5 Reasons to Cycle Portugal

The country of Portugal is a warm, welcoming location that provides travelers a little taste of everything. Offering a perfect blend of climate, culture and landscape, visitors here get the unique opportunity to experience outdoor adventure, rich traditions and serene relaxation all in one fascinating place. One of the very best ways to experience Portugal’s unique charm is to cycle there. Here are five reasons why this beautiful country should be on your biking itinerary.

Algarve

Touted as Portugal’s most popular destination, once you visit Algarve you’ll understand why. With nearly 100 beaches offering upwards of 200 km of breathtaking coastline to ride along, as well as copious hills and valleys, it’s a cycler’s dream. The shoreline, particularly around Lagos, is dotted with fascinating caves and grottos carved from limestone and begging to be explored. The area’s highest point, Foia Peak, reaches an impressive 902 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the landscape below. If you get tired of cycling and swimming, the Algarve is also home to many golf courses, spas, shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone in this lovely Portuguese region.

Alentejo

If unblemished coastline is what you seek, Alentejo is the perfect destination. The beaches in this region are absolutely spectacular, with atmospheres ranging from well-traveled to secluded and a variety of activities including surfing, diving, boating and, of course, cycling. Alentejo is also home to some of Portugal’s most beautiful countryside, which is dotted with peaceful trees, delicate flowers and a host of local wildlife. It’s absolutely nature at its very best.

Fado Music

Experiencing Portugal wouldn’t be complete unless you also experience the country’s most popular style of music, known as Fado. With roots dating back as far as the 15^th century, this bluesy sounding music is unique to Portugal and features a 12-string guitar called the guitarra Portuguesa. The Portuguese attribute the beauty and allure of Fado to something known as “saudade”, a word that does not translate to other languages but is defined as a poetic blend of melancholy, longing, loneliness and loss. Listening to this haunting music is like listening to a piece of Portugal’s rich history set to song.

Wine

For centuries, Europe has been the birthplace of some of the world’s finest wines. Portugal is no exception. One of the most popular wines, produced exclusively in the Douro Valley region, is the port wine, which is sweet, red and typically billed as being of the dessert wine variety. Other areas, such as the Island of Madeira and Alentejo also produce a variety of exquisite wines, both red and white. Portuguese wine has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to be one of the country’s most noteworthy attributes. And what better way to relax after a long day of cycling the beautiful terrain of Portugal than by enjoying a glass of their fine local wine?

Architecture

Given the country’s abundant history it’s no surprise that Portugal is home to its fair share of fascinating architecture. It is marked by unique style and influenced by generations of people who have settled there over the years. It’s also quite diverse. You may find anything from Gothic, Renaissance or Romanesque to Baroque or Neoclassicism scattered throughout the country. One particularly interesting style, Manueline (also known as Portuguese late Gothic) provides a tantalizing glimpse into the unique decorative design found in Portuguese architecture at the beginning of the 16^th century. There’s no better way to reach out and touch the past than to view remnants of it that still exist in the present.

A trip to Portugal means a diverse journey filled with nature, adventure, culture and relaxation. You’ll never be bereft of something to do, whether it’s sunbathing on sandy beaches to tasting the country’s finest wines to visiting ancient architectural masterpieces. And with seemingly endless coastline and breathtaking countryside, Portugal is a cycler’s dream destination. These are just five reasons we think so. What will you come up with?

Spanish Foods to Satisfy

5 Foods to Try in Spain

From glistening beaches to medieval castles, from rugged mountain ranges to peaceful country villages, there is truly a little bit of everything for visitors to experience in Spain. Quaint ancient towns inspire a feeling of calm serenity while vibrant flamenco dancers and valiant bullfighters, adorned in the customary rich red and black attire grant a glimpse into the country’s well-loved and time-honored traditions. Everywhere you go there is an underlying feeling of passion and an intense zest for life that makes this country so magical to visit. One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty and uniqueness of Spain is by tasting some of the traditional dishes that have been prepared there for generations. Here are 5 foods that top our “must-try” list.

Paella

This traditional rice dish can be found in just about every kitchen, café and restaurant throughout Spain. It’s typically prepared with the delectable spice saffron and cooked alongside chicken or seafood. It is by far the most popular dish in the country and once you get a taste you’ll understand why. A visit to Spain simply wouldn’t be complete without consuming this delicious treat.

Jamon

Classical Spanish cuisine tends to be very pork-centric, particularly cured ham. If you were to introduce an analogy you could equate pork to Spain as you would Champagne to France. Jamon is the Spanish word for ham, and trust us – you’ll see it on the menu wherever you go. The two most popular varieties of pork dishes are jamon Serrano and jamon iberico, which means “the best of the best” and refers to pigs raised on acorns. It may not sound appetizing, but it’s actually quite delicious.

Gazpacho

When most people think of soup they envision a steamy concoction that brings warmth on cold nights and comforts the soul. The Spanish answer to soup is Gazpacho, which is quite the opposite. Served raw and cold, it is an interesting vegetable based dish that is particularly popular during the warm summer months and along the coastal areas. It is delightfully refreshing and a unique spin on a traditional fare. Try it – you’ll be surprised.

Tortilla Espanola/Tortilla de Patatas

This dish’s Spanish name makes it sound a bit more complicated than it actually is. It’s basically a large, thick omelet filled with cubed potatoes. It can be served plain or with additional ingredients such as green peppers, chorizo, mushrooms, or diced ham. Whichever way it’s prepared, this dish is truly a favorite among the locals and is best described as traditional comfort food. Bring your appetite, though. You’ll need it to eat one of these!

Gambas al ajillo

Given the country’s close proximity to the ocean, it’s no wonder seafood dishes are so popular in Spain. One of the best is gambas al ajillo, which is made up of fresh shrimp cooked in a delicious garlic and olive oil base. It’s simple yet mouthwatering and it’ll most certainly have you coming back for seconds.

Whether its rest and relaxation, cultural discovery, or excitement and adventure you’re after, Spain offers all of this and so much more. From its diverse and beautiful landscape to its rich historical roots, and age-old traditions which blend seamlessly into the modern era, a visit to Spain promises to be unique and unforgettable. Spanish cuisine is no exception. Much like the people and traditions of Spain, the food prepared there is filled with spice and personality. Taste it and you’ll experience the true flavor of this incredible country.

June Newsletter

Pure Adventures Self-Guided Travel, Your Way!   June 2011 The view from one of the hotels on our Vienna to Budapest Bike Tour in Hungary. 5 Reasons to Cycle Hungary Hungary is by far one of the most interesting and enjoyable destinations on earth.  Visitors are intrigued by the country’s unique combination of old world traditions and modern day trends.  Sometimes referred to as the “land of the spas” Hungary is the perfect destination for luxury and relaxation.  For the more active traveler, there are diverse and challenging landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures and just waiting to be discovered.  One of the most exciting ways to experience Hungary is on bike.  And while the reasons to do so are practically endless, here are five that top the list.   Gyor              Budapest              Cuisine              Geography              Lake Hévíz Why Multisport? Pure Adventure's self-guided multisport travel combines a variety of exhilarating activities and provides a unique way to actively experience Europe like never before. Why just stand on the banks of the Vltava River when you can canoe it instead?  Rather than visiting a museum, experience history first hand by walking the Famine Trail, which thousands of people trekked during the Great Famine. And wouldn’t a hike through Czech Republic’s Podyji National Park be the perfect way to enjoy its unspoiled beauty? While cycling remains the central activity of our multisport tours , you can add variety to your tour with other thrilling activities like zip-lining, deep sea fishing, surfing and horseback riding, giving you a breathtaking, jam-packed trip that will never leave you bored. With multisport tours, the more excitement the better! Tours to Talk About Connemara Multisport - Combine cycling with some other outdoor activities such as surfing, rock-climbing, and kayaking all while admiring Ireland's rich culture and charming countryside.   Czech Republic Multisport - Enjoy the beautiful countryside, cultural monuments, historic towns and villages with restored castles and churches all while experiencing the adventures of biking, hiking and other activities Czech is known for.                                                    ..                                               .. Join us on Facebook                             Subscribe to our Feed                         Send us an Email

5 Reasons to Cycle Germany

Everyone knows that some of the best beer and wine in the world comes from the country of Germany. But this amazing country offers so much more than world-class beverages. Ancient castles and formidable structures offer testimony to the country’s rich history while quaint restaurants offer exquisite dining and nightclubs provide the opportunity to relax, unwind and mingle with the locals. Friendly old villages welcome visitors with which they share their ancient traditions and unique culture. And with ample countryside and varying beautiful terrain, outdoor activities abound in Germany, from skiing to hiking and everything in between. One of the best ways to experience all that this lovely country has to offer is by cycling it.

Here are five reasons to get on your bike and cycle Germany.

Zwinger

One of the country’s most famous landmarks, this Dresden palace was commissioned by the great Augustus the Strong in the early 1700’s. This huge structure features 6 pavilions all connected by large galleries and a massive Crown Gate as its entrance, the palace’s best known feature. The exquisite statues on the gate were beautifully designed to represent the four seasons. Inside the palace are several museums featuring world famous works of art and ancient weaponry. It’s an incredible monument to behold and provides an excellent example of the country’s rich culture.

The Frauenkirche Church

Also located in Dresden, this Lutheran church, sometimes referred to as “Church of Our Lady” was originally constructed in 1726 but was sadly destroyed during WWII. For 40 years the ruins remained untouched until 1994, when plans were begun to reconstruct the old cathedral using its original building plans. Old was combined with new as original charred stones that were salvaged from the ruins were mixed with new, lighter ones to create a unique and historical recreation of the original church. Construction finished in 2005, and now this incredible building is completely restored and open to be admired by visitors.

Saxon Switzerland

Outdoor enthusiasts delight in this mountainous region, which offers excellent climbing opportunities amidst the impressive 1,000 peaks. The region also offers a beautiful national park that is home to an absolutely breathtaking botanical garden, Pflanzengarten Bad Schandau. The park also features several medieval castles and other ancient structures to visit, dating back as far as the Dark Ages. It’s a unique opportunity to commune with nature and experience fascinating historical finds at the same time.

Dresden Elbe Valley

A former UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lovely valley extends over 20 kilometers and is ideally located along the River Elbe. This area features fabulous landscapes, quaint villages and interesting works of architecture. The Pillnitz Castle and the nearby Blue Wonder Bridge, which stretches some 920 feet in length over the Elbe River, exhibit some of the country’s most impressive engineering and architectural feats. And the Katholische Hofkirche, a Roman Catholic Church, was once the place of worship for the former royal court. There is enough sightseeing, culture and history in this valley to please any visitor.

German Cuisine

Aside from the beautiful countryside and historical finds, Germany is also home to some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. Different regions feature varying styles, ingredients and dishes and offer a lovely contrast from one area to the next. Bravaria’s dishes are based around flour and Knödel, featuring unique plates like liver Knödel soup, Bierwurt sausage and Fleischplfanzerl, which are flat pan-fried dumplings made of minced meat while the Lower Saxon area uses potatoes in many of their meals, as well as kale, asparagus and a variety of fish dishes. Staple foods in Germany tend to be meat, fish and (of course) beer. One thing is for sure, you haven’t experienced Germany until you’ve tasted its delectable food.

Germany is by far one of Europe’s most interesting places to visit. Offering everything from mesmerizing landscapes to ancient artifacts to age-old traditions and delicious local fare, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. And with a terrain that practically begs to be ridden, cycling through Germany is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences one can have. What are you waiting for? Grab your bike, bring your camera and don’t forget your appetite!

A Little About the Giro d'Italia

The Giro d’Italia, more commonly known as “The Giro”, is one of the three Grand Tours, road bicycling races, held in May/early June. This three week long race travels primarily throughout Italy, but has ventured into neighboring countries from time to time. On May 13, 1909, 127 cyclists raced through the streets of Milan for the 1^st Giro d’Italir. Only 49 riders finished the 2448 kilometers with Italian Luigi Ganna winning overall. Over the next 100 years and 93 editions of the Giro, Italy riders would be victorious the majority of time.

Throughout the years many records have been made and broken, but some have stood the test of times. A few interesting Giro bests include:

· Most Giro d'Italia victories = 5 by Alfredo Binda, Fausto Coppi, and Eddy Merckx

· Smallest margin of victory = Fiorenzo Magni wins by 11 seconds over Ezio Cecchi

· Longest Giro d'Italia = 4,337 km in 1954

· Shortest Giro d'Italia = 2,245 km in 1909

· Most Giro stage victories = Mario Cipollini with 42 wins

· Most victories by country = Italy with 66 victories

A name that is always associated with the Giro is Alfredo Binda. Previously mentioned, he holds the record for the most Giro wins. That is not all the records he holds though. Binda has also won the most stage victories, 12, in one Giro and holds the record for the most consecutive stage wins, 8. He has won 41 total Giro stages in his career. Binda proved to be such an untouchable Giro contender that after his 4^th win the race organizers paid him not to race the following year so other riders could have a chance to win the pink leaders jersey. He returned for a few more years and one more tour win before he was forced to retire after a nasty fall in the 1934 Giro. Needless to say, Binda will always be remembered as a talented cyclist.

The Giro is, needless to say, a difficult race and certainly gets riders as well as spectators anxious for the following grand tour, Le Tour de France.