Looking for a truly immersive travel experience this year? It might be easier than you think; in fact, Tania Burke says all you need is a bicycle.
One of the more challenging routes Trek Travel offers customers—and which Tania participates in herself—is the Etape du Tour. This happens on a rest day for the pros racing in the Tour de France, allowing amateur cyclists to bike part of the route.
Looking for a truly immersive travel experience this year? It might be easier than you think; in fact, Tania Burke says all you need is a bicycle.
One of the more challenging routes Trek Travel offers customers—and which Tania participates in herself—is the Etape du Tour. This happens on a rest day for the pros racing in the Tour de France, allowing amateur cyclists to bike part of the route.
“There’s more cyclists than cars on the road,” Keller said.
Keller and Brewer embarked on a Trek Travel group cycling tour across [Mallorca]. He showed several slides and explained some of the perks of traveling with a group, namely the safety of being surrounded by others. He also noted going during the off-season provided cheaper prices for car and boarding rentals.
There is no sporting event quite like the Tour de France, the legendary cycling race consisting of 21 day-long stages run over 23 days, a competition that crisscrosses the French countryside.
Now Trek Travel, a cycling vacation company offering cycling tours around the globe, is the Official Tour Operator for the tour and has come out with six new 2020 Tour de France Bike Tours as well as an exclusive finish line viewing party. The company promises behind-the-scenes access to the Trek-Segafredo team along with VIP race access at key stages throughout the tour, including the Grand Depart in Nice, the climbs of Col de la Madeleine, Col des Aravis, Col des Glières and the finishes on the Col de la Loze, La Roche sur Foron and the Paris finale.
Costa Brava sets the stage for a father-daughter bonding experience.
After experiencing a heavy dose of “FOMO” last year when my aunt and I went on our Yellowstone and Grand Tetons cycling trip, my dad enthusiastically jumped at the chance to join in when the time came around for me to take part in a Trek Travel Spain bike tour in Costa Brava.
I am very close with both of my parents, so I didn’t anticipate that this trip would make my dad and I even closer. However, in the months leading up to the trip, the upcoming vacation did give us new topics to talk about outside of our usual “how was your week” and “what’s new with you” conversations. As my dad trained, he asked me questions about what to expect, I helped him pick out what to pack, and we selected our pre and post trip hotels and activities. The bonding had already begun before we even stepped foot in Spain.
Even though my dad is in great shape from running and biking, he was still concerned about the hills in Europe (as was I!) since we both live in the Midwest in cities that are relatively flat. We made the decision to both use e-bikes, and it turned out to be the best tool. As a slow rider to begin with, the e-bike acted like the perfect equalizer for me to keep up when going uphill. Since I wasn’t as winded as I normally would have been without it, my dad and I were able to continue our conversations for the full rides each day. We talked about how lucky we were to be witnessing the stunning views that were around every turn, laughed at our sweat levels, and thanked each other for coming on the trip in the first place.
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Another way we further bonded was through food. My dad is very much a Midwestern meat and potatoes kind of guy (nothing wrong with that!), but on our trip, we both encountered food we normally would avoid. Whether it was pâté or raw cod for my dad or fresh clams and squid for me, we pushed each other to at least try everything. For the most part, we were pleasantly surprised at how delicious our “intimidating” foods were (but just don’t expect us to eat them every day, okay?).
Lastly, our relationship was strengthened through motivating each other. It started on the Mediterranean sailboat cruise on day four of the trip. With an overcast sky and a slight breeze, nobody was initially clamoring to jump in the brisk water for a swim. Taking the lead, I was the first to plunge into the sea for a dip. My dad is not a strong swimmer at all, so initially, he was not going to go in. After lots of prodding from me, along with our Captain Sergio strapping him into a life vest, my dad faced his fears and joined me in the water.
For me, it was being pushed to do the most elevation gain I’ve ever done on a single ride. Our trip’s fifth day includes a stunning coastal ride between S’Agaro and Tossa de Mar. After the ride out, I was ready to hop in the van to get a boost back to our hotel, but my dad said to me, “This is the prettiest ride I’ve ever been on, and I don’t want it to end.” Despite my concerns of overheating (this Midwestern gal is not built to endure high temps), we got back in the saddle, and I’m so glad we did. Even though we were on the same route we came in on, we were now on the same side of the road as the water, and the views were entirely different and even more stunning than they had been in the opposite direction. It was a ride I will never forget.
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Travel is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things, experiencing different cultures, and challenging yourself. When you get to also do this with someone you love and create those shared memories, you get to strengthen that bond in an entirely new way. So, take the (literal) leap into the cold Mediterranean. Climb that hill you didn’t think was possible. Eat that questionable cuisine. I guarantee you won’t have any regrets and will get just a little bit closer to your travel partner.
Thanks for the ride, Dad.
Experience Costa Brava
“2019 has been a year of great new destinations, accomplishments, and more.”
-Tania, Trek Travel President
As we look back on all the adventures in 2019, there are a couple wonderful moments that really stand out in our company’s memory.
Now guests can reserve a trip when it is most convenient for their schedule. Our trip consultants are still available to answer any questions and offer advice, but if you want to snag the last spot on a popular trip, you can do that day or night.
We were honored to be a part of this bike-loving couple’s big day! After riding in their bridal themed jerseys (yes, they make wedding dress and tuxedo jerseys), they celebrated with an intimate group of friends and family.
We introduced the WaveCel helmet on our trips to offer some of the latest technology in helmet design and safety.
For the first time ever, we partnered up with Under Canvas to offer a glamping trip in Glacier National Park. Guests loved the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the heart of Montana’s beautiful nature.
It’s always a party when the guides are in town! In 2019, we gathered in Palm Springs with all of our returning guides for training on everything from bike mechanics to team building.
We were delighted to offer a trip in Japan this past year to bring our guests to Asia. We also traveled to Sicily, Normandy, and Norway for the first time!
One of our unbelievable guests crossed the country this year on a mission to do good. After losing his wife in 2018 to complications from Crohn’s Colitis Disease, this guest dedicated his trip across the country to her – and raised nearly $70,000 for the Crohn’s Colitis National Foundation.
After battling with the grief of losing a child, Trek Travel’s Guide Coordinator, Kristin, poured her energy into training to take on the biggest, most challenging climbs in Italy. Throughout the seemingly impossible ascents, she discovered the depths her own physical and mental strength.
One of our wonderful, loyal guests took his 25th trip with Trek Travel this year, making him the record holder for number of trips traveled with us. Another guest hit his 20th trip too!
Want to be part of the 2020 memories?
2020 will be here before we know it, so our team gathered around to set some goals and compile an awesome bucket list of things to try on their bikes in the new year.
Where will two wheels take you in 2020? Check our some of our goals and hopefully find some inspiration for your own riding next year.
Team member Bryna is picking out her next trip currently!
Team member Ashley is planning her first bike-packing trip in 2020.
One of our guests inspired team member Dave to try this goal!
Team member Katherine wants to test out some mountain biking trails in Wisconsin (and beyond).
Team member Lindsay is looking forward to a new ride in 2020.
Cut your ride shares by 20% to save money and the planet. Our team members are trying to choose to bike for errands and rides that are less than 3 miles from home.
Team member Joe has a list of new rides to try in Madison.
Team member Penny wants to head to France for this feat in 2020.
This is a company-wide goal at Trek Travel for all employees! Not only does it provide great exercise, but it is also environmentally friendly.
Team member Emily wants to tackle three Olympic distance triathlons!
Team member Erika wants to try the Trek 100 for the first time.
Tell us where you’re traveling next or share your bucket list ideas on social media by adding #theworldcalls or #trektravel to your posts!
What are you waiting for?
Starting in 2020, we added two new Trek electric bikes into our fleet: the Trek Domane+ LT and the Verve+. Learn more about why we think these bikes are going to take you to bigger and better places this year.
See what makes the all-new Domane+ LT so unique.
The Verve+ is an e-bike built for an ultra-smooth, comfortable ride. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to keep up with friends or family on longer routes or needs a boost up hills. The design features wide tires for stability, a low-step frame for easy on and off, and a brand new display that’s brighter and easier to read for monitoring battery power and more. This sleek bike will be available on select North American and European e-bike tours starting in spring 2020. If you have questions about availability on a trip you are considering, talk to one of our friendly trip consultants.
The Domane+ LT combines the best of the race-built Domane bike with a slight pedal-assist perfect for climbing the toughest of hills. This bike is designed differently than most e-bikes you’ve seen before; it primarily functions as a road bike ready for you to take the lead, but on the toughest hills or strongest headwinds, you can get a boost with the electric feature. It is a great fit for strong riders who want to tackle most terrain on their own but could use a little help in tough spots. The Domane+ LT is available with an upgrade fee of $500 on select trips.
1. The brand new display is brighter and in full color, which makes it quicker to check on your speed, battery power, and more.
2. All our Verve+ bikes will feature a low-step frame, making it easier to get on and off the bike for a quick photo op or animal sighting.
3. Wider tires make for a more comfortable ride across a variety of terrain, from gravel paths to winding roads.
1. You can enjoy the experience of riding a Domane along with the extra boost an e-bike offers.
2. If you are riding faster than the electric assisted level, the motor features new technology to seamlessly disengage for a drag free ride.
3. The e-bike still incorporates all of the features that make the Domane incredibly comfortable with the IsoSpeed decoupler and smooth Shimano shifting.
While Trek Travel will be offering the latest model of the Domane+ LT in spring of 2020, one of our favorite pro riders, Jens Voigt, got to check out the Trek Domane+ earlier this year. Watch the video to see just how fun these e-bikes can be.
Trek Travel named Bicycling Magazine’s Best Race-Adjacent:
Spring Classics Ultimate Experience.
This 11-day VIP tour in Belgium and northern France is one of the most storied pilgrimages that bike-racing fans can make. After all, the eight days that bridge the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix comprise cycling’s Holy Week. Tackle the short but jarring segments on these bucket-list monuments, like the Paterberg and the Arenberg Forest, then watch Peter Sagan, Philippe Gilbert, and other legends crush the cobbles from exclusive seating on the Kwaremont and the Roubaix velodrome.
At Trek Travel, our team is passionate about discovering unbeatable destinations by bike. Whether we are riding to work or cycling some of the most famous climbs in the world, we rely on great gear to keep us safe, moving, and fueled. We talked to our team of travelers and cyclists to pull together our holiday gift guide, which includes our choices for the best gifts for cyclists.
Securely stash a phone, snacks, wallet, or keys with the aid of Ornot’s Handlebar Bag Mini. This durable and discreet bag is made from cordura canvas, lined with waterproof nylon fabric, and shaped using lightweight plastic.
Bike lights are a safety essential for cyclists, day or night. That’s why Bontrager makes a range of ultra-bright, all-weather head and taillights to make sure riders can see and be seen out on the roads at any time of the day.
Give your loved ones memories that will last a lifetime with a gift card for a Trek Travel cycling vacation. With a wide range of trip styles and destinations across the globe, there is a perfect bike trip for everyone.
The WaveCel helmet features revolutionary safety technology to better protect against cycling accidents. Discover a variety of colors and styles designed for road biking, mountain biking, and commuter biking. WaveC
When the miles rack up, stay inspired with this record-breaking shoe. A breathable engineered mesh inner sock keeps feet supported and comfortable. But it’s outside where the real action takes place: 18 Cloud elements on the sole will help to push you forward. Give a gift like no other. Give the gift of speed.
Bring festive flavors of Blackberry Farm, a luxury retreat tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, to your holiday table with their limited edition 2019 Holiday Farmstead Box. Inside, savor Blackberry Jam, Blackberry Farm Coffee, Olive and Sinclair’s Peppermint Bark, and more delicious treats.
The Holiday Gift Box isn’t currently available, but check out their current collections>
Kate’s Real Food makes six delicious flavors of energy bars using whole-food ingredients. Each one is certified organic, gluten free, non-GMO, Kosher, and sweetened with all-natural honey. Gift a set of each flavor along with a fun winter beanie!
Customize SILCA’s HX-ONE Home Essential Kit to add a personal touch to your cycling-themed holiday gift. This complete set of precision S2 steel hex wrenches and bit drivers is stored in an engraved Beechwood carrying case.
Share a gift basket featuring a curated selection of Clif Family wines and artisan foods. If you are looking for something extra special, create a custom gift set with the help of Clif’s in-house Gift Concierges.
Give the gift of membership to Clif Family Wine’s CLUB PELOTON, which includes the exclusive invitation to an annual ride and lunch along with 6 months of wines. Plus, enjoy special discounts on bike rental and tune-ups with their cycling partner.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
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Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.
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).
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).
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).
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).
Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.
Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
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
