Of course, you can enjoy great seafood in Spain, Italy and Croatia. But you don’t need to go that far to taste some of the best seafood in the world. Craving Crab? Maryland is famous for it, and with good reason. Head to the Chesapeake with VBT for easy cycling and plenty of fresh Blue Crab.

If lobster is more to your liking, we’ve got just the biking tour in mind. In northern New England, our Maine biking vacation will treat you to tremendous views of a rugged coastline and you’ll even enjoy an included lobster dinner on day 2 of our tour. That’s just one more reason that 98% of our travelers have rated this trip as Excellent.

Massachusetts is known for its chowder. But, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have plenty of seafood options to satisfy your palate. Enjoy lobster, clams, cod and tuna all fresh as can be when you bike Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard with VBT. If you have your heart set on chowder, though, don’t worry—you certainly won’t be disappointed.

2.  The Rocky Mountains

Some of nature’s most astounding views can be seen in western Colorado and we’ll show you the best of them throughout our Colorado Bike Tour. Day 2 is a particular highlight as we’ll begin the morning with a ride to Maroon Lake to enjoy the iconic view of Maroon Bells, reflecting in the crystal-blue waters of the lake. Later that afternoon we’ll board the Silver Queen Gondola to ascend 11,000 feet to the summit of Aspen Mountain. The best part is, instead of powder, you’ll find plenty of warm sunshine at the top.

3.  The History

We welcome the opportunity to cruise through low-traffic areas at an easy pace, especially when it comes with a side of history. An historic wayfarers’ trail, The Natchez Trace is loaded with remnants of the past. On day 4 of our Mississippi vacation, as we cruise along the Natchez Trace Parkway, we’ll stop for a visit to Mount Locust, Mississippi’s first inn to cater to travelers venturing along this route. Later, we’ll see Emerald Mound. One of the largest mounds in North America, it covers a total of eight acres and stands at over 35 feet. As the day winds down, we’ll make our way to the Monmouth Historic Inn to spend the next couple of nights at this highly celebrated, National Historic Landmark.

You might also consider riding the tree-lined boulevards and gentle byways of the South on our Charleston to Savannah Bike tour. On Day 3 of our Southern Biking vacation, we’ll trade our bikes for dancing shoes as we experience a genuine Beaufort social. On St. Helena Island we’ll get in touch with Gullah culture at the Penn Center on Day 4 of our adventure. And, of course, we’ll take a tour of Savannah to explore one of America’s most historic cities.

4.  The Wine

If you’re a wine-lover, then make your way out west to join us in cycling California’s Wine Country. We’ll ride along the Pacific Ocean, into Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and we’ll enjoy included wine tastings at two of the area’s celebrated vineyards. The sampling doesn’t end there, as on Day 3 of our California vacation we’ll stop at an olive press for a tour of the facility and a tasting. From Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, sample your favorite California wines as you bike through the stunning scenery of central California.

5.  The Foliage

Here at VBT, we don’t like to brag, but the foliage in our backyard is pretty much as good as it gets. As fall rolls into Vermont our Green Mountains light up, blazing with gold, orange and red leaves. And the best way to take it all in? By bike of course! Join us this fall on a Vermont vacation as we ride along farm roads, through our rolling Green Mountains and even take a rest at VBT headquarters in Bristol. We look forward to sharing our home-state with you.

Join VBT on a wonderful Bike Tour in the U.S. this year!

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Kay’s journey with VBT began a few years ago when she and Albert joined us on our Bike and Barge vacation in Holland. A great introduction to VBT, our Holland vacation was “a great trip for someone who isn’t a real serious rider.”

The couple started their Holland vacation with a pre-trip extension in Amsterdam, which turned out to be a lovely contrast to the little towns that Kay loved so much. Of course riding and cruising through quaint villages was a treat, but, when not dining on our private barge, Kay really enjoyed exploring the river towns in the evening. She soon learned that chatting with a few locals and picking an intimate spot for dinner was the perfect way to end a full day of biking along the serene waterways of Holland.

Kay felt that traveling by bike and barge was the perfect way to soak up the peace and tranquility of the Dutch countryside. Winding with rivers and dikes she could hear the gentle lapping of the water as windmills rotated above and she could see the reflection of the colorful flowers in the rippling water. And with the advantage of spending 7 nights in different locations while still unpacking just once aboard our comfortable barge, everyone in the group could recount their experiences on the deck each evening.

Due to their experience in Holland, Kay and Albert found that they really enjoyed the way VBT approaches travel. “You get a bit of everything. You see local sights, meet local people and learn about the history. It’s like a ‘Tapas of Life’.”

Like many travelers, Kay and Albert became interested in their next destination by looking at a friend’s Facebook page. The pictures in question were of Croatia, a VBT destination that Kay describes as, “the most beautiful place I’ve been.”

Though the rides were a bit more challenging than those in Holland, Kay still asserts that she “would go back in a heartbeat.” On particularly challenging stretches, the VBT support van would come around to check up on travelers to offer a lift or a quick refreshment.

Once again, Kay found that biking through Croatia allowed her to see “the soul of the country.” Kay recalls seeing locals working in the fields and even inviting her to enjoy some fresh olives and grapes straight off of the vine.

Off their bikes, Kay and Albert enjoyed dining with locals in their home, a great way to get in touch with residents through their cuisine. Group dinners also went a long way in helping VBT Travelers get to know one another. In fact, Kay and Albert have kept in touch with travelers from each one of their three VBT Vacations. They frequently touch base with their travel buddies to fill them in on family news and to discuss future travel plans.

After their time spent in Europe with VBT, Kay and Albert next opted for a trip a bit closer to home. They took their whole family and their in-laws along for VBT’s Bike tour of the Wine Country in California. On this experience,  they all enjoyed learning about the local food culture, how fresh olive oil is produced and the ins and the outs of California vineyard operations. They may have even indulged in a sampling or two.

As it turns out, Kay and Albert’s California vacation is still paying off. Upon returning home, Kay submitted a Traveler Review at www.VBT.com and ended up winning a drawing for $1,000 in VBT Traveler Credits. Though they are still undecided, the credits might go towards a biking vacation in Colorado, a bike tour of Vermont or even a Walking Vacation in Italy. But with Kay’s preference for the way VBT assembles and operates tours, deciding on a destination will likely be the hardest part.

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Riboletta—Italy

We’ll start in the comfort food capital of the world, Italy. However, we’re steering away from pasta as Riboletta is chockfull of fresh veggies, legumes and, of course, just a bit of olive oil. Bring them to a boil and warm up from the inside out with this hearty Tuscan soup.

Cassoulet—France

There are many variations on the classic Cassoulet. It can be prepared with goose, duck, pork, pancetta or any combination of the four. Slow-roasted and utterly magnifique, this dish is certainly not as veggie-friendly as Riboletta. But if you enjoy roasts, then kick back by a fire and savor this robust stew from the south of France.

Seafood Paella—Spain

If stew’s not your style, then lighten things up, just a bit, with this delightful medley from Spain. Sure, paella can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you’re after a true taste of Audalusia, add a little cayenne pepper to spice up your seafood and fend off the bite of winter’s last few weeks.

Shepherd’s Pie—Ireland

Not always noted for its cuisine, the UK shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to purveying rich comfort foods. Shepherd’s pie is now a classic winter dish here in America, but for lending us the recipe, we owe a bit of gratitude to Ireland—a land of rolling, green hills where potatoes were plentiful enough to make this dish ubiquitous, even back in the 19th century.

Pecenica—Slovenia

They say that March comes “in like a lion and out like a lamb”. Well, we’ve sort of reversed that order with our list of comfort foods, beginning with a Tuscan specialty and ending with a Slovenian dish that comes to us from the snowy Julian Alps. Suggested by VBT’s very own, Damjan, Pecenica is a delicious pork sausage, served with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and beans together. For a nice full meal, start with a traditional Slovenian mushroom soup.

This March, don’t shiver your way through the last few weeks of winter, track down a few recipes and keep warm with our favorite European comfort foods or Travel to Europe with VBT to sample some authentic cuisine straight from the source!

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Stop by booth 560 to say hello to our friendly staff. While you’re there, you can hear a bit about our active vacations and take a minute to enter to win a trip to Tuscany*—a world-renowned wine destination! Simply visit our booth and fill out an entry form to enter our drawing.

As a 42 year old active vacation company, we know how important food and wine are to cultural encounters. That’s why on every one of our 46 biking, walking and cross- country skiing vacations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and New Zealand, we make sure our travelers have the opportunity to sample regional specialties in order to experience local culinary heritage. And with local, bilingual Trip Leaders, home-hosted meals, olive oil and wine tastings and even cooking lessons, you’re sure to get a true taste of local life when you travel with VBT.

We’re very excited to be a part of the New York Wine Expo. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations will be among the exhibitors in the Grand Tasting Room. If you’d like to join us, buy your tickets now and enter the discount code “VBT” to receive $15 in savings off of the cost of a regular Friday or Saturday Grand Tasting ticket.

Don’t forget to stop by booth 560 to enter to win a Tuscany vacation with VBT. We hope to see you there. Cheers! Salute! Santé!

*Contest entrants must be 21 year of age or older and entrants must be attending the New York Wine Expo. No VBT purchase is necessary. All required fields on the entry form must be filled in for the entry to be considered valid for the VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations drawing. The winner will be announced on the VBT website by March 8. The prize, a VBT vacation to Tuscany for one with roundtrip airfare from New York, is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. All applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Limited to one entry per person. To obtain the name of the winner, send your name and address to: VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Attn: Sweepstakes Manager, 614 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT 05443

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VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is excited to be exhibiting at this year’s Boston Wine Expo and we’ll be giving away a free Tuscany Vacation to one lucky winner. The annual wine, food and culture celebration will take place on February 16 and 17 at the Seaport World Trade Center and the Seaport Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

Stop by booth 512 to say hello to our staff. You can learn a bit about our active vacations and enter to win a trip to Tuscany*—one of our absolute favorite wine destinations! To enter our drawing, simply visit our booth and fill out an entry form.

As a 42 year old active vacation company, we know how important food and wine are to cultural encounters. That’s why on every one of our 46 biking, walking and cross- country skiing vacations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and New Zealand, we make sure our travelers have the opportunity to sample regional specialties in order to experience local culinary heritage. And with local bilingual Trip Leaders, home-hosted meals, olive oil and wine tastings and even cooking lessons, you’re sure to get a true taste of local life when you travel with VBT.

We’re delighted to be a part of the Boston Wine Expo. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations will be among the exhibitors in the Grand Tasting Room. If you’d like to join us buy your tickets now and enter the discount code “VBT” to receive $10 in savings off of the cost of a regular Saturday or Sunday Grand Tasting ticket.

Don’t forget to stop by booth 512 to enter to win a VBT Tuscany vacation. We hope to see you there. Cheers! Salute! Santé!

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We started our time together in Venice. Many in the group had taken advantage of our Pre-trip extension, where we enjoyed a wonderful stay at our Venice Hotel, the Dona Palace. I spent the first day exploring the famed city with Lorraine, a member of our group. The streets were bustling but not crowded. The Grand Canal was lively and still lit with Christmas decorations and St. Mark’s square at night was magical with its cathedral illuminated. Of course there were plenty of boutiques with locally blown glass, perfect for window-shopping and Lorraine and I even explored a bookmaking shop to check out an old leather embossing machine. We wandered the maze of narrow streets, walking over the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and watching the gondolas – each one a work of art – go by with bundled up tourists. All in all we had a wonderful time touring Venice, and we were excited to hit the trails!

The first day of our ski tour began with a water taxi in Venice and then a transfer to Slovenia. As if on-cue, that’s when the snow began to fall—and it continued for days. On the way to Slovenia, we met our Trip Leaders, Bodhi, and Matija, for lunch in Tarvisio and then moved on to ski in Kranjska Gora. Upon arrival we took advantage of the option to hone our skills a bit with local ski instructors who did an excellent job of getting everyone comfortable on their skis. It was also the perfect way for the group to get to know each other. Nothing like getting your ski legs back in order to break the ice. We had lots of laughs and lots of learning!

After a couple of hours of playing in the snow, we all went to the porch of the lodge of the ski shop where drinks and appetizers awaited us. The warm gluhwein tasted wonderful, as did the blueberry schnapps complete with a few blueberries at the bottom of each glass. We sampled local cheeses, meats and there was a terrific energy in the group as we began to get to know each other over cheers and even some polka dancing! We said our goodbyes to the jovial locals and made our way to the lovely, colorful Hotel Vitranc in the incredibly picturesque village of Podkoren as the snow continued to fall.

Our hosts, Richard and Mina, greeted us warmly at their hotel. We enjoyed a welcome reception and then dinner in the cozy dining room. The food was traditional and delicious and for dessert we were treated to gibanica, a layered confection made with buckwheat pastry, apples, a sweetened cheese and poppy seeds—the perfect ending to a perfect first day of skiing.

We spent the next two days awakening to fresh snow. Almost three feet had fallen since we had arrived in Europe and it could not have been more beautiful to see the fresh tracks going across the fields, along the river beds and into the deep woods. Often, the snow obscured our views of the surrounding Julian Alps, but every now and then jagged peaks would emerge overhead, demystified by a break in the snowfall.

Lunch on the second day of our Ski Vacation was particularly memorable. We enjoyed hearty bean soup in a bread bowl (complete with a fitting top, much like a carved pumpkin!), sandwiches and walnut cake for dessert. But our meal was not yet finished; onto the bar for a round of Bombardino. Small glass mugs with a strikingly yellow beverage were topped with huge dollops of whipped cream. Made up of rich eggnog, brandy and a portion of grappa, Bombardino is a traditional Italian drink of the mountains in winter. We had never tasted anything so good!

Up next was a great cultural encounter, the International Dog Sledding School. We all thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. Everyone had a chance to drive or mush a team, and boy could these dogs pull a sled. Nearly everyone in our group was hesitant at the take off because the dogs really want to go, but once the sled was underway, it was peaceful and amazingly quiet. One can’t help but marvel at the power of these creatures.

After taking in our beautiful surroundings, an open field with a hint of mountains in the backdrop, it was back to our accommodations at the quaint and inviting Hotel Vitranc. Following a lively dinner, we rested up for our next adventure.

The group rose, the next day ready to take on the tranquil route to the Olympic Center at Planica, home of the world’s largest ski flying hill. We met Joze Slibar, 1961 Ski Jump World Record holder, and watched a film about him and the history of the center. It was very interesting and we all learned so much. We skied up to the jumps, where Garrott and I, along with a few other guests, couldn’t resist making snow angels and burying ourselves in the fresh powder. Later, the ski back to Podkoren was just as gorgeous as it was on our way to Planica.

That evening we enjoyed a Slovenian cooking class under the guidance of our animated hostess, dressed in period costume, as her husband played the accordion. We made struklji, a soft dough formed into a ravioli type pouch filled with sweetened cheese and baked, then tasted our creations as a costumed Matija regaled us with tales of Kekec, the local folk hero from a children’s story.

The next morning we traveled on to Austria, where we enjoyed skiing in the falling snow on the beautifully groomed trails in Ramsau, arriving at the end of the day at our new hotel, the Almfrieden. Everyone met in the bar to share some local Slovenian wine and cheese that we were given, having been told to “dress very warmly” for our surprise evening adventure. We walked out of the hotel and were greeted by three horse-drawn sleighs. The next half hour could not have been more fun with laughter the whole way to the Gruberstube, an Austrian farmhouse restaurant, for dinner. The cold air, warm blankets, enormously powerful but frisky horses (urged on in German by their masterful drivers), and a little libation (Jagermeister in our sleigh) all combined for a magical memory and the perfect resolve to our outstanding Ski Vacation.

We return home with images of trails below granite giants, weaving in and out of farmland and rustic villages on our skis… of locals who are hardworking, friendly, and proud… of dogs and horses who know the countryside as well as any resident and of undulating blankets of fluffy snow cloaking a place where the land and terrain dictate the culture.

-Caroline Marston

There’s still time to join VBT on a Ski Vacation this year!

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When you’re preparing for your first bike tour, it’s important to start slow. Ease yourself into training so you’ll stick with the routine and build your fitness levels steadily. And remember, when you Travel with VBT, our support van is always there if you need to rest your legs.

Before You Begin:

Make sure your frame, handlebars, saddle, and pedals are all correctly fitted. Your personal measurements and riding style (in this case, long distance cycling) will determine how it needs to be fitted, so talk to an expert about adjusting your bike.  Our suggestion is to go to your local bike shop.

Week One:

During your first week, you’ll want to cycle a comfortable distance. Once you’ve achieved a base level of fitness that allows you to cycle without muscle soreness or fatigue, start incorporating resistance to your rides once or twice a week by increasing your distance by no more than 10% each week or incorporating hillier, more difficult terrain. As always, consult your doctor before you begin if you have any health problems or are not accustomed to exercise, and remember to enjoy yourself!

As you build up, make sure you do recovery ride after big rides.  These help clear waste products from your legs.  For a recovery ride, we recommend 30-45 minutes with low resistance, 90 to 100 RPMs, and staying about 50 – 70% of your threshold.

Following Weeks:

When you’re comfortable again, add one or two long endurance rides a week. Remember not to over train, and give your body a rest when it needs it. Research the specifics of your bike tour so you’ll know how long you’ll be riding on average each day; the best indicator that you’re ready for your tour will be when you can comfortably ride two-thirds of your expected daily tour mileage over similar terrain.

Another suggestion is to do some indoor cycling, which really helps to build your interval capacity and strengthen out your legs.  It’s a bit different from riding outside, but similar enough so that you will see significant benefits from a steady spin schedule.  Indoor cycling coaches are also an excellent source of advice.

For more on toning up, check out Bike Tour Buzz.

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Puglia: Italy’s Undiscovered Coast
Rated 4.94 out of 5 on our Traveler Reviews of Puglia

At the heel of Italy’s boot, we cycle through centuries-old fortified villages, recharge at Southern Italy’s famed accommodations and even explore a village dotted with conical houses called trulli. And, of course, our daily rides will be highlighted by local Italian cuisine, especially on day 5 when we visit our local friends, Armando RosalbaIa, at Il Frantoio for a home-hosted lunch. Explore this captivating, hidden corner of Italy with VBT!

“If you’re into beautiful scenery, miles of quiet country roads with almost no traffic, outstanding food, and great Masserie and hotels, this trip is for you. Everything about our trip was top of the line except the price, which provided more bang for the buck than anyone else.”
Ben Z.

Croatia: The Dalmatian Islands
Rated 4.94 out of 5 on our Traveler Reviews of Croatia

Join VBT in Croatia where we cycle Brac and Hvar— rated by Condé Nast as one of the world’s ten most beautiful islands. We’ll also explore stone-carved, limestone villages and ride past olive groves, poppy fields and a rugged Adriatic coast. We’ll also have the opportunity to see stonecutters at work when we visit one of the world’s last stonecutting schools on the fourth day of our Croatia vacation.

“Croatia is a jewel of a country. It is one of the most beautiful and friendly countries I have visited… The trip leaders were very special people… the food was outstanding… and swimming in the Adriatic was pristine.”
Cindy P.

Tuscany by the Sea
Rated 4.91 out of 5 on our Traveler Reviews of Tuscany

In the untouched Maremma region, ancient Etruscan roads lead to white-sand beaches, protected wetlands teeming with birdlife and ancient castles overlooking timeless villages. We drink it all in as we cycle through magnificent coastal vistas, pedal past fertile vineyards and sample the bounty of the land at a tasting at an olive oil mill. Join us and experience it all for yourself!

“The tour guides were wonderful… each hotel was charming and special in its own way. The option of taking the van at any point is nice, since I’m not an avid bicyclist, but I was surprised how many miles I was willing/able to pedal… perhaps because of the comfort of the bicycles! The daily routes appear to be hand-picked… In terms of value, it was worth every penny. I’m going on and on, and I haven’t even mentioned the wonderful food and wine yet!”
James H.

The Czech Republic, Germany & Austria​
Rated 4.92 out of 5 on our Traveler Reviews of the Czech Republic, Germany & Austria

Central Europe beckons on a charming itinerary that blends historic small cities with the wonders of nature. Traveling by train, boat and bicycle, you’ll wend your way to the gems of the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria and we’ll get in touch with locals when we join a Czech family for lunch in their home on this incredible VBT Vacation.

“We discovered the charm and beauty of Prague – along with some of the world’s best beer! Our experiences during the biking days were equally exciting. The variety of environments – river valleys, historical sites, beautiful small cities and towns, forests, charming rural scenes – was far beyond our expectations.”
Dan R.

Walking the Amalfi Coast & Capri
Rated 4.96 out of 5 on our Traveler Reviews of the Amalfi Coast

On this Southern Italian vacation we’ll walk along hillsides that wind with the coast. We’ll get a sense of the culture and history of Southern Italy through pasta and paper-making demonstrations. And we’ve saved the best almost for last, as our walk along the “Path of the Gods” provides views fit for divinity. Explore the south of Italy with VBT at a pace that works for you.

“The Amalfi Coast and Capri is a walking tour of a lifetime. I enjoyed the villages, the scenery, our walking group and especially our guides. As we traveled from one village to another we could absorb ourselves in the Italian food, majestic scenery, and people. I would recommend to everyone, get your walking shoes on and enjoy the journey.”
Collette M.

Did your favorite make the list? Submit your own Traveler Review on our website.

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Salzburg is also where the Christmas classic, Silent Night by Franz Gruber, was originally composed.  While the city may be silent on Christmas Eve, save for the chime of a few church bells, it explodes with the sound of fireworks on New Year’s. In fact, if it’s clear, you can catch glimpses of fireworks displays atop the looming peaks of the surrounding Alps.

Though the Alps may appear to be far off, the groomed Nordic trails and Alpine slopes of Flachau and Werfen are a mere thirty-minute train trip away. I was able to head into the mountains on several occasions to ski Austria over the holidays and even just two weeks after the Winter Solstice, the snow is deep, the sun is bright and every kind of winter activity is readily available. The highlight for me was a gondola ride to the top of Werfenweng, as paragliders buzzed the lift towers. After a big hamburger (yes, gotta have one of those) and plate of French fries, we rented classic Austrian rodel sleds to cruise down the 6km trail to the valley.

Our first group of VBT Ski Vacation travelers arrives in Salzburg tomorrow and we’re excited to get going! We’ll head deep into the Alps to the town of Obertilliach where 100km of groomed trails, sledding hills, alpine vistas and a few apple strudels await us. Interested in joining? We’ve still got a couple of spots available on our final departure in March. Check out our Ski Vacations to learn more.

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That’s the attitude that VBT Trip Leader, Sophie, took with her when she decided she would bike her own personal Tour de France this past spring, summer and fall as a 50th birthday present to herself. What a way to celebrate a milestone!

Sophie’s husband, Bruno, couldn’t resist the opportunity to join in and together the two biked over 3,000 miles of beautiful, French countryside. Sophie explained that she decided to set off on this adventure, “For the small physical challenge of biking 3,000 miles, but also to see things I have not seen.” For most of us this type of mileage would present a pretty hefty challenge. However, Sophie has been leading bike tours in France for VBT for 13 seasons and Bruno has been a VBT Trip Leader for 15 seasons. Clearly, they’re pretty experienced when it comes to biking in France.

The journey began in the southeast of the country and gradually, Sophie and Bruno made their way north. Along the way they had their first encounter with the Canal du Midi, a 17th Century waterway that was constructed to link the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Though it’s over three hundred years old, the canal remains a vital waterway and it also offers a peaceful, tree-lined backdrop for a nice long ride.

Sophie and Bruno took the opportunity to explore a relatively familiar setting from a different perspective when they biked through the French Riviera. They had both experienced the bustle of the popular vacation-spot, but had yet to ride along the southern coast of France.

As the couple moved north, they encountered very different terrain in the form of rolling hills, and even steep mountain passes. Originally from Quebec, Bruno explains, “I choose to make my home in France because it has such diversity in such a small size.” He added with a chuckle, “Being with my wife is also a good reason to live in France.”

Perhaps Bruno and Sophie slightly underestimated the extent of that variety when, late in the season, they ascended a mountain pass in Alsace. As they climbed they encountered, first, dry leaves, then hard, cold rain and finally, snow at the top of the pass. They descended, thankful to get back to cruising along rural country roads at lower elevations.

After wrapping up their very own Tour de France, Sophie and Bruno are even more confident that, for them, France is the best country to cycle in. However, they did recognize that with vacations from Vietnam to Eastern Europe, it’s really hard to pick a favorite destination out of all of VBT’s Bicycling and Walking Vacations. Bruno put it best when he said, “If VBT goes somewhere, it’s because it’s worth seeing.”

Join Sophie or Bruno, biking in France with VBT this year. But don’t let their 3,000 mile journey worry you; when you travel with VBT, you can ride as much or as little as you like.

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