brief itinerary
DAY 1 Join Bolzano
DAY 2 Cycle to Trento along the Adige (70km)
DAY 3 Cycle and boat to Lake Garda South(50km) CAT A or Cycle to Ala/Rivalta (45-60km) CAT B
DAY 4 Cycle to historical Verona (50-65km)
DAY 5 Cycle to Vicenza via Monti Berici (70km)
DAY 6 Cycle past Venetian villas to Abano Terme (35km)
DAY 7 Cycle to Marghera/Mestre (50km)
DAY 8 Trip concludes

trip dates:  Weekly on Fridays and Saturdays from 2 Apr to 9 Oct and every Thursday from 6 May to 2 Sep

INCLUDED:
•7 breakfasts
•7 nights 3 star accommodation on a twinshare basis in low season (3 to 4 star (A) upgrade available – price variation applies)
•bicycle, 21 speed with waterproof bags
•luggage transfer
•boat transfer on Lake Garda (with 3 to 4 star (A) upgrades only)
•information kit including detailed maps, sightseeing references
•7 day service hotline
•signposting of route

Note: high season is during July & August and a supplement applies

countries involved:italy

trip activity:cycling – self guided
trip grading:moderate
duration:8 days
2010 price:from £730.00

Stephanie will assist with the booking of this fantastic and scenic cycle trip through the historic Veneto region and assist with the Interantional airfares which are excluded in this trip.

031 769 1305  info@afircagetaways.co.za

The Canal du Midi was built by Pierre Paul Riquet in the 17th Century, overcoming great obstacles to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic through the Garonne Canal. The best way to experience all facets of the canal is by bike. Stretching 240kms from Toulouse to Sete, the canal travels through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural treasures. Discover the legends of the Cathars as you cycle to Carcassonne, one of Europes most impressive medieval cities. Take in the pretty tree lined canal scenery with small villages to explore and a feast of culinary delights to sample each day. At days end your luggage awaits you in a range of specially chosen family run hotels and with the relaxed pace of the cycling there will be time for sightseeing or soaking up the atmosphere in a local café.
BRIEF ITINERARY

DAY 1 Arrive Toulouse
DAY 2 Cross the ‘Lauragais’ countryside to Castelnaudary (60km)
DAY 3 Cycle through Cathar country to Carcassonne (45km)
DAY 4 Cycle between the Aude River and the canal to Homps (45km)
DAY 5 Cycle along the ‘Canal de la Robine’ to Narbonne (45km)
DAY 6 Visit the Malpas tunnel and ancient hill town of Oppidum d’Enserune enroute to Béziers (50km)
DAY 7 Cycle to the Mediterranean town of Agde (30km)
DAY 8 Trip concludes

   
TRIP DATES:  Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

•7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
•6 nights in 2 star hotels and 1 night in a 3 star hotel with private facilities on a twin share basis
•luggage transfers between hotels
•route guide, itineraries, maps
•bike rental: 21- or 24-speed bike with pump, repair kit, lock and panniers

CALL Stephanie for a quote on this 1st class self –guided cycling Tour.
031 769 1305
Info@africagetaways.co.za

LOCHS AND BENS

The Scottish Highlands have long been a favoured destination for cyclists and walkers keen to experience the mountain peaks, shimmering lochs and pretty glens. During this week long trip, you will take the backroads and country paths where cycle touring is pleasurable. Enroute you will visit charming historic towns such as Dunkeld, picturesque Highland villages such as Fortingall and the peaceful lochside towns of Kenmore and Killin. A rest day at Killin is included to allow you time to visit the Falls of Dochart, sail the Loch or walk up Ben Lawers. En route there are opportunities to take a forest walk or visit one of the many castles and ancient monuments found along the way.
 
Countries involved:  Scotland
Trip activity:   cycling – self guided
Trip grading: moderate
Duration: 8 days

2010 price: from  £530.00

Trip dates:   Departs daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Brief Itinerary:
DAY 1 Join Perth

DAY 2 Cycle to Dunkeld (28/42km)

 DAY 3 Cycle to Aberfeldy (29/31km)

DAY 4 Cycle to Killin (39km)

DAY 5 Rest day Killin

DAY 6 Cycle to Fortingall (26/34/53km)

DAY 7 Cycle to Pitlochry (30km)

 DAY 8 Trip concludes
What’s Included:
• 7 breakfasts
•7 nights in 3 or 4 star guesthouses on a twinshare basis with private facilities
•tour information including maps and routes
•24 speed bikes equipped with rear pannier bags, helmet, pump, tool kit, lock, map holder, cycle computer, water bottle
•luggage transportation
•emergency support

EXPLORE THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE: Stephanie will assist with all your travel arrangements.

One of the most picturesque regions of France, Alsace is also one of the most cycle-friendly. Designated bike paths and quiet country back roads provide a perfect passage along the Rhine passing Hansel and Gretel style houses overlooked by imposing medieval castles. There is plenty of opportunity to explore the cobblestone streets of quaint villages and marvel at the impressive Romanesque and Baroque churches. Gastronomic delights are plentiful in this corner of France and you can sample some of Alsace’s finest produce as you travel through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. The unusual and stunning ‘balloons’ or round topped hills provide beautiful vistas of the Alsatian region. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of what can only be described as a wine-lovers’ wonderland.
Daily departures except Sunday from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

COUNTRIES INVOLVED: France
Activity: self – guided cycle tour
Grading: Moderate
Duration: 8 days
2010 Price: from GBP 890.00
        Single Person GBP 189 extra
       3 to 4 star hotels upgrade supplement  GBP 340 extra
       Single person 3to 4 star hotels GBP 327 extra

Itinerary Summary

DAY 1 Arrive Strasbourg
DAY 2 Cycle to Sand or Hutenheim along the Rhône-Rhine canal (46 or 52km)
DAY 3 Cycle to Colmar via Ebersmunster (59 or 65km)
DAY 4 To Ottmarsheim (49 or 61km)
DAY 5 Cycle to Guebwiller in the foothills of the Vosges (55km)
DAY 6 Cycle to Riquewhir (40km)
DAY 7 To Obernai (54km)
DAY 8 To Strasbourg via Avolsheim and the banks of the Bruche Canal (41km), trip concludes Strasbourg

 Included:
•7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
•5 nights in 2 star hotels and 2 nights in 3 star hotels both with private bathroom on a twinshare basis (Upgrade available to 3 & 4 star hotels – supplement applies)
 •luggage transport between hotels
•map, travel documentation & road book
•21-speed rental bike, equipped with luggage carrier, rear panniers, pump, anti-theft device & repair kit
Note: upgrade to 3 & 4 star hotels follows a slightly different itinerary. See trip notes for details.

INTERESTED in this glorious trip – Call Stephanie to make your booking and to assist with booking airfare.

Sardinia’s south-west corner is a picture book of natural wealth. Our Sardinian cycling holiday will take you through expanses of vineyards and olive groves, oak wooded valleys with unique archaeological remains, high rugged cliffs dotted with Spanish watchtowers, splendid beaches and secluded coves with a background beauty of outstanding colours, perfumes and crystal clear emerald seas.

The detailed road books and maps take you along a route that combines undulating country lanes, coastal roads, and plenty of time to explore, whilst the luggage is transferred for you from place to place. The cycling is gently paced and with long summer days there is plenty time to immerse yourself in this wonderful island.

Sardinia prides itself for the production of organic foods… cheeses, wines, countless varieties of breads, cured meats, saffron, juicy sun ripe fruits and much more. Our cycling holiday here will take you on a journey of flavours, with the opportunity to stop and visit wineries, farms, traditional bakeries, fisheries, olive oil mills…  Combine this with the prevailing scent of Mediterranean herbs and with this cycling holidaybyou have a true journey of the senses! 

Accommodation during your cycling holiday is a selection of quality Agriturismi, B&B and small hotels, serving home made succulent dishes  with wine included

Duration: 8 days
Grade: Grades 2 – 3
Bike Hire £140.00
Single Room Option £140.00
Holiday DetailsPlace to place
7 nights Agriturismo/small hotels
50% meals provided
6 days riding
Luggage transfers, Road book
Route maps provided
Airport transfers
Tours start daily
Minimum two people

THE COST FOR THIS SELF GUIDED BIKING HOLIDAY    GBP 760 pp  (excluding airfares)

ITALY – LAKE GARDA

Sheer peaks rise vertically from the vast lake, abundant vineyards fill the valleys, castles and cobbled streets abound – this is the backdrop to some of the most varied, exciting and technically thrilling mountain biking in Europe. For the mountain bike enthusiast, Lake Garda really does have it all. And we have the very best guides in the region to show you the best of it.

Tour Highlights:

•Fully guided by multilingual, professional leaders
•Uplifts for the two highest mountain rides
•Superb accommodation, right on the northern lakeshore
•Italian food, wine and hospitality

Overview

Voted “Best Mountain Bikers Destination in The World”, Lake Garda is certainly one of the most stunning places anyone could hope to explore by bike. The peaks, which rise over 2000m out of the Lake, are crossed by superb tracks and trails, providing enjoyment and challenge for all kinds of mountain bikers.

 We stay at the best 3 star mountain bikers hotel in the area, a place where you could easily bump into Cedric Gracia or Christoph Sauser, for example, as this is their favourite spot when they come here to ride and train. We’re just minutes from the beach and right amongst the restaurants and bike shops – we can also explore the best of the trails right from our doorstep. Sometimes we ride out, sometimes we take boats across the Lake to our rides, sometimes we use vehicles to get high into the mountains and finish right down by the lake. This trip is packed with variety.

These tours have 2 guides to give extra flexibility (unless tour numbers drop below 8, then there is one guide). One will be the Italian 24hr Mountain Bike Enduro Champion, Carlo Argentieri – he lives in Riva del Garda and is a qualified instructor who knows the local area inside out. The other will be one of his most senior assistant guides – also multilingual and a fully qualified and experienced leader.

Duration:
8 days
Saturday to Saturday

The biking:
6 days, centre based
Two professional guides
Fitness grade 3 & 4
Skill grade C
Group size 6 – 12

SUMMARY ITINERARY

This is a sample itinerary only as the guides will select the best rides for each day, depending on the group, the weather and other factors.

Day 1 (Saturday). Fly to Milan Bergamo airport then transfer to our hotel in Torbole, on the northern shore of Lake Garda.

Day 2. Valley of Castles ride taking in Arco, the Dro Valley, Naroncolo Gorge and the cliffs of Monte Brento.

Day 3. High mountain ride to the Crags of Pichea, visit a mountain refuge and descend to Lake Garda.

Day 4. Vehicle uplift for the Mont Altissimo ride, exploring singletrack trails high above the eastern Garda shore.

Day 5. A flexible ride day, rest day or chance to go sailing, windsurfing or walking.

 Day 6. Monte Velo ride, or boat to Limone for a western- Garda xc epic.

Day 7. Mont Tremalzo ridge ride with vehicle uplift and stunning descent to the lake.

Day 8 (Saturday). Tranfer to Milan Bergamo for flights home.

 What’s included:
7 nights high standard hotel accommodation
Two professional mtb guides
All breakfasts
Airport transfers
Vehicle uplifts for 2 rides

Trip dates:
2010
14 to 21 August
18 to 25 September
9 to 16 October

Optional Extras:
Single room guarantee £210
Bike rental approx £90 to £160
Extra airport transfer approx £250
(contact us for rail transfer info)

Cost for the ITALY – LAKE GARDA MOUNTAIN BIKING HOLIDAY  GBP 925  (Excluding airfare)

AFRICA GETAWAYS will assist with the booking for this fantastic holiday and will assist with the booking of the airfare.

Discover some of the finest flowing singletrack in the Alps, hidden deep in the Karavanke region of northern Slovenia. From a beautiful wooden farmhouse on the rolling, open hills you can explore ancient forests, mountains and traditional villages on seldom touched trails.

Tour Highlights:

•Flowing singletrack and stunning ridge riding
•Gorgeous farmhouse accommodation
•The best local and international guides
•Ride variations for mixed ability groupst
The Karavanke Alps cut right across northern Slovenia, a seldom explored land of beautiful mountains, sleepy villages and amazing mountain bike trails. This hidden corner of Alpine Europe is covered in ancient tracks, walking paths and mule trails that used to cut across the peaks and passes between mountain villages. Abandoned and unused many of these trails grew over and became wild forests and alpine meadows, until very recently.

Local mountain bikers, who are our partners and guides, worked hard to clear many old paths and put together routes which combine amazing singletrack, real mountain challenges and visits to the best little farms for traditional lunches and drinks. The result – quite possibly the best unsung mountain bike destination in Europe.

The accommodation for this holiday is a beautiful, traditional Slovenian tourist farm. As well as great rooms and locally produced, organic food there’s a pool, large open lawns, spacious deck and stunning views across the rolling green valleys. It’s the perfect place to come back to after a great day mountain biking on the best singletrack trails.

Duration:
8 days
Saturday to Saturday

The biking:
7 days, centre based
Two professional guides
Fitness grade 2/3
Skill grade B/C
Group size 6 – 12

What’s included:
7 nights high quality accommodation
Two guides for all rides
7 breakfasts
5 dinners
Airport transfers
Vehicle uplifts for some rides
Afternoon tea and cakes on 5 biking days
SUMMARY ITINERARY

Day 1 (Saturday). Fly to Graz or Ljubljana where we collect you and bring you to our hotel in Crna na Koroskem.

Day 2. Podpetza Mountain ride on the ridgeline singletrack through Santa Helena village.

Day 3. Panorama Tour around mount Olsheva to the stunning Logarska Valley.

Day 4. Green Volcano ride through lush forests on the very joining point of the European and African continental plates.

Day 5. Rest day with optional morning ride on the Motnik Miners Singletrack.

Day 6. Riding beneath Mount Petza in the morning then Jani’s Wild Ride in the afternoon.

Day 7. Underground biking through Mount Podpetza followed by the incredible singletrack trails of the White Valley.

Day 8. Tranfer to the airport for flights home.

Further Info
Slovenia adopts the Euro in 2007 so you may not need to visit a bank if you already have these. If not then there is a bank in the centre of the village where you can withdraw money using your cashcard.

STEPHANIE  at  AFRICA GETAWAYS will assist all books and  the flights for this amazing trip

CYCLING HOLIDAYS FITNESS AND SKILLS GRADE 

The ability grading system used for our holidays and courses has been developed out of client and guide feedback over many years. It is a bit more detailed than most people use, but we’ve found that it is much more useful.

We give grades for two different things:
•Fitness level required
•Mountain biking skill level required
Why separate the two?
If you look at a “Core Skills” mountain biking weekend you have to be reasonably fit, because we are riding in the mountains, but can have little or no previous mountain biking experience. To mountain bike in some destinations where we can provide vehicle uplifts might only require the same level of fitness, but the trails could be steep, rocky and demand high levels of mountain biking skill. How would we get this across with one grade? Badly, we think!

Do remember that grades are still just an indicator, and if you want to talk about your suitability for a certain trip please give us a call.
 

Fitness for all holidays

We use levels 1 to 4:

1 Basic fitness from exercise once or twice per week. Can ride on flat or gently rolling terrain at a steady pace. Usually have the stamina to spend 2-4 hours out on a ride.

2 Moderate fitness from two or three sessions of exercise each week. Can ride hilly terrain at a steady pace, or more demanding terrain but only for shorter rides.

3 Good fitness from regular exercise sessions and time spent actively involved in cycling. Can ride full days in any terrain at a steady pace.

4 Excellent fitness from regular training and a significant amount of time spent riding or racing. Can ride in any terrain at a demanding pace.

 Skills for MTB courses and holidays

We use levels A-D:

A No experience of mountain biking or limited experience, mainly on gravel tracks or smooth trails, but can already cycle.

B Can ride with confidence on gravel tracks and trails, over loose stones and some rough ground. May have some experience of man-made singletrack trails and feel happy on blue and red routes (in the UK).

C Can ride over most normal terrain including steep, rough, narrow tracks with tree roots and other small obstacles forming part of the normal ride. Confident on all man-made singletrack trails and will be able to ride most small drops/step-downs or other technical trail features.

D Can ride over any terrain including very rocky, severe descents, 2+ foot high drop-offs and other more challenging trail features.

Mountain biking holidays come in all shapes and sizes – from quick weekend escapes in the UK or on the best Spanish singletrack to a Cuban journey or trans-Andean adventure.

In every case your holiday relies on careful planning to ensure that the rides are right for your level of skill and fitness. They also rely on us knowing just where to find the best mountain bike routes and mix them with great local sights, cultural interest, superb food and accommodation that you can really look forward to after a great day out.

Small group sizes are a key feature of all our holidays, as are multiple guides for many tours to improve flexibility and safety. When needed we’ll provide additional services like backup vehicles, uplift services, expert local guides or drivers and so on – whatever it takes to create the perfect holiday experience.

Guided cycle tours let you enjoy the best of a country with expert leadership and support from our highly experienced guiding team. Unlike many companies we do not rely solely on local guides, but prefer to send professional, Qualified UK guides to work with them.

This combination of skills lets you benefit from the highest standards of service and safety in the cycle holiday industry. Our commitment to local staff sees us spending time developing their leadership, mechanics and other cycle skills, while they help us – and our clients – to learn more about the country, the culture and so much more besides. The additional flexibility brought to you by having multiple guides allows us to offer many holidays with multiple trip grades, with flexible ride choices on many days. This is further enhanced by the presence of support vehicles that travel with many tours.

Self-guided cycling holidays let you enjoy some wonderful cycle rides while we transport your bags, organise accommodation and plan the best routes. Each self-guided tour is created with real care, so you get the best cycling and best service possible along the way. On many of the cycle rides you can book alone and meet like-minded cyclists, or come with friends or large groups and have the freedom to enjoy your cycle holiday at your own pace.

Day 1 (Saturday) SPLIT -Solta Island (approx. 25 km / 15 miles of cycling)

Check in up until 13.00 h in Split harbour. Our first destination is the island of Solta. Next to walled-in fields you can see olive groves, fig trees, and carob trees. The many lavender and rosemary plants give the island its spicy scent. In the evening you will ferry over to Brac Island and spend the night in the harbor of Milna, whose picturesque natural stone houses form the border of a deep bay.

Day 2 (Sunday) Brac Island (approx. 45 km / 28 miles of cycling)

This first stage begins with a long, but even climb to the crest of a hill, past mulberry and fig trees, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards. The famous Vugaca (white) and Murvica (red) come from this island. The white marble visible here was used for, among other things, the White House in Washington and the Reichstag building in Berlin. The breathtaking panoramic views of the neighbouring island of Hvar on the descent to the beach at Bol are well worth the effort of the ascent. In Bol one can see the Golden Horn, a sand spit whose point turns from one side to the other with the wind. After a break for swimming and a stroll through Bol, the ship heads for Hvar, the longest Adriatic island. It anchors for the night in Jelsa harbour.

Day 3 (Monday) Hvar Island (Jelsa – Hvar, approx 25 km)
The island of Hvar is above all famous for its multicoloured fields of rosemary and lavender. It is sometimes called the lavender island. Olives hang on the trees, and in Autumn the oranges shine in the sun. The clear blue sea contrasts beautifully with the ancient cities of Hvar. Hvar also receives more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the Adriatic (2718 hours a year). This stage makes its way through the many small villages of the island with their picturesque stone houses. The tour stops at the historical city of Hvar. As well as the Cathedral the city contains many late Gothic palaces. There is an opportunity to visit the cathedral and the historical Theatre. In the evening the ships moves to the island of Kor?ula.

Day 4. (Tuesday) Korcula Island (approx. 45 km / 28 miles of cycling)
The peaceful and secluded gardens of Cypress trees here make Korcula perhaps the most beautiful of the Adriatic islands. The tour travels to Blato, a city which like Rome was built on seven hills. We continue over a 300m / 980 ft high street to Smokvica, which along with Venice, proclaims to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. The destination is the medieval town of Korcula with its narrow winding streets. Here we spend the night on board the ship.

Day 5 (Wednesday) Mljet island National Park (approx. 20 km / 12 miles)
The island of Mljet is also known as Honey-Island. In the twelfth century Benedictine created a monastery here, beautifully secluded, and surrounded by pine and oak forests. Today this area is a National Park and the highpoint of any tour of Dalmatian. The pine forest here is one of the most spectacular in the Mediterranean region. On the bikes we tour around the saltwater-lake, in which there is actually another island. The ship brings you that evening to the Peljesac peninsula.

Day 6 (Thursday) Peljesac Peninsula – Makarska (approx. 30 km / 18 miles)
Peljesac is certainly a peninsula, strictly speaking, but life here is very much like that on an island. In the morning the cycle-tour leads you into the backcountry and past the most famous wine growing area in Dalmatian (the delightful Dingac comes from here) and on to Orebic. On an idyllic day we cycle on until we get to a climb that brings us up to almost 1,000 ft above sea-level. From here you will enjoy a magnificent view to the neighbouring island Korcula. A downhill of almost 4 miles leads to Loviste, a small town in the north of the island, where lunch will be served on the ship. Our boat brings us to popular holiday resort Makarska on the base of the 5,500 ft high Biokovo mountain range. The rocks of that impressive mountain make the Makarska coast so impressive, since they reach right to the waterline.

Day 7 (Friday) Omis – Split Trogir (ca. 58 km / 36 miles)
Another bike tour on the mainland leads us from Omis along the valley of the Cetina river right underneath the Mosor mountains. We will pedal in landscapes with quickly changing characters while small and quiet roads lead us back to the important city of Split, where you can   make a  tour of the important Roman Diocletian-Palace. After a relaxed city walk in this world-wide unique historic town return on our boat.

Day 8 (Saturday)
After breakfast disembarkment.

NOTE – BIKE ROUTES have most days BREAKFAST and DINNER as HALF BOARD meals with possible exceptions on certain days (will be communicated by the guide during the cruise)

PLEASE NOTE: The Captain reserves the right to change the route due to weather and sea conditions or to ensure the boat stays on schedule. The boats have an onboard motor which is used for the majority of the time rather the sails.

DEPARTURES FOR THIS BIKE & BOAT ADVENTURE START IN APRIL 2011 – Contact Stephanie 031 769 1305 to obtain an accurate quotation
* Includes Bike rental for the whole week.

Compulsory surcharges, payable direct only:
• Visitor’s tax & port charges: EUR 16 (±R200 pps)
• Park entry fees (where appl): from EUR 10 (from ±R125, amount will depend on the park)
Other optional surcharges:
• Upgrade to Category A+ cabins (available on KL2 route): R1800 pp
• Drink supplement: R240 pp per week (incl. choice of 1 drink-glass of wine, 1 beer or 1 soft drink with lunch)
• English breakfast supplement*: R600 pp per week
• Full board supplement: R1320 pp per week (min 10 pax req)
• Captain’s dinner suppl: R375
*The continental breakfast in price of the cruise includes: coffee, tea, milk, glass of juice, cereal, bread, a variety of spreads- butter, honey, jam, soft cheese; every day there is an addition such as ham and cheese or hard boiled eggs, frankfurters, salami etc
The English breakfast supplement will then add 2 eggs, bacon, tomato and mushrooms, or fruit & yoghurt, or similar.

What’s onboard a Classic boat?
Travelling on a sometimes masted, rigged wooden sailing boat (with onboard motor power) with a range of facilities including dining area and plenty of deck space to enjoy the spectacular views and sea breeze, you’ll be in the company of like-minded travellers. Relax as you let the captain and his support crew look after your needs. An onboard cook prepares breakfast and lunch each day, whilst in the evening, we offer you the chance to explore dining options at our numerous ports of call.

Individual boat design varies slightly from craft to craft, but all sailing boats offer a range of cabin types (some top deck, some on main deck and some below), comfortably accommodating 2 persons or at a squeeze, 3. An exclusive feature of the classic boat is that all cabins offer – private en suite bathrooms. Additionally classic boats offer towels, plenty of hot water, board games and ample shaded and sun deck space to lounge about! Should you require a triple cabin, please contact us for further information and availability. As the cruise offers no guided sightseeing, it is entirely up to you how you enjoy each port of call. Relax or explore? The choice is yours!