Europe off the beaten path
 

My 28 year old daughter gets her MBA in May,and has 2 months to travel before she starts work in August. She has traveled with me several times and enjoys seeing how the locals actually live. She has been to Paris, London,Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong, but would like to use this time to do "something I might not have the time to do after I start work." She has considered bicyling with a tour group (she likes moderate activity, but isn't a jock), enjoys good food and wine, and has an adventurous spirit. Any suggestions for a three week itinerary in July with a "moderate" budget? I don't think she is interested in covering a lot of territory, but rather in getting to know one country or region fairly well. Thanks for the help.

Cycling in the southwest of France, which could include the Bordeaux area, the Cognac area? But in July the coast is likely to be already crowded, at least in the more popular resort areas.

From the Washington Post this weekend - - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Mar19.html (requires registration, but it's free) - -

European Workout
10 Ways to Make Your Next Trip an Adventure
By Andrea Sachs
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 21, 2004; Page P08

For many, an active trip to Europe means working up a sweat running up and down cathedral steps. Instead, throw some muscle into your exploring. Here are 10 sporty ways to experience Europe, and recommendations for countries best-suited for those activities, according to adventure travel outfitters and other experts. We've included sample package trips -- land-only prices are per person, based on double occupancy; airfare from D.C. is additional -- to get you rolling (or climbing or paddling).

Here are the links to four sidebar articles (well, actually, more lengthy than your average sidebar)...

Mountain Biking in France: Pedal Power (The Washington Post, Mar 21, 2004)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Mar19.html

Horseback Riding In Wales: Castles While You Canter (The Washington Post, Mar 21, 2004)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Mar19.html

Hiking in Slovenia: Bled Buddies (The Washington Post, Mar 21, 2004)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Mar19.html

Inline Skating in The Netherlands: Keep On Rolling (The Washington Post, Mar 21, 2004)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Mar19.html

Best wishes,

Rex

I highly recommend bicycling Austria; especially going from Passau to Vienna along the Danube. Great little villages along the way, easy level biking, multitudes of moderate priced pensions, inns and B&B's. The scenery is fantastic, people are very freindly towards cyclists and the food and wine are excellent. Check my website for one trip we did from Linz to Vienna:
http://alexstarke.tripod.com/
If you have questions you can e-mail me through the site.

Good idea above--especially in July.
I would suggest Alpine venues--to include Austria, Italy and CH. Great train connections and tons of " zimmer frei" room options. Start in Zurich and end in Munich or Vienna.

Bringing your message back up "to the top" since it is your first message here ever...

Thanks to all for the tips. I'm researching a "barge and bike" trip for her now and welcome any comments on these.