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2010 Guided Tours
Virginia
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Potomac Heritage Odyssey, September 11-18
Please join us on this inaugural bike tour of newly mapped sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Our bike tour will start in Alexandria on the banks of the Potomac and end in Reedville on the Chesapeake Bay, as we follow the Potomac River flowing through some of the most historically rich landscape in America. Our journey will take us to Mount Vernon, the Civil War battlefields in Fredericksburg, the birthplace of our 5th President James Monroe, the birthplace of George Washington, the home of the Lees in Virginia at Stratford Hall, and many other historic and cultural landmarks. The biking is leisurely and the daily mileage allows ample time for hiking, river adventures, or wine tasting along the way. The tranquil backroads of Virginia’s Northern Neck were made for bicycling. Unique accommodations, full-support, scenic routes, small-group camaraderie, special education opportunities, and serendipitous adventures will make this truly an epic journey.
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International
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Quebec Explorer + Montreal Bike Fest, June 3-9
Tour is full.
The official 2010 tourism guides for the Quebec Eastern Townships and Montréal both depict bicyclists on their covers. This is no coincidence – this international, vibrant city and the charming countryside are extremely "bike friendly". Add the infectious "joie-de-vie" of the French-speaking Québécois that rubs off on visitors and you have the perfect biking getaway. This tour starts off with the world’s largest weekend bike festival - the Montréal Bike Fest. Monday morning we leave Montréal by bike and glide through the tranquil Quebec countryside enjoying the multi-cultural tapestry of Monteregie and the Eastern Townships. This region was first settled by Scotch and Irish loyalists during the American Revolution, and then by French Canadians. This is a wonderful international tour without crossing the Atlantic!
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Denmark, August 5-13
Tour is full.
The land of Vikings, fairytales, and castles beckons us to slow down and experience "island life" at its best – the Danish way by bike. The islands of Funen and Aero provide quintessential Danish countryside, culture, and hospitality. Along the way we will visit a Viking ship museum, some of the best preserved castles in Europe, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, wonderful churches, inviting beaches, and vibrant Copenhagen.
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A Guided Tour Vacation
We encourage cyclists of all abilities – from cautious beginners to triathletes – to experience the wonders of bicycle touring. The Virginia Odysseys philosophy is that anyone can enjoy our unique vacations. Our Guided Tours make traveling with Virginia Odysseys a breeze! We do the expert planning and make all the reservations so that you can enjoy the relaxed, carefree vacation you deserve.
Total Support Service
Our van carries all of your luggage, and even you if you want to "rest-a-spell." Typically, our support van stops at pre-determined rest stops every 10 miles or so. There you will find plenty of water, fruit, and other goodies to replenish your energy. The van carries our lunch on days we have picnic lunches. Van stops are great for any mechanical adjustments. Your expert guides will keep your bike rolling effortlessly during your vacation.
Caring Guides
Put your trust in our guides. Each Guided Tour will have two guides who enjoy being historians, mechanics, leaders, entertainers, and gourmet picnic providers. Their goal is simply to make your biking vacation the best ever.
Several Route Options
Typically, each day has several mileage options. You choose the mileage that is right for you. Occasionally, some shorter mileages involve taking a van shuttle for part of the route. Each cyclist will receive a cue sheet with detailed directions along with a color highlighted map noting landmarks, historic places, and local "must sees." With your map case on your handlebar, you won’t get lost – unless you intentionally want to go exploring!
Set Your Own Pace
It’s your vacation so you always cycle at your own pace. Stop to take as many photos as you like and consult your wildflower guide to identify the "weeds" growing alongside the country lane.
A bicycling vacation is the perfect way to slow down. As a cyclist you absorb the environment using all of your senses. You are no longer a passive spectator, but instead actively and magically blend with your surroundings.
Most of our vacations are designed for all abilities. More advanced riders simply loop out further, or add a side excursion, to obtain additional miles. These optional loops may include a mountain goat challenge for riders fantasizing about riding the Tour de France!
Wonderful Groups
The group size on our Guided Tours varies from 12-20. Our cyclists come from all over the U.S. and foreign countries. Are you seeking the spontaneous happenings of a fun-loving group who has just met each other; or quiet moments alone with nature to reflect on the world, or to read a good book? You can choose when to join the adventuresome gang, or when to steal away for some quiet time.
Off-the-Bike Activities
White water rafting, canoeing and kayaking, ballooning, sailing, hiking, croquet, and tennis are offered as options if available. Concerts, wine-tastings, guided walking tours and more are all a part of Virginia Odysseys vacations.
In A Nutshell . . .
The distillation of our philosophy translates easily in four words – relaxation, exercise, education, and fun! We hope you will journey with us on one of our guided adventures this year.
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