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June 30, 2011

A Soiree in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Filed under: Brazil, Chef on Wheels, Drink, Eat, European bike tours, Portugal — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:35 am

Deborah, our Operations and Sales Manager back in the Boston office, recently made a trip down to Brazil to visit past DuViners, meet with guides, and see what Sao Paulo is all about. We have had a large amount of Brazilian guests on our bike tours around the world, which was the main reason we established an office there early this year. Deborah has provided us with great information on her experience in Brazil and it sounds amazing!

Brazilians are friendly and hospitable and my trip to Sao Paulo to visit the DuVine office in Brazil was all about hospitality.  Guilherme and Marina welcomed me with open arms and it was wonderful to meet everyone and spend time training Barbara, Vanessa and Donatella.  Like Boston, DuVine’s Brazil office is growing fast.

Sao Paulo Soiree

Dining in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is chic.  It is a gigantic city of cement, but filled with culture, art, designer shops, well-dressed people and gourmet delights.  With a population of 11 million in the city, sprawling out to 20 million in the surrounding area, it is vast yet filled with interesting diversity, from its mixed population of Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese and African cultures.  With the third greatest concentration of buildings in the world (behind New York City and Hong Kong) the architecture ranges from skyscrapers to old colonial buildings like the Opera house in the old city, built as a copy of a European counterpart.  Most are modern, such as Oscar Niemeyer’s Ibirapuera concert hall in the park where free outdoor concerts are regularly held, a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  Art abounds from the Pinacoteca museum to the chic urban graffiti found at Beco do Batman and street graffiti, known as pichacao, is even to be seen on the top of skyscrapers – how does one get graffiti on top of high-rise?  With 5 business centers interspersed with high-rise residential apartments the city towers for kilometers, as does the traffic, though small cars help the traffic to flow better.  A tour is a great way to get around and my guide Eliana Souza was very knowledgeable.

Surprisingly, the first thing I saw driving from the airport into the city were cyclists on the freeway. It certainly indicated that this is a city where people like to bike.  On Sundays, the inner lanes of the major roads are for cyclists only and are filled with everyone heading to the parks.  It is easy to see why so many Brazilians join us on our ‘Bike, Eat Drink, Sleep’ DuVine tours.  Food is important in Brazil and to Paulistanos in particular, going out for lunch is so civilized and much healthier for digestion. It provides a much needed break to both body and mind and rejuvenation for the remainder of the day.  We ate at Le Jazz whose chef Chico Ferreira will host our October Chef on Wheels tour in Burgundy.  The group will stop at the market to purchase local produce for the evening delights cooked, of course, by their very own traveling master chef.  Both the duck and porc cutlets at Le Jazz are highly recommended.  I also got to try Feijoada, a Brazilian cassoulet, at Figueira Rubaiyat, a well-known restaurant with a gorgeous setting built around the city’s oldest fig tree.

DuVine Wine Tasting in Brazil

Wine Tasting in Brazil

In the DuVine style of eating and drinking, I was fortunate to meet many of our Brazilian guests at our Soiree held at the home of Guilherme’s parents, a gorgeous mansion filled with wonderful treasures.  They were charming hosts, along with our DuVine staff.  We had a scrumptious spread with local soups, bacalhau pies – a Portuguese cod fish dish, and wonderful cheeses.  It was so nice to meet a number of past DuViners and to chat with many future friends.  A wonderful evening was had by all, and Chef on Wheels was a hot topic during the night, along with our new Portuguese trip in the untouched Alentejo region, with its similar culture, easy cycling and great cuisine & wine.

Towards the end of the week, Marina and I visited Ribeirão Preto, in the interior of Sao Paulo state.  The region is rich in sugar cane, and Marina assured me it is a gorgeous drive through the fertile farmland. In our case we got torrential rain.  To make things a bit better, the people I met there were wonderful, exuding the Brazilian hospitality I was experiencing everywhere.  We met a number of friendly agents there and were hosted to another wonderful Brazilian meal, based, as usual, around meat.  We also spent a lovely evening with Gilberto, who’d just attended our Soiree and is to join us in Burgundy in October.  We met friends in a local restaurant with live Brazilian music and were then hosted to a personalized tour of downtown, including a stop at the famous Pinguim beer bar, famous for its draft beer and now a symbol of the city.  The beer was supposedly sent by pipe directly from the factory to the taps and is pulled over ice to ensure correctly chilled.  It certainly tasted great.  I can’t wait to reciprocate with DuVine hospitality in Burgundy.

Marina extended more Brazilian hospitality to me with a relaxing visit to her gorgeous beach house in Guaruja for my final weekend.  While it was winter there it was still warmer than Boston and a gorgeous temperature for walking on the beach and sitting and drinking coconut water fresh from the fruit, followed by Caipirinha’s sold at small beach kiosks, Brazil’s national drink and a beach tradition.  A wonderful ending to a busy DuVine week!

We hope everyone had a great time at the soiree and hope to see everyone again soon. Deborah had an amazing time in Brazil, but we are glad to have her back in Boston!

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June 23, 2011

Fall in Love with the Valleys of Salta

Filed under: Argentina, Bike, Salta, South America — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:22 pm

Dede, DuVine’s resident traveler and marketing manager traveled on our bike tour in Salta, Argentina, as she does with many of the new tours – here is her personal experience from this adventurous bike tour – From the mountains of the Andes to the deserts of the north, Argentina is truly a majestic place.  But the most awe-inspiring landscapes I’ve been privy to witness are found in the northwest corner, near the Bolivian border.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Awe-inspiring landscapes in Argentina

Here in the Calchaquí Valley you feel as if you have entered a surreal, almost other-worldly realm, far away from civilization but at the same time, still manage to have all the creature comforts of luxury travel. This region of Salta is a diamond in the rough in many ways, a true hidden gem.

My wondrous journey took me from the colonial city of Salta into the mystical Calchaquí Valley, exploring the multi-hued canyons of Cafayate, the high altitude vineyards of Taquil and Colomé, the town of Cachi and the Parque Nacional Los Cardones with its giant cacti, through the Cuesta del Obispo and over Piedra del Molino, the highest Andean pass dividing the desert on one side from lush green valley on the other back to Salta.

What’s even more incredible about a visit to this region is that it somehow makes time travel seem possible! The desert remains untouched and the local inhabitants seem to exist in a perpetual timeless world, living off what the land provides, unaffected by modern influences. A visit offers a real insight into life in a landscape shaped by fierce wind and strong sun without the benefit of arable land – a place where condors soar high above and goats (and their related products) are the mainstay of the diet.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

The surreal other-wordly realm

My first foray into the valleys of Salta was this past January, when I joined Fabrizio, my local guide for a whirlwind adventure filled with quaint visits to out of the way places and unique locals characters.

We began our journey with a road trip from Salta to Cafayate (about a 1.5-2 hour ride), dressed and ready to ride upon arrival. With a brief stop along the way at the local shop for some water and coca leaves, we made our way to Quebrada de las Conchas. WOW is all I can say! This incredible area is a geological marvel …with multi-hued canyons of varying colors of red clay, green stone, etc. striated by chalk layers. Here we met up with our local guide Adrian and began our ride through the rolling hills of this awe-inspiring gorge. Along the way, Adrian discussed the geography of the region and the explanation for these unique rock formations.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Multi-hued geological marvels

Upon completion of the ride, we made our way to our hotel for the night, Patios de Cafayate, a classic Spanish hacienda set among shady courtyards and fragrant gardens – a beautiful oasis set amid the vineyards and within walking distance of town. It was here we had time to relax and enjoy the luxurious spa facility and amazing views of the surrounding grounds. We dined at the hotel’s restaurant that night and sampled a selection of wines straight from its vineyard’s bodega.

The morning found us off on another adventure – a morning uphill ride to visit the Yacochuya winery (0ne of the best wineries in the Cafayate area – offering a small production but high quality wine). We met with Cecelia, who opened the winery just for us on a Sunday morning for a private tour. It was an amazing intimate visit which was followed by a personal invitation to lunch with her at her family’s home. What a warm and welcoming experience! Cecelia was all hugs upon our departure and I left feeling as if I had a new best friend – a truly special experience.

We biked down from Yacochuya to another quick tasting at Vasila Secreta, another small and very old winery in the area, before heading off for a scenic ride through Quebrada de las Flechas and were treated to another breathtaking ride through another other-worldly landscape.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Quebrada de las Conchas

The next stop was an impromptu visit to a tiny little restaurant operated by a local family in their home. As we entered, we came upon the owner, Don Florida, who was sitting at a table playing guitar and singing a local folk song. He greeted us and led us out to his patio where he seated us underneath a trellis of grape vines – completely hidden away in his beautiful garden set amid the desert and mountains. Who would have known that such a wonderful secret little spot existed out his back door! As we snacked on homemade empanadas and beer, he pulled out his collection of postcards that prior guests had sent him from around the world and shared his collection of various international currencies people had left him. He then pulled out his harmonica and began to play to his 2 person audience. What a cool out of the way experience on a random road stop! Fabrizio really knows all of the local spots to check out! Again, I felt as if I’d made yet another new acquaintance and promised to send a postcard from Boston upon my arrival back.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Empanada snack under a trellis of grapes on the patio

We made our way out the las Flechas and wound our way through what seemed like the middle of nowhere up to this incredible oasis set high atop the valley.  We found Colomé, and in essence, we found paradise – a jaw dropping experience!  This remote compound is owned by Hess and contains not only a luxury hotel, but the best bodega in the area as well as a museum of James Turrell installations.

There is no way you couldn’t fall in love with this spot! And the wines are a perfect match. What an extensive tasting we had! Honestly, the whole Colomé experience is a must! You’ll want to spend days here relaxing and enjoying every facet of this wonderful place.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Parque Nacional Los Cardones

Although some great riding awaits you…at 7500 – 8000 feet! Welcome to the Parque Nacional Los Cardones. Another wow moment. Endless giant cactus line the desert for miles on end.

As you ride along this packed dirt road in the middle of nowhere, condors fly high above and a subtle breeze cools your skin – an eerie yet exhilarating feeling. And while not the easiest of cycling, as it contains some challenging climbing at altitude, it’s well worth the effort! Another must on a trip through the Calchaquí Valley.

Bike Tour Salta Argentina

Climbing in the Parque

After a great ride comes a great lunch, and Fabrizio takes me to another of his local favorite spots, Finca de Paya. Set in a garden behind the family run hotel in a village of 100 people, is an amazingly quaint tea room and restaurant run by the family’s two sisters. And the meal? Oh my…an absolutely delicious take on local cuisine. Everything is prepared on the spot from a daily menu that uses only the freshest of local and seasonal ingredients. This perhaps might have been one of my best meals yet. Not to mention, I felt like we were part of the family, dining al fresco in our backyard. A secret spot well worth revealing!

There are so many hidden gems in the Salta region…but I think I’ll save some for you to discover on your own!

Yes, a DuVine bicycle tour in Salta will have you learning how to cook the best empanadas of Argentina, cycling through the most awe-inspiring desert landscapes, tasting wines made from the highest altitude vineyards in world and falling in love with the Valleys of Salta! A truly mystical experience in this fascinating and other-worldly corner of Northern Argentina awaits.

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June 20, 2011

Pyrenees Allstars Pro Cycling Tour

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, France, Pro Series, Pyrenees, Tour de France — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:08 pm

Each year, the Tour de France inspires cyclists all over the world to get on their bikes and hit the roads. The sight of the world’s best climbing peak after peak makes us mortals in the world strive to climb those peaks. DuVine guide, Justin, has been a guiding bike tours in France for five years, and has shared with us his first impressions of the Pyrenees mountains that the athletes in the Tour face, which is also a prelude to our own DuVine Alps Pro Series Bike Tour.

My first Tour de France Mountain was the Col de Menté.  [Not true actually, it was the Col des Ares; but my first Category 1 was the Menté].  I was 25, strong; I had a road bike that was much too small for me and I knew little about cycling.  I told myself I would not stop.  Over twelve km and 1 and a half hours I did not stop.  I weaved across the road, rode circles in the flats of hairpins, screamed, but I did not stop.  At the top I stepped off my bike, and saw a pink, transparent sand dollar floating between my eyes and the ground.  I had become a Pyrénées addict.

Pyrenees Pro Series Cycling

Climbing in the Pyrenees

Four kilometers from the camp I worked at, there was a mountain they had never climbed during the Tour de France.  It seemed perfect with its tiny road of sections at 12% rising out of the woods into grass slopes filled with bleats of sheep and bare rock, but Lance Armstrong hadn’t been there.  I couldn’t see the views that much for the cold mist that shoved its way up the hillside.  First time I did the Port de Balès there was no paved road down the other side to Luchon.  No Tour de France had gone where I’d gone.  Worse than an addict, I had become a connoisseur…

The Tourmalet, the Portillon,  Superbagnères, Hautecam  I sought them out..  In the passing years, I’ve become a collector…

The DuVine Adventures Pyrénées Pro Tour satisfies all those desires.  We are proud of this tour – it strikes a profound balance between tranquil pedaling in valleys and foothills under the grand view of raw stone peaks, and rawly tearing yourself apart with a grand view from those peaks.  It allows the collector to say, “Well, back when I did the Tourmalet in 2011, I didn’t find it as hard as the Aubisque for whatever reason.”  It allows the connoisseur to state confidently that, “In my opinion, the view from the Col de Bargargui just seems more sublime than that of the Tourmalet.” And it lets the climbing addict be an addict.

Pyrenees Pro Series Cycling

Not exactly easy...

This tour is not easy.  Some stages will be truncated versions of a TDF stage like day 3 with the Peyresourde, the Aspet, the Tourmalet – like three teeth on a saw.  And the following day will be the Aubisque and the Col de Marie Blanque.  It is hard.

And it is beautiful.  The 10 kilometers leading to the Col de Aubisque are some of most gorgeous kilometers of road in the world.  The ride up to the Port de Balès is incredibly peaceful.  The first day we seem to orbit around the Pic du Midi like moons around Jupiter, following an oscillating path on its foothills.

Pyrenees Pro Series Cycling

Not a bad view...

We spend two days in the Basque Country!  The Basque Country is so quietly alive, so rich, so elegantly rustic.  It has greens that make one wonder if anything ever dies there, or if it is truly heaven.  It has secret climbs, ones that don’t get too many Tour looks, like the Col de Bargargui.

There is so much on this tour, too much to write about here – you can’t fit a mountain chain into a little blog.  Give us a call we’ll tell you more.  But be careful, the Pyrénées are highly addictive.

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June 16, 2011

DuVine Apres Velo – Bordeaux

Filed under: Bordeaux, DuVine Apres Velo, European bike tours, France — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:01 pm

Most of our guests like to spend a few days exploring a city or two on the front or back end of our bike trips in Europe. Taking the extra time to get more out of your visit to Europe is well worth it. If you have chosen one of DuVine’s  bike tours in France, then Bordeaux is at the top of the list of cities to become familiar with either before or after the tour. One of the main reasons is the wine…

Bike Tour France

Tasting the wine of Bordeaux

Wine, wine, and more wine. While you will be enjoying plenty of wine with us on any of our bike tours in France, engaging yourself fully in the wine of Bordeaux is something you cannot pass up. The city is considered one of the best in the world for producing high-end wines, and must be explored by your taste buds. And though Bordeaux has the reputation of being a sleepy city, rapid growth and city development has occurred since the new millennium. So if you’re content waiting for the tour to get too involved in the wine, there is plenty to do otherwise.

Take the River bus across the Garonne to get a great view of the Aquitane Bridge from the water.  Les Quais used to be solely a harbor for incoming goods from the sea, but in recent years has been renovated to provide a place for tourists to visit. With bridges like the Aquitane and the Pont Neuf it is great that this portion became more walkable and tourist friendly. Walking across the Pont Neuf to the eastern side of the Garonne will leave you on the preferable side to take a stroll.

Bike Tour France

Winery in Bordeaux

A great opportunity to enjoy a progressive wine experience is a visit to Max Bordeaux. At Max Bordeaux guests have the ability to taste the 48 best Bordeaux wines by the glass. After buying a tasting card you can slip it into the futuristic Enomatic machine, pick from eight of Bordeaux’s best wineries, put your glass under the spout, and enjoy the amazing liquid that flows out.

Before you feel too affected by the incredible selection of wines, you can head over to the Pedestrian Centre.The Centre is the cultural hub, filled with shopping centers and cafes. If you are interested in doing some shopping while in one of the fashion industry’s greatest nations, this is the area to do it. With the city’s new focus on creating a livelier environment, this area is usually bustling with local students and tourists alike.

Bike Tour France

Tower Rises in Bordeaux

If modern art is an interest of yours, the Musee D’Art Contemporain will be very satisfying. Perhaps the most unique permanent feature the museum offers is the Richard Long exhibit on the roof. Make sure to head up there if you do visit. Many of the exhibits rotate, keeping the museum fresh with new content to share with visitors.

The city is incredibly flat, so biking through the area is very easy and enjoyable. While the city is relatively large, most of the popular places to visit are within walking distance of the main section of town. You shouldn’t have any problem exploring the great sights while also being able to relax and enjoy a drink at a café.

The bridges and chateaux along the water offer stunning views and the walks through to city are soothing to all your senses. If you visit Bordeaux before or after a bike tour in France, it will certainly provide a relaxing bookend to your trip.

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June 14, 2011

Creating the Portugal Bike Tour

Filed under: European bike tours, Portugal — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:56 pm

As many of you know, DuVine has been offering bike tours in Europe since the company began 16 years ago.  Each year we add new trips based on guest suggestions as well as where we would like to go (we ask DuVine guides where they would go on their own vacation and that is usually a good start to a new location). One of the areas that guests and guides began to ask about recently was Portugal.  So late last year and early this year, we loaded up the van with bikes, maps and ideas and set off to explore and create a bicycle tour in Portugal; determine routes, find available activities and get the dates in place for this year and next. Although many contributed to the tour guides Alex and Camille did a lot of the road tripping and here is a glimpse of what they found and what we have planned for you in Portugal.

Bike Tour Portugal

View from a Picnic

Our trip in Portugal will take off from Lisbon, but we will take a beautiful drive to the Alentejo once meeting up to begin. As we travel, our guests will quickly see the contrast between the urban and rural environments. The Alentejo, literally translates to “beyond the Tagus”, and is separated from the rest of Portugal by the Tagus River, creating a less interrupted landscape.

Considered the “bread basket” of Portugal, the open countryside and fertile soil provide the region with rich crops. The cork oak forests supply the region with its most important export and the cork from these trees has been sold for over 300 years. The cork of one mature cork tree can produce about 4,000 corks for wine bottles, something we will become very familiar with on this trip.

The landscapes of the Alentejo region are peppered with vineyards, cork trees, fields, hilltop perched villages, and laundry hanging out to dry. It is Europe undisturbed. The peaceful landscape and quaint environment make it easy to imagine biking through the countryside. The paths are less traveled and the area is not invaded with hordes of people, so places to stop and have an unforgettable picnic are anywhere and everywhere.  Imagine stopping for a picnic at the base of an old windmill, in the shade of a cork oak, or in a winery while tasting the best wines the region has to offer. Few places can match the old-world charm of the Alentejo area.

Bike Tour Portugal

Estremoz Welcoming Us

Because we are on the road less traveled, the region is still relatively new to tourism. This fact made our communication with possible vendors a little more time consuming. Explaining who we are and what we do was something that the locals were much less familiar with than in other regions that we tour. While that had some effects on the itinerary, I believe it will have a positive effect on the trip as a whole. The  area just felt right for biking through and experiencing.

On our bike tours in Europe, finding the right mix of man made and natural creations is the goal. The luxury hotels we have chosen in the region fit our image of the perfect blend, as they all are committed to pleasing clients with exceptional service and quality. One such hotel, the Horta da Moura, is in the process of becoming able to serve only the produce that they grow on site. Later in the week we will stay in the Convento de Espinheiro and take a private historic tour led by the director. Once dinner is done, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the hotel’s grand spa that the hotel has redesigned. Combine the luxury of the hotels with the rustic feel of the environment and we imagine that this will provide our guests with an amazing and relaxing experience both on and off the bike.

The roads are little trafficked and sometimes bumpy, cobblestones are common in all of the towns, but the rolling hills offer amazing views for miles on end. Even though the region is the hottest in the country, it is nothing compared to Spain, the eastern neighbor, and the climate should be relatively mild. The Atlantic provides a cool breeze most of the time and doesn’t let the temperatures reach unbearable heights.

Bike Tour Portugal

Scenery Outside Arriaolos

Open roads and mild hills make the rides from town to town relaxing and fulfilling. Stops along the way offer incredible views of the Alentejo as well. Riding from Estremoz to Monsaraz, we will stop in Alandroal at a medieval castle built by the Knights of the order in Aviz and look out from the ramparts. The region also produces quality pottery, and on the way to Evora from Monsaraz we will stop and check out the pottery shops in Sao Pedro do Corval.

As each day passes, we have plenty of opportunities to taste the wine of the area. Though the Alentejo is relatively new to the industry, the quality is evident. For example, the Dona Maria has been host to a congress of world defense leaders and receives an impressive list of guests. The wine will satisfy your taste buds and expose them to a different world of tastes.

The miles and miles of scenic rides through uninhabited fields make this trip amazing. The stays in historic luxury hotels and opportunity to test the best new wines of the region make it that much better. We are incredibly excited about these bike tours in Portugal and are intent on making them exceptional experiences for our guests.

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June 9, 2011

The Inaugural Jordan Adventure Tour

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Jordan, Middle East — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 9:02 am

From inception to completion…our first adventure tour in Jordan was everything we envisioned, and MORE! There’s nothing like seeing a vision become a reality.

adventure travel jordan

Cycling the mud flats in Jordan

You might recall our initial blog about Andy’s visit to Jordan where he and local guide, Rakan, created what was to be our new active adventure in Jordan. Well…here is the result!  Jordan…DuVine style!

Yes, our first group proved that there is certainly no need to fear a visit to Jordan. They encountered nothing but a safe, welcoming and truly magical place! Each day was filled with plenty of fun, fascinating history and packed with adventure.

The Petra experience was filled with awe inspiring moments. A visit to Petra is, in and of itself, a truly awesome event, but when combined with some DuVine touches, it takes on a whole new dimension.

adventure travel jordan

Riding.

It began with a scenic off-road ride from Shobak to Little Petra – an amazing up-close and personal way to experience this unique landscape.  Riding from Shobak to Little PetraUpon arriving in Little Petra, they met up with Ahmad Ammarat, one of the best local guides, who offered a fascinating history about the rose of Petra. From there, they headed out to hike a back trail into Petra – definitely not a conventional approach, but well worth the ‘wow’ moment. Not only did they happen upon the magnificent Monastery monument, but a picnic lunch awaited their arrival at the top of the mountain with sweeping views of Wadi Araba.

adventure travel jordan

The back trail approach to the Monastery

The adventure continued with an extensive visit to the sites of Petra, accompanied by another local guide whose knowledge of both the history and the local scene inspired an impromptu change in the itinerary to accommodate a unique dining experience. Guests were invited to participate in cooking a meal of local cuisine in a Petra Kitchen with the chef, along with some fellow travelers from around the world, followed by drinks at the Cave Bar (located in an actual Petra carved cave). Talk about a great night and a magically wonderous place!

adventure travel jordan

Invitation to cook in the local kitchen

It was then off to another other-worldly place…the Wadi Rum desert for a journey into Bedouin life. They began the adventure with a pleasant ride in the vast mud flat region. On the ride back, the sun was setting, and they made a spontaneous stop to climb one of the sandstone rock formations to sit and watch the sunset in complete silence – a truly ethereal experience.

adventure travel jordan

Biking in Wadi Rum

Next stop, Rum village, where they met Salem, their Bedouin host and guide, and rode in a jeep deep into the desert, where an authentic Bedouin tent (specially built for them) was set at the foot of small mountain, seemingly aglow,  bathed in the light of candles.

adventure travel jordan

Hiking the sand dune

A special traditional dinner: a Zarb of lamb, chicken and vegetable cooked in a sand oven ensued. After a day of transformational moments, the guests decided to continue the experience and chose to sleep outside of the tent underneath the starry night.

Their transformational moments in the Wadi Rum continued the next day with a new adventure – climbing (well, a combination of hiking and scrambling) to the Burda rock bridge with Salem, followed by a well-earned BBQ picnic lunch waiting for them in the shade. A jeep tour around the desert followed, where they were able to climb a giant sand dune and let out their inner-child with a hopping, skipping and carefree run down the dune. Silly, clumsy, and childlike…but wow…pure freedom!

Can it get any better? Well, that’s for you to decide…

adventure travel jordan

Camel ride

The next morning found them at Khazali mountain, mounting camels to start their trek back to the village. Then it was off to the Red Sea for some snorkeling and off to Feynan Eco Lodge in the desert mountains of Wadi Araba for a special candle-lit dinner and an after dinner rooftop stargazing experience.

The perfect end to a awe inspiring trip, right?

Well…not yet…

The next morning was a bike ride with another local Bedouin guide through the region. He treated the guests to an interesting look into Bedouin life and culture – with a visit to the copper mines, a ride through Feynan village and a stop in a Bedouin family’s tent for fresh yogurt and Bedouin tea. The day finished with a ride back to the lodge for lunch, and a drive to the Dead Sea and their new home for the next two nights, Kempenski Ishtar resort. Here they enjoyed excursions to Madaba, the Dead Sea Panorama complex and a hike into the Mujib Canyon.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end…but not without a great last night featuring a slide show of their awe-inspiring adventure in Jordan. A simple reminder of their magical experience of Jordan…DuVine style!

adventure travel jordan

The random camel

And a hint that the only thing to fear is perhaps a random camel..

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June 7, 2011

Bike tour Croatia – Mountains or the Sea?

Filed under: Croatia, Dalmatian Coast, European bike tours — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:25 pm

Coast or mountains? It is a question I sometimes ask people after I’ve known them bit.

bike tours croatia

Coast or mountains?

In my mind, as an avowed mountain person, I often already have the answer. Sea people like to lie as lizards on a beach; they occasionally lift their heads to regard the waves.  A tiny swim suffices to give them a sense of well-being.  The evening begins their second day with friends and acquaintances, the parties last far into the night. In contemplative moments, they look out upon the waters and see limitless possibilities.

Mountain people see obstacles to be scaled. They like the challenges; they sweat. Well-being comes from a mountain-top view after a five-hour uphill hike or a day long bike-ride. An unchanging day at the crowded beach is torture for them, or at best a forced rest after some monumental climb. Movement, alone or in intimate groups, is key, as there is always a new adventure over the next ridge.

So now that I’ve oversimplified us all, I’ll suggest a place we can all get along just fine – a bicycle tour in Croatia.

bike tours croatia

From the mountains to the azure sea

From the mountains to the azure sea, I don’t know if I’ve seen a more beautiful place.  I hate to say that.  I feel like I’m discrediting our bike tours in the French Alps and the Pyrénées.  But the Dinaric Alps rise thousands feet directly out of the Adriatic, a sea that shimmers one hundred clear shades of blue . Mountainous islands rise out of the water, giving sunrises and sunsets a special drama.  Here the sea and the mountains compliment each other.  They get along.

This harmony reflects in the people.  I’ve rarely met a group of people so relaxed, hard-working, and above all,  happy. For the three weeks I was in Croatia, I met daily with people who were happy.  Not without worries or concerns, but happy.  There’s probably a myriad of reasons for this but I’d like to pose three reasons.

  1. The sea and the mountains as I already mentioned
  2. Their history.  Happiness has a long history in Croatia.  Ancient Greeks were happy to plant vines and olive trees in what is now Stari Grad on the island of Hvar.  The last great, pagan Roman emperor, Diocletian, was happy to retire from his role as ruler/diety to a palace he built, a palace which is now the heart of the energetic city Split.  Venetians were happy to use Split and the town of Korčula as shipping ports.  Dubrovnik, with it’s white stone walls and gorgeous art, was happy to remain an independant rival of Venice.
  3. Pomalo. Pomalo is an island word for “Take it easy,” “Rest calm.”  Maybe it is something in the air, something on the winds blowing off the islands, but it has obviously been here for centuries. Diocletian must have gotten it:  When begged to return as emperor to a flagging Rome, he replied that “Running an empire does not compare to the joys of raising cabbages.” Pomalo attitude runs throughout Dalmatia.  It teaches one to breathe, enjoy the present moment and not worry about the future, if only for a week.
bike tours croatia

Let your DuVine guides show you the meaning of Pomalo

That’s what DuVine guides are for, anyway.  When you go with DuVine Adventures to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, the guides are concerned about you so that you don’t have to be concerned.  We worry about tomorrow so you can concentrate on that beautiful sunset over the Island Brač, or tasting olive oil, or experiencing the brujet at dinner.  Our job is to care about you and give you the best possible bike tour.  (We’re happy to have this job!)  Visit Croatia with us and understand  pomalo, a chance to practice happiness right there between the sea and the mountains.

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