Castle that Highlights Wayfarers Walking Vacations’ New Hike ‘Stars’ in ‘Downton Abbey’ Episode

Alnwick Castle in England’s Northumberland, which will take a leading role in a special Christmas episode of “Downton Abbey,” highlights a new 2015 Wayfarers Walking Vacations trip.

A new highlight of The Wayfarers Walking Vacations 2015 program is also set to star in a Christmas episode of “Downton Abbey” on PBS’s hugely popular Masterpiece Classic series.

Alnwick (pronounced ‘Annick’) Castle in England’s Northumberland, will take a leading role in a special Christmas episode as Brancaster Castle. No stranger to the cameras, Alnwick was also the setting for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

The cast and crew spent two weeks at the castle last summer, filming extensively in the spectacular State Rooms, as well as in the castle’s grounds and at the semi-ruined Hulne Abbey in the Duke of Northumberland’s parklands in Alnwick. 

Visitors to Alnwick Castle in 2015 can explore a brand new Downton Abbey exhibition, featuring photography, costumes, and props from the filming. It is rumoured that the episode, which will be screened on Christmas Day in the UK, is likely to air in the US at the end of season 5, which runs from Sunday, January 4 on Masterpiece on PBS.

The castle is a centerpiece of The Wayfarers’ new itinerary, ‘Northumbria – Land of Castles, Saints and Vikings’, based on the ancient kingdom of one of Britain’s most remote and beautiful landscapes.

It is one of three Walks new to the schedule. The others are in Italy’s Puglia region and a new take on the historic pilgrimage route of the Via Francigena in Tuscany.

A Wayfarers’ Downton Abbey vacation already includes a visit inside the ‘real’ Downton, Highclere Castle, in the south of England, other key locations and hiking amid classic English villages and countryside.

In festive spirit, the company, which has been providing all-inclusive hiking tours for more than 30 years, is offering ‘a walk in an envelope’ – Gift Certificates which can be redeemed by the recipient for a Wayfarers’ vacation in one of 20 countries across the globe.

The vouchers are available for values from $500, up to the full price of a Walk.

“Our Walk in Northumbria was designed before we knew Alnwick would be a location in Downton Abbey, because it is such a wonderful place, steeped in more than 700 years of history,” The Wayfarers’ founder Michael West said. “As on our Downton Abbey Walk, we aim to give our guests much more than just a sight-seeing stop – we really aim to get beneath the skin of a place and I guarantee that Northumbria will be unforgettable.”

“Meanwhile, our Gift Certificates are the chance for someone to give a truly wonderful gift of one of our Walks as a surprise on Christmas morning – or at any time of the year!”

Founded more than 30 years ago, The Wayfarers Walking Vacations was named by National Geographic Traveler as purveyor of one of the ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime,’ and by National Geographic Adventure as one of the ‘Best Hiking Companies,’ The Wayfarers offers an eco-sensitive walking vacation of both culture and fitness in 19 countries with 40+ itineraries.

Walks cover England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, New Zealand, Patagonia, Alaska, Colorado, Southwest USA, and a barging/walk combination in Burgundy, France.

Wayfarers Walks offer exclusive entrees into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks are from 6-13 days and are rated on a five-level challenge scale. Price per person is all-inclusive from Day One: including all transfers, hotel accommodation, full board plus twice daily snacks, wine with dinner, tips, entrance tickets, maps and postcards.

The Wayfarers is a member of Trusted Adventures, www.trustedadventures.com, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and supporting local economies.

The Wayfarers Walk Away Guide explains the benefits and practicalities of walking vacations and is guaranteed to inspire new walkers. Available at http://www.thewayfarers.com/walkawayguide

The Wayfarers 2015 Brochure http://bit.ly/1t2wwkr

For more information on all the Wayfarers Walks or the Gift Certificates contact www.thewayfarers.com, 800-249-4620 or email walk-info@thewayfarers.com

Facebook The Wayfarers Walking Vacations; Twitter @wayfarers; Instagram Wayfarerswalks.

 

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

 

Eurail Pass Travelers Save Up to 40% on European Ferry Crossings on Grimaldi Lines

Eurail Pass travelers get even deeper discounts on ferry crossings between Spain, Greece, Sicily and Sardinia with an augmented partnership between Eurail and Grimaldi Lines.

Eurail’s benefit partner Grimaldi Lines offers a 20% discount on ferry crossings and a 10% discount on accommodation supplements such as Pullman seats, berths and cabins to Eurail Pass travelers who purchase a Eurail Pass on or after this date. These discounts apply to standard as well as special fares such as advanced booking offers. The discounts are also applicable in the off-season, providing even more value for money by saving 40% when booking ship passages between September 15 and December 21, 2104. Eurail Pass travelers can make reservations and redeem these special discounts via Grimaldiˈs Contact Centers and at its points of sales in Italy and Spain. For more information, please visit www.grimaldi-lines.com.

In addition, Eurail travelers can find detailed information about the Grimaldi Lines discounts on the Rail Planner App. This free and off-line app is available from the App Store or Google Play, providing travelers with valuable information such as a complete list of Eurail Pass benefits by country, a European railway timetable and more. For further details, visit: http://www.eurailgroup.org/railplanner

Grimaldi Lines, owned by the Grimaldi Group, is one of Europe’s leading shipping companies, offering ferry services to the most popular tourism destinations in the Mediterranean region. Grimaldi Lines connections are synonymous with convenience, comfort and safety, while its Cruise Roma and Cruise Barcelona routes, servicing Sardinia and Spain, offer facilities and services similar to those of cruise ships.

Eurail offers four types of Eurail Passes as part of its product portfolio to those residing outside of Europe: the Eurail Global Pass valid in 24 member countries, Eurail Select Pass, Eurail Regional Pass and Eurail One Country Pass. Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized Sales Agents.  Please visit: www.eurailgroup.org/eurail-vendors.

 

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TourCrafters Offers Air-Inclusive Deals for Fall Travel to Spain, Italy, Booked by Aug 28

TourCrafters is offering air-inclusive packages to Florence, Italy, in September and October © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

TourCrafters is offering air-inclusive deals to Spain and Italy for September and October, booked and paid for by August 28.

This is the ideal time to travel to Europe: the weather is pleasant, the sidewalk cafés are open, but the summertime crowds have gone home.

TourCrafters’ six-night Madrid and Barcelona deal, for example, costs only $1,919 including round-trip air fare from New York, daily breakfast, three nights’ accommodation in a 3-star Madrid hotel, a half-day Madrid sightseeing tour, high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona, three nights in a 3-star Barcelona hotel and a half-day Artistic Tour of Barcelona.

You’ll have a chance to see such Madrid highlights as the Royal Palace, the Paseo del Prado and the Gran Via, and then take in some of the capital’s great museums and fine shops on your own. TourCrafters even offers an optional excursion to Toledo. In Barcelona the tour covers Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces—the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and buildings on the Paseo de Gracia—but you’ll also have time to see the Gothic Quarter and the fascinating life (cafés, market, canaries, flower stalls) along Las Ramblas, as well as to dine in some of its celebrated restaurants.

TourCrafters is also offering the following September/October air and land deals: Rome and Florence, from $1,919; Madrid, Mallorca and Barcelona, from $3,079; Madrid, Ibiza and Barcelona, from $2,559; and Italy by Train, from $2,379.

In addition, for a limited time only, TourCrafters is having an Airfare Sale from New York (JFK) to several European destinations including London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Prague and Athens.

All prices are per person, double occupancy. Air fare add-ons are available from many other cities than New York. Fuel charges are included but are subject to change by the airlines. Airport taxes ($109 per person) are not included and hotel taxes in Italy must be paid directly to the hotel in euros.

For more information on these last-minute fall deals, visit www.tourcrafters.com, click “Special Offers,” and then “Deal of the Week.” For reservations, call 800-482-5995.

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Eurail Pass Offers ‘Mediterranean Deals’ with Free Travel Days Thru Apr 30

Rail travel in France © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Eurail Pass travelers can now take advantage of the “Mediterranean Deals” promotion, adding one free travel day to the Italian One Country Pass and one free travel day to the Regional Passes France-Italy, France-Spain and Italy-Spain. The offer is valid for any variations of these products purchased through April 30, 2014.

As France, Italy and Spain count themselves among the most popular European tourism destinations, Eurail wants to entice its non-European customers even further by offering these special “Mediterranean Deals.” The French, Italian and Spanish railway companies offer an extensive and modern rail network, making traveling by train comfortable, relaxing and hassle free. Moreover, these Eurail Passes provide the traveler with the flexibility to choose from a selection of available travel days and dates, within a period of two months.

In March, Eurail announced that France will return to a revamped Eurail Select Pass after a one year absence. The Eurail Select Pass re-launches as a Four-Country Pass only. Starting on April 1st, only Four Country Select Passes can be purchased, with France as one of the 26 Eurail countries to choose from.

Eurail offers four types of Eurail Passes as part of its product portfolio to those residing outside of Europe: the Eurail Global Pass valid in 24 member countries, the Eurail Select Pass, the Eurail Regional Pass and the Eurail One Country Pass.

Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized General Sales Agents. Visit www.eurailgroup.org/eurail-vendors.

Eurail Group G.I.E., the organization dedicated to the marketing and management of the Eurail Passes, is wholly owned by more than 30 participating railways and shipping companies. In addition, Eurail Group has many benefit partners, including hotels, transport companies and museums, which offer their services either at a reduced rate or free of charge to rail pass holders.

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Eurail Offers ‘Early Birds’ Two to Five Free Travel Days for Passes Purchased thru Mar 31

Traveling by rail in Europe adds to the experience © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Travelers can take advantage of a special Eurail “Early Bird” promotion which offers non-European residents free travel days on Eurail Global Passes purchased from February 1 through March 31, 2014.  Early Bird Passes have a six month pre-booking period and include 15 days, 21 days and one month periods.

This promotional offer applies to both first and second class Eurail Global Passes and are open to all travel categories: Adults, Child, and Youth, including Saver Passes intended for groups of two to five people, offering an additional15% reduction. The “Early Bird” campaign offers two extra travel days for the 15-day Eurail Global Pass, three extra travel days for the 21-day Eurail Global Pass and five extra travel days for a one month Eurail Global continuous Pass.

“Last year’s Early Bird promotion proved very successful, boosting sales in March of the Global Pass by an astounding 96%. The opportunity to receive extra travel days motivated nearly twice as many customers to buy the Eurail Global Pass. This year we expect even more travelers to take advantage of this promotional offer. The aim is to maximize the customer’s travel experience by offering these extra days to discover even more of Europe by train,” explains Silvia Goerlach, Eurail Group Sales and Marketing Manager.

Generating over 55% of total sales revenues, the Eurail Global Pass continues to be the most popular pass in the Eurail portfolio. With its 24 participating countries, it covers nearly the entire European continent (including free or discounted travel on some major shipping lines) and gives travelers the largest variety of countries to choose from. The diversity of Europe is easy to explore via rail with the Global Pass, from historic and quaint world heritage sites to back-country nature sites and architecturally striking and historic capital cities.

Eurail Passes are available from a worldwide network of Authorized General Sales Agents. Visit www.eurailgroup.org/eurail.

Eurail Group G.I.E., the organization dedicated to the marketing and management of the Eurail and InterRail Passes, is wholly owned by 30 participating railways and shipping companies. In addition, the Group has many benefit partners, including hotels, transport companies and museums, which offer their services either at a reduced rate or free of charge to rail pass holders.

See also: Inside Tips on traveling Europe by train: A Q&A with Eurail and slideshow

 

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Virgin Vacations Offers Tuscany, Amalfi Car-Hotel Packages Priced From $429 for 6 Nights

The fall months–when weather cools down and fewer tourists abound–are perfect for visiting Italy.  Virgin Vacations  is offering two different hotel-car packages for independent travelers who want to spend a week exploring Tuscany or Italy’s Amalfi Coast in depth, at their own pace.  Priced from $429 land only (from $1,419 with air from New York), the packages include 6 nights accommodations, a 7-day manual car rental with unlimited miles, and breakfast daily.

Travelers stay at the same hotel each night, using it as a base for day excursions, so there is no need to pack and unpack daily.  Depending on individual preferences, travelers can develop their own plans, or choose from Virgin Vacations’ suggested day itineraries.  Suggested drives range from 40 – 160 miles, round trip, with estimated driving times ranging from 1 ½ to 4 hours.

Tuscany Fly & Drive: From $449 land, $1,419 air inclusive

Travelers fly to Pisa, an hour’s drive from Montecatini, where home base is the modern Tuscany Inn in the center of town. Known for its spas and its historical significance in World War II, the town is just 30 miles from Florence.  Virgin Vacations’ travelers can drive or take the train into Florence, and drive to a number of medieval towns, only 50 miles or 2 hours roundtrip.  Or, for a longer itinerary, Siena and San Gimignano are a four-hour drive, or 160 miles.

Per person prices for the 6-night Tuscany Fly & Drive package begin at $449 land only, for departures through March 2014, depending on date selected.  Prices for 8-days, including air, start at $1,419 from New York, depending on departure date. Prices range up to $579 land only, for December 25 departure, and $1629 with airfare for December 18 departure.  Hotel upgrades are available beginning at $10 per person, while car upgrades begin at $109 for the 7 days. Automatic transmissions cost an additional $375 for the 7 days.

Amalfi Coast Fly and Drive: From $429 land, $1,479 air inclusive

Virgin Vacations’ travelers fly into Naples, and then drive 1.5 hours to the four-star Villa Romana, home base for the stay.  Located only 2.5 miles from Amalfi, Villa Romana is a two-hour drive, or 50 miles roundtrip, to Pompeii and to Positano; and 3 hours (110 miles) to Ischia, largest island on the Bay of Naples.

Prices for 6-nights begin at $429, land only, based on November departure dates; or from $1,479, for 8 days with air fare from New York, based on January 7, 2014 departure.  Prices range up to $789 land only, and to $1979 with airfare departing December 24. Hotel upgrades begin at $10, while car upgrades begin at $109 for the 7 days. Automatic transmissions cost $375 for 7 days

The Fine Print

Round trip add-on air fares are available from cities nationwide. Prices are per person, based on twin occupancy.  Air fares include airline taxes and fuel charges. Car rental prices include Third Party Liability Insurance (RCA), Collision Damage Waiver Reduction (C.D.R.), Theft Protection Reduction (T.P.R.), airport charges, and local taxes (VAT).

About Virgin Vacations

Virgin Vacations offers a wide selection of escorted tours, river and sea cruises, and independent packages worldwide, available with or without air fare on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and Virgin America, as well as other international airline partners.  Virgin Vacations travelers can enroll in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club or Virgin America’s Elevate frequent flyer programs, and earn points for the land portion.

For information on other worldwide destinations available through Virgin Vacations, visit www.virginvacations.com.  As a member of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, Virgin Vacations protects travelers’ payments up to $1 Million through the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.

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TourCrafters Offers 7-Night Self-Drive Northern Spain Tour with Stays in Deluxe, Historic Paradores for $1180

For an affordable, enjoyable fall trip to Europe, consider TourCrafters’ “Northern Spain in Paradores” package.  The 8-day/7-night self-drive package costs $1,180 per person (land only) and includes accommodation in seven of Spain’s deluxe, historic paradores, seven breakfasts and an 8-day (automatic) car rental with pickup and drop off in Madrid.  The price is valid—with Sunday departures–from August 25 to November 24.

Starting out from the exciting city of Madrid, you’ll first visit Guadalupe, a charming and historic village of cobbled streets and traditional houses that also boasts a World Heritage Site.  Here you’ll overnight at the Parador of Guadalupe, a 15^th-century palace-turned-hotel famed for its Extremaduran cuisine.  Then it’s on to Plasencia  on the ancient Silver Route, where palaces, ancestral homes and  religious buildings make up a unique old quarter.  In the Parador de Plasencia, a Gothic-style former convent, you’ll sleep and dine well. 

The next stop is Ciudad Rodrigo, a famous fortified town, whose walls enclose a cathedral, castle and other historic buildings.  Here you will stay in the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo, an ivy-covered 14^th-century castle.  In Salamanca, a provincial capital that’s a treasure house of monuments, you’ll see two cathedrals and the famous 15^th-century university and sleep in the Parador de Salamanca, which has a wonderful view of the historic center.  In Zamora, another Silver Route city, you’ll visit an old town full of Romanesque art  and overnight in the Parador de Zamora, a Renaissance palace with swimming pool.  And in Benavente, another historic town,  you’ll stay at the Parador de Benavente,  another Renaissance castle, this one with beautiful gardens. 

Finish up in Leon, a city of incomparable beauty, which offers many places of historic interest: churches, palaces, houses and even Roman walls.  Here you will enjoy staying in the Parador de Leon, a regal 16^th-century monastery-hospital.  And then it’s time to return the car to Madrid.

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, and are subject to availability. For additional information about this package, visit http://sales.tourcrafters.com/tour.lasso?ID=202

For information or reservations, call 800-482-5995, tourcrafters.com.

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Go-today Holiday Season Sale Features Dublin Escape Package from $799 if Booked by Dec 31.

Ready for a post-holiday season vacation? Go-today, a leading provider of vacation packages world-wide, has just launched a holiday season sale featuring five European vacations priced from under $1000 per person, when booked by Dec. 31. Travelers can beat the blues and add some urban intrigue this winter by hopping across the pond to explore Dublin, London, Paris, Rome, or Barcelona.

“This holiday season we want to give travelers the extraordinary gift of a European vacation,” said Paula McKay, President of go-today. “For a limited time some of our most popular packages to Dublin, London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona are on sale for under $1,000 per person!”

The holiday season sale features the Dublin Escape from $799 per person. The package includes roundtrip airfare to Dublin, four nights of hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, and all taxes and fees. Travelers can explore the Irish’s capital’s deep traditions, lively music, and stellar beer.

Go-today is also offering the London Escape, Paris Escape, Rome Escape, and Barcelona At Its Best from $999 per person. These packages also include roundtrip airfare, four or six nights of hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, and all taxes and fees. From Big Ben to the beaches of Barcelona, travelers will discover the allure of some of Europe’s coolest capitals.

The sale prices, including the Dublin Escape package, are available until December 31, 2012.

For more information about the Holiday Season Sale, or to make a reservation, visit www.go-today.com or call a travel expert at 800-227-3235 (6am to 6pm PT Monday – Friday and 7:30am to 4pm PT Saturday and Sunday).

Go-today was established in 1997 with a vision of offering affordable independent travel to Europe. Over the years, the company expanded to offer vacation packages to destinations world-wide.  The company is a division of Europe Express.

Trafalgar Offers $600 Savings on European Air-Inclusive Winter, Spring Trips for Bookings by Dec 27

Venice at night © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Trafalgar (www.trafalgar.com) has extended its current offer to save $600 per couple on air-inclusive winter and spring trips booked with Delta and Sky Team partners. Originally ending November 30, 2012 the offer has been extended for all new bookings made until December 27, 2012 through March 30, 2013.

Trafalgar has 25 fully-guided winter and spring European itineraries to Italy, Britain, Ireland, France, Spain and more, each offering the must-see sights with smaller crowds and savings of up to 38% off the cost of summer travel.

“Combining your savings with the already low pricing, this makes winter and spring travel especially great to maximize cost benefits and enjoy Europe during a quieter traveling season,” said Trafalgar USA President Paul Wiseman.

The 11-day Great Italian Cities, from $2375 USD per person, is the ideal trip for travelers looking for a relaxed-pace journey to three of Italy’s favorite cities. Guests enjoy stays of 2-3 nights on average in each destination, starts no earlier than 9 a.m. on most travel days, small group sightseeing in select locations and more. Spending 3 nights each in Rome, Florence and Venice, this At Leisure itinerary gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in their destination without the rush of several more travel days. Guests are also treated to a Be My Guest dinner at Villa Calcinaia in Greve in Chianti. In beautiful Venice, guests cruise the canals with a local guide before a Small-Group Sightseeing trip through the city’s narrow streets.

The 8-day Irish Highlights trip, from $1199 USD per person, is a wonderful trip to explore the scenic countryside of Ireland while also visiting numerous cities, cliffs, castles and more. Spending two nights in Dublin and Killarney, with a one-night stay in Limerick and Waterford, guests will get a taste for traditional Ireland. Guests will also be treated to an authentic dining experience with a Be My Guest Dinner in Killarney at an Irish farmhouse.

The savings of $600 per couple ($300 per person) is on new 2013 air-inclusive Europe trips booked and deposited (land and air) between 11/12/12 and 12/27/12 for travel between 01/01/13 and 03/31/13. Air must be booked on Delta (and Sky Team partners, except Alitalia) through Trafalgar in conjunction with a Europe vacation. The offer is not valid on City Breaks, Train Vacations or itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. The offer is combinable with brochure discounts, except Early Payment Discount, but is not combinable with other promotional offers, except Show Coupons. Use the Promotion Code: 12AWSDL. CST#2077132-20

For more information, contact your local Travel Agent, call 866-544-4434 or visit www.trafalgar.com. Follow Trafalgar on Twitter at @TrafalgarTalk or @TrafalgarUSA and check us out on Facebook.

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European Bicycle Tours on a Budget: 10 One-Week Tours Under $1,000

The Prague to Dresden bike trip follows the Vltava and Elbe Rivers from the cultural center of Prague through Saxon Switzerland to Dresden, the so-called “Florence of the North.” BikeToursDirect helps travelers choose tours and handles the booking and payment process © 2011 David Leiberman/news-photos-features.com.

Travelers interested in European bicycle tours can still find bargains—despite the weak dollar—with dozens of one-week, nearly all-inclusive tours in Europe under $1,000. Tours can be booked through U.S.-based BikeToursDirect, which represents nearly 50 European bicycle tour companies in 35 countries and offers more than 200 tours on its website, www.biketoursdirect.com.

The local tour companies can keep their tour prices down due to the low cost of doing business close to home and to spreading their expenses over a large, primarily European client base.   Another way travelers can save money: in addition to guided tours—with ride-along guides, support vans and dinners—most European companies offer less expensive self-guided options.

BikeToursDirect president Jim Johnson stresses that self-guided tours are far from self-contained. “With self-guided tours, you have a lot of support,” he says. “Your lodging is pre-booked, your luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel, your rental bikes are delivered to your start hotel and picked up at your end hotel, you get detailed maps and route information, and a local liaison is also there to orient and assist you.”

Most European bike tours are appropriate for families and novice cyclists, and many have weekly and even daily departures. Here are ten top tours under $1,000 (per person, double occupancy, based on mid-May 2011 exchange rates):

• Danube Bicycle Path (Austria): Experience Europe’s second-most popular bicycle path, which runs along well-signed, dedicated, nearly flat bike paths through vineyards and medieval towns, taking travelers from Passau, Germany to Vienna.
• Mosel Bike Path (Germany): Explore the best-known wine-growing region of Germany along one of its most scenic rivers, with visits to castles and medieval towns. The tour starts in Germany’s 2,000-year old city of Trier and ends at the Rhine.

• Loire Valley (France): Discover the most peaceful part of the Loire Valley with its vineyards, chateaux, quiet villages and medieval towns.

• Provence (France): Take a ride through France’s sunshine country, along the Mediterranean coast and through medieval towns, with visits to architectural masterworks such as the papal palace in Avignon, the Arena in Arles and the Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard.

• Tuscany (Italy): Experience the “Italian jewel” of landscape and culture as you cycle past castles and hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves.

• Lake Constance Bicycle Path (Germany, Austria and Switzerland):  Circumnavigate one of Europe’s largest lakes and across four islands on Europe’s most popular bicycle path.

• Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike and Boat (Holland and Belgium): Cycle between two historic cities with a stop in the Flemish port town of Antwerp, with lodging on a river barge.

• Prague to Dresden (Czech Republic and Germany):  Follow the Vltava and Elbe Rivers from the cultural center of Prague through Saxon Switzerland to Dresden, the so-called “Florence of the North.”

• Brussels to Bruges (Belgium): Explore a region rich with art and historic architecture along the Flanders Cycle Route, which features easy and flat cycling between sea, canals and dunes, with stops at churches, abbeys, castles and windmills.

• Vienna to Budapest (Austria, Slovakia and Hungary): Starting in the “city of charm,” experience untouched nature, little-known artistic treasures and cultural monuments.

BikeToursDirect bills itself as a “one-stop resource for bike tours in Europe and beyond” and helps cycle tourists find tours based on preferences like destination, month, duration, cost and level of difficulty. Clients book tours and make all payments through BikeToursDirect, usually at the same prices charged by the European companies. The site also offers helpful advice and travel tips such as how to choose a tour and what to pack.

BikeToursDirect’s primary offices are in Chattanooga, Tenn. Telephone:  1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com. Web site: www.biketoursdirect.com.

About BikeToursDirect

BikeToursDirect, now in its eighth season, serves as a central resource for bicycle tours in Europe, representing more than 50 tour companies that offer more than 200 tours in 35 European countries and is currently expanding to Asia, Africa and Australia. BikeToursDirect offers a variety of resources to help travelers choose tours and handles the entire booking and payment process. Learn more at www.biketoursdirect.com. Telephone:  1-877-462-2423 or 1-423-756-8907. Email: info@biketoursdirect.com.

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