Lap of Luxury

Luxury Travel

Conspicuous consumption is out but customized apparel and luxury travel is thriving. One of the benefits of taking a DuVine luxury bike tour is the ability to set your own pace while taking time to experience the finer pleasures in life.

1. Take a walk along the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. One of Europe’s oldest stone bridges, this beautiful landmark once housed butchers but has since been replaced by fine jewelers. Today, Florence’s historic role in gold trade is evident in the many shops that line the medieval bridge.

2. Of course the Swiss are known for their watches but Vacheron Constantin takes that reputation to a higher level. In operation since 1755, the world’s oldest watch company recently completed its new home in Geneva replete with a display of their complete line.

3. French perfume is internationally celebrated and Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world by many. Tour the MusÉe International de la Parfumerie; the museum covers 3000 years of the perfume industry under one roof.

Seven Modern Wonders of the World

Remember hearing about the seven wonders of the ancient world? Well, experts have created a 2.0 version—the seven modern wonders of the world. Each destination is unique and provides a great backdrop to your favorite DuVine bike tour.

1. Louvre Pyramid. Before cycling, there was art. Home to the Mona Lisa, Egyptian Pharaohs and Greek Statues, the Louvre is by many accounts the world’s greatest museum. The Louvre Pyramid was designed by the Japanese architect I.M. Pei and commissioned by French President Francois Mitterrand; the large glass pyramid was completed in 1989.

2. The Coliseum. This pinnacle of ancient Rome—and home of the gladiators—became the measure against which every modern arena is compared.

3. Chateau Chillon. The most photographed building in Switzerland, this picture perfect classic represents all things Swiss.

4. The Alhambra in Spain is considered one of the world’s greatest treasures. The exquisite architecture is a prime example of east meets west. Once home to the Moorish rulers in southern Spain, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, would later add his quarters within the palace.

5. The Vatican. The Vatican is the world’s smallest state and ruled by the Pope. It is also home to some of the world’s rarest art and priceless manuscripts. The Vatican library holds Henry VIII’s love letters to Anne Boleyn.

6. The Eiffel Tower. Constructed in 1889, this majestic tower has been attracting visitors for more than a century.

7. The Leaning Tower of Pisa. It took more than two centuries to complete the tower, which began to incline during its construction. Perhaps the most famous bell tower in the world, the leaning tower of Pisa is located in the Tuscany region in central Italy.

Spa Trends

Adventure travel doesn't mean you can't take time out for luxury hotels and gourmet cuisine; in fact, DuVine bike tours encourage visitors to indulge in deluxe accommodations and unwind in some of the world’s finest spas during each and every trip.

For those seeking something new, check out the latest spa trends you may encounter while traveling through Europe.

• Snake Massage for sore muscles. Not to worry, these are non-venomous but perhaps the ultimate massage for the adventure traveler.
• Nightingale Facials. Long valued among the Japanese, nightingale excrement is dehydrated and used in this facial treatment favored by Geishas to achieve their famed porcelain complexion.
• Caviar Body Treatment. If snakes and Nightingale excrement aren't to your liking then perhaps a caviar body treatment will better suit your style. Available at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton, this is a luxurious addition to your DuVine bike tour of Italy.

Stress Free Travel Tips

One of the first ways to ensure a stress free vacation is simple: leave the details to DuVine. We specialize in meeting every need - and whim - you could imagine...plus a few you may not have even considered! But for those of you who simply can't relax without thinking of everything, here are a few tried and true items that make great travel companions, whether it’s for the most luxurious journeys or down to earth destinations.

Biometric travel card. If you haven't applied or obtained a biometric travel card yet, then it's time to do so before your next trip. Reduce airport stress with less line time by enrolling today.

Sleeping Mask and Earplugs. Invest in good ones. The sounds of, nature, plane engines and loud chatter can be a deterrent to a good night’s sleep. A mask can help you sleep through a bad case of jetlag and signal that it’s “rest time” for your body.

Key Chain Convertible Pack. This nifty little item doubles as a keychain but expands enough to hold the contents of an average sized purse. Great for museums or a little shopping during your daily excursions.

Top Tasting Menus You Must Try

Dilemma: During a luxury vacation in Paris, you wish to experience the finest local cuisine, but can’t decide what to choose.

Solution: The tasting menu.

Tasting menus represent a chef’s favorite selections and offer the ability to sample several specialties at once so you don't have to choose. If money is no object, indulge in some of these fine tasting menus on your DuVine luxury vacation in the city of lights.

L'Arpege, Paris. Chef Alain Passard is famous for his love of vegetables—and his reluctance to serve red meat and poultry. This world-renowned restaurant offers selections of organic fruit and vegetables harvested from the chef's own farm.

Alain Ducasse Plaza Athenee, Paris. Indulge in an experience like no other. While critics were harsh on Ducasse’s foray into New York cuisine, his Paris restaurant remains the golden standard — the ultimate in decadence and unsurpassed dining luxury. Guests experience the rare opportunity to design their very own tasting menu for this five course extravaganza.

Guy Savoy, Paris. Elegant and simple dÉcor offset this tasting menu’s nine course selections. And for that (very) special occasion, indulge in the truffles-based set menu.

Pierre Gagnaire, Paris. Considered the father of French Fusion this is a fun mixture of haute cuisine meets pop culture. Gagnaire’s menu is seasonal; he is known for his clever, delicious combinations of flavors and textures.

Travel Tipping

When taking a luxury vacation overseas the issue of gratuity often comes up. Depending on which country you are visiting, the protocol changes as quickly as the scenery. From bellhop to butler, there can be many people to tip. Here is a quick review on tipping etiquette when taking a luxury vacation.

Chambermaid. The proper measure is to leave a tip daily since schedules change often. Tipping should be in keeping with the quality of service and price of the room itself, with a minimum of 5 Dollars or Euro per day.

Personal Butler or Bath Butler. This personalized member of room service is adept at making your stay feel luxurious and carefree. He or she deserves a daily or sum tip that corresponds to 15% of the nightly rate.

Doormen. A standard 2-5 Dollars or Euro per favor is acceptable.

Concierge. Protocol is optional: you can tip per service (5 to 10 Dollars or Euro), or at the end of each stay (25 to 50 Dollars or Euro) depending upon level of service rendered.

Pool Attendant. 1 or 2 Dollars or Euro per service is acceptable.

Room Service. 15% to 20% of the room service bill is standard both in the States and abroad.

Massage Therapist or Spa Technician. Although gratuity is often added to the bill, a tip of 20% is still customary.

Trim Tips

Luxury hotels and gourmet cuisine may not sound like the recipe for staying fit and trim on your next vacation, but follow these tips and you will be surprised to find yourself feeling better than ever.

Don't Fight - Bike. Rather than spending the entire vacation fighting against the desire to try out a little French cuisine or wine, realize it is an integral component of the trip itself. Instead of driving and then flopping on a cruise ship or coasting around town in a car, bike. It's healthy and depending upon speed, duration and your metabolism, can burn up to 400 calories per hour.

Airport Fiasco. Let's face it, airport food leaves a lot to be desired. Drink plenty of water and eat light during your flight. Save your appetite for delicious, local fare when you arrive at your destination. As for wine: it will only dehydrate you during flights but can actually help with jet lag—after you land— if you are prone to it.

Stretch. Sitting for long periods (especially when flying) is stressful on the body. Get up at least once an hour to stand and stretch for a few minutes or just walk up and down the aisles. When you’re on land, begin and end each day with at least 15 minutes of stretching or yoga. Remember, DuVine offers Yoga and cycling tours as an added benefit.

Massage. Schedule massage sessions during your vacation. It is particularly helpful to indulge in a massage on the first day of your arrival. The increased circulation will help revitalize your sluggish metabolism after a long flight and curb jet lag.

Add - Don't Detract. Rather than emphasizing what you won't or cannot eat, focus instead on adding water, soup and a fresh salad to each meal.