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January 26, 2012

A DuVine Style Spanish Picnic

Filed under: Drink, Eat, Spain, Video Blog — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 6:17 pm

On DuVine Adventures bike tours, we know how to feed our guests. Only the absolute best will suffice. But how will we know what is the best if we don’t sample it ourselves? Obviously, we can’t, and that’s why we make sure to treat ourselves every once in a while to some fine meals of our own. Quality control is tough business, but someone has to do it to ensure that you, our loyal guests, get nothing short of the full DuVine experience. And that is why, this past week, DuVine guide Angelo Scimia set up a delicious Spanish style picnic for us to enjoy. If you want a taste for yourself, just hop on a DuVine cycling tour in Spain.

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January 16, 2012

A DuVine Pro Series Bike Tour in Costa Brava

Filed under: Challenging Rides, Costa Brava, European bike tours, Pro Series, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:55 pm
Costa Brava Bike Tour

The quiet Catalonian countryside

Go on a DuVine Costa Brava Pro Series bike tour, and you’ll soon see why pro cyclists from around the world, including the likes of Lance Armstrong and David Millar, have based themselves out of Girona, Spain for years. With the flatter roads of the Costa Brava shores in one direction and the endless Pyrenean climbing in the other, the Costa Brava is a veritable biking paradise. And with its total lack of winter (at least by our standards), the Costa Brava region of Spain is the ideal spot for a cycling tour any time of year. Sound like your kind of vacation? Then DuVine’s Costa Brava bike tour is perfect for you.

Our journey begins in Palamos, a spectacular coastal town overlooking the azure Mediterranean. After a relaxing start to the day and a review of what is to come with your guides, you’ll be heading out for an afternoon spin in sight of the coastline to get your legs opened up for the week ahead. We’ll take advantage of the afternoon by making it a tradition lunch ride, something all the pros do on their lighter days, stopping in Llafranc for some local tapas before cruising back to our base for the night at the gorgeous Hotel Malcontenta, where you will be anything but malcontent as you fuel up on a dinner of fresh and exquisitely prepared seafood.

Day two will see us cover 40 miles to St. Feliu de Guixols, and will see the road pitch up more often than not. We’ll take in the sites of the ancient burial chambers known as dolmens as we ascend up toward Llagosatera, from where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking coastal road that overlooks the Mediterranean. With nothing but nature and the sea surrounding you, it will be easy to forget that there is anything in the world but you and your bike. We’ll finish in the port town St. Feliu de Guixols, where, as is the norm, we’ll relax over a late afternoon lunch before a transfer to the hotel.

Costa Brava Bike Tour

Going up.

If anyone is an authority on climbing, it’s certainly Lance. Since Els Angels was one of his favorite training climbs during his reign over the peloton, it’s one we could not let you miss. As we leave the coast on the third day of our cycling adventure, we’ll wind our way up a series of undulating Catalonian roads before tackling the 8-mile stomping ground that is Els Angels. And don’t be surprised if you spot a few pros along the way – their headquarters of Girona is not far away. As the climbing gets tougher, we have something to motivate you to brave your way to the top: a gourmet picnic that any ravenous cyclist would be envious of. Reinvigorated, we’ll remount for the descent into Girona, the province’s capital. This ancient city offers a remarkable amount to explore, from the Gothic cathedral at the city’s heart to the Roman muralla (wall) that surrounds it all. And there’s a good chance you’ll run into another pro or two along the way as you explore this spectacular city before feasting at one of its many outstanding restaurants. Tomorrow is the queen stage of our tour, so eat up.

Once we depart Girona, it won’t be long before we’re on quiet country roads with hardly a car in sight. Today’s 75-mile ride features many of the roads popular with the locally based pros, visiting cities like Olot and Besalu. Our ride will take us through the Garrotxa Valley, an awesome volcanic region that marks the transition into the foothills of the Pyrenees. Look around you as you ride and you’ll see some of the more than 40 volcanic cones and 20 lava flows that make this region truly unique. What is truly remarkable, though, is that amidst all this volcanic landscape, we will still be surrounded by an incredible variety of trees and vegetation, getting the best of all worlds into our epic day of riding. With nearly 2,800 feet of climbing, lunch in Besalu will be well-deserved before we finish off the ride into Peralada, where we’ll recover from our efforts with some pro-style relaxation by the pool or with a soothing glass of vino.

Our last day of riding will send us 36 miles back to the coast, but with the most climbing of the week, you’re going to have to earn every one of them. We’ll wend our way up to the Abbey of Sant Pere des Rodes, from where you can stop for a break to take in the view of the bay of Llançà before zipping down to the port town of Selva. From there it’s a nice and gradual climb up to just above Cadaques and Port Llegat. Now it’s up to you whether you want to head back to the hotel or squeeze in a little more riding and check out the coastal village area that Salvador Dali called home. For the day’s grand finale, a grand feast awaits us tonight. Starting with a comprehensive tasting tour of the wines from all over the region you’ve explored, we’ll then dine on treats l

Costa Brava Bike Tour

No one said this was going to be easy.

ike jamon Iberico and local seafood delicacies like sepia. The pros celebrate their victories with a glass of bubbly and a satisfying meal, and so will we. (OK, maybe a few glasses in our case.)

By the time our Costa Brava bike tour gets back to Barcelona and Figueres for one last day of site-seeing to take in the Catalonian culture, your legs will definitely be thankful for the break. The pros choose this region as their training grounds not only for its looks and endlessly idyllic weather, but also because its roads offer a myriad of challenges for the daring cyclist who wants to push him or herself day after day. But the challenges are all worth it since you get to enjoy the rewards that much more. From the mountain and maritime vistas to the indulgent meals, each and every moment of this trip will be DuVine.

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January 12, 2012

Sybille’s DuVine Experience – A Bike Tour in Mallorca

Filed under: European bike tours, Mallorca, Spain, Staff Posts — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:02 pm

A bike tour in Mallorca is every cyclist’s dream, so I was very excited when I found out that this wonderful island was going to be the destination for my (Sybille) very first DuVine bike tour. While I was thrilled about traveling there, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of riding difficulty, knowing that Mallorca is the training ground for professional cyclists from around the word. Luckily, it turned out that there was no reason to be concerned.  Mallorca has it all, no matter if you are a novice biker looking for flat, gentle rolling roads, or if you are an experienced rider  who wants to climb and meet the challenging terrain of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  You won’t be disappointed, no matter what your skill level is.  Mallorca is a true cycling paradise with many riding options to choose from. Your DuVine guides are also always there to support you, offering a lift in the van when necessary, or mapping out additional rides if you desire to log some extra miles.

bike tour in mallorca

The Cathedral in Palma

I began my adventure with a pre-night in Palma.  If your schedule allows it, I definitely recommend spending an extra night in the capital of the Balearic Islands.  Not only to get over your jet-lag and refresh after a long transatlantic flight, but also to explore the charming Old Quarter of the town and its main attraction, the spectacular Cathedral of Palma.  La Seo, as the locals call it, is without a doubt the crowning architectural jewel of the island and worth a visit as its interior reveals the entire history of Mallorcan art. Palma also offers endless shopping opportunities from fashion to shoes, gifts and jewelry.  Many streets are pedestrian zones littered with art galleries and cafes, with Passeig des Born being the main shopping street.

For accommodations I suggest the Puro Hotel Palma, a cosmopolitan property set in an 18th century palace right in the heart of the Old Town.  A more luxurious option would be the The St. Regis Mardavall, about a 20 minute drive from the center of town, offering stunning views of the ocean and its lush gardens.  Your DuVine guides will pick you up from either one of these properties or from the airport on the first day of the tour.

Our tour began with a tapas lunch at the Café Varadero (be sure to only eat a light breakfast), which is located right on the Palma waterfront offering a stunning view of the coastline and the cathedral in the background.  Following a toast with Spanish sparkling wine to the start of a great week, our guides gave us each a bike fitting.  After the safety talk, we started pedaling out of town along the flat, coastal bike path.  It’s an easy route to ride and designed to get you comfortable with your new bike for the week.  As you travel along the promenade, you get to enjoy incredible views of the beaches and trendy neighborhoods you pass by.  At the end the ride we transferred to our first hotel, the unique Hotel & Spa Son Brull.  Set against a hill, this former monastery is surrounded by century old olive trees and citrus fruit orchards.  The grounds and views are just spectacular.  This being our first evening, we started out with a welcome cocktail followed by a 5-course dinner at the hotel restaurant 3/65. (Legend has it that Son Brull had many windows throughout the Finca, hence the name 365.)  The menu included many different choices for starters, entrée (meat, fish, chicken, suckling pig, etc.), and dessert.  The meal was truly amazing and a wonderful introduction to Mallorcan cuisine.

bike tour in mallorca

The beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Our second day started out quite wet with heavy rainfall, but after a short delay we decided that bad weather would not keep us from having fun. Only later did we find out that the most rainfall in 70 years was recorded on this day!  We got on our bikes and started cycling towards the enchanting Port of Pollenca, originally a fishing village, but now a hotspot with cafes

and restaurants that invite to a paseo or stroll. The wind and rain had increased since we left our hotel, so we took a quick break to determine whether or not to continue up the winding road to Cap de Formentor, one of the highlights on this tour.  In this weather, the road really appeared quite daunting, but nonetheless we decided to push on as nobody wanted to miss out on this stunning route. The ride up proved to be quite challenging, not necessarily because of the incline, but because of the forceful wind gusts that came sideways and tried to knock us off our bikes. After about an hour of fighting natural forces, we all reached the Mirador de Formentor. We were rewarded with spectacular views of rocky cliffs plunging into the sea and the scenery was worth everything we had endured during the uphill climb. Everyone in our group made it to the top and felt accomplished and triumphant.  We now also understood why Majorcans call the cape the meeting point of the winds!

The following day the sun came out and showed us the true face of this idyllic Mediterranean island.  The next couple of days were pure cycling bliss.  We traveled along quiet, deserted, and almost traffic-free back roads, passing vineyards and small rustic villages in the heart of the countryside. Each day we covered about 40-50 kilometers of rolling terrain with perhaps one or two small climbs. Along the way we would stop at a café for a short break, to recharge and to interact with the locals. While we rested, our DuVine guides would refill our water bottles and supply us with snacks.  They always carry refreshments in the van, so a piece of fruit or granola bars are always available should you be in need of it.

bike tour in mallorca

Mmmm, paella.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the local winery Binigrau. The owner, Matias, gave us a tour of his wine cellars and explained how he uses state-of-the-art technology to make his wines, while conserving certain traditional manual techniques when handling the grapes.  Following the introduction, Matias served us an array of delicious appetizers, followed by homemade paella, Spain’s national dish.  There are three widely known types of paella, Valencian paella, seafood paella, and mixed paella. Valencia paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit, chicken, duck), land snails, beans, and seasoning.  We were served delicious seafood paella, which essentially replaces meat and snails with seafood. Of course we also tasted each of his signature wines, from the fruity Nounat to the elegant Obac. Wine was available for purchase after the meal, and most of our group members did get a bottle or two to bring home. This was a truly DuVine dinner and we all agreed that it was one of the best meals we had ever eaten.

While we thought the scenery could not get more beautiful, day 5 proved us wrong and showed us yet another spectacular side of the island greeting us with magnificent vistas at almost every turn. We left the Hotel Reads in the heart of the countryside and started out with easy cycling from Santa Maria del Cami to Esporles.  From there, we ascended on a steep, curvy mountain-road amid pine forests with incredible views of the emerald-green valleys and rugged cliffs. Once we made it to the top, it was downhill all the way to the idyllic town of Valdemossa. Valdemossa is an old mountain village with houses constructed out of stone.  It is also home to the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where composer Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39. From Valldemossa we continued on to Deia, perhaps the prettiest village on the island. Nestled on a hilltop, it became an artist meeting point and inspiration place after Robert Graves discovered its charm in 1946. Don’t be surprised if you run into someone famous. Many celebrities have vacation homes in this area, which is not surprising given the beauty of these hamlets.

Your Mallorca bike tour would normally end here at the luxurious Hotel La Residencia, but due to a private event we spent the last night in Sóller, deep amidst the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range.  Today’s ride offered some of Mallorca’s most stunning scenery and the gorgeous fall weather made it feel like a dream. We weren’t ready for the week to end and say good bye to this incredible place, but every journey and adventure must end at some point– mine was simply DuVine.

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December 20, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Bicycle Rides of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bordeaux, Challenging Rides, Corsica, Costa Rica, European bike tours, France, Italy, Pan Mass Challenge, Portugal, Pro Series, Provence, Rioja, South America, Spain, Top 10 lists, Tour de France — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:36 pm

As our 2011 season nears the finish line and our 2012 adventure travel season gets ready to kick off, I want to take a few minutes to look back on some of my favorite rides of the year and share them with you — and perhaps inspire some of the DuVine spirit of adventure in my fellow cycling enthusiasts.

And, though I may be revealing some “DuVine secrets” by rating my top 10, the real secret to the DuVine experience is experiencing these rides and places yourself. So, while I may be divulging the “where” and my perspective on these rides, only you can make them truly DuVine. Come see for yourself in 2012!

My top 10 of 2011 (in no particular order…)

bike tour in corsica

Epic ride in Corsica

Bicycle Tour Corsica, France
Enough is never enough at DuVine, and as proud as we are of all our tours, we are always looking to add more. So, this past summer, I set off to explore the magnificent French island of Corsica. And I was simply wowed at everything I found there. Corsica is a truly cycling haven, dotted with over 120 peaks taller than 2000 meters (talk about epic riding), but utterly devoid of traffic, leaving you to tackle climb after climb in complete peace. The riding aside, Corsica itself is the epitome of Mediterranean grandeur, and I made sure to take it all in. The landscape is as diverse as anywhere else I’ve seen, ranging from ocean-side vistas to breathtaking rock formations and lowland deserts. And when the day of riding is done, the island offers only the most sublime opportunities for rest and relaxation, whether that means lounging on the beach, indulging in some fine French cuisine, or taking in the island’s rich history (I made sure to do all of them). Now that it’s a new year, I can’t wait to introduce you to Corsica as one of the latest DuVine Adventures.

Costa Rica Active Adventure: Tamarindo to Playa Puerto Viejo
I hope you’re an animal lover, because this ride brings you as close to tropical wildlife as you could ever hope to get. After a morning of surfing at Tamarindo beach (this is a multisport adventure, after all), we hopped on our bikes to tackle the dirt roads from our beautiful surf spot to Puerto Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito beach. We were followed all the way by the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, cicadas, and way more. It’s like going on a safari, but instead of speeding along in a Jeep, we were up close and personal with nature as we pedaled along through the dense rain forest. And as if the ride weren’t reward enough, we then found ourselves parked in front of a fleet of ocean kayaks, ready to tackle the new terrain of crystal clear waters ahead of us. Half the adventure was just getting from our morning to our afternoon ocean-bound adventures, and it would have been such a shame to get there by car…. Good thing we didn’t!

bike tour in costa rica

Riding the beach in Costa Rica with guides Vlad and Ronald

Bicycle Tour Provence, France: Gordes to Mont Ventoux
Mont Ventoux may not be required on this day of our Provence bike tour, but I can’t get in the neighborhood of this legendary climb without pointing my wheels skyward and giving it my all. Battling the wind the whole way up, only the moon-like landscape and the sound of my own breathing to keep me company, this climb was anything but forgiving. But it’s definitely worth the battle. The route leading up to this iconic ascent, fortunately, is a lot more forgiving, but no less spectacular. We rode from the village of Gordes, exploring all that Luberon has to offer. Rolling towards Roussillon, we took in the famous Ochre cliffs which surround the village and are responsible for the ochre-colored homes you see all around you. After riding along above the great valley below, a decadent afternoon snack at the House of Truffles and Wine was enough to fuel my bonus mileage assault on Mont Ventoux, helping me chase the ghosts of Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong all the way.

Bicycle Tour The Alps – Tour de France: Galibier to Alpe d’Huez
What a day, what a day, what a day. I’m not sure who had a better time on this ride: Pierre Rolland with his race winning move up the Alpe d’Huez, or me as I relieved decades of Tour de France glory with my own epic assault on the Galibier and the Alpe. With two HC climbs in succession, it was nothing short of one the most epic days I’ve had on the bike yet. With the Tour de France and the DuVine Pro Series TdF bike tour rolling in just weeks after my ride, I had a race of my own on my hands against the owner of the bike shop Cycle Huez. (I won’t tell you who won, though.) Needless to say, this ride is an absolute must for any Tour de France aficionados, and anyone looking to push their limits. It’s a good thing DuVine Adventures has both its Alps – Tour de France bike tour and its Alps Pro bike tour to get you there.

bike tour alpe d'huez

On the descent of Alpe d'Huez

Bicycle Tour Piedmont, Italy: Orsara Bormida Loop
Isn’t everything better with a glass of wine? Isn’t everything even better with a bike ride with the man who makes that glass of wine…followed by a dinner at his vineyard…made by his mother? Yeah, I think so too. Leaving from Acqui Terme, this ride follows an enchanting route to quaint Italian villages like the precariously perched Orsara Bormida and the hilltop town of Cremolino. The reward for keeping pace with pro mountain biker, wine maker, and DuVine tour guide Guido Rapetti is well worth the effort, though. In addition to that exquisite meal prepared by Guido’s parents in our own priavte restaurant, we are we privileged with the chance to see first hand what goes into a great bottle of wine.

Lake Como, Italy: Bellagio to Madonna del Ghisallo
How could a ride that includes a hill named for the patron saint of cycling (Madonna del Ghisallo) be anything other than absolutely perfect? Well, it couldn’t be. Never one to just sit back and stop exploring, I set off on a new adventure this summer to check out the Lake Como region for, you guessed it, another new DuVine Adventures destination. And man was I thrilled. The riding around this gorgeous lake was nothing short of epic — the Madonna del Ghisallo is, after all, one of the major obstacles in the Giro di Lombardia every year. The climbing is well worth it, though, for a chance to visit the shrine of the Madonna del Ghisallo, which also happens to be an awesome cycling museum, filled with rare artifacts of the sport like old photos and jerseys.

lake como bike tour

Climbing around Como

The Pan-Mass Challenge: Day 1 – Sturbridge to Bourne, Massachusetts
This is a ride that is not just an unbelievable journey, but is of unbelievable importance to me. This was my third straight year participating in this incredible event, which has raised over $300 million dollars for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And I couldn’t be more proud that DuVine is a part of it, contributing several trips to help raise money for this outstanding cause. And the riding is almost as amazing as the cause itself. This monster of a day covers 111 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne, and is by far the hardest day of the event. The real brunt of the route comes in the first 50 miles, with hill after hill after hill. Thankfully, the next 60 miles are a lot flatter, but by the end of the day you’ve ascended 2,500 feet, which is no small amount. But with thousands of other riders around you, all pedaling for the same cause, it’s pretty easy to get inspired and tough it out to the end.

Bicycle Tour Bordeaux, France: St. Emilion to the Medoc

There’s truly no better way to appreciate a glass of wine than to see where it came from…and then drink it! So that’s what I did, heading to Bordeaux to join one of our tours right in the heart of the harvest. On this magical day, we wound our way from village to vineyard, and down the majestic banks of the Dordogne river and to the Gironde estuary. Taking in all the rich history of this home to some of the world’s most outstanding wine, we paused for lunch before hopping on the ferry across the Gironde. We rode into the heart of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Medoc, landing finally at incomparable Cordeillan Bages. Bikes and wine. Wine and bikes. What’s not to love! in Bordeaux, it’s hard to choose which is better.

bike tours portugal

Portugal...where everyone's a cyclist!

Bicycle Tour Portugal: Monsaraz to Evora
I always knew that any bike ride had the potential for great adventure, but until my trip to Portugal this year I didn’t realize it could be a trip through time as well. Riding along the bucolic Portuguese roads, I could have sworn I’d ridden backwards in time, before the automobile took over the world. Virtually everyone I encountered was commuting around on ancient bikes, whether on their way to work, the market, or just a date at the local cafe. Clearly, this country was made for riding. And the route from Monsaraz to Evora is my absolute favorite. On this journey through time, we rolled past quaint old pottery shops and along streets lined with cork trees. Best of all, this ride brought us to the doorstep of the eponymous Joaquim Madeira, one of the foremost authorities on Alentejo wine and our gracious host for an afternoon gazpacho and wine tasting. Refueled with a healthy dose of the local vegetation and vino, we wind down the day with a ride into Evora, where we are spoiled once again by the warm Portuguese hospitality.

Bicycle Tour Rioja, Spain: Madrid to Abalos
After the only long drive of the week from Madrid to Abalos (which I promise is well worth the wait), there truly can’t be a better place in the world to get out and stretch your legs. We kick off the week right with a spin out alongside the Rioja wine country, with nothing in sight but a seemingly endless sea of vineyards…and you and your bike, of course. There is hardly a car in sight, making for a smooth transition into a week of pure paradise. After a rolling loop in the country, we get one steep kick back up to the hotel, which is the perfect chance to open up the legs for the riding ahead and to race to be the first to enjoy an evening cocktail to toast the beginning of a great adventure. Salud!

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August 30, 2011

The European Wine Harvest 2011

Filed under: Drink, France, Italy, Piedmont, Rioja, Spain, Tuscany, Wine Tasting, burgundy — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:08 pm

A hundred days ago, while western Europe was basking in some unusably warm April sunshine, vines from Burgundy to Bordeaux, Touraine to Tuscany and Alsace to Alentejo began to bloom. Busy insects quickly went about their business visiting small flower after small flower, pollinating and fertilizing the countless meters of vine stock and starting the most visible few months of the 2011 wine season that will soon culminate in this year’s harvest, which will of course serve as the backdrop for many of our European bike tours.

European bike tours during the grape harvest

Harvest time in the vineyards

In the three months since bumble bees, wasps and our other flying friends did their work, diligent wine makers have carefully monitored their vines as they make the seemingly magical journey from flower to fruit. Deep-set roots have fed on underlying minerals and raw elements; rain has nourished young shoots; plump bunches of grapes have ripened in warm sunshine; leaves have photosynthesized sunshine into sugar:tannin-rich skins have stiffened in the wind and countless man hours have gone into the nurturing of the golden, purple and russet bunches of grapes that any day now will be picked and pressed to become the much awaited 2011 vintage.

Will it be a great year for Burgundian reds? A stunner for Champagne? A blow out in Bordeaux? It’s to hard to say sitting in our office in Boston so we have asked our guides on the ground for a quick pre-harvest round up.

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

Tuscany awaits harvest

Tom reports from Italy that in Tuscany all the winemakers agree that this has been a strange year weather-wise.  A warm, dry spring led to early flowering, but then some rainy weeks in June and July seemed to slow down the maturation process.  Winemakers are always a bit coy when discussing the prospects for the coming vintage, like card-players unwilling to reveal their hands.  This is largely due to the fact that they have experienced a lifetime of fickle weather.  A perfect hot, dry summer can produce a mediocre vintage if September brings a lot of rain.  Conversely, a hot, dry end of the season can help turn around a mediocre summer.  Talking with our friend Vittorio Innocenti, a Vino Nobile producer in Montefollonico and with Barbara at the Brunelli Winery in Montalcino, there seems to be a sense of cautious optimism.  They are predicting an early harvest here as well (beginning in the 2nd week of September) and have already started preparing for the “vindemmia” by bottling some older wines to make space in the barrels and confirming the harvest dates with their picking crews.  This next month will be essential in determining whether 2011 will be one of the great vintages that we cherish years down the road or a weak vintage that languishes in the discount aisle at your local wine shop.

Piedmont bike tours during the grape harvest

Piedmont grapes ready

The grape harvest, or vendemia, is in full swing in Piedmont, starting with the moscato grapes. The moscato grapes produce a delicate still desert wine, with little resemblance to “your father’s” frizzy moscato d’Asti. Moscato vineyards grace several of the routes of our Piedmont bike tour on the first three days, along with little-known gems like Arneis, Cortese, Brachetto, and classics like Barbera and Dolcetto, prior to our route taking us into the more world-renowned Barolo region, with it’s noble Nebbiolo grape. The Nebbiolo grape, one of the latest harvested (even it’s name in Italian includes the word nebbia, or fog, as it is typically picked when the autumn fogs begin rolling into the vineyards), won’t be ready for harvest for another several weeks, though most certainly earlier than normal, due to the hot, dry summer here.

Our guides on the Cote D’ Or in Burgundy tell a similar story. Burgundians are keeping as tight-lipped as ever and any early optimisms for the year are being underplayed with typical shoulder shrugs and “Je ne se pas”. There are rumblings in the southern Cote D’Or that the recent heat wave could lead to some interesting results from the regions world-class Chardonnays, but if the heat remains for the harvest itself, forcing the grapes to cook a little in their hods, that could all change. In the Cote de Nuits  humidity and an airless July mean many worried about disease, possible low production and lack of concentration, but again the heatwave may have come to the rescue! Alas many lost their whole harvest to freak hail storms in the Beaujolais in late July, but St Vincent was smiling on the cote D’ Or and her grapes remained untouched and all indications are for a good year.  An early flowering and dry May have also instigated an early harvest, with picking for Chardonnay starting any day while the Pinot Noir will wait for the first week of September.

Burgundy France bike tours during the grape harvest

Vendange in Burgundy

The word from Pablo in Spain is that the harvest in the Rioja and Ribera regions will coincide perfectly with our October Rioja bike tour. Excellent weather in 2011 is due to produce another excellent year in Spain. Not a lot of rain, good terroir, and new investments in wineries have set the stage.

Whether 2011 is a good year for Europe’s wines remains to be tasted. But one thing is for sure; there has never been a better time to get on a bicycle and visit these fascinating wine regions. In Champagne, Rioja, Provence, Burgundy, Piedmont and Loire Valley wine harvests have been taking place for thousands of years and the time honored practice of picking the grapes, pressing them and turning them into wine has changed very little. Many grapes are still picked by hand, whole communities work together and post harvest celebrations and pageantry are second to none! We know that a DuVine Adventure is the best way to get a real feel for this fascinating element of the wine making experience – a unique chance to get caught up in the excitement and the energy of the process. So why not saddle up and come and find out for yourself why 2011 is a great year for a pedal-powered wine adventure and you can witness wine history in the making!

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August 29, 2011

Guest Blog: Erica Stokes, repeat DuViner

Filed under: Guest Posts, Italy, Rioja, Spain, Tuscany — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:16 pm

In August of 2010, I (Erica Stokes) was badly in need of a scenery change.  I had to get away.  Feeling the itch to get out of town, I Googled “life changing trips” and clicked away until a I found myself on the DuVine Adventures website a short while later.  I didn’t have a destination in mind when I started my search, and after seeing what DuVine had to offer, I really didn’t care where my travels were going to take me. I knew this was the perfect tour company for me, and I was going to be on the next available trip with them – no matter where it was.  I went straight to the trip calendar to find that a bike trip for Rioja was taking place in two weeks.  I already knew I loved the region’s wine, so I booked my first DuVine Adventure.

Bike Tour Rioja Spain

My first DuVine experience in Rioja

As a solo traveler and novice cyclist, I had some nerves creep up on me in the days prior to my departure.  This was going to be my first solo trip abroad.  First trip to Spain.  No bilingual skills.  In running shape? Yes.  In biking shape?  No!  Pedals and clips and only a week to learn how?!  Can Rioja be done on a hybrid?  All of these fears were put to ease by Holly and Megan in the Boston office, and by my guide in Madrid.  DuVine took care of me from start to finish, and the only thing on my mind was enjoying my rides through Rioja.  I had an extraordinarily unique experience in Rioja, as my group consisted of only two other travelers.  This meant lots of solo time on the road for me to soak up gorgeous Rioja views, with my DuVine support van just far enough away should I need any help.  Never once did I have to worry about bicycle mechanics, what I was having for dinner, how to order said dinner in Spanish… or anything really for that matter.  The experience was truly life changing for me.  So magical, in fact, that I went on my second DuVine adventure less than 12 months later.

Bike Tour Rioja Spain

Life changing...

Four measly months after my first trip with DuVine to Rioja, I began having withdrawal symptoms.  Nobody was setting up roadside picnics in castles for me, and mid day wine tastings ceased to exist.  I needed DuVine style back in my life!  I couldn’t wait any longer to get back on the bike in wine country, so I got in touch with my Boston travel experts and asked them what the “must see” trip was.  They told me that the Tuscany bike tour is the most popular DuVine tour, and they recommended that for my next trip.  I booked my second DuVine Adventure, this time with my college volleyball teammate and best friend, Lindsay.  Our trip was planned for the second week of August.

Bike Tour Tuscany Italt

Lindsay and me in Tuscany

Being a DuVine guest for the second time around, I felt a little smug going into the trip.  On our first day when the guides picked us all up from the Chiusi train station, I felt like I had a leg up on the other guests, “They have no idea how amazing this is going to be! And I do!”, I couldn’t help but scream on the inside.  Truth be told, I couldn’t have been more impressed by our group.  After an introduction to the other guests at the train station, you could already see intermingling and bonding taking place.  We had some truly special people on this tour.  One guest in our group later said that it was as if DuVine had hand selected all of us to be on the trip together, that’s how well everyone gelled!

Here’s my recap of our fabulous week in Tuscany:

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

With my guides

Day One:
Our guides begin the trip with a Chiusi train station pick up, where we meet our fellow cyclists for the week.  We head to the villa La Chiusa for our first two nights in Montefollonico and we relaxed on the terrace to unwind from a morning of traveling.  The unwinding includes gearing up for our first ride though, so once in our gear, we hit the road by easing into the week with a fifteen mile out and back.  Our destination for the afternoon is the Church of San Biagio (just on the outskirts of Montepulciano), where our guides give us a history of the beautiful 8th century church.  Upon our arrival back to La Chiusa, we meet for a champagne toast on the terrace overlooking the hills of where we were riding just that afternoon.  Dania brings us the most fabulous pizza appetizer I’ve ever tasted, and despite the warnings of a large meal to come, Lindsay and I can’t help but enjoy the delicious homemade creation.  As a New Yorker of eleven years, I can’t pass up a good bite of pizza!  At dinner, a fellow guest suggested we all sit next to someone new, and I think this was a fabulous way for the group to really get to know one another from the very beginning.  We enjoyed a long meal with wine, the serenade of our guide Angelo strumming away on his guitar, and of course, limoncello!

Day Two:
We ride to Pienza, a gorgeous quintessential Tuscan village buzzing with locals.  We cooled down from our morning ride with an ice cold beer (carbs are good for you!), and walked through the town center.  I actually had to jump out of the way of two young girls riding their bicycles through town as we were on our way to find some of the region’s finest Porchetta.  Lindsay, Lisa and I ordered up some sandwiches and enjoyed them on a stone wall overlooking one of the most gorgeous views we had all week.  There’s a fantastic Porchetta place in my NYC neighborhood, but I’ll never be able to replicate the one I had in Pienza!  We finish our ride for the day and head back to La Chiusa, completing a total of 23 miles.  Bob and Bill were all stars in today’s riding, keeping the group moving quite swiftly. Already I am wishing I had done some kind of training for this riding!   Some of the goup head back to get ready for dinner, while others stay and recap the day’s ride over a few Italian beers.  The evening is only just beginning though, as we head out to our private wine tasting in Montefollonico.

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

Best place on earth for a porchetta sandwich!

Walking out to Vittorio’s garden was quite a memorable experience.  The only sound to be heard were the “ooo’s and ahhh’s” of the group as each of us walked out the back door and took in the stunning view of Chiana Valley.  There was a long table set up in the garden, and we enjoyed 3 tastings before heading off to dinner at Botte Piena.  After another robust meal with succulent wines, the group was all looking forward to a walk home.  We were in for a special treat on this night though, as there was a dance festival with local teenagers competing in the tango and other fabulous traditional dances just a few steps away from dinner.  Feeling the wine and still somewhat strong legs after only two days of biking, the DuVine guests created their own dance party off to the side.  Fellow guests Kristi and Michele tried recruiting some Italian dance partners for the dancing DuVine ladies, but none of them were brave enough to join us.  We didn’t need them anyway though, since Seattle Michelle was good enough to share Sean with us for our dance party!  We’d like to think the Italian women were jealous of our moves, but Davide and Angelo weren’t too sure about that…

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

With Vittorio

Day Three:
This was perhaps the most memorable day of cycling for me, as the views on the way to Montalcino were just breathtaking.  It was a tough morning of rolling hills, and a stop in tiny Torrenieri for an espresso and some hydration prior to our climb to the Vecchia Oliveria.  Fellow guest Laurie even got in some extra miles of her own today!  The gorgeous ride ended with a challenging 7k climb into Montalcino.  I have to thank my fellow cyclist Chris for getting me up this hill.  As long as he was still in sight, I kept cranking away!  Chris led the pack today and finished strong in Montalcino.  Feeling quite accomplished at this point, we stood on the back terrace of the Vecchia Oliveria and cheered for our fellow riders as they came in to finish the climb!

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

View of Montalcino

With the afternoon to explore Montalcino, many in the group kept their momentum going with a walk around the village.  For me, it was more pizza with Lindsay and Chris.  We weren’t the only ones though, as we bumped into Bob and Kristi doing the very same thing just a few steps away.  Several group members, myself included, hit the shops for some Brunello and Chianti Classico bike jerseys.  We had a choice in evening festivities, and the group split up prior to dinner.  Half of the group chose the exclusive cooking class in private townhouse owned by Lina and Domenico, while the other half indulged in a wine tasting at the fourteenth-century Fortress of Montalcino.  The tasting was held inside the fortress at Enoteca la Fortezza di Montalcino.  Lindsay went for the cooking class with several of the ladies and our chef tour guide, Davide.  I, on the other hand, kind of prefer to have someone else do the cooking – so I joined the others and guide Angelo for a Brunello tasting.  We enjoyed our wine and then experienced the absolute most magnificent sunset I’ve ever known.  Finally, we met the rest of our group for dinner at Lina and Domenico’s, where we were enjoyed a fabulous homemade Tuscan feast!

Day Four:
We had an early start in Montalcino, and because of it we got to experience a seriously energizing sunrise from the breakfast room balcony of the Vecchia Oliveria.  Everyone in our group opted for the early start so we could head down to Sant’Antimo to hear the tranquil and soothing Gregorian chanting.  With the gang feeling zen, we enjoy some breakfast and began our longest ride of the week.  We are greeted with a guest guide appearance by the DuVine Italian tour manager, Tom.  Tom leads the way out of Montalcino (what a fabulous descent!) and off to our first stop, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.  We have a tour and history lesson from Tom, and then our chef in spandex, Davide, presents us with a fabulous gourmet picnic lunch.

Once we conquer our final climb into Siena, Guide Angelo points out a shortcut for the final stretch into Siena, which honestly appears to be a cobblestone wall, that he rode vertically up.  Most of us opted for the roundabout entrance to Siena, but Sean and Bob took Angelo’s challenge and defeated the pro level climb like it’s something they’ve been doing for years.

Siena was so alive!  We had some time for recovery before dinner, and a few of us found the answer to that in the form of gelato in a walk through the streets of Siena.  Oh, how delicious!

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

in Sienna

The night was supposed to be an “on your own for dinner” evening, but at this point our group had become so close that we opted to stick together for another group meal.  Angelo and Davide even joined us on their night off!  After dinner, we sat in the Piazza del Campo sipping limoncello, listening to fans of the Il Palio as they sang cheers and chants in support of their team’s horse that would be racing the following week.

Day Five:
We awaken in Siena and head out for our final day of riding.  The legs are feeling pretty tired by this point, and more than ever do I wish I had done some kind of training for this trip.  Even a week of spinning (or anything more than nothing!) probably would have helped, but still – I had enough to make it through each ride and love every moment of it.  A few miles prior to our first stop, Lindsay and I made our own pit stop in San Felice for a roadside photo shoot with my camera on its timer.  The perfectly manicured rows of grapes were mesmerizingly beautiful!

I really enjoyed the mid-ride tasting when we stopped at Castelli di Brolio.  The reds were fantastic, and I happily accepted Lindsay’s portion of the tasting too, when she (perhaps for the wiser) decided to hydrate with water for the rest of the ride instead of some vino rosso.  Feeling quite relaxed after our tasting, I spent some of the afternoon biking alongside fellow New Yorker and new friend, Lisa, and we soaked up the views together for several miles.  Arriving in Chianti was an overwhelming mixed feeling of accomplishment for completing every single mile, and of sadness knowing that our trip was coming to an end.

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

poolside at Il Borgo de Vescine

The afternoon was spent with many of us recovering with a poolside cat nap at the Il Borgo de Vescine.  After that we met in the early evening for our Chianti Classico tasting, just before our final dinner.  Dinner was as expected; one of the most fabulous meals of my life.  Davide and Angelo shared a special treat they put together for us just before our meal, and we even had an extra special treat from guest Kristi who wrote a song about the group and sang it to us after dinner!  The group said goodnight to fellow DuVine guests Bruce and Linda, who were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, and we sipped limoncello into the night!  We had some truly memorable laughs over the course of a short week, and I am so grateful to have been able to experience my second DuVine Adventure at this point in my life.  I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced anything quite like it, and I’m looking forward to making DuVine memories for years to come!

It’s nearly impossible to choose just one, so here are my highlights from the week based on category!

Bike: Conquering the 7K (felt like a lot longer than that!) climb into Montalcino, jumping in the pool at the Vecchia Oliviera in bike gear, and cheering on our fellow riders who were making their way up the final stretch of road into Montalcino from the back balcony… what a high!

Bike Tour Tuscany Italy

another climb conquered!

Eat: There wasn’t much of anything that I didn’t partake in foodwise (thank goodness for all of those miles biked!), but I think my favorite food item of the week was Dania’s pizza appetizer at La Chiusa.  Being a New Yorker, I know how to appreciate excellent pizza!  A shame Dania and Umberto don’t deliver to NYC…

Drink: I really enjoyed the mid-ride tasting on day 5 of biking when we stopped at Castelli di Brolio. I might not have biked in a straight line the rest of the way, but at least I made it to Chianti on my own two wheels!

Sleep: There wasn’t much sleep happening to be honest (why waste time sleeping when you are in this beautiful place?!), but waking up in Montalcino early enough to catch the sunrise before heading down to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo for a morning of Gregorian chanting was a pretty fantastic way to start the day.

DuVine Moment: Dancing in the street with my best friend and our group after dinner on our second night in Montefollonico, and then coming back to La Chiusi to drink limoncello with Umberto!

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March 29, 2011

Ride like the Pros in Costa Brava

Filed under: Bike, Challenging Rides, Costa Brava, European bike tours, Pro Series, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:32 pm

Welcome to the proving grounds of the world’s elite cyclists…welcome to Girona where DuVine’s pro series bike tour in Spain visits.

Costa Brava pro series bike tour

Welcome to Girona

 

Perfectly situated between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the coast of Spain…this region of Costa Brava is the ideal training playground for cyclists and the perfect location for DuVine’s Costa Brave Bike Tour. With quieter roads and an impressive variety of terrain, it’s no wonder that so many pro cyclists have been calling Girona their 2nd home for over a decade! (Well, that and the “live and let ride” attitude that prevails in this ancient walled city). This is pro cycling at its finest! And the striking scenery is yet another added bonus…

Within miles of leaving the city, you can summit one of the many challenging climbs and be treated to a jaw-dropping view of the Pyrenees in the distance and azure waters of the sea crashing again the wild and rocky coastline. Hey, and you may even encounter a Tour contender on the road riding alongside you…as these streets are the stomping grounds of the pros – and you are riding in their backyard.

Costa Brava pro series bike tour

The azure waters of Costa Brava

 

Ok…so what is the draw? Why do they choose to ride here?

Aside from the laissez-faire cycling ethos…it is location location location. First and foremost, the close proximity to both Barcelona and the south of France makes Costa Brava a convenient spot. It offers all of the creature comforts of city life in an amazingly rider-friendly environ. And a homebase of Girona allows easy access to great rides, right outside the door.

Simply hop on a bike and leave the walled city behind. Within minutes you are free of any ‘urban’ traffic and endless miles of terrain stretch out in front of you. And there are plenty of options to choose from – as variety is the spice of life here – whether you want to ride long and hard; test your legs on great climbs like one of Lance Armstrong’s personal faves – Els Angels (or as it is commonly referred to as Hells Angels); or simply spend some serious quality time in the saddle logging the miles. The diversity of terrain makes this area the perfect all-around training field. Here you have the ability to work the whole range of your cycling ability… the opportunity to don the polka-dot jersey or the green. As you can see, Costa Brava offers you cycling freedom in more ways than one!

Costa Brava pro series bike tour

El Angels ride

 

But cycling is not all this region has to offer. Girona is a fascinating ancient walled city, rich in history and culture. And the surrounding Catalan area is stunningly beautiful…from the ruggedly beautiful coastline and charming coastal towns of Llafranc and  St Feliu de Guixols to the intriguing Garrotaxa Valley (the best example of volcanic terrain on the Iberian Peninsula)and the unique city of Olot…helping prove that there is diversity in the landscape, as well as the cycling terrain!

And there are plenty of unique places to explore….from the Dolmen of “La Cova d’en Daina” a 2,000 BC megalithic burial chamber, the home of Salvador Dali and the museum of his artwork in Figueres to the little cafés & restaurants in Cadaques.

Yes, there are a myriad of options to choose from in Costa Brava…both on and off the bike. Train like a pro…but do it in DuVine style!

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March 22, 2011

Talking Pro Series Bike Tours with Andy, Justin and Tom

Filed under: Alpine Pro Series, Challenging Rides, Costa Brava, Dolomites, France, Giro d'Italia, Italy, Pro Series, Spain, Tour de France, Video Blog — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:46 pm

As many of our readers know, we have just launched a new concept within our European bicycle tours, which we call our Pro Series Bicycle Tours.  These challenging tours or should we say “extremely challenging” tours provide a little less focus on the wines of a region, and a lot more focus on the biking, while maintaining the 5 star accommodation and fine dining standards, for which DuVine is known.

In this video founder Andy Levine and DuVine guides Justin Wuycheck and Tom Coppock sit down for a little coffee talk to fill you in on these legendary climbs in France, Spain, Italy.

As they tell it these bike tours are designed for those who want to ride what the pros ride, the legendary mountain passes from major races (Tour de France, Criterion de Dauphine etc.) and key areas where the pros train, like Costa Brava.  The idea started with rides the guides wanted to do…. big huge rides – still DuVine, great food and great stays but with that extra punch and feeling of accomplishment, hanging out where other riders are, where spandex is cool!

So, check out this video and these great new tours:

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March 11, 2011

Camino de Santiago – a guide’s story

Filed under: Bike, Camino de Santiago, Guide posts, Spain — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:12 pm
Justin Wuycheck DuVine Adventures Guide

Justin

1000 kms of memories – hiked by Justin Wuycheck – DuVine Senior Guide

As many of our readers know DuVine has a Camino de Santiago bike tour but The Camino di Santiago has been an important part of my life from a hiking perspective, a very different way to travel.  Three times, I’ve had the chance to hike those dusty trails, and three times I’ve come back with innumerable memories.  A few anecdotes:

October 2000. Towards the end of the middle of 750km:   We are hiking up the Cruz de Ferro,  the poet David Van Dusen, a woman from MTV Brazil, and I , a college grad.  It is a cool morning, and to keep the chill away I sing “The Man Who Couldn’t Cry,” in the style of Johnny Cash.  The woman from Brazil likes this.  David says, “This is a long song.”

Camido di Santiago bike tour

Hiking along the Camino

Not an amazing anecdote.  Day after day, mile after mile, lots of trifles like this.  And then you reach Santiago: You visit the cathedral; you have a final meal together; you turn to say goodbye and you can’t.  In the shadow of mountains and beautiful monuments, those un-amazing anecdotes have drawn you all close.

September 2004.  Hiking 150 km in Galacia:   I’ve been living in the Pyrenees, biking Tour de France mountains.  I am STRONG.  My father comes to Europe for the first time to hike the Camino of which I’ve spoken so often.  He’s in his early sixties.  We spend two days doing 30+km days.  The third day we do more than 40, and at about kilometer 40, my dad just starts walking away.  I mean I can’t keep up.  The young guy who conquered the Col de blah blah blah and Mt.  This-and-That, can’t keep up.

Camido di Santiago bike tour

Hiking along the St. James Way

July 2007. Hiking 200km through central/southern France:  It’s sunny in the forests of the Haute-Loire.  I am singing like Johnny Cash again, on the French Camino, the Chemin de St. Jacques.  I finish “Long Black Veil” and my girlfriend grabs my arm and kisses me.

As you can tell I am big on the experience and the memories that remain with you long after a trip is completed, although these days my anecdotes come from  bike tours in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Provence… so come along with me and experience these fantastic places and create your own memories.

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July 15, 2010

Fiestas in Spain

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Camino de Santiago, Rioja, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:29 pm

There is nothing in the US that quite compares to the festivals of Europe…the pageantry, the energy, the participation, the celebratory spirit, the frequency! Yes, it’s hard to travel through any European country without stumbling upon some sort of festival, festa or fiesta – and we’re talking every month of the year (if not weekly!)

Parade and festival in Spain

Whether religious or pagan, it needn’t matter…all are a cause for celebration – (and I might wager a guess to say that soccer matches also apply?) As I can only imagine the revelry that ensued after Spain’s Sunday win in South Africa.

However, Spain is no stranger to fiestas. From the moment I arrived in Madrid this past May, for a bike tour in Spain, I became instantly aware of how important and integral these events are to the cultural ethos and the vibe of the country as a whole.  Apparently, I had arrived during the San Isidro festival – the biggest fiesta in Madrid – and was unable to even be dropped off at my hotel due to the numerous street closures for the festival.  It was difficult enough for my driver to negotiate traffic on the ‘open’ roads since the streets themselves were flooded with people – from the locals, Madrileños, dressed in traditional gear who were headed for Plaza Mayor for the traditional dancing and open air concerts to the tourists who had come to witness the festivities, Madrid was alive with a melodious buzz. As I walked my way up the narrow streets toward Plaza del Carmen, I wondered if this was a typical day in the city? Granted, I was staying in the heart of the city (conveniently located close to the Gran Via, Playa Mayor and Puerto del Sol) but if this was a day in the life of Madrid, it was pretty crazy. (I now realize that it wasn’t just the San Isidro festival – on any given day, Madrid truly is a city abuzz and never sleeps – it just gets takes on another layer during fiesta time.)

San Isidro Festival in Madrid

I thought they were winding down for the night when I settled in for the evening around midnight (hoping to ward off jet lag) but was awoken in less than a hour by an incredible blast and I wondered if my hotel was being bombed! I ran to the window, opened the door to my balcony and stepped out to witness a spectacular array of fireworks. No, not the San Isidro festival…but rather one of the Madrid soccer teams had finally won a game that evening after an endless slump. Yes, the streets had come alive again…with joyous revels, fireworks displays and non-stop chanting and cheering. So much for avoiding jet lag! This continued into the wee hours of the morning and then came the cleaning crews… [and this is what amazed me most!] …when I retired for the evening, the streets were strewn with the myriad remnants of a city party and when I ‘awakened’ after breakfast that morning, there wasn’t a hint or trace that anything had transpired the night before. The streets had been washed clean, platforms and staging removed, litter cleared – all in a mere hour or two! Talk about industrious. They know how party…but they also clean up quite nicely!

Funnily enough, I spent that following week wending my way from Abalos back to Madrid on our Rioja bike tour only to find the city once again bustling beyond belief! This time with the championship Italy vs Germany soccer showcase showdown in the Madrid stadium. I don’t think I need to go into any more detail about the state of the city on that weekend…

What’s more interesting to imagine is that same scene fast forwarded to last Sunday…when their own winning team had taken the World Cup! Now that…I can’t even fathom! And from what I gather…like good Spaniards they stretch the fun and always start the celebrations earlier and end later!

Running of the bulls in Pedraza

Now I just need to return to Rioja this September for another round of fiestas and fun. Our September tour perfectly coincides with 2 festivals in Lerma (Patronales Romería and Fiesta de la Virgen de Manciles) as well as a milder, gentler running of the bulls in Pedraza.

What better way to really get a feel for the culture than to actually experience it through its festivals?

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