ExperiencePlus! Cycle Tours Teams with Whole Foods® for Culinary Tours of Tuscany and Provence

Feb. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- FORT COLLINS, CO, – ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, that in 1972 became the first North American tour company to offer guided cycling adventures in Europe (http://www.experienceplus.com/), is partnering with Whole Journeys, a division of Whole Foods Market® to launch two active foodie cycling adventures.

Italy’s Tuscany and France’s Provence, both culinary destinations, are accessed on eight-day guided bicycle tours that focus on sourcing healthy foods and local culture. The nearly all inclusive, per person double rate for each is $4,295 (single supplement $500).  

“We’re all about authentic experiences and rich cultural connections. I encourage guests to open themselves to the culture in each destination, and share their own perspective with the people there. When the trip is over, everyone comes away with a wider worldview and, hopefully, a deeper appreciation for global diversity and food culture and traditions,” said Kathy Dragon, Executive Director of Whole Journeys (http://www.wholejourneys.com/).  

Toscana in Bicicletta (http://www.experienceplus.com/tours/tours.html?tid=3038) engages guests Sept. 28 to Oct. 5 in the Chianti Classico region south of Florence and Siena where the trip begins with a guided tour of Siena. Guests cycle south to Bagno Vignoni, a Roman spa town in the Val D'Orcia. Wine cellar visits and a cooking class bring local specialties such as pecorino cheese alive. The last few days guests cycle through the Chianti Classico region characterized by short and steep hills dotted with vineyards and forest. While riding on average 32 miles a day, guests are introduced to such regional specialties as pecorino di fossa (sheep's cheese served with marmalade and honey), and a very tender meat, chianina, from the local breed of cattle.  

Pedaling Provence (http://www.experienceplus.com/tours/tours.html?tid=3037), timed to coincide with the annual olive harvest, runs Oct. 11-18. This tour includes such culinary highlights as Mediterranean feasts accompanied by Côtes-de-Rhône wines, exquisite olive oils and Provençal herbs and cheese. The trip begins in Arles dating to first century AD Romans before cycling to St. Rémy for olive oil, the Roman quarries of Les Baux and on to the melon fields in the Luberon. Guests ride on average 18 to 31 miles a day.  

About Whole Journeys

Whole Journeys grew from the vision of bringing the values, the passion, and the taste of Whole Foods Market beyond its stores and further connect customers to the culture of food in particular regions. The Whole Journeys “Active Foodie” adventures explore the local landscapes through activities like walking between historic villages, cycling through breathtaking country sides, and rafting legendary rivers while focusing on the culture and traditions of food in the destination. Learn more at www.wholejourneys.com.  

About ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours

No North American company has been running European cycling tours longer than ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours (http://www.experienceplus.com/). Launched in Italy in 1972 the Colorado-based company now offers global cycling tours immersed in local character to 31 countries on five continents. Throughout the years as the business and industry have evolved, ExperiencePlus!’ roots as a family business have remained strong. Authentic, experienced, self-paced and engaging were the ethos of parents Rick and Paola Malpezzi Price which have now been passed down to their daughters and current directors Monica Price and Maria Elena Price.  

ExperiencePlus! cultural cycling programs engage tour leaders (http://www.experienceplus.com/about_us/new_interpretive_guides.html) who are expert cyclists and trained cultural interpreters, guiding guests on innovative routes and immersing them in off-the-beaten-path experiences. Tours in 2013 go to Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, India, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam among others.  

ExperiencePlus! is a 2011 and a 2010 recipient of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime. The 2011 issue also featured Maria Elena Price and Monica Price, co-owners, among its World’s Top 10 Tour Guides.  

For a 2013 catalog and/or more information visit: http://www.experienceplus.com/ or call 1.800.685.4565.    

For photos, interviews and more information please contact Widness & Wiggins PR:  

Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / dave@travelnewssource.com

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