VBT Bicycling Vacations

The spirit of abundance is everywhere in the Loire Valley.Its fertile fields have earned it a place as the 'Garden of France' and its bike-friendly routes through breathtaking beauty invigorate the spirit. As we pedal through this luxuriant region, we'll discover the other lush gifts it bestows: The storied châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, and Villandry - the verdant vineyards of the Touraine - the medieval Old Town of Blois and the charming village of Azay-le-Redeau - and vintages once produced by local monks. Join VBT on this cycling reverie through a land of fairytale castles, elegant gardens, and medieval splendor.

When you behold the soft, rolling hills, limestone cliffs, citrus groves and quaint villages that shape the beauty of this region,you'll understand why native son Andrea Palladio was inspired to create some of the most beautiful architecture the world has ever known. Along our bicycle paths, you'll also discover working farms, wineries and factories, and enjoy exclusive events such as wine tastings and a cooking lesson that reveal Italian life today in greater depth. Come join us on as we cycle from stunning Lake Garda to a town French writer George Sand once called 'a piece of heaven fallen on earth.'

Vistas of rolling countryside blanketed with grapevines delight the eye. The lullaby of Pacific surf soothes the soul as you trace the coast. Smell the aroma of a farm-fresh picnic lunch spread out in a tall redwood forest. And, of course, taste the wines that have made California the toast of the nation. Plus, we’ve tucked in extras, including a tasting of olive oil and vinegar, time to explore some of the most charming Spanish Colonial towns in the West, and overnights in unique, centrally located accommodations. Don’t miss this chance to experience a sensory extravaganza that makes ours supreme among California wine country bike tours!

Highlights

• Sample California reds during a private tasting at Vintner’s Collective in Napa.
• Experience West Coast hospitality at highly rated inns with sweeping views.
• Learn why Alfred Hitchcock chose Bodega Bay as his film setting for The Birds.
• Feast on an exquisite picnic lunch under the magnificent canopy of coastal redwood trees.
• Cycle the Napa Valley Wine Trail, pausing for a tasting at some of the most renowned wineries in the region.

Ride along Rockefeller’s historic car-free carriage roads and take a lobster boat to Little Cranberry Island, where you’ll pause to explore the authentic Down East. In idyllic Bar Harbor, practice your lobster-cracking skills and browse galleries, boutiques, and seafood bars. Reel along refreshing and unspoiled landscapes of rugged coastline, forested coves, and fishing harbors. Enjoy a picnic under the pines and expect deluxe comforts at charming seaside inns where surf and seagulls lull you to sleep.

Tour Highlights:
Ride along Rockefeller’s historic and car-free carriage roads through Acadia National Park
Take a lobster boat to Little Cranberry Island and discover the authentic Down East
Practice your lobster-cracking skills at a traditional bake at the Bar Harbor Inn
Pause at Jordan Pond’s pristine waters reflecting the beautiful curves of the Bubbles
Ride through a refreshing and unspoiled landscape of rugged coastline, forested coves and idyllic fishing harbors

Take in the countryside as we cycle along undulating rivers, through quaint villages, and even atop Lucca's famous city walls. We'll learn about Italy's finest artists and explore the famed Campo dei Miracoli. Our taste buds will be delighted with fresh, local cuisine in trattorias and home-cooked meals. Replenish your spirit in thermal springs after a rewarding day on our bikes. Enjoy all this and more on the newest vacation from the Italy Experts!

Ride at your own pace along Rockefeller’s historic car-free carriage roads and take a lobster boat to Little Cranberry Island to explore authentic Down East landscapes. In idyllic Bar Harbor, practice your lobster-cracking skills and browse galleries, boutiques, and seafood bars. Ride along refreshing and unspoiled rugged coastlines, forested coves, and fishing harbors with views of working lobster boats. Savor a picnic under the pines and end your days at charming seaside inns where the rolling surf will lull you to sleep.

Tour Highlights:
Ride along Rockefeller’s historic, car-free carriage roads through Acadia National Park
Browse Bar Harbor’s enticing shops, art galleries, and seafood bars
Ride through a refreshing and unspoiled landscape of rugged coastline, forested coves, and idyllic fishing harbors
Pause at Jordan Pond’s pristine waters reflecting the beautiful curves of the Bubbles, two of Acadia’s distinctive small peaks
Sample the Pine State’s famous mouth-watering scones, pies, cobblers, and martinis infused with Maine blueberries

Sweeping coastlines rise to Andean hills. The spectacular Route of the Sea leads to quaint fishing villages. And lush vineyards produce world-renowned wines. The snow-capped Andes preside over this magnificent itinerary, from the elegant estates of Zapallar and dramatic setting of seaside Valparaíso to the pastoral viniculture of the Casablanca Valley. From Pacific byways where penguins and sea lions reside, to inland foothills, you’ll discover the passionate Chilean spirit – in the warm hospitality you’ll experience as you set out to sea with a local fisherman, create your own wine blend with an expert sommelier, visit a fifth-generation winery and savor seaside spas, an historic wine hacienda and comfortable inns. This is a Chile bike tour like no other!

Highlights

• Marvel at Humboldt penguins and sea lions as they lounge on islands just offshore
• Join a captain in his small boat and help him bring in the catch of the day
• Admire the pride of Viña del Mar—the Reloj de Flores—a large clock made of flowers
• Stroll the cobbled winding streets of hillside Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a local guide
• Blend your own wine with a sommelier, then have it bottled and labelled to go

You'll roll through some of the world's most prestigious vineyards, learn about wine production from an expert and enjoy a tasting. But you'll find that there's even more to this region than world-class wines, as you ride through quiet villages and past impressive châteaux, explore the underground monuments of medieval St. Emilion, enjoy a home-hosted lunch and browse one of the 100 most beautiful markets in France. Join us on a journey that blends mind, body and spirit in true VBT style!

So we take our time cruising its waters on our private barge. We'll unpack our bags, then cruise and cycle for seven glorious days past terraced vineyards, emerald hillsides, and charming timber-framed villages.

Our journey flows into Germany, France, and Luxembourg - past historic outposts of the Roman Empire - to serene riverside picnic spots - through a collapsed volcano - and into the lives of locals who've invited us into their homes. And of course, there'll be lots of the valley's fine wines to sample.

Few places can rival the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, an enchanting region where soaring, rugged mountains plunge suddenly to meet the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.Join us as we hike ancient footpaths through terraced hillsides redolent with lemon trees - explore the fascinating ruins of Pompeii - and stroll through winding cobblestone streets on the famed isle of Capri. We'll also immerse ourselves in local culture, learning time-honored techniques for mozzarella-braiding and paper-making, and savoring fresh, flavorful cuisine at family-run trattorias. Delight in the sublime scenery of southern Italy on VBT's most popular walking vacation.