VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations Highlighted in Chris Santella’s “Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die”

VBT Associates are Among the Top Biking Experts Sharing their Favorite Destinations to Bike

BRISTOL, VT—The highly anticipated Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die has been received with great critical acclaim as the ninth addition to the bestselling Fifty Places series by author, Chris Santella.

Ranging from Argentina to Angkor Wat, Santella’s comprehensive collection of outstanding settings takes readers bicycling around the world, filling them in on where to go, when to visit and what to see while you’re there. The author sought advice from leading international biking experts, including two VBT Associates – Catherine Dowling and Gerry Slager.

VBT Trip Leader, Catherine Dowling, provides a romantic illustration of the wonders of the western coast of her native Ireland. Her insight into the region’s rich history as well as the warm nature of its residents reveals her passion and appreciation for the locale. She discusses highlights of the VBT Tour she leads, Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast. The drama of the landscape comes alive in her depiction of the beautifully stark Burren and the mountainous interior of Connemara.

Longtime VBT Associate, Gerry Slager, recommends that biking enthusiasts explore the Champlain Valley in his home state of Vermont. Slager stresses the diversity of VBT’s tour through Vermont, emphasizing the natural beauty of the scenery and the ideal pacing that lets you take it all in. Additionally, Gerry explains that you’ll see a different Vermont, depending upon which season you decide to bike the Green Mountain State.

Chris Santella utilizes a series of stunning images to complement the written account of must-bike destinations. The author used images from three VBT tours, California Wine Country & the Pacific Coast, Tuscan Hill Towns by Bike and Burgundy: The Wine Route.

“Garnering this much attention in Mr. Santella’s book truly reinforces the integrity of the vacation that VBT consistently delivers to travelers — a high-quality travel experience that has the proven ability to impact lives,” said Gregg Marston, Owner of VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.

“It’s also wonderful for all of us to see the hard work of our worldwide associates acknowledged in such a prestigious, public fashion,” Marston concluded.

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 1-855-382-1553 or visit the Request a Catalog page on our website www.vbt.com.