Inspiring Cycling and Walking Tours in Europe
You've come to the right place to plan your active vacation. Terracotta Journeys offers cycling and walking tours off the beaten track in Spain, Portugal and France for the active traveller seeking a change of pace. When the harried life gets to be too much and your routine begs for change, we have the perfect solution: escape for a bike tour or guided walk in the old country. The ancient history, incredible scenery, natural perfumes and traditional wholesome cuisine will be a source of endless inspiration to keep you aloft for months to come!
Because we are passionate about biking and walking, we noticed that some travel companies were not offering active tourists the best of the back roads and scenery. Typical restaurants with truly great food were being ignored in lieu of more obvious and touristy places. In order to create the best possible trips we have done our upmost to select the calmest routes with stunning views, charming historic hotels and restaurants, and most importantly highly-motivated and enthusiastic trip leaders. Find out Why Terracotta Journeys is the best choice for your active vacation and check out our clients' comments below.
We see ourselves not merely as providers of great tours and services, but as active promoters of mutual understanding between different cultures as well as environmentally friendly (and healthy) ways to travel. We do this while delivering unforgettable experiences only possible on a journey far from home. Come and join us on a tour and partake in one of the most pleasurable and satisfying ways of seeing Europe.
Welcome to Terracotta Journeys - Inspiring Cycling and Walking Tours in Europe!
What's New?
Once again Lisbon, Portugal finds itself the focus of the New York Times travel section. The paper sings the city's praises in the recent article Lisbon Comes Alive: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/travel/13Lisbon.html . Why not combine a visit to the City of Seven Hills with one of our cycling tours? Not only will we give you advice on where to stay and what to see when you're here, but many of our tours depart from Lisbon so we can pick you up right from your hotel. Check out our fall 2008 tour dates:
Here is a video of our latest tours:
Cascais Wins the Best European Seaside Escapes Award
The New York Times Rates Lisbon, Portugal as #1 European Destination
Client Comments:
Costa Azul - May 2008:
"What a fabulous trip! Pedro did a fantastic job of showing us his beautiful country. The biking was great (lovely vistas, wild flowers and charming farms). We enjoyed learning about local foods and the wine was wonderful. I hope there is another Terracotta Journeys in my future."
Marci B., Kansas City, MO, USA
"As a non cyclist, I had reservations about riding 40+ Km per day. However, the biking schedule was set up perfectly to allow me to get stronger every day. I have travelled many places, but this trip along the Costa Azul ranks among the best of my experiences. Terracotta Journeys set up a perfect travel itinerary – I can say without reservation that I got to experience Portugal in a way that I never would have been able to if I tried to set up the vacation myself. Pedro is a host / guide without peer. I found myself saying frequently throughout the week “This (experience) is so cool, it can’t be any better than this” and then repeating the sentiment with each new experience. The accommodations were excellent, food delicious, and company entertaining. This was my first bike tour, but it will definitely not be my last. I hope to experience Terracotta Journeys’ World Heritage Tour in the near future."
Peter B., Kansas City, MO, USA
"What a wonderful experience this was! The cycling was top notch, taking on some of the most beautiful roads I have cycled. However, just as enjoyable were the hospitality by Pedro, the food and wine, the hotels … the total experience. Even a surfing lesson! (…) Thank you so much for our wonderful Terracotta Journeys, I know there will be more in my future and would recommend this trip to anyone!"
Jason F., Kansas City, MO, USA
"Thank you for a fantastic bike tour. We will remember the routes that you chose as included great scenery - especially enjoyed the small villages with quaint churches and all the tile houses. We will remember the wild flowers, the storks, sheep with bells, castles and the Spanish-Portuguese border. The paradores and pousadas were unbelievable. Each had its own charms and experiences. Also trying the local food and wine was always a highlight ..."
Deb & Jake G., Plymouth, MN, USA - May 2008
"It has been my dream to do a cycling tour in Europe and this met all my expectations and more! A perfect experience for our family, well chosen routes with excellent scenery, a variety of terrain and hotels with charm and history. We saw parts of Portugal we never would have seen on our own and Pedro and Eva saw to all our needs, including helping us to adjust to the language and the culture. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys combining exercise with great food, new experiences and time well spent with friends and family. We’re glad we found Terracotta Journeys and booked this trip with them! "
"We chose Terracotta Journeys for our custom tour in honor of my "big" birthday because of their responsiveness to our special requests, excellent hotel choices and passion for cycling and the region. We had a magical trip, experiencing challenging rides on well chosen routes through beautiful country that gave us a sense of enormous accomplishment and a breath-taking hike along the coast to the most western point of Europe. We visited beautiful monasteries, palaces and castles and learned some of Portugal's fascinating history along the way. Highlights included a delicious picnic in a cork grove, terrific seafood and great wine. Jorge, our guide, was not only knowledgeable, but also warm, affable, flexible and delightful company. We laughed more than we had in years. I highly recommend Terracotta Journeys."
Marsha W., Hartford, CT, USA - April 2008
"I have taken biking or hiking trips with more than ten different companies, and Terracotta Journeys is topnotch. The routes offered great scenery with minimal traffic; the hotels were distinctive and charming; and the food was marvelous. Terracotta Journeys confirms the wisdom of selecting a company that specializes in a region."
Pat W., Washington DC, USA - April 2008
Spain - Alluring Andalucia
Routes: You will cycle or walk along the most beautiful and unspoiled back roads. We have carefully chosen our routes for their scenery, comfort and safety. So you can concentrate on what matters most: enjoying the ride.
Historical Hotels: On every Terracotta Journey you will stay in charming historical buildings converted into premium hotels. We have selected the best hotels in every place you visit.
The food: SW Europe has a huge diversity of foods and wines. On our tours you’ll enjoy replenishing the calories you’ve burned during the day with delicious regional dinners and wines. You deserve it after an active day!
