On Tourissimo’s NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brook Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe.
(Turin, Italy) — Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a northeastern Italian border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where travelers will find the cultural and culinary imprints of all three countries.
On Tourissimo’s NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe. The rest of the biking will be on secondary country roads with many interesting and tasty stops. Chef Williamson will play an important role in understanding the local cuisine, which reflects the varied cultures that surround this region. Prices start at $4,995 per person double. Companions that are non-riders are welcome. E-bikes are available upon request.
“We are fond of Friuli not just because it is cycling heaven, but also because it is a must-visit destination for gourmands and wine lovers, and is finally being recognized as such,” said Beppe Salerno, co-founder of Tourissimo. “It is the perfect destination for someone who has been to Italy several times and is looking for something new and different.”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Brooke Williamson has carved out an impressive resumé full of leading roles and professional achievement, such as being the youngest female chef to ever cook at the James Beard House, winning Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 14 in Charleston, and most recently, being crowned the first winner of Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” in spring 2020.
Tour Highlights:
Scenic Alpe-Adria Bikeway
Wine tasting at a family-run winery that includes the rare and up-and-coming Schioppettino
Cividale del Friuli (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and Venzone (National monument)
Stunning cycling along rolling hills covered with vineyards and with the Julian Alps in the backdrop
Grado’s golden beaches
Palmanova and Aquileia
Regional food that combines Mediterranean and Mitteleuropean influences
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant with cooking demonstration
The tour takes place June 25-July 1, 2023, $4995 pp.
Tourissimo are Italy experts and have several decades of combined experience in all facets of the adventure travel industry. https://www.tourissimo.travel.
Escape Adventures is introducing a 5-day mountain biking tour across the 1.35 million acre Bears Ears National Monument.
(Moab, Utah) — Escape Adventures is introducing a 5-day mountain biking tour across the 1.35 million acre Bears Ears National Monument.
The trip starts at Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding, Utah, a 19th century Mormon settlement, and climbs high into the Abajo Mountains. Highlights include an array of archaeological sites and ruins, The Notch, Duck Lake, Sego Flat, Reef of Rocks, Maverick Point Overlook, Skull and Crossbones, The Causeway, and Jackson Ridge. Wildlife is abundant, and views atop the Abajo Mountains extend for 75-miles in all directions. This first-class camping tour starts at $1,299 per person. For more info, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/bears-ears-mountain-bike-tour/. View the full itinerary here.
“This roughly 80-mile mountain biking tour covers a broad expanse of red rock, juniper forests and high plateau, while exposing riders to early human and Native American historical artifacts,” said Escape Adventures Director, Jared Fisher.
Named after a pair of monumental 2,000-ft twin buttes, Bears Ears National Monument is a remarkable remnant of 200-million year old sand dunes. Capped in shades of pale orange to light red sandstone, the Bears Ears formation is so distinctive it can be seen, even at great distance, from nearly every direction. Framed by Dark Canyon Wilderness and the Beef Basin to the west, Comb Ridge on the east, the Grand Gulch Plateau and Cedar Mesa to the south and Canyonlands National Park to the north, this mountain bike tour takes riders through the most unique and historical landmarks southeast Utah has to offer.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of the tour, including all transportation, food preparation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Hell Roaring Lake Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Escape Adventures is introducing a multi-day cycling tour showcasing Idaho’s magnificent Sawtooth Range and some of the state’s most rejuvenating natural hot springs.
(Las Vegas, NV) – Escape Adventures is introducing a multi-day cycling tour showcasing Idaho’s magnificent Sawtooth Range and some of the state’s most rejuvenating natural hot springs. The tour includes five days of road rides (190-265 miles total), remote natural hot springs, wild rivers, colorful mining towns, and cycling the highest paved road in the American Northwest. Offered June-September with first-class camping accommodations or casual inns, the price per person double starts at $1,399.
“Picture yourself cycling through Idaho’s breathtaking Sawtooth Range, sleeping under the stars, and soaking in some of the world’s most beautiful and rejuvenating natural hot springs,” said Escape Adventures Director Jared Fisher. “It does not get much better than that.”
The Sawtooth Range and Wilderness are home to nearly 400 lakes created by receding alpine glaciers, and there are 57 peaks with an elevation over 10,000 feet. This striking mountain landscape was a favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the Ketchum, ID area.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Sweep through scenic Boise and cycle to the Lucky Peak Reservoir beneath steep columns of basalt up to Idaho City. As you leave Idaho City, climb for 13 miles (2,500 feet) to Banner Ridge where views are nothing short of phenomenal! Enjoy a wonderful soak in Kirkham Hot Springs nestled on the South Fork of the Payette River.
Day 3-4: Continue through untamed Idaho high country, routing toward Red Fish Lake and sweeping up 30 miles to Banner Summit. Beyond Stanley, buckle up for one of one of the most stunning wilderness areas in the Intermountain West: The Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Next, climb toward Galena Summit, the highest paved road in the Northwest. Then, a brisk 30-mile downhill leads to Sun Valley.
Day 5: Spend an enjoyable morning in Sun Valley, interpreting the historic sites, and then head to Hailey – “Idaho’s hometown.” Finish the day at the gloriously picturesque Silver Creek Preserve. Have lunch here amidst the great splendor. Shuttle back to Boise.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of this tour. This means from the time Escape Adventures picks you up, all transportation, food preparation, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included.
Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle. Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Since 1992, Escape Adventures has organized adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type, and from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels. https://escapeadventures.com/
Registration for Parks & Trails NY’s Cycle the Erie Canal 2021 opens today, April 1, at noon. The traditional eight-day, 400-mile biking adventure is returning for a 23rd year in 2021. Riders will leave Buffalo July 11 and reach Albany on July 18.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of riders, volunteers, staff, vendors, and local community members is at the forefront of planning. With this in mind, the PTNY coordinators have made the following changes:
The tour is limited to 350 participants and volunteers. Be sure to register early to reserve your spot!
All registrations will be for the full eight-day option.
Non-rider drivers will not be allowed to accompany the tour this year.
To keep everyone safe and meet state and local COVID-19 regulations, registration fees have increased this year.
To register, visit ptny.org/ctec2021. Registration opens today, Thursday, April 1, at noon.
The route follows the legendary Erie Canal passing locks and aqueducts and winding through historic villages and rural farmlands.
The 400-mile journey along the legendary Erie Canal ends in Albany eight days later. Along the way, cyclists enjoy some of the finest scenery, most interesting history, and unparalleled cycling in the United States. Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail, which is now more than 85 percent complete and the east-west axis of the statewide 750-mile Empire State Trail.
Designed as a camping trip, accommodations are provided with showers, toilet facilities, some with pools or lakes for swimming; eight breakfasts and six dinners; two daily refreshment stops along the route; evening entertainment including music and historical presentations; guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums and other attractions including the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Erie Canal Museum and Village, Fort Stanwix National Monument and a boat tour through the Lockport locks; kick-off reception and end-of-tour celebration; Cycle the Erie Canal t-shirt; baggage transport; SAG wagon and mobile mechanical support; daily maps and cue sheets; painted and arrowed routes; pre-departure info packet including training trips. Other amenities available (at additional fee) include fresh daily towels, gourmet morning coffee, tent and air mattress rental and set up (for those who don’t want to pitch their own tent).
The price up until June 7 is $1200/adult, $650 youth (6-17); $290 child (5 and under); shuttle is $100.
The PTNY coordinators are following the guidance from New York State, and will be prepared to follow all regulations in place in July. Registrants will be notifiedof any updates or changes. Visit New York State’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory to stay abreast of restrictions that might impact your travel plans.
Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour on Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.
(Las Vegas, NV) — Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multi-colored array of spires, arches, buttes, and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cacti below and snow-capped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.
“The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a very rewarding and scenic mountain bike ride,” said Escape Adventures Director Jared Fisher. “While enjoying the beauty of the nature that surrounds us, we will also appreciate the modern amenities like our custom support truck, gourmet meals, top-of-the-line camping equipment, and attentive guides.”
This multi-day odyssey through some of the most gorgeous terrain imaginable loops around the Island in the Sky mesa top within Canyonlands. Riders will definitely want to take plenty of pictures of along the way as they’ll pass an array of stop-offs and scenic overlooks, admiring both the Colorado River and the Green River far below. The ride mostly involves casual doubletrack, enjoyable for most people, from novice riders to families. (Check out the video.)
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of this tour. This means from the time Escape Adventures picks you up, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included.
Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Ride Schafer Trail to Airport, ride to Murphy’s Hogback via White Crack.
Day 3-4: Ride to Potato Bottom with slot canyon side hike. Ride along Green River up Mineral Bottom. Shuttle back to Moab.
The trip, including first-class camping, starts at $999 per person. E-bikes are available upon request. Tours run March-May and September-October. For more info, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/utah-white-rim-mountain-bike-tour/ or contact Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953.
Since 1992, Escape Adventures has shaped and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. With programs in 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type – from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels. https://escapeadventures.com/
DENVER – Grasshopper Adventures is bringing its more than 15 years of adventure tour experience across Asia to the U.S. and Canada with three new multi-sport programs: Alaska & the Yukon, Coastal Maine, and the Everglades to Key West.
Long synonymous with eco-friendly tours that engage local communities, Grasshopper Adventures is bringing that same ethos to North America. Exploring the outdoors by bike, kayak, canoe and foot, the tours’ active elements are both non-intimidating and achievable for a wide range of fitness levels. The small group size offers guests a sustainable alternative to traditional bus or cruise touring and the opportunity to spend time with experts in local communities.
“To really experience the outdoors in North America we had to go beyond cycling,” says Grasshopper Brand Ambassador, Steve Grace. “We’ve included kayaking and canoeing, short hikes and even a wetlands walk, with tours led by expert naturalists and guides.
Asked to list a few highlights, Grace says that there are many to list, but his top five are:
Cycling the Gold Rush route and canoeing the Yukon – “Breathtaking.”
Kayaking to Mendenhall Glacier – “Ranks high on my “wow” scale.”
The Everglades by airboat – “Thrilling ride through a remarkable ecosystem.”
Biking overseas to Key West – “Tops many cycling bucket lists for good reason.”
Coastal Maine, “Historic, gentle cycling and beautiful. You’ll want to come back”
Grasshopper Adventures’ North American Collection is on sale now, with scheduled dates from February 2021 through the fall, including a limited time $100 booking offer, allowing you to secure your vacation for less.
The new North American tours also feature visits to artisan’s studios, indigenous villages and include interaction with local experts who are change makers in their respective fields. “We’re always enhancing the travel experiences, so I’m constantly tinkering with tour programs,” says Grace. “ Reflecting contemporary life, meeting folks engaged in community issues, that’s true authenticity and that sets us apart.”
While Grasshopper has been planning a move to North America for several years, the disruption in international travel was the motivation needed to kickstart these long dreamed of programs to new frontiers. Look for more, including the new signature series in Australia, home of company Owner & Chief, Adam Platt-Hepworth.
Grasshopper Adventures has taken thousands of people on multi active and biking tours through Asia for more than 15 years and in 2020 introduced a range of inspired adventures beyond Asia. All trips focus on the natural environment, meaningful stories and interaction with local communities. The company’s carefully crafted itineraries enable an active journey of discovery at a superior level of value. Accommodations are comfortable and unique, delicious food is a key element and guides are experts in their fields.
Grasshopper Adventures runs tours in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, China and Uzbekistan. Tours range from 5 to 14 days.
Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle State Park, one of the many highlights of the bike tour along the Great Allegheny Passage. Wilderness Voyageurs is offering a virtual tour as well as a painting class online (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
If you can’t get out of your house right now, Wilderness Voyageurs has the solution for your cabin fever! Join Colleen from Wilderness Voyageurs Headquarters for a virtual tour of Ohiopyle and the Great Allegheny Passage by bike. You’ll explore all the iconic spots in Ohiopyle State Park, ride on the GAP, a rail trail system that links Maryland and Pennsylvania, and check out some spring blooms. You can also join her on Facebook or Instagram for a live painting of Cucumber Falls, a favorite Ohiopyle landmark, on April 24 at 4PM EST. Then send in a photo of your finished masterpiece and it will be posted on Instagram for the world to admire!
Wilderness Voyageurs has also partnered up with Mountain Khakis to say an extra special thank you! Now through April 20, every person who purchases a Wilderness Voyageurs gift card will be automatically entered to win a $100 Mountain Khakis gift card. Mountain Khakis is a small business with only 20 full-time office employees so they understand the importance of shopping small and local and they want to support their retailers.(Your chances of winning are looking good!)
The winner for the drawing will be randomly chosen at the end of the promotional period (April 20).
“We feel honored during these uncertain times to have such supportive customers and to work with brands that support small business, environmental stewardship, and a quality product,” writes Eric Martin, Wilderness Voyageurs owner.
Support Small Business with Online Shopping – “During this difficult time we are offering 20% OFF site wide and free shipping on orders over $30! Even though our brick and mortar store is temporarily closed, you can still gear up for those future adventures in our online shop. Your support means the world to our small, family owned business.”
Wilderness Voyageurs started out as a rafting adventures company 50 years ago, but has developed into a wide-ranging outdoors company with an extensive catalog of biking, rafting, fishing and outdoor adventures throughout the US and even Cuba, many guided and self-guided bike itineraries built around rail trails like the Eric Canal in New York, Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania, and Katy Trail in Missouri.
Grasshopper Adventures, a leader in Asia
bike tours, launches three bike & boat
adventures for 2019 and 2020 on the Mekong in Cambodia/Vietnam, the Brahmaputra
in India and the River Kwai in Thailand.
Grasshopper Adventures is partnering up with colonial and intimate
river vessels on Asia’s great rivers. Cycling off-the-beaten-path, cruising
along storied rivers, meeting villagers at the river banks and enjoying some
scenic pedalling mixed with culture and delicious local food.
With these new itineraries unpacking is only needed once. The ships
are under private charter to Grasshopper Adventures and are escorted by a
Grasshopper tour leader.
Single travelers are welcome. Grasshopper Adventures is matching guest with another same sex single traveler or guest can decide to pay the single supplement for a private cabin.
“With these new, exciting and unique tours we are able to welcome non-cycling partners or friends and will have special activities planned for them each day while the riders are out on the bikes,” Adam Platt-Hepworth, Grasshopper Adventures’ founder, said. “ It’s like having a portable hotel!”
Mekong Bike & Boat Adventure, from Vietnam to Cambodia, 9 days / 8 nights (from $4,990 per person sharing) This epic journey on the Mekong starts at colonial Saigon in Vietnam and finishes at breath-taking Angkor in Cambodia’s Siem Reap. The RV Toum Tiou with its shallow draft can reach river arms inaccessible to other cruise lines. Guests will be cycling through Vietnam’s scenic and busy Mekong delta and exploring Cambodia’s remote and rural corners before reaching the bustling capital Phnom Penh with its colonial and Art Deco architecture. The trip ends in Siem Reap with off-the-beaten-track cycling excursions to the Angkorian temples.
6 nights on board RV Toum Tiou
2 nights at Jaya House River Park, Siem Reap
India: Bike & Boat Brahmaputra, 9 days / 8 nights (from $4,900 per person sharing)
The Brahmaputra, one of the world’s most storied rivers, flows through Assam, India’s most north-eastern region. Guests will start exploring charming and colonial Kolkata before flying to Jorhat to embark the elegant Grand Dame of the river, the RV Charaidew. The polished brass engine room, telegraph and enormous ship’s wheel bear witness to her heritage. We cycle on the world’s largest river island, Majuli and explore rural villages which have not often see foreigners. There will be national parks with plenty of wildlife from rhinos, to elephants and birds – with a bit of luck maybe a tiger spotting.
1 night at the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata 7 nights on the RV Charaidew
Thailand Bike, Boat & Beach, 8 days / 7 nights (from $3,950 per person sharing)
Guests
will be cruising the scenic River Kwai and immerse into the history of the
infamous Death Railway, built during
WWII. The colonial RV River Kwai will take passengers on a trip back in
time. This tour combines cycling Bangkok by night, with a river cruise and the
extension to the paradise in Southern Thailand, Koh Yao. Guests can take part
on our included cycling, kayaking or hiking activities down south, or enjoy the
stunning beach and island resort.
1 night at the Riva Surya Hotel, Bangkok
3 nights on the RV River Kwai
3 nights at Paradise Koh Yao Resort, Island of Koh Yao
Grasshopper Adventures is approaching its 15-year anniversary. Grasshopper multi day tours across Asia feature great guides and bikes, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, unique escapes and genuine experiences and fine-tuned details. Grasshopper Adventures operates tours in Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Choose from scheduled group departures, bike & boat, private tours, family tours or self-guided trips.
Ride & Seek offers an opportunity to cycle Hannibal’s route, 1,787 miles from Barcelona to Rome.
Sydney, Australia– Ride & Seek offers intrepid cyclists a chance to follow in the footsteps of the Carthaginian general, Hannibal Barca, on a 1,787-mile fully guided cycling tour through Spain, France, and Italy. The 28-day journey takes riders over the Pyrenees, Alps and Apennines on roads featured regularly in the Vuelta a España, Tour de France and Giro d’Italia bike races. Cyclists will embrace cultural and historical elements of Catalonia, Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria, including culinary delights, as they meander down roads less traveled.
The “Hannibal Expedition” is divided into two distinct stages, and guests can choose to participate one or both of them. The tour is slated for September 2-30, 2018 and starts at $6,540.
Stage 1 – Barcelona to Alba (968 miles, 16 days): Starting in Barcelona guests will cycle up through Cataluña and over the Pyrenees mountain range. The crossing of the Pyrenees is obviously a tough undertaking but the route doesn’t tackle the highest peaks, which makes this stage a relatively relaxed introduction to what’s ahead. Guests enter France through the lovely town of Ceret, which was once home to Picasso, before continuing through the beautiful French countryside of the Languedoc-Roussillon. The second part of stage 1 provides an opportunity to take on a number of iconic climbs – Ventoux, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Agnel and Izoard among others.
Stage 2 – Alba to Rome (818 miles, 14 days): Stage 2 takes riders across the spine of Italy – the Apennines – and through a landscape of vines, castles, agriculture, and beautiful hill towns. Starting in Piedmont, riders will traverse the spectacular Oltrepo Pavese and head into Emilia Romagna. From Pisa, guests venture farther into Tuscany through what can only be described as picture postcard scenes en route to Rome.
“This tour offers total immersion into the landscape, history, and culture as we ride an inspirational trail on the roads less traveled,” said Ride & Seek President Dylan Reynolds.
“This is a fully-supported/guided expert tour. One of the benefits of keeping the group size small (a dozen or so) is that it enables us to stay in the smaller, family-run establishments that add to the authenticity of the travel experience we hope to provide. We have carefully selected the places we stay in based on their ‘personality’ and the hospitality of the hosts. Be it a parador in Spain, manoir in France or agriturismi in Italy, we seek to connect you with the places we travel in, through the accommodations we choose. We go by the mantra of selecting the best available accommodation wherever we stay but in saying that we also look to avoid the generic luxury chain hotels. Invariably our more eclectic choices such as a deconsecrated monastery in Tuscany where the English Patient was filmed, or a balsamic vinegar producer in Emilia Romagna are highlights of the trip for many of our guests.”
The company has partnered with Lynskey, considered pioneers in handcrafted Titanium production for its fleet of Sportive bikes. On the carbon front, the company offers De Rosa bikes with electronic (di2) shifting and the ever-popular Specialised Roubaix. For those looking for a less aggressive cycling option, flat bar titanium bikes are available as well as Bosch pedal-assist bikes to make the hills a little easier!
“We put a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our guides are up to the task of providing a safe, informative and fun cycling adventures. We are all serious cyclists but we are also archaeologists, journalists, wine specialists, linguists, and historians. We offer a true insight into the areas we guide and travel. By selecting guides who have local knowledge of the places we travel through, as well as varied skill sets, we feel that our guide teams are able to offer a deeper and more rounded experience than many of our competitors.”
Ride & Seek (www.rideandseek.com) is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering unusual historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural immersion. The tours are designed so cyclists not only see and ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but also visit some of the most spectacular sites. “Providing a cultural insight into the areas we visit both historically and gastronomically is central to what we do. Historical journeys and cultural adventures are our specialties.”
Freewheel Holidays is offering a variety of self-guided bicycle tours through Italy.
MANCHESTER, UK – Inquisitive travelers eager to see the real Italy at the speed of a bicycle can choose among four bespoke, self-guided tours that dip variously in and out of the Dolomites, Lake Garda, Venice, Tuscany and the Chianti region. These seven-day/eight-night itineraries are available through early autumn from Freewheel Holidays, a UK specialist cycling vacation provider offering a 2017 portfolio of more than 40 European holidays on two wheels.
“We are really passionate about Italy as a cycling holiday destination and have selected cycling holidays that really showcase the varied nature of the country,” says Steven Rittey, Freewheel Holidays’ spokesperson. “There’s still time to book a trip this season and to help decide where to go, here are four of our favorite tours.”
Dolomites & Lake Garda begins in Resia (accessed by train from Bolzano) near the Austrian border where Italy’s South Tyrol region combines Italian and Austrian influences. Here at 5,000 feet, a dedicated cycle track winds down through Val Venosta and a collection of small villages as mountains on either side rise up to over 13,000 feet. Merano, a town that pampers people in its spas, is followed by Bolzano, the regional capital. Lake Garda beckons through the Adige valley past apple orchards and vineyards, promising a boat trip from Riva del Garda down the lake to Peschiera, a walled town with a traffic-free center. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival can be the piece de resistance in the city of Romeo and Juliet where this summer’s offerings include, among others, three Verdi favorites: Rigoletto, Nabucco and Aida. Per person double rates are from £669. http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/tour/dolomites-and-lake-garda
Venice Lands – Self Guided is a classic tour between the Alps and the Adriatic that is centered on the jewel of Venice. Cycle tracks and minor roads are generally flat on this tour that begins and ends in Vicenza with its own Teatro Olimpico and an array of historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The next stops are Marostica, famous for its castle and chessboard in the main square, and Bassano del Grappa with a covered wooden bridge and grappa. Another Italian city shares a canal culture with Venice. This is Treviso that follows a downhill run through Prosecco vineyards. This walled city also sports a castle and may be the birthplace of radicchio and tiramisù. The cycle continues into Venice and later along two rivers which carried Venice’s trade centuries ago. The Bacchiglione River leads to Costozza, a small town at the foot of the Berici hills. The cycle path passes in front of La Rotonda, the architect Palladio’s most famous creation. Per person double rates are from £519. http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/tour/venice-lands-8-days-7-nights-self-guided
Tuscany – Pisa to Florence 7 nights embraces the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, enroute exploring an intimate landscape beloved by anyone who has ever visited Tuscany. Travel is on cycle-friendly tracks and minor roads, with two rest days to explore Lucca, a city ringed by Renaissance walls and the birthplace of Puccini. Enroute to Montecatini Terme, known for its spa waters, is a village, Collodi, known as the place where Pinocchio sprang from his creator’s hands. There’s never enough time to imbibe all of the ancient villas and landscapes, but two days in this region affords a fair amount of time for unscheduled pedals led by curiosity. The per person double rate is from £659. http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/tour/tuscany-pisa-to-florence-7-nights
Siena, Chianti Region and Florence brings into the spotlight the history of Palio di Siena, a race held twice annually in Siena with riders representing 10 of the city’s 17 wards and political feuds never to be forgotten. This adventure begins and ends here. The history of the dynamics, again political, between this one-time highly important municipality and Florence begin to sink in, along with ample quantities of Chianti ripe for the sampling. Along with viniculture comes high culture (think Florence), thanks to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and, of course, assorted Medicis. Siena was also an important stop along the ancient (11th century) pilgrim’s way (from Canterbury to Rome), the via Francigena. The per person double rate is from £659. http://www.freewheelholidays.co.uk/tour/siena-chianti-region-and-florence-7-nights
Freewheel Holidays’ (www.freewheelholidays.com) self-guided tours include, among others, inn and/or bed and breakfast accommodations, bike rental, luggage transfers, route maps and notes, services of a tour host including welcome and information talk.
To check trip availability, make reservations, or to find out more about Freewheel Holidays’ leisure cycling tours call +44 (0) 161 703 5823, email [email protected]
or visit www.freewheelholidays.com.
A division of Sports Tours International, Freewheel Holidays specializes in self-guided, expertly supported European cycling holidays that strike the perfect balance between leisure pedaling and immersive sightseeing. The company offers easy cycling programs designed with special appeal to European and North American travelers.
Guests cycle on their own, with enroute assistance and distinctive accommodations expertly chosen and secured by the company. A portfolio of more than 40 European holidays offers choices for riders of all levels. The company features a range of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 night itineraries to 12 European countries including the UK, Austria, France, Holland, Czech Republic, Italy, Malta, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Sweden and Portugal. The majority of tours are self-guided with the exception of a few fully-guided vacation packages in Croatia, France, Italy and Prague to Vienna. The company also offers family-focused, coastal, wine lover and solo traveler holidays.
