Normandy Foodie Highlights What do you get when you combine miles of breathtaking coastline, fascinating historical landmarks, lush farmland and lively market towns? The Normandy region of France boasts all of these features and so much more. But aside from the picturesque landscapes, friendly locals and cultural discovery, Normandy is also home to some gastronomical delights. Whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or just a foodie that loves to experience the different...Read More
Pure Adventures helped Deb and John, two cyclists from North Carolina, book a self guided cycling trip to the Istrian Peninsula earlier this year. While they were worried that spending a few days in Venice on either side of their trip to Croatia would add complications to their holidays, our travel planners helped make their self guided holiday stress free by arranging customized trip start and departures. Here, Deb to shares with...Read More
Did you know that Paella and other rice dishes used to be considered a poor man’s food? Since rice was widely available and relatively cheap, farmers and peasants took what litte food and rice they had, then threw everything they had in the pot or “paella” – sometimes even snails! Although Spain’s most famous dish originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near on the east coast of Spain, but did...Read More
3 Prehistoric Sites to See in Dordogne The region of Dordogne is as beautiful as it is charming, with a picturesque countryside complete with a landscape dotted with ancient castles and foreboding fortresses. Delightfully rural and refreshingly unblemished by touristy crowds, a visit to Dordogne offers a truly authentic French experience. Perhaps what this region has become best known for is the abundance of prehistoric wonders found there. Evidence...Read More
Have you ever looked at a self guided vacation itinerary and think “that looks perfect, but I wish we could start elsewhere?”. For Deb and John, North Carolina residents who wanted to spend time in Venice before and after their Croatian holiday, they knew they could trust Pure Adventures Self Guided Travel to help them plan their European cycling vacation. In this guest blog post by Deb, learn how the Pure...Read More
Hill training is most often associated with road bike racing and not with self-guided cycling tours. After all, don’t most cyclists want a flat and leisurely route to ride on during their European bike tour? As with all our tours, we strongly suggest plenty of time in the saddle – and yes, hill training – for self-guided travelers to comfortably finish trips with extremely hilly routes (keeping in mind that most of...Read More
Cycling tours make up a significant volume of adventure holidays. For years, the only known option for most people was a guided trip. The description is obvious, but to summarize, this historic trip was a package a traveler booked with a tour operator offering a bicycle vacation with a specific departure date and a minimum number of participants. However guided trips have evolved in recent years, with more companies offering custom...Read More
JerseyOrderForm2013 In June, Pure Adventures asked our Facebook fans to help us design our new short sleeved cycling jersey. We are happy to announce that our new jerseys are now in stock. Pure Adventures cycling jerseys are comfortable, moisture-wicking and stylish, and naturally the best thing to wear on a self-guiding cycling holiday in Europe! Available in men’s and women’s sizes small to extra large, the Pure Adventures short sleeve cycling...Read More
5 Foods to Try in Loire Visit France’s Loire Valley and you may feel as though you’ve stepped into a time-worn fairytale, complete with ancient storybook castles, quaint old villages and historic towns, breathtaking scenery and picturesque architecture. The area’s beauty is arguably unmatched by any other destination in the country. It is a region rich with history and teeming with culture, from exquisite art to world-class shopping and fine...Read More
