VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Announces Sixteen New Tours for 2014

Featuring Off-the-Beaten-Path destinations in New Zealand, Thailand, the U.S. and throughout Europe

BRISTOL, VT- VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is excited to add 16 new tours for the 2014 season including 6 bicycling trips, 8 walking trips and 2 cross-country skiing trips. The diverse variety of vacation options includes trips like Lake Constance: Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Bicycling France: Normandy & Brittany, Holland in Springtime Bike & Barge, Walking Vietnam: The Trails of Indochina and Yellowstone in the Winter: Skiing America’s First National Park.

“Our trip planners have once again struck the perfect balance between unrivaled quality and unmatched prices. It starts with ensuring that you’ll feel truly connected to the local culture,” said Gregg Marston, VBT’s President. “Our Trip Leaders, always natives of your destination, provide more personal insight – and create a fun and rewarding sense of family along the way”.

VBT consistently responds to traveler demand when considering additions to their lineup of international deluxe bicycling, walking and cross-country ski vacations. Based upon customer feedback and meticulous research and planning by the Product Team, the Bristol, Vermont-based company has added the following active vacations to their 2014 catalog.

New Bicycling Vacations: Lake Constance: Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Holland in Springtime Bike & Barge, Bicycling France: Normandy & Brittany, Winter Sun: Cycling California’s Death Valley, Lake Garda to Venice: Cycling Italy’s Veneto, and Biking Southern Vermont: A New England Idyll

New Walking Vacations: Italy: The Quiet Pathways of Tuscany, France: Slow Road Through Provence, Spain: A Walking Tour of Basque Country, Walking New Zealand: Splendor of the South Island, Walking Vietnam: The Trails of Indochina, Coastal Maine: Walking Acadia, Walking the American West: Zion & Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Walking America’s Wilderness

New Cross-Country Skiing Vacations: Yellowstone in the Winter: Skiing America’s First National Park and A New England Winter: Cross-Country Skiing in Vermont

“I can see the new energy throughout the company as we launch an unprecedented number of trips in 2014. But it’s the careful selection and design of destinations more than the number that gets me really excited.” said Chris Skilling, VBT’s Director of Worldwide Product. “It’s impossible to have a favorite. But I can’t stop thinking about New Zealand, which will become even more visited by VBT with the addition of our walking program in 2014. The Kiwi’s practically invented “tramping”. And the opportunity to get away in our winter, to walk in the sunshine and along the coast of the South Island’s top end, is super attractive.”

Three of the new bicycling vacations ride through some of Europe’s most magnificent vistas, from the sweeping and historic coasts of French Normandy and Brittany to the pristine shores of alpine Lake Constance to the tulip-blanketed fields of Holland in springtime. Closer to home, you can join VBT in their own rural neighborhood to bike through southern Vermont’s quaint villages and over famed covered bridges.

Pull on your walking shoes for tranquil strolls along Tuscany’s quiet pathways and Provence’s slow roads. Or join VBT for soul-stirring walks in five of our own majestic national parks – Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Acadia. “Our National Parks have been called ‘America’s best idea’. VBT will have 8 vacations visiting our national parks in 2014, giving our guests the opportunity to cycle, walk and ski through some of the most spectacular destinations in our country,” Skilling added. “As we approach the 100th anniversary of our park system, we’re excited to offer VBT travelers some very unique opportunities to appreciate our parks, reaching far beyond what most park visitors will ever experience.“

And speaking of national parks, travelers can experience Yellowstone’s snow-covered splendor in the hush of winter. Few winter wilderness experiences match it; this dreamy wonderland is perfect for exploration by cross-country ski. Or glide through the peaceful white-blanketed forests of Vermont’s Green Mountains on the beautifully groomed trails that VBT knows so well.

Garrott Kuzzy, VBT’s Skiing Product Manager and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympian, adds: “After an outstanding first season of our cross-country ski tours, we’re excited to offer two new tours closer to home. The winter ski vacations feature some fun activities you can’t find during warmer months. Imagine the steam coming off of Old Faithful as it hits the crisp winter air while you’re enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate or a snowshoe walk through the Trapp Family Lodge sugarhouse as we learn about maple sugaring right here in Vermont. Be sure to check out our guest reviews online and if you’re new to skiing, you may want to consider one of our beginner departures.”

Founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor, VBT offers deluxe, small group bicycling, walking and cross-country ski tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Peru, Argentina, Canada and the United States. 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 roundtrip international airfare from up to 30 U.S. cities for all overseas vacations.

Call 1-855-365-3926 to receive the latest full catalog of all of VBT’s active vacations.