VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Unveils Five New Itineraries for 2016

VBT Debuts New Destinations, Immersive Bike Itineraries and New Bike + Sail Itinerary Departures

BRISTOL, VT — July 29, 2015 — VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, the award-winning worldwide active vacation company based in Bristol, VT, has announced five new tours for 2016 in Florida, Spain, Germany, Holland, France and Chile, further expanding the company’s extensive portfolio of 45 cycling and walking vacations in 26 countries. A leader in immersive travel, VBT’s itineraries combine world-class biking and walking routes with organized off-the-trail activities designed to fully bring travelers into the local culture. New tours across the globe include:

North Holland and Friesland Bike & Sail Adventure: For the first time, VBT is offering the combination of bicycling and sailing. Travelers will board the Ship Mare Fan Fryslan, where they will stay throughout the duration of the tour. The itinerary features a ride along the Wadden Islands, where travelers will see the 19-mile long Afsluitdijk dam, as well as sailing the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Special highlights include picnics on a family farm, learning to sail the ship, visiting a Terschelling cooking workshop on how to prepare fresh oysters.

Spain’s Costa Brava: Cycling Dali’s Landscapes: This tour takes place in the home region of Salvador Dali where travelers will trace his steps, starting with a guided visit of his own Pubol Castle and museum. Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries and cycle through lush farmlands, medieval villages and will see gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. During the tour, travelers will stay in a castle at Castell d’Emprada, owned by a couple who will prepare a slow-cooked meal. Additional culinary highlights include waterfront dining and sampling Catalonia’s finest wines.

Alsace & the Black Forest: La Route des Vins: The active vacation begins with a smooth ride along the vineyards of the Black Forest and a tour of Badenweiler’s 2,000-year-old Roman spa ruins. Travelers will board a small boat and cruise the canals through the town of Colmar. Guests will also cycle the Route des Vins, a scenic bike path through beautiful wine towns and stop for an included wine tasting and tour at a local vineyard. For dessert during the trip all are encouraged to try a slice of Black Forest cake in the land where it originated.

Florida’s Historic Coast: On this journey travelers will enjoy the soft-sand beaches and glorious sunshine cycling around Amelia Island to learn about its rich history. Travelers will also discover St. Augustine, America's first city, admire enchanting Victorian architecture, kayak through a tranquil salt marsh and take a sunset sail aboard the schooner, Freedom.

Chile’s Coastal Vistas & Vineyards: VBT’s new Chile tour will immerse travelers in the coastal towns of Valparaiso and Zapallar, where travelers will join native fisherman on an excursion to set bait traps for rock shrimp. VBT guests can sit along the scenic beach and enjoy the days catch while admiring the oceanfront city. Travelers will also bike through the Santa Rita Vineyards in the Andean foothills, home to the “lost Carmenere grape,” which was rediscovered here in 1994 after over 130 years of presumed extinction. Travelers will also visit with an expert sommelier to create and bottle their own personal wine blend in the private cellar at Santa Rita Vineyards. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue with local residents.

Serving as both guides and travel companions, VBT’s bilingual Trip Leaders are all residents of the country they lead in, which enriches each tour as they impart their knowledge of local customs, flora and fauna and provide historical context and insight. To ensure every experience is unique, VBT also provides route instructions with different options so that travelers can pedal or walk at their own comfortable pace while still feeling a strong sense of group camaraderie.

VBT’s unparalleled value in the world of active travel comes from outstanding quality and unsurpassed prices. No other tour company includes so many features and advantages such as international roundtrip airfare, accommodations, cultural activities and complimentary custom bicycles or walking poles.

To learn more about VBT’s vast array of itineraries, request a catalog or reserve a vacation, visit VBT.com or call VBT’s tour consultants at 855-486-0205 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST.