Normandy: A Blend of History and Coastal Beauty

Here’s why a self-guided bike tour in France should be your next adventure: Normandy, with its stunning coastline, historic landmarks, and charming villages, is a cyclist’s paradise. The rolling countryside provides scenic routes through lush green pastures and apple orchards, while the iconic D-Day beaches and medieval towns, such as Bayeux, add layers of history to your journey. And the food? Normandy is famous for its creamy Camembert cheese, rich butter, and mouthwatering apple-based dishes—don’t miss a chance to try the local cider! The best time for cycling here is late spring through early autumn when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.

Provence: Lavender Fields and Mediterranean Charm

Provence is the epitome of romance and charm. Famous for its vibrant lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards, this region offers routes that take you through quaint villages like Gordes and Roussillon. The Mediterranean climate ensures warm, sunny days, making it ideal for cycling between May and September.

Cycling in Provence also means indulging in its culinary delights. From ratatouille to bouillabaisse, and paired with local rosé wines, every meal feels like a celebration. Don’t forget to enjoy the bustling markets, where fresh produce and Provençal specialties await!

Loire Valley: Castles, Vineyards, and Timeless Elegance

Known as the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley is a dreamscape of châteaux, riverside paths, and sprawling vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for leisurely rides, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and architectural grandeur.

The Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most celebrated wines, including Sancerre and Vouvray, and you’ll find no shortage of wine-tasting opportunities. Pair these with regional specialties like rillettes and tarte Tatin for the ultimate experience. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful times to explore the Loire, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Why Choose Pure Adventures?

At Pure Adventures, we specialize in self-guided bike tours that give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying the support of carefully planned itineraries. Our France bike tours are tailored to showcase the best of Normandy, Provence, and the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, ensuring you experience the highlights of these incredible regions.

Whether you’re drawn to the historical allure of Normandy, the Provençal charm of lavender fields, or the regal elegance of the Loire Valley, we have a tour that’s perfect for you. Our self-guided packages include accommodations, route planning, and recommendations for local dining, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Discover more about our unforgettable France bike tours here: Pure Adventures France Bike Tours

France Self-Guided Bike Tours

France – Loire Royal Valley Bike Tour
This 6-day self-guided France bike tour forms a scenic loop, starting and ending in Blois. Ride through the enchanting Loire Valley, staying in charming properties nestled in quaint villages. Discover some of France’s most iconic castles on this classic itinerary, perfectly paired with a Paris stopover. One of our most popular trips in France!

France – Best of Normandy Bike Tour
Embark on a 6-night self-guided France bike tour through dreamy Normandy, starting in historic Bayeux and ending at the iconic Mont St Michel. Explore stunning coastal routes, WWII landmarks and indulge in the region’s famous Camembert cheese. With great upgrade options and as a 2024 best-seller, this is the ultimate Normandy experience!

France – Provence Lavender Route Bike Tour
Experience the charm of beautiful Provence on this 8-day self-guided France bike tour, starting and ending in the picturesque Isle Sur La Sorgue. Cycle through iconic villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin, with the option to tackle the legendary Mont Ventoux. With both moderate and challenging routes available each day, it’s the perfect trip for those seeking an adventure with friends or family of different cycling abilities.

Ready to Ride?

A self-guided bike tour in France offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From savoring exquisite food and wine to cycling through breathtaking landscapes, it’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So, pack your bags, tune up your bike, and get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Contact us to get started planning your dream France self-guided bike tour!

Bon voyage! 🚴‍♀️🍷🏰

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The Loire Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

The Loire Valley, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its rolling countryside, vineyard-laden hills, and majestic châteaux. As you pedal through the region, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, and Château de Chenonceau, a breathtaking structure that spans the River Cher. Each château tells its own story, adding a layer of historical wonder to your cycling journey.

A Feast for the Senses

Cycling through the Loire Valley is not only a visual delight but also an exploration of the region’s gastronomic wonders. The area is renowned for its exquisite wines, with vineyards producing crisp whites like Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, as well as velvety reds and elegant rosés. Don’t miss the chance to sample sparkling Crémant de Loire, a regional rival to Champagne, and artisanal ciders that reflect the area’s rich agricultural heritage.

Pair these beverages with the Loire Valley’s culinary treasures—goat cheese from Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, flaky tarte Tatin (an upside-down caramelized apple tart), and creamy rillettes, a type of pâté perfect for spreading on baguettes. Local markets overflow with fresh produce, charcuterie, and other delicacies, making it easy to indulge in a gourmet picnic during your ride.

Why Choose a Self-Guided Bike Tour?

A self-guided France bike tour offers the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace. The Loire Valley’s well-maintained, flat to lightly hilly cycling routes are ideal for those who enjoy leisurely rides. Families with teens will appreciate the manageable distances and the mix of engaging activities along the way, from kayaking on serene rivers to visiting interactive museums. This style of touring allows you to set your own schedule while having the peace of mind that comes with pre-planned routes and accommodations.

Embrace Nature and Relaxation

One of the Loire Valley’s greatest gifts is its connection to nature. Cycling along the Loire à Vélo, a dedicated network of cycling paths, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant landscapes, serene rivers, and lush forests. It’s the kind of adventure that rejuvenates the soul, offering moments of tranquility as well as cultural discovery.

A Family-Friendly Adventure

For families—especially those with teenagers and older members who share a passion for cycling—this tour offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Teens will love the freedom of cycling independently while exploring fascinating historical sites and picturesque villages. Parents will appreciate the ease of navigation and the opportunity to share meaningful experiences with their children. It’s an adventure that brings generations together, creating memories to last a lifetime. A France Royal Loire Valley bike tour can’t be missed!

Plan Your Perfect Getaway

Whether you’re drawn to the Loire Valley for its stunning châteaux, its culinary treasures, or its peaceful landscapes, a self-guided bike tour is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the heart of France. It’s an experience that combines leisure, culture, and the simple joy of exploration. So why not start planning your next adventure? The Loire Valley is calling, and it’s ready to enchant you, one pedal stroke at a time.

This tour is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel, taking in all the wonders of the Loire Valley without feeling rushed. Gather your loved ones, hop on a bike, and prepare to create a journey filled with beauty and discovery. Adventure awaits in the Garden of France!

A France Royal Loire Valley self guided bike tour can’t be missed! Click Here to Plan Your Self-Guided Loire Bike Tour!

Learn more from our blog! Why a Self-Guided Bike Tour in France Should Be Your Next Adventure

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Culinary Treasures and Scenic Routes

Food and wine are the heart and soul of any Tuscany self-guided bike tour, transforming every ride into a feast for the senses. Pedal through rolling vineyards and ancient olive groves, pausing to indulge in freshly prepared pappardelle al cinghiale, velvety pecorino cheese from Pienza, and the finest local olive oils. At every turn, Tuscany invites you to savor its culinary heritage, whether dining at a cozy family-run trattoria or sampling exquisite vintages at renowned wineries.

From the bold Brunello di Montalcino to the iconic Chianti Classico, Tuscany’s wines are as unforgettable as its landscapes. Each sip and every bite offers a deeper connection to the region, making your journey not just a ride through stunning scenery, but a vibrant exploration of Tuscany’s gastronomic legacy. Our self-guided Tuscany bike tours promise an immersive experience where breathtaking views and exceptional flavors come together to create memories that will linger long after your adventure ends.

UNESCO Sites and Iconic Towns

Tuscany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a testament to its rich history and cultural significance. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is an unparalleled treasure trove of art and architecture, featuring landmarks like the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Siena, another UNESCO gem, charms visitors with its medieval streets and the breathtaking Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio horse race.

The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-listed landscape, epitomizes the picturesque beauty of Tuscany. This area, with its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and quaint towns, is a highlight of any self-guided Tuscany bike tour. Within the Val d’Orcia lies Pienza, known as the “ideal Renaissance city,” where you can wander charming streets and savor the town’s famed pecorino cheese. Nearby, Montalcino invites you to indulge in the world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine while taking in sweeping views of vineyards and hilltops.

Bagno Vignoni, nestled in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, is a unique village celebrated for its ancient thermal baths. Its central square is a thermal pool that dates back to Roman times, offering both history and relaxation in one magical place. These UNESCO-recognized sites are not just stops on a journey—they are experiences that immerse you in Tuscany’s heritage and natural splendor.

Freedom to Explore Your Way

Tuscany self-guided Tuscany bike tour offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace and connect with the land. A self-guided Tuscany bike tour offers the perfect blend of iconic highlights and hidden gems. Begin in Florence or Siena to admire their grandeur, then venture off the beaten path to discover towns like Certaldo, Monteriggioni, or Buonconvento. With flexible routes and the ability to set your own pace, and our handpicked, deluxe lodging will provide the perfect place to rest each evening. On a Pure Adventures self-guided Tuscany bike tour, you’ll uncover the essence of Tuscany in a way that no group tour or bus can replicate.

Here are our most popular self-guided Tuscany bike tours, guaranteed to capture your imagination and fulfill your ultimate Italy bike tour dreams!

Italy – Tuscany Escape Short Self-Guided Bike Tour
Embark on a deluxe 5-day self-guided bike tour through Tuscany, exploring its most iconic villages, famed for exceptional wine, gourmet cuisine, and world-class cycling. Begin in Siena, ride to Montalcino, and conclude in picturesque Pienza, all while staying in hand-picked, luxurious hotels. E-bikes are available!

Italy – Florence to Siena Tuscany Treasures Self-Guided Bike Tour
Experience the magic of Tuscany on this 6-day self-guided Italy bike tour from Florence to Siena. Pedal through rolling hills, lush vineyards, and quiet medieval villages like San Gimignano, Certaldo, and Casole d’Elsa, blending iconic landmarks, UNESCO sites, and an array of hidden treasures. Indulge in world-class wine, authentic cuisine, and captivating landscapes along the way!

Tuscany is a land of timeless beauty, where every corner tells a story, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound. From Florence’s cultural treasures to the serene beauty of Bagno Vignoni and the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany invites you to return time and again—and with a Tuscany self-guided bike tour, every journey is as unique as the region itself. Let Tuscany capture your heart, one ride at a time.

The post Tuscany: The Ultimate Self-Guided Bike Tour Destination in Italy appeared first on Pure Adventures.

In the fall, Piedmont transforms into a vibrant palette of red, orange, and yellow hues. It’s a sight to behold, with the region’s rolling hills and vineyards bathed in autumnal glory. But the allure of Piedmont in the fall goes beyond its stunning landscapes. It’s a season of rich flavors, from the prized Alba white truffles to the region’s world-renowned wines. So, if you’re looking for a unique fall getaway, let’s delve into why Piedmont should be your next fall destination.

Discover the Magic of Fall in Piedmont

Piedmont in the fall is a feast for the senses. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the region is alive with activity. From truffle hunting in the misty forests to wine tasting in the vineyards, there’s something for everyone. And with fewer tourists around, you can enjoy a more authentic and relaxed experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of fall in Piedmont.

The Off-Season Advantage: Savings and Solitude

Visiting Piedmont in the fall offers a unique advantage. As the summer crowds thin out, you’ll find a sense of solitude and tranquility that’s hard to come by in peak season. What’s more, the off-season often means lower prices. From accommodations to attractions, you can enjoy significant savings. It’s a win-win situation: fewer crowds, more savings, pleasant temperatures, and an authentic Italian experience.

Truffle Hunting: A Quintessential Piedmont Experience

Fall in Piedmont is synonymous with truffle hunting. The region is famous for its Alba white truffles, a rare and prized delicacy. Join a truffle hunt with a local guide and their trained dogs. It’s a unique, earthy adventure that culminates in a delicious reward. This is a quintessential Piedmont experience you won’t want to miss.

Wine Harvest Season: Sip and Savor

Autumn in Piedmont is a wine lover’s dream. The region is home to some of Italy’s best wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. The fall season coincides with the wine harvest. It’s the perfect time to visit vineyards, witness the wine-making process, and sample the fruits of the season. The experience is both educational and delightful, making it a must-do for any wine enthusiast.

Breathtaking Fall Foliage and Scenic Bike Tours

Piedmont’s fall foliage is a sight to behold. The region’s landscapes, especially in the UNESCO-awarded Langhe and Roero region, transform into a canvas of red, orange, and yellow hues. For those who love outdoor activities, self-guided Piedmont bike tours through these rolling hills and vineyards provide a unique way to experience the region. The cooler weather and stunning scenery make for a memorable fall trip.

Festivals and Events: Celebrate the Season

Fall in Piedmont is a time of celebration. The region hosts numerous festivals and events, such as the Alba White Truffle Fair, that bring locals and visitors together in a festive atmosphere. These events provide a glimpse into local customs and traditions. From truffle-themed menus in local restaurants to historical reenactments in ancient castles, there’s always something exciting happening in Piedmont during the fall.

Piedmontese Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses

Piedmontese cuisine is a highlight of any visit to the region, especially in the fall. The cooler weather is perfect for enjoying hearty dishes like risotto al tartufo and brasato al Barolo, made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The region’s food markets are filled with fresh produce, including chestnuts and pumpkins. Don’t miss the chance to sample Piedmont’s renowned cheeses, like Robiola and Castelmagno, and indulge in the region’s chocolate and hazelnut products, like Gianduja. Truly, a fall trip to Piedmont is a feast for the senses.

Romantic Getaways: Cozy Up in Piedmont

Fall in Piedmont is a dream for couples seeking a romantic escape. The region’s luxury accommodations, from rustic farmhouses to elegant villas, are more affordable in the off-season, offering a secluded and intimate experience. Imagine cozy evenings by the fireplace in traditional Piedmontese inns, leisurely walks through charming medieval towns, and picnics amidst stunning fall landscapes. The tranquility of the countryside, the beauty of the autumnal scenery, and the region’s rich culinary offerings make Piedmont the perfect fall destination for romance.

Cultural Immersion: History and Heritage

Piedmont is a region steeped in history and culture, and fall is an ideal time to immerse yourself in its rich heritage. From exploring the homes and museums of famous Italian writers to participating in workshops on traditional crafts, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences.

The region’s historical castles, fortresses, and monasteries, such as Sacra di San Michele, are less crowded in the fall. This allows for a more intimate exploration of these sites. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a lover of literature, Piedmont in the fall offers a cultural journey like no other.

Piedmont, Italy is the perfect fall bike tour destination: Embrace the Autumnal Charm of Piedmont

In conclusion, Piedmont in the fall is a symphony of colors, flavors, and experiences. From truffle hunting to wine tasting, from scenic bike tours to cozy romantic getaways, the region offers a unique and unforgettable autumnal journey. So why wait? Embrace the charm of Piedmont this fall and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Deluxe Self-Guided Piedmont Wine Country Bike Tour – e-bikes available!

Why Pure Adventures? We’re celebrating 30 years of self-guided bike tours in 2024, with bragging rights to being one of the original pioneers of self-guided bike tours in North America. 

Learn More about Pure Adventures self-guided bike tours here!

Self-Guided Italy Bike Tours
Self-Guided France Bike Tours
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Self-Guided Spain Bike Tours

Piedmont, Italy is the perfect fall bike tour destination – contact us to learn more!

The post Why Piedmont Is A Great Fall Destination appeared first on Pure Adventures.

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, needless to say Pure Adventures wouldn’t exist without our dedicated guides.

Nora & Angel guide our tours in Barcelona. With its wealth of art, culture and countryside…(and wine, don’t forget the wine) – it’s an incredible place to walk and ride, creating unique experiences with landscapes dominated by vineyards and wineries – did we mention the wine? We asked Nora & Angel where they like to kick back after a hard day on the Barcelona trails. Here’s what they said.

Botafumerio

If you like meat and/or seafood make sure you check out this place. Fresh, authentic Spanish food!

7Porte

These guys are famous for their traditional Paella. If you’re a fan of Catalan food you’ll definitely need to make a stop here.

Tickets Bar

Tickets Bar is famous because of the owner Albert Adrià who’s brother, Ferran Adrià, was named “Chef of the Year” for 4 consecutive years. It is very difficult to reserve so if you’re planning to visit in the coming months, book now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA4B1zYPVQ8

Teresacarles

If you like vegetarian food be sure to swing by and re-fuel here!

Restaurantlasarte

These folks were awarded the Michelin star (highest award for a restaurant). You’ll need to change out of your riding gear –  formal attire only!

Grupotragaluz

One with nice see views and good food too!

The post Our Guides Dish On The Best Restaurants In Barcelona! appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Ok, so you like wine.  You come home, make dinner and pour yourself a generous glass of the red stuff. But when friends ask “what’s your go-to wine?” a deer in the head light look falls over your face.  Because you, like many wine drinkers out there, buy cheap or whatever’s on sale – not knowing what you’re buying as long as it tastes ok. Not to say there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s kind of like buying the generic mac’n cheese over the real thing – it’s fine, but wow, are you ever missing out! (mmm. cheesy goodness)

You get the point – treating your palette to authentic wines will open your eyes to a whole new world of taste.  Especially when paired with the right foods. Travellers on any of our Spain tours are fortunate to tour old world vineyards, and sample the wines that have defined an entire region.

Even if you aren’t travelling with us anytime soon (although you really should) – we’d like to help you wrap your brain around what great wine really is and how it’s made.

Here’s “A Rookie’s Quick Fact Guide To Spanish Wine”

1) Aging

One of the things that makes Spanish wine special is that many Spanish wineries age the wine for you, in oak barrels and in the bottle. This means you get a chance to taste cellared wines that have aged to the point of tasting their best without investing in storage space at home.

2) Climate

Since Spain is a peninsula, the climate varies widely from region to region. Most of central Spain sizzles under the summer sun and gets very cold in the winter. In the northwestern part, called Galicia, the cool ocean breezes and many rivers lead to the moniker “Green Spain.” In the south, the brutal, arid land and howling winds can prove too much for most grapes.

3) Cava

Cava is the famous sparkling wine of Spain. You’ll mostly find Cava production in Catalonia in the northeast by Barcelona.  If you’re looking for not-too-pricey sparkling wine for a special occasion (or a weeknight dinner), Cava can be a great choice.

4) White Wines

On the Northern coast of Spain near San Sebastian is Basque country. This is where you will find Txakoli (pronounced CHALK-oh-lee), a citrusy wine with low alcohol and some spritz made from the Hondarribi Zuri grape. Take a hint from the locals and enjoy a glass with seafood. A big bowl of steamed mussels, perhaps?

5) Spanish Reds

If you’ve started exploring Spanish wine, you’ve likely had a bottle or two of Tempranillo. Tempranillo is the most planted red grape in Spain, and it appears under a few names, including Tinto Fino, Tinto de Toro, Cencibel, Ull de Llebre, and Tinto del Pais. The two most famous regions for Tempranillo are Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

6) Sherry

Time for dessert? Sweet styles of sherry, such as Pedro Ximénez and Pale Cream sherries & apple Sherries can be a rich, syrupy delight. They go perfectly with ice cream or chocolate cake, or served as a sweet counterpoint to a cheese plate.

Article source: drinks.seriouseats.com

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The Rioja region hosts a wine fight. Yes, we said wine fight.

Each June 29, thousands of people travel to the heart of the Rioja region for the Haro Wine Festival. The tiny town of Haro comes alive with festivities, the most famous of all is the La Batalla de Vino de Haro, the Wine Fight. Festival goers climb to the top of a mountain 3 miles away for a wine-fuelled party with wine filled water guns, sprayer trucks, buckets of wine and backpack wine sprayers.

Drink your Rioja now, or cellar to celebrate later

There are four classifications of Rioja: Rioja, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Ranging from Riojas, which may have been aged for only a few months to Gran Reservas, Riojas made in exceptional growing years. Those younger Riojas can be enjoyed right away (say, after a hard bike ride), whereas you can save a Gran Reservas for several years and bring out for a special occasion. And while those nifty wine bicycle holders are fun to look at, we don’t recommend tucking a Gran Reservas in there (a Rioja should be just fine though).

You can enjoy a Rioja Wine of the Year at the fraction of the price

If you’re wondering just how good a Rioja can be, the Cune Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva 2004 was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2013. This Rioja can be picked up for only $63 a bottle. whereas the 2015 wine of the year is $195 a bottle.

Because Rioja is more than just fabulous red wines

Here’s a fun Rioja fact we bet you didn’t know! The region produces those world famous oaky and fruity reds, but also unoaked white wines similar in taste to albarino and verdejo. The Telegraph names the maturana tinto (made from the Mazuelo grape) as a wine to discover this year.

The Rioja’s youthful update is worth raising a glass to

Remember how we said that the Rioja is thousands of years old? Recently the Regulatory Council for the La Rioja Denomination of Origin updated the labels and logo for the Rioja with the aim of attracting younger connoisseurs.

Pure Adventures’ newest Spain bike tour takes cyclists on a scenic and delicious escape throughout the La Rioja region of Spain. This self guided bicycle tour in Spain is a truly original, off the beaten track, experience of wine and food in the old world of rural Espana. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on other tour announcements. Looking for travel inspiration? You’ll find it on Instagram.

The post Spain In A Glass: 5 reasons why Rioja should be your new favorite red wine appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Tawny, crusted, reserve, ruby and vintage are just the beginning! Did you know there are eleven style of Portugal‘s most famous fortified wine? Porto, produced from grapes grown and processed in the Douro Valley, is most often regarded as a sweet dessert wine though off-dry and white varieties are also produced in Portugal. The Portuguese feel so strongly about their wine production that under European Union Protected Designation of Origin guidelines, only the product from Portugal may be labelled as port or Porto.

• See also: self-guided cycling trips in Portugal

Port can be enjoyed any time of year, but what makes September and the autumn months a perfect time of year to travel to Portugal is that the grapes that go into producing port are beginning to be harvested. Harvest of port wine grapes typically occurs between September 15 and October 15. Harvest season is kicked off with the Palmela Grape Harvest Festival, a week long event that includes musical performances, craft fairs and of course plenty of port and Portuguese wines. More festivals, fairs and tasting events follow throughout the fall, with many wineries opening their doors to travelers, including the Vinhos Alentejo which plans a full roster of special wine harvesting events.

• See also: cycling holidays in Alentejo, Portugal

Douro naturally is a destination for port aficionados, but wine lovers wanting to explore Portugal should spend time in either Alentejo or Algarve, both regions identified by Wines of Portugal as producers of fabulous wine (even if the quantity produced isn’t as high as the more famous Minho or Lisboa regions).

• See also: cycling holidays in Algarve, Portugal

While ruby vintage port and Stilton cheese is the most famous pairing, full flavored cheeses like Gorgonzola and Azeitao go just as well for their robust and slightly salty qualities. On the other hand, if you have a younger tawny port, pair is with a mild cheese such as Parmesan.

What is your favourite style of port? Join the conversation on Facebook: Facebook.com/PureAdventuresTours

The post Port Primer: pairing and enjoying Portugal’s favorite wine appeared first on Pure Adventures.

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 us her most memorable moments from Croatia.

Our entire trip was extraordinary. We loved starting and ending our holiday in Venice with the sightseeing, history art, food and, of course, all the gondolas, gondolas, gondolas. And even the drive to begin our trip was nice, which started from the Tronchetto car park in Venice and ended in Buje, where we began biking. We drove through Trieste where my husband John had worked a few years ago helping to redevelop part of the old port city.

I think the first highlight of the trip was simply how beautiful and unspoiled Istria is. We rode through rolling hills, vineyards, olive tree orchards and along the seashore. And it seemed like we got to visit two different, wonderful worlds – the quite countryside and lovely hilltop towns in Istria’s interior and then the bustling, lively port cities of Porec and Rovinj.

Another of the best things about the trip was the consistent, high-quality of the places where we stayed – all were well-located, extremely comfortable, with friendly, helpful staff, and no lost bags. Motovun was extraordinary with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards, and the Hotel Kastel was lovely and we took full advantage of the hotel’s spa after our full days of riding. We absolutely adored being in old town Rovinj and staying in one of the fun, funky Casa Garzotto apartments.

Besides traveling, we absolutely love good food and drink, and in this regard our trip was terrific – in fact, world class. First, in the interior, we sampled lots of the local foods and even stopped at a road-side “fast food” restaurant, which was fun – simple sausages, potatoes – and so unlike the McDonald’s and other chain fast food places in the US. In Motovun and Bale, we had handmade pastas, local game all made with truffles and olive oils from the region. On the coast it was all seafood – grilled whole fish, squid, octopus, ceviche – all extraordinary. Everywhere we went, we also sampled the local wines, including teran, a hearty red, merlots and lovely whites.

By way of surprises and the unexpected, there were a number and most were related to making a detour or side trip from the routes the folks at Pure Adventures had outlined for us. Not that that the planned itinerary wasn’t wonderful, but our trip was an adventure after all. First, we made a short side trip from Motovun to nearby Kaldir to visit the Benvenuti winery – it was amazing. We tasted wines all afternoon with the Benvenuti family and their guests, and then filled our bike panniers with all the teran, muscat and malvasia istriana they could hold.

Another highlight was a last-minute decision to hop on a ferry from Vrsar to Rovinj. We were eating (and drinking wine) at a great little harbor-side restaurant in Vrsar and one thing led to another and we were on our way to Rovinj by boat – it was a blast, especially being handed a grappa as a toast when we jumped onboard. Arriving in Rovinj by sea was breathtaking.

So all in all, our trip to Istria was one of the best, maybe the best holiday of our lives – simply extraordinary.

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