Denmark

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.

Having already experienced a few Austin Lehman adventures in the states, we thought we would try one of the adventure tours to Europe. We chose Denmark for our destination, and I couldn’t have been happier with such hassle free foreign travel. We definitely had access to sites and places that as tourists unfamiliar with the country, we would never have found on our own. Cycling tours are definitely on our top 10 list of vacations, and we are looking forward to planning our next biking adventure with Austin Lehman of course!

Name: Karen Sanderson
City: Redondo Beach
State: California
Country: USA

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.   
 

Having already experienced a few Austin Lehman adventures in the states, we thought we would try one of the adventure tours to Europe. We chose Denmark for our destination, and I couldn’t have been happier with such hassle free foreign travel. We definitely had access to sites and places that as tourists unfamiliar with the country, we would never have found on our own. Cycling tours are definitely on our top 10 list of vacations, but the only drawback was that many times we arrived at restaurants in our bike clothes. I would have appreciated being able to change prior to attending some of the venues. Other than that, looking forward to planning our next adventure trip to Scotland and Ireland….with Austin Lehman of course!

Name: Karen Sanderson
City: Redondo Beach
State: California
Country: USA

Discover some of the hottest destinations on a captivating European vacation in true Austin-Lehman style.  Pedal through the enchanting vineyards of France or explore Holland’s famed “Venice of the north.” Marvel at the historical and royal castles of Denmark while pedaling along the rolling landscapes through both narrow and wide streets. Ride on the Baltic Sea route along the scenic beauty of green pastures, chalk cliffs, landscapes of little belt Fjord as your boat pulls up at the Island of Mon.

Cycling tours through Tuscany are unmatched. Historical old world charm of this place with graceful vineyards, hillside villas and vibrant cities is a magical experience. Check out the renaissance architecture with its beautiful landmarks like the Duomo, Uffizi and Pitti Palace.

The beautiful towers of San Gimignano surrounded by splendid Tuscany countryside fill you with art, culture and history of this small village. Bike through the village and visit the Duomo museum and its wooden statues, sculptures and frescoes that make it a very attractive place to both locals and travelers alike. As you pedal through the olive orchards of Tuscany, you’ll be lost in the beauty as you cross grounds dotted with sheep, cypress trees and hanging olive branches. Shop in the open air local market and look for marvelous art accessories, leather goods and stunning jewelry. Eat Tuscany’s local food cooked in virgin olive oil with use of local herbs and spices with a glass of bold Chianti.

Our adventure vacation packages to Europe can be found right online in our travel catalog so stop by for a visit to discover the perfect trip of a lifetime for you and your loved ones.
 

Denmark is a great destination for family adventure vacations.  Children will be thrilled to visit the statue of The Little Mermaid.  Hans Christian Andersen, author of the many popular fairy tales including the Little Mermaid, was from Denmark.  A visit to the Hans Christian Andersen museum introduces visitors to the life and works of this poet and author.  Children appreciate adventure vacations when they visit a theme park. For that, Denmark has Tivoli Garden. Tivoli Garden is the world’s second oldest theme park. Rumor has it that Walt Disney was inspired by this theme park so that one can see the similarities between Disneyland and the Tivoli Garden.

Denmark has special lanes for bicycles so cycling tours are ideal in this place. Bike your way through scenic villages in Helsingor. Don’t forget to drop by the beaches with golden sands and let the children enjoy sand on their feet.  Visiting the land of the Vikings is not complete without stopping to check out the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.  Learn about the impressive shipbuilding skills of the Vikings by looking at the five ships excavated in Skuldelev. Take a trip to the Egeskov Castle. Built in 1554, the castle is well-preserved, and it houses a great collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.  

With Austin-Lehman, you can experience a great European vacation with the family.  Make your Denmark trip a vacation to remember.
 

It’s hard to find the perfect place to please everyone in the family. With so many activities available in so many different cities, it can be a journey in itself just to find an adequate location to visit. The land of the Vikings is sure to satisfy even the choosiest of explorers.

Cycling Tours offer travelers the perfect opportunity to explore new cities. And Denmark proudly offers serene countryside, historical ruins and delectable dishes to satisfy all of the senses.

Watch history come to life and experience the changing of the guards at the Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Queen. Cycle past medieval churches, bright gardens, colorful fishing villages and thatch-roofed farmhouses. Taste the mouthwatering seafood that the Danes are unsurprisingly famous for.

A European Vacation to beautiful Denmark is not to be missed. Kid-friendly and activity-filled, a Family Adventure Vacation to the land of the Vikings just might be the journey of a lifetime for which you have been searching. Kids will love hiking and swimming. Foodies will adore the delicious restaurants, and those who are always in search of a bargain will appreciate the shopping. There truly is something for everyone in Denmark.

Call today to begin planning your journey of a lifetime with Austin Lehman Adventures.
 

Few European countries lend themselves to family adventure vacations quite like Denmark.  This unassuming country has everything families look for in a vacation.  For children, the home of Hans Christian Anderson and the story of its Little Mermaid make Copenhagen, wonderful Copenhagen a perfect place to start.  Copenhagen, the capital city, is a small city that punches well above its weight in history, dining and exploration.

Beer is the lifeblood of most western societies, and Copenhagen is home of one of Europe’s best known brands, Carlsberg Lager.  A visit to the brewery will give a good night of history into beer production past and present. The Aroma Room explores the link between smell and taste and shows how varied beer tastes can be.

A capital city in Europe can hardly be called capital without a suitable royal touch, and Copenhagen doesn’t disappoint.  Home of the House of Oldenberg and its current head Queen Margerethe II, the city is steeped in royal tradition.   Perhaps the pinnacle highlight is the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace.  No matter what the weather might be like, the guard change presents a display of pageantry that makes a European vacation worthwhile.  Don’t forget though. It starts at 12 noon sharp and would be considered rude to be late.

European countries make close neighbors so turning your Danish vacation into a two nation adventure trip is accomplished very easily especially since in July 2000 the Öresund Bridge was opened.  A massive 70 km long, this bridge links Denmark and close neighbor Sweden making it a short hop for yet another stamp in your passport.
 

European vacations are a perfect way to escape from your routine life. Austin Lehman adventure travels give a wonderful opportunity for the cyclist in you to explore Denmark. Pedal through the serene countryside past medieval churches and historical ruins of Denmark. The land of the Vikings offers a glimpse into the famed warriors’ history and culture as you visit 1000 year old monuments and admire Danish culture. Once in Denmark, you are not far from the sea and can enjoy local seafood for which Danes are famous. Plan a solo vacation or journey with friends or family as you feel the thrill of active travel.

Apart from the larger cities, pedal through the streets of small towns and villages to feel the true essence of Danish spirit. The culture and general nature of the place makes you feel very comfortable and at home. Visit the city of Copenhagen, and don’t miss the changing of the guards in the courtyard of the royal residence, the Amalienborg Palace, at exactly 12 noon every day. Other than cycling, there are many more experiences waiting for you including hiking, golfing, fishing and swimming.  Townies will enjoy beautiful museums, shopping and restaurants. Plan your Danish cycling tours today by visiting our online catalog to learn more about our European adventure travel itineraries.
 

Bringing the whole family together to share fun, memorable moments all while experiencing the joy of being with each other is now possible with Austin-Lehman’s family adventure vacations. By facing their fears and expressing their joy, parents can be a great example for their children. And watching kids participate in unexpected adventurous activities is a true barrier breaker that shows them their parents’ fun side. It might not be an easy task for everyone in the family to take time off from work and other commitments at the same time, but a nice European vacation will definitely prove to be well deserved and worth the effort.

Imagine cycling through the countryside of Denmark while enjoying beautiful castle views or strolling through the enchanting vineyards of France brings a sense of heightened imagination in children. Bring a little more spark to the journey by checking out the vintage cars collection at Musée Dufresne. A week long stay in Germany also offers a glimpse of the medieval world. Royal castles, fantastic gardens and Roman artifacts along the serene path of the Mosel River are enchanting encounters to be remembered for a lifetime. Parents find a real treat with a glass of local wine and a plate of Germany’s famous apple strudel while relaxing in the evenings.

With so many places to see in Europe, families may just not want to ever leave. Bring your family on a European adventure that will forever change the way they view the world. Visit us online to learn more or book your travel today.

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

Cycling is truly a journey of the senses. And there is no better place than Europe, where the villages, castles, cathedrals and museums are unrivaled and the reward of breezing along under your own power is an exhilarating experience. What you see, what you feel, what you encounter is sharper and more relaxed, more complete, when the warm yellow sun, the lush green pastures and the crystal blue lakes dissolve the tension of our everyday lives.

You see the details that are only a blur to most tourists. You meet the country folk – on bicycle just like you. You come to understand the tranquility of a pace of life that is no faster than the pumping of a pedal. Free of gas…. Free of schedules and crowds!

But how to go about it? Well, first you will need to decide whether you wish to do an organized Europe biking tour, or whether you prefer to do it on your own, or maybe something in between. Here are your choices:

1)     Sign up for a bicycle tour with a tour operator: This is certainly the most convenient way to travel by bicycle, because everything has been taken care. In effect, all you need to do is show up, pedal, enjoy, sightsee, eat, drink, sleep. When you are tired or don’t want to climb a hill, the support van will help out. The multi-lingual guides share with you their local knowledge and passion. The group size will normally range between 8 and 20 participants.

2)     Do it yourself: This means a lot of preparation, because you will need to bring your own bicycle (or rent one abroad), find your own route, arrange your own hotels, fix your own flats. You are likely to end up on roads which you would not have chosen, had you know the alternatives. Last but not least, you will have to carry your own luggage on your bicycle.

3)     Do a self-guided trip: In this case, an organization supplies you with a bicycle and maps.  The hotel reservations are made on your behalf. Often, your luggage will be transported from one hotel to the next. However, there will be no support during the day (i.e. no sag-wagon, no repair service, no snacks, no water refills). There are no tour guides to share with you their stories. Nor will you experience the camaraderie with like-minded travelers as you would on an group bicycle tour.

Travelling with a bicycling tour operator gives you the fullest experience, in terms of overall enjoyment and efficiency. But how do you choose the bike tour operator that is right for you? Here are some aspects you can consider asking/investigating regarding the tour operator(s):

1)     What kind of hotels do they use?: Do they openly list their hotels, or are they somewhat secretive about them? In general, two-star hotels are considered to be low-budget, whereas three to four-star hotels are quite comfortable. Five-star hotels are more difficult to find in the countryside. Checking the websites of the hotels will give you insight into the amenities.

2)     What kind of bicycles do they use, and is the bike rental included in the trip price?: Which brand? What type of bicycle (road bike, hybrid bike)? Unless you are planning to ride through very hilly terrain, a hybrid or touring bike will suffice. The medium-width tires make for a comfortable ride no matter what the road surface is, and a back-rack plus a front pannier facilitates you to carry your ‘day-stuff’. Watch out for hidden costs, such as surcharges for the bicycle.

3)     Do they operate their own trips?: or do they simply act as a travel agent? Tour operators which run their own trip are closer to their product and therefore tend to do a better job because the ‘own’ the product, feel responsible for it and constantly make adjustments based on direct feedback from their guests and guides.

4)     Which meals are included?: Usually, all breakfast, some lunches and most dinners are included in the trip price. What kind of restaurants do they use? Are the drinks during dinner included?

5)     Which events are included in the trip price? e.g. museums, castles, wine tasting.

6)     What is the maximum group size? Groups of 16 or over become a zoo, especially if the number of guides and support vans are kept to a minimum. This leads to the next question:

7)     What is the guide to guest ratio? i.e. how many guides are on the trip? With a ratio of 1 guide per 6 guests, you can be assured of perfect service. With a ratio of 1 guide per 10 guests or more, there is no way they can keep track of you and you practically end up on a self-guided trip.

8)     Are there daily mileage choices? Does everyone ride the same route or are there longer/hillier routes for avid cyclists and shorter/flatter routes for those who wish to ‘take it easy’?

9)     Do you get route descriptions and maps? Or do you always ride in one group? A detailed route description will give you the freedom to ride at your own pace and choose your own distance. Having a guide on a bike gives you the opportunity to simply follow.  A good touring company can offer you both choices on the same trip.

10)  Do they allow children on the trips? Or do they offer separate family trips?

11)  How long have they been in existence? Have they just begun operating trips, or do they have decades of experience? Go for the latter, because nothing is as frustrating as being ‘misled’ by people that don’t exactly know what they are doing or where they are going.

12)  What is the level of difficulty? Are the trips rated? And what is your level of experience? Needless to say, this is all very subjective. See below for recommended regions and their expected ratings.

13)  Has the trip already been confirmed? Or is there a chance that it will be cancelled due to insufficient demand?

14)  And don’t forget to read the small print: What if you need to change the dates or cancel the trip? What about travel insurance?

15)  What will the weather be like? Naturally, no tour operator, no matter how upscale, can control the weather. But what they can do is offer the trip during the most agreeable months. For example, be aware of companies which offer Italy during the (usually) grueling hot months of July and August.  Nor do you want plan a bike tour in Holland in October. And by November the days get very short no matter where you are in Europe.

Last but not least, you need to decide where you would like to travel and what kind of terrain you are looking for.

Easy destinations (flat or gently rolling) include the following:

• Netherlands / Holland
• Belgium / Flanders
• Denmark
• Loire Valley
• Normandy
• Mosel Valley between Trier and Koblenz (Germany)
• Salzach Valley near Salzburg (Tauernradweg)

If you don’t mind a few hills, you could consider:

• Burgundy
• Brittany
• Provence
• The ‘Romantic Road’ in Germany
• Lake Constance
• South-Tyrol Adige Valley (Etsch) in

The intermediate cyclists will enjoy:

• From Vienna to Prague (or the other way around)
• Rioja wine region in Spain
• Piedmont in Italy
• South-West of Ireland (Kerry, Cork)
• Dalmatian Islands in Croatia (between Split and Dubrovnik)

Avid cyclists will have a ball in:

• Tuscany
• Umbria
• Sicily
• Corsica
• Slovenia
• Pyrenees

Some last advice: if you have never been on a Europe biking tour and aren’t sure which trip is right for you, why not start with an easy destination. If you find out during the trip that you want more miles, your guide can always find them for you! Another piece of advice is that you will enjoy your vacation more if you plan several 20-mile rides during the weeks before your trip. It gets your body (especially your behind!) and mind in shape for the riding position.

Your friendly Europe expert,

Ron Van Dijk

If you have any question about Europe bike tours, please email me at ron@austinlehman.com