Six fantastic new bicycle tours for 2020 with VBT

And so the adventure begins, cycling through the Euopean countryside where new discoveries await  (Courtesy:vbt.com)

WILLISTON, VERMONT —  Whatever your individual lifestyle may be, there are dozens of ways to see the world and to immerse yourself into the fabric of a destination. There's a travel opportunity waiting just around that suits your personality.

Since 1971, adventurous travelers seeking something faster than walking and more in depth than motorcoach tours have been discovering VBT Bicycling Vacations.

VBT handles everything, all you
do is ride and enjoy
(Courtesy:vbt.com)

With more than 50 deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and waterways “bike & boat” vacations, each VBT trip includes all accommodations, most meals, two local bilingual Trip Leaders, unique facilitated cultural experiences and vehicle support. VBT also includes round-trip international airfare from over 30 U.S. cities and select Canadian cities for all international vacations.

Rated among the “World’s Best Tour Operators” by Travel & Leisure for eight years, VBT offers unique itineraries and experiences at unsurpassed value throughout the world.

Cathédrale Saint-André de
Bordeaux (Courtesy:vbt.com)

From bucket-list destinations to the world’s hidden gems, six new VBT itineraries explore the coastlines of British Columbia and France, the English countryside, the Baltics, and the scenic banks of the Rhine through the heart of Europe to the Italian Riviera.

Meet new people, make new friends while cycling with VBT 
(Courtesy:vbt.com)

British Columbia: Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands: Island-hop along Canada’s west coast by bicycle, ferry and sea kayak. Begin in Sidney, along the shores of the Salish Sea on the Saanich Peninsula, exploring art galleries, studios, public sculptures, local cheeses and ales in Salt Spring and Pender Islands. Keep a keen eye out for dolphins, sea lions, killer whales and seals.

Pedal the Galloping Goose Trail from the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Victoria, through fields of golden corn, parks and forests and ride along the coast with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Olympic Mountains.

Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC
(Courtesy: Public Domain
Pictures)

If Wild Pacific Salmon and Dungeness crab are to your liking, prepare for the feast of a life time.

Extend your stay in Victoria and be sure to visit the magnificent Butchart Gardens.

Departures: May through October; prices begin at $3,745 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights.

Do a personal Tour de France without the competition
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

France: Bordeaux to La Rochelle: Discover France’s Atlantic coast while cycling through historical towns including one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” Talmont-sur-Gironde. Explore troglodyte caves carved into the limestone cliffs at Meschers-sur-Gironde.

With VBT, the world is 
your oyster 
(Courtesy: marennesoleron.com)

In the Marennes-Oleron region, cyclists learn firsthand why the oysters of the area  are considered some of the tastiest in the world.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the well-preserved, fortified town of Brouage, birthplace of Samuel de Champlain.

Savor the Belle Epoque villas of the seaside town Fouras-les-Bains and enjoy a walking tour of La Rochelle.

Departures: April through October; prices begin at $4,395 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights.

The Cotswolds are not only charming, they're ideal for cycling
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

England: Bath & the Cotswolds: From Bourton-on-Water to Chipping Campden, the road less traveled wends its way through hedge-lined country lanes into handsome sandstone villages celebrated for their timeless charm and thatched roof cottages.

Stroll the footpaths of Hidcote Gardens, one of England’s most influential Arts and Crafts gardens, and explore the medieval stone buildings of Burford.

Bath's Royal Crescent
(Courtesy: Pixabay)

Ride into 17th-century market towns and explore the architectural splendor of Bath's Royal Crescent where the concept for condominiums originated.

Not to miss are the Roman baths, Pulteney Bridge and the Doll Museum before pedaling on to Bleinham Palace to tour the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

 
Departures: May through October; prices begin at $5,495 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights

Cruising the Rhine past the Lorelei
(Photo: Taylor)

Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam: Explore four countries – Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands – on a single, all-inclusive European river cruise enhanced by scenic and easy cycling, guided tours and more.

Cruise through the heart of Europe, viewing terraced vineyards, quaint riverside towns and lofty castles before disembarking along the way to view them up close by bike.

Dusk in Heidelberg 
overlooking the Neckar River 
(Courtesy: rhine-moselle.com)

Alsace is a popular wine region in France’s famous Route des Vins. Travelers also experience the emotional legend of the Lorelei while cruising the majestic Rhine Gorge in Germany.

Cruise past medieval cities and trace the route of ancient Romans and knights. Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz and Cologne before discovering the delightful canals of Amsterdam.

Departures: May through September; prices begin at $5,695 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights

A short break before "easing on down the road" 
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

Lithuania & Latvia: The Baltics: For experienced wanderlusters who have visited many of the more traditional places in Europe, Lithuania and Latvia provide centuries of history from pagan days to the post-Soviet era.

Enjoy a private cruise to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and view some of the world’s largest pieces of amber on a guided tour of Lithuania’s Amber Museum.

Contemplating a dip before
moving on
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

Delve into Soviet history on a tour of the Cold War Museum, situated in a former underground missile site. Later, spin around Lake Plateliai in the Žemaitlia National Park, another UNESCO site.

VBT cyclists also sample local life with a visit to an organic herb farm and an authentic Lithuanian barbecue.

Departures: May through October; prices begin at $4,095 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights

La Morra Vineyards, Piedmont Italy are part of the package
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Riviera: There's  no question that when it comes to good taste, Italians will find something that tastes good. This is a ride into Italy’s renowned culinary culture where cyclists traverse the sloping vineyards of Piedmont and the breathtaking coast of Liguria.

Cycling through Europe with
VBT is a bold new adventure
(Courtesy: vbt.com)

Sample Barolo, Arneis and Favorita wines and local cheese, learn to prepare authentic pesto from a culinary expert and go truffle hunting with a farmer and his trusty dog during a stay at an authentic agriturismo. Visit the internationally renowned University of Gastronomic Sciences and explore Taggia, one of the most beautiful villages of Liguria and its ancient Dominica convent.

Departures: May through October, prices begin at $4,045 per person, double occupancy including roundtrip flights

For more information about VBT Bicycling Vacations call 800-245-3868 

Why not let VBT take you for a ride? It's all just part of the "cycles" of life and great for the environment as well, because once you travel with VBT, the next thing you'll want to do is "recycle."