An Adventure of the Mind, Body and Spirit

Engage all your senses for the richest experience ever

You hit a rhythm as your wheels spin across the vega to Penaflor, an Andalusian pueblo blanco. You’ll remember the picnic in a sea of yellow sunflowers, the taste of sangria spiked with cinnamon and peaches, the smell of orange blossoms, and the feel of cool stone against your face as you stop to lean against a townhouse wall. Its grilled iron gate opens onto a sunny courtyard where a fountain gurgles, and urns overflow with red geraniums. The smell of garlic and saffron announce that dinner is cooking. Then a voice calls, and a child scampers across the blue azulejo tiles. She sees you, giggles “¡buenas noches!” then disappears into the light. Some people see Spain.… Today you have felt it.

“I think this trip changed my life. I don’t want “this feeling”
to ever end! You all simply did an outstanding job....It was simply flawless!”

Kimmi M., Tuscany by the Sea

Experience the world with every fiber of your being

At VBT, our goal isn’t so much to show you the sights (though we certainly do that), but to engage all your senses for the richest, most rewarding travel experience ever. Sure, we say our trips are “active,” but we’re not just talking about the physical exercise you’ll experience while cycling or walking in the great outdoors. We’re talking about activating your mind, your body, your spirit — all your senses — so that you feel truly alive and ready to absorb everything. When you explore with VBT, there’s no plate-glass window between you and your destination. Just a pure, direct and authentic connection to your surroundings that’s more deeply rewarding than any conventional tour could possibly be.

Physical well-being = joyful awareness

These days, we’re all trying to incorporate healthful habits into our lifestyles, and of course, exercise is one of them. Cycling or walking with VBT will certainly result in a feeling of physical well-being, but it will also enhance your mindfulness, and even your mood. Simply put, when you feel good your mind will be at ease, and ready to receive the new sights, sounds, feelings—all the stimuli of travel. What better way to embark on a true journey of discovery? The Roman poet Juvenal once said, “mens sana in corpore sano:” a healthy mind in a healthy body. We just say, “it’s good for you!”

Designed to exhilarate—not exhaust you

There’s no record to set, no finish line, no pressure with VBT. We design our trips for travel lovers who are fit and able to enjoy moderate daily exercise—not Olympians. You set the pace that feels right, and we support you with flexible itineraries, van support, expert trip leadership, and lots of tips and encouragement.

While we’re not taskmasters when it comes to activity, we are a little fanatic when it comes to quality comforts and pleasure. So at the end of each day you can expect a little pampering. Look forward to gracious accommodations, fine food and wine, and plenty of amenities and little luxuries. After all, you are on vacation!

Discover the essence of a place

Join us off the beaten path, where life is less complicated, and nature and culture are deeply intertwined. Here you can participate in daily life as it unfurls far from bustling crowds of tourists. Because our groups are small, your perspective will be more intimate and authentic. After all, there’s an enormous difference between walking or cycling 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 deftly step right into it. And being so in tune with the natural world, you will appreciate how all things connect. We like to think of it as a more organic way to travel. You’ll just think of it as more fun.

Our world is full of surprises

We’ve paved your way with well-marked routes and creative itineraries, but there’s always room for spontaneity. Riding through a Croatian village, you may be invited to toast the wedding party celebrating in the town square. In Italy, you may drop the kickstand at an Orvieto vineyard to help grape pickers with the fall harvest. Or maybe you’ll stop to meet Portuguese fishermen as they grill sardines, argue about the latest World Cup victory, and make up over a glass of vinho verde.

Seeing the world anew by being a part of it, your sense of wonder will be rejuvenated. And your memories will be all the more vivid for it.