On a wonderful spring day cycling the narrow roads of Puglia we can across our first trulli, the very charming hobbit-like houses characteristic of the region around Alberobello. We excitedly leaned our bikes against a wall and walked across a farmer’s field to get a closer look. At that moment, we spotted coming up the road what appeared to be a farmer with a station wagon filled with produce. As he...Read More
Traveling with teenagers is an opportunity. It’s a chance to introduce young people to other cultures and experiences while they’re highly receptive, but also physically capable and independent. The adult organizing a tour, though, usually has questions. How will the teenagers’ love of sleeping in fit in with a busy day’s itinerary? Will a visit to a site of profound historical importance provoke eye rolls? We’ve put together some notes on...Read More
We don’t have words to thank the Pure adventures team for the most wonderful experience we had in Puglia. We are both back home after our tour and reminiscing about our cycle days in Italy. Every single detail and question was handled so professionally by everyone involved. We would not have changed a single detail on our itinerary, everything was perfect and the cooking classes an absolute highlight! I speak for...Read More
If you’re a bit of an Anglophile, you’re probably prepared for the most common UK terms that cause confusion to the North American speaker – across the pond chips are crisps, an aubergine is an eggplant, and pants are underwear. Many of the differences are small, charming, and create a real sense of place for the unaccustomed ear. A less well-known usage a traveler would do well to understand, however, is...Read More
For a fresh, new take on the continent, Pure Adventures offers new options for travelers to see Europe their way, via guided and self- guided active bike adventures. We have a special affinity for all things European and for bicycles. Our company is actually one of the early pioneers in North America to offer self-guided bicycle tours in France. We began 25 years ago and then expanded to offer a variety...Read More
In the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, it can be hard to find a pub that doesn’t have a shamrock or two hanging in the window. Outside of Ireland, though, there’s a good chance St. Paddy’s revellers won’t know much about the figure they’re toasting. March 17 has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture in general, but as history buffs we thought we’d put together a quick primer...Read More
Puglia, also known as Apulia, forms the heel of Italy’s famous boot shape. That gives the region some distinct advantages — the longest coastline of any part of Italy’s mainland, for instance, and a Mediterranean climate especially conducive to growing olives. With around million 60 olive trees, Puglia produces 40% of Italy’s olive oil. On our Puglia cycling tour, guests stop at Hotel Masseria Salamina Agriturismo, where they can taste organic...Read More
Granada is an enchanting place to kick of a tour of Andalusia. With its beautiful winding streets and whitewashed homes built along the slopes of of the Sierra Nevada foothills, it boasts a vibrant contemporary culture to match its historical grandeur. The legacy of the Muslim emirs who ruled the Iberian Peninsula centuries ago is alive today in Granada’s public baths and teahouses, and the Alhambra stands as the greatest example...Read More
Whatever your plans for the holiday season, we thought it would be interesting to reflect on the diverse Christmas traditions of the many countries we visit on our tours. Not all are of these celebrations are still widespread in the 21st century, and some of them travel across borders to be observed with minor variations in neighbouring countries. All, however, are fascinating and colourful expressions of the season. Argentina Argentina has...Read More
