From Rome to Mount Olympus: Peter Sommer Travels Unveils Four New Archeological/Cultural Tours for 2015

Archaeological and cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has introduced four new itineraries in a packed 2015 tour program, including the first dedicated adventure amid the ruins and palaces of Rome © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Archaeological and cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has introduced four new itineraries in a packed 2015 tour program, including the first dedicated adventure amid the ruins and palaces of Rome © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Monmouth, UK – Archaeological and cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has introduced four new itineraries in a packed 2015 tour program, including the first dedicated adventure amid the ruins and palaces of Rome.

The new itineraries are among 30 different tours and gulet cruises in the Peter Sommer Travels 2015 series of journeys in the ancient lands of the Mediterranean.

Catering for no more than 18 people, each tour is hosted by an expert guide from fields including archaeology, ancient history, the arts, the classics and cuisine. They are designed to provide a rich insight into the history of past empires and civilizations, while also offering a chance to enjoy the magnificent culture, scenery, food and wine of each region.

The new tours are:

Exploring Rome– an eight-day encounter with the Eternal City, exploring the vibrant capital through its many layers of extraordinary history.  Archaeologists Paul Beston and Dr. Michael Metcalfe take travelers on a journey from Rome’s humble beginnings as a small settlement on the River Tiber through its rise to an imperial power controlling the entire Mediterranean. Highlights include the Roman Forum, the port of Ostia and Hadrian’s Palace at Tivoli. Departing October 17, this tour is priced from £2895 per person double (approximately US$4,626/CA$5,280).

Walking and Cruising the Carian Coast – an eight-day journey departing October 3, combining a cruise along the Turkish coast with walks along the recently opened Carian Trail.  With its herb-lined paths, traditional villages and hills swathed in pine, the new route provides a sense of remote, undiscovered Turkey. Archaeologist Peter Sommer takes walkers along some of its best stretches, with a traditional gulet ever present offshore to provide elegant transport, dining and accommodation.  From £2175 per person double (approximately US$3,475/CA$3,890). 

From the Slopes of Mt Olympus to the Shores of the Aegean – This 14-day land tour departs September 2, and explores the archaeology, food and wine of Macedonia. Archaeologists Heinrich Hall and Nota Karamaouna lead this journey through beautiful and diverse landscapes – from lofty mountains and fertile valleys to the blue waters of the Aegean. The tour explores grandiose archaeological sites, mighty castles, serene monasteries, picturesque villages and the 2300-year-old city of Thessaloniki. From £3595 per person double (approximately US$5,745/CA$6,433). 

Exploring the Peloponnese – The fame of this large peninsula that forms the southern part of the Greek Mainland rests on its long and often spectacular history, making it a veritable heartland of European and Western culture. During this 15-day land tour, guests will discover many of the area’s most famous highlights, including no less than six UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the gargantuan Bronze Age fortifications of Tiryns and Mycenae, the Classical splendors of Olympia, famous for the games that still bear its name, Epidaurus with its beautiful theatre and beautiful Byzantine Mystras.  Departing June 3, the tour is priced at £3595 per person double (approximately US$5,745/CA$6,433).

Other itineraries returning in the Peter Sommer Travels 2015 program include gulet cruises in Turkey and through the Greek islands, family cruises along the Turkish coast, a tour of Istanbul, gastronomic tours in Turkey and Sicily and a cruise along Italy’s Amalfi Coast.  The company’s signature tour is the award-winning journey In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, inspired by a 3000km walk across Turkey by archaeologist and BBC documentary maker Peter Sommer.

Prices include transport, accommodation, most meals, crew and guide services, and all entrance fees and tips on excursions.
For full details and bookings, contact Peter Sommer Travels at 1-855-443-3027 (in the US and Canada), email [email protected] or visit www.petersommer.com.

 

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Ace the Himalaya Pioneers “Home Stay Trek” in Remote Villages of Nepal

Ace the Himalaya is pioneering a 13-day “Home Stay Trek” that brings visitors into homes in remote areas of Nepal’s Gorkha region where their hosts are often friends and families of Sherpas.
Ace the Himalaya is pioneering a 13-day “Home Stay Trek” that brings visitors into homes in remote areas of Nepal’s Gorkha region where their hosts are often friends and families of Sherpas.

KATHMANDU, Nepal – Trekking, climbing and adventure company, Ace the Himalaya Pvt Ltd., is pioneering a 13-day “Home Stay Trek” that brings visitors into homes in remote areas of Nepal’s Gorkha region where their hosts are often friends and families of Sherpas who dedicate their lives to the mountains (www.acethehimalaya.com/special-trips/home-stay-trek.html).

Time spent as special guest of each village along the route will allow visitors to experience the true Nepali spirit while enjoying and sharing in their daily activities and rituals such as visits to the local blacksmith and time spent with the village shaman. Daily, trekkers will journey to a different village staying with a local family in a shared room. Rooms in local houses are clean, warm and dry, with simple beds. Linen and quilts will be provided although it is recommended participants bring a sleeping bag.

“This Home Stay Trek is inexpensive in comparison to other trekking trips in Nepal, and the outcome is that the money really goes to villagers,” said Prem K. Khatry, managing director of Ace the Himalaya. This region fosters more Sherpas than any other in the country. “While it takes extra care to introduce outsiders to culture and lifestyles that are unchanged for centuries, these efforts also assist local people socially and economically.”

The package rate for a single individual is $1,210; for two to four, $660 per person, and for five and more $550 each.  Included are airport transfers, overnights at a Kathmandu hotel, accommodation in mountain homes, Nepali local food, guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle, local Ace the Himalaya-licensed English-speaking guide, the required number of local staff and porters to carry luggage during the trek (one porter for every two guests), food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff, ground transportation to and from Kathmandu in private vehicle, complimentary duffel/kit bag, sun hat and T-shirt, sightseeing/monument entrance fees in Kathmandu, government taxes, VAT, tourist service charges, official expenses and a farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance show before the trip ends.

The money visitors pay for this exclusive people-to-people experience is welcomed by host families and covers the cost of providing food and accommodation. Breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna are free for the gazing. Guests experience the hospitality of eight host families in as many villages, arriving at the conclusion of each day of trekking.

Typical Nepali foods are offered each evening and along the trek: dal, bhat, tarkari and achar (rice, curry, pickle), and possibly Gundrook- Dheedo, a sugar-free dish made of wheat, maize and dried green vegetable. The food is always high on nutrition levels and most outsiders find it quite tasty.

Most villages don’t have a flushing toilet; a sewage system is non-existent. All toilets during the home-stay are squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground. There usually is a tap and bucket next to the toilet for flushing. Guests supply their own toilet paper. Baths and clothes washing take place at springs, rivers and communal outdoor showers.

Culture Shock

The lifestyle in these small villages is very different from that in Nepal’s larger communities. Western culture has had little influence on these people and their traditions can foster a little cultural shock with clients. Here are some key differences:

Most villagers tend to speak loudly and somewhat aggressively. Hence one should be aware that this is just normal approach and not be offended.

Physical disciplining of children (such as hitting and using the strap) is common and an old practice in Government schools; although the Government is working on phasing this out, it will take some time.

Sacrifices of animals and birds occur in traditional Hindu rituals during festivals; a visit to a witch doctor is a normal cultural activity.

Tobacco is quite common and many villagers smoke cigarettes.

Hygiene levels are often much lower in the villages as the locals hold higher immune capacity. s visitors are advised to reduce the chance of getting sick by being aware when interacting with children, accepting food from villagers and drinking water.

For more information and reservations contact:
North America: Alexia Nestora, 303-898-3376, [email protected]
Head office in Nepal: E-mail: [email protected], 24-Hour Hot Line Phone: +977 98511 02225, website: www.acethehimalaya.com/.

 

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Birders Flock to New Mexico for Festival of the Cranes, Nov. 18-25

Cranes in the Water: Birding enthusiasts flock to Socorro, New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for the annual Festival of the Cranes (photo by New Mexico Tourism Department).
Cranes in the Water: Birding enthusiasts flock to Socorro, New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for the annual Festival of the Cranes (photo by New Mexico Tourism Department).

Sante Fe, NM – Birding enthusiasts and travelers in search of natural beauty will flock to Socorro, New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Nov. 18-23 for the annual Festival of the Cranes. There, they can watch as snow geese lift off en masse at sunrise and return along with sandhill cranes for a spectacular sunset “fly-in.” Special hikes, tours and workshops will also be offered.

“The Festival is a great introduction to the wealth of birdwatching opportunities we have here year round,” said Tourism Cabinet Secretary Monique Jacobson. “Birding offers a unique way to experience the color, serenity and majesty of the New Mexico landscape.”

New Mexico counts some 500 different winged creatures on its state bird list and offers the growing ranks of birders a rich assortment of venues, from riparian habitats along the Rio Grande to high mountain forests.

Judy Liddell, president of the New Mexico Audubon Council, attributes birding’s growing popularity to a number of factors including its accessibility to all ages and lifestyles.

“Birding can be as easy as sitting at an observation site or as active as hiking, canoeing or kayaking,” said Liddell, also the co-author of Birding Hot Spots of Central New Mexico and the forthcoming Birding Hot Spots of Santa Fe, Taos and Northern New Mexico, to be released in spring 2015. “Events like the Festival of the Cranes provide an organized way to travel to a new location and see birds as part of a group.”

How to get started? “The best way is to accompany experienced birders into the field,” Liddell said. “Local Audubon chapters sponsor birding walks where experienced birders are eager to share their knowledge with novices. All you need in terms of equipment is a pair of binoculars, and they need not be expensive.”

Besides Bosque del Apache, a refuge for all seasons, other top recommended birding spots in New Mexico include:

Albuquerque Area:

• Sandia Crest – At an elevation of 10,678 feet, the Crest House is an easily accessible spot for observe all three species of rosy-finch during the winter. The Sandia Crest area is also a prime year-round location for observing such sought-after birds as the American three-toed woodpecker, Cassin’s finch and red crossbill.
• Rio Grande Nature Center State Park – Located within the city and along the river, this park boasts almost 300 documented species and is a perfect place to see New Mexico’s state bird, the greater roadrunner.

Southwest New Mexico:

• Gila Bird Area – Situated along the Gila, New Mexico’s only free-flowing river, this expanse is designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon New Mexico.
• Percha Dam State Park – Located north of Hatch along the Rio Grande, this is one of the best places in the state for bird watching. The central area is an open bosque and is good for phainopepla, woodpeckers, flycatchers and vireos. The half-mile river trail is excellent for birds in all seasons. Within a small woodland at the park, there are commonly flycatchers, woodpeckers and warblers during migration.

Southeast New Mexico:

• Rattlesnake Springs – Part of Carlsbad Caverns National Park and an Audubon New Mexico Important Bird Areas, this is an oasis in an otherwise rugged setting. In spring, vermillion flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, Bell’s vireo and painted bunting can be found. Cave swallows, which summer in the caverns, can also be seen foraging over the area.

Northern New Mexico:

• Orilla Verde Recreation Area – Located at the southern end of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and an Audubon New Mexico Important Bird Area, this 7-mile expanse winds through a steep-walled canyon along the river with both piñon-juniper and riparian habitats. Golden eagle nests on canyon ledges and bald eagle can be spotted in winter. Other specialties include American dipper, rock and canyon wrens and sagebrush sparrow nests on the plateau above.

• Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge – Strategically located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the edge of El Llano Estacado, the 8,672-acre refuge overlaps three unique landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains and eastern prairies. The sandhill cranes arrive in the fall as they migrate to their winter home. Bald eagles, northern harriers, and American kestrels are frequently sighted soaring above the refuge scanning the grasslands for prey or attracted to the hundreds of ducks and geese on the refuge’s open waters. Migrating shorebirds like long-billed dowitchers and sandpipers, probe the mudflats in early fall and spring.

North-Central New Mexico:

• Randall Davey Audubon Center and Santa Fe Canyon Preserve – The combined area totals 660 acres and has been designated an Important Bird Area by National Audubon. It contains a variety of habitats including wetlands and ponds, montane riparian, desert scrub, piñon-juniper, ponderosa and mixed conifer, each attracting more than 200 regular and rare bird species, including black-capped and mountain chickadees and stellers, pinyon and western scrub-jays, as well as wintering Townsend’s solitaire.

For further information on planning a birding trip in New Mexico, along with information on food, lodging and other attractions, visit www.newmexico.org or see related links below.

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Winners of First Global Wellness Travel Awards Announced

The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland won a Wellness Travel Award as "Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland won a Wellness Travel Award as “Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Spafinder Wellness 365® announced the winners of the inaugural global Wellness Travel Awardswhich were presented at a press event held at the World Travel Market in London. The new awards reflect the significance of the $494 billion worldwide wellness tourism market and are the first to honor destination spas, hotels, resorts and retreats around the world dedicated to offering experiences and environments that leave visitors healthier when they check out than when they checked in.

An elite panel of 26 travel and wellness industry journalists and experts nominated 373 locations for the awards; consumers across the globe then cast votes for the nominees. Online voting took place June 18 through September 19, and those nominees that received the most votes were named winners.

The results indicate that “wellness” means different things to different people:

Many consumers voted for  five-star hotels like the Four Seasons, which won 10 awards, two Crystal/continent awards and eight county awards –and has introduced creative offerings on the wellness front.

Some picked family-friendly options such as “Best for Families” winner, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii, where the family can choose from healthy food options and mom can relish a relaxing massage. And others cast their votes for exotic locations like Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (“Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“) or designations where they can practice their fitness favorites, like Parrot Cay by Como in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (“Best for Yoga”).

In all, people around the world cast votes for six Crystal Awards, 41 Country Awards and 18 Category Awards

Crystal Awards Honor Top Properties on Six Continents: Coveted Crystal Awards were given to the top wellness travel destinations on six (habitable) continents. Notably, Four Seasons properties won Crystal Awards in both Asia and Europe.

Africa: La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
Asia: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (Bali, Indonesia)
Australia: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat (Queensland, Australia)
Europe: George V Paris Four Seasons (Paris, France)
North America: Canyon Ranch (Brand-Wide, U.S.)
South America: Lapinha Spa (Lapa, Brazil)

Country and Category Awards: In addition to the Crystal Awards, consumers voted for their favorite wellness travel destinations in 41 countries, from Vietnam to Chile. Four Seasons properties were once again in the spotlight, winning awards in Argentina, Egypt, France, India, Malaysia, the Maldives, Morocco and Russia. The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, located in Essex, took honors for the UK, and Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario, won the Country Award for Canada.

Voters also recognized top destinations in 18 “Best for” categories, with well-known Miraval Resort and Spa and Canyon Ranch Tucson, both located in Arizona, garnering five and four awards, respectively. Additionally, category winners included Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (“Best for Mineral or Hot Springs“); Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Oahu, Hawaii (“Best for Families”); and Parrot Cay by Como in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (“Best for Yoga”). Salamander Resort and Spa in Virginia was voted “Best New Wellness Travel Property.”

Mia Kyricos, chief brand officer of Spafinder Wellness, Inc.®, who announced the awards at the press event alongside John Bevan, managing director of Spafinder’s European division, said, “We are honored to recognize the importance of wellness tourism to consumers worldwide who are seeking healthy travel options, whether they are in St. Petersburg on business or enjoying a rejuvenating vacation in New Zealand. As a company that has been in this business for nearly 30 years, it’s gratifying to see so many engaged by this awards program, and it is just the beginning.”

Spafinder Wellness 365 defines wellness travel “as vacations, getaways and business trips that help travelers stay (or get) healthy by offering unique options, such as healthy cuisine or programs that allow guests to relax and rejuvenate.”

Kyricos also noted wellness tourism grew 74 percent faster than global tourism overall (12.7 percent versus 7.3 percent) between 2012 and 2013, and that growth was especially strong in developing regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa (57 percent); the Middle East/North Africa (39 percent); Asia-Pacific (21 percent); and Latin America (16 percent), during that same timeframe**. The Wellness Travel Awards recognized numerous spas, hotels and resorts in these regions, many of them new to travelers.

“The awards are an industry accolade and an important consumer guide,” said Kyricos. “And these winners are just a few of the thousands of wellness destinations that are dedicated to providing healthy travel experiences for every budget and every interest. Keeping well differs for everyone, and the awards reflect the many paths to wellness that are offered around the globe.”

See all Wellness Travel Award winners at: spafinder.comspafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.

 

See also:

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach reinvents health/wellness luxury resort and slideshow

 

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USTOA Debuts New Travel Together Videos Highlighting ‘Live Like a Local’ Experiences

TaiwanTaroko Gorge, Taiwan. Taiwan will be the subject of USTOA experiential travel video in its ongoing Travel Together campaign. © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced the newest series of experiential travel videos in its ongoing Travel Together campaign: Australia’s Northern Territory with Goway. In partnership with Kelley Ferro, a frequent contributor to Tripfilms, the travel video channel created by real travelers for real travelers, the videos take viewers on a journey through Australia’s ruggedly captivating natural landscape while on tour with USTOA member Goway, providing an in depth look at the local culture of the region.

The videos are the newest installment in USTOA’s Travel Together campaign, a thoughtfully curated collection of experiential videos and blog posts exposing travelers to “live like a local” moments that delve deeply into immersive cultural experiences in featured destinations across the globe. Content is developed by travel expert and video journalist Kelley Ferro as well as a team of Ambassadors from AFAR magazine. Other series so far include Egypt with Abercrombie & Kent and South Africa with Swain Destinations and Collette.

Among the highlights in Australia’s Northern Territory, Kelley Ferro demystified aboriginal culture through a visit to The Earth Sanctuary, a family-owned sustainable living center, and learned about spices, fruits and plants harvested in the bush from a local guide. She experienced the sacred grandeur of Uluru, rode quads through the wilderness, got up close to snakes and lizards at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, learned to make aboriginal dot paintings and competed in rickshaw races at the Lasseters Camel Cup in Alice Springs, an iconic yet quirky celebration with camel races, rides, fashion shows, and much more.

In addition to the videos, Kelley Ferro and AFAR magazine Ambassador Flash Parker chronicled their experiences in Australia’s Northern Territory on USTOA’s blog. Flash Parker’s top 10 highlights from the trip can also be read at www.afar.com.

Travel Together videos and blog stories can be found at www.youtube.com/user/ustoanyc and www.ustoa.com/blog, as well as www.ustoa.com/traveltogether. Consumers can follow the adventures on Twitter by using #traveltogether and joining Facebook chats at www.facebook.com/USTourOperatorsAssoc with the media team scheduled throughout the coming months.

Videos and blogs about new destinations visited with USTOA tour operator members will be added monthly as part of the Travel Together campaign, including Taiwan with Ritz Tours, Croatia with VBT Bicycling & Walking Vacations and Delta, Manitoba with Tauck and Colombia with Avanti Destinations.

Representing more than $11 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow six million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe.   Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. 

For more information about USTOA, visit ustoa.com, call 212.599.6599 or email [email protected].

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mygreenglobe, showcasing eco-friendly travel entities, tops 100K views on YouTube

mygreenglobe, the YouTube channel showcasing travel entities which have achieved Green Globe Certification, has now surpassed 100,000 views.

The mygreenglobe channel is home to over 100 videos from Green Globe certified members world-wide. The clips are shot in some of the world’s most desirable travel locations, showcasing beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, as well as Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“Today’s travelers expect to be able to see all that hotels and resorts have to offer before they make their vacation choices,” Green Globe Communications Director, Bradley Cox said.” Green Globe video clips have become an extremely popular way to take a tour of our members’ properties and meet the management and staff who will greet guests and take care of them during their stay.

“Our strategy is to use videos to promote not only our members’ facilities and services, but also reveal the enormous efforts invested in preserving environments and supporting local communities. We believe this gives travelers a unique perspective into the true heart and soul of their vacation destination,” added Mr. Cox.

Exceeding 100,000 views is a major milestone for mygreenglobe, which provides Green Globe certified members the ability to communicate their sustainability achievements to global audiences every day of the year. In these short colorful clips, Green Globe members take viewers behind the scenes to meet the local people and gain an understanding of their community, culture and values.

New videos are launched every week and include a range of international destinations. The clips showcase different types of accommodation, from remote eco-luxury retreats such as The Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize to cool urban hotels including the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. Overall mygreenglobe delivers unique access, which has proven fascinating to travelers as well as industry professionals and interested community groups.

“Having a video channel that profiles such an enormous diversity of travel options is not only good for people looking to purchase a sustainable vacation, but has been a great benefit to our Green Globe members who can show everything from practical information on room types and activities, through to communicating the personality of their hotel or resort,” concluded Mr. Cox.

To view Green Globe member videos visit mygreenglobe or enter mygreenglobe on YouTube search.

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Green Globe is also a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). For information, visit www.greenglobe.com

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Bicycle Adventures Introduces New Cycling Trips to Taiwan, Spain, Plus New Money Saving Tours

Biking at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan. The island nation is one of the new destinations featured by Bicycle Adventures © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
Biking at Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan. The island nation is one of the new destinations featured by Bicycle Adventures © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for bicycle enthusiasts in 2015 from trail blazing Bicycle Adventures http://bicycleadventures.com/, a Pacific Northwest-based active travel company known for its two-wheel tours in North America, Hawaii’s Big Island and New Zealand.

The company is introducing one new Epic Tour, one Classic and three “Frugal Tours”, a new trip category, as well as international trips to northern Spain and Taiwan. It will also extend its season 2014 popular Lewis & Clark Series with Parts 3 and 4. And back by popular demand is Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour in Washington.

New Epic and Classic Tours for 2015:

  • Prairies to Pines Epic – Oregon: Ride from Bend, OR, north and east through the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds, Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Wallowa Lake, Eagle Cap Wilderness, Hell’s Canyon and Central Idaho’s high pastures. If the geologically diverse terrain doesn’t steal hearts, the roads will. Departures are June 20 and July 5 for nine days at $3,595 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/oregon-bike-tours/Prairies-to-Pines-Epic—NEW!
  • Palm Desert Classic – California: Ride through Joshua Tree National Park’s realm of desert flowers and golden rock outcroppings. Explore the Coachella Valley. Lounge by the pool under a palm tree. Here the winter blahs disappear with 354 days of sunshine per year. Departures are Mar. 16 and 23, and Oct. 19 and 26 for five days at $2,795 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/california-bike-tours/Palm-Desert-Classic—NEW!

Epic Tours promise rides of minimally 70 miles a day through phenomenal scenery, plus deluxe dining and lodging. “These tours are designed for avid cyclists who like nothing better than to ride 100 miles/day through spell-binding landscapes, with plenty of surprises, challenges and climbing,” said Todd Starnes,” Bicycle Adventures Founder/CEO.  Classic Tours are designed for more casual riders who like the sound of “35-ish miles/day”, plus hiking, shopping and soaking up the sun.

New “Frugal” (money saver) Tours for 2015:

  • Bend, Oregon Frugal: Otherwise known as ‘Bend on a Budget’, this tour of Oregon’s adventure capital includes riding on velvet-smooth roads, time playing in the resort area of Sunriver and fantastic rides nearby, including Smith Rock and McKenzie Pass. Departures are July 5 and Aug. 2 for six days at $2,225 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/tours/frugal-bike-tours/Bend-Frugal—NEW!
  • Sun Valley, Idaho Frugal: Ride curving roads beside wild rivers. Golf, hike, river raft, shop – even taste wines and fly fish. Explore majestic, beautiful Southern Idaho, from cowboy country to Sun Valley’s bling – at a price that won’t break the bank. Departures are July 19 and 26 for six days at $2,195 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/tours/frugal-bike-tours/Sun-Valley-Frugal—NEW!
  • San Juan Islands Frugal: Stay the entire time at the rustic Wayfarer Inn in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Feast on delightful offerings prepared by expert guide-chefs. Ride pristine island roads. Watch for whales and explore island secrets from lavender farms to artists’ haunts. Departures are June 14, July 19, August 16, September 13 for six days at $2,225 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/tours/frugal-bike-tours/San-Juan-Islands-Frugal—NEW!

New International Tours for 2015: 

  • Camino de Santiago, Spain: Guests ride through Basque country pedaling the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, from the wine-rich region of Rioja, to the Spanish Pyrenees in the shadow of the French border and onward to the wide-open plains of Castilla Leon and Galicia’s mountains and forests. The tour ends with the awe-inspiring sight of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Departures are May 2 and 17 for this 14-day trip at $4,450 per person double. http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/spain-bike-tours/Camino-de-Santiago—NEW!
  • Island of Taiwan: This island nation offers a unique and safe cycling experience that begins with a high-speed train ride from Taipei at the north end of the island to Kaohsiung City in the south for the start of the tour. Along the way guests challenge themselves with one of the most famous climbs in the world, into the mountains of Taroko National Park and back down again. There are stops at the National Palace Museum, an aboriginal village and night markets, national parks and of course along the coast that rivals Big Sur.  New and experienced cyclists can enjoy this 11-day trip with departures Oct. 24 and Nov. 7. The per person double rate is $3,945.

 Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour is a six-day program beginning Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 that engages people who want to learn to cross-country ski or skate-ski or just simply hone their skills. These tours are led by seasoned Bicycle Adventures guides and cross-country ski experts Teri Smith and Laurie Stephens. The per person double rate is $2,499.  http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/washington-bike-tours/Methow-Cross-Country-Ski-Tour—NEW!

Lewis & Clark (Parts 3 & 4) continue Bicycle Adventures’ Lewis & Clark Series into the Dakotas and near the Canadian border, then west again into Montana. The per person double rate for seven days is $2,675 and for six days $2,195. Departure dates are Aug. 30 for Part 3 and Sept. 7 for Part 4.

Lewis & Clark 3 – Pierre to Williston –
http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/south-dakota-bike-tours/Lewis-&-Clark-3—Pierre-to-Williston—NEW!

Lewis & Clark 4 – Williston to Great Falls –
http://bicycleadventures.com/destinations/north-dakota-bike-tours/Lewis-&-Clark-4—Williston-to-Great-Falls—NEW!

For more information, 2014 and 2015 availability and reservations contact Bicycle Adventures by phone: 800.443.6060, email: [email protected] or visit online at: http://bicycleadventures.com/.
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