Adventure Travel
Hiking in the Swiss Alps, skiing in the Dolomites, hut-to-hut backpacking, cycling in the Netherlands and more. There are lots of fun active adventures to enjoy Europe. What are your favorites? Share your tips and advice here.
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Bike Tour of Tuscany
The fun starts with the van ride out of Florence to Poppiano--the guides from Scotland & Ireland were entertaining and hard-working while always keeping us safe & comfortable. Tour of castle, winery & olive press with wine & olive oil tasting followed by mixed level of ride & riders on nice, geared bicycles. Stopped at a family-run, very good restaurant for lunch. If you're too full to ride the steep parts, you can ride in the van. Topped off with Keith & Andy's best picks for Florence to go back & explore the city! Great deal for the price!
Suzanne Chabon <email>
Greensboro, NC USA 10/26/2009
Cycling Southern France
My wife and I just got back from 4 weeks cycling in southern France. Started west from Arles on old Santiago Pilgrimage route. Joined the Tarne river to Moisaac and down Girond to juncture with Lot and back up Lot to Cahors. We were savaged by the heat in Sept, 37 - 39 in the shade . We were on the sunny road.
There is a great deal of traffic in the region and few secondary roads. Food and accomodation are good, mostly Logis-de-France hotels. Friendly people.
Would not recommend this area for cycling due to traffic.
Norman Alban
Vancouver, BC Canada 10/18/2009
Travel to Egypt
Hey Rick,
Just got back from Egypt and had the time of my life. Where else can you touch 6000 years of history?? It blew me away. Here's how travel is more fun w/ some lavender. Even the sphinx and camels agree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7AchzS4gmI
nanhan <email>
Chicago, IL USA 10/01/2009
Self Guided Bike Tours
Self Guided Bike Tours.
My wife and I have taken self guided bike tours in a several countries. Ireland, UK, France and Holland. All have been wonderful. Because there is not space to give a full review of them here (or anywhere else I've found). I started blog to post reviews on tours that are suitable for normal people. http://www.babyboomerbikers.org
So far I have a detailed post up on our Ireland tour and am working on our Holland tour. I would be pleased also to take submissions from people who would like to do a detailed review of any bike tours they took.
Ray Setzer
Racine, WI USA 09/28/2009
klettersteig between muerren and gimmelwald switzerland
there is a klettersteig between muerren and gimmelwald that is an excellent source of 3 hours of entertainment. you can rent a the climbing harness, helmet and carabiner sling at the sports shop in muerren. you don't need a guide, a partner would be nice but i did it alone and lived to tell about it..lol you are climbing along the mountain hooked to a cable walking on rebar with nothing but that between you and the valley floor below. you cross canyons walking on a cable and at the end there is a long sway bridge. check it out on u tube. i actually got to meet the guy who made it, he and another guy from bozeman mt (the only person i met from montana in europe) were base jumping from there. maybe next trip i'll try that..... :)
cheryl runyan <email>
bozeman, my USA 09/28/2009
Biking in France
We just spent a week biking in France. It was great. The car drivers are courteous to bikers and all the roads are well paved. It was a great way to see lots of the real country. And our kids (teenagers) loved it. We did have trouble adjusting to the fact that most everything shuts down in the middle of the day - just when we wanted a grocer for lunch but soon we remembered. We organized our trip with Detours du Loire / Detours in France and had some trouble with their organization honoring our plan. That was very frustrating. Next time we'd find a different company or none at all and organize it ourselves.
Nancy
VT USA 08/05/2009
Cost of Single vs Double Travel
I sometimes travel as a single, and very often if it's a commercial tour, they want fares for two for the best rates for each person. Single rates seem to cost about 50-100% higher. Aside from bugging friends or advertising, is there a way to reduce these costs?
I'm considering a 7-9 day trip to India. Maybe I don't need a tour. Go RS style!
Solarblast <email>
Nevada City, CA USA 08/02/2009
Fantastic time exploring caves in the Dordogne
While staying in the Dordogne, my wife,myself and our 2 teenage sons spent an amazing 6 hours exploring caves and troglodytes with Walking Dordogne. You can see the trips they offer on there web site, but believe me they are much better in real life.
If you are in the Dordogne, get away from the crowds and explore the caves of the Vezere Valley.
10/10
www.walkingdordogne.com
Fam. Carter
Franklin, NC USA 07/25/2009
Skydiving/Czech Republic
My 18-year-old daughter and I went on our first tandem skydiving earlier this month near Prague (Pribram). We found Emil Franek (emil@dropzone.com) on the web. Emil has jumped some 1700 times and once coached the national team. It was absolutely fabulous. Emil is great and so were his colleagues. He even picked us up at our hotel. I highly recommend it.
Linda Tracy <email>
Sebastopol, CA USA 07/24/2009
Cycling in Austria
In late June my daughter and I spent a week cycling along the Danube bike trail. In spite of the flooding of the Danube and lots of rain and on the spot problem solving, it was the favorite part of our 4 week trip. The bike path is flat (I like that) and we used Donau Touristik, out of Linz, Austria to organize the tour. We opted for staying in farm houses, which we really loved.
Linda Tracy <email>
Sebastopol, CA USA 07/24/2009
Spain Foodie walking easy adventure
small group Spain walking & eating trip with MagicalSpain.com
Hola! We are back from Spain & loved it! ! We did joined a 7 day small group educational food & walking trip of andalucia, spain that was BUENISIMA! Way more history, good food, walks, and educational fun than we would have had wandering alone. Our guide was very good, smart & fun, US expat Dan Oburn. more info http://www.MagicalSpain.com PS Dan recommended Extremadura where we went and loved it also. Where you may ask???? This is the west of Spain and borders Portugal...It's so AUTHENTIC and not overun with tourist. Dan connected us to some contacts of his. happy spain travels and avoid the cheap touristy paella sangria rip offs!!!!!
Greg & Kathy Hardy
Greg & Kathy Hardy
Chicago, Il USA 05/12/2009
Morocco/Erg Chebbi dunes
Rick doesn't talk much about Morocco, but has included it as a side trip from Spain in one of his books. We just got back from two weeks in Morocco and if you want to really step outside your comfort zone - this is the place! One of the places we visited was Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara. We stayed at an augerge called La Maison Rurale and the Sahara was rolling into its courtyard. It was easy to walk to the dunes, although hard to climb - the highest one is over 800 ft - or take that camel ride to the dunes or to Berber tents for an overnight experience in the desert. Everything seems to be negotiable in Morocco, including restaurants and hotels. Morocco will really test your independent travel skills! Check your bottled water carefully to see that it has its factory seal and take your own antidiarrheal meds with you. Then enjoy the tajines and mint tea!
Mary Jorgensen <email>
Prairie du Chien, WI USA 04/02/2009
Fly Fishing for Michelangelo's Trout in Tuscany and Umbria
Italy is so much more than the typical tourist can experience but I was one of the lucky ones. Over the Christmas Holiday, while reuniting with my foreign studies student past, I found an old friend who is now a professional fly fishing guide in Umbria. Luca Castellani has a web site at http://www.flyfishing-tuscany-umbria-lazio.com to answer any questions but basically, he will take you to the river (more than 30 km of reserved, private water for fly fishing) and provide all that is needed for a delightful and amazing day. You won't experience anything like this anywhere else on Earth. I recommend a fly fishing day as a side trip to all those traveling these regions. FYI, As a vegetarian, I was happy to learn it's all catch and release.
Susan Gilbert <email>
St. Petersburg, FL USA 01/09/2009
Cycling in Eguisheim (near Colmar), France
For those of you wishing to rent bicycles in this area, the shop in Turckheim has been closed for some time. But Eguisheim has its own, in a 'cave a vin', www.vins-meyer-eguisheim.com, just a few blocks from Tourist Info. This is a great area to do some cycling even in your sixties.
Steve
Calgary, Ab Canada 08/04/2008
Paragliding 60-something.
I just returned from 5+ week trip to Europe and must say that one of the highlights was to go tandem paragliding in Lienz, Austria with Bruno Girstmeier. As a 240 pound man, I had some concern about jumping off a 12,000 foot mountain with only the aid of the wind, but Bruno is a brilliant pilot and helped make my 63rd birthday most memorable. I took both still photos and movies while circling above the beautiful Tirol. What a great day!
Ken Andrews <email>
Penfield, New Yo USA 07/03/2008
Exploring Prehistoric Caves in the Vezere Valley, Dordogne
While staying at the fantastic and beautiful B&B Ferme de Tayac in Les Eyzies de Tayac Dordogne, I booked a day trip with Walking Dordogne, I actually ended up doing 2 trips. On both occassions I had an amazing time, definately 2 trips I will never forget and will always cherish. I felt like I was Indiana Jones, exploring so many un-mapped prehistoric caves of the Vezere Valley.. I was no longer a tourist, I was an explorer, or thats how I felt.
The small group (myself 2 others and de Paulus our guide) was great, although pretty hard work, the rewards were Indescribable.
If you are ever in the Dordogne, you MUST stay at Ferme de Tayac and you MUST take a trip with Walking Dordogne.
You can find more info on both their websites www.fermedetayac.com and www.walkingdordogne.com
Roland Ginnis
Dallas, Tx USA 03/18/2008
Driving the Rhine & Romantic Road
I am going on the honeymoon in June and a part of it will be renting a car in I think Cologne and driving a brief part of the Rhine and seeing Burg-Eltz Castle among other things for a day. Stay the night in one of those towns. The next day will be the romantic road. Stay in one of those towns (or our car) and then drop it off in Munich the next day for a train to Switzerland.
I was wondering if there are any recommended towns we need to see and ones that would be best to sleep at.
Also, is Munich the best place to drop the car off for a train to Zurich? I know the train ride passes through Austria but I don't want to add another country to my Eurail Select pass just because we go through it briefly. So is there maybe another city in Germany to drop the car off and still catch a train to Zurich?
Thanks for your help!
Kevin
Kevin <email>
Chino Hills, Ca USA 01/03/2008
Biking in Switzerland
We just got back from a cross country bike tour in Switzerland with a company called Bike Switzerland (www.bikeswitzerland.com) and I couldn't believe how cheap it was. We saw a lot of Brits and French and found out that the Swiss franc has lost value agains the Euro too and so Switzerland has suddenly become a cheap place to vacation.
John
Iowa City, Iowa USA 11/10/2007
Work4Travel Froniter Club????
Has anyone heard of the "travel and work" company known as Work4Travel Frontier Club? They have a great website, and if you pay $35 for a 2-year membership, they hook you up with amazing places and opportunties all around the world! Most of which pay you, and will cover airline fares, etc. These include conservation jobs, cruise ships, ski resorts, working at Oktoberfest in Munich, you name it. HOWEVER, I paid my $35 and havent gotten any membership number, access to the member site like it promises, or anything.
Is anyone else in this club or know how I can directly get ahold of this organization??
Amy <email>
Monroe, WA USA 10/17/2007
Exploring unmapped caves in the Vezere Valley Dordogne
I spent 3 wonderful nights at B&B Ferme de Tayac, which I saw recommended on this site. I must say it is the nicest, most friendly B&B I have stayed at.
While i was there I booked a tour with "Walking Dordogne" I can honestly say it was the best 40 Euro ever spent. We explored at least 20 unmapped caves, numerous shelters, rock dwellings remains of an underground river, and a cavern that was absolutely amazing with stunning rock formations. The guide de Paulus is a real character, and really knows how to make sure you have a great time, he is funny, very patient, and knows what he is doing, and speaks English.
If you are planning on visiting the Dordogne, I highly recommend staying at B&B Ferme de Tayac in Les Eyzies, and doing a trip with de Paulus.
Walking Dordogne. www.walkingdordogne.com
Gavin Hopkins
West Palm Beach, FL USA 08/06/2007
Black Forest Hike
An outdoor adventure I'd like to post here is the one I took last September in the Black Forest where I hiked an 80 mile portion of the Ostweg. I made my way by train to the small walled town of Villingen and started my hike northward. That evening storm clouds formed and just before it started to rain I luckily found an elevated hunters stand with a canopy. There I spent the night dry and snug above the forest floor and enjoyed a good meal, wine and music on my walkman. Early that morning I headed out and soon came across a castle ruin then continued on through forest, farms, and small villages until I arrived in the town of Alpirsbach and checked in the hostel there. The next day was another wonderful day of hiking to the town of Freundenstadt where I spent the night at the hostel there. After the next days hike I spent the night on a comfy spot overlooking the very medieval looking town of Berneck. The next day I ended my trek in the town of Calw where I met the train that took my exhausted 55 year old body to a castle turned hostel in the town of Pforzheim. In general the Ostweg is a trail I highly recommend. It is well marked and maintained and the scenery is everchanging from forest to farm and villages with lots of interesting sights such as castle ruins and panoramic views. It is easy enough for the beginner hiker and challenging enough for the experienced. So Happy trails to you.
Kurt <email>
Sheffield Lake, Ohio USA 03/04/2007
Canal Boat Trip
My wife and I, along with two other couples, rented a canal boat on the Llangollen canal for a week last summer. We had a great time putting along the canal, traveling from town to town. It was a nice relaxing vacation in the slow lane. The boats are fairly easy to operate and have showers, a kitchen and dinette area, as well as seperate berthing areas. It is crowded in a narrow boat but you really don't spend that much time inside the boat on a summer vacation. Boats range in size to sleep from 2 to 8 people. www.canaljunction.com has lots of info for this type of travel in Great Britain.
Seattle, WA USA 02/09/2007
Barge/Boat Rental
My husband and I spent a week on a canal in England on a canal boat from the Black Prince company. They have several locations. All equipment was top knotch and the people very helpful. The canal boats can carry small or large parties. We went in May. It was a good time to go weather-wise and crowd-wise.
Ann
Exton, PA USA 01/29/2007
barges
I haven't been "bareboat" barging, but we went on a bike and barge tour last summer in Holland. We had a wonderful time. There were 16 on the boat, with a guide, a mate/cook, and the captain. The same barge can be chartered for a group. The food was very good. The guide was a bit ditzy. The captain/owner was delightful. And our fellow travelers (mostly Europeans) were a lot of fun.
The rooms on the boat are tiny. The boat we went on, the Elodie, is "comfort class" which means every cabin has an itty bitty bath with shower, and no one has to sleep on bunks. It would be a delightful extended family trip, I think. The tour was reasonably priced, and we had a good enough time that we're going back this summer.
Kris <email>
IL USA 01/28/2007
Barges
Has anyone gone "bareboat" barging(is that a real verb) in any of the European countries? If you have, we would appreciate any tips you might have. We are planning a family holiday, with members ranging in age from 20 to 80
Jaye <email>
Victoria, B.C. Canada 01/24/2007
Hiking in Switzerland
Just got back from a guided hiking trip in Switzerland. After doing that, I realize that anyone can do it without paying someone to guide them.
The trail system in Switzerland is so easy to use.
we hiked out of Kandersteg. There is a tourist office on the main street, and most of the hotels offer a map for the hiking trails.
We walked from the hotel each day, starting our hike from a different end of town for different views of the valley.
Simply following the yellow signs (that show the direction and length of the hike) and the red/white strips painted on the rocks along the way...anyone can do day hikes.
I"ll go back on my own next time - I'll save some money and I wont' have to wait for a group!
Ellen <email>
USA 01/13/2007
Bicycling LF1
Back in 1998 I took the most amazing Fietstour in the Nederlands. Holland has different types of bicycle paths. There are those that run from city to city mostly along roadways. These have signs that point the way and tell you how many KM to your destination. Then there are the LF scenic trails. There are guidebooks for all, but at the time only LF1 is published in English. Fortunately, LF1 runs from den Helder to Calais, France down the coast in France.
http://pielkenrood.fol.nl/x/indexfne.htm
http://www.fietsplatform.nl/english.asp
This region is the heart of the Nederlands and the citadel of the Dutch revolt against Spain in the Eighty Year War 1548-1648. If you plan carefully, you can go off the path and visit Alkmaar and the Cheese Markt. For those of you who like to “burn the bud,” be assured that every Dutch city has easily found coffee shops.
I only had time for two days of riding. So I booked myself a room at he Park Hotel in den Haag and left all but my bike and load there and set off early the next day for den Helder by train to begin my ride. Den Helder is the seat of the Dutch Navy and a shrimp baguette from a herring stand welcomed me as I began my ride.
You go over 3 huge dykes know as the Sleeper, the Holder, and the Guard twisting your way thru polders and dunes. I stayed overnight in Wijk an Zee at a resort hotel. The old innkeeper spoke no English, but pointed me to an open restaurant. I learned that this cozy bar and grill served outstanding satay. The couple next to me had driven over an hour from Amsterdam to partake. In October it was sparsely occupied, but I had gambled on good weather and won. For the best odds to beat rain go in May or June.
The next day I crossed the Ijmuiden by ferry in the morning. In the afternoon I was falling behind schedule to get to den Haag by nightfall. The meandering LF1 was slowing me down. I was hesitant to abandon my route for uncertain routes, but I had the ANWB fietskaarte and noted a beeline route just off the coast.
Sure enough, this bicycle freeway sent me cruising toward my destination at a 14-17 mph pace up from the 10-12 mph I was managing on the “nature trail”. But a stop for lunch in Haarlem again set me back. Even then, I lost my race against dusk, but as I passed Leiden on my left, the streetlights lit my way into den Haag.
I also prefer to bring my own bike despite the difficulties involved in transporting it. The comfort, speed, and reliability of my Trek 1100 road bike with my computer and gear was a delight and proved to be a good conversation start with the Dutch as well. Rentals can be unpredictable.
I highly recommend this route. If worse comes to worse, you can always walk to a train station. I have been planning to do it again since I arrived in den Haag had a nice soak in a hot tub at the Park Hotel. Tot Ziens!
James <email>
Chicago, IL USA 11/27/2006
Barcelona Snorkeling
My boyfriend and I took a break from Barcelona to go to L'Estartit and took a snorkeling trip to Illes Medes. Total time was three hours or so and we got to snorkel with literally hundreds of species of pretty fish including jellyfish and octopus. The island is a sanctuary and the sea life is abundant and beautiful. Bring an underwater camera!
Shelley
Dothan, Al USA 10/01/2006
Greek Islands - Cyclades
If you ever go to Santorini (Thira) in the Cyclades Islands of the Aegean Sea off Greece, you MUST take a boat tour to the volcanic island to hike around the smoking craters and then the boat takes you around to another part of the island and you jump off and swim over to a hot spring for a relaxing dip in the pummice-like mud that people spread like peanut butter on their entire bodies. It surprisingly feels very good and has no odor whatsoever. And it's a lot of fun to smear each other with the brown goo.
Shelley
Dothan, AL USA 10/01/2006
Austria Adventure
I went on an trip this last summer to Europe with Contiki Holidays. One of the stops was in Austria, where we went white water rafting,and mountain bike riding. It was such a great outdoor experience. I am actually writing a blog on my trip, so go check it out at alfio-contiki.blogpost.com. It was unbelievable.
A <email>
Tampa, FL USA 09/27/2006
Scenic Alps
The train ride from Zurich to Innsbruck is beautifull. A stop at St Anton is very scenic, although it can be expensive to stay there. The Arlberg valley is gorgeuos anytime of year and is well worth a day or two.
Seattle, USA 08/13/2006
Best of the Alps-sightseeing, hiking
For those who've visited the swiss/german/austrian alps, I looking to see what you'd reccomend for a short stay-approx 2days. I won't have much time to hike but I am interested in the scenic views of the alps.
Thanks
Raj
Boston, Ma USA 08/10/2006
Ortenaur Weinpfad
Of all the hiking and backpacking opportunities in Germany's Black Forest region, I would like to describe the one I took last Sept. Unlike the highly forested trails of the Black Forest the Ortenaur Weinpfad winds its way mostly through the vineyards and orchards of the western edge of the Black Forest. I made my way by train from Frankfurt to Baden-Baden and spentthe night in the fine hostel there. Early the next morning I went to the local tourist information office where I was directed where to find the trailhead. The trail for the first couple of km was mostly uphill, forested and somewhat ho hum and I began to wonder if I made a good decision. Then as I came to the crest of a hill the landscape and scenery exploded before me. The forest opened up before me and I found myself on the upper reaches of the trail which afforded me a glorious view below and all around me of thousands of acres of vineyards. I instantly knew I made a good choice of hiking trail. The trail is 60 plus km, mostly paved, well marked and stays mainly on the upper reaches of the vinyards except when it takes you down into several villages along the way. It also takes you near castle ruins and quite a few religious shrines which are quite moving even to a nonreligious person like me. After that long first day I bedded down for the night in an orchard. The next day was just as glorious as the first. Towards the end of the second day after I passed through the town of Oberkirch I began to see signs directing me to Schloss Ortenburg. I headed in that direction and came across an old castle turned into a hostel. Awesome place. The following morning I went on foot down along the tractor lanes through orchards and gardens toward the town of Offenburg where I came upon a little train station where I caught a train taking me to my next solo adventure.
Kurt <email>
Sheffield Lake, Ohio USA 08/04/2006
Rallervegan Norway
Rent a mtn bike in Flam and take the Flamsbana up to Myrdal. Ride 20+ kilometers back down to Flam on a winding road along the valley cliffs. Out of this world views abound along the way.
Seattle, USA 08/02/2006
A vote for railpasses
I couldn't find a really proper topic to post this one under. I hope someone can move it to a better place.
I am a firm believer in railpasses rather than point-to point tickets in most cases. Or at least, for my kind of travel. You just have to be creative in your trip planning, and take advantage of the fact that you can take some really strange trips that way. I am an avid railfan, and like to see as much scenery as possible along the way.
1)You don't have to stand in lines to buy your tickets.
2)You can often make far closer connections than you might be able to otherwise.
3)You can often see more of the countryside.
With that said, let me describe a few rail journeys that one would not ordinarily consider.
1)A circle trip - Magdeburg-Dresden-Berlin-Magdeburg. This one was in mid-December, 1999. Obviously, days were short. It was also VERY cold (about -5 F). Turns out that there was a relatively early direct train from Magdeburg to Dresden on a route that bypassed Berlin on the east. I think we reached Dresden slightly before noon. Wonderful view up the river toward the palaces as one came into the station at Dresden. One should explore the Dresden Htbahnhof, incidentally. It was undamaged in WWI, in spite of many attempts at taking it out of commission. OK - it needs to be cleaned, but it one of the few (maybe the only one?) major German stations of the Bismarck period that has not been replaced by something newer and more modern. It's an architectural and historical gem! About 1 1/2 later, we took another direct train to Berlin. If I remember correctly, this one took us through Frankfurt (Oder), and into Berlin on what must have been the main route through East Berlin. Most of the trip through East Berlin was elevated, and we had a wonderful 'aerial' trip around nearly half the city. OK, it then started to get dark, and we got back to Magdeburg via Potsdam in the dark. Believe me, it was too cold that day to be outside more than about 10 minutes. So, what a great way to spend the day.
2)Here's another one. Carcassonne-Narbonne-Pergignan-Tour de Carol-Toulouse-Carcassonne. Try explaining that one to a person at a ticket window.
3)Vienna-St. Polten-Keinberg Gaming-Waidhofen an der Ybbs - Amstetten - Vienna. (You can't do this one any longer as the line from Keinberg Gaming to Lund am See is now closed.)
The key is that if you want to see scenery, try to plan a circle trip. If one or more of your stops has enough time, then you may be able to explore a bit. If not, then you can at least probably figure out if you'd like to come back sometime for a more extended stay. (I definitely want to go back to Dresden, for example. I did go back to Waidhofen - check it out - it's a great place to visit - lots of mild hiking around.)
How about Oxford-Newcastle via Reading and Bristol?
The point is that with a railpass, how far you travel, what route you take, and the cost of the tickets is not an issue. Get a really good set of RR maps and a good website for timetables, and see what you can do. My favorite site for RR maps is http://bueker.net/trainspotting/maps.php. You can print them, and it's free. You don't have to be a trainspotter to make use of it. The DB site recommended is good for timetables. I also like http://plannerint.b-rail.be/bin/query.exe/en?L=profi&
as it gives me somewhat different and additional information. I can find out is I can get from A to B in a reasonable amount of time on the second, and then can see what the route is on the first.
I have never regretted getting railpasses in the nearly 40 years I've travelled in Europe. They've enabled me to see places I would never have thought of passing through.
This Fall (November)I'm returning to Budapest with an Eastern Europe 5-day pass and a Hungary only 5-day pass. At present, I've planned a trip to Krakow from Budapest via sleeper, then a trip to Zakopane on the Polish side of the Tatras, followed by the return trip via Kosice in Slovakia via Zilina, which should see the Slovakian side of the Tatras. Then a day trip (maybe 2?)to Vienna from Budapest on the Eastern Europe pass. I know about 3 days on the Hungary pass, and am not yet sure what I'll do on the remaining two days. Be assured that I will find something interesting and unlikely to do with them.
So - just be imaginative, if you like to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of scenery. And - you meet a lot of great people on the train.
If anyone wants to contact me about some pretty hilarious experiences, I've included my email address.
ERT <email>
Denver, CO USA 07/27/2006
Self Guided Bike Trips
I would also like to promote self guided bike tours. There are companies all over Europe that will allow you to select from a number of packages.
How it typically works is that you rent the bike from them (We've used Iron Donkey in Ireland, Countrylanes in Uk and Discover France in France) which is your typical hybred touring bike. We usually buy gel seat covers for extra comfort and and take them in our luggage and just discard them at the end of the trip. Each company's bikes have been in excellent condition.
You are provided with detailed route maps that typically take you down back roads. Frequently the route will have optional sidetrips included. As Tony Boyd of Iron Donkey in Ireland said. "You have to take the Sky Road option. Its a bitofaclimb, but its worth it."
Routes are usually accuratly graded. If it says 'Easy', you will encounter few hills. We are in average shape and find that trips rated 'Intermediate', pose no undue stain. Daily rides will be from 20-40 miles depending on your choices and options.
Your lodging is arranged by the tour company, and in all cases, we have been put up at B&B's, Lodges, Inn's and small hotels that were never less than clean and acceptable and usually tended towards the 'what a lovely place' end of the spectrum. Your luggage will be picked up and transported to the next nights lodgeing so all you need to do is enjoy the ride.
Because you are on the less traveled road in smaller towns, the innkeepers always seem delighted to have your business. They may not speak perfect english, but if you have spent a few hours with your phrasebook, and take the first plunge, you will rewarded with the innkeepers best efforts. We've even had them call the local resturant and tell them to expect us and make sure we were treated like royalty. A very useful phrase to learn in resturants is how to ask your waiter what the local favorites are.
Because you are not traveling as group, and not in the big cities, you will find people will warm to you much quicker. We stayed at a small hotel in Ireland and originally the fellow thought we were with a big group and you could see he was expecting he would have to deal with an incoming crowd, but when we said "Others? No, just us." Suddenly our bikes got put in the nice safe shed, and he wanted to tell us all about the place.
In summary, the biggest benefit to self guided trips is that you travel in places where tourists are not unknown, but neither are they the day in and day out job for people. It also forces you out of your comfort zone, and makes you go to the local pub, trattoria, cafe, ect. You will encounter and converse with the local residents as a matter of course rather than as the occasional accidental encounter.
Must items to take? Good rain jacket, gel cover for the bike seat.
Ray Setzer
Racine, WI USA 07/12/2006
Die Bahn for Europe rail connections
Planning a trip anwhere in Europe by train with or without a bicycle is easier if you use the German Railway site. It will suggest multiple connections for you and you will be able to see which trains accept bicycles. Neither Rail Europe nor SNCF or other country-specific sites on-line can come close to the convenience of Die Bahn. Of course, then you may have to go to Rail Europe or SNCF etc. to find the price and to book, but that is much easier if you know what itinerary works best for you. Link for English is http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
Barbara Williams
GA USA 06/29/2006
Self Guided Bike tours
The best way we've found to explore a country is not by train/car/bus...but by bike.
We bring our bike with us, find a self guided tour company that will transport our luggage from town to town, then ride.
Interaction with the locals, the views from the bike seat, and the joy of being on a country road sure beats lines at museums and churches. We get more of a flavor of a country this way.
Google "self guided bike tour" + the country you would like. Most bike tour companies will also offer a self guided version for less $$ and more FUN
USA 05/17/2006
Interlaken-savings
INTERLAKEN Switzerland,PARAGLIDING =
Free INTERNET, or free bicycle,or free laundry,or free taxi!
Hey, we figured out in interlaken,switzerland is a smal shop
-if you book here the paragliding-they give you free: 1 hr internet,or 1 day free bicycle,or free laundry,or a free
taxi coupon
-by the way in interlaken the TAXI is cheaper as the public bus,if you are more as 4 persons
peter <email>
Interlaken, BERN SWITZERLAND 03/01/2006
Amalfi Coast by Scooter
On a recent trip to Italy we spent four days in Sorrento. After looking at all of the options, we decided to rent scooters to tour the Amalfi coast. While riding a scooter may not be considered by some as "adventure travel", I can assure you that in this instance it definitely was! But, with a little common sense and an extra helping of caution, riding a scooter there can be a memorable and (relatively) safe experience. You have the ability to go at your own pace,pull over at the many scenic spots and find your own 'back doors'. And the views you get cannot be matched looking out the window of a car or bus. Just watch out for tour buses the size of small cruise ships coming around the curves; they tend to take up the entire road. We rode from Sorrento to Salerno and back, then out onto the penninsula, where we found many beautiful (and deserted) spots overlooking the Med and the Isle of Capri. We had a wonderful lunch at a cliffside restaraunt with an exquisite view; we were the only tourists in the place. None of this would have been possible using public transportation or tours. Rick lists two rental companies in his guidebook, both near the train station. Give it a try!
Ash <email>
Tulsa, OK USA 02/28/2006
Bikes on Trains
Just make sure you buy a ticket for your bike, and make sure you know which trains actually allow bikes...they all don't. Make sure you know which car the bike will go in....you cannot just put it in the car you are sitting in. Sometimes the bike/luggage car is in front of the train, other times middle, or even back.
Make sure you travel light luggage wise if you are biking...it's a huge hassle to get the bike on the train and luggage at the same time. Keep in mind trains don't wait in stations for very long. they have a schedule to keep, if they are running late, you have very little time to get on board...you best be ready when the train stops, cuz it's heading out again quickly! Have a plan with whomever you are traveling with...one of you can get on, then have the other person hand the bikes and luggage up to the other.
My husband and I have done 2 self guided bike trips in Italy...the above comes directly from our experience in Italy only.
Ellen <email>
CO USA 02/12/2006
Bikes in Trains
A friend and I are planning on bringing our bikes to Europe this summer. Will we be able to bring our bikes on board the trains throughout Europe? If so, any tips?
Nate
Tampa, Fl USA 02/07/2006
Nordic Wlaking
Nordic Walking is the newest fitness trend in Germany: my husband and I have been having a great time walking through the Black Forest. Nordic Walking is faster and more fun than walking, but not as difficult and painful as running. We're planning on taking our poles to Tuscany and walking to some of the hill towns this spring. Maybe this fall we'll do some great walks in Normandy.
Adventure travel doesn't have to be crazy, like mountain climbing in the Alps. Walking is an enjoyable way of seeing the smaller towns of Europe, and some amazing scenery.
Leki (google it) has lots of information about Nordic Walking, and I have found many tour books that talk specifically about walking in Europe (not hiking for elite althletes only).
If you think walking from town to town in the Cinque Terre is a wonderful idea (and it is, we had a great time last summer), you should definitely try Nordic Walking. Then make walking in France or Italy or Spain (Oh BOY!) your goal.
Happy Walking!
Kate McKenzie <email>
Stuttgart , BW Germany 01/22/2006
Hiking in the Meiringen/Hasliberg part of Berner Oberland
This past September my husband and I spent 10 days in Meiringen with friends, hiking and enjoying the Swiss culture and food. We enjoyed a number of hikes in the area and would highly recommend staying here. It's not as expensive as the Lauterbrunnen Valley, but provides many of the same attractions: beautiful waterfalls, outstanding hiking, small villages, great views.
This area is easily accessable to the Brienz Rothhorn Bahn and its hiking trails (www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch), the fabulous open air museum Ballenberg, and great hiking in the Hasliberg, Rosenlaui, Grosse Scheidegg areas. Grosse Scheidegg looks down into the Grindlewald valley. A great website to find more information is www.alpenregion.ch.
I would also recommend taking advantage of some of the travel passes that make travel and entry to many of the sites a lot more affordable. There is an alpenregion pass for different lengths of time, and a Berner Oberland Regional-Pass for train/bus/boat/gondola travel (www.regiopass-berneroberland.ch). While there is no doubt that transportation is expensive in Switzerland, these passes, and others, can make it a lot more affordable.
Susan
Prince George, BC CAN 12/31/2005
Self Guided Bike tours
Breaking away from a group bike tour is the only way to see Europe! We took 2 guided bike trips, and after the second one in Tuscany vowed "never again"
Why wait for a huge group and be singled out as American, when you can hop on your bike and have a great adventure on your own.
We hated the huge dinners, waiting for people in the group who got lost, or weren't trained for the ride. We hated having our meals planned for us. We loved getting lost and finding our own way. Talking to the people and feeling a part of the country!
my husband and I travel by tandem bike...have ridden for 15 years and bought a special S & S coupled bike just so we can take this type of tour.
our last adventure was on Sicily. a mostly ignored area of Italy. The people were so friendly, and it wasn't touristy like Tuscany and Amalfi and Rome have become. No "kitschy" souvenier stands, just down home friendly people.
of course now everyone reading this will want to go to Sicily, and I guess that's OK.
Just keep in mind that it's a bit dirtier than mainland Italy. The Sicilians don't "own" any thing past their front door, and they tend to just throw their trash on the road!
We toured the western end of the island...Monreale, Palermo, Erice, Trapani, Segesta, etc.
There is nothing like seeing a country from the seat of a bike!
<email>
CO USA 12/17/2005
Chamonix hiking---flora and fauna
On a hike above Chamonix, on the Petit Balcon Sud, we stopped for lunch at a chalet we had seen from the valley---"La Floria". What a delightful place---the most incredible display of flowers I've seen anywhere, and a view across the valley to the Mont Blanc massif and Auguilles du Midi. Our waitress explained that it takes the staff 4 hours each day to water and groom all the flowers. While enjoying our lunch, we watched a tiny creature, like an impossibly small hummingbird (about 1.5 inches long) hovering and gathering nectar from the flowers a few feet away. The digital photos came out as a blur. But I since learned that it was a butterfly native to southern Europe, called a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. We have other "hawkmoths" here in the U.S., but not this one.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA 12/14/2005
Free vacation in Spain
Spending seven days in a renovated medieval village nestled in the mountains north of Madrid teaching English to Spaniards. I have traveled around the world and this is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. You must be a native English speaker to volunteer and only English is spoken in the village. Did I mention that the seven days are free for the English speakers? There is more information on vaughanvillage.com.
Judy
Atlanta, GA USA 12/08/2005
Croatia
For an unforgetable European adventure consider a sailing trip along the Croatian coast!
The rocky shoreline with it's many bays and coves, the balmy mediterranean waters, the unsurpassed sea food and the beautiful fortified towns along the Dalmatian coast are something to behold! Wildly romantic but soothing at once!
I grew up sailing there for many summers, on chartered sail boats chock full with friends and family. Later I accompanied my father on many sailing trips when he taught advanced navigation courses in this part of the world.
Corinna <email>
Austria & USA 11/06/2005
Hiking in the Alps
Let's get this started. I've hiked in the Swiss, French, and Bavarian Alps and the Dolomites, on four separate trips. One was with the Seattle Mountaineers, the others were family trips I planned myself. I'd love to answer questions about where to go for hiking, and what to expect there. I'd also like to hear from others about places they have been, and the adventures they had.
Lura
Seattle, WA USA 11/03/2005