The Camino de Santiago (“The Way of Saint James”) is an 1,100-year-old pilgrimage route across Spain ending at Santiago de Compostela, where, tradition has it, the bones of the saint are buried. Seekers and adventurers from around the world sojourn to Santiago under their own power – by foot, bicycle, even donkey – to earn that most esteemed souvenir: the compostela, or certificate of completion. It’s a challenging journey, complete with mountain passes, unpaved roads, and weather that can be less than cooperative. Easy Rider Cycling Tours, an adventure travel company that specializes in European bike trips, has been guiding bicycling tours along the Camino since 1998.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Discover France, a leading specialist in cycling and hiking vacations throughout France, offers self-guided trips to France that feature unique itineraries and NEW Garmin GPS personal navigation systems for all tours in 2010.
The cycling and hiking routes chosen by Discover France Adventures offer the opportunity to explore the culture, architecture, and gastronomy in the region of your choice while the new GPS units will provide additional support throughout the tour so that getting off the route is virtually impossible.
Self-guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility it presents and the extraordinary price that accompanies it. With extras like the Garmin Dakota GPS, self-guided cyclists and hikers visiting France get the perfect combination of support and independence. The Garmin Dakota GPS are small and easy to carry, feature an easy to read screen (even in the sun), background maps, and more.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Their trips to Chile & Argentina, New Zealand, and Vietnam are sure to make you forget about your winter blues and have you start doing the cha cha. Make like the birds and head south this winter where summer is in full swing. There’s still plenty of time to plan a winter vacation. This could be the perfect gift to yourself this holiday season. Chile & Argentina - 8 days (+2-day post-extension)
Discover an unspoiled and often less-visited countryside in the Andes and Chile’s Lake District, just north of Patagonia. The area’s landscape has been sculpted over millennia by glaciers and volcanoes and has created the backdrop for riding-tranquil lakes, coastal cities, ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and thermal springs. By bike, you will explore the Andes, cruise across Pirehueico Lake and meet the largest group of indigenous people in the area. You will also have the option to extend your stay on a three-day Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour, including a visit to Chile’s capital, sommelier lectures and three private winery visits.
Trip Info | Request a Detailed Itinerary
New Zealand - 10 days (+4-day post-extension)
Cycling New Zealand’s South Island is like soaring through a virtually untouched microcosm of the natural world.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For the first time, in summer 2009, Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) brings its sought-after active family vacation programs to Europe with four family-friendly cycling trips exploring France, Holland, Germany and Austria.
“Routes have been carefully assessed both for cycling ease and inclusion of those sites and scenes that will be of most interest to children as well as their parents,” says director Dan Austin.
As a point of distinction that sets ALA apart from other cycle tour operators, Austin explains, “Instead of focusing on the most prestigious lodgings with paths that get us there, we first choose the best pedaling paths, most scenic routes and least trafficked byways and then target the most charming, authentic lodgings to serve as our way stations along our family-friendly routes.”
ALA is one of the most trusted names in all-inclusive, active and culturally rewarding vacations, widely recognized for their unique family travel programs.
The four new European itineraries for 2009 include:
France Family: La Loire Valley of the Kings
July 11-18 and Aug. 15-22; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,498 per adult double ($565 single supplement); $3,148 first child, $2,798 additional child. Includes a stop at Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, to explore the countless inventions at this last residence of Leonardo da Vinci plus kayaking on the Vienne River.
Holland Family: Bike Paths, Windmills & Pancakes
July 19-26 and Aug. 9-16; 8 days / 7 nights at $2,998 per adult double ($510 single supplement); $2,698 first child, $2,398 additional child. Itinerary includes exploration of a 17th century working windmill in Schermer and a breeding center for giant storks.
Germany Family: Mosel Magic
July 11-17 and Aug. 8-14; 6 days / 5 nights at $2,498 per adult double ($480 single supplement); $2,248 first child, $1,998 additional child. Itinerary includes a forest hike to fairytale Berg Eltz Castle and a visit to the doll museum in Neef.
Austria Family: Fun in the Alps
June 27-July 4 and Aug. 8-15; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,298 per adult double ($780 single supplement); $2,968 first child, $2,638 additional child. Itinerary includes a toboggan ride in the hills of Hochkönig, scenic ride on a cable car, optional tandem paraglide or an afternoon of glacier skiing and a swoosh down the giant slide at the entrance to the Hallein salt mines.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Feelin’ like a kid again? Happens every time you hop on a bike.
Check out these favorite rides from the all-inclusive multi-sport adventure experts at Austin Lehman Adventures
The ride from Pine Creek into Montanas Paradise Valley, where they filmed The Horse Whisperer. End with a dip in the thermal springs at Chico.
Montana Canyons, Calderas, & Cowboys Adventure
A 24-mile stretch on Alaskas Kenai Peninsula along Granite Creek to the historic Gold Rush town of Hope. Waterfalls and wildflowers adorn the route.
Alaska - Best of the Greatland
Starting from Osprey Lake high above the valley floor, descend the Trans-Canada Trail through shady stands of towering Ponderosa Pines following the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway into British Columbias Okanagan Valley.
Okanagan Valley - Canada’s Wine Country
Take a morning bike ride through Antelope Flats starting from the front door of the Spring Creek Ranch under the granite spires of Wyomings Grand Tetons.
Wyoming/Grand Teton Valley Floors to Jagged Peaks Adventure
In Perus Sacred Valley, bike off-road to the Inca site of Moray (nine mile ride) then on to the ancient salt pools and mines of Maras (four mile ride).
Peru - Land of the Inca
Experience South Africas Cape Point Nature Reserve and bike along a network of back roads keeping an eye out for Cape mountain zebra and indigenous fynbos plants. Youll circumnavigate the southernmost point on the continent.
South Africa Safari & Multisport Adventure
To view all of the Top 10 Bike Rides visit:
http://www.austinlehman.com:80/pages/july_2008_rides/297.php
About Austin Lehman Adventures (ALA):
ALA includes the full use of its bikes in the trip price. The company features Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo front-suspension mountain bikes, customized as a road/mountain bike hybrid. Guests may choose the pedaling distance they are most comfortable with and a sag wagon always provides back-up and a break when needed.
ALA manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at 12 guests. Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals, expert guides, entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip air to the host city.
To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALAs 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto http://www.austinlehman.com.
Source: Widness & Wiggins
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Fig trees, vineyards and olive groves. Risotto, gelato and chianti. Is there any better treat for the senses than Italy? Now, cyclists can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy up close, with Ciclismo Classico’s six-day wanderlust “Under the Tuscan Sun.”
This trip takes travelers to many of the sites seen in Diane Lane’s famous film, such as Cortona. Stroll down Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance villages. Zigzag through tiny towns on a picturesque road lined with fig trees. Explore picture-perfect hilltop towns and ancient abbeys.
Traveling by bike allows travelers the freedom to venture off the beaten path, meeting local people and experiencing local culture, and classic Tuscan fare, including fresh pastas and vegetables. This Tuscan adventure departs September 7th and October 2nd, rates start at: $2,895, per person.
More on Ciclismo Classico > Click here
Source: Adventure Travel Media Source
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".