self-guided vacations
by Randonnée
making it
simple
www.randonneetours.com
i t a l y f r a n c e u. s. a. i r e l a n d c a n a d a s p a i n
17 years and growing
17 years
I’d like to warmly welcome back both those of you who have traveled with Randonnée Tours over the past 17 years as well as our new
travelers. We continue to offer distinctive, self-guided active vacations in Europe, United States and Canada, and our offerings this
year will expand to our largest yet with exciting new tours in Ireland, France, Italy, and Spain, to name just a few!
We are proud to announce our partnership with Great Explorations, a company with more than 20 years of experience designing and
leading active trips around the globe. Through this partnership we have grown our staff, improved our bicycle fleet, expanded the range
simple
of trips we offer, and moved our headquarters to Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information about Great Explorations please
visit the website at www.great-explorations.com.
Randonnée Tours continues to offer you thoughtful trips that take the work out of travel; we look after all the arrangements, making
your dream cycling or walking holiday a simple reality. We’re convinced that you’ll find your next destination in this catalogue, or
among the more extensive listings on our web site: www.randonneetours.com.
Robbin McKinney, President and Owner
T
able of contents
3 about us
8 where we go
9 when to travel
11 premier european tours
25 north american tours
Cover photo: Chateau Chenonceau,
33 other tours Loire Valley, France
www.randonneetours.com 2
about us
what is
Randonnée
Unparalled Expertise
Randonnée offers an exceptional line of self-guided active vacations
in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Tailored for You
Each of Randonnée’s self-guided cycling, hiking, walking, and
multi-sport tours are custom designed by president and owner
Robbin McKinney and his well-traveled staff. Our customers
deserve the best and, no matter where you travel, our accommoda-
tions – the inns, chateaux, bed and breakfasts, hotels and lodges
– are hand picked. All the trip logistics are seamlessly prepared
in advance in exacting detail so that you can focus on the more
important parts of your trip – taking that stunning photo, learning
Camino de Santiago, Spain,
of a rich history and culture, or selecting the perfect wine.
Cycling
The best of Both Worlds
Randonnée presents a balance between the freedom of traveling on
your own and the convenient support of an escorted tour. We offer
the finest choices and plenty of flexibility. You travel at your own
pace and let us take care of the details.
Contact us today and see how
simple it can be.
"I just wanted to let you know how great the trip was. I loved the small villages,
For more detailed information,
the country-side, the culture, the people, and the accommodations"
please visit www.randonneetours.com
C. Aubin, Ontario – Spain cycling
3 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 www.randonneetours.com 4
about us
What is Self-guided Travel? The Advantages of Randonnée
A self-guided tour is a fully organized vacation There are many advantages to self-guided
package providing a sophisticated style of travel with Randonnée including:
travel for independent travellers.
• inn-to-inn luggage transfers
For 17 years, Randonnée has been taking the • prepaid accommodation in lodges, bed
time to do the planning and look after all the and breakfasts, country inns, luxury hotels
logistics. Our attention to detail is second to or chateaux
none. You receive behind-the-scenes support so • all breakfasts and typically two dinners
you can enjoy your time away. • highlighted maps
• a set itinerary with room for flexibility
Self-guided is easy. Decide on the country or
• detailed, informative route instructions for
region you’d like to explore, choose an activity,
routes along scenic country roads and trails
pick a date, and let Randonnée do the rest.
• tips on sights and restaurants
Relish the freedom of going at your own pace, • historical notes
travel with exactly whom you want to and • emergency support just a phone call away
experience the journey in your own highly • fully equipped bicycles, canoes and sea kayaks
individual manner.
Why Active Travel?
Why Randonnée?
Randonnée offers tours custom designed around
An owner operated company, Randonnée custom active travel. As opposed to merely visiting a
designs its tours. This means modifications place, active travel lets you fully engage with
according to each client’s vision are always your vacation. Cycle between mountain lodges
possible. There are many options based on your in the Canadian Rockies, hike inn-to-inn
individual wants, needs or desires. Want a harder between villages on France’s Mediterranean
workout to burn off those calories? You can coast or sea kayak from island to island in the
add extra kilometres to your schedule. Hoping Gulf Islands. Experience destinations in never
to savour more leisure days of wine and roses? before imagined ways.
It’s no problem to open up time in your itinerary.
If you have a basic level of fitness, you can
easily enjoy most of our tours. They’re designed
to accommodate people of all ages, fitness and
skill levels.
For more information about self-guided
Join us for your very own active travel adventure.
travel or more details on all our tours
please visit www.randonneetours.com
or give us a call at 1.800.242.1825.
5 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 www.randonneetours.com 6
where we go
Randonnée is the leader in self-guided
active travel in Europe, Canada, and
the United States.
Europe
We offer a wide range of cycling, walking,
hiking, multi-sport, Walking Discovery, and
Short Escape tours in France. You can select
from among the fabled regions of Dordogne,
Provence, Burgundy, Normandy, Loire Valley,
Corsica and the French Riviera. In Italy
we offer trips to cycle and stroll under the
Tuscan sun and to get off the beaten path in
Umbria. In Spain you can choose between
the richly historic Camino de Santiago and
stunning Andalucia, while in Ireland you
can meander among the romantic moors
and lakes of Donegal.
North America
Canadian tours include cycling, walking,
hiking, multi-sport, cross-country skiing,
and Walking Discovery in British Columbia,
Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
In the United States, cycling is the dominant
activity in both California’s wine country
and Utah’s desert and canyonlands.
Worldwide
These destinations are only a starting point.
Fine Accommodations
Randonnée goes to many other locales and Randonnée’s rich experience in self-guided
is always adding new and innovative tours. travel has resulted in rewarding relationships
with its accommodation providers. Many
For updates and more detailed information of the inns, chateaux, bed and breakfasts,
hotels and lodges are hand-picked. Our
on these and all of our other tours, please
regular returns ensure the rooms, services,
visit www.randonneetours.com. and amenities are up to par. For 17 years it’s
been this kind of attention to detail that sets
Randonnée apart.
italy france u.s.a.ireland canada spain
7 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 www.randonneetours.com 8
when to travel Mount St. Michel
Start Dates
Randonnée offers tours for all seasons. Our tours allow travellers the flexibility
to begin on any day between the highlighted dates. Start your journey when
you would like to. It’s simple.
EUROPE START DATES
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Dordogne
Provence
Burgundy
Normandy
French Riviera
Corsica
Andalucia
Santiago
De Compostela
Cinque Terre
Tuscany
Umbria
Ireland
NORTH AMERICAN START DATES
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
British Columbia
Canadian Rockies
Not all our destinations
Ontario
and adventures are listed
Quebec
in this catalogue. For more
Nova Scotia
information, please visit
Utah
www.randonneetours.com
California
or call 1.800.242.1825
italy france u.s.a. ireland canada spain
9 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 www.randonneetours.com 10
premier european tours Provence At the market - Provence’s colourful
markets are a treasure trove for tasteful
handmade products like lavender
In the deep south of France lies Provence, featured in dried bunches, sachets,
a treasure-filled wonderland. A land of lavender honey, bath salts and
kaleidoscopic colours, no other region of France lavender cosmetics. Highly coveted are
fires the imagination as strongly as Provence. the region’s distinctive bright coloured
This is where great artists such as Cezanne fabric, tablecloths and linens, exquisite
and Van Gogh were inspired to create their natural soaps and perfumes, Provençal
masterpieces. Hills, mountains, stunning ceramics and culinary products
valleys, wild gorges and ochre cliffs frame such as herbes de provence and olive oil.
ancient ruins like those of a Gallo-Roman
colony in Vaison la Romaine. The real joy of
Provence lies in biking, hiking or wandering Timeframe: • March to June and September
through its rural hinterland filled with to October recommended.
• Limited travel styles available
charming and picturesque villages like in July and August.
Paris
Gordes. Bathed in sunshine and coupled Usual length: • 8 days. Can range
from 3 to 21 days.
with magnificent weather, the region Accommodations: • B&B, Classic
features spectacular and varied flora • Luxe upgrade
Provence
options available.
including fragrant fields of lavender
Travel styles: • Cycling
and poppies, olive groves, apricot and • Hiking
• Multi-sport
cherry orchards and vineyards. • Walking Discovery
• Short Escape
simple
pleasures
“We only had 10 days and this tour provided a wonderful balance of adventure,
relaxation, culture and luxury. It was a perfect vacation.”
Paula and Tony, Alberta – Provence cycling
11 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and more tours visit www.randonneetours.com 12
premier european tours
The Dordogne World class gourmet food
and wine ahead - The Dordogne
is one of the gastronomic centres of
Found in the southwestern part of France about France. Foie gras and truffles are
500 kilometres from Paris, the Dordogne is a everyday fare on menus and shops sell
magnificent tableau offering a diversity of these local delicacies along with
landscapes. Whether you’re on foot, atop a bike regional wines Cahors, Monbazillac
or paddling a canoe, you will encounter dramatic and Bergerac. Specialties include confit
countryside, idyllic pastoral valleys, neatly of duck, cassoulet and a wide range
patterned farm fields, and craggy cliffs along the of food items made from locally
banks of the Dordogne, the longest and most farmed walnuts from walnut cakes
picturesque river in France. A medieval and chocolate-dusted walnuts to
battleground, this is where Richard the walnut wine liqueur.
Lion-Hearted captured the cliffhanging castle
in Beynac.The Dordogne’s villages such as
Rocamadour are fascinating to explore and Timeframe: • April to October recommended.
prehistory can be unearthed in Les Eyzies. Usual length: • 9 days. Can range
from 3 to 21 days.
The region’s Paleolithic cave art and
Accommodations: • B&B, Classic
ancient towns have been • Luxe upgrade
showcased gloriously in the options available.
Travel styles: • Cycling
Paris films Clan of The Cave • Walking
• Multi-sport
Bear and Chocolat.
• Walking Discovery
• Short Escape
Dordogne
“The entire sejour was magnificent! I am stunned at
how gorgeous the region is and of course the regional
cuisine definitely added to the experience.”
Stephanie, France – Dordogne cycling
f r a n c e i t a l y u. s. a. i r e l a n d c a n a d a s p a i n
14
13 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 Photo by Richard Dear. for more information on how we can personalize your vacation call 1.800.242.1825
premier european tours Burgundy Savour the Wine - Burgundy is
home to some of the world’s most
sought after vintages. Wine production
Burgundy is located about 300 kilometres south in the area began around 300 AD near
of Paris. Over the centuries the region was inhab- Beaune. Stop and sniff the bouquet
ited by Celts, Gauls, Romans, Gallo Romans and sip superb reds and whites.
and Germanic peoples, and it remains one of Famous vineyards in the region include
the most historically and culturally rich areas of Chambertin, Santenay, Pommard
France. Cycle past spectacular panoramas fea- and Meursault, some of France’s
turing sloping vineyards and fertile plains, and most renowned vintages.
landscape replete with a spectrum of colours.
Or walk into the rural soul of France, past verdant
pastures dotted with white Charolais cows, and Timeframe: • April to October recommended.
Paris
brush shoulders with manor farms and exquisite Usual length: • 8 or 9 days. Can range
from 3 to 16 days.
churches. Stroll through the cobbled courtyards
Accommodations: • B&B, Classic
of tiny villages and visit towns such as Beaune, • Luxe upgrade
Burgundy options available.
wine capital of Burgundy, Vézelay with its famed
Travel styles: • Cycling
Romanesque architecture and Semur-en-Auxois, • Walking
home of the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay. • Short Escape
“The route took us through beautiful places and deep France.
Attention to details on your part left us free to enjoy our vacation.”
Phil & Carolyn, Connecticut – Burgundy cycling
15 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and more tours visit www.randonneetours.com 16
premier european tours
Loire Valley Among the most striking of the Chateaux is
Chenonceau, which stretches elegantly over
the River Cher. First built between 1512 and
Remember WWII at landing
beaches - Normandy is perhaps best
known for the Second World War landing
Only 1 hour south of Paris lies a region that since
1521 by Thomas Bohier, the building of this beaches used by the Allied armies.
the Renaissance has been a favorite of kings and the
chateau was always controlled by powerful Here, every day is one of remembrance
aristocracy; the Loire River valley is dotted with
women of France. Following the initial hiring and memorial and thought provoking
fine chateaux, vineyards, and some of the most
of architects in 1515, the property changed recollections of WWII abound. Visit Juno
beautiful (and gentle) cycling routes in France.
hands frequently over the years. This Beach, Omaha Beach and other landing
You will visit the most magnificent chateaux and
exquisite residence has played host to many beaches, sites of intense D-Day battles,
the extraordinary gardens of Villandry, while
luminaries through the centuries including and peruse Normandy’s museums,
a region that has so much to offer.
leaving time to explore the subtler aspects of
Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.
Normandy plaques, flags, memorials and
war cemeteries.
The Normandy coast, sitting on the English
Timeframe: • April through October
Usual length: • 8 days Channel about two hours north of Paris, provides
Timeframe: • May to October recommended.
Accommodations: • Classic a haven of peace and tranquility. Normandy was a
• Luxe upgrade Usual length: • 8 days. Can range
options available. rendezvous for Impressionist painters like Boudin from 5 to 10 days.
Travel styles: • Cycling and Monet, who were bewitched by the soft and Accommodations: • Classic
• Luxe upgrade
shimmering light and shadow, and its ambience is options available.
showcased in many masterworks. Start in Bayeux, Travel styles: • Cycling
home to the famed tapestry that depicts William the
Conqueror’s conquest of England. Pedalling through
Paris the countryside, you glide through fertile belts of
Loire Valley gentle pastureland where Normandy cows graze
“Absolutely outstanding!
beneath apple trees, golden prairies bordered with
hedgerows and cool beech and pine forests. Ride
Very professional tour
alongside rugged and alluring coastline framed by company with great service!”
quaint fishing villages and
Alison and Noah, Maine – Normandy cycling
seaside resorts like Cabourg.
Normandy
Make sure to stop along the
Paris
way and sample Normandy’s
celebrated Camembert
cheeses and apple-based
sparkling cider, pommeau
and calvados liqueur.
17 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and for more tours visit www.randonneetours.com 18
premier european tours
Tuscany Food/eating - Tuscany enjoys
unsurpassed excellence in the area
of gastronomy. It produces numerous
Tuscany is the classic Italian destination, offering
highly celebrated wines, such as
both celebrated sights and unusual discoveries.
the Chianti Classico, that enjoy
It is a magical landscape of lush countryside,
worldwide acclaim. Equally precious
with olive trees and grape vines in glorious
are its scrumptious local cheeses and
abundance. Explore medieval towns including
transcendent olive oils. Tuscan cuisine
Siena, Monteriggioni and Pienza to name a few.
distinguishes itself for its tasty dishes
Along the way, enjoy the best of Chianti wine
made with fresh, genuine ingredients
and Tuscan cooking, with evenings spent in
which transform even the simplest
charming lodgings.
dishes into true delicacies.
Timeframe: • March through early November
Usual length: • 8 days. Can range
from 5 to 8 days.
Accommodations: • Classic
• Luxe upgrade
options available.
Travel styles: • Cycling
Tuscany
Rome
“The directions were
phenomenal and the hotels
that you selected were superb.”
Faye, Florida – Tuscany cycling
italy f r a n c e u. s. a. i r e l a n d c a n a d a s p a i n
19 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information on how we can personalize your vacation call 1.800.242.1825 20
premier european tours
Andalucia Architecture - Relatively few major
Muslim buildings survived the tem-
pestuous Christian era intact, however,
Andalucia is many things; sequined matadors Andalucia is the home to many that
and strumming guitars, torrid flamenco and hot- did. These include some of the world's
blooded gypsies, orange blossoms and the scent finest examples of Moorish architecture
of jasmine. Dominated by Moorish architecture including the Mezquita in Cordoba and
and legend, you will explore this land of white the Giralda minaret in Seville.
hilltop villages, restaurants featuring spicy paella,
cooling gazpacho & tantalizing tapas, all served
with a generous helping of splendid sunshine. Timeframe: • March through November.
Spring in southern Spain is sublime; it is a time Usual length: • 7 days.
Accommodations: • Classic
of celebration and love, and cycling between the • Luxe upgrade
exquisite white villages of Andalucia will simply options available.
Travel styles: • Cycling
make your heart sing.
“Just a short note to say that we loved
the trip to Andalucia. Your Area
Manager, Graeme, was there to meet
Madrid
us and was terrific. It was our first
Andalucia self-guided trip and we were extremely
impressed with your choice of routes.
The hotels were all luxurious and a
welcome treat. We are hooked on
Spain and are planning on the camino
de Santiago next spring.”
Tom and Helen, New York – Spain cycling
spain f r a n c e u. s. a. i r e l a n d c a n a d a i t a l y
21 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and more tours visit www.randonneetours.com 22
premier european tours
Ireland:
The Burren, Aran Islands & Connemara
Pub Culture Bar owners around
the world attempt to duplicate the Irish
pub because they're among the most
comfortable settings ever conceived
Ireland exudes a Northern and Celtic spirit. of by humans.
Green hills resonate with the rhymes of past The pub somehow eliminates differences
and present poets. Legends float in on misty between individuals. Lingering around
rain, chased by bright summer sun. Experience a table littered with several rounds of
proud traditions of music played out in pubs and empty pint glasses and lively, boisterous
sample frothy Irish brews. Explore the Burren singing in the background, everyone is
and the Cliffs of Moher in County Claire, and the encouraged to speak their mind and to
Aran Islands, where horse-drawn carriages and buy at least one round. No visit to this
bicycles still rule the road. Pedal along the dra- land would be complete without a visit
matic western coast in Connemara, past thatched to the local.
cottages under the watchful peaks of Ireland’s
Twelve Bens. Begin your days with a hearty Irish
breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and Timeframe: • April through October.
Usual length: • 8 days.
breads, warm up with a pub lunch, refresh your-
Accommodations: • Classic & B&B’s.
self at tea time with cakes, scones and jams, then
Travel styles: • Cycling
feast in the evening on salmon or lamb.
“The highlights for us include the Cliffs
of Moher, the archaeological site of Dun
Aengus on the Aran Islands and the
Connemara
riding under the Twelve Bens towards
Aran Islands Burren
Clifden. Thank you for creating the
perfect itinerary. We loved it all! P.S. I’ll
miss those pints of Guinness - they just
don’t taste the same anywhere else.”
Laura and Peter, Boston – Ireland cycling
i reland france italy u.s.a canada spain
23 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 24
for more information on how we can personalize your vacation call 1.800.242.1825
north american adventures British Columbia Tour via sea kayak - Sheltered
waters and easy access help make the
Gulf Islands one of Canada’s most
The Gulf Islands are a necklace of islands desirable paddling destinations.
lying off the coast of Vancouver, Canada. Enjoy a day of sea kayaking in Winter
Consisting of more than a dozen large islands and Cover Marine Provincial Park, a tidal
interspersed with innumerable islets, this West wetland marsh, and paddle between the
Coast paradise emanates a Mediterranean aura historically colourful Mayne Island
melded with its uniquely Canadian ambience. and Saturna Island, the southernmost
Surrounded by sheltered waters, strong tides and of the Gulf Islands. Out on the water,
dramatic coastlines, the green forests and endless kayakers discover unique views of the
stretches of beaches teeming with intertidal marine lush vistas and often espy marine life
life come together to create tranquility. Explore like seals, orca whales and porpoise, and
the British influence of Victoria and stroll birds such as great blue herons,
Salt Spring Island’s unspoiled beaches and oystercatchers and harlequin ducks.
discover sun-drenched scenery and spectacu-
lar sunsets. Bike through the friendly town of
Ganges and encounter quaint artisan shops, Timeframe: • April to October
recommended.
galleries and craft studios. Walk through
Usual length: • 7 days. Can range
Ruckle Provincial Park, yielding from 5 to 11 days.
spectacular ocean views. Accommodations: • B&B, Classic
• Luxe upgrade
options available.
Vancouver Travel styles: • Cycling
Gulf Islands • Walking
• Multi-sport
“We were in Gulf Island Heaven! Our kayaking experience was superior.”
Janie, California – Gulf Island multi-sport
25 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and more tours visit www.randonneetours.com 26
north american adventures
the Rockies Lake Louise - Upon glimpsing Lake
Louise, explorer Tom Wilson wrote:
“As God is my judge, I never in all my
The Canadian Rockies, a classic travel explorations saw such a matchless
destination, is the world’s most breathtaking scene...I felt puny in body, but glorified
alpine landscape. Pedalling through the soaring in spirit and soul.” Wilson, working for
peaks and plunging valleys of the Rockies, the Canadian Pacific Railway, was
and along the shores of glacial lakes and brought to the site by his Stoney guide
braided mountain streams, you will encounter and was the first to be awed by its
nature at its purest and most magnificent. iridescent turquoise lake and
In Banff National Park, the protected wilderness spectacular backdrop of white-capped
area offers spectacular and rugged scenery. Visit mountains. Christened Emerald Lake
the picturesque and charming Banff townsite by Wilson, it was later renamed after
nestled amidst the Bow River, Mount Rundle and Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, wife
Cascade Mountain, and hike in and around of Canada’s governor-general and
Lake Louise with its panoramic vistas of jagged, Queen Victoria’s daughter.
glaciated peaks and impossibly turquoise lakes.
If you prefer the river’s eye view of the Rockies,
whitewater rafting the cold, clean glacial waters Timeframe: • June to mid-September
recommended.
of the Kicking Horse River, flowing out
Usual length: • 9 days. Can range
of Yoho National Park, is sure to leave you from 5 to 14 days.
breathless. Along the way, catch glimpses of big- Accommodations: • Classic
• Luxe upgrade
horn sheep, woodland caribou, options available.
black and grizzly bears, elk, Travel styles: • Cycling
• Hiking
wolverines, eagles, coyotes • Multi-sport
and perhaps even the
great gray owl.
“As my husband puts it, this
was the first time he has been on
Rockies
a trip where he didn’t want
Vancouver to go home by the end of it!”
Richard and Alissa, California – Rockies cycling
c a n a d a u. s. a. f r a n c e i t a l y i r e l a n d s p a i n
27 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information on how we can personalize your vacation call 1.800.242.1825 28
north american adventures
Ontario Indulge in The Shaw Festival -
The Shaw Festival is a major Canadian
theatre event in the historic town of
The Niagara Region is found in southern
Ontario between two of the Great Lakes
– Ontario and Erie – and contains the majestic
Niagara-on-the-Lake. One of the largest
repertory theatre companies in the
Québec English spoken here - English and
French are the two official languages of
Canada and have equal rights. However
world, it’s the only one specializing in
Niagara Falls. Pedalling in and around The Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est) the Eastern Townships remains one of
producing works by Irish playwright
the Niagara Escarpment, you will encounter
are located in the most southern corner of the few regions in Québec where the
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
fascinating rock formations, sparkling La Belle Province. An hour from Montréal, the European settlers were not French,
and plays written by his contempo-
waterfalls, rare plants and wildlife. Near region is situated at the meeting point between but English speakers. To this day, the
raries. The internationally respected
Jordan, a rural hamlet deep in Niagara wine United States and Canada at the upper reaches Eastern Townships boasts a harmonious
event is presented in three distinctive
country, explore Ball’s Falls perched on the of the Appalachian Range. The natural beauty of mix of francophone and anglophone
theatres throughout the season and also
edge of the escarpment. Purchase rare ice wine the Eastern Townships takes in rolling farmland, cultures rewarding visitors from all over
offers backstage tours and lectures.
directly from local wineries for an unusual orchards and maple woods in the shadows of the world with a warm welcome no
souvenir. Cycle to the pretty port town of Port large mountains. While exploring an abundance matter what language is spoken.
Colborne and Niagara-on-the-Lake, often of quaint villages and covered bridges, it would
Timeframe: • May to October recommended.
called the loveliest town in Canada, to Usual length: • 8 days. Can range be easy to mistake the area for New England, but
from 5 to 8 days. a discriminating eye will quickly notice French Timeframe: • Mid-May to October for
discover historic landmarks, partake summer. December to
Accommodations: • B&B, Classic
in quaint shopping or take in • Luxe upgrade
influences. Pedal around scenic lakeshore March for winter.
options available. hamlets like Magog and North Hatley with its Usual length: • 6 days. Can range
renowned theatre. from 5 to 12 days.
Travel styles: • Cycling
century-old residences converted into artists’
Accommodations: • Mixed B&B/Classic
studios and discover the lakes, mature sugar • Luxe upgrade
options available.
maple forests and mountains of Mont Orford
Travel styles: • Cycling
Provincial Park. Cycle along the shores of Lake • Walking
• Winter Sampler
Memphrémagog and stop into the exquisite
Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, where you can pick
up the monks’ famed
cheeses and apple
“Au Saut du Lit gave us a lovely,
cider for a picnic.
sunny suite with large cheerful
rooms. Hosts were friendly.
Breakfasts splendid.”
Toronto
Niagara Region Nancy, California – Eastern Townships walking
Montréal
Eastern Townships
29 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825 for more information and our italian tours visit www.randonneetours.com 30
north american adventures
Road riding best in the West
California Healdsburg history beats at the
heart of Sonoma. The town possesses a
fascinating history that encompasses
Most cyclists know Moab is Mecca for
mountain bikers, but few realize the
road biking is among the world’s best.
California’s wine country, located north the Pomo Indians, Russian and other There are few more scenic places to
of San Francisco, is a treasure of beautiful val- European immigrants and Mexican road ride than around Moab with its
leys and winding roads. Pedal through the wine migrants. The city yields the best hundreds of miles of paved roads in and
country’s lush and fragrant Napa Valley and qualities of turn-of-the century America around world-class scenery. Venture
Sonoma Valley where you will encounter fermented with the ambience of European off-road on easy trails and gravel
unexpected history, romance, art and wineries
that define its cultural landscape. Ponder the
tranquility of winding rivers, shady redwood
countryside. At its centre is a lovely
Spanish style plaza and its charm
is accentuated by upscale restaurants
Utah roads. Spend a day cycling through the
Moab’s canyon country and take
in breathtaking views of some of the
Much of Utah lies on a plateau higher than 4,000
groves, pine and cypress lined roads and and antique shops. Indulge your senses most astounding red rock landscape.
feet above sea level and the state possesses a
horses grazing in peaceful meadows. Start in at dozens of vineyards and winery
variety of form and colours unparalleled
Napa’s core at St. Helena and follow a route that tasting rooms and a microbrewery.
anywhere else on the planet. Cycling through
takes you to Calistoga in Sonoma Valley, Timeframe: • March to June and
Southern Utah presents a plethora of terrain, September to November
famed for its warm, spring water-fed mineral recommended.
brilliantly bold colours, hidden geological
tubs and mud baths full of volcanic ash. Timeframe: • Year-round destination Usual length: • 7 days. Can range
• September to June treasures and cherished national parks. Start your from 6 to 8 days.
Before completing your journey in Healdsburg,
recommended. Accommodations: Mixed B&B/Classic
ride into the American West at Grand Junction, •
glide past gushing geysers that form the Usual length: • 6 days. Can range • Luxe upgrade
from 5 to 7 days. Colorado, gateway city to red rock canyonlands, options available.
genesis of the California spa culture
Accommodations: • B&B, Classic rugged mountains and ancient Indian ruins. Travel styles: • Cycling
and discover a cornucopia of • Luxe upgrade • Multi-sport
options available. Head to the deep canyons of Colorado National
historic vineyards that put North
Travel styles: • Cycling Monument, where vertical cliff walls and natu-
America on the wine map.
rally sculpted rock tower overhead. Follow the
gushing Colorado River towards Moab and
encounter Arches National Park with its red, arid
desert punctuated by oddly eroded sandstone Utah
forms and over 2,000 arches including Utah’s
Las Vegas
California
icon, Delicate Arch. In Canyonlands National
Los Angeles
Park, explore red rock pinnacles,
spires and cliffs that create
beautiful vistas.
32
for more information on how we can personalize your vacation call 1.800.242.1825
other innovative tours
At Randonnée, we
specialize in making
it simple for you to get
going on your next
active travel adventure
It’s simple
There are some destinations where it might make sense to consider a guided
trip, or perhaps you’d simply prefer to ride with a group of spirited individuals
or meet some new friends. For these reasons we now offer the opportunity to
enjoy guided trips with our new partner company Great Explorations. Great
Explorations has been leading trips in North America, Europe and around the
world since 1985 and boasts extraordinary guides on its staff; they speak the
language, understand the customs and culture and know how to ensure that you
have the vacation of a lifetime. To learn more about Great Explorations or to
book your guided trip, please visit the website at: www.great-explorations.com.
Visit our web site
www.randonneetours.com
or give us a call at
italy france spain turkey u.s.a canada 1.800.242.1825
burma vietnam morocco croatia thailand
33 Randonnée 1.800.242.1825
3096602
Randonnée N
orth America’s leading specialist in self-guided adventures
1516 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S4 Canada
Phone: 800. 242.1825 Fax: 604.738.7655
Email: info @ randonneetours.com
www.randonneetours.com