The 2010 Tour de France has begun – and if this is putting you in the mood to discover France, or indeed anywhere in Europe, on two wheels, then get in touch to discuss how you can discover Europe by bike – at your own pace...

Wine Lovers Burgundy 8 days
The Côte d’Or is where Burgundy’s most exclusive wines are found – and to get you started, a private cellar tour and lunch with tasting is included in a small winery as an introduction to the region. Whilst the focus is firmly on wine, the trip offers the full smorgasbord, including fine French cuisine, classic scenery of vine covered rolling hills, rambling chateaux and peaceful villages coupled with a lively cultural heritage to explore.
Departs: Daily until October
Price: from £1,230 per person

NEW FOR 2010 From Toulouse to the Mediterranean: Canal du Midi Cycle 8 days
The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th Century, overcoming great obstacles to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic... The best way to experience all facets of the canal is by bike. Stretching 240kms from Toulouse to Sete, the tree-lined canal travels through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural treasures, including impressive medieval cities and picturesque small villages.
Departs: Daily until 31 October
Price: from £950 per person

FAMILY FRIENDLY ITINERARY Loire Valley Castles 5 days
The Loire River was once the highway between the Atlantic and the heart of France. Explore the impressive chateaux, medieval towns and forests of the valley known as the ‘playground of the kings’. Based in a charming family run hotel in the picturesque village of Chitenay, cycling is the perfect way to experience this world famous region. In the evenings, soak up the atmosphere in the hotel’s gardens and dine on local cuisine and wine.
Departs: Daily until November
Price: from £550 per adult

Bordeaux Cycle Adventure 7 days
An enticing combination of activity and indulgence, enjoy a weeklong ride through rolling vine-covered hills in a region renowned for its fine eating and living. As you cycle past medieval chateaux, you can sample the world-renowned local wines, which have been produced in the region since the 8th century. Evenings are spent in charming family run hotels where local cuisine is served.
Departs: Daily except Sundays until October
Price: from £1,190 per person

FAMILY FRIENDLY ITINERARY Provence Backroads 8 days
Cycle through beautiful vineyards and olive groves, deserted hilltop passes and tiny villages and gain a unique insight into rural French life. On this journey you get to sample the gastronomic delights and wines from both the Provence and Côtes du Rhône regions, explore relics from prehistoric to Roman times and visit the town where Van Gogh spent his last years painting some of his best works.
Price: from £790 per person
Departs: Daily until 8 October

Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, rental bike and adjustment by a cycling specialist, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images.

For bookings call us 0845 241 759.

Utracks has a host of new affordable and active walking short-breaks across Europe. Below is a sample of some of the fresh new itineraries. To view them all order your free copy of our Utracks 2010 brochure.

RELIVE THE MIDDLE AGES IN SPAIN… Caliphs And Knights - Cordoba and Segura 8 days

An idyllic area little known outside Spain, this inspiring guided walking tour takes you back to the Middle Ages, where you can relive the 13^th Century in Andalusia. Explore the historic towns and picturesque villages of eastern Andalusia, dominated by the castles of the knights of Santiago. A central focus of the tour is in Cordoba city, with its unique mosque-cathedral, the castle with its magnificent water-gardens, the picturesque Jewish quarter and the Potro square which captured the imagination of Cervantes. On foot discover the landscapes of two superb Natural Parks, the Subbética Cordobesa and the Sierras of Cazorla and Segura (the biggest in Spain and one of Europe's largest).

Departs between February and December

LAKE COMO AND MORE… Italian Lakes Walk 8 days

The great lakes of northern Italy have been a popular holiday destination since Roman times. This weeklong walking programme takes in the highlights of Lake Como and Lake Lugano: away from the affluent holiday centres there is a feast of walking trails exploring the forested valleys, mountaintops and traditional villages, which have retained their unique character. Still used today by the local people, the old tracks offer exceptional views, while with accommodation provided in small, family-run hotels, there is ample opportunity to experience excellent regional cuisine, allowing a complete appreciation of this beautiful area.

Departs: Daily from 11 March to 31 October 2010

DISCOVER THE LANDSCAPES THAT INSPIRED BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA… Transylvania Castles and Mountains 6 days

The legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to explore some of Romania's most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up its unique culture. Offering one of the best ridge walks in Europe, the dramatic Piatra Craiului (meaning ‘royal stone’) rises sharply from the forests and plains below, offering exceptional views along a series of gorges and ridgetops. The Bucegi mountains are home to a diverse range of landscapes from pine and beech forests to flower laden meadows and high limestone cliffs – and it is also where you can find Bran Castle, connected through folklore to the fictitious character, Dracula!

Departs: Daily from 8 May to 10 October 2010

TAKE IN THE VERY BEST OF SOUTHERN ITALY… Southern Italy Volcano Trail 11 days

The best of southern Italy… the wonder of Pompeii, the summit of Mount Vesuvius, the stunning Amalfi coastline, the bustling city of Naples… and this is only the beginning! Follow the volcano trail to the Aeolian Islands and combine relaxing moments on stark black beaches with exhilarating ascents to the active craters of Volcano and Stromboli. Concluding in Sicily, at Mount Etna, one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes -with evidence of past eruptions clearly evident in the unusual landscape on its flanks- there will be time to explore the seaside town of Taormina, with its ancient Greek theatre and typical Sicilian atmosphere.

Departs: Seven departure dates between May and October 2010

MONT BLANC FOR ALL THE FAMILY… Mont Blanc Family Walk - France To Italy 7 days

Few walks in the world offer the incredible views and high alpine vistas found on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Guided along mountain trails, this relaxed itinerary starts in the Chamonix Valley and provides awesome views of Mont Blanc with overnight stays in high mountain huts. Carrying only a day pack, mules will transport your bags and supplies and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the small villages along the way, stay in local refuges and gîtes and feast on French and Italian cuisine. The itinerary is suitable for active children from age 7 and up and provides an exhilarating alpine walk with unforgettable vistas around every bend.

Departs: Every Sunday in July and August 2010

Order a free brochure now.