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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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December 13, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, California, Champagne, Corsica, Croatia, Dolomites, France, Hotels, Ireland, Mallorca, Portugal, Provence, Sicily, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:40 pm

Bike. Eat. Drink. Sleep. That’s the DuVine way whether you are on a luxury bike tour or expanding your horizons with an adventure travel trip. But none of it would be truly DuVine if you didn’t get the perfect night’s sleep (and evening’s rest and relaxation) every single day.

So, I give you my Top 10 Hotels of 2011. The only way to be sure that the hotels we bring you to are up to DuVine standards is to stay in them ourselves. So, I sucked it up and bedded down in each of them myself, just for a little quality control. It was hard work, putting my feet up and lounging in the incredible luxury, but someone had to do it. Now here they are for you, to either dream about if you haven’t been or to relive if you have. (These are in no particular order.)

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères in Champagne, France

Complete and utter elegance. That  is the only way to describe Château Les Crayères, which is the definition of French-style art de vivre if there ever was one. It is this majestic, 100-plus year-old chateau in Reims that we call home for two nights on our bicycle tour in Champagne, France. The work of Pierre-Yves Rochon, the stunning interior is a prototype of French classicism, and the ideal spot to contemplate a flute of Champagne after a spectacular day roaming the vineyards and countryside on your bike. The only thing that tops it may be the terrace outside, which offers a breath-taking view of the estate’s park. And if you haven’t had enough Champagne yet (could you ever, really?), Les Crayères features the finest in dining at its in-house restaurant, Le Parc, where French haute cuisine is exquisitely married with a comprehensive selection of vintages from the most prestigious growers. From the ride, to the room, to the dinner table, your experience at Château Les Crayères will be nothing short of exceptional.

Relais et Chateaux la Signoria in Corsica

After a day tackling the ceaselessly undulating terrain on the isle of Corsica, come to rest at night at the foot of the Corsican mountains at La Signoria, which will be more than a welcome site for your tired legs and hungry stomach. Looking out over the azure Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Signoria is a magical Genoese estate from the 18th century, whose private beach and pool offer chance for complete seclusion from the outside world while you fulfill he eating, drinking, and sleeping requirements on your DuVine bicycle tour in Corsica.

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Lešić Dimitri Palace

The Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korcula, Croatia

Intimate is a word that cannot be stressed enough when you are looking for true refinement. In the 18th century bishop’s palace that is the the Lešić Dimitri Palace, that is just what you will get. Stashed away behind the medieval walls in the town of Korcula, this palace features a mere six residences. Rather than carve up this historic building into traditional hotel rooms, the owners have instead chosen to form each story of the palace into a residence, each with no more than four bedrooms. When you do emerge from the confines of your private residency, the full treatment of a Thai therapy spa awaits, along with an astoundingly fresh meal at LD Terrace, the palace’s own first-class restaurant. On your bicycle tour in Croatia, this will certainly be a highlight.

Château de Roussan in Provence

Welcome to the home of Bertrand de Nostredame, brother of the famed Nostradamus. If only his brother could have predicted how much you are going to adore your stay at the former family chateau. Step inside and marvel at the flawless preservation of centuries of Provencal history. From its library that houses the collective works of names like Socrates and Montesquieu to the luxurious lounges where guests find a cozy seat to chat away, the Château de Roussan feels like paradise in Provence. And if you aren’t tired from you invigorating day of riding on your bicycle tour in Provence, the hotel’s park, greenhouse, and ponds offer a gorgeous landscape to explore on foot before heading off to dinner.

Cap Rocat

Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain

Be ready to be shocked when you first step into the island fortress that is Cap Rocat. Once a military outpost, this fortress on the Spanish island of Mallorca has been transformed into a palace of true grandeur. Tucked into the Bay of Palma and featuring a magnificent view, the hotel is one of the most unique we have seen, and has retained many of its defining features from its days of military service while adding all the amenities you could ever desire. Home for two nights on your bicycle tour in Mallorca, Cap Rocat offers the chance for serene relaxation in complete peace, removed from the crowds on the beaches and out in town. And as is the Spanish way, the hotel is just as food-centric as it is luxurious. With two outstanding restaurants on the premises, you will be wined and dined to your heart’s content (and your stomach’s), ready for the next leg of your DuVine adventure.

Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal

Staying with the theme of transformation, this gem in the Alentejo region of Portugal has been the home of serenity for over half a millennium. Originally a 15th century convent and now a UNCESCO world heritage site, the Convento has set the standard for luxury as long as anywhere we know of. Home for two nights on you bicycle tour in Portugal, the Convento do Epinheiro features not only marvelous guest rooms in which to recharge after an exhilarating ride, but also the first-class Diana Spa, where you can fully immerse yourself in the depths of relaxation. And after two days of outstanding cycling, Divinus Restaurant, which sits in the hotel’s ancient and charming wine cellar, offers an intimate experience with the sophisticated yet authentic local cuisine.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle in Ireland

Steeped in tradition in more ways than one, Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland is also a part of one of the most well-known Irish institutions today: Guinness. While the original structure was erected in 1228, in 1852 Ashford fell into the hands of  Sir Benjamin lee Guinness, who extended the estate to 26,000 acres and added thousands of trees and two large Victorian style extensions. Today, it is a five star hotel and recognized by many as one of the top 50 resorts in Europe. In addition to the magnificent rooms that have been meticulously preserved over time, the resort features a golf course, equestrian center, and countless lakes and rivers for fishing, any of which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon after a day spent tackling the Irish the countryside on your bicycle tour of Ireland. That is, of course, after you’ve indulged in a celebratory pint at the cocktail bar.

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa Relais & Châteaux in Badia (Dolomites ski tour)

Set in the village of San Cassiano in Badia, right in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina is renowned for a discrete and refined hospitality. It belongs to the tourist district of Alta Badia, which was voted “Queen of the Alps” by the prestigious Italian Touring Club. Home for the first leg of your Dolomites ski tour, Rosa Alpina is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire and loosen your muscles at the spa or in the hot tub after a day carving turns in the Dolomiti.

Castello Cememi

Castello Camemi in Sicily

Shouldn’t a hotel leave you feeling like royalty when you finally settle in for the night? Nestled deep in the Sicilian countryside, Castello Camemi is sure to do just that. Tucked away in this spectacular 15th century castle that has since been converted to a 5-star hotel, it will be easy to believe that you are Italian nobility, enjoying a summer retreat in the Ilbei mountains of Sicily — that is, of course, until you step back on your back the next day, when you’ll realize that life is even better than that on your DuVine bicycle tour in Sicily. With just fourteen rooms, the Castello Camemi will feel for all the world like your own private castle, with your own private dining room and wine cellar to boot.

Solage in Calistoga, California

Is 22 acres enough to call your own? We’d like to think so, and at Solage in Calistoga, California, those are 22 of the finest acres that Napa Valley has to offer, flanked on either side by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountain ranges and which offer only the most stunning of viewpoints from which to watch the sunset, glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon in hand. Solage is home to far more than just breath-taking views and world-class guest rooms, though. The epitome of over the top, it boasts in the number one rated spa in the Americas, as voted for by Conde Naste Traveller, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Solbar, where we will refuel our engines after a day of scenic wine country riding on your bicycle tour in Napa Valley and Sonoma.

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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 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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December 10, 2010

Andy’s Top Ten Bicycle Rides of 2010

Filed under: Bike, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:35 pm

As our 2010 season approaches its conclusion and our 2011 adventure travel season is set to begin…I thought I’d take a few minutes to share some of my favorite rides of the past year (and perhaps, in the process, offer some DuVine inspiration to my fellow cycling enthusiasts?)

And, although I may be revealing some “DuVine secrets” by rating my top 10, nothing quite compares to actually riding these routes and experiencing them yourself. So while I may be divulging the “where” and some cursory information about the ride …I’d prefer to let you imagine and/or explore the “why” on your own!

My top 10 of 2010 (in no particular order…)

Views of the Matterhorn in Piedmont

Bicycle tour Piedmont, Italy: Acqui Terme to Relais & Chateaux San Maurizio…
What can I say? Just imagine cycling over the famous Langhe hills, an intimate landscape filled with vineyards, truffles, medieval towns like Montabone and Rocchetta Palafea, and stunning panoramas of an ancient landscape. As I rode along this route on a perfectly clear and sunny day this past August, the view was inarticulable…you could even see the Matterhorn in the Alps to the north!  The day just kept getting better and better…we stopped for lunch along the way with our local friends, Gianni and Mina for an intimate lunch featuring small hand-made ravioli called plin, and a really special treat – a raw-milk Roccaverano goat cheese – that Gianni gets from his friend, a small producer.  We continued on from this delicious lunch to our hotel for the evening, the converted monastery of San Maurizio, a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property. After a unique salt therapy treatment at the hotel’s Via del Sale Spa, we dined at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Da Guido, accompanied by an assortment of fine local wines.  Magical.

Along the coast in Puglia

Bicycle tour Puglia, Italy: The coastal roud to Leuca…
Ok…let me just preface by saying this is, hands down, one of the most stunning coastal roads in the world with breathtaking views of cliffs and bays. The ride meanders through the fishing village of Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its Moorish architecture and thermal waters….and continues along the coast passing spectacular sea caves and the town of Castro, where Virgil claims the legendary Aeneas first made landfall in Italy. Our lunch (or rather…our heavenly picnic) was a stop along the way to Leuca,  in an amazingly scenic spot, suspended in the branches of an olive tree overlooking the sparkling cerulean sea. The beauty of this day is that you have the option to continue this epic day of cycling by riding back to Otranto – a 106 km roundtrip day of pure bliss.

Cycling the island of Hvar

Bicycle tour Hvar, Croatia: Around Hvar Island to Paklinski Otoci
Anything is possible on this incredible island! I joined one of our private groups this past June for another epic bicycle ride around the island of Hvar. And to be honest…it really does not get better than this! We cruised in our private yacht for an hour along the calm turquoise water, soaking up the sunshine, to reach the end of the island where our bikes  (which had travelled alongside us in a zodiac) were waiting at the dock ready for us to hop on and explore. A 80km ride ensued…a challenging yet beautiful 3 hour non-stop ride through lavender fields and up rolling hills. 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. And when the ride was over, our yacht was waiting with 2 massage therapist…gelato and hot apple pie. Not a bad day on the ‘road’!

On the road to Sienna in Tuscany

Bicycle tour Tuscany, Italy: Through the Crete Senesi and the back roads into Siena
Have you ever been on a ride where you exclaim “this is the most beautiful view I have ever seen” and then your climb another hill, turn a corner and declare, “ok…no, actually this the most beautiful view I have ever seen”…and then you climb a little further, turn another corner and proclaim, “really…this is definitely the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen” ??  Well, that’s what this bicycle ride from Montalcino to Siena is like…especially the final 11k climb up these challenging hills into Siena. This route takes you along the bare ridges of the Crete Senesi through Asciano and Vescona to Arbia and then follows the timeless back roads up a series of challenging hills to enter Siena in truly evocative fashion. This is a definitely a ride worth taking!

Lac Leman in the Swiss Alps

Bicycle tour Switzerland: Lausanne – Montreux
This ride through the scenic Swiss vineyards, into historic Vevey, and finishing up in Montreux along Lac Leman is a must on the list. Picture this: with the majestic Alps as your backdrop, you ride from lush vineyards, coasting into enchanting villages dotted with charming chalets, to a crystal-clear lake…a little bit of everything rolled into one. Talk about mountains majesty! There is nothing quite like the feeling of being surrounding by these magnificent peaks… legendary in their own right…as you ride along the lake…definitely a WOW moment…a truly breathtaking experience!

Riding to Cap Formentor

Bicycle tour Mallorca, Spain: The ride to Cap Formentor
Prepare for some epic biking…and even more epic scenery on this Spanish ride! A warm up ride to Alaro begins your day as you pass through several quiet, rural villages before arriving in the cultural hotspot of Pollensa Port.  But this day of incredible vistas and challenging climbs is just beginning…as you ascend into the distance, dramatic and rocky cliffs drop off from both sides of the road and offer sweeping views of the sea. What’s even better is that your ride ends down on the Mediterranean Sea… where a well-deserved lunch awaits, as well as quality time to relax on the tranquil beach! Bike and beach…a winning combination!

Just one of the incredible views cycling the island of Korcula...

Bicycle tour Korcula, Croatia: Korcula Island
First and foremost, Korcula is an ancient Greek colony dating back to the 4th century BC and is also a seafood aficionado’s dream with its endless supply of octopus, local specialty-fish stew, and the freshest of ingredients picked directly from the sea! It is, of course, another top 10 ride as well!  I arrived via private boat to the town of Vela Luka on the west coast and headed out to cycle across the island to Korcula Town. Along the way, I encountered miles of vineyards – famous for their local white wines – and stopped into to taste regional specialties. After a delicious lunch at a local konobo, I arrived in Korcula Town, a fascinating fortified Venetian town that is just as irresistible to today’s visitor as it was to medieval travel writers like Marco Polo, who began his life’s journey here. All this makes for a gorgeous blend of ancient walled towns, the freshest seafood, and wonderful wines combined with fantastic cycling along the azure waters of the Adriatic!

The open road in Wadi Rum

Bicycle tour Jordan: Cycling the Wadi Rum
Ok…so what is Wadi Rum, you might ask?  Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. It is here where I set on an almost ‘other-worldly” ride through the desert this past March. Beginning in the mud flats of Disi – a vast flat field with hard ground in the middle of the desert – I headed out on an a ride like I had never experienced before…it felt almost as if being on another planet surrounded by the  beautiful scenery of the colorful sandstone massive desert mountains. As we rode along, we encountered nothing but one of the occasional Bedouin goat herders on donkeys. What a unique experience! Top that day off with a ‘Zarb’ – the traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked underneath the desert sand. Oh, and did I mention that it is also a great location to watch a truly magical sunset?!

The French countryside in Haute Cotes du Beaune

Bicycle tour Burgundy, France: Haute Cotes du Beaune
Imagine cycling through the picturesque villages of the undisturbed French countryside. On this ride you should be prepared to be stunned by extraordinary views of the town’s 13th century castle ruins. As you meander past Charolais cows and the gorgeously restored 15th century château at La Rochepot you will find yourself cruising down a leisurely downhill ride into Saint Aubin – home to a grand Romanesque church. It is here you will stop for a true gourmand delight of a picnic at Chassagne-Montrachet and then continue cycling through Puligny Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay and Pommard before arriving back in Beaune to sip wine and chat with the locals. This is the ride to experience the French wine countryside in its purest and most scenic form!

Coastal Connemara

Bicycle tour Connemara, Ireland: Cliften and the Boglands
Bikes, bogs, Guinness beers and whiskey…that’s what this epic ride in Ireland features! I remember the feeling I experienced as we followed the bog road to the quaint town of Clifden – there is nothing like witnessing the uber green Irish landscape in person.  Add to that, the breathtaking views from atop the rolling hills looking down upon the Atlantic Ocean from High Sky Road…and need I forget, the ubiquitous sheep. We popped into a local pub for some fresh fish and chips with a pint of Guinness and topped the day off with an Irish whiskey tasting by the fire in the library of the Ashford Castle with Seamus.  What a unique and memorable time!

Tell us about your top ride by posting below.

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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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May 28, 2010

Dede went to Rioja on a Bike Tour!

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours, Rioja, Spain, Staff Posts, Tours, Wine Tasting, staff stories — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:19 pm

 

Rioja

Rioja rocks!

Although, perhaps I should not divulge this secret (despite being DuVine Adventure’s Marketing Manager) …as I’d prefer to keep this region to myself. Yes, I just returned from a picture perfect week on a bike tour to Rioja Spain and can’t stop raving about how amazing this epic countryside is. Imagine the perfect cycling road…rolling green hills, brilliant azure sky, snow capped mountains in the distance, miles and miles of open road without a car [or anything else, really] in sight until you happen upon a medieval village with its castle rising above the landscape of a land frozen in time. And that’s just the cycling! Just wait until you taste the wine…

Let me just preface by saying that this was much more than just a pleasant surprise (as it was nothing like what I expected). I’m not sure why my imagined perception was so lack luster…but in this case, perception certainly was not reality…actually quite the antithesis! I was absolutely stunned by how amazing this area truly is.

Perhaps one of the most important features to highlight about Rioja is how stunning the landscape is – almost surreal with its vibrant hues of emerald and chartreuse wheat fields undulating in the breeze, virtually cloudless azure skies, ferrous-rich red clay soil and snow white capped mountains rising above the empty asphalt roads. This, I wasn’t expecting….maybe Tuscany or Sicily…but not Spain, right?

Epic roads

From day one, as we drove out from the urban expanse of Madrid and headed into the countryside, the landscape was ever changing – the only constant was a range of mountains (and although different ranges – a ubiquitous presence nonetheless) – and even those varied in the amount of snow covering their peaks. I have to admit, if you have to endure a long road trip in the van…it definitely helps to have scenic vistas to distract you! Actually, the ride isn’t that bad (and it is the longest of the trip so you get it over with in the beginning) – 3 hours from Madrid to Abalos. And, as aforementioned,  not only is the scenery captivating…but there is also plenty of time to catch a nap if you have arrived that day like our family from California…or are still suffering a bit of jet lag from your hop across the pond.

Van 1 and van 2 (as they familiarly became labeled) caravanned along the highway…we stopped midway along the route for a quick coffee and a chance to finally meet our fellow travelers. 2 sets of friends from Canada, a family from California, and me – lucky 13! Well, add to that our tag team of guides: Pablo, Marcus and Oliver…and you had the makings for what became an incredibly fun and exciting adventure! We soon began realize that we had a true comic genius along who was truly entertaining and kept us laughing daily. I can’t thank Marius enough for providing a wonderful sense of comic relief and for being such a pleasant traveling companion. It certainly helped to have some partners in crime along. Yes, in addition to practicing my lapsed Spanish, I was introduced to a whole new vocabulary throughout the week.

Marius on the road

As you can surmise… what a week it became! Great company, epic riding, delicious Rioja wines and some of the best guides by our side, fulfilling our every need – what more could you ask for?

It all began in Abalos…where we arrived at our hotel, had time for a quick change and then headed out for our first foray on the roads of Rioja. Honestly, I don’t think we encountered a single car on that ride as we cycled astride along the empty country roads. There was just plenty of rolling terrain and a steep climb back into town for a well earned cocktail outside on the patio of the hotel, where we were bathed in sunshine. Plates of Manchego cheese, selected hams, olives, etc…and of course…bottles of their own vino tinto from the vineyard.

And like a fine wine, our days just kept improving with time…

Every day became a new adventure as we traversed the remote and romantic countryside – climbing and descending the rolling green hills. The general consensus (and long-standing joke) was that Pablo had a very unique interpretation of what a ‘flat’ road consisted of…apparently there are some really flat hills in Spain?! Lots of laughter filled the days as friendships were forged both on the road and over glasses of vino and plates of tapas.

Castle view

Need we forget, it is not all about these perfect cycling roads. The land itself is rich in history…and the landscape is dotted everywhere with remnants of the past. From medieval castles looming high above the surrounding valleys, walled cities that remain seemingly untouched by time, to the ever-present ancient architectural marvels – aqueducts, monasteries, abbeys and gothic cathedrals along the way – this is a fascinating place. You truly feel as if you have been transported back to antiquity…a time traveler meandering through a lost world…becoming part of that history.

Be it these man-made structures or natural formations…beauty abounds. Just take a walk through the Yecla Gorge or hike down to see the Hoces de rio Duraton Natural Park. (I’m sorry, have I mentioned how impressive the landscape is?) Honestly…I think that you, too, will share my sentiment and find that whatever you may be imagining…really isn’t as stunning as is the Rioja reality.

Oh, and did I mention the wine? Hmmm…maybe that’s one of the secrets I should keep to myself?

Muse Dinastai Vivanco

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March 29, 2010

Video Blog – What’s happening at DuVine Adventures – DuVine TV

Filed under: DuVine TV, Tours, Video Blog — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:13 am

Check out our new video blog for all the updates as we head into the Spring season DuVine Style!

Spring is always an exciting time as we look forward to a new season of bike, eat, drink and sleep.

February 25, 2010

Make a Pilgrim’s Progress on the Camino de Santiago

Filed under: Bike, Camino de Santiago, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:17 pm

 

The road to Camino de Santiago

 Trade in your walking shoes for a bicycle and some DuVine inspiration as we follow the Camino de Santiago to Compostela. Not only will you achieve absolution, but you will also become part of history – as 2010 marks a Jubilee [Holy] year. 

So, what can you expect on this cycling vacation? In short, a lot of history, as we follow in the footsteps of centuries of adventurers on a modern day pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago as it winds through the Galician countryside – climbing up hills that overlook the scenic vineyards, descending into small medieval villages, riding along the river and into the plains of Castilla. 

Cycling along the Camino

 

The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The pilgrimage owes its origin to the discovery, in what is now Galicia, of the tomb of the Apostle James the Great sometime early in the 9th century. Legend holds that St. James’s remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where he was buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela. For more than 1000 years pilgrims have been walking along the Camino de Santiago. 

The Puerta Santa (Holy Door), which gives access to the Cathedral from the Plaza de la Quintana is opened on 31st of December on the eve of each Holy Year, and walled up again a year later. As in the past, pilgrims reaching Santiago during a Holy Year, and fulfilling the conditions for it, are granted a plenary indulgence, which means that they get remission for all of their  worldy sins.  Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to walk to Santiago in 2010 – not only because it is a Holy Year but because the next Holy Year will not be for another 11 years. 

Sights along the St. James Way

 

Whatever the reason for your trek on this historic path– spiritual, personal, physical – you can guarantee that your modern day pilgrimage will be an unforgettable experience. 

And remember, the key phrase is “modern day“. Whereas unlike your historic counterparts, if you join us on our bike tour, you will be experiencing this journey in the lap of luxury. No need to worry about where to find refuge for the night, as you will rest in ultimate comfort at lavish paradors and hotels and wine and dine your way to Santiago de Compostela. 

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May 8, 2009

Rioja Spain Bike Trip

Filed under: Bike, Rioja, testimonials — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:01 pm

“We had a wonderful time with DuVine in Spain. It’s so nice of Andy to hire a guide that looks like a young Richard Gere! I have to admit that I spent a little time in the van, but I didn’t feel so bad with Marcus behind the wheel. Also, Pablo was such a great host. His pride in his country and his excitement in showing and sharing it with us was very evident. He’s a sweet guy! This was our third bike trip with DuVine. We’ve loved each one. It’s so nice to travel and be treated as a friend (not a tourist) everywhere we go. Also, the accommodations and restaurants are so much better than anything we would choose on our own.”

Thumbs up again! Give our regards to Andy.

Sincerely, Barbara Jobin

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