ARE YOU READY for the ride of your life?

Transcription

1 OMG! DESTINATIONS

2 Battlefield Bike Ride ARE YOU READY for the ride of your life? Rocky Mountains Haute Route Pyrenees Belgium Best Of BC Mountain Biking Pyrenees Tour Transalp Vancouver Island Czech Republic Girona Canyonlands Croatia Mallorca Pacific Coast Colombia Morocco Haute Route Alps Tuscany The Dolomites Australia Destinations for 2019 Custom Tours Destinations Click to View Destination Calendar South Africa For 28 years, we have been delivering OMG! moments, sharing our passion for bicycle touring and racing with incredible clients across the globe, hosting bicycle adventures centered around the world s most stunning and inspirational landscapes. We have literally ridden on every continent on the planet. Whether riding over European passes made famous in the Tour de France or cruising through the spectacular vineyards and along the coastline of South Africa, our small group tours are unquestionably the best way to see this wonderful world. We have built a proud reputation of providing professionally planned vacations and are renowned for our energetic, personalized service. Combine our attention to detail with healthy, delicious meals and top-notch accommodation, and you have the makings for the ride of your life!

3 Magic Places Cycling Adventures Matt Barlee, Owner / Guide Suite 102, Wilson St Victoria, B.C. Canada V9A 7N7 t: e: info(at)magicplaces.ca w:

4 COLOMBIA Where else can you ride with Tour de France pros and world champions on the world s longest climb? With our exclusive training camp, not only will you ride with the likes of Santiago Botero, each day will see you riding world-class rides including the ultimate testpiece: Alto de Letras, an 80km climb that climbs over 4000m!

5 COLOMBIA Where else can you ride with Tour de France pros and world champions on the world s longest climb? With our exclusive training camp, not only will you ride with the likes of Santiago Botero, each day will see you riding world-class rides including the ultimate testpiece: Alto de Letras, an 80km climb that climbs over 4000m! The Colombia of today is a country of welcoming smiles, vibrant culture, delicious food, and of course, world-class riding. Like the Canary Islands, Mallorca, and Spanish Catalonia, Colombia has awoken to the incredible potential it possesses as a world-class cycling destination. The government and people of this beautiful country have enthusiastically embarked to make Colombia a top winter destination, and our locals only knowledge combines an exceptional training camp with a rich, safe cultural experience. Over the past few years, Colombia has exploded onto the world stage as the latest must ride destination, and our strong relationship with one of the most influential figures in Colombia s cycle tourism scene allows us to present a cycling holiday that distills the very best of Colombian cycling into eight incredible days. We base our rides in the Antioquera region of Northern Colombia, commonly referred to the land of eternal Spring, owing to it s consistently perfect riding climate, and let there be no mistake that riding in Colombia means climbing! With the towering Andes mountains looming above, each of our seven riding days will involve climbing, but at a reasonable pace that allows us to take in the stunning landscapes of coffee plantations, picturesque mountain villages, and endless vistas. As it s the off-season for pro cyclists, we commonly meet pros such as Rigoberto Uran, Santiago Botero, and Carlos Bettancur on our rides who happily tag along with us, eager to share their beautiful country with visitors. Our nine-day itinerary includes eight riding days exploring the incredibly varied and diverse terrain of Antioquera. Rides will average just under 100km with about 2000m of climbing each day, and the hghlight of our camp is an ascent of the infamous Alto de Lletras, an 80 km climb that holds the dubious honour of the longest climb on earth, amassing a whopping 4000m of continuous elevaton gain! Accommodations for the tour are in keeping with Magic Places high standards boutique hotels, coffee plantation haciendas, and expansive country estancias, all beautiful and uniquely Colombian. If you re looking for a shake-up to your regular winter training camp that combines beautiful roads through big mountains with a rich cultural experience in a country that has a fascinating recent history, then Colombia is for you! ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

6 COLOMBIA Trip Highlights: Share coffee and a casual ride with the likes of Rigoberto Urán; Ride through valleys of orchid-lined hillsides in Antioquera s flower region Ride the world s longest climb; Meet Juan Valdez! (Well, have coffee with the actual growers of the beans anyway); Get lost in the beautiful mayhem of vibrant Medellin; See and hear first-hand, the thrilling history of Colombia s drug cartels Package Includes: Airport transfers to and from Medellín airport; All necessary bike and personal transfers during the tour; 8 nights accommodations in 3-4 star boutique hotels and haciendas (double occupancy); Fully guided rides with on-course van support, including on-ride and post-ride nutrition; All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners; 1 set of Magic Places professional-grade cycling bibs and jersey; All tourist activity fees, park fees, and tolls; Our attentive and friendly customer service. Optional Services Include: Rental Bike: Handcrafted Tinno custom race bike w/ discount purchase option: $380 Massage: Recovery massage from our soigneur for $75 per session; Single Occupancy room supplement for $600. Dates: February 16 25, 2019 Price: $3970 READ MORE

7 MALLORCA Why do cyclists around the globe, from pro teams to families, flock to Mallorca? Quite simply, because it may very well be the best cycling destination on the planet!

8 MALLORCA Located off the southeast coast of Spain, Mallorca s stunning landscape, mild climate, and vast network of cycling routes make it the perfect cycling destination. There are literally hundreds of miles of secondary roads with pristine pavement over varied terrain, from flat farmlands to dramatic mountains and cliff-lined coastal roads. We offer you multiple ride options each day so that every ride, every day, will be a combination of distance, terrain, and difficulty that is perfectly suited to your ability. Want to ride over 100kms through the mountains? No problem! How about taking it easy, enjoying the vistas, the food and culture while snapping some iconic photos along the way? We can do that too! Imagine riding through centuries-old almond and olive groves, reaching an ancient walled village to visit the local markr et filled with artists wares, reg ional delicacies, wines and olive oils. How about a ride that winds along a dramatic coastline before climbing up through craggy limestone mountains to stop at a sunny outdoor café in the main square of a stunning mountain-side village? With a choice of guided routes daily, you have the opportunity to pick the best of the best! Our accommodations include two different 4-Star resorts, located one block from beautiful beaches, and featuring in and outdoor pools, ftness rooms, amazing restaurants and a host of other amenities. Perfect for the non-riders who may join you on this family-friendly adventure, both hotels are located within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and local attractions. All this riding give you an appetite? Sumptuous made-to-order breakfast and dinner buffets provide the fuel for your many miles of spectacular riding. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

9 MALLORCA Trip Highlights: Descend, then climb the cork-screw perfection of Sa Calobra, Spain s most famous climb; Look in awe, at the morning migration of cyclists, leaving their beach hotels for the hills and valleys; Eat paella like it s meant to be under the Mediterranean sun; Ride to Cap Formentor lighthouse argueably the most visually stunning ride of your life; Enjoy a cortado at a sunny café in an ancient town square; Package Includes: 9 nights 4-star resort accommodation, based on double occupancy; Gourmet buffet breakfasts and dinners; Fully-guided daily rides; Airport transfers to and from Palma de Mallorca (PMI) airport; 1 set of Magic Places professional-grade cycling bibs and jersey; Our attentive and friendly customer service. Optional Services Include: Rental Bike: Carbon race bike w/ Shimano Ultegra components for $450; Single Occupancy room supplement for $680; Dates: April 27 May 6, 2019 Price: $2599 READ MORE

10 GIRONA Girona remains somewhat off the beaten track, with pros still claiming that the area is still relatively untouched by tourism, with the benefits of quiet, smooth roads, easy going Catalan culture and a huge variety of training roads. Oh, and there s the weather. Road Cycling UK, May 2019

11 GIRONA A couple of hours outside of Barcelona, Girona has grown from a littleknown town pro cyclists used as a training base, to a full-blown hotbed of European cycling. Our 8-night, 9-day package delivers you the very best rides Girona has to offer, from stunning coastal rides to epic mountain climbs, all from our luxury apartments located in the centre of Girona s cultural, gastronomic, and cycling scene. On the same day you could see over 100 cyclists climbing Mallorca s alluring Sa Calobra, you d be lucky see four riders on Girona s testpiece, Rocacorba. With the absence of crowds of tourists, Girona maintains a true originality and old-world charm that many other cycling destinations have surrendered to the mighty tourist dollar. This is a city that fiercely clings to it s Basque traditions and culture, much to the benefit of visitors. Sipping coffee with locals, strolling polished cobblestone streets, and riding quiet, endlessly rolling perfect ribbons of asphalt characterize the Girona experience. There s a reason that many pro cyclists chose to retire to Girona. In fact, there are many. Let us show you some. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

12 GIRONA Trip Highlights: Ride the coastline of the Costa Brava, connecting medieval towns with stunning seaside roads. Enjoy Girona s best breakfast at La Fabrica, owned by Canadian ex-pro Christian Meier. Have one of the best days of your life riding the incomparable Rupit Loop. Climb to the Santuari dels Angels where Salvadori Dali was married to enjoy a coffee and the 360 view of Girona below. Indulge in the local delicacy of la paperina with a crisp glass of cava at one of Girona s many fantastic restaurants. Test yourself on the incredible climbs of Lliruona, Mare de deu del Mont, and Rocacorba. Spend a rest day getting lost in the culture, cuisine, and chaos of vibrant and colorful Girona or spend a day at the beach, relaxing under the Mediterranean sun Package Includes: 8 nights accommodation at a luxury apartment in the centre of Girona s vibrant social centre; 6 full-day rides (plus 1 optional ride) led by professional Magic Places on-course riding guide; All breakfasts, lunches and non-alchololic refreshments during the rides; On-course vehicle support (Feeling tired? Hop aboard!); All bike, luggage and personal transfers during the tour; 1 set of Magic Places professional-grade cycling bibs and jersey; All airport transfers to and from Barcelona airport; Our friendly and attentive customer service. Optional Services Include: Rental Bike: Carbon race bike w/ Shimano Ultegra components for $450; Single Occupancy room supplement for $680; Dates: May 11 19, 2019 Price: $3590 READ MORE

13 BATTLEFIELD THE RIDE Magic Places is again honoured to put on the Battlefield Bike Ride, the annual charity ride in support of Wounded Warriors Canada, and this year is especially significant as we ride through Normandy in Northern France to celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the end of WW2.

14 THE BATTLEFIELD RIDE Since 2014, Magic Places has been a keen supporter of Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit organization provides badly needed support and care programs for ill and injured members of Canada s Armed Forces and their families. WWC has been instrumental in championing public awareness and support programs for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder resulting in the saving of countless lives and families. We are incredibly proud to be asked by Wounded Warriors Canada to conduct their annual charity bike ride, the Battlefield Bike Ride. A 7-day ride, BBR traces the route followed by Canadian soldiers in campaigns of the Great Wars and combines km of riding through beautiful countryside with a powerful historical narrative. Each summer, this ride shows how and where our brave soldiers gave their lives to defend the oppressed, while forging our nations history and reputation. Our 2019 Battlefield Bike Ride returns us to the beaches of Normandy, France, on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that ended World War 2. To learn more about this amazing charity, or to sign up and join us in this historic ride, please visit the 2019 Battlefield Bike Ride home page. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE? Dates: May 30 June 7, 2019 Price: $5685 READ MORE

15 BATTLEFIELD THE RIDE

16 TOUR TRANSALP A 7-day stage race through some of the most storied passes and valleys in cycling s history. Starting in the foothills of the Bravarian Alps and finishing on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy, the Tour Transalp is the longest running and most renowned amateur cycling race in Europe. Our race package gives you the support you need to race like a pro.

17 TOUR TRANSALP Fifteen years running, and the Tour Transalp continues to impress us as the most professionally run amateur race that we ve attended. A closely guarded secret of the Europeans, this two-person stage race continues to be our biggest race event simply due to word of mouth once you ve done it, you realize that this experience is as close to feeling like a fully supported pro racer as you can get! Spectacular roads, stunning passes, well-known stage locations, a polished and professional event, and participants from over 30 countries make this event a unique and unforgettable experience. In the last 15 years the TOUR Transalp has developed to one of the most famous and best-known road stage races. This fascinating crossing of the European Alps is an absolute highlight for every amateur cyclist and to do so with the same support provided professional riders will be an absolute highlight in your cycling career. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

18 TOUR TRANSALP Trip Highlights: TBA Package Includes: 9 nights double occupancy accommodations (21-30 June - 1 July) at 3-4 star lodges and hotels; Race registration and entry fee, including all services provided by the organizer; Airport pickup/dropoff and all transits during the race; All bike, luggage and personal transfers during the race; Two support vehicles during the race, including baggage transport and on-course feed station; Tour Transalp finisher jersey; Professional quality Magic Places race jersey and bib shorts; A very personal, friendly and professional service by the Magic Places support team. Optional Services Include: Race Massage Package - 6 x 30min post-race massages from our professional therapist: $500 ; Single Occupancy room supplement for $1100; Dates: June 21 30, 2019 Price: $4280 READ MORE

19 BEST OF BC MOUNTAIN BIKING British Columbia is, without comparison, the capital of mountain biking in North America, if not the world, and our 14-day tours throughout the mountains and valleys of this magnificent landscape, deliver you a pure distilation of the very best that BC has to offer.

20 BEST OF BC MOUNTAIN BIKING In most others riding destinations, mountain biking evolved on pre-established trails, whether built for hikers, horses, or even vehicles. In British Columbia, the majority of our trails are purpose-built by riders, for riders. Our trail builders are artists, renowned worldwide for creating trails that are not only beautiful to the eye, but absolutely incredible to ride. These are the works of art that we have sought out and it is our guarantee that riding them will provide more Oh my God! moments than you will remember! Our Coastal Gems tour showcases the trails and areas that have made BC famous. Starting on Vancouver Island, we follow the route made famous by the BC Bike Race, including Cumberland and Campbell River, before a ferry ride takes us into the incredible terrain of the Coast Mountains, where we ride the singletrack paradise of Squamish and Whistler, home of the world s largest and most celebrated bike park. After ejnoying the energy of Whistler, we fly you Tyax Adventure Lodge for the ultimate back-country single track experience 3 days of fully supported wilderness mountian biking in the stunning Chilcoltin Mountains. Imagine riding three days through absolute winderness, finishing each day in a fully-stocked camp with cold beer and a camp cook awaiting our arrival! ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

21 BEST OF BC MOUNTAIN BIKING Package Includes: 13 nights accommodation at 3-4 star lodges and resorts (double occupancy) Fully guided rides with van and trailer support All van transfers including airport pick-up/drop-off and transfers between ride stages as required Transfer of bikes and baggage between stages Mechanical support and ride nutrition during the rides Bike park entry fees All meals for 12 riding days, excluding alcohol Additional Extras: High performance full suspension MTB Rental: Price varies by model Single Occupancy Room Supplement: $1100 Dates: July 27 August 9 Price: $5800 READ MORE

22 HAUTE ROUTE Pyrenees Not as famous as their celebrity siblings, the Alps, what the Pyrenees lack in notoriety, they more than make up for in aesthetic, peaceful riding, and most importantly, sheer difficulty. The infamous Tourmalet, a staple on every HRP, has dashed more Tour de France victory aspirations than any other single climb. Welcome to the Pyrenees.

23 HAUTE ROUTE Pyrenees Billed as the toughest and highest cyclosportive in the world, each Haute Route Race dishes out the biggest challenge of any amateur stage race we know of, and our clients tell us that the HR Pyrenees is the toughest of the bunch. Superbagneres, the Tourmalet, Aspin, Portet, Cap de Long and many other storied climbs await you in this 7-day epic boasting over 800 km of racing over 20 mythical cols, totaling more than 20,000 m of climbing. If you re looking to push your limits, you ve come to the right place. Magic Places has been delivering top-quality small-group race support packages since the very first HR Alps, so we intimately know the finer details of the race, the logistics, and how to handle everything behind the scenes so that the only thing you need to worry about is the next climb ahead of you. It is our personal attention to your needs that sets us apart - spend an hour riding in the rain, looking at a soggy map searching for your premier package hotel after racing 150km, and you will very quickly understand the value of being greeted at the finish by our team, loaded into a warm van with a dry change of clothes, and driven to our comfortable, friendly hotel where our massage therapist awaits to fix what ails you. From your pick up at the airport to drop off for your return flight home, you will be treated to full race support, strategically located high-quality lodgings, and everything else needed to let you focus solely on the race and recovery. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

24 HAUTE ROUTE Pyrenees Trip Highlights: TBA Package Includes: Race entry fee to Haute Route Pyrenees; Airport transfers at start and finish of the event; All necessary bike, luggage, and personal transfers from/to arrival/departure airports and during the race; 9 nights accommodations at 3-4 star pensions/hotels; Pre-race breakfast and stage briefing each morning; Race support: on-course feed station, and mechanical support; HR Race Jersey, race bag, race pack, and swag; Magic Places professional-grade jersey and bib shorts. A very personal, friendly and professional service by the Magic Places support team. Optional Services Include: Race Massage Package - 6 x 30min post-race massages from our professional therapist: $500; Single Occupancy room supplement for $1100; Race Bike Rentals: No more airlines losing your bike! Rent a top-quality brand name race bike; Dates: August 15 24, 2019 Price: $5245 READ MORE

25 HAUTE ROUTE Alps Mt Ventoux, Alpe d Huez, Galibier, Bonette. These climbs are celebrated throughout cycling as true testpieces for any cyclist. Dreams have been made and dashed on the flanks of the Alps famous climbs and cols and the Haute Route Alps serves up as many of these beasts as can be packed into a week of racing. The opportunity to ride a once in a lifetime climb awaits you each and every morning you throw a leg over your bike.

26 HAUTE ROUTE Alps With over 800 km of racing and 20,000 m of climbing over 20+ iconic climbs, the Haute Route Alps offers seven days of pro-style racing for the amateur cyclist with dreams to chase. If you re looking to push your limits, you ve come to the right place. Magic Places has been delivering top-quality small-group race support packages since the very first HR Alps, so we intimately know the finer details of the race, the logistics, and how to handle everything behind the scenes so that the only thing you need to worry about is the next climb ahead of you. It is our personal attention to your needs that sets us apart - spend an hour riding in the rain, looking at a soggy map searching for your premier package hotel after racing 150km, and you will very quickly understand the value of being greeted at the finish by our team, loaded into a warm van with a dry change of clothes, and driven to our comfortable, friendly hotel where our massage therapist awaits to fix what ails you. From your pick up at the airport to drop off for your return flight home, you will be treated to full race support, strategically located high-quality lodgings, and everything else needed to let you focus solely on the race and recovery. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

27 HAUTE ROUTE Alps Trip Highlights: TBA Package Includes: Race entry fee to Haute Route Alps; Airport transfers at start and finish of the event; All necessary bike, luggage, and personal transfers from/to arrival/departure airports and during the race; 9 nights accommodations at 3-4 star pensions/hotels; Pre-race breakfast and stage briefing each morning; Race support: on-course feed station, and mechanical support; HR Race Jersey, race bag, race pack, and swag; Magic Places professional-grade jersey and bib shorts. A very personal, friendly and professional service by the Magic Places support team. Optional Services Include: Race Massage Package - 6 x 30min post-race massages from our professional therapist: $500; Single Occupancy room supplement for $1100; Race Bike Rentals: No more airlines losing your bike! Rent a top-quality brand name race bike; Dates: August 23 September 1, 2019 Price: $5245 READ MORE

28 CROATIA Croatia s Dalmatian Coast boasts over 1000 islands who s dramatic, white limestone coastlines and beaches contrast so beautifully with the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, that the water sparkles with emerald and sapphire hues. You can simply forget to ride your bike as you take in this absolutely stunning landscape from both sea and land.

29 CROATIA Our 8 Night/9 Day tour through the ancient islands of Croatia s Dalmatian Coast delivers you the very best of land and sea. Island-hopping aboard our luxury sailing yacht, your voyage between Split and Dubrovnik sees you riding winding coastal roads through olive groves and poppy fields, punctuated with visits to beautiful sea-side villages ranging from ancient fishing towns to chic ports sporting yachting s elite. Finish the day with a dip in the gleaming waters of a secluded cove, our anchorage for the night, before tucking into a sumptuous dinner of local delicacies then cap it off sipping wine on the deck beneath the stars before retiring to your luxurious private cabin, dreaming of doing it all over again! ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

30 CROATIA Trip Highlights: Get lost in the polished limestone streets of ancient Dubrovnik, who s towering city walls have protected the sophisticated republic for centuries; Ride the length of the mythical island of Hvar, before ditching your bike and exploring its island capital, a 13th century gothic masterpiece of palaces and marble that is a favourite port of call to Europe s yachting elite. Visit the unspoiled island oasis of Mljet and marvel at the same beautiful forests and beaches that, according to ancient lore, capitaved the Greek hero Odysseus for seven days.. Don t ride your bike. That s right. Spend the day on the water drinking in the unique beauty that makes the Dalmatians one of the most picturesque island chains on earth Package Includes: 2 nights luxury hotel accommodation (first night in Split, last night in Dubrovnik); 5 nights aboard our luxury sailing vessel from Split to Dubrovnik; Breakfasts in Split and Dubrovnik; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for 5 days under sail; All bike, luggage and personal transfers during the tour; 1 set of Magic Places professional-grade cycling bibs and jersey; All airport transfers to and from Split airport; Our friendly and attentive customer service. Optional Services Include: n/a Dates: September 14 22, 2019 Price: $6590 READ MORE

31 TUSCANY From the stunning coastline of the Cinque Terre to ancient hilltop villages like San Geminano, Tuscany offers unforgettable backdrops, with vineyard and olive grove clad hills offering perfect terrain for expert and beginner alike. Throw in post-ride gelatos, Tuscan feasts, and wine so good it ll make you blush, and you have the makings of the vacation of your life.

32 TUSCANY Birthplace of the Rennaissance, Italy s finest cuisine and wine, and ribbons of asphalt rolling through mist-shrouded valleys. Italy, at it s most sublimely magnificent. Why do we so love Tuscany? Well, there s the food. Not much needs to be said about the world s finest cuisine, and Lucca, off the tourist tracks around Pisa and Florence, has quietly built a reputation for Italy s finest gastronomy. Add the perfect bottle of Barolo and you ll forget that you came here to ride a bike. Seriously. And the rides! Isolated from southern Tuscany by the Apuane Mountains, Lucca is cycling paradise. While much of Tuscany is characterized by rolling hills, wheat fields, and cypress pines, Lucca is marked by winding climbs to high peaks for the climbers, and quiet, rolling valleys for the recreational cyclist. It is rarely frequented by tourists, but cyclists abound. It is not uncommon to see many pro riders sharing the otherwise quiet roads with you, unbothered by the traffic of visitors driving from one destination to the next. And let s not forget L Eroica - hands down the world s most revered Gran Fondo, the ultimate celebration of Italian cycling culture, and an absolute must-do for anyone who loves food, wine, and bikes!! ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

33 TUSCANY Trip Highlights: Wander the 4.2km tree-lined footpath atop Lucca s mura - the 16th century wall circling the ancient city. Finish your ride with the best gelato of your life, from the master ice-cream maker at Grom Gellateria. Ride the simply-must-ride-before-you-die Camaiore Road and the legendary Monte Serra testpiece. Enjoy an authentic Tuscan feast while Mario Cipollini holds court, spinning cycling tales of lore. Experience L Eroica. You don t ride it, you experience it. Ride a vintage bike along Tuscany s famedstrade bianchi, stopping in fairytale towns for food, drink, and celebration in this one-of-a-kind festival. Package Includes: 9 nights double-occupancy, boutique hotel and apartment accommodation; Fully guided daily rides All van transfers including airport pick-up/drop-off from Florence airport All breakfasts, lunches and non-alcoholic refreshments during the rides; Entry fee to l Eroica; 1 set of Magic Places professional-grade cycling bibs and jersey; Our friendly and attentive customer service; Additional Extras: Pinarello road bike rental: $400 Vintage bike rental for l Eroica: $120 Single Occupancy Room Supplement: $1100 Guided gastronic, winery, and historic tours as requested Dates: September 27 October 6, 2019 Price: $4180 READ MORE

34 SOUTH AFRICA Whether viewing lions and elephants during our first day s safari, riding through the lush coastal rainforest of Tsitsikamma National Park, or sipping some of the world s finest wine, each and every day of this tour provides priceless experiences.

35 SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a feast for the senses: day after day of stunning landscapes from rolling vineyards to awe-inspiring coastlines. Luxurious lodge and resort accommodation, incredible gourmet cuisine, and world famous wines make this undoubtedly our Queen Tour. This unforgettable 18-day, 1,200-kilometre bicycle adventure lets you experience a remarkable country of amazing contrasts. The tour starts in Port Elizabeth. Our first event is a safari through Addo Elephant Park, a vast wilderness reserve. Have your camera ready for close-ups of roaming elephants, giraffes, antelopes and rhinos. The Garden Route along the Indian Ocean comes next. Famous for tropical forests, exotic birds and plants, reed-banked rivers and pristine beaches, it offers cyclists scenic and quiet alternate routes. Once we leave the coast at Mossel Bay, the road climbs over Robinson Pass and winds down into the land of the ostrich. Called the Klein Karoo, this magnificent landscapes feature towering cliffs and clear streams and the abundance of trees and vegetation makes it one of South Africa s most diverse natural regions. Our cycling journey then takes us through the winelands, a picturesque countryside dotted with vineyards, Cape Dutch homes, and historical villages such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Here, splendid wines are grown and top chefs create fine international cuisine for us to sample. No words can adequately describe the scenic beauty that awaits us as we return to the coast, riding along spectacular roads hewn from the cliff on our way to the Cape of Good Hope, before riding along Chapman s Peak Drive - arguably the world s most beautiful road - on our way to vibrant, exciting Cape Town. Climbing famous Table Mountain at sunrise to look down on one of the world s most beautiful cities is a fitting finale for this journey of a lifetime! ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE?

36 SOUTH AFRICA Trip Highlights: Enjoy a traditional South African braii (bbq) in the ranch house after spending a full day on safari, viewing Africa s big five in their natural habitats; Sip a glass of world-class pinotage while dining on an organic, farm-to-table feast at Val du Charon winery after riding the incomparable Bains Kloof pass. Ride your bike to the very tip of Africa and come face to face with the power and intensity of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Race an ostrich down the road on your bike, or take a crack at actually riding one in the Klein Karoo! Ride Chapman s Peak Drive, come home, and tell your friends you ve ridden the most visually stunning coastal road in the world, period. Hike the ruggedly beautiful coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park, a lush garden of rainforest and jungle butting up against the crashing Indian Ocean. Package Includes: 7 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels or lodges Three healthy delicious meals each day plus snacks and non-alcoholic drinks All transfers in our comfortable 14-seater van, which also serves as a support vehicle each day Transport of luggage and bicycles in an enclosed trailer Fees to National Parks All activities, which are included in our program (safaris, wine tours etc.) One professional grade set of custom Magic Places cycling kit Our personalized and friendly service. Optional Services Include: N/A Dates: November 23 December 10, 2019 Price: $5685 READ MORE