VBT Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Vermont-Based Tour Operator Still Delivering Exceptional Value and Unique Experiences

BRISTOL, VT — VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, an award-winning international tour operator, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2011. VBT was founded in 1971 by a Middlebury College professor who offered affordable weekend cycling getaways in Vermont. Today, VBT is still a family-owned, Vermont-based business and offers an award-winning collection of 36 vacations in 25 countries, including its core international Bicycling Vacations, Bike & Barge Vacations in Europe, and Walking Vacations around the world.

"Over the last 40 years, VBT has remained strong through many changes in the economic climate," said Gregg Marston, the company’s President. "I think we owe our longevity to two things: First, we take our commitment to value very seriously. I’m proud to say that we are known industry-wide for the value of our vacations.” He explained, “For one low price, each trip includes superior accommodations, many meals, two expert local Trip Leaders, unique sightseeing and cultural activities, and full vehicle support. We also include international airfare in our cost, while other companies do not.” Marston continued, “Secondly, we continually look for opportunities that allow our travelers to experience local cultures in unique and special ways. For instance, we make sure to enhance every trip with exceptional regional cuisine and unforgettable lodgings. In fact, this is how we define our Unsurpassed Value: Excellent experiences plus low cost to our travelers.”

He concluded, “It really has been our mission to enrich our travelers’ lives. After 40 years, our travelers fully expect to discover and learn about new cultures wherever they go. Simply put, we offer much more than simple biking and walking vacations, and it’s the highest compliment that our travelers have come to appreciate that about us.”

Throughout 2011, VBT is celebrating its 40 years with Anniversary Tours, receptions, and other special events. Thus far, it is offering culinary-themed trips to Tuscany, Vietnam, Provence, and Puglia; other events and tours will be announced on the company’s website, vbt.com, in the coming weeks.

Marston added that VBT associates around the world have another reason to be proud of the upcoming 2011 anniversary season. VBT placed 4th in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2010 World's Best Awards in the “Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter” category, and was named among the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine, ranking among the top two “Best Bicycle Outfitters on Earth” two years in a row.

VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations offers bicycling and walking tours worldwide, including destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Vietnam, Peru and the U.S.A. As a commitment to its unsurpassed value, VBT guarantees its travelers that 2011 prices are less than or equal to 2010 prices.
For reservations or more information, call 1-888-340-2127 or log on to the company’s website, www.vbt.com.