VBT Announces Publication of Complete Catalog of 2012 Bicycling and Walking Vacations

Offering 39 trips in 25 countries, VBT includes Air Fuel Surcharges in 2012 prices—The Best Value Guaranteed

BRISTOL, VT — VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations has published the first comprehensive catalog of its 2012 line of active vacations. Available now, the lively, full-color catalog presents 4 new biking trips and 2 new walking trips among VBT’s 39 vacations in 25 countries.

“This truly is a pathway to discovery,” VBT President Gregg Marston said, holding the 178-page catalog. “We’re tremendously proud of the way our vacations engage our travelers in the daily life, culture, and beautiful landscape of our destinations. More than ever before, the attractive design and vivid details that travelers find in the catalog are a reflection of the unique spirit of our trips. We’re delighted to offer travelers such variety and value for 2012.”

Making 2012 even more appealing to travelers is VBT’s Dare-to-Compare Guarantee. “VBT’s all-inclusive pricing cannot be beat,” Marston said. “And VBT includes Air Fuel Surcharges in our 2012 prices—currently averaging $500. We are absolutely confident that VBT is the best value, guaranteed.”

To prove the point, Marston said that he is encouraging travelers to compare for themselves—they’ll see what 40 years of VBT’s buying power can do.

“If travelers find a U.S.-based vacation company offering a lower-priced trip that also includes round-trip airfare, free use of a custom bicycle or walking poles, and local Trip Leaders and accommodations of the same quality as ours, we’ll give you one VBT vacation—for FREE,” Marston said. “None of our competitors can match our features and unsurpassed value.”

The 2012 catalog also offers travelers an incentive to reserve their trips right now. Travelers SAVE $200 per person off all International Vacations and SAVE $100 per person off all U.S. Vacations if they reserve by October 14, 2011.

VBT was recently named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Tour Operators” for the second year in a row. Based on reader feedback, VBT ranked 13th in the magazine’s 2011 survey, with an overall score of 92.45. The company has also been named among the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic magazine, ranking among the top two “Best Bicycle Outfitters on Earth” two years in a row.

VBT is offering 4 new bicycling vacations for 2012, including Tuscan Hill Towns by Bike, which returned to the company’s colorful slate of offerings thanks to the overwhelming interest of travelers, according to Chris Skilling, VBT’s Director of Worldwide Product. Travelers will cycle from the steep hills of the Elsa Valley to the soft hills of the Orcia and Asso valleys, and in the evening, relax in the comfort of historic villas and ancient, converted monasteries.

Also new are Bicycling Bordeaux & the River Dordogne, featuring the region’s gently rolling hills, verdant countryside, and small villages; Poland: Cycling through the Old World, which includes rides through the luxuriant Vistula Valley and stunning medieval villages; and Maryland: Cycling the Chesapeake Bay, where travelers will discover one of America’s unique geographic gems, where the rhythms of the sea set the pace of daily life.

Walking vacations new for 2012 are Hawaii: Walking the Big Island, where a vivid and unending geologic drama plays out along coastal, wooded, and volcanic trails; and Argentina: Walking in Patagonia, featuring discoveries from the snow-draped granite crags of the Andes to the crystalline waters of Lake Argentino, including majestic glaciers, magnificent mountains, and verdant forests.

“Our Patagonia vacation got off to a roaring start for 2011, and we’re really excited about returning in 2012,” Skilling said. “There’s no place on Earth like Patagonia, and our travelers are absolutely thrilled with the discoveries they make there.”

Founded in 1971 by Middlebury College professor, John Freidin, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The company offers 39 deluxe, small group bicycling and walking tours in 25 countries worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Peru, Argentina and the U.S.A. Each trip includes all accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full vehicle support. Unlike other companies, VBT also includes international airfare and air fuel surcharges in its trip cost.

For reservations or more information, call 1-855-486-0205 or log on to the company’s website, www.vbt.com.