Top 5 Rides of Europe

Posted on April 18, 2016 - 9:16 pm by keith_ritter

There’s a whole unexpected side of Europe that’s more popular than ever, and Trek Travel takes you there. Destinations like the historic Dalmatian Coast of Croatia or the exotic charm of the Canary Islands will introduce you to a Europe that the news doesn’t cover. So what are you waiting for? Dig out that passport.

1. Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

Hvar to Stari Grad Loop
Approximately 25 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing

This is a ride that you will remember forever! As you cycle along the limestone ridge of the island, a stunning vista unfurls with ancient white stone walls terracing green valleys, set against the blazing blue of the ever-present sea. Centuries ago, these walls were built by farmers clearing the land so that crops could be planted. Today, the stones remain and in between are gnarled vines, silver tipped olive trees and lush vegetables. You’ll then descend into the valley and pedal quiet roads bordered by vineyards and olive groves to the seaside port of Jelsa. As the road narrows, your ride will come to an end in Stari Grad, the original capital of Hvar until the Venetians declared the nearer Hvar Town more convenient.

2. Ireland

Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe to Kenmare
Approximately 43 miles with 4,600 feet of climbing

Begin your day on the winding road beside Caragh Lake and eventually follow the shoreline of the Upper Caragh River. The stunning views of Glencar Valley will lead you to the Gap of Dunloe, the most famous and picturesque pass in the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a stunning ride past all five lakes and over the ‘Wishing Bridge’, or perhaps choose to take a “jaunty car” powered by sure-footed horses. Either way, be sure to capture the panorama of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks before enjoying a well-earned descent into the Black Valley, the last place in Ireland to receive electricity. From there, master one final climb up Moll’s Gap before enjoying a long descent into Kenmare.

3. Prague to Vienna

Český Krumlov to Weitra
Approximately 47 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing

This ride will take you south into the picturesque Waldviertel region of northern Austria, and the small 13th-century castle of Nové Hrady stands ahead as your guiding landmark. Before leaving, however, you’ll enjoy one last spin through the patchwork patterns and vivid colors of the southern Czech countryside. As you cross the border, you will notice a stark change in landscape and the nearby town of Weitra and its historic “Altstadt” (old town) are the perfect introduction to Austria. At one time this town had over 36 breweries, and it’s still a great place to enjoy a cold stein of Austrian beer.

4. Puglia

Otranto to Santa Maria Di Leuca
Approximately 33 miles with 1,330 feet of climbing

This morning, the sea is never out of sight as you make your way along the some of the most breathtaking coastline in all of Italy. To your right, stone fences crafted centuries ago from local limestone adorn windswept fields, while the shimmering clear waters of the Ionian Sea beckon from your left. You‘ll ride all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet and a large Italian flag marks the southern-most tip of Italy. Afterwards, jump back on your bike and continue your seaside explorations.

5. Canary Islands

Mogan to Valley of Tears Loop
Approximately 50 mile with 8,400 feet of climbing

You’ll be amazed at the teeth on this small gem of an island, easily ranked with some of the toughest climbs in Europe. Your ride starts out along the coast for a nice warm-up before you start pushing hard on the pedals. You’ll make your way through the town of Mogan before turning toward La Aldea, your last refuge before entering the long, isolated Valley of Tears. From this point, every kilometer takes you higher and higher, with grades reaching 25%. Just keep pedaling along until you reach the peak to refuel at the top before making your way back toward Mogan over the coils of Tauro Pass.

Top 3 Places to Go in June

Posted on April 14, 2016 - 9:26 pm by keith_ritter

The season begins again when the days get longer in Spain, and heats up to full thrust when the sun warms the rest of Europe. Summer is finally on its way, there’s no excuse not to get outside and make this a season to remember. These are our favorite destinations for June:

1. Annecy to Alpe d’Huez

It’s not every day you have the road to yourself as you traverse four mountain passes in the Alps: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, the lofty Col du Galibier, and finally Alpe d’Huez. The French don’t go on holiday until later in the summer, so June is the opportune time to stay on the Alp you know, love and lust for.

2. Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

In this hot-spot destination, every corner tells a story. Traveling in June will give you the opportunity to discover them all without fighting the crowds. Many active vacationers have never even considered a cycling tour of Croatia. Shame, really, since this region offers incredible beaches, glorious riding, and some of Europe’s most varied and elaborate historical sites.

3. Ireland

While there’s always a chance you’ll find yourself throwing back a pint or two (or three) at any and every local pub to escape the rain, June in Ireland typically offers the best weather. So while the rest of those tour buses strain to get a view of the Ring of Kerry, you can discover the winding roads, weathered stone walls and dramatic coastlines from the seat of a bike.

Top 5 Meals of North America

Posted on April 11, 2016 - 8:59 pm by keith_ritter

Trek Travel’s specialty is introducing you to the nooks and crannies of our destinations that you may never discover alone, like an incredible array of restaurants across North America. You’ve probably never heard of these five eateries on our domestic trips. But after one sumptuous, decadent meal, you’ll definitely never forget them. Learn more about our five favorite North American meals here. Just don’t do it on an empty stomach.

1. Hogstone’s Wood Oven
San Juan Islands

Despite back-to-back nominations for the James Beard Foundation “Rising Star Chef” award, Jay Blackinton still considers himself a farmer first. He and the team at Hogstone’s Wood Oven have worked very hard to achieve authenticity, and you’ll feel it the first time you walk in the door. Set on a hill overlooking Eastsound, you’ll watch the sun set over town as you anxiously await samplings of the island’s most well-prepared treats! The restaurant’s Northwestern Agrarian Cuisine, comprised of ingredients sourced on the island, is only enhanced by the rawness and earthiness of the natural wood decor around you–you’ll feel completely at home, yet worlds away!

2. Healdsburg Shed
California Wine Country Long Weekend

Winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design, Shed is a market, café, and community gathering space in Healdsburg, California designed to bring us closer to the way we grow, prepare, and share our food. A family style meal prepared by Chef Perry Hoffman will treat you to simple delicacies like the Shed salad–so basic in its ingredients but complex in taste as if it were just plucked from the garden–or the Sunchoke Pizza with meyer lemon, rosemary, roasted shallots, and manchego cheese. With an ever changing menu showcasing only what is readily available, you’re sure to try something new as you begin to discover why Shed is labeled, “The Best Restaurant in Sonoma County.”

3. The Lark
Santa Barbara

There’s no better place to spend a Saturday night than Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district and home to local surf shops, galleries and the popular Urban Wine Trail. Named one of the 100 Best Restaurants in America for 2016 by OpenTable and Santa Barbara’s hottest restaurant by Hemispheres Magazine, The Lark is consistently recognized as one of the most popular and unique spots in town, with a locally-sourced menu that’s meant to be enjoyed family-style. So sit back and take in the bustling scene while dish after inventive dish arrives to please your palate.

4. Hell’s Backbone Grill
Bryce and Zion

In the tiny, remote town of Boulder (population: 180), you may be surprised to find one of Utah’s most highly acclaimed restaurants. But Hell’s Backbone Grill is more than an excellent Zagat rating. This unique place is a testament to how two impassioned people can bring a beautiful vision of sustainability and community into reality. Blake and Jen, the chef-owners of Hell’s Backbone, have been welcoming guests of Trek Travel for over a decade with warm smiles, lively tales, and incredible food at the end of the long first day of the trip. We can taste the moqui mac just thinking about it!

5. Michael’s on the Hill
Vermont

Situated between the small towns of Stowe and Waterbury, Michael’s on the Hill is one of the most award-winning restaurants in Vermont. Swiss-born chef Michael Kloeti’s menu features a blend of European comfort food and Vermont’s bountiful local produce. The menu changes each season and features food that comes straight from local farms to your plate–you can taste the freshness in every morsel. As you enjoy delicious local fare and the sun sets over the valley below, you may find yourself wondering what stories the old farmhouse would tell if the walls could speak.

Featured Guide Collection 2016

Posted on March 22, 2016 - 4:52 pm by keith_ritter

Introducing our Featured Guide Collection. Your chance to join some of your favorite veteran guides on the trips they know best.

If you’ve traveled with us before, you know that Trek Travel guides are the best in the business. They’re a little more committed, a lot more energetic, and way more fun. They also bend over backwards to make your trip perfect. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll finish the trip as friends. And since a great guide leads to a great trip, we thought: why not be able to follow your favorite guides wherever they go?

Not just great guides. The greatest guides.

Dave Edwards

Greenville Ride Camp
May 2-8, 2016

“I’ve been a full time guide with Trek Travel since 2003, and I’ve been fortunate to work all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Highlights from life on the road include race trips such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta d’Espana. In addition, I’ve guided the cross country trip seven times. In recent years, however, I’ve traded my roller bag, hotel rooms, and air miles for a more permanent address in Greenville, SC with my wife and two dogs. Together, we created the Greenville Ride Camp. This allows me to keep doing what I love, while going home at night sleeping in my own bed. It’s truly the best of both worlds, and I can’t wait to show you the beautiful country roads and lively city that I call home.”

Jonathan Hershberger

Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast
May 15-20, 2016

“My name is Jonathan, but my friends call me Hershy. I have been with Trek Travel for 12 years, and in the industry for more than 17! This year marks my 5th season in Croatia. Croatia is a country that I absolutely love. The cities are amazing, the Islands are gorgeous, the food and riding superb, and the hotels are some of the best on any Trek Travel Trip. Yes, Croatia is a country that has stolen my heart. What I love most about our Croatia trip is that it provides a complete representation of the area. Our guests get a real taste of the country, the cities (Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar and Split), and the people. Everyone who visits this remarkable country walks away forever changed by the way Croatia touches your spirit. It is no wonder that the great Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his palace and retire here. I have a feeling you will want to do the same.”

Dan Frideger

California Wine Country
May 15-20, 2016

“Every year as the snow begins to melt in Colorado, my thoughts turn to the rows and rows of dormant grape vines that will soon be coming to life out in the California Wine County. For the past 11 years, the greening rebirth of one of nature’s most magical plants–the grape–has meant that the cycling season is once again rolling into high gear. The legs that felt so strong in September and the posterior that had become hardened to even the bumpiest of roads are back at square one. Fortunately my wine tasting skills never seem to lag behind. Not only is the California Wine Country equal in beauty and quality of cycling to anywhere in the world, for me it is a trip back to my family’s roots. Some of our rides pass the dirt track where ancestors homesteaded, the driveway of my grandparent’s home and orchard, the riverside dance hall where my parents met in the 1930s. The chance to share both the past and the freewheeling present of fine food, world class wines and unbelievably scenic cycling is truly a pleasure. Hope to see you pedaling soon!”

Lisa Lieb

Mallorca Ride Camp
May 22-28, 2016

“This is my 5th year as a Trek Travel guide and my 4th season guiding in Mallorca, Spain. I still call Durango, Colorado home, but I spend most of the year guiding in Mallorca. I love this island and I love riding bikes here. Although I am a mountain biker at heart, it did not take long after riding the roads of Mallorca for me fall in love with road biking. The roads here are stimulating, exciting and challenging. Every moment of a ride is beautiful–the terraced mountainsides of olive and almond groves, the dramatic coast line along the northern side of the island, the stone architecture of the villages, and the turquoise blue of the mediterranean sea. And don’t even get me started on all the animals. There are donkeys, goats, sheep and mini ponies everywhere! I could go on and on about this island–its food, wine, people, cortados y tarta de almendra–but I would rather you join me for a ride here and we can experience it all together.”

Ioanna Yiasemi

Tuscany Luxury
June 12-17, 2016

“I name Ioanna, but I also go by Io, Anna, the little one, kikiriki, or whatever else my co-guides might call me. I grew up in Cyprus, and I love my job more than anything because it fills my days with happiness. I also love sunny mornings, bikes, un caffe macchiato (or two), spotlessly clean bicycle cassettes, brunello di montalcino, Italians, history, chess, all my shoes, traveling, happy people, good energy and big smiles! This spring I will be guiding in bella Toscana. I can’t wait to share the life and culture of Tuscany with all my guests. Once you arrive here, the clock stops ticking and time is measured by the number of coffees you’ve had. I could go on and on about Tuscany, its vineyards, sunsets, architecture and stories. But best of all is the people. Tuscany would not be the same without Zimmi, who makes the best pizza in his century-old wood burning oven. Nor without senior Alexandro, who lets me taste all the gelato I could eat for free. Or Ilaria, with her charming accent who knows wine better than anyone in the village. It is because of these people that Tuscany holds such a special place in my heart! For these reasons, I am excited to share this place with my guests and invite them to experience Tuscany like I get to year after year.”

Rebecca Falls

Asheville to Highlands
June 12-17, 2016

“I started with Trek Travel as a guide in 2004, right after graduating from the University of Alabama. Over the past 12 years, this job has taken me to some amazing places and introduced me to some incredible people, many of whom I count among my closest friends. Almost five years ago I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. This is a place I have wanted to live since the first time I came to visit, as a college sophomore, working a summer job as a raft guide on a nearby river. I love the roads, trails and the vibe of this great little city so much, so it was a special honor to get to design our new Asheville-based trip and to have the opportunity to show my adopted hometown to Trek Travel guests. Do you like to ride bikes to beautiful places? Drink beer? Kick back and watch a very interesting world go by? You’ll love Asheville. I’m excited to be here guiding this season and hope to see some familiar faces on the trips!”

SEE ALL YOUR FAVORITE TREK TRAVEL GUIDES»

10 Trip Club: The Dingwalls

Posted on January 15, 2016 - 3:40 pm by keith_ritter

In October 2006, Deb and I hopped on a series of flights from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Florence, Italy. Deb was a seasoned world traveler but this was to be my first international trip. It was our first Trek Travel trip to ride the roads of Tuscany, but it ended up being so much more. That trip became the first of what, to date, are ten Trek Travel trips with many more planned for the future. We have been lucky enough to cycle through Italy, France, Vermont, the Pacific Northwest and various parts of California with Trek Travel.

Words by Adam Dingwall, Trek Travel Guest

When I got the email from Jenny at Trek Travel asking if we could contribute to the blog by picking our three favorite trips, my first thought was, “How could I choose?” Each trip has been beyond compare in certain ways. The Tour de France trip was amazing in getting to stand on the road side and watch the cyclists go by so close you can feel their motion. The descent off Mount Bachelor into Bend on the Crater Lake and Oregon Cascades trip is 20 miles of perfectly smooth pavement where you hardly have to touch a pedal. The former California Coast trip provided the bucket list experience of cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge. Choosing our three favorite Trek Travel trips would be a little like picking our three favorite kids. But seeing that we don’t have kids, we’ll give it a shot in no particular order.

Tuscany

We’ve done the Tuscany trip twice, first in 2006 and again in 2014. Tuscany is the one place in the world I’ve been where, for me, the reality transcends the hype. The food, the wine, the people, the coffee, and the cycling are all sublime. Every moment of those trips seems to fuse into this memory of the best of my travels, it’s like one big Tuscan fresco. It’s also the trip that, in 2014, provided my all time favorite Trek Travel moment. The second day’s ride traverses the Val d’Orcia, riding up and down the beautiful Tuscan landscape and eventually rolling into Montalcino for lunch. When we arrived in town, we discovered our friends Tom and Andrea Meadows had already grabbed an outdoor table at Le Potazzine. The waiter came to take our order, starting with drinks. Tom, Andrea and Deb all ordered a glass of Brunello d’Montalcino while I ordered a coke; after all, it had been a long hot ride already and I was thirsty. The waiter sternly said, “No. Brunello” and walked away. Lunch proceeded through various courses and many glasses, or maybe bottles, of Brunello and me taking constant good natured gruff about ordering a coke. When it came time for the check, it was delivered to me along with a small, ice cold bottle of Coca Cola. Tom asked for the check to be split, but the waiter simply stated, “No. He ordered coke, he pays.” I loved it, happily paid the check, and then sought out the waiter to get our picture together, which I regularly use as my Facebook profile.

California Wine Country

This is another trip that we’ve done twice, in 2012 and 2013. Deb is a big wine lover so riding amongst the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma is special for her. To be able to cycle past a winery that you are familiar with, or to discover a one that becomes a new favorite, is part of this trip. Plus, these places have wine clubs that ship straight to your house, which Deb thinks is perhaps the greatest example of commerce around. Like any Trek Travel trip, the cycling is wonderful–on lightly travelled roads and amongst traffic that is very respectable towards riders. But there are two things that set this trip apart for us. First, our favorite hotel in the world–Hotel Healdsburg–is part of the luxury trip. Second, on the 2013 trip we met three other couples that were to become our Trek Travel companions. We’ve now done Wine Country, Tuscany and Santa Barbara with Tom and Andrea Meadows, Rick and Gail Venner, and Darryl and Susan Forintos. We couldn’t ask for more fun than we get travelling with these folks. If we hadn’t signed up for Wine Country in 2013, we never would’ve met them.

San Juan Islands and Santa Barbara

I have to put these two together. These were our latest trips in 2015, so they are fresh in my memory. But the main reason is because these trips contained the two biggest climbs I’ve done: Mount Constitution and Gibraltar Road. If you ever meet me, you’ll quickly notice that I’m built a bit more like a linebacker than a cyclist. Climbing has never come easy and here in southwest Michigan the terrain on which to train for climbing doesn’t really exist. Standing at the top of Mount Constitution on Orcas Island looking across the water to Mount Baker on the mainland is an accomplishment I’ll forever hold dear. And the climb up Gibraltar taxed me in ways I never had anticipated.

It’s been an amazing ten years and ten trips with Trek Travel. We’ve made life-long friendships with fellow guests and guides. We’ve seen the world from the seat of a bike, a perspective that can’t be matched in any other way. A few years ago the president of Trek Travel, Tania Burke, along with her husband John, were in Battle Creek for Team Active Cycling and Fitness’ End of Winter Party. Deb and I were fortunate enough to have dinner with them. Tania asked us how our experiences with Trek Travel had been. “Tania,” I answered, “I still can’t think about our first trip to Tuscany in 2006 without getting goose bumps. If you told me that we could repeat any of our trips but we would have to pay twice as much, I’d write the check in a heart beat.”

There is nothing quite like Trek Travel for us.

52 Places to Go in 2016

Posted on January 11, 2016 - 8:56 pm by keith_ritter

Each January, the editors of the New York Times Travel section publish a Places to Go issue. And although the editors themselves admit that it is by no means a comprehensive list (here’s how they narrow it down)–because “there is an almost endless number of great destinations”–the locations chosen are always particularly compelling in the coming year. This year’s 11th annual Places to Go list features a few of our favorite destinations, and we can’t wait for you to experience everything they have to offer.

2. Bordeaux, France
An ancient wine region gets a stunning update.
Words by Charly Wilder

Next year will see the opening of La Cité du Vin, an ambitious institution along the coast of the river Garonne dedicated to the history of French viticulture. The undulating wooden structure, designed by XTU architects, is part of a huge greening and revitalization effort along Bordeaux’s waterways, which also includes the 2013 opening of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, Europe’s largest lift bridge, and the transformation of over 7,500,000 square feet of former docklands into more than 5,000 new apartments and public waterside attractions. In 2007, half of the restored neoclassical city was Unesco-listed, making it the largest urban World Heritage site. And all the effort has been paying off: A 2013 survey ranked Bordeaux France’s second-favorite city, after Paris. More recently, a restaurant boom has welcomed enticing openings by the likes of Joël Robuchon, whose namesake restaurant opened at the end of 2014 within the city’s palatial Grande Maison hotel. Gordon Ramsay recently took the helm at Le Pressoir d’Argent, the restaurant within the InterContinental Bordeaux — Le Grand Hotel, while the French celebrity chef Philippe Etchebest, has taken over the Café Opera in Bordeaux’s Grand Théâtre. Other appetizing new entries include Franco-Chinese restaurant Dan, high-end minimalist Garopapilles and locavore Belle Campagne, in a rustic-chic townhouse in Bordeaux’s picturesque Old Town.
Experience our Bordeaux Cycling Vacation»

15. Road to Seven Lakes, Argentina
A newly paved road to beautiful vistas.
Words by Nell McShane Wulfhart

It’s no longer necessary to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle to explore the Patagonian Lake District. With the long-delayed paving of the Road of the Seven Lakes completed last summer, it is now possible to drive, cycle or motorbike (new rental companies like Seven Lakes Rides are already setting up shop) down this 66-mile route that takes in some of Argentina’s most compelling scenery. Connecting San Martín de Los Andes to the mountain village of Villa La Angostura, an hour’s drive from the skiing and snowboarding mecca of Bariloche, the route is stunningly scenic, winding its way through forested valleys and around the namesake azure lakes, taking in national parks, snow-capped mountains and abundant waterfalls along the way. The trip can now be completed in a few hours, although it’s worth stretching out the journey to take advantage of the campgrounds (or boutique hotels) and excellent restaurants along the way.
Experience the Road to Seven Lakes on our Chile Cycling Vacation»

17. Korcula Island, Croatia
Experience authentic life on the Dalmatian Coast.
Words by Katie Engelhart

Beyoncé and Jay Z called this one. The couple’s 2011 visit to Hvar Island seemed to open the tourist floodgates to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Korcula is Hvar’s more modest neighbor. Much of the island is still untouched: dotted with blue-collar fishing villages and little pebble beaches. Instead of sticking to the Old Town, which claims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, rent a moped and head west. Travel through olive groves and thick woodlands, and drive off-road to sample Korcula’s signature white wine, Grk, at any number of hopelessly charming family wineries. It’s bitter and earthy — and true to the region’s less fashionable days.
Experience Korcula Island on our Craotia Cycling Vacation»

29. Barcelona, Spain
Celebrating a beloved architect all year.
Words by Lindsey Tramuta

This year, Barcelona prepares for an influx of architecture aficionados as it marks the 90th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, whose work famously peppers the city. The Gaudi Exhibition Center at the Museu Diocesà de Barcelona will continue to offer an interactive deep dive with its “Walking With Gaudi” exhibition — a perfect primer for what is poised to be an important decade in Gaudian history: by year’s end, the Unesco World Heritage Site Casa Vicens — Gaudi’s first major work — will open as a public museum, and the completion of the Sagrada Família cathedral, his most ambitious work, is finally scheduled for 2026. Guests of the nearby Majestic Hotel & Spa will be offered private tours of both structures once they open.
Experience our Barcelona Villa Cycling Vacation»

31. Turin, Italy
Renewal in a former industrial capital.
Words by Robyn Eckhardt

A reopened Egyptian Museum isn’t the only draw in Turin, where projects like the warehouse district Docks Dora, home to galleries, ateliers and underground clubs; the street art initiative Arte in Barriera; and Lavazza’s new headquarters in Aurora near Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest open-air market, are softening an industrial face. Fresh exhibition spaces and museums complement Contemporary Art Week, comprising Artissima, Paratissima and Luci d’Artista. The concurrent Club to Club is one of many music festivals (Torino Jazz, Kappa Futur, TODAYS, Movement Torino). The city, which is home to Slow Food’s annual Salone del Gusto, is also a jumping-off point for the Unesco world heritage-designated wine regions Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.
Experience Turin on our Piedmont Cycling Vacation»

43. Málaga, Spain
Beauty, but now a cultural capital, too.
Words by Shivani Vora

As home to touristy seaside cities like Marbella, the province of Málaga, part of the Andalusia region, is a popular beach destination. The eponymous capital city, however, is now a center of culture. The birthplace of Picasso and home to a namesake museum full of works donated by his family, Málaga has recently seen three major museums open. The most significant is a five-year pop-up of the Centre Pompidou, costing upward of $8 million, housed in a futuristic building on the waterfront and displaying a changing selection of 20th- and 21st-century paintings by artists like Frida Kahlo and Marc Chagall. There’s also a new branch of the St. Petersburg State Russian Museum with a collection of works by some of Russia’s most notable artists and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, featuring around 250 works from Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza’s collection of past and present art world masters, including Jeff Koons. Getting to Málaga to explore this new side of the city is easier than ever: Delta now has seasonal flights into the local airport from New York City, and there are new high-speed train routes linking it to Madrid and Barcelona.
Experience Málaga on our Andalucia Cycling Vacation»

SEE THE NEW YORK TIMES FULL LIST OF 52 PLACES TO GO»

Top 6 Trips of 2015

Posted on December 28, 2015 - 10:31 pm by keith_ritter

Asking us to pick our favorite trip of the year is like asking us to pick our favorite child; they’re all too unique, handcrafted and distinctive in their own special ways.

Our guests tell us, time and again, that our trips are magical from the moment they arrive to the final day of departure. But which trips are our most-loved on a consistent basis? We tallied the guest evaluations on trip design, routes, hotels and more, and these six trips rose to the top as our most popular. Our guests have spoken. Are you listening?

PROVENCE LUXURY
Experience the “La Belle Vie” in France
6 Days | From $4,499

Connect to the essence of life—food created with care, wine produced with passion, and intimate moments shared with friends. You’ll ride through this ancient countryside, perhaps stopping to eat cherries off a tree or to explore a fortress overlooking a medieval village. Cozy cafés and unique local markets await leisure riders while Mont Ventoux waits to be conquered for the avid cyclists. Provence is one of our most popular bike tour destinations, and for good reason. You’ll have an experience you won’t soon forget! Learn More»

RIDE ACROSS ITALY
Discover the essence of the heartland of Italy
6 Days | From $3,499

Join us as we dip our toes in the Adriatic sea and traverse the enchanting regions of Le Marche, Umbria and Tuscany to the Mediterranean coast. Along the way, you’ll indulge in sumptuous cuisines, world renowned wines and charming medieval towns. You’ll climb across the misty Apennine mountain range and roll through vine-covered landscapes before you celebrating on the stunning Orbetello peninsula with a sunset cocktail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for lovers of all things Italian! Learn More»

PRAGUE TO VIENNA
Czech Republic and Austria
6 Days | From $3,299

A bicycle is truly the best way to discover the secret forests, charming Baroque palaces, and quiet cobblestone streets of this enchanting Bohemian wonderland. This Central European tour wends through history, preserved Renaissance towns and countryside laden with dense forests and rolling hills. Take in the sweeping vistas of the lush Danube River Valley as you immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and adventure that continue to make this region a favorite for active travelers worldwide. Learn More»

ETAPE DU TOUR
Ride a stage of the Tour de France
6 Days | From $4,699

Cycling fans have dreamt of riding the routes of their heroes since the first true mountain stage of the Tour de France in 1910. Each year a lucky few get the unique opportunity to experience those dreams in all their glory by taking part in the Etape du Tour–designed to celebrate the challenge of the famed routes and share in the passion that surrounds the Tour de France. A breathtaking alpen stage, this year’s ride features four mountain passes as it covers Stage 20 of Le Tour from Megève to Morzine. Learn More»

PYRENEES SEA TO SEA
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
10 Days | From $5,399

With daily routes through France and Spain, averaging over 60 miles and 7000 vertical feet, this cross-country bike trip offers avid cyclists an invigorating combination of riding and cultural experience. Though the riding is challenging and the terrain is spectacular, the unassuming charm and hearty cuisine of the Basque & Catalan people serve to keep cyclists well-fueled and refreshed as you traverse a true cycling paradise. (The magical healing powers of the springs of Bagnères de Luchon don’t hurt either.) Learn More»

BARCELONA VILLA
A Mediterranean Retreat
6 Days | From $4,999

On the Mediterranean just south of Barcelona lies Sitges, a beautiful sun-kissed village nestled above the sea in the heart of the Penedès wine region. Your luxurious private villa, Almiral de la Font, is an exquisite manor surrounded by olive trees. This week you’ll savor the essence of Spain and all its flavors, proud traditions and vibrant culture. From tranquil vineyards to forested river valleys–this cycling vacation reveals spectacular sea views and glimpses into history as you pedal past ancient fortresses and castles. Learn More»

Guest Experience: California Wine Country

Posted on April 7, 2015 - 3:53 pm by keith_ritter

At Trek Travel we are here to craft an extraordinary experience. That’s why we do things a little differently. We think your expectations are simply a place to begin and it is our job to give you everything you could have ever imagined and so much more.

Born from the world-renowned Trek Bikes, we are bike-lovers, fellow travelers, hospitality maestros, but most importantly we understand what a cycling vacation of a lifetime means to you. But don’t just take our word for it. Steve M. recently traveled with us to the California Wine Country and we think his review speaks for itself.

Hi Kari:

Today was the last day of our wine country tour with Trek Travel so I wanted to drop you a quick line about our experience.

Firstly, it’s fair to say that my wife and I are pretty picky when it comes to vacations. You could call us fussy I guess but I’m afraid our experience is that there’s always something which just isn’t up to scratch and/or wasn’t as described in the brochure. Our expectations are high and they are rarely met.

So I take a great deal of pleasure in writing this note – this vacation was quite simply perfect in every regard. Every single aspect of this trip was just excellent.

It started off with you yourself. The vacation experience begins at first contact and you could not have been more helpful or more accommodating during the booking process. You talked us through everything, gave us detailed (and as we now know, accurate) descriptions of every factor of the trip and answered every question. Nicely done!

The trip itself – sensational. Firstly, our guides – Dan, Jake and Beth – could not have been more professional, knowledgeable or better company. The bikes were top notch and superbly prepared. The SAG vehicle followed us everywhere and snacks aplenty were always there when needed. The accommodations were well chosen – both the Mount View in Calistoga and the H2 in Healdsburg are first class, comfortable and chic hotels with super helpful staff who were very bike-friendly.

The itinerary was extremely well thought out. Our vacation was classified as “recreational” but a couple of us wanted something more challenging. No problem – Dan and Jake were happy to arrange. Every day included enjoyable coffee, lunch and/or wine tasting stops. The welcome dinner on the first night and the farewell dinner and cocktails on the last evening were truly excellent.

By the way, special thanks to our guides for taking special care of my wife, Carri. She unfortunately hurt her back just before the trip so could only participate in the easiest of the rides. No problem – she rode along in the SAG truck and they stopped to let her out whenever she wanted to ride. If she rode and fell behind, one guide would always hang back to keep her company. At all times, they made sure she always felt fully part of the group – not marginalized in anyway.

Finally, we had an exceptional group of other guests on our trip. All extremely nice people and we have made many new friends who I know we will see again. Obviously Trek Travel can’t really be held responsible for the “quality” of your guests! But it’s clear that Trek attracts a very nice demographic that would definitely be a factor in us booking with you again.

Last but not least – Dan and Jake were both snapping photos throughout the trip and presented us with an excellent photo montage at the end which will be a wonderful souvenir of our trip.

All in all, you guys are a class act. Superbly well done all round. Bravo!

We will certainly be booking with you again – hopefully soon!

Thank you!
SM

Trish hits the mountains of Mallorca

Posted on March 6, 2015 - 6:31 pm by keith_ritter

“17 switchbacks. That was how my Trek Travel guide described the climb up Col de Soller on the third day of my Trek Travel Ride Camp in Mallorca, Spain last month. And that was just the warm up.

That day my Garmin told me I put in 5 and 1/2 hours of ride time and climbed over 8,500 feet. My route took me up and over Col de Soller, then up and over the highest peak in Mallorca, the Puig Major, and then out and back to Sa Calobra, a gorgeous port town on the western side of the island accessible by a single winding road. Sa Calobra – the Cobra – descends 2,000 feet over the course of six miles. Reminiscent of ribbon candy or coils of spaghetti, that descent is at once both thrilling and terrifying as I hit the brakes sharply into the hairpin turns, then accelerated to get back up to speed, again and again and again…but more on that later.

When I dreamed up this vacation last fall, I had a few simple requirements. I wanted to ride a bike outside in February. I didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And I wanted it to be in a stunningly beautiful place. Oh, and I didn’t want to have to worry about flying my bike or riding a hybrid. Easy, right?

Trek Travel’s Mallorca Ride Camp fit the bill to a tee. This enchanting island jewel off the coast of Spain isn’t just for beach goers; it’s a choice destination for cyclists everywhere, including many pros. There, I got a rider’s-eye view of the Tramuntana mountains, fertile valleys, and tranquil turquoise waters on picturesque, pothole-free roads.

I’ve flown my bike across the country and I’ve rented bikes before on vacation. I’ve even resorted to trying to get in some training time on a heavy, ride-share bike now available in most big cities. It’s always kind of nerve racking (and expensive!) to hand over your bike to the airlines – fingers crossed it will get there in one piece. And somehow rented bikes never really feel the same to me. Call me spoiled.

What sets Trek Travel vacations apart is the quality of the bikes you ride. I had the option to ride a Domane 5.9 (included) or upgrade to an Emonda SLR, either one equipped with Shimano electronic Di2 shifting. Because Mallorca is a climber’s paradise, I opted for the Emonda upgrade. When I arrived, my guide had already set up my bike using my fit coordinates, which included swapping the stem out to a smaller length. After installing my own pedals and saddle, I hopped on for quick ride around the hotel parking lot. It fit like a glove.

But what really made the trip head and shoulders above other cycling vacations I’ve taken was our guides. It was a pleasure to show up each morning and have my bike ready, water bottles filled and Garmin maps loaded. Our guides’ knowledge of the country, language ability and most of all the pure joy and sense of adventure they brought to each ride – whether they were driving the support van or riding along with us – was awesome.

On the last day, as I was cycling along the coast from one ridiculously picturesque mountainside town to the next, I saw a large peloton approaching. Fast. A pack of thirty or forty men went streaming by in a flourish of colors, followed by their team car — Leopard. I gave them a friendly wave and a nod, communicating that feeling of joy of being out on your bike in one simple gesture. Yeah, I wasn’t going anywhere nearly as fast. But during my week with Trek Travel, I truly felt like a pro. And frankly, it’s something I could get used to.”

– Trish Dugan, Syracuse Bicycles

Experience Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara

Posted on March 5, 2015 - 6:43 pm by keith_ritter

Join us as we take you along the undulating California coastline on our Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara vacation.

Our journey starts in the historic city Monterey, then visits the artsy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, threads through Big Sur crossing the much photographed Bixby Bridge, continues on to San Simeon where you can visit the Hearst Castle, and finally makes it’s way through Cambria and Pismo Beach to the “American Riviera” of Santa Barbara. This unbelievable vacation will amaze even the most traveled cyclist with challenging routes, roaring surf, redwood forests, and historic state parks.

Day 2 of this vacation features the stunning (and flat) 17-Mile Scenic Drive, then winds its way along the coastline as you travel from Monterey to Big Sur.

6:30 AM
This morning you will awaken to the sights and sounds of Monterey in all its coastal glory. Leisurely make your way down to the C Restaurant at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa to enjoy a fresh breakfast.

10:00 AM
After breakfast you have two options for the first part of the day: walk down the street to tour the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or get up close to marine life in the Bay with a self-guided sea kayaking adventure. Located right on the coast, those who choose to visit the aquarium can view several spectacular exhibits both above and below the waterline. On the other hand, lucky kayakers may be rewarded for their paddling with a view of harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in their natural habitat.

12:00 PM
Board your bike to cruise along the famous 17-Mile drive to the artists’ enclave of Carmel-by-the Sea. Snaking it’s way through Pebble Beach Golf Course, this scenic ride passes Bird Rock with thousands of cormorants, the aptly named Seal Point, and Cypress Point with a grove that contains the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in the world. Upon arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore your surroundings and fuel up at a local bistro of your choosing for lunch. Located on one-mile of white sand beach, this town touts the sophistication of San Francisco and glamour of Hollywood nestled in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

1:30 PM
After lunch the road narrows and the sweeping views of the Big Sur coastline come into view. There are several riding distances for you to chose from, so make it your day. Along the way cross over the Bixby Bridge, which introduced automobile travel to the spectacular Big Sur coast in 1932. The terrain on our ride offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. This area has been compared to the Amalfi coast, minus the bumper-to-bumper traffic and giant tour buses. By the end of the ride you’ll appreciate the saying that this area is the “Greatest meeting of land & sea”.

7:00 PM
Upon arriving at tonight’s hotel, the Big Sur Lodge, relax and soak in the quiet and comfort of your surroundings. Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the redwoods around you will make it easy to escape and unwind after a long day on the bike. This evening, enjoy the cuisine made with organic ingredients and sustainable agriculture in the hotel dining room. Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight to prepare for another spectacular day tomorrow as your continue riding down the coast to your beachfront hotel in Cambria.

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Trish hits the mountains of Mallorca

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