2022 is proving to be an exciting year to travel, especially for those overseas travellers looking to go a little bit deeper. Our new Slovenia Bike Tour tops the list of 5 new European bike tours featured by Forbes contributing travel writer, Everett Potter.
As Everett Potter notes, “Eastern Europe has a strong appeal for seasoned travelers and this Slovenia Bike Tour trip from Trek Travel is an exploration of Slovenia and the border area with Italy.”
Trek Travel’s Slovenia Bike Tour features the emblematic Lake Bled and the gorgeous rolling hills of the Goriska Brda Wine Region. Trek Travel also offers a Classic Climbs version that highlights the epic climbs of the Julian Alps and Italy’s great Monte Zoncolan.
As we all look forward to going places again, the last two years have changed how many of us want to travel moving forward. Active travel is seeing a huge boom because it allows you to combine your favorite activities with your love of seeing the world.
Allison Olmsted, contributing writer for Forbes, says, “(Multisport trips are) a great option for groups with members who like to do different things, or those, who may have gotten started during the pandemic and are newer to outdoor activities and still trying to find their niche. Or people who just love variety”.
As we look forward to celebrating 20 years of incredible cycling vacations in 2022, we’re looking back at some of the timeless destinations we’ve been visiting since our very first season. From the awe-inspiring vistas in Glacier to the unforgettable race moments at the Tour de France, these destinations get better and better over the years.
See Where We’ve Been Traveling Since Our First Season
Over the years, this trip has carefully brought together the quintessential Tuscan experience, highlighting beautiful hotels, world renowned wines, and exquisite food. As our local guides and trip designers discover new, exclusive experiences in the region, this trip continues to evolve to ensure we highlight only the best of Tuscany.
Travel in Provence is about discovering a slower way of life. We have uncovered all the hidden gems this region has to offer, so you can savor each bite of cuisine, chat with the locals as you walk through quaint town markets, and ride some of the most spectacular roads.
The rugged, stunningly beautiful landscape of southwest Utah has been capturing hearts for generations. Much like the landscapes of these beloved national parks, our trip here is always evolving to ensure you’re experiencing the best of the region.
With the Pacific ocean sprawling to the west, the magnificent North Cascades on the horizon, and the broad open skies above, the San Juan Islands are a timeless paradise for nature lovers, and they keep us coming back year after year.
On our Ireland trip, enjoy great storytelling and rich traditions as we introduce you to local friends we’ve made here over the years, explore stone remains of ancient Celtic ruins, and ride through velvety pastures speckled with flocks of sheep.
There’s no better place to celebrate the brilliance of summer or the beauty of changing seasons than Vermont’s Champlain Valley and Green Mountains. That’s why this trip has been a guest favorite since the start!
Saturate your senses in one of the world’s premier cycling regions. We have tested out the best routes, best wineries, and best hotels to plan the ultimate escape in California Wine Country.
A bicycle is truly the best way to discover the secret forests, charming Baroque palaces, and quiet cobblestone streets that keep us coming back to ride in this enchanting Bohemian wonderland.
This trip is as dynamic as the race itself, with new regions to explore each year and new riders to cheer for. As an Official Tour Operator for the race and Trek Segafredo, we secure the best hotels in the most spectacular locations and highlight the most exciting stages. Ride on the race course ahead of the pros, enjoy VIP access, and feel the energy of the final sprint across the finish line. It’s an adrenaline trip that keeps giving.
Every year, there is something unique to experience as you savor the excitement of Italy’s largest cycling event. We love taking you to the heart of the action to experience the race’s most epic moments and stunning climbs.
After riding all over the globe, Going-to-the-Sun Road keeps us coming back to Glacier over and over. Did you know it is our pick for the best ride in the world?
Then & Now
Not only have we continued to bring guests to some of our most beloved destinations over the years, we have also continued introducing them to new and exciting places around the globe. Just see how much our offerings have expanded in the last two decades!
This topic can be a personal or even an awkward one, but we’re going there anyway. We’re talking about chamois cream.
If any of you have experienced the dreaded chafe, you know just how important this topic is. We’ve gathered our top three tips for you and your saddle to consider when choosing and using your chamois cream.
Tip #1
First, what kind of cream do you want? Do you prefer a silky smooth formula? Or maybe a minty tingly feel? Or the thicker the better?
There are quite a few cream types out there to choose from so take your time. Read the ingredients and make sure there isn’t anything you are uncomfortable applying down there. All-natural ingredients are a safe bet when in doubt. Zealios’ Betwixt chamois cream is all-natural with organic aloe vera and suitable for both men and women, so we recommend checking it out!
Before you hit the road, have a travel plan. For those long rides, you might have to reapply to keep everything friction-free and happy. Is your chamois cream in a small enough container to bring along? If not, find a small canister or jar you can transfer a bit into so you’re not stuck on the side of misery road. Some brands even make great miniature-sized packs to bring along. For instance, Betwixt chamois cream comes in pocket-size packs made to toss in your jersey or bike bag.
Speaking of applying, how you apply your chamois cream matters!
See, we told you it gets personal… applying your chamois cream directly to the skin versus onto your chamois is our recommendation. Applying to the skin will ensure you get proper coverage and reduce the risk of missing any spots or… cracks…
We hope these quick tips will keep you and your saddle happy because we all know a happy saddle means a happy rider. Now there’s no excuse to skip on those extra miles. Time to find your next trip!
“This is the largest technology project Trek Travel has ever taken on, and I’m stoked at the user experience our guests can enjoy at anytime from anywhere in the world.” -Mark, Technology Manager at Trek Travel
The team at Trek Travel is always looking for ways to make the guest experience better, more fun, and easier. Starting in November 2019, even the booking process has been upgraded. Now, guests can simply and efficiently book a trip online! Check out the video above to see how quick and easy the process is. Why is this a major benefit to guests? We talked to the project lead, Mark, to learn more about the new online booking system.
Why was online booking created?
We realized we wanted to create a great user experience through our website that would allow our guests to book one of our vacations anytime of day. We also want to offer a way for our guests to book their vacations in whatever technology they use most. For a lot of people, that means booking online as it has become such a natural extension of purchasing travel.
How will this make the guest experience better?
With the new system, it means we are able to accept bookings 24/7. That allows guests to schedule a trip when it is most convenient for them, whether that be weekends, evenings, or regular business hours. Along with offering the ability to purchase online, we also built out a customer account center. While still in its infancy in terms of features, this account center gives our guests information on trips they have booked with us, travel information, and more. We also have a road map in place to offer more functionality and features in the future to give our guests the best user experience possible both on and offline.
What should guests expect after they have booked online?
After completing the online booking process, guests will receive a confirmation email and within two days, one of our trip consultants will reach out to verify we have all the necessary information and answer any questions the guest may have. After speaking with a trip consultant, guests will receive a final confirmation for their trip. At any point between booking and trip departure, guests can always reach out to our expert trip consultants to get advice, ask questions, or learn additional information about a trip.
Please note that some select trips are so special they cannot be booked online, but our trip consultants are ready to help. It will be noted on the trip page if a trip cannot be booked online.
It would be difficult to find a cyclist who claims the thrill of maintaining their bike was what initially attracted them to the sport. Let’s be honest, we would all rather spend our precious time riding our bike than cleaning it. However, like it or loathe it, bicycle maintenance plays a vital part in improving performance and simply can’t be ignored.
Professional cycling has shown over recent years that a focus on this area can provide the marginal gains required to propel you to victory. But what are the benefits for an everyday cyclist? Well, regular bicycle maintenance is proven to reduce mechanical problems, extend the life of your bike, and ultimately protect your investment. So, with this in mind, we’ve done our research and found the best ways to get all the benefits in a fraction of the time! Here are our top five simple tips for maintaining your bike.
1. Work smarter, not harder
With so many intricate components and hard to reach places, removing stubborn grease and grime from your bicycle’s drivetrain is a notoriously difficult task! Thankfully, there’s a product on the market to help make this achievable and super quick. Finish Line Speed Degreaser’s no-rinse formula and turbo sprayer get to work instantly, displacing moisture, removing soils, and completely decontaminating all metal parts. It’s ideal to use on disc brake rotors, derailleur pivots, cassettes, chains, and any other metal components that need a thorough clean. As well as removing the need for hours of elbow grease, its “dry” degreasing technology quickly evaporates, leaving components and chains residue-free and ready to be lubricated. This clever cleaning product will extend the life of your drivetrain and ensure smooth, quiet shifting. It’s a big hit with our mechanics and saves time, making us more inclined to take on the task.
You wouldn’t use a hammer to tighten a screw, and it’s the same logic when it comes to cleaning your bike. Using tools designed to access all the hard to reach places on your bike will save you time and ensure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly. With Finish Line’s Grunge Brush, cleaning chains and gears has never been faster or easier. Working in conjunction with a degreaser, scrub your chain with the brush’s unique three-sided bristles to deep clean the chain’s plates and pins. Then, use the long bristles at the other end to clean cassette sprockets, derailleurs, cranksets, brakes, and pedals.
Keeping your bike clean is the best way to prevent wear and tear and optimize performance. Dirt left on your frame, wheels, and components will affect your bike’s efficiency and can potentially cause long term damage. A bucket of soapy water has been the “go-to” for most, but research suggests this can be harmful to paint and means the extra time-consuming steps of rinsing and drying. Our team uses Finish Line’s Super Bike Wash. This fast-acting and powerful cleaner requires no water and can be sprayed on and wiped off with a towel. It protects your paint and leaves your bike looking like new. It’s high surface tension and eco-friendly cleaning agents are non-toxic, biodegradable, and make it safe to use indoors and out.
Once your bike is clean, it’s all about choosing the right lube. If you lube it right, not only will you get optimal performance, but you’ll also have less maintenance work to do at the end of each ride! We recommend choosing between Finish Line’s Dry and Wet Lubricants depending on riding conditions.
Optimized for variable conditions, dry Lube goes on wet and sets up with a dry, wax-like synthetic film. It helps keep your chain clean by not absorbing excessive amounts of grit, grime, or dust. Perfect for everyday riding, its Teflon fluoropolymers coats the chain in a water-resistant film, while reducing friction and wear on all surfaces.
Wet lube is the strongest, longest lasting, and most water-proof lubricant. Wet lube goes on wet, never washes off, and delivers quiet riding, smooth shifting, and easier pedaling. Its water-repelling synthetic oils will protect your chain in the harshest conditions.
To find the perfect bicycle lubricant for your next trip, visit Finish Line’s website and use their handy Lube Selector Tool.
Tidying up the mess after cleaning your bike is a task that interests no one, ever! Our time is precious, so any steps we can take along the way to minimize the clean-up operation at the end are welcome. Tools like Finish Line’s No Drip Chain Luber were invented for exactly this reason! Save money by avoiding spilled lube and ensure every link in your chain is properly lubricated without wasting a drop. Simply fill the No Drip Chain Luber with your lubricant of choice and while backpedaling, place the applicator head on the chain and squeeze the bottle. A wicking pad in the applicator head ensures every link is evenly coated, without lube dripping or flying all over the place.
Most importantly, it will save you clearing up time and allow you to get on with more important tasks, like planning your next cycling trip.
Sure, as Trek Travel cycling guides we get paid to ride high-end road bikes in beautiful destinations around the world. But as the face of our company, we have a responsibility to provide world-class customer service. Trek Travel evaluates itself on the ability to wow our guests, so as guides we must be equipped to deliver uncompromising service.
Companies talk all the time about providing exceptional customer service. Executives far removed from the front lines make promises and commitments that may or may not be fulfilled. But from someone who works directly with customers from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep each day, what exactly does it take to create an outstanding experience?
Here are three simple keys to customer service that I’ve learned from being a tour guide:
1. Ask The Customer What They Want
It sounds simple, but you will never know what someone wants unless you ask. Don’t assume you know what each customer is looking for and know that there isn’t one catchall solution. We like to say, “It’s your day, you decide.” In order to create a perfect vacation, the details are important. It’s impossible for us to know how far you want to ride, the type of food you like to eat, or your favorite type of wine to share at dinner unless we ask. And those are exactly the type of details that create a world-class experience.
2. Give The Customer What They Want
Asking the customer what they’re looking for is inadequate unless we listen to the response. We’ve seen it all and we’re here to be fun and flexible. So when someone says they want to take a helicopter off the top of Alpe d’Huez or get married in the Tuscan countryside, we don’t stop until we’ve found a way to make it happen. Will it be the perfect solution every time? No. But there’s really no such thing as a crazy request.
3. Go Above and Beyond
Meeting needs isn’t enough. There are too many great companies that successfully fulfill customer requests and deliver on their promises. Unfortunately that’s where a lot of people stop. What makes good customer service great is the desire to go above and beyond in exceeding expectations. As cycling vacation guides, part of our responsibilities include waking up early to clean bikes, fill water bottles, oil chains, pump tires and set up snack tables. What takes the service to another level is doing all of this with a smile on our face no matter how little sleep we had the night before and placing a piece of chocolate on your seat just to ensure that your day starts in the best way possible. When it comes to customer service, little things go a long way.
“My lasting memory of my time with Trek Travel was for the kind ride staff and logistical support crew who left nothing to chance. In all my years of travelling with my bike I’ve rarely encountered such a completely professional service with seemingly effortless attention to the details, no matter how small.” – Guy Andrews, a cycling journalist, author, and founder of Rouleur Magazine
A great meal is about more than the food on your plate. A perfect atmosphere makes any meal taste richer, effortless company makes it more fulfilling, and the right beverage helps it go down easily. A wave of nostalgia always sweeps over us as we sit down to our first meal at home. We crave the flavors and the environments of far away places. Though Healdsburg and Tuscany may top our list, we know that our next vacation will bring new tastes to savor, new friends to laugh with, and new landscapes to adore.
Healdsburg, CA by Meagan Coates
I sat down at my desk after returning from a weeklong bike trip in California’s wine country with a request to write a piece on my favorite North American restaurant and I have found it nearly impossible to pick a clear winner.
My first inclination is Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg—an obvious choice as they receive so many nods in the culinary world with their fresh, local and seasonal food that is perfectly paired with a supremely local wine list and formal but non-stuffy service. Diners enjoy fresh caught fish, local duck and an array of farm-fresh vegetables in a hip and beautiful dining room with expansive ceilings and large windows.
Our Trek Travel groups even have the unique opportunity to dine in the intimate wine library off the hotel lobby after spending a day on the bike and an afternoon at the pool or spa on property. We cap it off with decadent desserts like the chocolate tart with pear sauce or the variety of fresh sorbets served in an old-fashioned soda jerk style container.
However, I would be remiss not to mention other Healdsburg haunts like my new favorite—The Shed—located just off the square behind Hotel Healdsburg. Area farmers showcase their handmade products and provide the makings of super hydrating “shrub” drinks at the fermentation bar. I sampled the strawberry, carrot and kumquat but ultimately loved the blood orange best.
Or, just steps away are other amazing restaurants such as Willi’s Seafood, Ravenous, Bistro Ralph, Barndiva and countless others. Savor a craft cocktail at h2’s Spoon Bar (like the cucumber martini!) or just stroll around Healdsburg and you are sure to find something that suits even the most discerning palates. After visiting restaurants in every corner of the world, Healdsburg is definitely the best kept secret for foodie’s looking to travel in North America.
Tuscany, Italy by Kari Kruckow
But close your eyes and take a 6,000-mile journey across the Atlantic. Rolling green hills lined with cypress trees, sun kissed vines, slow food and delicious wines…oh and Roberto. Welcome to Tuscany!
Last week I was able to cycle through this beautiful region and experience its culture. The way Trek Travel invites you to be a local for 6 days on a Trek Bike is amazing. Cycling was the biggest highlight for me on this trip, but food was not far from the top.
I encourage you to grab a little something to munch on…I promise you will get hungry as I tell you about my favorite lunch spot on this trip: da Roberto, Taverna in Montisi.
Roberto made us all feel at home as soon as we rolled in on our bikes. He is a countryside cuciniere (cook), whose only claim is to feed himself and guests honestly. Roberto is a true joy and lives to feed people at his table. His mantra is to wake up every morning happy and build a space of peace, balance and harmony to offer to people that dine at his Taverna, which ties perfectly to the experience that you have cycling through Tuscany.
Aside from the comfort and ambiance, the food prepared was as honest, delicious, and as inspiring as the hilltops that overlook the Tuscan valley. The three-course meal was not a surprise on this Trek Travel trip, being as every meal and break on the bike offered plenty of fuel for the calories burned that day.
Roberto started off the lunch with a unique bean and carrot salad. It goes without saying, but the beans sourced from a local farmer, the carrots grown in his garden behind the restaurant. Food aside, one of the best “accents” to the menu was Roberto’s story behind each dish, his amicability is contagious with every guest that comes into his “home.” Next was the homemade pasta with a true Italian Ragu sauce, to coin a phrase, “mama, mia!” The lunch ended with three dessert options, my favorite was the panna cotta with berries. It provided just enough guilt and enough fulfillment to encourage the balance of the gorgeous ride that afternoon.
Roberto is proud of his food by identifying flavors by gathering fresh, local ingredients, protecting the value of biodiversity, and visiting farms for fresh cheeses and to certify the quality of his meal.
Roberto’s lunch experience was enriching on all levels and what made for a perfect afternoon was the short bike ride to a beautiful accommodation, which felt like an estate and offered a very relaxing evening.
What can I say, Tuscany is tasteful in so many ways. And it is certainly my favorite culinary delight in Europe.
At Trek Travel, our mission is simple: to show people the world by bike, at their pace, every time, with unrivaled support and flexibility, and to encourage a passion for cycling. We are motivated by this mission and work tirelessly to make it a reality. Nevertheless, although cycling is the foundation of our business, we aren’t just a bunch of gear heads who only talk about bikes.
The individuals that make up our company come from a variety of backgrounds. We are fashion designers, ski instructors, volcanologists, photographers, biologists, artists, teachers, nurses, yogis, and basketball players. And that barely scratches the surface of what we have done. Collectively, we are passionate about people and enthusiastic about the experiences we provide.
It comes as no surprise that we are outdoor fanatics–invigorated by fresh air and rejuvenated by open spaces. We love the bicycle because it provides that for us. But we enjoy the finer things in life as well. A meal made with fresh, local ingredients, a great story, or a cold craft beer. We look forward to breathtaking sunsets, jovial laughter, fine wine, and exceptional craftsmanship. The warmth of old friendships, the stillness of the morning, and the changing of the seasons shape who we are.
The depth of our team makes it easier to connect both with coworkers and our guests. We truly enjoy each other’s company and our vacations are enhanced as a result. Every guest’s experience is better because we learn from one another. Though we’ve worked together for years, each day presents surprises as we constantly discover new things and our unique personalities make us better as a team.
Surely we are all passionate about the bikes we offer on our vacations and energized by the remarkable rides we’ve been fortunate enough to experience. While it’d be impossible to summarize all the joy that the bicycle has given us—both individually and collectively—I can assure you that we have just as much fun off the bike as we do on it. This decisive blend of work and pleasure is evident on every trip.
Although interning for Trek Travel has been remarkable, I can’t contain my excitement about moving on.
During the last four years I have lived the dream. I’ve learned from world-class educators. I’ve sailed across the breathtaking Pacific Ocean and skied 30+ days per winter in the magnificent Colorado Rockies. I’ve spent summers enjoying the lakes and bikes paths of Madison, WI. Like I said…living the dream. But when a new opportunity came knocking, I had only one question: when can I start?
Before you worry, I’ll still be around. In fact, I think a better word to describe my move is ‘up’. Last month, I had the opportunity to play hooky for a week and head to Solvang, California for Trek Travel’s 2014 New Guide Training. For ten days, we potential new guides worked tirelessly to learn the ropes. Although my family thought it was a glorified excuse to escape winter and ride bikes in the sunshine, I can assure you this was not the case. We spent far more time learning how to fix, load, clean, and fit the Trek Domane than we did riding it. We went back to drive school and learned how to safely maneuver a fully loaded van and trailer unit. Despite their humility, ask any Trek Travel guide and they are likely to brag about their ability to back a trainer into a parking stall without any hesitation. We spent hours in the hotel conference room, learning as much as we could absorb. We heard from Tania about Trek Travel’s values, spoke with Meagan about trip design, sat in on a sales meeting with Emily, and talked to Tim about expenses on our newly minted credit cards. We learned enough acronyms to make anyone’s head spin. Finally, after we had covered the ‘basics’, it was time for the real test. We met with vendors, drove routes, grocery shopped, prepped bikes, delivered safety talks, crafted picnic lunches, and provided support from the van and the saddle. From start to finish, we guided a mock trip…and that makes it sound simple.
Because of the veterans who made it happen, not a single minute of the week felt like work. They imparted their knowledge, shared their secrets, and patiently answered our questions. They are the rock stars we hope to become. My 2014 co-guides and I come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences, but during those late nights and early morning we bonded over our enthusiasm for what is the next chapter in each of our lives. The creativity and collaboration, ingenuity and zest, determination and dedication that we bring into our new careers is infectious. With the leadership and guidance of those who came before us, we are ready to put all this talk into action.
This June, college diploma in hand, I will finally get to join my co-guides in the field. I couldn’t ask for better companions with whom to share this adventure. Although the learning never ends, the fun is just beginning. I’m ready to take on the world. The question is: are you?
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer:
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined:
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discover:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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