biking & multisport
catalog 2009
contents
THE BACKROADS EXPERIENCE
The Best Way to Travel 4–25
THE TRIPS
Europe & the Mediterranean 26–61
Latin America, Asia &
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shoottowin BIKING & MULTISPORT | 2009-2010 ALSO AVAILABLE Walking & Hiking and Insider Trips
biking & multisport catalog 2009 contents THE BACKROADS EXPERIENCE The Best Way to Travel 4–25 THE TRIPS Europe & the Mediterranean 26–61 Latin America, Asia &
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whyBackroads? IT'S THE ULTIMATE 8 EXPERIENCE 10 6 | THE BEST ACTIVITIES Get in Gear or Mix It Up From medieval hill towns to winding coast r
12 | CONNECTIONS 18 Step Inside We take you deep into a region's culture and natural history. Our leaders share their inside knowledge and introduce you to local experts
BIKING TRIPS At Backroads we're truly passionate about cycling and seek out the best routes a region has to offer, from tranquil vineyard-lined lanes to breathtaking mountain roads. Before you arrive
MULTISPORT TRIPS Our Multisport Trips treat you to biking and hiking with a dash of something extra, such as sea kayaking, snorkeling, rafting or heli-hiking. We produce the right gear and guidance a
WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU? Hit the trail early or sleep in. Hammer through the hills or take photos along the way. Explore on your own, or join other guests for a morning ride. We understand that
routeratings Backroads trips are designed for a variety of fitness levels. Each day presents a range of levels and several daily routes so you can decide how much or how little you choose to do. Act
get ready to rave 1 0 YOUR LEADERS It's easy for an outfitter to say “you'll have the best leaders.” Just ask 13-year pro Michelle Latvala, Global Leader Development Manager: “Our claim is backed by having the most intens
stepinside 12 CULTURAL CONNECTIONS Traveling with Backroads is the difference between experiencing a destination and just passing through it. We take you deep into a region's culture and natural history. Our leade
savorthe finest 14 PREMIERE INNS We choose only the best hotels for Premiere Inn Trips. In a world where “deluxe” may not always mean five-star and one company's luxury is another's casual inn, we provide an assurance
kickback 1 6 CASUAL INNS Armed with a checklist of exacting standards, our 10 Regional Managers and 50 Trip Specialists comb the earth in search of the best Casual Inns—hidden gems that offer a warm and inviting
wgoetogether 18 bfarinmgtihlye SEE INSIDE FAMILY TRIPS We wholeheartedly believe in the profound rewards of traveling the world actively as a family. Exposing our kids to different cultures and landscapes, showing them the places where the s
Our leaders are not only extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic motivators, they thoroughly enjoy kids of all ages and are inspiring role models. Backed by our Family Trips team, they want to see y
rsvp 2 0 For our most popular Private Trip possibilities, look for this gold icon throughout the catalog (and remember—you can choose any Backroads trip for your private advent
meet up 22 SINGLES + SOLOS After 20 years offering trips exclusively for solo travelers, we certainly know a thing or two about creating great chemistry in a fun-filled atmosphere. We bring together the perfect
YOUR WHEELS FOR THE WEEK Experience the Backroads Titanium bike, custom-designed especially for you, included in your trip price and tailored to your height, weight and riding specifications. Our m
OUR BIKES ARE THE BEST CUSTOMIZE YOUR TITANIUM BIKE > Upright Handlebars For comfort, stability and gear changes with a simple twist OR Drop Handlebars For varied hand posit
europe & themediterranean 26 Open 7 days a week, 7-5 PT
Premiere Inns LIFE LIVED WELL ANTICO PODERE PROPANO Saluzzo (1 night): Near town, yet surrounded by fields, this refined abode, whose spacious central courtyard dates to 15
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN TUSCANY BIKING NORTH OF SIENA The planners of Tuscany's beautiful walled towns could teach us a thing or two about avoiding suburba
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN TUSCANY EASY BIKING SOUTH OF SIENA Our local friends share all the secrets of Tuscan cuisine, from matching wines to choosing appr
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN DOLOMITES MULTISPORT: FAMILY BIKING & HIKING IN NORTHERN ITALY Your route is clear on these historic Alpine trails, but there's
Premiere Inns TRULY TEMPTING IL MELOGRANO Monópoli (2 nights): A historic Relais & Châteaux lodging with luxurious antique-filled guest rooms and renowned Pugliese cuisine.
Sardinia & Corsica
Premiere Inns
ISLAND RETREATS
SU GOLOGONE HOTEL
Oliena, Sardinia (1 night): This secluded
villa offers comfortable colorful guest
rooms and a swimming pool at the foo
Premiere Inns PROVENCAL INDULGENCE CHATEAU DE MASSILLAN Uchaux (2 nights): This Condé Nast Traveler Hot List hotel in the Côtes du Rhône vineyards has a pool, potager and st
BURGUNDY
BIKING FROM THE MORVAN TO THE COTE D'OR
As you enjoy a break in the backyard, it's easy to imagine the duke strolling out to offer you a glass of something.
O
M
RV
AN
Loire Valley
Premiere Inns
TRIPLE CROWNN
CHATEAU DE MARCAY (above)
Chinon (1 night): Turrets and secret
passageways attest to the medieval
origins of this Relais & Châteaux–member
hotel
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN BRITTANY & NORMANDY BIKING FROM TRANQUIL FARMS TO HISTORIC COASTS Your coastal ride includes the famed island retreat of Mont-St
G A R O N N Premiere Inns PURE PAMPERING CHATEAU DES VIGIERS Monestier (2 nights): Known locally as “little Versailles,” this Small Luxury Hotels of the World–member is de
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN ALSACE & THE BLACK FOREST BIKING FROM FRANCE'S WINE-RICH VALLEY TO GERMANY'S BLACK FOREST You bike among quiet wine towns wher
Premiere Inns COUNTRYSIDE SPLENDOR CHATEAU DE LA TREYNE Lacave (2 nights): Relais & Châteaux elegance in a 14th-century castle above the Dordogne River, featuring Michelin- starred
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN IRELAND BIKING CORK & KERRY IN THE SOUTHWEST Watch out for poets, musicians, shepherds and saints—and the last one to reach the
Czech Republic & Austria
Premiere Inns
OLD-WORLD WARMTH
HOTEL RUZE
v
Ceský Krumlov (2 nights): Italian
Renaissance style and Czech hospitality
welcome us at this 16th-century h
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN NETHERLANDS CAREFREE BIKING ON QUIET COUNTRY PATHWAYS Your Dutch hosts have bragging rights when it comes to wind power—but the j
Premiere Inns COUNTRY ELEGANCE HOTEL HESSELET Nyborg (2 nights): This spacious retreat overlooks a scenic bay and features tennis courts, an indoor pool and nearby golf cour
Casual Inns* HISTORIC SETTINGS HOTEL SILVANUS Visegrád (1 night): Located on a ridge high above town, near the ruins of the Citadel, with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Tur
Casual Inns DALMATIAN CHARM HOTEL ODISEJ (above) Mljet National Park (1 night): A quiet and simple national park hotel. HOTEL FERAL Brna (1 night): Located in a tranquil cove over
EUROPE & THE MEDITERRANEAN TURKEY BIKING, YACHTING & KAYAKING ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN At each sheltered mooring, you can explore the Turquoise Coast by kayak or bike, or
Slovenia & Italy
Premiere Inns*
ELEGANT GEMS
CASTELLO DI SPESSA (above)
Capriva del Friuli (2 nights): Set in
charming gardens and tranquil parkland
among rolling hills, this elegantly
f
latinamerica, asia & thepacific,africa 62 Open 7 days a week, 7-5 PT
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA YUCATAN MULTISPORT: BIKING & WALKING FROM MERIDA TO THE MAYA RIVIERA Explore incredible monuments with our experts, then head t
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA COSTA RICA BIKING FROM ARENAL DOWN THE COAST TO THE OSA PENINSULA As you bike around a rain forest lake, stopping to relax in h
Z E T R O C F O A E S P A C I Casual Inns* LAID-BACK RETREATS TODOS SANTOS INN Todos Santos (2 nights): Located in the heart of the historic distric
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA BELIZE & GUATEMALA MULTISPORT BIKING, WALKING & SNORKELING AMONG MAYA RUINS & THE BARRIER REEF After exploring jungle caves, cl
Premiere Inns* COASTAL RETREATS HOTEL PARADOR Quepos (2 nights): With views of the rain forest and azure Pacific, this luxury resort has an infinity pool, spa and rooms with privat
PACIFI LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA PATAGONIA BIKING THE LAKES BENEATH ANDEAN PEAKS IN CHILE & ARGENTINA Riding among gorgeous mountain-ri
Premiere Inns* HIGH-ALTITUDE ELEGANCE HOTEL MONASTERIO Cusco (2 nights): A 17th-century monastery transformed into a graceful five-star hotel and member of the Leading Hotel
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS MULTISPORT: BIKING, HIKING & KAYAKING FROM HIGHLANDS TO ISLANDS In Ecuador’s mountain highlands, people are
Premiere Inns* HISTORIC HACIENDAS EL MANANTIAL DEL SILENCIO Purmamarca (1 night): A stylish hotel featuring airy Colonial-style guest rooms with terra-cotta floors, an outdoor pool
KOHAL LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND BIKING COASTAL ROADS & VOLCANIC SLOPES As you make your spectacular circuit, you can try to ignore t
M A I EA CANY W O N Casual Inns BEACHSIDE BLISS HANALEI BAY RESORT Princeville (2 nights): Nestled above spectacular Hanalei Bay, this resort offers a swimming pool, Jacuzz
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA VIETNAM & ANGKOR WAT BIKING OLD INDOCHINA FROM HANOI TO THE CAMBODIAN COUNTRYSIDE The best of Vietnam plus Cambodia’s famed tem
Hawaii's Big Island
Premiere Inns*
PACIFIC GEMS
HAPUNA BEACH PRINCE HOTEL
Kohala Coast (1 night): This Big Island
gem is well known for its fantastic beach,
stunning ocean views, champions
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA THAILAND BIKING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE NEAR LAOS & MYANMAR Ride across peaceful landscapes, exploring villages and temples, and wh
CH N A S E A I SOUTH Casual Inns A GRACIOUS WELCOME SOFITEL PLAZA HANOI (above) Hanoi (2 nights): Guest rooms at this modern hotel have breathtaking views and deluxe amen
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA INDIA BIKING THE CARAVAN ROUTES AND DESERT PALACES OF RAJASTHAN Journeying between fortress cities on an ancient trading route,
Bhutan
Premiere Inns*
HIMALAYAN HOSPITALITY
ZHIWALING HOTEL
Paro Valley (2 nights): Built in the
style of a traditional Bhutanese dzong,
this architectura
Y LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA BALI BIKING AN ISLAND JEWEL OF TEMPLES & VOLCANOES In this island paradise, the roads through the green terraced hills are n
H C T S A E INA SEA Premiere Inns* TOWN & COUNTRY COMFORT WHITE SWAN HOTEL Guangzhou (1 night): Surrounded by banyan gardens on the edge of historic Shamian Island, this mo
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA NEW ZEALAND BIKING THE SOUTH ISLAND FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO QUEENSTOWN It’s all amazing—mountains, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, vi
Premiere Inns INTIMATE RETREATS PUKA PARK RESORT Pauanui (2 nights): Settle into your private chalet nestled in the rain forest at this secluded wilderness retreat. DUXTON HOTEL R
LATIN AMERICA, ASIA & THE PACIFIC, AFRICA MOROCCO MULTISPORT: BIKING & WALKING FROM MARRAKECH TO THE HIGH ATLAS & ESSAOUIRA On the coast at Essaouira, you can stroll the
Australia
Premiere Inns*
SLUMBER IN STYLE
MUNGUMBY LODGE
Helenvale (1 night): Enjoy the sights and
sounds of Australia’s Tropical Rainforest
National Park
South Africa & Botswana
Premiere Inns
IDEAL OASES
THE CELLARS-HOHENORT
Constantia (2 nights): This historic Relais
& Châteaux manor house in the Cape
Wine
naomrtehrica 88 800-GO ACTIVE (462-2848) · www.backroads.com
NORTH AMERICA BRYCE, ZION & GRAND CANYON BIKING: A TRINITY OF NATIONAL PARKS IN UTAH & ARIZONA Casual Inns A WARM WELCOME CEDAR BREAKS LODGE Brian Head (1 night): This mountainsi
Casual Inns * SOUTHWESTERN STYLE GRAND CANYON LODGE Grand Canyon (2 nights): A 1920s stone- and-wood lodge perched above the remote North Rim; we stay in simple rustic cabins.
NORTH AMERICA SANTA FE & TAOS BIKING NEW MEXICO'S LAND OF ENCHANTMENT People have been living at the Taos Pueblo for more than 1,000 years—so you can feel free to linger
Casual Inns AMONG THE CANYONS BRYCE CANYON LODGE Bryce Canyon (1 nights): This simple park lodge and cabin area, on the National Historic Register, is set in a forest of pines on t
NORTH AMERICA WINE COUNTRY BIKING NAPA & SONOMA COUNTIES: VINEYARDS, REDWOODS & COAST Premiere Inns WINE COUNTRY CLASSICS FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA (above) Sonoma (1 nigh
Premiere Inns DESERT RETREATS FURNACE CREEK INN (above) Furnace Creek (3 nights): Nestled at the foot of the Funeral Mountains, this Mission-style hotel sits almost 200 feet below
NORTH AMERICA YOSEMITE MULTISPORT: FAMILY HIKING & BIKING FROM THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS TO YOSEMITE VALLEY The spectacular park road is about ten million years newer than th
Premiere Inns WINE COUNTRY ELEGANCE MADRONA MANOR (above) Healdsburg (2 nights): Winner of a Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Award and a star in the Michelin Guide and listed on the
NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA COAST BIKING ALONG THE PACIFIC & THROUGH THE WINE COUNTRY As you bike the Pacific coast, sometimes you just have to lie back and wonder why Cali
Deluxe Camping CLOSE TO NATURE ELK PRAIRIE CAMPGROUND Prairie Creek Redwood State Park (2 nights): This tranquil campground nestles in next to a large open prairie, where the ochre
NORTH AMERICA SAN JUAN ISLANDS BIKING THE ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST There’s no better way to go island hopping than by biking on country roads past weathered barn
Casual Inns CASCADE COMFORTS RUNNING Y RANCH Klamath Falls (1 night): This comfortable lodge near Klamath Lake overlooks a golf course and features a swimming pool and fitness cent
NORTH AMERICA ALASKA MULTISPORT: BIKING, HIKING & KAYAKING ON THE KENAI PENINSULA Out on the water, you’re positioned to spot seals, porpoises and sea otters with snowca
Premiere Inns HARBOR SUNSETS FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE (above) Friday Harbor (3 nights): An elegant inn featuring the works of Washington artists in suites overlooking yacht-filled Frida
R RIVER NORTH AMERICA ALASKA BIKING THE VAST SOUTHERN WILDERNESS As you reward your efforts with an exhilarating downhill glide, the awe-inspiring scenery moves at a gl
Premiere Inns* WILDERNESS RETREATS MCKINLEY VILLAGE LODGE Denali National Park (2 nights): This comfortable lodge sits on the banks of the Nenana River amid a forest of spruce and
NORTH AMERICA GLACIER MULTISPORT: BIKING, HIKING & RAFTING IN GLACIER & WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARKS You bike in both Canada and the U.S. among rugge
Casual Inns* GRAND LODGES & VIEWS OLD FAITHFUL INN Upper Geyser Basin (1 night): Built in 1904 with a grand lobby seven stories high, “a spectacular log-and-shingle château that ca
NORTH AMERICA CANADIAN ROCKIES BIKING BENEATH THE PEAKS IN BANFF & JASPER NATIONAL PARKS Premiere Inns* ALPINE LODGES BUFFALO MOUNTAIN LODGE Banff (1 night): Cozy touches make th
Casual Inns MOUNTAIN LODGES LAKE MCDONALD LODGE Lake McDonald (1 night): Enjoy the rustic and cozy ambience of this historic lodge, built in 1913 and set on the shore of Gla
NORTH AMERICA NOVA SCOTIA MULTISPORT: BIKING, HIKING & KAYAKING THE LIGHTHOUSE ROUTE & THE BAY OF FUNDY In tiny fishing and folk-art villages, you face weighty decisions
Premiere Inns* SECLUDED LODGES JASPER PARK LODGE Jasper (2 nights): Plentiful amenities— including a full-service spa, pool, tennis courts and golf—and an inviting setting help put
NORTH AMERICA MAINE BIKING IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK & ALONG PENOBSCOT BAY As you bike and kayak along the coast you’ll meet friendly locals and see plenty of lobster. N
Premiere Inns RIVERSIDE ELEGANCE FAIRMONT LE MANOIR RICHELIEU (above) La Malbaie (1 night): Nestled majestically between sea and mountains, this “Castle on the Cliff”—a Condé Nast
S A A N N A H NORTH AMERICA SOUTH CAROLINA & GEORGIA MULTISPORT: BIKING, WALKING & KAYAKING BETWEEN CHARLESTON & SAVANNAH Premiere Inns GRAND LUXURY PLANTERS INN (above) Charl
K C RIVER A L B A Premiere Inns INVITING ELEGANCE THE MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT Chittenden (1 night): This understatedly elegant and aptly named inn, nestled amid 350 peac
NORTH AMERICA VERMONT BIKING NEW ENGLAND'S AUTUMN JEWEL In peaceful towns among the Green Mountains, you get a sense of balance that isn’t just about riding your bike.
Premiere Inns ELEGANT HAVENS WHITE ELEPHANT Nantucket Town (2 nights): This landmark harborside inn is known for its elegantly furnished guest rooms, ocean views, spa and gracious
ourworld,ourresponsibility Backroads has been taking responsible travel seriously since our first biking trips 30 years ago. After all, traveling on two feet or two wheels is the ultimate minimal-im
Kids Who Care >> www.stepbystepforshoes.com Step-by-Step After seeing travel photos of Peruvian children, barefoot or wearing sandals made from tire tread, 13-year-old Avery Hale was determined t
theBackroadsmix—awinningrecipe Expert Leaders Count on Backroads Trip Leaders to be the best in the business. Just ask any guest who's traveled with Backroads and any other travel company. Worldwide
Family Trips Nobody knows families like Backroads. From our designated Kid Coordinators to extra vehicle support to custom-designed bikes for kids (a Backroads exclusive), we’ve considered all angl
moreingredientsfortheperfectvacation 1 2 4 Call in Multisport Equipment Your Backroads multisport adventure includes the use of any special equipment required for activities such as kaya
accommodations families ABOUT OUR LODGINGS What to Expect: Our typical accommodations on Premiere and Casual Inn Trips are double occupancy with a private bath. Private Room Requests: A limited numb
nowwhat... RESERVING YOUR TRIP Guarantee Policy: Backroads guarantees the departure of every trip with confirmed guests other than trips defined as Special Departures,* excepting only in cases of f
alsoavailable Explore the world on foot. From vineyard paths to rain forest trails, pristine shorelines to alpine meadows—when you walk with Backroads you connect deeply with a region, becoming part
Zmags improved online publishingBackroads 2009 Bike and Multisport Catalog
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