Bonjour! Time to download your favorite language app, because we’re going to France!

If you’re looking for smooth riding, sunshine and head-turning scenery for your next cycling holiday in Europe, look no further than Spain. With varied terrain composed of pale grasslands, huge mountains, picturesque beaches and snaking river valleys, you’ll easily find the perfect cycling route for your level. Let’s check out some of Spain’s most epic bike destinations below. Vamos!

Creating an itinerary for a European family vacation that balances adventure, culture and relaxation can be a challenge. At Backroads, we have active travel family vacations that combine all three for families, whether your family includes kids, teens or young adults, so your next family trip can be a hit with everyone.

At Backroads, we believe travel should be active, engaging and unforgettable.

The Rhine, the Danube, the Seine: steeped in history, the names of these major rivers evoke images of fairy-tale castles, small towns with red-tiled roofs and some of the most significant cultural centers in Europe. Taking a Backroads Active River Cruise along one of Europe’s iconic waterways is a wonderful way to discover the Continent’s rich cultures, fascinating history and scenic landscapes.

When your whole family loves being active outdoors, sometimes it’s difficult to find an adventure travel vacation that caters to everyone’s needs, especially if you want to combine multiple types of activities in one trip. Want to not just hike, but bike, kayak and zip-line too? Maybe a little horseback riding or snorkeling? Managing the logistics of organizing with multiple individual tour providers can be challenging if you plan it on your own.

Planning a family trip to Europe can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. With so many incredible destinations to visit and exciting things to discover, it can be hard to know where to start. And when planning a family-friendly European adventure, considering both the kids’ and the adults’ wants and needs will ensure that everyone has a great vacation!

Nothing comes as close to time travel as cruising. Fall asleep in one location and—abracadabra!—wake up in a new destination. Not just convenient, but it actually does feel a little like magic.

Cycling through Europe offers a unique opportunity to traverse beautiful landscapes, ride through historic towns and explore new cultures while traveling under your own power. Whether you're exploring sunny Mediterranean coastlines, biking through picturesque wine countries, conquering mountain passes or enjoying it all from a river cruise ship, there's something for every family to enjoy.

We all remember our teenage years—some of us more vividly than others. Looking back, I remember I was both unsure of who I was and convinced I knew everything.