Pure Adventures Suggests Three Self-Guided Bike and Hike Vacations for First Visit to Europe

Europe is on sale in 2015 for travelers with US dollars to spend.

This means there’s never been a better time in recent history for a first trip to Europe, says cycle tour expert Pure Adventures. For those longing to meander through the European countryside, visit small villages that date over 1000 years and taste wines and food of local origin, this is the year to consider that journey across The Pond.

Pure Adventures is a leader in European two-wheel vacations. One compelling reason why this company thinks it’s a good idea to tour abroad has to do with the fact that it prices its trips in Euros that add up to a tremendous savings to North Americans.

Additionally, sightseeing on a bicycle or on foot can be one of the more affordable ways to travel and at the same time among the best ways to engage with the countryside, its people and the local culture.

“Our popular self-guided tours are comprehensive premium vacation packages that still cost far less than fully guided itineraries,” states Loren Siekman, Pure Adventures founder/owner. “Lodging can be adjusted from modest to luxury to accommodate budgetary requests and dining choices range from simple to gastronomic multi-course extravaganzas!”

Because a couple or small party are traveling together, there’s flexibility as regards what to do when because they’re answering only to themselves.  They can choose an itinerary ranging from easy to challenging, and at the end of each active day arrive at their accommodations knowing their luggage has arrived before them.

“First-timers to Europe often make the mistake of trying to see everything, bouncing from capital to capital, and in the end they take in very little of the places they visit,” says Siekman. “Our adventure itineraries allow room for savoring the countryside, discovering hidden gems and interacting with locals along the way. These are memories that leave a lasting impression, turning first timers into veteran travelers.”

Following are his suggestions for a first-time self-guided cycle or hiking tour in Europe.

France - Normandy Impressionists & Memorials Bicycle Touris new for 2015. Available for five or seven nights, the per person, double occupancy rate for this self-guided trip covering 40 to 50 km daily begins at 818 Euros. Included are nightly accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, one dinner, daily luggage transfer, welcome orientation, a detailed road book including details, maps, touristic information, a step-by-step itinerary and cue sheets; comprehensive trip literature; technical and emergency support at all times; and pre-travel planning services including help booking Paris stopovers and transportation to Normandy.  Hybrid bikes are available to rent.

Why is this trip great for first-timers? “The price is great and includes some very important historical sites - the D-Day landing beaches and the birthplace of Impressionist art among others.  It’s also easily combined with a few nights in Paris which of course is a 'can’t miss' stop in Europe.”  For complete details see: http://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/110/France+Normandy+Impressionists+&+Memorials+Bicycle+Tour

Italy – Florence and Chianti Hiking Tour starts at 995 Euros per person, double occupancy for those up to a moderate-to-challenging, eight-day walking vacation. This trek joins two of the most important Tuscan cities from the historical and artistic points of view: Florence, the city of Leonardo, Giotto, Dante and Brunelleschi, and Siena, native land of the "Palio". Guests walk along paths and roads through vineyards and olive groves that mark the Chianti region. The trip begins by exploring Florence and includes Greve, the Chianti wine capital, medieval fortresses and San Gimignano, a walled medieval hill town with Etruscan echoes and the possibility of sipping Vernaccia, a white Italian wine, before transferring to Siena. The rate includes itinerary-adjusted elements similar to the Normandy tour.

Why is this trip great for first-timers? “Fantastic price for what is a very pricey place to visit – Tuscany.  Participants really get to explore the iconic towns of Tuscany and on foot in the wine country, everything is romantic and cultural.”  For details please see: http://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/129/Italy+Florence+and+Chianti+Hiking+Tour

Spain – Costa Brava Explorer 7 Nights starts at 1310 Euros for those up to a challenging cycling tour embracing coastal roads into France via Collioure and the panoramic route between Sant Feliu de Guixols and Tossa de Mar, including routes where legends of cycling train.  Nights one through three are spent in the old part of the provincial capital Girona, famous for cycling and the proving ground of many professional riders. Daily rides reveal the town of La Bisbal d Emporda famous for its production of ceramics, the former home of Salvador Dali and the Pyrenees among others. The departure gateway isBarcelona. The rate includes itinerary-adjusted elements similar to the Normandy tour.

Why is this trip great for first-timers? “This is a longer distance ride for those who seek a bigger challenge yet its coastal too - so beaches and sun.  Girona anchors this trip - home of a rich cycling culture, and Barcelona is a necessary and easy add-on. The off-the-beaten-path countryside is now recognized as one of the foodie hotspots of the world.”  For more information please see: http://pure-adventures.com/show-tour/12/Spain+Costa+Brava+Explorer+7+Nights

Pure Adventures was recently recognized with a Best of Travel 2015 award by OUTSIDE Magazine for their California tours that elevated that state to the top destination in the category of Best Road Biking.