St. Vicente, Algarve. Learn about the region’s varied history, including stories of Prince Henry the Navigator from the 15th century. Based on double occupancy, this tour is €979 per person.

Western Algarve 

Meet the west in Silves, riding through the once Moorish region along the southern coast of the Algarve. Ride along the cycle route, Ecovia do Litoral, along the Algarve coast from Cape St. Vincent from the west, north. Enjoy the famed beach town Lagos before resting a bit in Sagres. Watch locals surf while relaxing on the beach or take in more history visiting the city’s old fortress. Next up, the forested region along the rugged Alentejo mountain range. Travelers pay €909 per person based on double occupancy.

With more than 50 European vacation tours available, guests can choose from 4–9-night itineraries in 12 European countries. Most are self-guided tours, but those looking for more expert guidance, opt for the full-care vacation packages in Croatia, France, Italy, Prague and Vienna.