When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the iconic landmarks of Rome or the romantic canals of Venice. But there’s a hidden gem that’s worth exploring, especially in the fall. Welcome to Piedmont, a region tucked away in the northwest corner of Italy! In the fall, Piedmont transforms into a vibrant...Read More
7 Best Castles of the Loire Valley Imagine a journey through time, where each stop is a majestic castle nestled in a lush French landscape. Welcome to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the “Garden of France”. This region is home to over 300 castles, each with its unique charm and...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...Read More
Hands down we have THE best tour guides in the industry. We rely on them to be our eyes and ears on each of our biking and hiking tours across the globe. Guiding, in itself, is mentally and physically challenging. Working hard in extreme temperatures – making sure our clients have the best experience possible,...Read More
For travelling cyclists, Austria and the Czech Republic offer something for everyone. Austria’s bike-friendly Danube cycle path is paved and well marked, winding trails through the mountains offer a challenge to fit cyclists, the breathtaking architecture and scenery provides a memorable backdrop for tourists, and of course, beer to quench your thirst after a day...Read More
Often called the quintessential English region, the Cotswolds is a picturesque range of hills in southwestern and west-central England, roughly 25 miles across and 90 miles long. During Pure Adventures’ newest self-guided hybrid bike cycling tour every day has a highlight, from the discovery of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, to the romantic water gardens at Sezincote and...Read More
American architect Mary Jane Colter is often described as a perfectionist. As one of the few female architects working in the United States between 1910 and 1950, Coulter’s passion for history and backstories figured strongly into the iconic buildings she designed. While Colter had a long and successful career throughout the US Midwest, it is...Read More
Fado is traditional folk music popular in the Lisbon area of Portugal. Melancholy by nature, the music includes instruments like guitars and mandolins with one Fadista singing poetic lyrics related to darker elements of love, death and sadness. The music may, however, occasionally include some humor. If your late season travel includes Portugal, be sure sure...Read More
Tiny Pienza is packed with history. Widely regarded as the “ideal” city of the Renaissance, Pope Pius II transformed the Italian village he was born in, into his vision of a perfect city. The Pope used his influence and affluence (assisted by architect Bernardo il Rossellino and humanist Leon Battista Alberti) to build a group...Read More
