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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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July 8, 2010

Adventure travel in Costa Rica

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Costa Rica, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:51 pm

I have to admit it was interesting going from “Old World” Spain to “New World” Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks, as I continued my life of adventure travel – talk about two different worlds!  The only thing they had in common was the language….and, really, that was about it.

active volcanoes...

 

You won’t be seeing any medieval castles or ancient monasteries here, but it’s not like you find too many rain forests in Spain. Nor dry forests, transitional forests or the unique flora and fauna that exist within these micro-climates…not to mention several active volcanoes! (well…unless we’re talking the Canary Islands) So, if it’s adventure and wildlife viewing that you are looking for…this is the place to go.

Welcome to the jungle…fun and far from tame …Costa Rica’s got every adventure you want … too many to count the names…you can bike, hike, raft, zip line, snorkel, surf, kayak, etc…actually, I think it might be illegal to be idle in this country!

And if you’re like I am [not one for sitting still] and always looking for your next adventure…you’ll want to check this out.

rafting the Pacuare River

 

Why just bike when you can raft class IV rapids on the Pacuare River, zip line through the rainforest with sound of a thundering volcano in the background, hike on a trail of lava rock from the still active Arenal Volcano, surf the famous beaches of Guanacaste,  kayak around rock islands to a private beach, and then snorkel the reefs? Hey, you can still bike too…while listening to the sounds of the forest – howler monkeys, toucans, cicadas…you name it…your own personal ‘sounds of the forest’ CD…live and in concert!  At times, it’s almost surreal.

Zip line preparation...

 

I recall standing atop one of the zip line platforms, high above the forest, preparing for my turn to careen down through the treetops when I heard the most intense, thunderous rumble and felt the platform shake beneath me. Upset that we may not be able to continue, I quickly asked our guide if we were going to have to stop due to the inclement weather…and he just looked at me with a giant grin, and laughingly said, “that’s not thunder…that’s the volcano!” …at which point we all broke out into uproarious laughter!  Whether it was the sound of the erupting volcano or our laughter that incited the howler monkeys to chime in with their tell-tale barking whoops, I can’t say…but the combination of sounds certainly made for a unique and resounding chorus.

Oh, that’s another thing I should probably mention… if you are interested in heading to Costa Rica, you might want to start boning up on your wildlife knowledge, too. From birds, to mammals, to lizards, (and we’re talking species and subspecies) – you’ll definitely find a variety to observe (as it seemed every five  seconds my guide was either pointing at something or pulling out a telescope for a closer inspection).  You’ll also want to bust out that flower chart, too, as Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of animals and plants. Interestingly enough, while the country itself has only about .25% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Talk about packing a punch!

tropical flora...

 

And even though at times it may seem as if you are walking on the set of Jurassic Park, completely removed from the modern world, one step into one of the amazing hotels will remind you that “new-world luxury” is not an oxymoron. Paradise is not lost…but you don’t have to rough it to experience it, either!

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June 25, 2010

South Africa, great for soccer even better for biking!

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, South Africa, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:34 am

Does the 2010 FIFA World Cup have you wishing you, too, were in South Africa right now? I’m sure it’s done wonders for South African “tourism”…but wouldn’t you rather go when it isn’t as crowded, crazy and filled with tourists and the din of vuvuzelas? or better yet… when it isn’t winter?

Why be just another tourist when you can be a real traveler on a bike tour to South Africa? And believe me, you’ll want to travel here. This is one destination everyone needs to experience in their lifetime – it very well may be one of the most amazing places you will ever visit.

I remember thinking on my winter run along a snowy beach in Rye Beach, NH on December 30, 2000 that in less than 2 days, I would be walking another stretch of the Atlantic…this time basking in the summer sun on Camps Bay, half a world away in South Africa. And what a different world it was…in so many aspects.

sunset in South Africa

 

From the moment I stepped off the plane to my last afternoon sitting at the airport bar sipping Amarula as I awaited my return flight to Boston, I was living the dream.  Like I said, all I can say is that everyone must go to Cape Town in their lifetime…it is a must.

First and foremost, it is an outdoor adventure playground. What can’t you do in South Africa? Cage dive with sharks, paraglide off Table Mountain, sandboard down giant dunes, surf epic waves…I could go on and on. And the backdrop to all of these activities? Well, perhaps some of the most stunning natural scenery you could ever imagine.

Yes, the scenery… I have to admit that is one of the first things that impressed me -  especially the first time you see Table Mountain looming above the glistening ocean slightly obscured by a rare blanket [or table cloth] of clouds. Epic. And the view from the top? Wow. One of the most impressive views you can imagine. Really, you have to check it out!

Table Mountain

a view of Table Mountain

 

And it’s not just these impressive vistas - the mountain itself actually lends itself to plenty of  outdoor activities. So, aside from taking the gondola (which rotates 360 degrees) up to the top to experience the views…you can mountain bike or hike the trails, abseil or paraglide off, etc. I can still recall my guide and fellow tandem partner telling me to “just start running”  as we stood on a peak ready to paraglide off the mountain – it wasn’t until we were airborne that I realized how strange it seemed to be instructed to just throw yourself off a cliff, without a motor…but the sensation of flying and the view from the air silenced any more of those type of thoughts. And when you land on the beach, you have a perfect view of the other gliders hanging in the air in front of  Table Mountain.

And that’s just Table Mountain…where should I start?  How about all of the incredible beaches along the Cape? From Cape Point where the two oceans meet- the warm green-hued waters of the Indian Ocean colliding with the cold blue Atlantic - the waves crashing into the rocks and spewing up a fountain of water. Or Simonstown and Boulder Beach where the famous Jackass penguins congregate. Perhaps the very ‘Euro-chic’ beach, Camps Bay, with its sandy beaches, palm trees, and trendy nightlife – where you may just think you’ve been transported to the south of France – or head along the Indian Ocean to surf some of the best waves in the world. And those are just the beaches!

vineyards

 

How about the wine? You can stay closer to Cape Town and visit the oldest vineyards in South Africa in Constantia…or head out along the wine route through the Western Cape and Stellenbosch. You’ll definitely enjoy tasting! I’m not sure if you are familiar with South African wines, but you should be. Yet another reason a visit is a must.

And then there are the gardens…that’s right…the flora in this area is so amazing that there is actually a Garden Route (in addition to a Wine Route) – showcasing more of the natural beauty of this area. You’ll probably want to make a point of visiting the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to see this wonderland of fynbos flowers.

Oh and here’s a tip to impress some of the locals…become familiar with the common South African/Afrikaans word lekker (as in cool, great, sweet, etc)… as well as billtong (a type of jerky-but so much better!) and braai (a barbeque and very common South African occurance). And even though English is the official language…even some of the English words are different, too – for instance…they are not traffic lights, they are robots; you walk on the pavement, not the sidewalk; the trunk of your car is the boot…)

Gardens

 

I could go on and on about how amazing this place is…but then again…wouldn’t you prefer to find that out yourself with DuVine…on a bike?

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June 15, 2010

A Bike tour of Croatia – Plenty of sun, biking and boating

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Croatia, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:59 pm

There’s no place like Hvar…there’s no place like Hvar (well maybe Brac, Vis or Korcula).

I guess I should just  say there’s no place like the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia [just promise me you will keep this a secret!]

It really does not get better than this!

A view from the yacht

Let me set the stage with a brief glimpse at one of the epic days I spent on my recent visit – where I joined one of our private bike tours in Croatia.  It began with breakfast delivered to our yacht from our 5 star hotel (egg white omelets, espresso and fresh fruit)…then we cruised for an hour along the calm turquoise water, soaking up the sunshine, to reach the end of the island where our bikes were waiting at the dock ready for us to hop on and begin our 3 hour nonstop ride over the rolling hills of Hvar. Did I mention that every vista is spectacular? Whether you are climbing, riding along the coast or wending your way through the villages…there is certainly no want for scenery!  Wow. It was absolutely picture perfect – not a cloud in the sky, warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze followed us as we rode the entire island. And, honestly, that’s the only thing that followed us.

The open road in Hvar

Throughout the ride, there wasn’t a car, a cyclist, nor even a person in sight – just the stunning blue waters that surrounded us in constant view (whether in the periphery or directly in front of us) as we climbed the rolling hills, striking up some healthy competition on the more challenging climbs as bets were made and the gauntlet thrown down. And when our 80km ride across the island of Hvar was complete, our yacht was waiting for us with 2 massage therapists aboard for our post-ride massages as the yacht cruised around the bay. Aaah…what can I say? Like I said…it really doesn’t get better than this!  At one point Ed looked at me and said this was definitely one of the top days of his life [and believe me, this man lives LARGE!]

Actually, it did get better. After our restorative session on the water, we headed back to Hvar for an absolutely delicious dinner at the local Konoba featuring the freshest seafood, delightful Croatian wine, and the best treat of all…the local ‘pancake’ dessert which resembles a crepe, but is filled with the most incredible blend of homemade ice-cream, nutella and some secret ingredient. Absolutely heavenly.

post-ride massage

And to top off the night…a  relaxing evening at the exclusive Hotel Adriana – Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Oh, and don’t let me forget to mention the view from the Adriana  – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay…all in one. Stunning.

Yes, everything is possible in Croatia…just ask and ye shall receive. And Andro, our lead guide in Croatia, is always ready to help you create your dream vacation and share his favorite part of the world with you – no request too large or detail too small (as evidenced by this private group!)

Remember…we are in the business of making memories…and you better believe that my last visit to Croatia provided me with ones that will last a lifetime!

post-ride dockside

A day in the life - Croatia

Alas, I had to leave –  but the tour continued on. The group set out on a 115 ft yacht and sailed off to Dubrovnik where they finished off their ‘dream come true’ staying at a palatial hotel and enjoying all the culture, cuisine and entertainment that this historic city has to offer. As for their experiences in Dubrovnik, I too am interested to hear. I guess we’ll both just have to ask them for more details!

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June 10, 2010

Creating a Sardinia Bike Tour

Filed under: Bike, Italy, Sardinia, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:55 pm

The coast of Sardinia

Well well well…pretty nice in Sardinia…

That was the first thing we heard from Andy on his recent visit to this unique Italian island to create a new DuVine Adventures luxury bike tour…and perhaps a clue as to what lies in store when you visit this jewel of the Mediterranean. (Emerald, turquoise or jade to be exact…just as the varying hues of the waters that surround this spectacular coastline) It is no wonder that some of the best and most famous beaches on the island are located along the Emerald Coast or Costa Smeralda – also a favorite of the jet set.

Yes, Sardinia has always been a popular escape spot – not only for its beautiful beaches, but also due to its remote nature. The island offers peace and privacy to those who want to get away but retain all of the comforts of home. There is no want for the finer things here in Sardinia – so you foodies and wine lovers take note. Nor is there a lack of beautiful properties to stay. Everything from the uber secluded and exclusive Capo Spartivento – a working lighthouse turned 6 room hotel/ villa – to the Cala di Volpe where the service is above and beyond all expectations (and, according to Andy,where a Bond movie was filmed – The Spy who Loved Me.)

Cala di Volpe

This is an island for adventurers and the varied landscape is ripe for exploration.  From the beaches to the mountains through forests and hilltop villages…Sardinia is not just a beach paradise, but a cyclist’s dream as well. Scantily populated with breathtaking views all around, you are free to explore the open road. And remember, less residents equals fewer cars – hence traffic free roads await you. Whether you choose to cruise the flatlands along the coast or opt for the hilly interior, you will find a bike-friendly environment throughout the island. Andy spent 5 days biking all around the rugged landscape of Sardinia – starting in the south near Cagliria, through Pula and Chia to the west coast of Bosa and Alghero and then across to Costa Smerelda – and will attest that when the sun is shining (which it does 300 days a year) and there is no wind, it is the Mediterranean at its finest. Not to mention,  the waters rival the Caribbean any day!

Never fear – there is no lack of culture either – as the island is also rich in history and was once the land of the Phoenecians, Romans, and Spanish. Just take a listen to the Sardinian dialect and you will hear these varied origins reflected in the language. The cuisine is also a mélange of cultures and traditions. And if somehow you tire of relaxing on the shimmering white sands and emerald green shores, you can always explore some of the archaeological sites on the island including the unique nuraghi ruins as well as the UNESCO Heritage site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

A spot to relax

Of course, in keeping with the nature and feel of the island…this exclusive destination will be available as a tour in our Private Collection.

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June 2, 2010

What I did on my Summer vacation (you hope)

Filed under: Active Travel, Austria, Bike, Czech Republic, European bike tours, family tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:14 pm

What I did on my family summer vacation … from your children’s perspective!

Well, you have to be prepared when the teacher asks you on your first day back to school! (and hopefully your response is something a lot cooler than the rest of the kids in your class) It’s usually something like…Charlie spent his summer at a camp  learning how to water ski on Lake Winnepausawke in New Hampshire …Maddy went to visit her cousins in San Francisco and learned how to mountain bike in Marin County…Ryan broke his leg skateboarding the half pipe his dad built in their backyard and spent the majority of the summer lying at home in a cast listening to his mother scream at his father that it was “all his fault” and that he should never have built “that thing” in “our backyard”…well, you get the point.

I spent half of spring trying to convince my parents that I needed to plan something really cool to do this summer…(you know,  just so everyone would be jealous and would be like, wow dude…that rocks!) only to find out that they had already planned a family bike trip to the Czech Republic! What?? Are you kidding me? I was going to have to hang with my parents and younger brother on a family tour – where? Let’s just say I was majorly bummed out by this news – in fact, I think I spent the rest of the school year sulking and trying to figure out how to come down with swine flu or triple E or some crazy illness that would prevent me from going on this family tour. Yeah, that didn’t happen.

Well, July came all too soon…and I was reluctantly packing for my trip when my little brother came in and asked me why I wasn’t excited to go? Whatever.  Like I had to explain this to him?

When we got on the plane that day…I barely spoke to anyone and feigned sleep half the time when it looked like they were going to try to engage me in conversation. And it was a pretty long flight, I must say! This was my first trip to Europe.

Prague

Well, everything changed when we got to Prague. WOW. How cool is this city? And on the first day of the tour, we got to watch this incredible falcon show at the Lednice Chateau with all of these really cool birds of prey hunting in the gardens. I got to ditch my parents and my brother for a while to hang out with some of the other kids who seemed just as uninterested in being around their parents and siblings as I was. I met a cool guy Eric from Canada who was a year younger than I was, this really funny girl from Australia who had the coolest accent, and twin brothers from New Jersey (who also had funny accents!).

After the show was over we went off for horseback riding lessons. This was all of ours first time, so it ended up being hysterically funny watching each other try to figure out what the heck we were supposed to be doing! I guess it ended up being a great first day bonding experience…as we all were clueless and just having fun… a great way to get to know random people. And I know my parents were happy, too…all they kept talking about at dinner was the tour of the wine cellar they had earlier and how impressed they were with Czech wines (something they had never tried before).

Falconry - Bird Show

Funny thing is…I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning (imagine that!) I was so excited for our first day on the bike…and to ditch my parents and hang out with my new buddies.  In the morning we got to check out the ruins of this castle and then it was bike time! Actually was pretty interesting too…because the road we were biking on was the former Iron Curtain Road…so the stuff we had learned about in history class I was actually getting to see and experience.

Actually throughout the week, there were all of these amazing places (well, I guess I should refer to them ‘historical’)…but being able to visit them in person and actually be there is so much different than learning about them in class – and nothing like our school field trips to museums! C’mon, field trips are more like forced ‘learning experiences’ – no one really pays attention, they’re just psyched they have a day off to goof around. On this trip it was just part of our active day out on bikes…visiting these incredible places that just so happened to be historical. And fun, too, because I was learning new things along with my parents…now that’s a first! -  it kind of put us on an even playing field.

Now my buds and I were talking mid-week about how we didn’t want to admit it, but we were actually having the best time with our parents that we have ever had. It was so different than family vacations we had taken in the past…stuff like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, that Caribbean cruise etc. Here we had plenty of time to spend time doing activities with the other kids (horseback riding and windsurfing lessons) and then choose when we wanted to spend with our parents.  And when we did stuff together, it was like we were in it together, you know? Like they, too, were your new buddies…I had never been out biking with my parents, or learned anything along with them. I’ll never admit to them how my fun I was having WITH them…but I will confess that it was the best vacation we have ever been on! I even liked hanging with my little brother…(now that  I won’t tell him).

Biking in Czech Republic

We learned how to make strudel, rode through these amazing places that looked like lands you only read about in fairytales…(or played with – like Legoland castles or something). Just really cool stuff. Not to mention, I was learning things just by being there…not listening to some boring teacher recite to the class about UNESCO heritage sites and write it out on the white board. Now I know what she’s talking about and can actually tell the class, “yup…I’ve been there” or “rode my bike through to that one”.  One up my fellow students…and most likely my teacher as well! Pretty sweet, eh?

Look, I’m just so happy my parents forced me on this trip! AND my parents and my new Australian friends’ family were talking about us all meeting up again next year and taking another family trip to Switzerland together! Sweet!

Oh and btw…I was definitely the envy of everyone in my class (teacher included) when I told them what I did on my summer vacation! And guess what the whole family is getting for Christmas this year? new bikes!

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May 20, 2010

Adventure Travel Jordan – Video Blog – DuVine TV

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Jordan — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 8:16 am

We recently added a great new tour, Adventure Travel Jordan, to our list of exceptional bike tours and active travel offerings at DuVine Adventures.  One of the best things about adding new trips of course is their creation, which involves visiting the locations, talking with the locals, discovering and setting up the luxury accommodations, restaurants, and wine tastings.

In creating this trip we saw a land that is both old but at the same time modern and accommodating including:

Check out this video to get the inside scoop of what this trip and the land of Jordan is all about, you will be surprised at how dynamic and diverse this country is and the adventure that awaits travelers.

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April 29, 2010

Adventure Travel in Zion & Bryce Canyon

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Bryce Canyon, Tours, Zion National Park — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:01 pm

Become a hoodoo guru…

No… not a member of the 80s Australian rock band [although I hear they reunited and recently released a new album in 2010]…but rather an authority on these fascinating  rock formations found in abundance in Bryce Canyon.

Hoodoos

Hoodoos…these awe-inspiring natural totems appear to have somehow emerged magically from the desert floor, whimsically arranged and tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name. It seems hard to believe that mere natural forces were behind these creations, as they are the result of two weathering processes that continuously work together in eroding the edges of the Paunsaugunt Plateau – frost wedging and erosion due to a type of acidic rainfall. Regardless of their geological cause…when you stand in the canyon and gaze out at this ‘unreal’ landscape…you can’t help but experience an ethereal feeling.

This mystical land of rock is just one of the incredible sights to behold in Southern Utah’s National Parks. And it’s not just for rock peeping either! The area is also an adventure sport playground. How often do you get to work out surrounded by such majesty?

A challenging day hike to Angels Landing will find you at 5,790 ft, at a place where the mountain outcropping soars almost 2,000 ft above the valley floor and offers a sweeping panoramic view of the park. Then it’s off to explore the Narrows hiking along (and in) the Virgin River beneath the soaring canyon walls. Another great hike takes you up to Observation Point, which stands tall at 6,507 ft, where you have the chance to take in more stunning views of the valley from a different vantage point. And that’s just the hiking!…

Hiking in the Parks

Looking to spin out those legs after the hike? Head out to Bryce, hop on your bike and pedal out to Rainbow Park and enjoy the scenic vistas that surround you. Prefer more of a challenging ride? Why not try the perfect out and back to Mt. Carmel Junction which has you climbing out and then cruising back down with a long gradual descent into the valley (with plenty of time to check out these amazing multi-hued cliffs as you pass by…). Is your gym your current place of worship? Well…after you visit Cedar Breaks National Monument and experience DuVine inspiration witnessing its incredible rock amphitheater from a roadside perch at over 10,000 ft and continue your descent  into the town of Panguitch…you might want to switch gyms!

That’s right…a visit to the Parks of Southern Utah is truly uplifiting…literally and figuratively. See, unlike the Grand Canyon…here it is all about looking UP not down…and you also can’t help but feel you’ve witnessed something magical and mystical.

You may start your tour in Las Vegas…(where some prefer to proclaim “ what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”) but once you have experienced Zion and Bryce…all you’ll want to do is tell everyone what  you’ve done.

Biking in the Parks

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April 27, 2010

Bike Tour Israel – Video Blog – DuVine TV

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Israel, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 11:52 am

Andy has recently returned from creating a new Bike tour in Israel where he visited many historic sites and routes, formerly the domain of camels, but now adapted for tourism of all types including bicycle tours.  For many people Israel is an undiscovered country, we all have perceptions largely gained from the media, however a trip to Israel brings forth a new awakening as to what this country is all about.

In Israel there is a mixture of people from all over the region and this is reflected in the food and the wine.  There is history and religion and modern day people living healthy lifestyles and looking to share that with the world.  So check out this video blog and see what is in store for you on this fantastic bike tour.

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April 23, 2010

If its Cape Cod it must be Summer

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Cape Cod, Tours — Tags: , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:31 am

If you’d like to stroll the beach under moonlight…or cycle the dunes of the Cape…
Plan a vacation to New England…for a 4th of July escape!

Cape Cod

There is nothing quite like the Cape and the Islands in the summertime…balmy breezes, salty air, miles of sand dunes, quaint cottages and Colonial Capes, historic lighthouses, cranberry bogs, marshlands…and need we forget…quahogs, steamers, and of course lobster! And that’s just the beginning…

From its rich maritime history in the whaling industry to the celebrated artist communities, there are a wealth of cultural activites (musuems, open studios and galleries) to explore. Not only that…but the months of July – September provide the  perfect climate for outdoor adventures both on land and sea. Be it cycling, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking, fishing, golfing, or whale watching…the possibilities abound.

Even better…this adventure playground is right in our backyard and is the hometown of our guide Fred - hence we have all the insider info, know the best places, and secret spots. There is no way you will feel like a tourist on this trip -  much more like a native [albeit the fact you are staying in a hotel.]

Wequasset Resort

Oh …but what a hotel! You’ll wish this were ‘everyday’ living! The Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, located between Chatham and Orleans on Pleasant Bay, is surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens on the Cape and has been named one of the top 100 mainland hotels in the U.S. This is literally your ‘home [base]‘ for the week…so you can settle in, unpack and relax without worrying about having to move to another location…and can focus on exploring the surrounding towns of the Cape and island of Nantucket.

Ok…so what’s so special about this iconic New England destination? It’s difficult to articulate – as it really is a place that needs to be experienced to describe. Does a picture speak a thousand words? In this case, very much so. You’ve seen the images…could it really be that quaint and charming? Why yes it is. Are there people on Nantucket really dressed as if  they stepped out the Preppy Handbook? Definitely. (And need we forget, there is even a color and fabric named after island – that oh-so emblematic [and preferably faded] Nantucket Red.)

Nantucket red

The Cape and Islands are quintessential New England coastal towns. It almost  feels as though you are visiting a movie set…the ‘quaintness’ is almost surreal. Art definitely imitates life here. What better setting than the Cape during 4th of July weekend - at the height of its beach charm - could have been selected as the fictional location of the horror classic Jaws? And from what port did Ahab’s ship the Pequod leave in Moby Dick?

Whaling Museum

That’s right…Melville’s classic whaleship set sail from Nantucket decked out with teeth and bones from the whales it had already killed – a descriptive detail that is indicative of the gory nature of the 19th century whaling business. You can learn more about the history of this fascinating industry and its graphic nature on our visit to the Whaling Museum.

Perhaps you are looking for a little less conversation and  a little more action? Well, we’ve already established that this is the perfect playground for outdoor activities…and you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your day with adventures. Spend the morning kayaking around Pleasant Bay and the afternoon cycling the car-free Cape Cod rail trail through Nickerson State Park on your way to Brewster and Dennis. Another day finds you on the ferry to Nantucket…and the next cycling your way to Provincetown…and then off on a whale watching excursion in search of the white-fluked humpback whales. And there is still plenty of time to relax and enjoy a typical “beach day”.

Kayaking Pleasant Bay

When you stroll along the fine sand beaches and meander the cobblestone streets you’ll begin to realize that this is summertime – and the living is easy. Isn’t that what a summer vacation is all about? You can also trust us when we say that the Cape is a great place to escape.

And perhaps a trip to the Cape might just have you thinking something less ribald than the infamous limerick when someone mentions Nantucket?

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