Category Archives: Press

MADISON, WI — February 2026 — Trek Travel is proud to announce a new ambassador partnership with Lizzie Deignan, one of the most accomplished and respected cyclists of her generation. A former world champion and winner of cycling’s most iconic races, Deignan brings a rare combination of elite performance, authenticity, and passion for meaningful experiences—values that align deeply with Trek Travel’s approach to cycling and hiking vacations around the world.

A New Chapter Beyond Racing

After an extraordinary professional career defined by resilience, leadership, and success at the highest level of the sport, Deignan is entering a new chapter—one focused on connection, exploration, and sharing the joy of movement with others.

“Having recently announced my retirement, I am excited to see where my next journey will take me.” Deignan said. “I’m no longer focused on winning, but rather the freedom to explore, travel the world, and to meet new people. I can’t wait to join Trek Travel and experience the open road with their guests.” As a Trek Travel ambassador, Deignan will collaborate on storytelling, special events, and experiences that celebrate cycling culture, adventure, and the power of seeing the world actively.

Why Lizzie Deignan and Trek Travel?

For more than two decades, Trek Travel has crafted premium cycling and hiking vacations designed to immerse guests in the world’s most inspiring destinations—without the stress of planning or logistics. Deignan’s career reflects that same attention to detail and love for the process: preparation, exploration, and savoring the journey as much as the outcome.

“We’re excited to have Lizzie joining the Trek Travel family and can’t wait to share her passion for the sport with guests around the world.” said Tania Burke, President of Trek Travel.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With 2026 shaping up to be a milestone year for Trek Travel, this partnership underscores the company’s continued commitment to elevating active travel—bringing together world-class expertise, unforgettable destinations, and people who inspire others to move, explore, and connect.

More details on Lizzie Deignan’s involvement, upcoming content, and special Trek Travel experiences will be shared in the months ahead.

About Trek Travel

Trek Travel offers premium, fully-supported cycling and hiking tours in some of the most beautiful and iconic destinations around the world. Trek Travel’s commitment to sustainability, exceptional guest experiences, and creating lasting memories is what sets them apart as a leader in active travel. For media inquiries, images, or interview opportunities, please contact Jake Fergus (jake_fergus@trektravel.com).

Being named a Travel + Leisure World’s Best Tour Operator is an honor—but more importantly, it’s a reflection of the people, care, and experiences that define every Trek Travel trip.

Each year, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are shaped by thousands of readers who vote based on real travel experiences. These aren’t industry insiders or marketing panels—they’re travelers who’ve been there, done it, and felt the difference. That’s what makes this recognition especially meaningful to us.

What the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award Represents

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are among the most respected accolades in global travel. Winners are selected based on reader feedback across categories that matter most to travelers: service, expertise, personalization, and overall experience.

For tour operators, this award recognizes companies that consistently deliver thoughtful, memorable journeys—where logistics fade into the background and the experience takes center stage. To be named a World’s Best Tour Operator means travelers trust you with their time, their expectations, and their sense of adventure. That trust is something we take seriously.

Why Trek Travel was Recognized

At Trek Travel, we believe great trips don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of care, craft, and people who genuinely love what they do. This recognition reflects what our guests experience every day on our trips:

Exceptional Guides

Our guides are the heart of Trek Travel. They’re experts in their craft, attentive hosts, and passionate storytellers who bring each place to life. They anticipate needs, solve problems before they arise, and create the kind of welcoming environment that turns a group of travelers into a community.

World-Class Bikes and Support

As part of the Trek family, Trek Travel provides premium Trek bikes, guide fittings, and on-trip support. Guests travel with confidence knowing their equipment and logistics are handled to the highest standard.

Seamless Planning, Thoughtfully Executed

Every Trek Travel trip is meticulously planned so guests can focus on the experience, not the logistics. Routes, transfers, meals, and daily details are handled with precision, creating travel that feels effortless from start to finish.

Handpicked Hotels That Reflect the Destination

Accommodations are chosen for comfort, location, and sense of place. From boutique hotels to five-star retreats, Trek Travel hotels enhance the journey and provide meaningful rest and recovery at the end of each day.

What This Means for Our Guests

For travelers considering their next adventure, this award offers reassurance. It means choosing Trek Travel comes with confidence—confidence that your trip will be thoughtfully planned, expertly supported, and delivered with heart. Confidence that you’ll be challenged and cared for, welcomed and understood.

Whether you’re cycling legendary mountain roads, hiking coastal trails, or exploring a destination at your own pace, this recognition reflects the consistency and quality guests can expect on every Trek Travel experience.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking forward. To new destinations, fresh perspectives, and continued evolution—while staying true to what’s always defined Trek Travel.

This recognition from Travel + Leisure is a reminder of why we do what we do: to create trips that stay with you long after the journey ends.

To everyone who has traveled with us, voted, shared feedback, or trusted us with their adventure—thank you. This award belongs to you as much as it does to us.

Explore the Trips That Earned This Recognition

From cycling and gravel adventures to hiking, walking, self-guided trips, and ride camps, discover the experiences that led travelers to name Trek Travel a World’s Best Tour Operator.

Plan your 2025 travel with our guide to the best active vacation destinations. From the scenic trails of Europe to the coastal rides in North America, get ready to explore!

Whether you’re looking to pedal through the quaint villages of Europe, hike along breathtaking coastal trails, or indulge in other cultural activities, our comprehensive guide covers the best destinations for your 2025 vacation. Ready to find the perfect adventure for your taste and fitness level? Dive into our guide and start planning today!

Featured Destinations

Croatia: Explore the Istrian Peninsula

Take a cycling tour through Croatia’s breathtaking Istrian Peninsula. This tour offers a blend of picturesque coastal roads and historical towns, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of the old world mixed with physical activity.

Cinque Terre: Italian Riviera Hiking Adventure

Traverse the iconic trails of the Italian Riviera, from the enchanting village of Portovenere to the vibrant scenes of the Cinque Terre. This hiking tour is ideal for those who want to soak in spectacular coastal views while meandering through colorful villages.

California Wine Country: Vineyard Vistas

Pedal at your own pace through the serene vineyards and rolling hills of California’s Wine Country. This tour combines leisurely biking with gourmet experiences, making it a perfect choice for connoisseurs of fine wine and scenic rides.

Scotland: Galloway Gravel

Explore the gravel cycling capital of the UK in Galloway and experience miles of scenic forest, riverbanks, and coastal trails This tour is tailored for those who crave adventure beyond the usual roads.

Amsterdam to Bruges: Tulips and Windmills

Glide through the flat, picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands and Belgium. This relaxed journey is great for first-time cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts wanting to enjoy Europe’s urban and rural beauty.

Portugal: Ride Camp Training

Experience the Algarve’s hidden trails and temperate climate, making it an ideal spot for off-season cycling. This trip is a great option for riders looking to improve their skills in a scenic setting.

Vermont: Autumn Colors

Marvel at Vermont’s stunning autumnal palette from the saddle. This tour captures the essence of New England charm and is best for those who enjoy a fall ride under colorful canopies.

Provence to Girona: The Ultimate Gravel Journey

Push through the historic gravel paths from Provence to the Pyrenees. Adventurers and gravel enthusiasts will find this challenging terrain both invigorating and rewarding.

Tuscany: The Heart of Italy

Cycle through the heart of Italian culinary tradition and stunning landscapes. This tour is a dream for foodies and those who wish to experience Tuscany’s renowned culture and cuisine.

Black Hills: America’s Gravel Frontier

Adventure through South Dakota’s historic landscapes on gravel paths, from the mysterious Spearfish Canyon to the iconic Mount Rushmore. If you’re looking for a twist on a classic summer vacation, this is your bike tour.

Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or gravel biking, these tours are designed to deliver an immersive experience that goes beyond ordinary travel, leaving you with memories and stories to cherish for years to come. Don’t just explore; immerse yourself in the vacation of a lifetime!

Ready to book your next adventure? Start planning today and prepare for an active 2025 filled with new experiences and breathtaking landscapes!

For Immediate Release March 27, 2024 (Madison, WI): After 20+ years of recognition as a top cycling tour operator, Trek Travel is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Hiking and Walking Tours, commencing in the Fall of 2024. Renowned for creating unforgettable cycling vacations, Trek Travel has been celebrated by Travel and Leisure as a top global tour operator. This expertise and passion for adventure are now being extended to include hiking and walking tours, offering customers a new way to see the world with Trek Travel.

Trek Travel’s inaugural launch features four extraordinary destinations, with plans to unveil additional itineraries later this year. Each destination promises a unique experience for all outdoor enthusiasts:

Cinque Terre Hiking and Walking Tour: Experience Italy’s stunning Ligurian Coast, from Portovenere through Cinque Terre to Santa Margherita, with gourmet meals and luxurious boutique hotel stays. Learn More.

Scotland Hiking and Walking Tour: Discover Edinburgh’s hidden trails, the coastal charm of St Andrews, and the Cairngorms National Park’s natural beauty, all while enjoying Highland hospitality. Learn More.

Portugal Hiking and Walking Tour: Journey through the Alentejo region and along the Rota Vicentina, exploring the history and beauty of Lagos and Sagres, complemented by distinctive accommodations. Learn More.

Ireland Hiking and Walking Tour: Traverse the west coast from the Cliffs of Moher to Dingle, experiencing Ireland’s natural wonders, history, and culture, with unique lodging and cuisine. Learn More.

Tania Burke, president of Trek Travel, stated, “For the past 20 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting your cycling vacations of a lifetime. We’re bringing that same magic, expertise, hospitality, and commitment to our new adventure hiking and walking tours. As we step into this new journey, you can have confidence in our continued focus on providing a vacation of a lifetime, no matter how you travel with us.”

Trek Travel’s Hiking and Walking Tours are imbued with the same qualities that have made their cycling vacations legendary – exceptional guides, luxury accommodations, expertly curated itineraries, unmatched flexibility, and unparalleled hospitality.

As Trek Travel steps into this new adventure, they carry with them two decades of experience in crafting travel experiences that are not just vacations but trips filled with lifelong memories. Join Trek Travel on their Hiking and Walking Tours to explore the world in a new way, where every step is a moment worth remembering.

For more information and to join these incredible journeys, visit Trek Travel’s website: trektravel.com

Sometimes magic comes in unexpected packages, like not having to worry about bringing pedals or a helmet (we’ve got you covered), or in the photos we collect and share with you after every vacation. It’s all part of our relentless, driven mission to make you smile from start to finish. Read on for the 10 little things that help make your bike tour the cycling vacation of a lifetime.

Exceptional Guides

They’re more than just experts in riding, they’re Trek Travel Certified mechanics and trained in delivering uncompromising service in ways you won’t believe. Think of them as your personal concierge, there to provide what you need before you even know you need it.

Guaranteed to run

Trips that are marked guaranteed are just that—guaranteed to run. If you’re going, we’re going. For trips of one or two guests, pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run.

Bike fit

Whether it’s the all-new, smooth and race-ready Trek Domane with electronic shifting and disc brakes or the fan-favorite Trek Electric-Assist Verve+, you can be sure your bike fit will be dialed before the first ride.

Free Wifi

Sometimes part of vacation is going off the grid, but in those moments when you want to plug back in it should be easy and hassle free. That’s why we take care of wifi for every guest in each hotel we visit.

Trek Bike Discount and a Digital Photo Album

Once you return home, continue your cycling journey with a new Trek bike and relive your favorite moments with a trip-specific digital photo album.

Pedals

We all know packing for a vacation can burst the seams on your favorite piece of luggage, but now you can lighten the load. Shimano R540 road pedals or Shimano M520 mountain pedals are included on every trip, so go ahead and leave yours at home.

Safety First

Did you know that daytime lights can reduce the risk of accidents by up to 50%? That’s why we include a Bontrager Ion head light and the Flare daytime tail-light on all our bikes and all our trips, so you can enjoy the scenery without the worry.

Jerseys

Look sharp on and off the bike. With most trips, you’ll receive a complimentary Trek Travel jersey perfect for storing snacks and meant to keep you comfortable no matter the terrain.

Advanced and Pre-loaded Routes

Whether you’re looking to really put in the miles or to go on a more leisurely spin, each day’s routes will be pre-loaded onto your Garmin so you never have to wonder, “Was that my turn back there?” Or if you prefer to bring your own device we’ve teamed with RideWithGPS to provide downloadable GPS routes ahead of time for all our trips so you can get the lay of the land before you even leave.

Team Access

As the official partner of Lidl-Trek, our trips are the best the industry has to offer, with VIP access and exclusive viewing spots. Watch the big attacks, meet the pros and drink in the drama. TV just can’t capture the electricity of a race. Luckily, that’s what we’re here for.