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.

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.

Planning a vacation can be challenging. When should you go? What should you do? And most importantly, where should you go?

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.

Europe. A timeless wonderland that never ceases to amaze travelers of all ages. Exploring Europe with your family by bike and on foot offers a unique opportunity to bond while discovering rich history, diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes together.

In the land of azulejos, pastel de nata and Port wine, it’s easy to forget that—outside of the stunning seaside cities of Porto and Lisbon—there’s world-class hiking. Portugal is home to some truly incredible hikes that you don’t want to miss! So come with us as we explore some of the best hikes Portugal has to offer.