VBT Bicycling Vacations
Country Walkers
Williston, Vermont – July 17, 2018 – Get ready to exhilarate the senses in 2019 with new cycling tours around the world from VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, the leader in active travel since 1971. From pedaling the Basque wine country of Spain to cruising and cycling along the Danube between Germany and Hungary, and through the canals of Venice and the Po River Delta in Italy; to riding among the saguaro in the desert or by the ocean along the South Fork of Long Island, there is an itinerary and destination for everyone – whether a seasoned cyclist or novice.
Every day is a new adventure, seamlessly blending physical activity with hands-on discoveries for travelers to experience the heart of local life, culture, history and cuisine. So start adding to that bucket list and get ready to ride.
New 2019 tours include:
Spain: Basque, Navarra & Rioja Wine Regions
With sweeping valleys, rugged mountains, devout pilgrims, celebrated vintners and Michelin-starred cuisine, there is drama at every turn of the pedal in Spain. Travelers cycle through Basque, Navarre and La Rioja, tracing scenic rivers and lush vineyards to vibrant Pamplona, tiny Ezcaray, and rustic Briñas, pausing to sample wines and local fare and the dramatic and rich culture along the way. Each night, guests retire to luxurious accommodations, including a Relais & Chateaux gastronomic hotel and a Michelin-star dinner. Prices per person (including airfare) start at $4,345.
Danube Bike & River Cruise: Nuremburg to Budapest
Offering easy riverside terrain with some mild climbing, daily rides are primarily on paved or gravel bike paths in both urban and rural areas. Guests tour medieval hamlets, visit elegant Baroque treasures, and enjoy full days in Vienna and Budapest. Cultural and culinary highlights include touring the spectacular Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs and one of Austria’s most significant cultural treasures, and sampling Austria’s Wachau Valley wines and Bavarian beers brewed at local abbeys. Each evening, guests return to the comfort of a deluxe river ship to enjoy cocktails, dinner and evening activities on board. Prices per person start at $4,995, including airfare.
Italy Bike & Boat: Venice to Mantua
This is a region of Italy begging to be explored by bike and boat. Travelers uncover a unique side of Italy at an easy pace from a luxury boat, cruising from Venice into its spectacular lagoon and up Po River tributaries to historic Mantua, going ashore to cycle dreamy Italian landscapes, untouched wilderness and Renaissance-era cities with the cultural jewels for which the region is famous. Along the way, guests learn about glass-blowing in Murano, try delicious Grana Padana cheese with honey and relax as their Ave Maria boat glides along Italy’s quiet canals. Prices per person (including airfare) start at $4,995.
New York to Rhode Island: The Hamptons, Shelter Island & Newport
Cyclists explore the eastern reaches of Long Island’s South Fork, where the Hamptons showcase stunning rides along unspoiled and protected coastlines and marshes all the way to Montauk with its charming lighthouse and hip surfer culture. Travelers experience the Gilded Age in Newport, home to palatial mansions and dramatic rocky shores and stroll the brick and stone promenades of Bowen’s Wharf. Along the way, guests pause to sample seafood at its freshest, wines at their fruitiest – including at Sag Harbor’s Wölffer Estate Vineyard – and seaside vistas at their most breathtaking. Quaint harbor inns and and seaside accommodations await each evening. Prices per person (land only) start at $2,595.
Arizona: Saguaro National Park and the Sonoran Desert
There’s nothing like experiencing the art, tranquility and stunning natural beauty of America’s Southwest by bike. From the saddle travelers explore the open desert, surrounded by magnificent mountains and the wide Arizona sky, visiting unique museums and art galleries, savoring a wine tasting at a family-owned Arizona winery and witnessing firsthand the region’s flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cacti and desert birds and raptors. At night, a charming B&B, historic ranch, and serene resort await, along with culinary experiences from the region, including Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American. Prices per person (land only) start at $2,545.
About VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
Founded in 1971, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations offers over 50 deluxe, small group Bicycling, Walking and Waterways “bike & boat” 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 vehicle 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 eight years. For more information on VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, visit vbt.com or call 800-245-3868.