Boulder,
CO -- Anyone can fly to France or Italy. It's what comes after the
flight that transforms a European adventure into something truly memorable.
And nobody can beat the biking, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and
hot-air ballooning that The World Outdoors has scheduled on the two
newest additions to its 2004 calendarmulti-sport adventures to
Provence, France and Tuscany, Italy.
Sun-drenched Provence, land of endless pleasures, beckons as the ideal
location for a luxury adventure getaway. Participants in this The World
Outdoors' French adventure will experience prosperous market towns,
world-renowned wine and cuisine, and majestic landscapes. Guests will
bicycle on quiet farm roads surrounded by olive groves and vineyards,
hike through vineyard-carpeted valleys, and enjoy fragrant orchards,
countless Roman ruins and quaint hill towns glowing in the warm Provencal
light.
The seven-day tour begins in Avignon with a delightful walking tour along the banks of the River Rhone. The next two days are spent cycling through the plains of Camargue to Arles, the former capital of the province, or riding horseback through the stunning countryside. Another cycling trip ends up in St-Remy-de-Provence on the fourth day, where guests will retrace the steps of Vincent van Gogh and explore magnificent stone quarries. A hike through the Alpilles hills leads to the geological formation of Les Deux. (Bike enthusiasts can opt for another biking adventure.) The fifth day features a day spent biking through the French countryside exploring medieval castles and Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of the ancient world. The last two days are spent out and about near the peaceful village of Arpaillargues, where bicycling options abound, along with kayak or canoe trips down the spectacular Gardon River.
With six departure dates and a moderately easy to moderate rating, this French vacation is sure to tempt even the most discerning multi-sport adventurer.
Chic and steeped in culture, Tuscany charms its visitors with lush landscape
and mouth-watering cuisine. Guests on this adventure will cycle rural
roads along gently terraced hills, through vineyards and among olive
groves, with plenty of time to appreciate the region's timeless beauty
and historic art treasures; hike with friendly locals on scenic footpaths
that wind through the glorious countryside while experiencing the wonders
and elegance of Italy at its finest; and relax in the evenings at small
luxury hotels noted for their personal service. An optional hot-air
balloon ride only adds to the allure of this offering.
Begin this seven-day trip in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, with an insightful walking tour and an amazing night spent at one of the city?s most prestigious hotels. The next three days feature cycling through the hills of Chianti Classico, with a picnic beside an olive grove; a wine tasting and tour; a cozy night spent in Siena, a mystical and passionate art center with narrow Gothic streets, palaces and patrician mansions; and the optional hot-air balloon ride. Day Five is spent cycling from Siena to San Gimignano, and Day Six features a bike ride to Artimino, home to the famous Medici Villa of the Hundred Chimneys and one last night in Italy, spent in a 16th century villa.
With four departure dates and a moderate rating, this Tuscany treasure makes discovering Italy so much more than simply sightseeing.
The World Outdoors is in the business of making dreams come true and
sharing hidden, off-the-beaten-path adventures with their guests. Committed
to providing the highest quality trips, outstanding personal service,
unmatched value, and the strongest regard for safety, these experts
provide one-of-a-kind experiences to everyone that travels with them.
These new 2004 European multi-sport offerings certainly continue that
incredible tradition. For more information about these unique European
multi-sport adventures, as well as other The World Outdoors' adventures,
call 1-800-488-8483 or visit www.TheWorldOutdoors.com.
