Biking Italy's Wine Routes for Foodies - New Tours for 2012 from Italiaoutdoors

Italiaoutdoors introduces three innovative tours to its 2012 “Bike the Wine Roads” line-up: the “Primavera del Prosecco” tour, April 1-8; the “Grape Harvest Bike the Wine Roads of the Veneto” tour, September 15-24; and the “Bike the Wine Roads Tours of Trentino-Alto Adige,” September 29-October 8. Designed and led by co-owners Chef and Wine Curator Kathy Bechtel and recreation specialist Vernon McClure, all Italiaoutdoors cycling holidays offer an in-depth exploration of notable wine regions throughout Northeastern Italy. Set amidst spectacular backdrops such as the Dolomite Mountains, the tours are further customized according to the participants in each group.

Italiaoutdoors’ bike routes cover 30-45 miles daily, accommodating all skill levels and covering various terrains ranging from shores to mountains. Each group has a maximum of eight travelers to guarantee that each guest receives personalized attention from the two expert tour guides. The small group size also allows for daily itinerary refinement based on interests and levels. Tour prices range from $3,495-$3,995 per person, based on double occupancy and include accommodations in 3+ star hotels; all ground transfers, daily wine tastings; bike rental; GPS (great for personal exploration of the areas as well); all entry fees to attractions; all breakfasts, lunches, snacks; and most dinners. A single supplement is available.

Primavera del Prosecco Bike Tour – April 1-8, 2012
Price: $3,495 per person, double occupancy
Italiaoutdoors invite cycling and culinary fans to explore the Prosecco region and welcome spring with a visit to the province of Treviso during this eight-day bicycle holiday. Tour participants will visit the region during the Primavera del Prosecco festival, a celebration of wine, food, art and culture. The tour travels through different wine regions each day and participants enjoy distinctive regional dining and wine experiences including Prosecco’s world-renowned sparkling wine as well as lesser-known treasures including Piave, Colli Berici and Breganze.

Grape Harvest Bike the Wine Roads of the Veneto Tour – September 15-24, 2012
Price: $3,995 per person, double occupancy
This 10-day tour whisks travelers through the depths of the beautiful Veneto region. Home to the largest number of quality DOC wines in Italy, the area produces world-renowned vintages, including Valpolicella, Bardolino, Soave, Prosecco and Breganze. Guests begin this journey with a ride along the shores of Lago di Garda, followed by visits to neighboring cities Verona and Vicenza. While visiting these two historic gems, guests will taste prominent wines ranging from Valpolicella and Soave to Gambellara and Colli Berici. Other highlights include a visit to the picturesque town of Bassano del Grappa, home to Breganze and Colli Asolani wines. The trip winds down with a tour of the lush Prosecco region.

Bike the Wine Roads Tours of Trentino-Alto Adige – September 29-October 8, 2012
Price: $3,995 per person, double occupancy
Beginning in the city of Bolzano, this 10-day bicycle holiday kicks off with a journey down the picturesque Sudtirol Weinstrasse, or “Wine Road,” home to the many wonderful wine producers of the Sudtirol Alto Adige region. Heading south, guests will travel through the Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo wine areas where they will enjoy a variety of Teroldego Rotaliano wines. The scenery then changes from mountains to lakefront views in the Veneto, with a visit to the Lago di Garda. Trip highlights include a visit to the historic city of Verona – home to Juliet’s balcony and the ancient Arena that still hosts cultural events and operas today – and a visit to Soave, a charming walled city that produces refreshing white Soave wines.

Any of these tours can be run on alternate dates for a private group of 4-12, for the same price. All Italiaoutdoors private tours are individually designed to match the interests and abilities of each group, providing a personal and authentic experience of the region.

About Italiaoutdoors
Italiaoutdoors is an owner-operated private guide service, creating and guiding active culinary and wine tours in Northeastern Italy. Unique in their ability to combine active biking, skiing and hiking adventures with world-class culinary programs -- including tours with James Beard award-winning chefs -- Italiaoutdoors customizes vacations for small groups. Italiaoutdoors has more than 15 years of recreational programming experience in the region, plus formal culinary and wine training. Programs also include cooking classes, wine tastings, and restaurant dining which explore the best in local regional cuisine and undiscovered wines. Itineraries are rounded out with city visits, shopping, cultural excursions or just relaxing poolside. The owners -- experts in fitness, food, and the region –personally lead each tour. http://www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com, 1-978-270-5774.