Our Expert Tour Consultants Give You the Inside Scoop!

They’re great to talk to, easy to email—and you might even meet them on a VBT adventure. Our Tour Consultants are experts in their field—they love to travel, they know all about our cycling adventures, and they really want to connect with you. So, the next time you have travel questions, you have a secret weapon—our knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and approachable Tour Consultants.

Here’s a quick introduction to each of our expert VBT Tour Consultants—including their top recommended adventures.

Amanda

Like VBT guests, Amanda loves active adventures: “Exploring the world and meeting new people is just so much fun,” says Amanda. “In the summer I do a lot of hiking, and I also garden. In the winter, I like to ski.”

Amanda’s top recommended VBT adventure: Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro Valley “You really can’t go wrong with a Bike & Boat vacation,” says Amanda. “This Douro Valley Bike & Boat includes stunning cycling in the Portuguese countryside.”

Claire

Claire has been with our company for nearly 20 years, and she really knows our guests: “Well, I’ve been here for a long time,” says Claire. “So, I would say my favorite thing is talking with guests with whom I’ve communicated over the many years. I’ve developed some really good relationships, and in some cases even had the opportunity to meet people in person.”

Claire’s top recommended VBT adventure: Chile: Coastal Vistas & Vineyards Guided Tour. “My brother joined this tour last year, and says it’s out of this world,” says Claire. “He’s also a travel professional and it takes a lot to impress him—but this Chile cycling adventure really knocked his socks off!”

Jason

There’s nothing Jason loves more than exploring—both in the United States, and abroad: “I love exploring the deserts in Utah and traveling around the West with my family,” says Jason. “We had an older Volkswagen van we used to go camping in—our son practically grew up in it!”

Jason’s top recommended VBT adventure: Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera Guided Tour “I’ve done some biking in this region, and the wine is fantastic!” says Jason. “The scenery is quite varied—with stunning coastal rides, gorgeous Barolo vineyards, and even a few optional climbs if you like the challenge.”

Leslie

Leslie enjoys putting her creative skills to work: “My mom has always been into rug hooking, and I recently started getting into it,” says Leslie. “I got inspired when my son and daughter in law announced they were having a baby. All of a sudden, I knew I wanted to make a rug for the new arrival!”

Leslie’s top recommended VBT adventure: Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast Guided Tour. “I’ve always loved the Emerald Isle,” says Leslie. “You have beautiful coastal riding, fascinating history, and vibrant Irish culture. When guests come back from this Ireland adventure, they just rave about it!”

Matthew

Matthew loves adventuring in his native New England: “I grew up in the Boston area,” says Matthew. “But I enjoy seeing mountains and hiking and skiing. Now, I love living in Vermont where I can enjoy the outdoors.”

Matthew’s top recommended VBT adventure: Slovenia, Austria & Italy: Alpine Valleys Guided Tour. “Anytime someone comes back from this trip, they can’t stop talking about it,” says Matthew. “It’s spectacular—the Julian Alps, the rivers, Lake Bled.  It’s this untouched, alpine Paradise.”

Paul

Paul is the VBT king of hot sauce: “I love cooking hot sauce,” says Paul. “I go all over the Scoville scale. I use mild peppers, like jalapenos—but I also go up in heat with the Carolina Reaper, scorpion peppers, and ghost peppers.”

Paul’s top recommended VBT adventure: France: Vineyards of Beaujolais Self-Guided Tour. “This self-guided adventure in the Beaujolais wine region of France is one of the most well-designed tours I’ve ever seen,” says Paul. “It’s the perfect way to pedal the spectacular French countryside and try some exceptional vintages without feeling overwhelmed.”

Silvy

Silvy is a born globe-trotter: “Traveling is my passion—and I’ve been everywhere,” says Silvy. “I’ve been traveling since I was 16 years old. I’ve lived in Australia; I’ve lived in Hong Kong. One of my favorite countries is Thailand. I’m always eager to go someplace new.”

Silvy’s top recommended VBT adventure: France: Normandy & Brittany Guided Tour. “I’ve been to France many times, but the history on this tour is just exceptional,” says Silvy. “We actually visited the American Cemetery on the Fourth of July. During our tour, our guide showed us an American flag his grandmother had found on the beach in 1944. It was very moving.”

Tucker

Tucker loves to connect with people and share their adventures: “I love working with people who have passion and excitement for traveling,” says Tucker. “I get excited for them—and really enjoy that happy feeling that comes from knowing I’m helping someone make their dream vacation come alive.”

Tucker’s top recommended VBT adventure: Italy: Lake Como & the Italian Lake District Guided Tour. “It’s an amazing experience to pedal around glacier-made lakes that are carved through the mountains,” says Tucker. “In that region, there’s also wineries—so when you’re not biking around the lakes, you’re spinning through these cute little villages lined with vineyards.”

Vinnie

Vinnie is an expert when it comes to wine and food: “I have a background working at different vineyards around the world, and so I geek out about our trips in New Zealand, Tuscany, and Chile because I lived in those places,” says Vinnie. “I also get a little giddy talking to people about our Post Trip Extension in Lucca, because I lived there, and I know all the hidden gems.”

Vinnie’s top recommended VBT adventure: Italy: Sardinia, Carloforte, Sulcis & Chia Self-Guided Tour. “Sardinia is the best spot I can think of to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature,” says Vinnie. “And especially with this self-guided adventure, you’re going to have a lot of independence to discover the island at your own pace. Plus, the food and wine in Sardinia is out of this world!”

Wendy

Wendy is a consummate wordsmith: “One thing that not a lot of people know about me is that I am also a writer,” says Wendy. “I have four published novels—including the Stork trilogy, which is a series of young adult novels published by Candlewick Press.”

Wendy’s top recommended VBT adventure: New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour. “I was on tour recently with a gentleman who has traveled to over 70 countries,” says Wendy. “He might be the most well-travelled person I’ve ever met! And in his opinion, New Zealand is the most wonderful country of all—out of all 70 countries he’s ever visited. That recommendation sent it to the top of my list!