Europe

There’s only one word to describe Argentina…

Tranquillo.

It translates to calm, peaceful and, well, tranquil.

And during my trip to Argentina last year, I fell in love with Argentina and immersed myself in a tranquillo state of mind.

As the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina has something for everyone.  From lively Buenos Aires to the wildlife haven of Patagonia and Mendoza’s wine regions, this South American country is truly tranquillo.

And if that isn’t enough, here are six reasons why you’ll love Argentina…

1. The City of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and is located on the Atlantic coast, and it’s no wonder, the city’s’ name translates to “Good Air.”

Buenos Aires is broken into neighborhoods (barrios) that each have their own personality and special characteristics.

• Palermo has a young vibe with botanical gardens, a zoo and hip restaurants.
• Recoleta is an upscale area with countless plazas, parks, and the historic cemetery where Eva María Duarte de Perón (aka Evita), Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 to 1952 – rests today. 
• Monserrat has famous Plaza de Mayo and excellent shopping in the galerias.
• Puerto Madero is the old port district that rapidly changed into a trendy business center with limitless hotels and restaurants.  This area is great for walking.
• La Boca is a vibrant area that sits at the mouth of the Matanza River.  It’s famous for its colorful buildings and tango dancers.

Navigating to each of the barrios is easy and inexpensive using the city’s subway (subte) and bus system.

 

Plaza de Mayo

2. World-class Cuisine

Argentina’s cuisine is strongly influenced by Italian and Spanish cultures. Common dishes include cheeses, olives, and cured meats. 

But Argentina is best known for their high-quality beef that includes:

• Tenderloin (bife de lomo)
• Skirt steak (entraña)
• Short ribs (asado de tira)
• Flank steak (vacío)
• Sirloin/NY strip (bife de chorizo)

Most beef is served with potatoes and chimichuri – a sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.

For snack lovers, pizza and empanadas – a meat stuffed pastry – are also very popular. 

For desert, you’ll have an array of options with bakeries nearly on every corner.  The most famous sweets usually contain dulce de leche, which tastes and looks similar to caramel. 

Don’t expect a big breakfast.  Argentines prefer a light breakfast usually consisting of cappuccino or espresso and small croissants (media lunas) followed by a heavy lunch with steak and potatoes or pizza.

 

Pizza in Argentina

3. Premium Wine Tasting

Argentina’s the fifth largest wine producing region in the world but they’ve starting to make the shift from quantity to quality, producing more premium wines.  Their most notable wines are Malbec and Torrontes.

• Malbec is a dark, red wine that has hints of cherry and plum.  It’s no surprise it pairs perfectly with beef.
• Torrontes is a white wine that’s known as “the liar” because it has a sweet Muscat smell with a dry taste.

Most of Argentina’s wine regions hug the Andes mountain range as it’s an ideal climate and terrain for vineyards. 

Mendoza is located at the base of the Andes (about an 11 hour bus ride west from Buenos Aires) and is a great city for wine tasting. 

 

Wine Store in Mendoza

4. Charismatic People

Most Argentines are descendants of European immigrants – mostly Spanish and Italian - who settled in Argentina during the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Argentines are friendly, curious, and engaging.  Not to mention beautiful! 

Argentines have a strong sense of community so it’s common to see people chatting on the street corner or in cafes.

Wine Tour Guide

5. Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia

Tierra del Fuego translates to “Land of Fire" and is an archipelago on the southernmost part of the South America.  The main island Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego is shared between Argentina in the east and Chile in the west. 

Tierra del Fuego National Park is located 6.8 miles (11 km) west of Ushuaia and has stunning scenery with waterfalls, forests, lakes, mountains and glaciers and impressive wildlife viewing including several species of birds, the guanaco, red fox, North American Beaver, and muskrat. 

6. A Country Frozen in Time

Argentina is anything but mass market.  It’s an endless procession of small shops, bakeries, butchers, produce stands, and restaurants – all different from the ones before.  You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when things moved slower and people lived simply.  

From old cars putting down the road, to shoe shiners working for Argentine pesos and colonial architecture displayed around the plazas, Argentina is a refreshing cultural shift from the everyday hustle and bustle commonly found in the United States or Europe.

 

Old Car in Argentina

 

Have you been to Argentina? Share what you loved about it in the comments below!

About the author: Darcie Connell is the founder of Trekity – a website that provides daily travel tips for women – and TravelBloggerAcademy.com.  In 2012, Darcie fell in love with Argentina after spending 10 weeks exploring Argentina’s wine region of Mendoza and the lively capital city of Buenos Aires.  Follow her on Google +1 and Twitter.

 

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

I can think of something special to say about every region where we offer our bicycle trips, because otherwise we would not be offering them at all. But the region which is most special to me is the Dordogne Valley. The Dordogne River rises in the Central Massif of France and runs westwards towards the Atlantic. This river region is a land where the towns have hardly spread beyond the limits of their ancient walls, and the countryside is untarnished.

Most foreigners visiting the continent of Europe make straight for Paris, and rightly so; no country, save France, could have made Paris. Yet Paris is not France, any more than New York is the United States. The real life of France is elsewhere, especially in the farms and the little country towns. It is only by observing them that one can understand the toughness, the vitality, the resilience of that manner of living and thinking.

The Middle Dordogne runs through the country called Périgord Noir, or Black Perigord. It is a land of delights. These can be summed up as beautiful form, color, and detail. The Dordogne itself is graceful. Here it is not a great river, but a wide and lively stream. It is entirely natural, flowing along with varied current between banks that usually are tree-fringed, curving to meet cliffs or steep slopes from one side of its bed to the other.

It is a colored country. In spring the flowers succeed each other so fast that the hillsides change their tint daily; in the fall the woods hang orange against the blue sky. But the basic color, revealed in the cliffs, in the soil, and in buildings, is that of the rock. Limestone is naturally white. More often, iron and other metals have dyed the stone with a multitude of colors. In some places it is amber, in others pink. In the rays of the setting sun a circle of cliffs will burn as though the rock is on fire.

There is constantly varying detail. Every bend of the river, every turn of the road alters the view. The river holds its trees growing up and down in reflection. A golden village pyramids up to the church tower in steeped red roofs. A castle shows its turrets coquettishly to the valley below, for it was carefully designed to do so.

The highlight, no doubt, is the prehistoric caves near Les Eyzies. I have probably visited the Grottes de Font de Gaume twenty times with our groups, and continue to get goose bumps each time when I have the privilege of admiring them once more. The walls are covered with outlines, bas-reliefs and paintings still faintly visible. There are mammoths, reindeer, horses and most of all bisons, dating from about 25,000 to 15,000 years BC! The techniques of drawing vary, and are peculiarly interesting because they employ many of the devices of stylization used by artists of the post-impressionist and later schools. Some of the beasts are outlined in a heavy black pigment, while the rest of their bodies are colored in red or ochre yellow. In some cases the softness of animal fur is rendered by what seems like blowing the paint on to the rock.

But there are other things to see in this district. Sarlat is one of my favorite little towns in Europe. During Napoleonic times the town was cut from north to south by the ‘Rue de la République’, which turns its shopfronts to the passer-by. But leave it on either hand and you will see why the whole of Sarlat is a “Monument Classé”. Both sides display Sarlat’s treasure of old streets, alleyways and medieval houses. One of the town churches has been turned into stores, with its gargoyles hanging over the market place. That must be one of the most decorative squares in the world, with its irregular shape and buildings of many dates pleasantly harmonized. To be continued...

 

Look for part 2 on Thursday!

I get asked all the time, almost daily actually “Where is your favorite adventure?”  My answer is quite often “canned” - “Why, the last place I visited” or, maybe, “the next place I go.”  We all know that these answers serve little purpose.  Folks ask me for advice because, let’s face it, I’m blessed to have seen a big chunk of the world (actually in reality just the tip of the iceberg, but I keep working at it.)  As I get older, I reflect back on my travels and adventures and really try to think of what or where was my favorite adventure?  That answer recently came to me, and everything just seems to make more sense now.  It was just a few weeks ago… Kasey (my lovely daughter) and I were zip lining across the tree tops in the shadow of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. We were laughing like kids again.  Actually, she was laughing at me, but the fact is we were indeed laughing.  Next it was off to the beaches of Manual Antonio for a break and a few hours of surf lessons (come to think of it, this is really when the laughing hit an all-time high.)  It was on this recent adventure to across Costa Rica that I came to realize it isn’t so much where I travel, but with whom I travel.

 

I am convinced the best part of travel is the memories we create, and the best part about these memories is who we create them with.  There is nothing better than to share my passion for travel with someone who I not only love, but whose company I enjoy.  Personally, for me, it gets even better.  I am fortunate enough to work in the adventure travel business. Better yet, I am blessed to work in this great (a bit crazy at times) industry with my wife and children. In the last 12 months I have had the chance to travel across Europe with my wife Carol (talk about memories… who could forget the rug salesmen in Morocco… I know I would like to,) spend 3 weeks on safari in Namibia with my son Andy (making too many new friends to count,) and most recently, as I mentioned, exploring Costa Rica with Kasey my daughter.

 

So in this case, where is my favorite adventure? Easy, Costa Rica!  Pura Vida (Plenty of Life) as the Costa Ricans say. It is no doubt a beautiful country, with the friendliest and warmest “locals” you can imagine.  The adventures are endless, whether it’s rafting the Pacuare River, kayaking the canals in Tortuguero National Park or just relaxing on the beaches of Manual Antonio, Costa Rica has it all and welcomes travelers like no other country on the planet.  The only question that remains is simple...  who are you bringing with you??

I'll just come out and say, traveling to Europe isn't cheap. When you factor in airfare, hotels, activities, food, guides and transportation... it adds up to be a lot. That is why we've designed a 5 day/4 night Holland bike tour that shows you the highlights of Holland but without the major costs of a luxury adventure vacation. But don't think just because it isn't a luxury tour that you aren't going to get the same Austin-Lehman "WOW" from this trip. This tour includes a local guide, 4 nights accommodation, bikes, transportation, almost all your meals and a visit to the Keunkenhof. When you think of Holland I hope you think of frolicking through the tulips fields, (hopefully it's not just me) but regardless this tour takes you to all the great spots to see the tulips. The Keukenhof is the worlds largest bulb flower park. They have over 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties, 7 million flowers bulbs are planted, more than 2,500 trees in 87 varieties and has 15km of footpaths to enjoy the flowers. I was lucky enough to visit the Keukenhof in 2011 and I was in disbelief at the variety of flowers. I put a few photos down below for your viewing pleasure.

   

Fear not, we don't spend all our time frolicking through the tulips on this tour. We also ride the fietspaden (bike paths) to explore the coastal region of the country and even ride through the dunes outside Zandvoort. Not to mention seeing the famous windmills and canals of this gorgeous country.

  

I think what makes Holland the perfect place for a European bike tour is how flat it is! You get to see so much more of the country when you don't have to worry about struggling up steeps hills and also the diversity of the landscape is quite stunning and unexpected. At least I was blown away by Holland!

Till next time, start thinking Holland Budget for 2013!

Your friendly Holland biker,

Jonathan

Travel the Romantic Roads of Germany

The Romantic Road of Germany was a route created in 1950, as a desperate attempt for Germany to rebuild their tourism. Original visitors were mainly families and friends of the American Soldiers who were based in Southern Germany.  This route, although a newer innovation, passes neatly through historical and medieval towns and points of interests, which has raised foreign interest and touristic appeal for over 62 years now.  The trail from Würzburg to Füssen is a must experience activity during your Europe Adventure Vacation.  What better way to explore this trek through time then upon two wheels, enjoying a relaxing ride through history as you breath in the fresh air and soak up the stories of time. 

Your Europe Bike Trip with Austin Lehman through the Romantic Road will begin in Nördlingen. This is the only remaining walled medieval town in Germany.  Less crowded then the other two major towns makes Nördlingen an appealing place to visit.  The interest around this city only begins with the fact that it is built in the crater of a meteorite with a tower created of the rock that originally formed the massive crater.  Here you can also explore crooked streets, a 14^th century wall, and retreat at the end of the day to your beautiful hotel with modern accommodations.  Linked to the historic wing of the monastery church, the NH Klösterle Nördlingen is located in the center of the old town on the Romantic Road and is the perfect location for a peaceful slumber.  

The next location on your adventure vacation itinerary will include a saunter through Dinkelsbühl, and a nice relaxing ride through pastures and fields of sunflowers to the town of Rothenburg.  Activities also include watching a falcon flight show at the Schillingsfürst Castle, and a nice lunch at the quaint café in front.  When you arrive in Rothenburg you will be in awe of the vibrant cliff-side gardens, amazing art, and fascinating museums.  Stroll through the city during your night tour to learn a bit more about the town, and retreat at the end of the evening to Hotel Markusturm.  A historical customs house back in 1264, Hotel Markusturm is an enchanting location in a medieval town. Eight centuries later, it has been transformed into a hotel for visitors from all over the world.

After leaving the large town of Rotherburg you will then visit another one of the largest towns at Bad Mergentheim.  With its’ days dated back to the Roman era, this spa resort town is a must see marvel when riding the Romantic Roads.  From stories of nights and rebellion to relaxing in 5-star resorts, you have never felt as good as you will in Bad Mergentheim. Next in the town of Wertheim you will pedal beneath a thick forest canopy along the meandering path of the Tauber River.  This medieval village captures the Viking spirit with its’ glassworks, Franconian wine, and history of castles and fortresses.

Your Austin Lehman Adventure will finish off your Europe Bike Trip in the town of Frankfurt.  This is the main metropolis and financial and trade city with some hustle and bustle to get your gears going after your peaceful and relaxing vacation.  Bask in the vastness of the skyscrapers, and find refuge in a local pub.  Explore the history of the city and visit the Kaiserdom.  You may even want to hang out a couple days after your tour to try some brauts and brews at Octoberfest!  A perfect finish to a perfect adventure vacation with Austin Lehman Adventures. 

Check out more pictures from our Romantic Road Bike Tour through Germany on our Pinterest account by clicking here-- Romantic Road Bike Tour

France is such a diverse country from the chic metropolitan city of Paris to the windswept dunes of the Normandy beaches to the lavender fields of Provence to the wineries of Burgundy to the picturesque castles of the Loire Valley.  France truly has something to offer everyone and it is the perfect country for your European cycling tours.  There is no better way to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer than on the two wheels of a bicycle.  Not only do you feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face but you can truly take in all the sights and smells on a whole different level. 

History Rich Brittany/Normandy

Not only are the Brittany and Normandy regions of France phenomenally beautiful but they offer adventurers a bit of a history lesson.  This area is rich in history dating back to the Roman Empire and also played an important role in World War II.  There will be plenty of time to visit the museums, beaches, battlefields and cemeteries.  Rolling through the historic villages you will be amazed by the half-timbered buildings that have endured the test of time.  Stop along the way and enjoy a savory crepe and a locally distilled cider!  There is no better way to journey to the majestic abbey of Mont St Michel than by bicycle.  You will see it far off in the distance and arrive to marvel at its splendor.  A cycling vacation in the Brittany/Normandy region will leave you craving your next trip to France. 

Luscious Provence

Famous for its fragrant lavender fields, jagged Mediterranean coast, charming villages and superb cuisine, Provence is everything you are dreaming of in a French vacation.  There is endless exploring to do in this region.  It has an incredibly rich history dating back to the Stone Age when some of the earliest people to inhabit Europe chose Provence.  How can you blame them?  The Mediterranean coastline is exquisite, beautiful mountains tower in the distance, several rivers meander the countryside and this region has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.  Famous for delicious cuisine, Provence has a flavor distinctly different from some of the other regions in France.  Expect to dine on some incredible seafood, crusty breads with fresh olive tapenade and array of fresh fruits.  Relaxation and enjoying life is hallmark of Provence, so make sure you indulge.  Spend some time people watching at an outdoor café in before taking a laidback stroll through the amazing markets of St Remy.  You will settle right into this leisurely lifestyle and feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time!

Delectable Burgundy

The people who live in this region know the secrets of the “good life” start with amazing food and wine.  You will find no shortage of either on your cycling vacation to the Burgundy region of France.  It is a travelers dream!  The beautiful rolling hills of this region are dotted with picturesque small vineyards, magnificent chateaus and timeworn abbeys.    The quaint villages of Burgundy will invite you to linger and enjoy just one more glass of amazing pinot noir.  While vacationing in this area be sure to sample some of the famous regional cuisine like the Beef Bourguigon, Coq au Vin or the delicious Escagot in a white wine sauce.  This is an incredibly peaceful region of France that invites you to slow down, relax and stay awhile. 

The Enchanted Loire Valley

Spend just a few days cycling through the gorgeous Loire Valley and you will feel enlightened.  This region is famous for its extravagant chateaus and castles, gorgeous gardens and noble history.  Many of the impressive castles in the Loire Valley were once residences of the French Royalty.  They were built in this beautiful river valley because the close proximity to Paris, the pleasant climate, beautiful landscape and amazing growing season.  This region of the country is often called the Garden of France.  Not only will you find plenty of vineyards but you will also cycle past beautiful fruit orchards, fields of artichokes, asparagus and sunflowers.  Spend a few days pedaling through the charming villages, touring the picture perfect chateaus, sampling a few flakey pastries along the way and you will see why this region has been a haven for French royalty, poets, artists and travelers throughout history. 

With its impressive charm, food and wine, indulgent culture France will entice you time and time again.  It is the perfect place for your European cycling tours. 

 

One of the great things about traveling to a new place is getting to try the local cuisine.  When visiting someplace new, one of the most memorable experiences you can have is to try out the local delicacies.  Combining new tastes with travel can be a great way to vividly remember your trip.  Here at the ALA office, we have sampled some pretty crazy dishes that many people would never even think of eating!

1. Smiley- One of the strangest food experiences that Dan had while visiting South Africa was trying a smiley. A smiley is a sheep’s head that is charred on a braai or grill.  The head is grilled until its lips are burned off which leaves the sheep’s head with a big smile!
2. Plátanos Maduros- While Christy was enjoying Costa Rica she also decided to try out this savory local dish also known as Costa Rican fried bananas.
3. Rocky Mountain Oysters- Melissa did not have to venture far from home to find a memorable meal.  Rocky Mountain Oysters are a Montana delicacy.  While eating cow testicles may sound crazy to you, many people in the area go crazy for them!  There are even festivals dedicated to this wild local favorite.
4. Tripe- While in Peru, Mindy decided she would enhance her experience in the country by trying one of the local dishes: Tripe.  For those of you who have not had the opportunity to sample tripe and may be wondering constitutes the meal, Tripe is animal intestines.
5. Horse Meat- In the U.S. horse is somewhat of a taboo food because of the role that they play as pets, but in many countries, this same taboo does not exist.  While visiting Holland, Jon discovered that horsemeat is a tasty, slightly sweet meat that is enjoyed by millions in Europe.
6. Pâté de Foie Gras- This delicacy enjoyed by Carol is a well-known and popular dish in France.  Foie Gras is specially fattened goose or duck liver made into a Pâté. (a spreadable paste) 
7. Alpaca Meat- Enjoyed by both the ancient Incans and Kasey, this dish is not one you can find just anywhere.  To sample this unusual meat Kasey traveled to Ecuador, one of the countries that Alpacas call home.  Alpaca meat is lean and high in protein.

As you can see, the Austin-Lehman office staff likes to indulge in the local cuisine wherever they are traveling. 

Would you ever try any of these unusual meals?  What’s the most unusual dish that you’ve been brave enough to try? Leave a comment and tell us!

Your friendly travel experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

When Talking about European Vacations my head immediately goes to Germany. Not only did my family originate there, which gives it special draw for me, but I feel most at home when I am there! Austin-Lehman offers to cycling tours that take you through the heart of Germany, both follow magnificent rivers, making the cycling easy and enjoyable, the weather idyllic, and the scenery breathtaking!

The first is Germany: Mosel Valley. This is one of our easiest biking tours in Europe, making it perfect for families! Journey along the sparkling waters of the Mosel River as you relax in Germany's abundant wine growing region. Pedaling through the vine covered hills you will follow paths that lead to grand castles, lively market towns, and unknown wine village gems. Discover Germany's fascinating Roman past, taste new wines, and marvel in serene pleasure at the Mosel's timeless charm, oh, and don’t forget the gelato!

The second trip, Germany: Romantic Roads is a little more challenging. Forget ancient folklore as you saddle up for an enchanting visit to Germany's Rhine River as here you will see it all come to life!  One after another you will discover some of Germany’s most delightful towns. Enjoy quiet country roads and bicycle paths, visit wonderful castles and churches and meet the charming people who make this region feel like home.

Austin-Lehman Adventures prides itself on first class customer service, local guides and amazing adventures on all our cycling tours. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to make your vacation one you will never forget. Our motto is "the hardest part is going home" and we strive every day to live up to it! So if you are looking for the best – on all levels, the good news is you’ve arrived!

I hope this entices you to join us on a German excursion this season; there really is no place like it!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy (Vanderhoof) Teini

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!

 

South American wines have really started to come into their own in the wine world in recent years.  Wine lovers around the world are now discovering the high quality wines coming from Chile and Argentina.  With plenty of sunshine, a temperate climate and the gorgeous Andes Mountains as your backdrop, the wine regions of Argentina and Chile are the perfect place to discover your new favorite variety. 

The Argentine Malbecs are deep and fruity, the Chilean Cabernets are rich, complex and have just a hint of green pepper and the coastal Chardonnays are smooth and refreshing.  My personal favorite is a lesser known varietal nearly unique to Chile, the Carmenere.  If there was ever a wine with a great story to tell it would be the Carmenere.   This is actually lost French varietal that was thought to have died out in Europe when the French vineyards were destroyed by disease in the 1800s.  Chilean wine makers actually brought the grape vine to Chile from Bordeaux before the devastation and for years it was growing under the mistaken identity of Merlot.  Some wine producers noticed some of their “Merlot” was a bit different and finally in the 1990s DNA testing of the vines proved it was the long lost varietal from Bordeaux thriving half a world away!  Now if that story does not warrant giving the Carmenere a try, I don’t know what does!    The Chilean Carmenere is aromatic, deep, earthy, cherry-like and perfectly paired with spicy foods or grilled meats.

Wind your way from Mendoza, Argentina to Santiago, Chile tasting fantastic wines and you will find out for yourself why the wine regions of South America are coming up in the world.  It truly is the perfect place for your next wine tour!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

 

 

Is there any better way of experiencing a place than cycling the back roads of a destination? I think not! 

Making your way to Old Faithful Geyser via bike will surely be a memorable part of your Yellowstone National Park vacations.  Cruising the rolling hills of California’s Wine Country, or the sea side trails of the San Juan Islands add an adventurous element to your trip that shouldn’t be missed.  Feeling the breeze on your face as you explore the natural wonders of not only our domestic destinations, but all across the globe, really helps give you a sense of peace and place as you travel.

Biking for vacation can seem overwhelming if you haven't done it before, but once you are on that seat, participating in all the elements around you, I promise, you will soon realize there is nothing better! Imagine pedaling your way through the small villages of Europe, coasting down hills to the salt pans of Peru, or biking the Michelson Trail in South Dakota.  Why not trade your 4 wheels in for 2 and see where it takes you! With so much to see and do I hope you will try incorporating biking into your future adventure vacation packages.

 

Your Friendly Adventure Consultant,

 

Mindy Vanderhoof

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

What better place can there be to reconnect with your spouse than spending a week together in Europe? Austin-Lehman’s cycling tours are especially designed for couples looking for a getaway from their everyday lives. The rich history and diversity of France combined with its enchanting vineyards and world renowned cuisine makes it an ideal adventure vacation. Biking through the magnificent region of Provence will allow couples to experience the perfectly dry weather, picturesque hills and Roman ruins. Walk hand in hand as you view lush landscapes surrounded by olive greens, lavender, sunflowers and vineyards. Get inspired strolling through narrow streets and drawbridges in Arles, all once Van Gogh’s own personal canvas for inspiration.

The two of you will marvel at medieval towers of Uzes while walking through its narrow streets taking in a picture perfect view of the city and surrounding landscapes. A European vacation is a perfect setting for rekindling romance and indulging in some adventure. Roaming around the historical churches, old buildings with amazing Roman archaeology, gorgeous amphitheatre and the narrow streets of Arles has a romantic old world charm.

Women won’t want to miss the market in St.-Remy-de-Provence for the latest high fashion and to shop the exquisite collections of cotton tank tops, beautiful flared skirts and of course cute matching accessories. Enjoy the simple and traditional way of life while savouring a sumptuous meal and a glass of world class local wine on our adventure vacations for couples. The sight of pink flamingos freely hopping around at the natural reserve of the Camargue is simply mesmerizing.

Learn more about our adventures by visiting us online or giving us a call at (800) 575-1540.
 

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.   
 

Engaged couples often find that one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is deciding on the honeymoon. While many grooms want to surprise the bride with the wedding trip destination, brides also want to have a choice in this once in a lifetime trip.

Surely an adventure vacation for couples is just the right type of getaway to inspire tales repeated to children and grandchildren as you grow old and gray together. So at the start of your life together, our adventure tours promise to provide the happy couple with great memories of fun, pampering, dining, biking, hiking, culture and education all wrapped up into one package. We handle every detail including activities, accommodations and dining. The bride and groom just need to be prepared for experiencing everything that their destination of choice has to offer.

Fortunately, there are many journeys to choose from because our travel itineraries include locations in North, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. For Mountain adventure getaways with skiing, kayaking and wilderness exploration, couples will find their choice of Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska or Grand Canyon vacations.

Those who want to experience foreign cultures and breathtaking scenery will find our European vacations  just right for honeymoon vacations. With trips to France, Spain, Italy and more, honeymooners will enjoy biking, gourmet dining and walking through picturesque villages and wineries.

For an unforgettable honeymoon, join us on one of our journeys as you begin your first days together as a married couple.
 

European vacations to Germany surround travelers with beautiful fields and royal castles providing excellent backdrops for picture perfect memories. And Romantic Road offers the perfect course for your journey.

Cycling tours in Europe offer a favorable way to see the quaint villages and famed locations that make up Germany. During your adventure from Nördlingen out to Wertheim, you will journey down the famous Romantic Road, Germany’s Middle Age trade road. This medieval route runs through expansive countryside and charming villages while providing beautiful views of unspoiled nature and half-timbered houses. Enjoy biking to the lively village of Rothenburg, the epitome of German cities. Here, you might find a festival and even handcrafted souvenirs. Speaking of festivals, if you like jazz, you’re sure to find great Jazz festivals and clubs in Germany.

When it’s just about time to call it a night, enjoy a home brewed beer and try a mouthwatering dish of bratwurst. Then, retire to your cozy room at a storybook type location in the Hotel Markusturm, which was built as a customs house in the late 1200s.

Call today or browse our online catalog to plan your perfect vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures and prepare for your vacation of a lifetime. Adventure tours through Germany are simply magnificent.
 

Cycling tours through Europe offer an unrivaled journey into the heart and soul of the people and places that make up this amazing continent. Where else in the world is it possible to go back in time and see actual castles, medieval village and museums to honor them all in one location?

Biking through the small villages gives travelers an opportunity to encounter Europe in a way that typical tourist tours never can. Everything is crystal clear with the warm sun on your back, green fields in sight and a cooling breeze blowing across your face. By cycling, you take in all the sights and sounds you miss when traveling by car, and that’s definitely something that you’ll cherish forever.

Because so much of the population in European towns bike as well, you’ll find it’s easy to meet new friends along the way. Our bike adventure vacations offer you the opportunity to sit back, relax and pedal your way through your trip. We handle all the fine details to make it a memorable trip – like activities, lodging and food. You bring the enthusiasm and gusto for sightseeing, taking it easy and enjoying yourself.

Learn more about our exciting adventure travel by bike to destinations across the globe by requesting our catalog at (800) 575-1540 or visiting us online.
 

Our guides are at the heart of every one of our adventure vacations. Their experience and personalities make our guests feel right at home even when they are miles from home. And every one of them no matter what activity they lead or expertise they share, all enjoy guiding our clients into their great outdoor adventure.

Our goal with every adventure travel itinerary we plan is to make sure that each guest has the experience of a lifetime. With small groups and a 6 to 1 ratio of guides to guests, each one of our adventure tours provides an intimate and personal journey meant to create a special time for everyone participating.

Using guides with so much expertise in the secret, untouched places at each destination means that you will share in an experience far away from the crowds. Treating each guest as a VIP means that we take customer service very seriously. Your vacation adventure guide is part of our family and wants to ensure that you feel like a member as well.

Let Austin-Lehman exceed your expectations on your next vacation with adventure vacation packages to Canada, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. Give us a call today or visit our travel site online.
 

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