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A Ride to Build a Dream On
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Edelweiss Bike Travel
12/01/2003
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Often, our most treasured gifts—the ones that eclipse an astronomical cost to
attain that coveted designation of “priceless”—are those that eschew the
material in favor of the experiential. Forged in the furnace of memory and honed
by the virtual reality of our participation, these “gifts to last a lifetime”
are the expertise of Edelweiss Bike Travel. An Austrian-based operation now in
its 25th year, Edelweiss offers a mind-boggling array of tours (nearly 150 in
2005) spanning five continents—enough to whet any riding enthusiast’s appetite.
It is Edelweiss’ Royal tour series that really got our juices flowing. The
Royal Spanish Castle Tour is a 16-day exploration of northern Spain, starting in
Barcelona and winding across rolling plains and foothills into the Pyrenees and
skirting the French border. The added allure (as if Spain needs it) of spending
your nights in Spanish castles and palaces is irresistibly enticing, while your
days take you past monasteries and fortresses that dot the landscape. A riding
loop through the heart of the Pyrenees promises curves and switchbacks ad
infinitum. Your bike choices range from a BMW 650 GS to the 1150 RT to the K
1200 GT and everything in between as you travel anywhere from 80 to 200 miles
per day. Rest days are allowed for in the Pyrenees, near the Rioja wine region,
on the Atlantic coast and in Zaragoza. (Click images to enlarge)
A distinctly Gaelic flair awaits
those who take the high road of the Royal Tour of Scotland. A nine-day vacation
launching out of Edinburgh, the Royal Scotland brews a wicked draught of
romance, drama and seclusion as you venture through Rob Roy’s last rest to Loch
Lomond. The skirl of the pipes fades as you leave Glen Coe, on towards the Isle
of Skye and Eilean Donan castle. Rides range from 75 to 220 miles per day, with
the same aforementioned selection of bikes at your disposal. At night, you
rejuvenate in charming country houses and hotels.
The third offering in the
Royal series is the Royal Alpine Tour, Edelweiss’ most in-depth exploration of
the Alps to date. This 16-day trip starts in Munich, then leads to Salzburg
where you enjoy a two-night stay before heading across the Grossglockner. Three
nights in the Dolomites give way to the same in Merano and then St. Moritz. For
those who insist on doing it their way, this is a fantastic itinerary that lets
them choose whether to ride or relax. (Click images to enlarge)
No matter what your wish list holds,
Edelweiss founders and owners Coral and Werner Wachter have assembled an
awe-inspiring spectrum of journeys that are sure to create memories you will
savor forever.
Pricing starts at $2,650 for the Royal Scotland nine-day
excursion; $4,660 for the Royal Spanish Castle trip and $4,840 for the Royal
Alpine adventure.
+43.5264.5690 | www.edelweissbike.com
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