An Adventure of the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Why just see the world, when you can feel it?

Certain moments we can resurrect with perfect clarity—how the oleander smelled in a Seville courtyard … the flutter of white ao dai dresses as a flock of Hanoi schoolgirls pedaled by … how your sternum lit up as you crested a ridge, and saw before you the expanse of Lake Garda. The most powerful, resonant impressions are made when your mind, body, and spirit are all actively engaged, in sync with the world around you—as they are when you ride or walk with VBT. When is your next moment?

“Biking in the countryside was amazing—surrounded by beauty—going from orange groves, to vineyards to being surrounded by olive groves was almost spiritual.”

Elizabeth W., Spain: Under the Andalusian Sky

Engage all your senses for an unparalleled experience

Plenty of tour operators can show you the sights. We can do much more, because our approach to travel more fully utilizes all your senses and integrates your activities with the land and the cultures at hand. It’s a richer, more organic way to take in the world—and a far more rewarding one.

While we describe our trips as “active” vacations, the physical exercise you get while cycling or walking in the great outdoors is only a part of it. With all your senses primed, and with no plate-glass window between you and your destination, you’ll feel truly alive and ready to absorb everything. Get ready for a pure, direct and authentic connection to your surroundings.

The mind-body connection

We all know that exercise is good for your physical wellbeing, but it also enhances your mindfulness, and even your mood. So imagine how much more receptive you might be to the world around you when you feel invigorated and alive, when you approach new experiences with a sense of joyful awareness. As the Roman poet Juvenal once said, “mens sana in corpore sano:” a healthy mind in a healthy body. Simply put, when you feel good your mind will be at ease, and more receptive to new stimuli. What better way to embark on a true journey of discovery?

Designed to exhilarate—not exhaust you

It’s not a race – it’s a vacation. We design our trips for true travel lovers who are fit and able to enjoy moderate daily exercise— not Olympians. So go on, take your time, enjoy the slow ride if you want to. There’s no pressure with VBT, no finish line. You set the pace that feels right, and we support you with flexible itineraries, vehicle support, expert trip leadership, and lots of tips and encouragement.

While we’re not taskmasters when it comes to activity, we do try to outdo our “personal best” at the end of each day when it comes to quality comforts and pleasure. Look forward to a little pampering in the form of gracious accommodations, fine food and wine, plenty of amenities and little luxuries.

Discover the essence of a place

Join us off the beaten path, where life is unhurried, and nature and culture are deeply intertwined. Here you can participate in daily life as it unfolds far from bustling crowds of tourists. Because our groups are small, your interactions will feel more personal, your perspective more authentic. Cycling or walking into a small village (as opposed to converging upon it in a big tour bus), you won’t disrupt the natural flow of things, just blend right into it. And being so in tune with the local culture and the natural environment from which it sprang, you will appreciate how all things connect. We like to think of it as synergy. You’ll just think of it as fun.

Our world is full of surprises

A lot of planning goes into building the perfect VBT trip. But there’s always an element (or two or three) of spontaneity. Riding through a Croatian village, you may be invited to toast the wedding party celebrating in the town square. In Vietnam, you might drop the kickstand and scramble into the paddies to help farmers harvest rice. Or maybe you’ll amble into an Argentine bodega and get caught up in the latest soccer game, cheering with the locals when La Albiceleste scores.

Your vacation time is precious. Why squander it on a superficial vacation when you can do so much more with VBT? Reinvigorate your body. Renew your sense of wonder. And refill your memory bank with indelible moments that you can relive—for the rest of your life.