Family-friendly holiday options for May half-term

For a family-friendly May half-term holiday, HF Holidays is highlighting two of its self-guided options – a donkey trail in France and a cycling itinerary in Germany and Austria – which offer the family the flexibility of travelling at their own unhurried pace. 

In addition to learning about the care and well-being of a donkey, there’s the opportunity to explore the picturesque countryside of the Ardèche region of France on the six-night self-guided Family Rambles with a Donkey trail which is suitable for children aged four and over.

The trail follows child-friendly routes through meadows and forests – with easy walking distances of between six and 10 miles – with highlights including the region’s chestnut forests, volcanic hills and small hamlets.

The cost is £599 per adult, twin-share, with children aged six-11 years £339 and those aged four-five years £269 each.  These prices include six nights’ full-board accommodation in small rural farms and chambres d’hote, maps and detailed walk notes, luggage transfers and one donkey per group to carry luggage and tired children (up to a maximum of 30kg).

Or enjoy a leisurely seven night self-guided cycling tour along the Danube – from Passau in Germany to Grein in Austria – with daily cycling distances of between 13 and 19 miles mostly on the purpose-built flat cycle paths alongside the river.

Highlights include visits to the historic centres of Linz and Grein, the picturesque abbey in St Florian, swimming in one of the many bathing lakes as well as two free days to explore the surrounding area or simply to relax. 

The cost is £449 per adult, twin-share, with children aged seven-16 years £349 each.  These prices include seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast in three-star hotels, cycle hire, luggage transfers and route notes and maps.

All prices quoted do not include travel to the destination.

For more information and reservations, visit hfholidays.co.uk.