For all the avid travellers, who are scheduling their tours and chalking out their bucket list for 2019, have you considered going on a cycling holiday in the exotic locations of the Italian Dolomites, France’s Loire Valley and the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia?
The Countryside Adventure Holidays, who will be conducting these tours from May to October, offers the cyclists an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings, sample local cuisine and have ample time for relaxation. Aditya Bhide, marketing head of the company, who has curated the tour says, “The cycling trip in Italy begins in the heart of the majestic Dolomite mountains and trails the course of the river Adige and along the shore of Lake Garda. Furthermore, participants will get to discover the historically and culturally rich cities such as Verona, Vicenza and Padova. The trip concludes in Venice, famous for its water canals.”
In May and September-October, three trips will be organised, the duration of each trip being seven nights and eight days. The slots are scheduled from May 3-10, Sept 13-20 and Oct 4-11.
Bhide, who cycles on weekends, also describes the trip to Baltic states. “In the trip, scheduled from August 14-21, we will be cycling through the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, which will show you a new side of Europe. It will take you around Trakai in Lithuania known for its serene landscape and lakes, Trakai Castle. We will learn about the culture of the Karaites. In Lithuania, we will visit its capital Vilinus, which is Europe’s largest baroque old town, the Lahemaa Park which is the largest national park with striking coastal and inland scenery. We will also be touring Latvian and Estonian capitals of Riga and Tallinn and the Curonian Lagoon, resort town of Palanga and Jurmala. On an average, the cyclists will have to cycle 60 km per day.”
The third cycling experience has been planned in the picturesque terrains of the Loire Valley in France. The Loire Valley, also known as the ‘Garden of France’, is a charming land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills that will enchant the cyclists with its ancient castles and mesmerising landscapes. Dotted with historic chateaux along the way that will provide an interlude to the cycling, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience. This tour will be organised between Sept 8-15 and from Sept 15-22.
When asked how would he compare cycling trips abroad and in India and what should one keep in mind while cycling abroad, Bhide replies, “It is very different. Even within India, the routes are different, based on the terrain and infrastructure available. Also, the altitude can play a big role when cycling in the Himalayas. The infrastructure in Europe is excellent because they have been cycling for a long time and the concept of cycling holidays has been there for a while as compared to India.”
Since most of the guests are their clients and customers, Bhide says that they encourage them to cycle, and prepare themselves for the tour. “Prior experience of cycling helps. We expect the participants to have basic levels of fitness,” he adds.
“We encourage the cyclists, participants to ride together and often conduct pre-departure meetings so that everyone gets to know each other,” informs Bhide.
The tour company has back-up vehicles for transporting the cycles and at times they rent the bikes too. They ensure that the cycles are of good quality and well maintained. And, for the participants, Bhide has a few pointers. “Hydrate, gear yourself properly and keep maps within reach.” For more details of these trips, write to info@countrysideindia.com
