Get the Most from Your Cycling Adventure with Trip Extensions

When you think about it, traveling overseas takes a lot of energy—and inevitably, you arrive at your destination feeling slightly wilted. This is where a VBT Pre-Trip Extension is perfect for clearing out those jet-lag blues and putting you right back at the top of your game. A VBT Pre-Trip Extension is the perfect way to ease into a new time zone—while on the other end, a Post-Trip Extension is an excellent way to give yourself some extra time to explore before hopping on the plane to go home. After all, your VBT adventure is going to be the vacation of a lifetime—so why not give yourself a few extra days to soak it all in?

Ease Out of Jet-Lag Comfortably with Pre-Trip Extensions

Have you ever flown overseas and found yourself needing a couple days to adjust? If you’re like most of us, a few relaxing days in your destination is exactly what you need to start feeling your best before hopping on a bicycle. That’s the magic of VBT’s Pre-Trip Extensions—they give you the time you need to sleep late, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and set out to explore the sites and attractions that are of most interest to you. Here are a few of our favorite Pre-Trip Extensions that offer you the best possible start for your cycling adventure.

Italy: The Dolomites, Bolzano to Lake Garda Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to Innsbruck, Austria is the perfect introduction to the mesmerizing region of South Tyrol. Here, you’ll explore Innsbruck’s charming Altstadt, or old town—a delightful warren of ancient cobblestoned streets and quaint shops. You can also discover its famous golden balcony, the Hofburg palace, and Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum—a museum featuring Tyrol’s vibrant folk art.

Spain: Girona & Costa Brava Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to Spain. Here, you’ll discover the magical cityscape that architect Antoni Gaudi made famous—including his fanciful Park Güell with its fairytale landscapes and mosaics. Here, you’ll also find soaring cathedrals, erudite museums, chic boutiques, and exquisite restaurants to welcome you to this fascinating region.

France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to Lyon is the perfect way to ease into the magic of French wine country. Internationally famous for the quality of its fine cuisine, here you’ll find vibrant local markets serving the best locally-sourced ingredients, sophisticated oenothèques featuring renown French vintages, and over 15 Michelin starred restaurants to tempt your palate.

Italy: Umbria, Spello, Montefalco & Assisi Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to Florence is a can’t miss! No matter how many times you visit this dynamic city, there’s always something new to discover. Explore the colorful Piazza Del Duomo, peruse the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, or browse the expansive outdoor markets for fine Italian leather shoes, jackets, and handbags.

Scandinavia: Denmark & Sweden Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to Copenhagen is the perfect way to unwind after your journey and discover this delightful destination on your own terms. Here, you’ll find a range of exciting museums, opulent palaces, and charming parks. You might choose to experience a local brewery, or saunter down to the waterfront to view the pride of Copenhagen—its Little Mermaid statue.

South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route Guided Tour: Our Pre-Trip Extension to the Greater Kruger Private Game Reserve is an adventure not to be missed! It’s the perfect way to unwind and relax after a long voyage—while also experiencing an incredible safari on a private game reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to spot South Africa’s “big five” game animals in a private setting while enjoying luxurious amenities.

Why Rush? Linger Longer with Post-Trip Extensions

If you’ve ever been on a VBT vacation, you know that feeling of not wanting it to end. With a Post-Trip Extension, it doesn’t have to! These top-rated Post-Trip Extensions let you linger longer over the vacation of a lifetime.

Holland & Belgium Bike & Boat: Bruges to Amsterdam: Our Post-Trip Extension to Amsterdam is the perfect capstone to your Holland and Belgium cycling vacation. Here, you’ll find museums sporting the golden works of Dutch masters, boating excursions along picturesque canals, and a vibrant array of delightfully manicured gardens.

France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon Guided Tour: Our Post-Trip Extension to Marseille is the perfect way to experience the coast of southern France at the end of your cycling vacation. With charming accommodations in the city’s Vieux Port, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of world-class museums, monuments, and exquisite seafood restaurants.

Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve Guided Tour: Our Post-Trip Extension to Cascais is the perfect way to drink in the sunshine of Portugal’s spectacular beaches at the end of your cycling adventure. Here, you’ll find smooth sand and crashing waves just a short walk from your 5-star hotel—and whole world of stunning Portuguese art and cuisine at your fingertips.

Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island Guided Tour: Our Post-Trip Extension to Rome puts you right in the heart of the action. Just a few steps from the Villa Borghese, your charming hotel is perfectly situated for easy access to Rome’s famous Piazza Del Popolo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the exclusive boutiques in this sophisticated neighborhood.

Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam: Our Post-Trip Extension to Den Haag brings you to the seat of Dutch government and the home of its royal family. Discover the Binnenhof—one of the world’s most ancient parliamentary buildings still in use today. Visit the Peace Palace—the home of the United Nation’s International Court of Justice. Relax in the lovely Plein Square—where you’ll find a wealth of fine dining options and chic Dutch boutiques.

France: Normandy & Brittany Guided Tour: Our Post-Trip Extension to Versailles is truly a can’t miss! With a hotel just steps away from the famous palace that was the passion project of French King Louis XIV, it’s easy to devote a day to this opulent marvel. Your included tickets to the palace, grounds, Grand and Petit Trianons, and the Queen’s hamlet give you plenty to explore before settling on a splendid local restaurant serving sophisticated French cuisine.