Austria

Exiting out of Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam early Wednesday morning, I was met by the blowing wind and light snow of a not-so-spring-like day in the blustery Netherlands. At the end of March, the weather seems just not able to make up its mind, just as its doing back home in Montana right about now. I search the rows of taxis and busses for my friend and Austin-Lehman’s European Operations Manager, Ron van Dijk. All of a sudden, a familiar voice calls out from across the way. Sure enough, Ron is here, right on time, and we’re ready to drive the 1.5 hours southeast to Nijmegen, his home town.

We had previously decided that it would be a great idea to bring an American over to Europe to attend the annual European spring guide training held at Ron’s office in the middle of town. Our director had popped in a few years before, but otherwise Ron (who’s been managing operations in Europe for decades) had been handling guide training, quite well I might add, with few influences from any “outside forces” for years and years.

Now, I must tell you, I had my qualms about attending our European training. Our operations are run a bit differently in Europe since we feature mostly biking trips in Europe versus more multisport trips in the US. Plus, what other learning’s would I be able to pass on to our most seasoned guides in the business, like Desiree Jansen and Anneke Peelen who’ve been guiding ALA’s (and previously Eurobike’s) trips for more than 20 years each? Wow! I was quite relieved to know that I had guided one of our Austria Family Tours the previous summer, so I at least had an idea about the “behind-the-scenes” magic of a European trip, and the differences between running an Austrian tour versus a Montana trip. Plus, my experience as both a guide in the field and as a member of the esteemed ALA office staff couldn’t hurt me either, right?

I realized as soon as our European guides started filtering into the room one by one, big hello’s and hugs to be had by all, that I had nothing to fear.  These were my fellow guides, even if not on the same continent, and they had nothing but smiles, encouragement, and inspiration to provide. What a team to be a part of! What friends to have across the ocean in a foreign land! I have nothing but good things to say about each and every one of our European guides – what amazing leaders and human beings in general!

Over the next two days, Ron and I would proceed to educate the tourism industry’s finest guides, covering every little detail of customer service, problem solving, and logistical management. Everything from the well-known ALA “WOW” factor to marketing efforts were covered. We jumped on the Austin-Lehman Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr accounts for an online tour, and stressed the importance of communication among fellow guides, hotel and restaurant staff, and our offices in both Nijmegen and Billings.  Van and bicycle safety, food preparation, “sweet dreams”, paperwork, and photography became the focal points of conversation (among many other important items). Most of all, we shared our stories and advice with other guides, new and seasoned alike, providing all with inspiration for the upcoming 2013 season.

Overall, I took the following away: tour guides work HARD, just as hard as anyone I know, to provide Austin-Lehman’s guests with the perfect vacation. Our slogan, “the toughest part is going home” could not be truer in any sense of the phrase. As I sit here typing this blog on my flight home, I can’t help but be excited and motivated for the upcoming season, AND I’m not even done yet! Our domestic (U.S. and Canada) guide training is coming up in May and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with all of those closer to home. Better yet, Ron van Dijk himself will be flying to Billings to take part in our guide training for the first time. I can’t wait to begin the whole process over again, only this time, at home!

Hope you’re as stoked as I am for the upcoming vacation season. I can personally tell you that because of your guides, it’s going to be a good one…

Tot ziens!

Kasey Austin

So you've never been to Zell am See, Austria? If you're anything like I was before my Austria Adventure, you wouldn't know what you were missing out on! 

Zell am See is the host city of ALA's Austria Family Adventure. Getting into this town a day or two early will not disappoint (and will allow you to adjust to the significant time zone difference!) A very safe, somewhat touristy town, Zell am See provides a wide array of shops, restaurants and activities that the whole family can enjoy. After losing my luggage on my airline, there were plenty of shops to accommodate my needs in getting temporary replacement items such as clothing, shower items, and a phone charger. I also had the best (and biggest) burger ever at one of the local joints in town - yum! Everywhere is easy to walk to and many of the locals speak English, so you can feel confident exploring a foreign city on your own!

My favorite feature in Zell am See is the Zeller See, the lake smack in the middle of town. Sail boats, swimmers, paddle boats, and swans grace the waters, and with a backdrop of carpets of colorful flowers, the local ski resort, miniature chateaus complete with hanging flower baskets, and the towering Alps with snow capped peaks, the scenery is jaw-dropping gorgeous! Trails surrounding the lake allow you to walk from one section of town to another, although you won't want to walk the full 8 miles around the lake since that's your first day's bike ride!

This host city of our Austrian Family Adventure is a place to relax, acclimate, and have fun. Check out our other cycling tours for other exciting host city options. Getting into the host city of any ALA trip a few days early is a great idea not only to adjust to the time zone difference but also to explore a new city on your own without a guide (which can be an adventure in and of itself!) Get out on any ALA Adventure today to see what's out there!

Auf Weidersehen,

Kasey

Looking to plan your next dream vacation?  Perhaps you are one of those travelers that want nothing on the agenda for the day, just  a nice relaxing retreat on a white sandy beach with a piña colada in hand.  Maybe your sense of adventure is only perked up when you think about experiencing an adrenline pumping activity like rafting or mountain biking. On the other hand, maybe you are the type of traveller that interest spikes when you hear the words buttery, delectable, rich and flavorful. Austin-Lehman Adventures is not one to over look the span of delicious foods, wines, sweets and cuisine’s that differ around the world.  If you are a traveler who likes to experience culture through the different flavors of the world then Culinary and Gourmet Vacations may be the next must try experience for the foodie in you.  

Visit A Vineyard In France

What better place to sip on a glass of Burgundy wine then in the famous town itself in the heart of France.  As one of the most famous and influential wine growing regions in the world, Burgundy is a beautiful location for any wine enthusiast.  Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply love the varieties of flavors, Burgundy is sure to impress. The wine will not be the only memorable part of your vacation however; the rich flavors of a lobster ravioli, foie gras, and homemade ice cream soufflé will all be the talk of the evening as you indulge in some of the most flavorful foods France has to offer. Whether you are up for a Burgundy cycling tour or prefer to explore the medieval castles of Loire Valley or the shorelines of Brittany and Normandy, with Austin Lehman you will be assured delicious wines, flavors, and gourmet adventures. 

Appreciate An Adventure In Austria

The Austrian Alps are a delight for not only the eyes but also for the pallet.  Austria tours offer snowcapped mountains, expansive lakes, and 14,000-year-old glacier carved gorges.  These should be reason enough to head to this visual paradise.  Austria has a delicious variety of local wines that pair fantastically with local Austrian cheeses and fruits.   You can anticipate savory flavors with creams, mustards, and delicious capers.  A great way to finish off a wonderful dinner is with a rich cup of traditional Austrian coffee, then unwind in your postcard-perfect accommodations.  

Delve Into Denmark

A Danish Isles adventure is sure to caress your taste buds with its famous flavors for local seafood and use of high quality local produce.  You will need to experience Smørrebrød (or a local open-faced sandwich) on a variety of different breads  accompanied by your choice of salmon, prawns or breaded fish. Denmark is not just a great place to experience delicious cuisine, but also it offers a backdrop of sheer cliffs, and dune-swept beaches.  Tour the country by island hopping through the rolling countryside with historic ruins, ancient castles, and colorful fishing villages.  From visiting historical museums to watching the changing of the guards, you will be entertained on every day of your trip.  Your Danish Isles Bike Tour is a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious taste of Denmark.

A Toast in Napa Valley

For the foodie Napa and Sonoma have become synonymous with award winning wines and elegant dining.   For the adventurer Napa and Sonoma are prime for hiking, kayaking, and biking California’s stunning grassland, mountain trails, and pristine bays. Something that both the foodie and the adventurer can enjoy is the regions wine. Napa’s first commercial winery was established in 1861 from which the industry quickly grew due to fantastic climate for grape vineyards.  Today Napa boasts more than 300 vineyards and is an ideal location for wine connoisseurs and fans alike. Napa Valley is located in the greater bay area of Northern California and enjoys a warm climate with mild winters. The perfect place to spend a summer vacation! No matter what your craving, this gourmet Wine Tour of California is everything you could imagine and more.  

Tantalize your Taste buds in Tuscany

Every fan of delicious food and wines, have once upon a time dreamed of the amazing aromas that Tuscan kitchens have to offer.  A region of Italy known for its delicious cuisine is a dream location for anyone who loves to experience great food while traveling.  Not only is the food and wine a treat for your senses but also a dream for cycling tours.  While the foodie in you can bask in the delicious authentic flavors of the finest extra virgin olive oil, the cyclist in you can charge the country side by bike. There is also the chance to marvel at the renaissance landmarks such as the breathtaking Dummo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and the Pitti Palace.  No list of gourmet travel adventures would be complete without listing a Tuscany Bike Tour. 

Are you hungry now? If so, follow your senses and check out our Culinary and Gourmet Vacations. 

OR

Check out some photos from some our Gourmet and Culinary Vacations on Pinterest.

When most people think of beating the heat of summer they think of heading to the beach, but for me beating the heat is heading up to the mountains. Crowded hot beaches aren't the way to escape the heat, if you really want to escape the heat you go on a glacier trek or summit an alpine peak. So here you go, 5 of my favorite places to beat the heat of summer.

Alberta- Home to glaciers, soaring peaks and electric blue/green alpine lakes. There really isn't a better place to cool off then with a trip to Alberta. Glacier trekking, biking at 7,000 feet and riding through forest, hiking to alpine lakes and hanging glaciers. But my favorite way to cool of in Alberta is with a Canadian Kiss... A Canadian Kiss is a big splash of cold water to your face while your rafting down a river, it packs a lot bigger punch than a French kiss.

Glacier National Park- Just saying Glacier National Park should cool you off a little. Glacier is home to absolutely breathtaking views, gorgeous lakes and rich alpine valleys. The glaciers that carved out these magnificent rocky peaks are still at work, but not for too much longer. Cool off in Glacier while there are still glaciers to marvel at. 

Yellowstone National Park-  Yellowstone park is a world renown destination for adventure, but what better place to cool off then somewhere where theres snow in July! Yellowstone's Plateau sits at 8,000 feet, being this high in elevation tends to leave the park at a pretty nice temperature in the summer. But if you do get hot try taking a dip in Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater lake above 7,000 feet. 

Yosemite National Park- Growing up in Los Angeles, Yosemite was my getaway from the hot crowed beaches of Southern California. For me walking amongst giant 300ft tall giant Sequoia trees is a lot better than walking through crowds of people on the beach. Also the beach is lacking 3,000ft granite walls, huge waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. 

Austria- I can't not include a country famous for its mountain peaks. Imagine cooling of in the same mountain meadows where they filmed "The Sound of Music" or cycling along the Salzach River. If that's not enough to cool you off, you can always go paragliding over the Austrian Alps. Just a thought...

Well that's it, 5 places that will help you beat the heat of summer! Also for your viewing pleasure I made a flickr galley: 50 Photos to beat the heat

How do you like to beat the heat? Leave a comment and let me know!

Your friendly mountain man,

Jonathan

P.S. I have been to all of these destinations, so if you have any question just shoot me an email: jon@austinlehman dot com

For most people the first place they travel to holds a special place in their heart.  While Europe was not technically my first stop, for me, it feels like home!  There are so many reasons to love European vacations: The people, the food, the views, but here are my top reasons for going back again and again!

#5.  Returning to a familiar place.  If you have ever traveled to the same place twice, you know what I mean!  There is nothing like getting into Paris (or any city) and knowing where the Metro is (or, let’s be honest, the best bakeries!) Or knowing exactly where your favorite hotel is, the best walk along the river, the park where you want to read all day.  Each time I return somewhere I find new treasures to make me love the place!

#4. Bakeries on Every corner.  Seriously, you haven’t lived until you have divulged in European pastries.  I haven’t had a bad one yet (and I even ended up with a prune Danish on one side trip to Slovakia).  My favorites are anything with apples, or those cream filled croissants, or anything dusted in confectioners’ sugar.

#3. The Wine.  It doesn’t seem to matter if you are in France, Spain, or Austria, the wine selection in Europe is second to none!  The best part is there are great options at almost every price level; you can pick up a decent wine in the grocery store for 3 Euros or splurge on a couple hundred dollar bottle straight from your favorite vineyard.

#2. The History.  As American’s I believe we forget how young of a country we are!  In Europe, when you are walking down centuries old cobblestone streets, or sitting in a church from the 1400s, it is hard to miss that this place has a little more sole!  There is so much to take in, and there really is nothing like realizing that Leonardo de Vinci or Alexander the Great could have walked exactly where you are!

And the #1 reason I love Europe: The People.  You may have heard that the French dislike American’s, or that no one likes the American government. Well, that may be true in some cases, but in my experience, if you smile, and try, it goes a long, long way!  Just learn ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’, and ‘thank you’ in the language and you are pretty well set.  The people are warm, welcoming, and just as interested in you as you are in them.

I hope this gives you a little inspiration to hop across "The Pond" and visit our neighbors to the East!  With all the wonderful European vacations available you are sure to find somewhere that strikes your fancy!

You Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof-Teini

Why do you love Europe? Leave a comment and tell us, we love hearing from you!

Imagine yourself in a field strewn with colorful wildflowers, waterfalls cascading around every bend & towering snow-capped peaks standing in stark contrast to the blue bird sky. You could be standing amongst many places in the world but this particular beaut is Hohe Tauern National Park on our Austria biking vacation.           

Now if you’re anything like me, you’ve attempted the ultimate national park vacation, only to confront endless traffic jams, crowds of pushy people at Park attractions, and problems making it anywhere on time. If anything, your”vacation” seems more like work, and when the last day arrives, you can’t imagine anywhere you’d rather be than home!

Whoa! If you’ve been here before it might be time to try something different, something less stressful, a vacation where you can actually relax and enjoy the ride. Now think back to Hohe Tauern National Park, where you’re riding your bicycle down a twisting and turning path, taking your time to “stop and smell the roses.” You don’t have to deal with traffic, the people are few and far between, and thinking about the logistics of your vacation is anywhere but on your mind. After all is said and done, your vacation should be all about you having an amazing time! At ALA, we want you saying, “Wow, the toughest part is going home!”

See you on the trails,

Kasey Austin

Your Friendly European Guide,

Kavya Bisz

Learn more about Kavya

When guests are first trying to decide on their destination, we are often asked which one of our cycling tours is the best. Frankly, they all are. We put a lot of time and effort into planning and arranging the locations, activities and accommodations for our bike adventure vacation packages. That’s what adventure travel companies such as ours are all about – to handle every detail of your vacation so that you can sit back, and well, enjoy the ride.

Many travelers spend so much time planning and preparing for their vacations that by the time they get back home, they need a vacation from their vacation. That’s not what happens on an Austin-Lehman adventure at all. Our friendly and professional guides give you the experience of a lifetime so you just need to bring yourself, friends or family and a camera. We take care of every little element in our 17 biking tours.  Our cycling adventures are for singles, couples and families and all skill levels.

Our biking vacations will take you to South Dakota or various locales in Europe including Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Germany, Spain or Holland. We even have a biking vacation in the South American wine country of Chile and Argentina.

No matter which bike adventure you choose, we are here to make your vacation memories last a lifetime.   
 

Experience all the splendors of Italy and Austria wrapped into one cycling tour that brings travelers to famed towns throughout the region: Tyrol, Innsbruck and Trentino. Eat mouthwatering cuisine; see the spectacular golden green countryside and the majestic peaks of the Alps on your adventure through these two beautiful countries.

Cycling tours through Europe are perfect for the traveler who doesn’t want to miss a thing. Follow the beautiful Etsch River on a calm ride starting in Innsbruck, Austria all the way to Lake Garda, Italy. Don’t forget your camera – you will surely want to stop and take pictures of the Alps that provide you with an absolutely stunning backdrop on your journey.

Pedal to the charming village of Bolzano, where the Museum of Archaeology displays a mummified corpse discovered in the 1990s after spending more than 5,000 years frozen in the Alpine ice. Cyclists can wind their way down the Inn River and arrive at the Stams Abbey, and then make their way to Imst where over 30 amazing fountains grace the enchanting town.

The countries of Italy and Austria are simply not to be missed. Their vitality, sophistication and beauty are unparalleled. Austin Lehman Adventures offers unforgettable adventure trips  to these locations for those in search of the journey of a lifetime. Call us today to learn more about our European vacations.
 

Visit the home of the classic film The Sound of Music and listen closely to the music of the nature that surrounds you during your unforgettable European vacation.

Listen to the rumbling of a thundering, majestic waterfall. Watch as colorful flowers blossom and animals awaken with a gentle sunrise during the revitalizing summer season in the Austrian Alps. Cycle through the towns of Mittersill and Zell past expansive lakes and stop to remember the sound of skipping rocks – a sound you thought was long lost in the memories of your childhood.

Family adventure vacations to Austria are sure to please children and adults alike. Children will delight in the castles that look like a fairytale come to life, and everyone will appreciate the spectacular view while high in cable cars on the way to Schmittenhöhe. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, hiking Salzach Valley will bring you to a thrilling tandem paraglide ride. At the end of the day, enjoy a feast of strudel made from trout and accompanied by the lemony mousse at Obauer restaurant.

European vacations with Austin Lehman Adventures allow you and your family to explore and enjoy new places, hassle-free. Call us today to book your next adventure.
 

In 1965, a certain film was nominated for 10 Oscars, winning 5, including best picture. That film remains a camp classic and the opportunity to visit Salzburg should definitely not be missed.  In Salzburg, bewildered locals stare in disbelief as hordes of excitable foreign fans commence their camera frenzy soaking up everything to do with the film, Sound of Music.  

They stare in disbelief partially because the story was never celebrated with the same fervour in Austria.  True, the city offers a generous helping of film memorabilia with sites such as the Benedictine Convent of Nonnberg, Leopoldskron, which was used as the Von Trapp residence in the film and Frohnberg Palace, whose courtyard and frontage were used as backdrop.  Why not go for broke and recreate a certain scene from that film while participating in cycling tours of the country?  If you do, don’t forget to bring curtains from home though.  Salzburg is about so much more than just this wonderful movie.

In this European country, look out for all things Wolfgang Amadeus.  As the home of the child genius, Salzburg celebrates its most famous son continually.  Mozart’s music is always being performed and is the perfect antidote to a more physical adventure holiday.

Don’t forget the backdrop of the towering Alps, which make a stunning backdrop to a European vacation.  Alpine meadows, glaciers and even vineyards make this unassuming country ideal for fantastic family adventure vacations.
 

A European vacation with adventure travel companies such as ours creates the perfect design for combining the diversity of Italy and Austria together.

The paths for road cycling are spread all over the beautiful valleys and plateaus with stunning Alps as the backdrop. Discover Tyrol pedaling around historical castles, fortresses and vibrant cities. Let the passionate cyclist in you bike along the Alpine river Inn and reach Innsbruck, the Alpine metropolis, and take a well deserved break to feast on finger licking local delicacies and traditional food.

Cycling tours in Europe are a pleasure for all senses as you marvel at the timeless beauty of historical monuments and pass through nature’s gifted sites. Being in the heart of the Austrian Alps is a pure heavenly experience. As you enjoy your day’s adventures pedaling through cities like Schwaz and Lienz, you can also enjoy the nightlife of Tyrol.  Exploring the high Alpine landscape on a mountain bike will take your breath away.

Be sure to take your picture standing at the trio point where Austria, Switzerland and Italy meet together on their borders. Visit the church of St. Procolo that was once a Roman temple and now known as a “place of energy” as it stands amidst blossoming apple trees.

Check out the world famous extraordinary private collection of armor in the Churburg Castle. The museum of Archeology housed in the small village of Bolzano shows the harmony between modern and contemporary art. The adventure travel in Italy and Austria gives you an awe inspiring experience that allows adventurers to travel across cities that are both traditional and modern at the same time.
 

If you’re looking to restore your spirit while taking in panoramic views of lakes, mountains and landscapes you will recognize from a classic feature film, a European vacation to Austria might be just what you need.

Snow-capped mountains, intricate cave systems and thundering waterfalls make Austria one of the premier family adventure vacations. Show your kids castles that they thought only existed in fairytales. Take in the spectacular landscape where The Sound of Music was filmed. Visit the house that Mozart spent years of his life in. Ride along the waterside to a backdrop of glacier-carved gorges that have been around for thousands of years. Watch the assorted vegetation and fauna blossom to life in the summer in the Austrian Alps. For a unique sort of experience, take a ride down a wooden slide in a 7,000 year old underground salt mine.

The outstanding lake and mountain views at the Schmittenhöhe are a photographer’s dream. After spending the day taking in magnificent views of nature, take a relaxing dip in a thermal tub. Adventure vacations to Austria will provide you and your family with journeys of a lifetime.

Visit us online today to schedule your escape with Austin Lehman Adventures and watch the hills come alive in Austria.
 

It is hard not to think about Sound of Music and Mozart when one mentions Austria. There must be something in this land locked country that inspires musicians to compose timeless melodies.  While you might be tempted to burst into song when you see Austria’s rolling hills and green meadows, there are more sights to see and things to do to make your European vacation a memorable one.

Austria is a great place for family adventure vacations. Try tobogganing in the alpine mountains. A toboggan is a sled that lies directly on snow. Used as a preferred transportation method of the indigenous people, it has now become a fun winter activity.  Austria’s beautiful alpine mountain is a breathtaking and stunning sight. The Schmittenhöhe, for instance, has beautiful ski slopes.  Hop in their Schmittenhöhebahns (cable cars) design by Porsche and get a 360-degree view of the glorious vistas. There are hiking trails for beginners as well as difficult trails for avid mountaineers.

After all the adventure trips in the mountain, do not forget to drop by the museums and admire the musical genius of Mozart.   Guided tours allow travelers to learn more about Mozart by visiting where he lived as his house is now a museum.  Walk along the streets of the Old City of Salzburg and visit the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. These are two UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Austria is indeed one picturesque country.

Visit our online travel catalog to learn more about our Austrian vacations for couples and families.
 

If – during my 38 years of guiding bicycle tours – I would have gotten $10 for every time someone asked me what’s my favorite ride, I would no longer need to work. Not that I’d ever want to quit my job, because I love it so much!

Naturally, being the salesman that I am, my answer would always be a trip they hadn’t done yet.

But here it is, my official Top 10…, eh….Top 11 best bike rides in Europe (and there’s no way these can be ordered, because they all have their reasons why they should be #1)

1) France: Dordogne valley between Argentat and Beynac (110 miles); One of my favorite regions of France, for its authenticity, the peace, the great food, the old Romanesque churches, the castles and the history (such as the Hundred Years War between France and England). Make sure to divert from the valley every now and then to visit villages like St-Céré, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, as well as the lively town of Sarlat.

2) Italy: South-Tyrol from Reschen Pass to Merano(50 miles); Starting at the top of the pass, it’s all pretty much all downhill for about 50 miles on specially marked bike paths, and you’re always surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains of the Alps. Pass by villages, lakes, meadows, apple orchards and end your ride in the noble spa town of Merano.

3) Italy: The Tuscan hills around Siena; Tuscany has some of the prettiest hills in the world. Surely you have seen those epic photos of fields of red poppies, the cypresses, the ‘Siena’ colors of the soil, multiple horizons and hill-top towns like Monteriggioni and San Gimignano. Seeing it from the bicycle seat is like immerging into this landscape of Chianti Classico and the eternal ‘Le Crete’ hills.

4) Spain: Rioja vineyards between Logroño and Haro (35 miles); this is best done in the fall (October), when the leaves are turning. The colors are so incredible no matter in which direction you look. And you’ve got the roads to yourself. Villages/towns to include are La Puebla de la Barca, Laguardia, Navaridas, Elciego, Baños de Ebro, San Vicente, Rivas de Tereso, and of course Haro. Prepare yourself for some hills. And be sure to visit some of the tapas bars in Haro for an unforgettable and fun meal while mingling with the locals!

5) Germany: Tauber Valley from Rothenburg to Wertheim (63 miles); Take two days to follow the Tauber river until its confluence with the Main river. It’s easy to follow, and you’ll pass through many villages and medieval towns without having to study the map. Don’t forget to visit the splendidly carved Riemenschneider altar pieces in Rothenburg, Detwang and Creglingen.

6) Germany: Mosel Valley from Trier to Koblenz (132 miles); You’ll need four days to do this stretch. Every couple of miles you’ll pass another quaint wine village, each tempting you with its delicious white Riesling wine. Throughout the trip you will always be surrounded by the steep hills covered with vineyards, whereas you stay on you bicycle down by the river. Essentially, it can be considered as a downhill trip (very, very gently) and you are even making use of the prevailing winds. Numerous Roman buildings to be discovered in Trier, and a hilltop castle or ruin around every bend of the river .

7) Austria: Salzach Valley from  Gerlos Pass/Krimml to Salzburg (115 miles); This could very easily be the most scenic of all the routes listed here. With the snowcapped Grossglockner and many other mountains by your side, enjoy lots of downhill and flat meadows (and a few ups) as you descend from Gerlos Pass (1628m = 5340 ft) to Salzburg (443m = 1450 ft).

8) Austria: Danube Valley from Linz or Enns to Krems (80 miles); Easy cycling along the wide river makes this an unforgettable experience. Especially the stretch through the wine region Wachau between Melk and Dürnstein (23 miles) is some of the most pleasant cycling you’ll encounter anywhere in Europe. And be sure to visit the Baroque abbey of Melk: it’s a masterpiece!

9) Netherlands: the canals of Giethoorn (4 miles); This community is nicknamed Venice of the North because there are no roads as all transportation takes place on the canals. One cyclable path passes through the village, consisting of an endless string of humpback bridges. Stay in low gear and do it either in early in the morning or evening. It’s outrageous! However, you should feel comfortable on the bike, because it does take some skill to negotiate the bridges.

10) Netherlands: Tulip fields near Keukenhof (in April: 20 miles); does this need any further explanation? The colors and the scents of the flowers (tulips, narcissus, hyacinth) get you high…, in a natural way! And the North-Sea is nearby, across over the dunes.

11) Denmark: Danish Riviera between Copenhagen and Helsingør (30 miles); the route consists of bike paths along Denmark’s ‘gold coast’, consisting of sumptuous villas, quaint fishing villages, and dotted with interesting museums such as the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), the Nivagaard art museum and the supreme Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in an incredible setting overlooking the Sound.

your friendly European expert,

Ron van Dijk