With the freedom to explore at your own pace and the reassurance that all logistics are expertly organised for you, self-guided travel is more popular than ever, offering you the very best of both independence and support. What's more, many of our self-guided adventures are family friendly too! At KE, we understand that families with children of varying ages have differing needs and desires for their holiday. That's why we have created a list of adventures for each age group, from leisurely centre based holidays ideal for families with young children, providing a comforting home away from home atmosphere, to action-packed experiences that will engage teenagers in culture and activities and prepare them for independent travel. Take a look at some of our top recommendations below.

Children in carriers: Aged 0-4

Self-Guided Walking on the Cinque Terre

Embark on a memorable family getaway to the Cinque Terre on our self-guided walking holiday. With vibrant villages, crystal-clear seas and delectable local cuisine, this centre-based experience offers an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation for families. Easily accessible with abundant flight options, the region's beauty is complemented by the flexibility of exploring on foot or by train. The self-catering apartment provides a perfect retreat for evenings and personal space, allowing you to unwind after the kids are asleep. The centre-based approach, along with the freedom to explore at your own pace, ensures that both you and the kids can create cherished memories together in this idyllic Italian haven.

Self-Guided Cycling Lake Constance & Rhine Falls

Embark on an unforgettable family cycling adventure through Germany, Switzerland` and Austria with our self-guided tour around the stunning Lake Constance. This one-week trip combines the perfect blend of picturesque landscapes, cultural exploration and family-friendly activities. With cycling around the glistening blue lake, visits to the breathtaking Rhine Falls and a boat journey to Reichenau Island, there's no shortage of excitement. Our carefully chosen family-run 3* hotels offer great locations and warm hospitality, ensuring a comfortable stay. The flat cycle paths and various bike options, including seats, trailers and child bikes, make it an excellent holiday for kids. Explore Disney-like towns for extra magic, relax at Romanshorn's outdoor centre and savour well-deserved local wines and beers. 

More adventures perfect for families with children in carriers: 

• Self-Guided Walking: West Sweden Island Hopping

• Self-Guided Danube Cycling: Passau to Vienna

• Self-Guided Rhine Cycling: Strasbourg to Mainz

• Self-Guided Cycling Amsterdam to Bruges

• Self-Guided Walking in Italy: Wine & Alpine Pastures

Children aged 4-8

Self-Guided Walking in Lisbon & Serra de Sintra

This fantastic short break is all about exploring Lisbon’s vibrant city and the wild Atlantic coast on foot and at your own pace. Lisbon offers a perfect blend of culture, relaxation and activities for kids and adults. With two nights in Lisbon, you have plenty of time to explore the city and try the infamous pastel da natas! Your following two days take you to the beautiful Sintra, featuring a scenic and easy train journey and walk to the incredible Pena Palace and colourful gardens. Daily walks of 4-5 hours with a maximum ascent of 400m make this ideal for those who enjoy sightseeing combined with walking. Immerse yourself in the charm of Lisbon and Sintra and enjoy breathtaking walks along the Atlantic coast on this unforgettable adventure.

Self-Guided Walking on Lanzarote

Discover the beautiful ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ on this self-guided hike and drive holiday, ideal for families. Staying in an apartment, on a B&B basis, throughout the trip ensures a homey retreat for the week and removes the morning rush to find a satisfying breakfast before your day of walking! Your apartment will also have a private balcony and the complex has its own swimming pool and restaurant - perfect for relaxing! You'll explore the island's varied landscapes, from reaching Penas de Chache—the highest point with unforgettable views—to traversing the Los Ajaches National Park and the lush Valley of 1000 Palms. Enjoy plenty of time at the island's beaches and secluded coves for refreshing dips and visit the idyllic island of La Graciosa for its stunning scenery and empty beaches. Car hire is included in this holiday, granting you ultimate flexibility and allowing you to shape your holiday exactly as you wish.

More adventures perfect for families with children aged 4-8: 

• Self-Guided Walking on the Algarve

• Self-Guided Walking on Cyprus

• Self-Guided Cycling in the Loire Valley

Children aged 8+

Self-Guided Velodyssee Cycling: Arcachon to Biarritz

This exciting 5 night cycling adventure follows the EuroVelo 1 long distance cycle route, the Velodyssee, along the Cote d’Atlantique from Arcachon to the seaside town of Biarritz. Cycle through picturesque vineyards, farmlands and historic coastal towns, covering an average of 50km daily. With so much to do along the way, from enjoying a boat trip from Arcachon to joining a surf lesson on the famous Hossegor beach and climbing Europe’s highest sand dune, Pilat, this holiday promises unique experiences for all the family. Each night, you can unwind in welcoming hotels, close to inviting beaches, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim after a day on your bike and dine on the fantastic cuisine this region is known for. 

Self-Guided Switzerland Cycling & Chocolate Tour

This is a delightful self-guided cycling adventure that immerses you into Swiss life, with bustling towns and cities surrounded by the natural playgrounds of beech forests, lakes and high peaks. Cycle the Schoggi chocolate trail from Zurich and make your first stop in the town of Kilchberg for your guided tour of the Lindt chocolate factory! Continue along this trail, exploring the immaculately preserved Altstadts of Zurich and Lucerne, take a boat ride across Lake Lucerne, cycle through impressive valleys to the crystal clear of Lake Lucerne and over the passes with views of the beautiful Alpine Peaks. Cycling between 30-50km per day on well maintained and signposted cycle paths we have designed this trip for all the family. You'll stay in a selection of handpicked 3* and 4* hotels on a B&B basis in some of Switzerland’s most iconic towns; perfect for unwinding at the end of a busy day on your bike.

More adventures perfect for families with children aged 8+:

•  Self-Guided Walking on Santorini and Naxos

Teenagers

Self-Guided Icelandic Adventure