Europe Through Our Explorers’ Eyes

Cycling from France to Spain wasn't Caitlin's first biking trip, but it was by far the most varied one she'd ever done. "The scenery, culture, wildlife, and cuisine was different every day as we cycled to new towns, so every day was a new adventure."
 

The highlights weren’t always found on the bike, though, and the daily picnic lunches prepared by the local team became her favorite part. "We’d be able to hear our support driver, Lluis, calling out to us from a mile away," she remembered, "and he’d uncover the most delightful hand-selected meals for us. Each lunch was tailored to the specific region we were riding through that day and was clearly made with so much love." Sitting down together, “sharing stories about what we had seen that morning and learning more about the local culture,” became what she looked forward to everyday, and left a lasting impression.

 Aaron’s first cycling trip, from Lisbon to the Algarve, revealed a side of Portugal he hadn’t seen before. "I’d previously been to Lisbon some years ago," said Aaron, "but was completely ignorant of the stunningly beautiful towns and coastlines that wove and wound their way southwards to the Algarve."
 

He remembers one particularly striking moment riding along a narrowing hill, “the expanse of ocean to our right, crystal blue, while the mainland stretched out to our left.” The road dipped into a smooth downhill switchback, carrying the group toward the coast and creating what he described as “a sterling memory,” made even better by local fortified wine and fresh bacalhau at the end of the day.

"Sometimes when deciding where to go next on a trip," said Vicky, "I get inspired by discovering new destinations that spark my curiosity and sense of adventure." Croatia’s island-hopping adventure delivered exactly the blend of activity and freedom she was looking for. Traveling by ferry between destinations meant constantly changing scenery and a refreshing alternative to long road transfers.
 

Vicky loved “not being in a vehicle all the time in transit,” instead exploring ancient walled cities and lively harbors at a relaxed pace. One highlight was lunch at a rural agri-turismo, where the group enjoyed olive oil tastings and a delicious meal made from products grown on the farm. "Experiences like this are exactly why I love to travel," said Vicky, "and I can’t wait to return!"

On Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Katy found that exploring on foot revealed a new side of a country she already loved. She described “colorful buildings cascading down limestone cliffs, ingenious agriculture amongst challenging landscapes, and endless coastal views.”
 

Hiking through forests, terraced lemon and olive groves, and cliffside towns offered a perspective that felt immersive and unhurried, but it was the quieter evenings that stayed with her most. Returning to their family-run agriturismo in San Lazzaro, away from the crowds, the group would gather and “savor home-cooked farm-to-table food as we shared stories and reflected on the day’s adventures,” creating a rhythm that balanced activity with relaxation.