VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Announces Return of Tuscany and Provence Walking Vacations in Fall 2013 Due to Traveler Demand

BRISTOL, VT — Due to overwhelming interest from travelers, VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations has announced the return of its Walking Vacations in Tuscany and Provence. And in thanks to the many travelers who have helped bring back the itineraries in these two beautiful destinations, travelers who reserve these vacations by March 15, 2013 will save $300 per person.

Italy: Quiet Pathways of Tuscany is a 10-day excursion in the heart of glorious Tuscany, a warm and welcoming landscape of undulating hills, golden fields, rich vineyards, and elegant cypress trees. As travelers walk through this beautiful countryside, they’ll discover the villages where a distinctive Tuscan way of life is treasured and savored each day.

This active vacation includes 3- and 4-star hotels, 13 meals, cultural highlights that display the satisfying Tuscan way of life: a stroll and early-morning cappuccino with the locals in Siena, a Chianti Classico tasting in the cellars of Relais & Châteaux, a walk through the ancient hilltop village of Montalcino, world famous for its Brunello wine, and much more.

France: Slow Road Through Provence is a 10-day excursion through a region of France that inspired Van Gogh and inspires travelers still. Walking down village lanes and cobbled streets, or through pathways that wind among lush farms and vineyards, travelers will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time.

This tour includes stays in historic 3- and 4-star French hotels and chateaux, 13 meals, and cultural highlights that bring Provence to life: a picnic in a scenic Provençal setting with a renowned pastry maker, a wine tasting in the cellars of Chateau Romanin during a winery tour, a guided tour of St. Remy, where van Gogh found so much to inspire his art, and much more.

On each of these walking vacations, travelers will experience the unique tranquility of Tuscany and Provence, enjoying both thrilling natural beauty and a serene way of life that celebrates fine food, local wines, and gracious hospitality. Travelers will benefit from VBT’s trademark commitment to warm encounters with local people, fascinating cultural traditions, and unique accommodations, in this case lovely historic hotels and chateaux.

“Once again, VBT’s travelers have demonstrated that they know best, and we’ve shown that we know how to listen to them,” said Chris Skilling VBT Director of Worldwide Product. “We’re delighted to bring back these two trips. Tuscany and Provence each offer such charm, beauty, and tradition—discoveries are endless, and endlessly rewarding.”

Skilling announced that with the return of these two trips, VBT now offers 9 walking vacations, from Peru to Patagonia, from Ireland to the Italian Lakes. “As always with VBT, travelers on walking vacations choose the pace that is just right for them, walking from 2 to 5 hours a day, as you wish,” Skilling said. “Our VBT on-tour support vehicle is always available at specific meeting points with assistance or guidance.”

VBT was voted #3 in the Travel + Leisure 2012 annual readers poll, marking the third consecutive year that VBT has been ranked among the World’s Best in the Tour Operator category. VBT received a score of 95.36 out of 100 in this poll.

Select fall 2013 departures for Tuscany and Provence are now available. As always, travelers will benefit from the guidance and companionship of experienced, local Trip Leaders, all of whom are residents of the region. They know the ins and outs of each place visited and they’ll make sure travelers are never more than a few steps away from the comfort they deserve. Not only do they speak fluent English—they know the local traditions and colorful customs, history, and art, so they will enrich travelers’ discoveries as no one else can.

Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and cross-country skiing tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina, Canada 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 in its trip cost.

For reservations or more information, and to receive the most recent VBT catalog, call 1-855-365-3926 or log on to the company’s website at www.vbt.com.