New cycling trips for 2012 by UTracks
Spring is on its way and if you feel like getting out in the open air on two wheels, European activity holiday specialist UTracks has a number of new cycling trips for 2012 - including:
New Ancient Venetian Empire By Bike 8 days
Departs: Weekly from 14 April to 21 July and from 25 August to 6 October
Italy, Slovenia, Croatia: Explore three countries by bike in one week on this new cycle journey that offers a perfect combination of historic towns and seaside landscapes. From the canal city of Venice, pass beaches, simple fishing villages and grand palaces as you make your way along the coastline and to the plain of Friuli in northeastern Italy. Ancient Roman towns and numerous castles are dotted on the route and with two border crossings to cycle through, the journey ends on the beautiful Croatian coastline in the town of Porec, known for its 6th century Euphrasian Basilica.
Price: £570 per person
New Normandy Cycle 6 days
Departs: Daily from March to October
Normandy is a region with a long history and a rich heritage and this cycle will take you through the monuments, the traditions and the splendours of the Norman coast. The tour ends in the charming harbour town of Honfleur, where you will feel like you have stepped into an Impressionist painting - before that you will have cycled past picturesque half-timbered cottages, marvelled at stunning seaside views and smelled the fragrance of apple trees in bloom, on your journey to discover the history of Normandy's landing beaches.
Price: £790 per person
New Cycle Sicily 8 days
Departs: Weekly from 7 April to 16 June and from 1 September to 20 October
A new stunning cycle in southeast Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine and captivating history. Starting in Caltagirone, where you can climb the 142-step decorated ceramic staircase, you will discover by bike the most fascinating cities of the region, including Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes: previously under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Angevin and Spanish rule, it is now home to a charming mixture of people and outstanding monuments, some of which are still in use, such as the Greek Theatre.
Price: £720 per person
New The German Danube 15 days
Departs: Daily from 6 April to 7 October
The Danube, Europe's second longest river, courses through ten countries on route to the Black Sea. This expansive new cycling tour leads along the entire German part of the Danube, from where the Brigach and Breg rivers join to where it crosses over to Austria. You will cycle through the entire breadth of Southern Germany, as the path meanders alongside the river, passing by magnificent castles and monasteries and getting to know the medieval city of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein.
Price: £1,390 per person
New Burgundy Canals & Vineyards 7 days
Departs: Daily from March to October
An exceptional cycle that offers a concentration of the charms of France's famed wine region of Burgundy. Dotted with impressive chateaux and with Romanesque art present in each village, every day you will cycle past rolling vine-covered hills and small hamlets brimming with local produce. Sample wines at the cellar door, stop for a leisurely lunch at one of the many restaurants in the region and appreciate the great history of Burgundy, which dates back to the early Middle Ages.
Price: £990 per person
For more information, visit UTracks.com.
Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, bike rental, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.
