This was the first time that this trip had been run using E-bikes, so everyone was keen to see how the trip would unfold. We were introduced to our bikes on the first evening, and because of a change of hotel we had the opportunity to cycle into Monopoli, and return in the dark after an amazing first meal. When I checked the itinerary I could see that the first two rides were going to be the most challenging in terms of ascent and distance, but I quickly realised that E-bikes are a great leveller. There are four levels of assistance, with turbo being the most powerful. The motor rewards effort, the faster you peddle, the more assistance it gives you, up to its maximum speed - these bikes are not chipped like the delivery cycles that whizz around around our streets bringing takeaways to the masses. Each person in the group decided how much effort to put in, getting up the many hills, but hats off to the one person in the group who rode the whole way on an ordinary bike . . . . and he was not at the back. Respect!! With uphills come downhills, and there were plenty of those. Long sweeping downhills that went on and on. Great fun. We were well fed and watered on this trip, both at lunchtime and in the evenings, and for the most part the weather behaved itself.
Cycle through the historic Dordogne region of southwest France visiting La Roque-Gageac, Sarlat and the Lascaux Caves. The Dordogne, as the French say, is a land with 'un peu de tout', a little of everything; a gently meandering river, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese, the warm southern sun and of course a web of country roads linking the historic hamlets and towns, all just ideal for a stimulating cycling holiday. From Souillac in the valley of the Dordogne River, the cycle route follows tiny lanes and byroads, initially following the river, which winds through a landscape of steep green wooded hills, patchwork fields and terraced slopes. This area of France is rich in scenery, architecture, history - and of course has a famous gastronomic reputation, as this is the home of the truffle! Spend two nights in Sarlat the capital of Black Périgord; it is an exceptionally well-preserved city. The second half of the circuit is a little more rural and there is a chance to visit the world famous Lascaux Caves. Staying in a selection of hand picked hotels, there is ample time to relax and enjoy the villages and scenery for which the area is famous.
Rich with medieval villages, historic castles and churches, Catalonia (Catalunya) is contrasted with an impressive rocky coastline, dotted with pretty fishing villages, crystal-clear waters and beautiful golden sandy beaches. Steeped in culture and history, Catalonia's traditions date back over thousands of years.
This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows a triangular route through the heart of the great Loire Valley. Highlights include the majestic chateaux of Amboise and Chambord, and the rich Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau. You'll pass vineyards, sunflowers fields and pretty, sleepy villages, before pedalling gently along shady riverbanks and out through open countryside abundant with wildlife.
On each cycling day, you'll have the opportunity to taste dozens of different wines - stopping at big wineries or village vineyards as the mood takes you - in a wine region more varied and diverse than any other in the world.
Enjoy the sweet and peaceful 'Art de Vivre' in boutique hotels and relax with a glass of local wine by the pool.
Wonderful trip. It was amazing to be able to travel from one hill town to another, each one so different from the others.
Highlights of our trip included an art exhibit in Perugia on how medieval artists perceived nature - absolutely beautiful and we had the place to ourselves, quite a contrast to the crowds at the Uffizi; staying in a 14th century pilgrim guest house in Assisi; walking out to the aqueduct bridge in Spoleto; hearing all the bells in Narni suddenly start ringing when the new Pope was elected and running outside along with everyone else to find out what had happened; and, my husband would say, the wild boar stew he ate that evening at a restaurant in the square.
Logistics were well organized and the routes well planned. It was a challenging route, however, with many steep climbs. We were glad we reserved e-bikes. There were also a number of places with poorly maintained roads, quite a bit of springtime road construction, and some areas where the route took roads with heavy traffic. Italian drivers were quite considerate, though.
We had a great time and were sad to go home. We could have stayed in each town longer, and will hopefully return to Italy soon.
Trip was well paced. Accommodations were good. Plugged shower drain in two locations one with a good response, another with a bad response. Food was good. Good view of rural France.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Way of St. James, Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvillar, Armagnac, Aire-sur-l'Adour, Maslacq, St Palais, Saugues, Aumont-Aubrac, Estaing, Conques, Figeac, Bouziès, Cahors, Lauzerte
Another outstanding tour through Explore. Seeing the north of Italy by following the Adige River trail from Merano, and winding up with a full day in Venice, was simply epic. Riding into Verona to the Colosseum was magical.
We had an excellent guide (Massimo) who was very skilled, with great sense of humour. We all laughed the entire journey.
Most of the group had e-bikes, though the trails were fairly easy aside from a couple of hilly bits.
As we were following the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic coastline) it was a beautiful part of the world to visit, see, experience. Would totally recommend it.
