Freedom Treks expands Cruise and Cycle programme for 2013
This summer saw a frenzy of cycling action as the Brits lead the way in the Olympics and Tour de France. This new found energy for cycling has seen a recent surge in popularity and demand for more exciting cycling holidays. Freedom Treks has taken this opportunity to extend its collection of cycling tours for 2013. The new programme for 2013 will feature a combination of Cruise and Cycle and Hotel and Cycle tours, offering a comprehensive choice of 179 cycling holidays across 23 European countries, appealing to couples, singles and families of all ages and abilities.
Across the full range of featured tours there are a total of 47 new additions to the portfolio, comprising 18 new Cruise and Cycle tours in 10 countries, including Belgium, Turkey, Croatia, Scotland and other popular European destinations.
The carefully selected Cruise and Cycle tours appeal to those looking for a unique way of discovering a country, where you can cycle as much or as little by day exploring new places and at night dine and sleep on board your barge, ship, boat or sailing yacht. Moving on daily to a new destination, aboard your floating hotel, allows you to start afresh each day with a blank canvas ready to explore. Travelling this way means you get to see much more of a country and from a different perspective than if you were just staying on land. The holidays run from April through to October and are graded according to the level of ability required.
Andy Harmer, Manager of Freedom Treks, explains: “The cycling holiday market has undergone considerable growth in recent years and is still expanding, thanks in part to the golden summer of 2012 and Bradley Wiggins cycling success. Cycling holidays have become a much more accessible and feasible holiday option, especially for leisure cyclists who appreciate the fresh air, beautiful landscapes and the obvious health and fitness benefits.
Cycling holidays allow holidaymakers the opportunity to truly get under the skin of a destination, immersing themselves in the culture amidst ever-changing landscapes, something not easily replicated by other types of holidays. We have already seen a strong increase in early bookings for 2013, compared to this time last year, and this highlights the growing appeal of these highly enjoyable holidays.”
New Cruise and Cycle tours for 2013
Belgium:
Bruges to Brussels - A gentle 8 day bike and barge tour exploring a variety of beautiful flat landscapes and the famous art cities of Belgium, including Antwerp and Ghent. Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £780 per person on selected dates in July and August.
Croatia:
South Dalmatia from Dubrovnik - Starting and finishing in the historic city of Dubrovnik, this guided sail and bike tour explores the stunning islands of the South Dalmatia, aboard the romantic vessel, the San Snova. Grade: Level 3***. Starts from £884 per person on selected dates from April to October.
Family Adventure Cruise - South Dalmatia
Family Adventure Cruise - Dalmatia
Family Adventure Cruise - Kvarner Bay
The selection of new family adventure cruises recognises the need for an easy-going approach, where cycling is an added attraction to other pursuits offered. Hiking tours, rafting, exploring the historic Adriatic towns or simply spending a day on board the ‘floating hotel’ and swimming off the boat make for a multi-adventure family holiday.
Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £798 per person on selected dates in July and August. 25% reduction per child under 18.
France:
Lorraine & Mosel Valley - Discovering the scenic landscapes of the Mosel Valley this 8 day tour starts in France but can also operate in reverse, starting in Germany. Famous for its excellent wine producing, notably Riesling and Müller-Thurgau, this area is a good choice for wine lovers with local wine cellars dotted along the Mosel Valley. Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £693 per person on selected dates from June to October.
Germany:
Mosel Valley & Lorraine - As above starting in Germany.
Greece:
Greek Aegean - Central Be captivated by the Greek Aegean islands on this delightful tour on board a Turkish Gulet and uncover its unique history by bike. Grade: Level 3***. Starts from £884 per person on selected dates in April/May and September/October.
Gulf of Corinth & Ionian Islands - Bringing together the glory of the Greek mainland with the allure of the islands of the Ionian Sea makes for a tour rich in scenic diversity. Grade: Level 2**. Starts from £1118 per person on selected dates in May/June and August/September.
Holland:
Amsterdam to Bruges - A classic must-do barge and bike tour taking in the most beautiful and historical cities of Holland and Western Belgium (Flanders) including Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £780 per person on selected dates from April to September.
Bruges to Amsterdam As above
Frisian Sea - Aboard a charismatic old sailing vessel, this tour explores the necklace of islands off the coast of North Holland and Friesland, revealing a mix of untouched natural areas, quaint fishing villages and long sandy beaches. Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £736 per person on selected dates from April to September.
Italy:
Bolzano - Mantova - Venice Freedom Treks already feature the extremely popular Mantova-Venice cycle and cruise and for 2013 has extended to include a 4 day hotel and cycle tour from Bolzano-Mantova. This combined 11-day tour starts in Bolzano, moving south to the shores of Lake Garda before tracing the River Po from east to west before reaching Venice. Grade: Level 1*. Starts from £1082 per person on selected dates from March to October.
Scotland:
Inner Hebrides - The UK has some serious appeal as a cycling destination and this tour highlights the spectacular landscapes of the Inner Hebrides and Highlands on board the Flying Dutchman. Grade: Level 3***. Starts from £1032 per person on selected dates in July and August.
Spain:
Balearic Islands - This 7-night island-hopping tour starts in Palma and concentrates on the popular Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, on board the charming ‘Sir Robert Baden Powell’ sailing ship. Grade: Level 2**. Starts from £945 per person on selected dates in April/May and September/October.
Turkey:
Three new cruise and cycle tours have been added along the Turkish coastline, aboard the luxurious three-masted Bahriyelis gulets. Grade: Level 2/3**. Starts from £1118 per person on selected dates from March to October.
Turkish coast - Kalkan to Olympos A fascinating 8 day tour along the southern coast of Turkey between Kalkan and Olympos, embraces natural beauty, ancient sites, idyllic bays and historic towns.
Turkish coast - Bodrum to Ephesus This guided tour follows the steps of Alexander the Great, bringing history to life as you journey through a land of contrasts.
Turkish coast - Ephesus to Dikili Unlock the secrets of the west coast of Turkey, with its secluded coves, long sandy beaches and ancient cities uniting its glorious past with the present-day.
For more information call Freedom Treks, visit freedomtreks.co.uk.