Grape Escapes - 6 of the Best Vineyard Cycle Routes

    CHESHIRE, ENGLAND, May 25, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Once there, exploring by bike means that you'll often stumble upon the lesser-known vineyards too (we'll point you in the right direction!), and you'll find that owners will welcome you as long-lost friends rather than fleeting tourists! Don't forget too that, if you have your car in the region with you, we offer a complimentary wine service where we'll collect any purchases and deliver them to your final hotel for you.

So, if you enjoy wine, and fancy the idea of trying out old favourites, as well as making some new discoveries, here are 6 cycling holidays we think might appeal:

France

Abbeys & Vineyards Cycling in Burgundy
This gentle, undemanding 6-night cycling route loops around the revered Chablis vineyards, where wine has been made for over a millennium. Other wine highlights include stopping off in tiny St Bris-le-Vineux where you can explore the acres of cellars beneath the village, and the vast underground Caves de Bailly in Irancy where sparkling Cremant wines are made.

Rivers & Vineyards Cycling in Alsace
This fabulously varied cycling route takes you along the wine route that runs north to south between the Vosges mountains and the Alsace plain, with a brief hop across into Germany for two nights. Pedalling gently along through orchards and vineyards, you take in some of the region's most beautiful villages, and there are wine tasting opportunities every day.

Provence Gastronomic Cycling
Designed in particular to appeal to lovers of fine food and wine, this 8-night holiday provides a delightful insight into the "real" Provence, with easy pedalling on plains and gentle foothills cloaked in lavender, sunflowers and the famous Cotes de Rhone vineyards. You'll stop off at the famous wine villages of Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise, but don't overlook the lesser known gems such as Suzette, Cairanne and Seguret.

Italy

Villas & Vineyards Cycling in Venetia
The undiscovered corner of Venetia is almost entirely untouched by tourism, yet is bursting with patrician villas, medieval castles, immaculately tended vineyards and extensive formal gardens. Most of your cycling will be along quiet canal paths, through orchards and ancient vineyards, stopping off at pretty wine villages, while further afield the great art cities of Venice, Verona and Vicenza are easy "rest day" options.

Gastronomic Cycling around Barolo
The northern Italian region of Piedmont boasts an incredible array of fine wine towns, with Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto and Barbera producing world-class vintages. On this luxury tour, you'll freewheel through terraces of swaying vines, and there are endless opportunities to stop off and enjoy a spot of tasting as the mood takes you. In the evenings, your top end hotels all offer outstanding wines at exceptional value for money prices!

Secrets of San Gimignano Cycling in Chianti
You'll have a wonderful holiday if you choose to explore the verdant vineyards, hidden hamlets and stunning rolling countryside of this world-famous wine producing region. Highlights include beautifully preserved Etruscan Volterra, mediaeval Colle, the inimitable towers of San Gimignano and honey-coloured Pancole, nestled in the Chianti hills.

Free Pocket Wine Guide.
Special offer: Book any of the above holidays within 14 days of receiving this email, and we'll send you a copy of Hugh Johnson's 2011 Pocket Wine book to help get you in the mood! Simply quote GRAPE ESCAPE at the time of booking to qualify.

Offer applies to new bookings only (booked between 5th and 20th May 2011). Offer is restricted to one wine book per booking. Your name and address will be passed to Amazon.co.uk for book delivery. Holidays are subject to availability and Headwater's standard booking conditions.

Order our 2011 brochures to find out more about our extensive range of holidays. Call us today on 01606 720199 or visit our website at www.headwater.com

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