Ciclismo Classico

As Italy's Northern neighbor, Austria offers idyllic cycling through a fairytale landscape that draws you in and captures your heart on quiet bike paths along the Danube river. Zigzagging through tiny villages, lakes, forests and farmlands, Austria's network of meticulously maintained bike paths offers an intimate glimpse of one of the world's most naturally beautiful countries. Likewise, the Czech Republic, located in the heart of central Europe, is home to spectacular cultural treasures and a varied, rich tapestry of natural wonders.

This cycling tour will give you a taste of everything that Austria and the Czech Republic have to offer. We begin our trip in Salzburg, a city of vibrant culture and stunning architecture, which has stood for centuries. Traveling north, we venture into Prague, one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, as it affords its visitors gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs, and bohemian cafes. And Prague's amazing cityscape is watched over by an 1100 year-old castle! The views along the ride are unforgettable with majestic mountains and enchanting valleys stretching for miles. You are able to see the local culture, as unspoiled farmlands show central Europe's true colors. This is one bike trip that will not be soon forgotten.

There is nothing quite like biking through Belgium’s contrasting landscape of flatlands in Flanders and the rolling hills in French-speaking Wallonia. It’s truly a cyclist’s dream and home to arguably the most scenic cycling in Europe. There are miles of bicycle paths that zigzag along romantic canals and wind their way between quaint towns, charming castles, outdoor cafés and incredible restaurants. This combination of bicycle infrastructure, gorgeous scenery, delicious food and varied culture help explain why cycling is the country’s national sport. For pedaling aficionados, Belgium is a bicycling, foodie and craft beer mecca to include on your biking bucket list!

In Belgium, the beer culture is at a level of refinement, depth, and complexity that easily rivals any renowned wine region. There are 1,100+ beers brewed in Belgium. In addition to six Trappist ales and other abbey beers, it churns out lagers such as Stella Artois and Jupiler. Tipplers can also choose from an array of wheat beers, brown ales, red beers, golden ales, saison beers based on old farmhouse recipes, and any number of regional brews. Our Belgium bike tour gives you access to more boutique breweries than any other European bicycle tour. This is a dream cycling vacation!

Savor all the beauty and pleasures of the Piedmont, considered Italy's greatest single wine region, on this unforgettable seven-day bicycle tour. Our route traverses the region's most important and distinct vineyard centers of Gavi, Acqui Terme, Alba, and lower Monferrato. We'll be fortified on our journey by sumptuous meals pairing great wines with delightfully complementary Piemontese cuisine, a blend of Northern Italian and French influences, with truffles and mushrooms as seasonal key players. In the fall, the cycling tour may coincide with the 'Fiere del Tartufo,' the International Truffle Fair, which attracts gourmands and top chefs to the fairytale towns of Alba, Moncalvo and Acqui Terme. Here we savor the delicacies produced by local culinary artisans and experience the enchantment of the Tartufo Bianco, the revered white truffle!

Umbria, Italy’s only landlocked region, rewards travelers with marvelous hilltop towns, lively local traditions and festivals, a distinct and delicious cuisine, and exceptional wine in a setting that embodies authenticity. Located just south of Tuscany, Umbria is known as “the green heart of Italy” and is a region that offers visitors the perfect blend of nature, art, and culinary traditions.

This limited-run itinerary, created and led by Top Guide Andrea Vitali, unlocks the treasure chest of this lesser-known region, linking a variety of peaceful bike rides to some of the most important towns and villages, wineries, and producers. And taking place during Umbria’s most important and lively medieval festival, it’s chock full of great surprises!

From the Renaissance city of Florence to the pristine beaches of Elba, Tuscany’s cultural wealth and natural beauty are incredibly rich and varied. We begin south-east of Florence cycling on the Setteponti Road for a couple of days among infinite olive groves. From there we’ll pedal through the vineyards of the hilltowns of Chianti, and through the twisting streets of Siena. Strolling Siena’s narrow maze of cobblestone walkways is an amazing architectural journey, and the view from Siena’s famous tower will make your head spin! From Siena we travel through dramatic landscapes to Volterra.

Our tour finishes on the enchanting island of Elba. One of the most beautiful islands in Italy, Elba has been recognized for centuries for its elusive beaches, warm crystal waters, mountain vistas, and tranquil villages. We’ll park our bikes, dive into the warm blue waters, and discover why Napoleon chose to exile to this humble paradise.

Asia and Europe met and clashed in Croatia for centuries, from the Greeks to the second World War, but the Mediterranean nature and culture continue to offer hidden gems to worthy travelers.

We'll pedal along the beautiful Adriatic coast passing through ancient villages full of history, from Roman to Venetian to Hausburg to Italian and back to the modern time.

Discover a modern Morocco that still cares and displays the rich culture of its past. On the coast, explore the procession of little fishing town after little fishing town with colonial forts in between. In the interior lands, the splendours of the blue city!

Ireland, a land that embraces the imagination with its breathtaking landscape, welcoming people and ancient heritage. Tour the countryside and immerse yourself in this magical blend. The rolling, never-ending, green hills meet the coast in an amazing blend of cliffs and rocky beaches. Experience eight days of heaven as you cycle on gently rolling paved roads through emerald fields, and along the coast to a variety of pub-filled, traditional Irish towns.

The scenery is calming at times, and can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re riding to the Cliffs of Moher or exploring the Aran Islands, it is a sight to see! You’ll find yourself transported to another era as you wait for a farmer and their herd to cross.

Experience the language, gastronomy and history of “La Nouvelle France” as you roll along the St-Lawrence River!

Following the Navigator’s Route from Quebec City to Kamouraska, we’ll glide along the St-Lawrence River using scenic paved roads and La Route Verte bike path visiting several of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Québec”. Boasting what National Geographic called one of the top sunset regions in the world, this route will impress you with ancestral homes, the history and gastronomy of New France, bucolic villages for café and lunch stops as well as optional kayaking and lots of pastry, cheese, cider, wine and beer dégustation opportunities. Your guides Christine and Régis are excited to share their jewel of a city, Québec (a Unesco World Heritage site), and marvel you with their local knowledge as you wind your way to the region of Kamouraska where Régis was born and raised.

Highlights

• Visits to many of the “Most Beautiful Villages of Québec” including Beaumont, Berthier-sur-Mer, St-Roch-des Aulnaies, Notre-Dame-de Portage where roofs are steep and porches are deep.
• Enjoy the famous Canadian maple fall colors.
• Walking tour of historic Québec City, founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain.
• Cocktails at the famous 1608 Bar at Chateau Frontenac with views of the St-Lawrence River and the architecture of the old, fortified city.
• Visit an organic apple orchard that produces award-winning cider vinegar and apple jelly.
• Visit Montmagny Migratory Bird Sanctuary during the Great Snow Goose Migration period.
• Daily tastings at ice cream bars (bars laitiers) and poutine trucks (casse-croûte).
• Craft Brewery visits.
• Beautiful and ornate Catholic churches to visit in every town as we cycle from one spire to the next.
• Spend time in the sculpture capital of North America: St-Jean-Port-Joli, with its various galleries and outdoor sculpture park.
• Enjoy a free day in Kamouraska where you can rest, shop, hike, cycle some more, or take a kayak around the local archipelago keeping your eyes open for sea seals and various sea birds.

Settled by Europeans for almost 400 years, the Hudson Valley of New York State served as the backbone of trade and culture in early America. In 1825 the Erie Canal opened from Albany to Buffalo and connected the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, further cementing the river’s status as one of the most important trade routes in the newly founded United States. In the 200 years since, the Hudson Valley has become a center of history, culture, and economic growth for America – all within a half day’s drive for millions of Americans. If you desire to visit an area that has the best of everything for an enjoyable, accessible, and spectacular cycling tour, this Dutchess and Ulster County tour should be at the top of your list! There are quaint inns in historic villages for lodging and a spectacular selection of restaurants with world-famous chefs, many trained at the nearby Culinary Institute of America. Visit fascinating places like the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Museum, a spectacular airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, and numerous other historic sights. Enjoy picturesque views as we explore rolling farm hills in Dutchess County, observe the towering peaks of the Catskills from alongside the Ashokan Reservoir, and visit panoramic riverscapes from the stunning Walkway Over the Hudson. This tour delivers the best of everything in this beautiful and culturally rich area…all delivered to you while traveling scenic cycling routes that will thrill riders.

Highlights

• Experience a fascinating museum and live exhibitions of early aviation pioneers using authentic aircraft at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
• Cycle across the Walkway Over the Hudson as you take in the awesome regional views from this former railroad bridge that towers 200 feet above the river.
• Visit the futuristic architectural triumph of the Fisher Center at Bard College, designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.
• Sample the selection of craft breweries and wineries that fill the Hudson Valley countryside.
• Visit the site of prohibition gangster Dutch Schutlz’s secret bootlegging operation – and sample the spirits brewed there (legally) today!
• Tour the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Home and Museum in Hyde Park.
• Visit aristocratic mansions from the Gilded Age like those of the Vanderbilt and Mills families.
• Explore the fascinating villages of Tivoli, Rhinebeck, New Paltz, Rosendale, High Falls, and Kingston.
• Cycle along the shore of Ashokan Reservoir with its spectacular views of Catskill peaks.
• Enjoy lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, one of the world’s leading schools for chefs
• Ride on the constantly expanding network of New York State rail trails, including sections of the 750-mile Empire State Trail.
• Sightsee as you ride through the historic Huguenot District in New Paltz.