VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
Williston, VT – February 6, 2018 – Discovering a new place is all the more gratifying when the region’s history and heritage are secret gems and an intimate connection with the land and culture is established.
For travelers taking part in VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, a deeper bond grows as authentic and inspiring experiences with local traditions are shared with fellow travelers. For those seeking memorable moments and immersing in regional specialties, artisanal experiences, and an understanding of what the locals love about the place they call home, a biking or walking vacation offers the opportunity to deeply explore unique destinations around the globe.
Highlights of VBT’s artisanal experiences across the 55 tours offered in 2018 include:
Italy
In Southern Tuscany, cyclists follow the Strada del Vino, one of Italy’s most beautiful wine roads, to Bolgheri. Along the way, they enjoy a cooking lesson and dinner in a private home and tour a family-owned olive oil mill in Magliano. That night at their agriturismo, guests learn to prepare typical Tuscan cantucci—delicious almond cookies.
In Sicily, travelers visit a chocolate factory in Modica owned by the Bonajuto family. The oldest factory of its kind in town, Antica Dolceria Bonajuto has been processing cocoa since 1880, using Aztec techniques imported by the Spanish more than 400 years ago. Then, cyclists ride into the bucolic Noto Valley, stopping to sample cheeses at a local farm.
Cyclists touring Piedmont meet a trifolao, or truffle hunter, and his dog Willy in Canale to learn how to find, choose and preserve truffles. That evening, guests sample local Arneis and Favorita wines and local cheese at the estate’s restaurant, complemented with wines from their farm.
Croatia
In the Dalmatian Islands, travelers learn about the intricate and almost forgotten art of stonecutting craft at Brač’s renowned school. Later, after a Croatian language lesson, guests enjoy dinner at a local family home to experience island life firsthand and sample some of the region’s simple and delicious cuisine.
North Holland
Cyclists pedal to a family-run, clog and cheese shop in Hoorn for a taste and to observe how traditional clogs are crafted. Travelers then ride along Holland’s famous dikes and pause at a local farm for a picnic lunch before cycling on to Edam, to learn about its famous, mildly tangy cheese.
Chile
Cyclists pedal through Zapallar, “the Hamptons of Chile,” and experience the pulse of Chilean life as they help local fishermen collect that day’s crab catch. Guests then experience a delicious wine tasting and picnic lunch at the Kingston Family Winery in the Casablanca Valley. That evening they learn how to blend their own wine with a sommelier, followed by a festive dinner.
Visit vbt.com or call 800-245-3868 for more information.
About VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Founded in 1971, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations offers over 50 deluxe, small group Bicycling, Walking and Barge & Sail vacations at unsurpassed value throughout the world. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full van support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes round-trip international airfare from over 30 U.S. cities and select Canadian cities for all overseas vacations. VBT has been rated among the “World’s Best Tour Operators” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for seven years.