Ciclismo Classico Announces Three New International Bicycling Tours for the 2008-09 Season: Chile/Argentina, New Zealand and Vietnam

Arlington, MA (PRWEB) June 27, 2008

In an effort to expand beyond Europe and to uphold its mission to discover the best bicycling routes in the world, Ciclismo Classico, one of the country’s premier bicycle tour companies, has added three new regions to explore, giving travelers the opportunity to cycle during the fall and winter from October – March. For its 2008-2009 season, Ciclismo Classico has added Chile & Argentina, New Zealand and Vietnam.

“When we started 20 years ago, our focus was on Italy,” says Ciclismo founder and cycling enthusiast Lauren Hefferon. “Over the years we added France, Spain, New England and many others continuing our goal of offering an array of safe, healthy, fun vacations that span Europe and immerse our riders in the culture and cuisine of the country they’re visiting. Now, with the addition of three new continents to our trip menu, new and returning cyclists will experience touring the Ciclismo Classico way in places where the lands are ripe with discovery and the dollar goes a bit farther.”

The company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, has put together these three new tours, all of which include local guides, a fully-outfitted bicycle rental, accommodations and meals, cultural excursions, travel planning and more:

Chile and Argentina – debuts October 25, 2008

Ciclismo’s South American tour is the only one of its kind and offers the option of an 8-day base trip or a 10-day extended trip. Riders will cycle nearly 200 miles of scenic mountain routes with the snow-capped Andes nearby. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to ride by the Seven Lakes, visit five national parks, take a hike to Petrohue Falls, stop at the Curarrehue Museum and soak in the Huife hot springs. The additional two days will feature a trip to Santiago and the Colchagua Valley, an exclusive discussion about Chilean wines with a local sommelier, three private winery visits, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Vina Viu Manent’s vineyard. The 8-day trip starts at $ 3.795/person. The two night post-trip extension is an additional $ 1,195.

New Zealand – debuts November 16, 2008

This itinerary offers the choice between the base 10-day trip and an extended 14-day stay. The nearly 300-mile journey on the South Island starts in Christchurch and continues along New Zealand’s west coast and through the Southern Alps. During the bike tour, guests will ride the TranzAlpine Train, one of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys. In addition to great biking, guests will witness a jade carving demonstration, hike to the base of the Fox Glacier in Westland National Park, go sea kayaking, and even visit a sheep farm. The extended package includes an overnight cruise on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, the opportunity to ride an additional 100+ miles, a stay in Te Anau, a ride to the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and a steamship ride to Queenstown. The 10-day trip starts at $ 3,995/person. The optional four night post-trip extension is an additional $ 1,895.

Vietnam – debuts October 25, 2008

This 11-day ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) features more than 200 miles of scenic and cultural cycling including riverside riding, coastal explorations, mountain passes, rolling hills and small villages. Riders will get the chance to see a traditional water puppet performance in Hanoi, experience a garden and tea stop while cycling through Hue and boat to the Coral Islands off Nha Trang. The itinerary also features exclusive visits to the homes of four Vietnamese experts, a boat cruise on the Perfume River and a ride to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Guests also have the option to extend this trip for four days for a visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia, where they will explore the city of Angkor Thom, visit the famous temple complex and a local Cambodian orphanage. The 11-day trip starts at $ 3,995/person, and the three night post-trip extension is an additional $ 1,275.

These tours are designed for small groups of between 14 and 18 guests, so space is very limited. A $ 500 deposit is required to make a reservation. For more information on any of these trips or for other Ciclismo Classico excursions throughout Europe and New England, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com.

Ciclismo Classico has been recognized by several publications for its outstanding trip itineraries. In 2004 and 2007, Outside Magazine awarded Ciclismo the “Trip of the Year” for Western Europe, and Men’s Journal named the Southern Italy: Sea to Sea trip as one of the “Top 100 Trips on the Planet.” Ciclismo has also been covered by the Denver Post, Bicycling, Business Week and Marin Magazine, among others.

About Ciclismo Classico

As a specialized boutique bicycle tour operator since 1988, Ciclismo Classico provides the most authentic, unique and exciting vacations in the adventure travel industry. Their well-crafted, award-winning educational trips in Europe, South America, New Zealand, Asia and New England are active immersions into local art, language, music, folklore and, delicious cuisine. By combining legendary service and rare cultural experiences, the Ciclismo travel experience continues to energize and transform each and every guest. For more information about Ciclismo Classico, visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com

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Ciclismo Classico Announces Three New International Bicycling Tours for the 2008-09 Season: Chile/Argentina, New Zealand and Vietnam

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Announces Four New Trips for 2012

Bristol, Vermont (PRWEB) June 08, 2011

Frequent requests from travelers have led VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations to bring back its Tuscan Hills bicycling trip, one of four new vacations for 2012 offered by the company, a leading provider of international deluxe active bicycling and walking tours.

The requests have been continual and passionate over the past few years, Gregg Marston, President of VBT, said. Our travelers made it clear that they want to encounter the extraordinary scenic beauty and unique way of life in the Tuscan hills with VBT. We wanted to make sure that when we brought back this vacation, the new itinerary would provide the best combination of discovery and value, and now weve done it. We have a long tradition of listening to our travelers, and, once again, they have pointed us in the right direction. Its great to be back in the Tuscan hills with a bicycling vacation.

Other new destinations await VBT travelers, including a 10-day Bordeaux & the Banks of the River Dordogne and a 6-day Marylands Chesapeake Bay, both bicycling vacations. Rounding out the new slate for 2012 is Argentina: Walking in Patagonia, which combines the stunning beauty of Patagonia with tremendous value, thanks to the strength of the U.S. dollar there.

All four of these vacations embody the best of what VBT offers travelers, said Chris Skilling, the companys Director of Worldwide Product. Theres a connection among the mind, body, and spirit that our travelers find fulfilling and exciting. Its what brings them back to travel with us again and again.

Skilling noted that VBTs commitment to rewarding discoveries and unbeatable value has led to the company being named among the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth by National Geographic Adventure, and placing 4th in Travel + Leisure magazines 2010 Worlds Best Awards in the Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter category.

The new Bordeaux & the Banks of the River Dordogne bicycling vacation is the perfect escape for travelers who long for the serene beauty of rural France and who delight in the rich rewards of French cuisine and wine. The heart of the trip is bicycling along the tranquil banks of the River Dordogne on quiet country lanes used only by vineyard workers, past historic chateaux and lovely small villages, and through prestigious wine domains.

VBT travelers will also encounter the best of rural French culture, with activities that range from a private visit and wine tasting at Chateau Font Vidal to a walking tour of the underground catacombs of Saint Emilions cathedral. Accommodations include two quite different chateaux: a small one carefully crafted from the ruins of an 18th-century chateau, and the other large, set on a magnificent estate surrounded by vineyards

Also new for 2012 is the Marylands Chesapeake Bay bicycling vacation, which brings travelers to one of the most unique and rewarding seascapes in the U.S. This 6-day trip highlights the regions tidal bays and fertile farmland, with enticing, tree-lined back roads. Theres rich Colonial history here, along with easy access to fascinating galleries, shops, and restaurants.

This trip is a perfect choice for travelers new to bicycling vacations, Skilling said. Most of the roads are flat, and they offer a great way to stretch your legs at your own pace. Well also explore the regions distinctive maritime culture, including fabulous crab dishes and seafood. Theres an evening of local music and story-telling, too. Its a wonderful trip.

Back by popular demand is the 10-day Tuscan Hills bicycling vacation, offering travelers unforgettable discoveries in Florence, Siena, Pienza, and romantic San Gimignano. Cycling through one of Europes most beautiful landscapes, travelers will explore the steep hills of the Elsa Valley and the soft hills of the Orcia and Asso valleys. In the evening, travelers will relax in the comfort of historic villas and ancient, converted monasteries.

Well cycle to Chianti through vineyards and wonderful hilltop Tuscan villages, Marston said. And theres plenty of time for travelers to explore on their own, which they tell us they love to do. The vacation also includes a visit to the 14th-century Benedictine abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a ride to Colle Val dElsa, a picturesque town famous for its fine handcrafted crystal and medieval architecture, and a wine tasting at a renowned local enoteca, part of a day of discovery in Pienza.

Offering an entirely different travel experience is Argentina: Walking in Patagonia, a new itinerary to one of the last wild places on earth. This unique itinerary is centered on the small outpost villages of El Calafate and El Chalten. From these home bases, travelers will walk well-groomed trails among dramatic landscapes, including towering Andean peaks and vast Patagonian plains, or pampas. And though the region is known for its rustic atmosphere, VBT has secured Patagonias best deluxe accommodationsincluding Los Sauces, the El Calafate, a European-influenced luxury resort, and Los Notros, the only lodge in Los Glacieres National Park with direct views of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Were all thrilled that VBT can offer a walking vacation in this absolutely amazing part of the world, Skilling said. Our travelers have told us that they want to explore new places on foot, and this itinerary is literally a direct result of traveler feedback. We designed it from the ground up, so to speak, with plenty of opportunities to discover Patagonias unique culturefrom the estancia lifestyle at a century-old ranch to a typical Argentine barbecue.

First departures of Argentina: Walking in Patagonia are in the Fall of 2011. VBT is also offering Winter 2012 dates for those travelers eager to dash away from the cold of Winter back home. Our Winter is Argentinas Summer, Skilling pointed out, making it the perfect time to visit.

Unlike most active tour companies, VBT includes roundtrip international airfare for all vacations, as well as including all air fuel surcharges. All four of these new 2012 vacations include superb accommodations, most meals, guided sightseeing and activities, support vehicles and other transport, transfers, use of VBT bicycles or walking poles, and more. Daily route choices and continuous road support give travelers the opportunity to tailor the pace to their individual tastes. Groups are limited to 14-20 travelers, with two dedicated local, bilingual VBT Trip Leaders offering expert guidance and support.

Founded in 1971 by Middlebury College professor, John Freidin, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The company offers 37 deluxe, small group bicycling and walking tours in 26 countries worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Peru, Argentina and the U.S.A. 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 international airfare and air fuel surcharges in its trip cost.

For reservations or more information, call 1-800-245-3868 or log on to the companys website, http://www.vbt.com.

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VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Announces Four New Trips for 2012