Cycling in France: 5 Classic Climbs To Add To Your Bike Tour List and Ride On Your Next Vacation

Cycling in France is arguably unsurpassed in terms of its scenery and the climbs are world class. It's no wonder that the best cyclists in the world gather for a three week race in France every July. There's nothing that compares to the smooth mountain ascents that should hold a place on every rider's bike tour list. Here are a few of In Situ Travel's favorites:
Le Mont Ventoux (1912 meters and 22 km. Average grade 7.1% with a maximum of 11% grade) Dominating the landscape in all directions, Ventoux has rightfully earned the nickname "The Giant". There are three ways to ascend this beast (4 if you count the forest road) but the most famous route starts in the village of Bedoin where you will want to buy yourself a celebratory jersey after your valiant efforts. After all, not everyone has made it down alive. Just a half-mile from the summit, you will pass a memorial to the British pro-cyclist Tom Simpson who died racing a tour stage here in 1967.
Le Col du Tourmalet (2115 meters and 19 km. Average grade 7.4% with a maximum of 10.2% grade) When asked why the Tourmalet is so famous, many riders speak of its mystic prowess. You have not truly experienced the Pyrenees until you have climbed the range's highest pass. It's hard-core and there's no wonder why this climb has been used more than any other as a Tour stage.
Le Col du Galibier (2645 meters and 34 km. Average grade 6.9% with a maximum of 10.1% grade) A Tour classic. This monumental mountain in the Alps is so well respected and feared, race organizers have actually visited its slopes twice within the same year's Tour de France. Don't be surprised to find yourself dwarfed by columns of snow if you summit the pass in early summer; this col is closed through winter and opens only when road officials decide to blast through the dense snow pack.
L'Alpe d'Huez (1860 meters and 14 km. Average grade 7.9% with a maximum of 14% grade) Immortalized by multiple Tour de France finishes, this cycling mecca in the Alps is famous for its grueling 21 switchbacks. The record ascent is 37 minutes and 35 seconds, but riders of all abilities come out in force each year to test themselves against this mammoth of a climb.
Col d'Aubisque (1709 meters and 16.6 km. Average grade 7.2% with a maximum of 13% grade) This col made its Tour de France debut in 1910 when race organizers were deemed crazy by Pyrenees locals when asked to have the roads cleared of debris in time for race day. Nonetheless, the Aubisque has become a Tour staple and is a favorite climb by riders the world over. Not for the fainthearted, the climb is famous for its sinuous roads that are gingerly carved to hug the mountainside and sport drops of hundreds of feet beyond the safety barriers.

Jace Gifford is the founder of In Situ Travel, LLC. In Situ offers bike tours in Europe for the avid cyclist.

Have you always wanted to challenge yourself on some of Europe's most famous cycling routes in France, Italy, Spain and Germany? Would you like to ride the famous climbs mentioned above? Jace invites you to explore In Situ's European Bike Tours to find the trip that's right for you.

View the original article here

Add Some Zest to Your Vacation With Outdoor Adventures in Milton, FL!

Sometimes, the typical vacation could be boring. Merely hitting the beach and going swimming or partying may be so common that it's no longer thrilling. For a vacation to have some zest and some energy, it needs to heart-pumping and fun, and it has to make tourists run out of breath in exploring a strange place. For such a vacation, it's best to pick a destination like the city of Milton, FL., known for having the best outdoor adventures in store for tourists.

The best outdoor adventures in Milton could be experienced at the Blackwater River State Park. Here are the eight (8) of the best activities for tourists:

Doing some Blackwater River canoeing. Canoeing is one of the major activities for local and out-of-town tourists. Visitors love the experience of gliding through the waters of this strong river, as they connect with nature in a fun way, with the heart thumping in anticipation and excitement. The Blackwater River runs across the Florida Panhandle, and apart from canoeing, tourists could indulge in other fun water adventures such as swimming, fishing, paddling, and kayaking. The Blackwater River boasts of being one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the United States, making it one of the choicest locations for water sports.Going fishing. There are designated areas in the park where tourists may spend some time hooking fish.Doing some picnicking. Within a short distance from the river, there are picnic pavilions lined up for the use of tourists, equipped with picnic tables and grills.Practicing swimming strokes. There are designated areas at the park where tourists may go swimming.Setting up camp. The Park boasts of thirty (30) campsites that come equipped with electric service, water connections, a picnic table, and sewer tap. Tent camping and RV parking are both welcome at the facility.Exploring trails at the Blackwater River State Forest. Going hiking and discovering Milton's nature trails is a worthwhile experience for any tourist. The terrain and plant communities of the forest may be enjoyed through guided walks. One favorite trail is the Juniper Creek Trail, which is accessible from the park.

For an adventurous vacation like this one, staying at Milton hotels is not the only option, as there are Florida RV parks that provide easier access to state parks. Tourists who wish to visit other Florida state parks would be delighted to know that most Florida panhandle campgrounds are fully-equipped, and ideal for a comfortable stay.

Going for an adventure trip with a beloved or with the family will certainly be a different vacation, as the trip is packed with so many things to do, so many sights to see and varied emotions to feel. The excitement never ends with outdoor adventures, and for this reason alone it really is worth the flight, or the drive.

Never fear in tweaking usual vacations with a dose or two of fun and adventure. Make sure to have enough room for adventure in the next trip!

Greg Schnoor provided articles in many various categories including business, travel, real estate, computers, information technology, sports, and more.

View the original article here

Vacation Time - 6 Can't Miss Attractions In the Galapagos Islands

Everyone wants to use their vacation time to do something different, especially their winter vacation time. While visiting relatives for Christmas makes for a great time, being able to take off and go somewhere warm with a truly interesting and exciting itinerary takes your vacation to a new level. By taking a Galapagos Islands vacation, you will not only bask in a tropical paradise but you will also make some memories that will be truly special.

As with any trip, you want your vacation to the Galapagos Islands to be filled with lots of interesting things to do, places to be and sights to see. Regardless of whether you take a cruise with stops at the Galapagos Islands or you spend your vacation on the islands themselves, there are certainly some things you won't want to miss.

1. Perhaps the best known symbol and attraction of the Galapagos is its wildlife, most notably the tortoises. There are also many other species that are great to watch in their natural habitats like the sea lions, marine iguanas and the blue and red footed boobies.

2. Since the Galapagos are volcanic islands such as the Sierra Negra volcano, you will be able to enjoy exploring the black sandy beaches and tidal pools, enjoying even more experiences with the local wildlife.

3. Some tours you can take during your vacation in the Galapagos Islands guide you through Quito in Ecuador where you'll be able to shop at markets that pre-date the Incans and are known for their tapestries, textiles and jewelry.

4. There are some amazing hiking trails to experience on all the islands where you'll be able to experience all the grandeur and beauty the Galapagos has to offer. Broad expanses of beaches and ocean views and fantastic vistas of the volcanoes offer photo opportunities galore.

5. Ocean kayaking is a great way to enjoy part of your Galapagos vacation, paddling around the coastline and into Darwin Bay where the HMS Beagle made its first landing. You will certainly be treated to sights of sea lions and marine iguanas along your route.

6. With such crystal clear waters, snorkeling is definitely an activity you want to take advantage of to explore the beauty of the sea bottoms to see all sorts of tropical fish including possibly Galapagos sharks.

These are just a few of the great things you'll experience when you take a Galapagos Islands vacation. You will also love immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine and all the fascinating stores to shop in. You can't go wrong if you are looking for a vacation of a lifetime with the Galapagos Islands.

You can take the vacation of a lifetime with Galapagos Islands travel details that can put you in the middle of a dream. IGTOA has the Galapagos Islands information you need about hotels, activities, preservation work and much more of the wonders of the islands.

View the original article here

See the New Wonders of the World During Your Next South America Vacation

The votes are in and it is official: South America is full of some of the best attractions in the world. In 2001 voters from around the world selected 7 man-made attractions to earn the title of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Latin America is the proud home to 3 of the winners: Machu Picchu in Peru, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, and Chichen Itza in Mexico.

And now, the same non-profit that held the first contest has announced the preliminary results for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. And once again, South America ranks in the results. If the votes stay the same after they're recounted, the Amazon and Iguazu Falls both top the list. This is great for the region because both attractions are shared between multiple countries. The Amazon Rainforest grows in Peru, Brazil, Columbia, and a few other countries, and the Iguazu Falls are in Argentina and Brazil.

So can you see all 5 of these amazing South America travel destination in one trip? Of course! It will take some pre-planning and you might want to consider consulting a South America tour company for assistance, but it is doable if you have the time and the money.

Consider starting your journey by flying into Lima, Peru. From here you'll head to Cuzco to see the famous Machu Picchu. A Machu Picchu tour or a trek along the Inca Trail are two great ways to fully appreciate the man-made wonder. To see the Amazon, head to Puerto Maldonado, an easy 45 minute plane ride from Cuzco. That's two down!

Next, take a flight down to Iguauz Falls. You can fly there direct from Lima. Spend a few days here enjoying the falls from both sides, in Brazil and in Argentina. Then, head north to Rio de Janeiro where you'll see the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue, standing tall with arms stretched over the city.

Now, to see the final attraction, catch a flight the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to see Chichen Itza. In addition to enjoying these spectacular ruins surrounded by tropic jungle teeming with iguanas and colorful birds, you can spend the end of your vacation relaxing on the beach and enjoying the strong tourism industry around Cozumel or Cancun.

Latin America is a massive region, full of much more than just 5 wonderful attractions. But this extensive South America tour package is a great way to sample some of the best this region has to offer.

To get help planning this remarkable trip to Latin America's 5 Wonder destinations, consider contacting a company that specializes in South America vacations, or if you only want to see some of them in a more leisurely style, look for specialists in South America luxury tours.

View the original article here