Biking trips with B&R are, simply, the best.
You travel under your own steam, all your senses awake as you take in your surroundings. Of course, the youthful thrill of coasting along a great downhill doesn’t hurt, either. Add the B&R support van and a few great stops along the way, and you’ve got an unparalleled adventure.
DAY IN THE LIFE: Biking
8:21 am
How is it they make the best coffee in Italy? Cappuccino for me and a caffè latte for my partner as our guide talks us through the plan for today.
9:21 am
Arriving in Otsuni, La Citta Bianca, we’re blinded by its whitewashed walls. Paola, our local guide, explains the old town is painted annually with lime to keep the buildings cool. Sure looks cool to me…
11:08 am
The dentist from Austin proves to be a good cyclist for me to keep pace with…or maybe he should be keeping pace with me. (No wonder my daughter calls me competitive.)
12:41 pm
Lunch is absolutely sublime—and I NEVER use that word. An unbelievable setting among ancient olive groves makes the simple but delicious local spread my favourite meal so far. I watch my intake though, with plans to overtake that dentist.
2:32 pm
The rolling vineyards and stonewalls eventually give way to the Adriatic. Seaside breeze is welcome, as will that cold beer poolside I’m anticipating.
4:18 pm
Rolling into the hotel, I spy my wife who is already poolside. I announce my arrival with a perfectly placed cannonball. The dripping dentist smiles wryly. Maybe not my best idea…
6:36 pm
Gathering for pre-dinner drinks, we’re surprised by a local magician, whose mediocre magic is eventually explained, when it turns out to be our guide in costume presenting us with B&R jerseys. Where do they find these crazy-fun people?!
8:23 pm
Off to town for dinner at the the region’s hippest restaurant. Fresh seafood, crisp local wines and our dapper host Leo make it a memorable night. Beachside bliss.
11:03 pm
Strolling through the hotel courtyard, I eye the pool, tempted to make another splash. Fortunately, my mindreader wife tugs my arm towards bed instead.
B&R Biking TOURS
Small Group & Private Trips
All of our Small Group trips can be booked as private trips (your dates, your group).
Small Group
The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Private
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Custom
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Occasional
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over relatively flat terrain with a few small hills—all very manageable for people trying their first biking trip.
Walking – 6-10 km (4-6 mi.) a day on country lanes, footpaths and coastal or forest trails, all on relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill.
Recreational
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day over terrain that’s relatively flat but will include inclines and the occasional climb or two.
Walking – 8-12 km a day over relatively flat terrain, with occasional steeper climbs.
Enthusiast
Biking – 40-50 km (25-30 mi.) a day in gently rolling countryside, with occasional longer climbs to points that are well worth the effort. Layover days accommodate varying preferences.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Avid
Biking – Roughly 50 km (30 mi.) a day in consistently rolling countryside, with repeated climbs and longer options available.
Walking – 11-15 km over terrain that varies between rolling and hilly, with a few steeper climbs.
Expert
Biking – 50-60 km (30-45 mi.) a day over both level and tougher, hillier terrain with multiple 100 km (62 mi.) options. The routes are designed for avid cyclists and include plenty of chances to push yourself.
Walking – 11-15 km (7-10 mi.) a day over fairly hilly terrain offering lots of challenges. Routes are along high meadow paths and/or well-maintained cliffside or alpine trails, with a few steep ascents to make you feel invigorated.
Signature
We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they’ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.
Bistro
These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.
Go Bespoke
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet your every need,
with every stitch of every day crafted just the way you want it.
Accolades
Our trip surpassed our expectations. We expected a great biking trip, which we experienced. We did not anticipate that we would laugh as much as we bonded with our travel group on the rides and during meals; that we would learn as much about the French culture and history… and that this would all take place in strikingly beautiful and varied locations.
– Elizabeth Vorys, Normandy Biking
Biking with B&R on our blog
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