Orient Express…by bicycle
Tour d’Afrique, which says it was the first company to introduce the world to cross-continental cycling tours, outlined details of its upcoming Orient Express tour, which it terms “the latest in its epic line-up of continent-crossing adventures.”
Named after the famous train, the Orient-Express, the 50-day tour follows a similar route among international capitals, linking Asia Minor to the European continent. However, unlike those riding the luxury train in style and comfort, the June 5 to July 24, 2011 journey is by bicycle from Paris to Istanbul, stopping en route at French vineyards, Budapest spas and finally savoring the spices of Turkish bazaars.
“After creating the Tour d’Afrique from Cairo to Cape Town, we wanted to create another romantic and adventurous journey, and thus the Orient Express on bicycles was created in 2005,” said Henry Gold, company founder and director. He added:
“As a result, like our African trip, the Orient Express has become an iconic bicycle trip for anyone who wants to cross the European continent on pedal power. There is simply no other organized bicycle trip in Europe that even attempts to be in the same category.”
“Our participants come from all over the world but share two things: a passion for adventure and a desire to live life to the fullest,” said Gold
Cyclists will average 61 miles or 97 km a day except on the 11 rest days when they are free roam at will through museums and other attractions. A full 4000 km tour goes through Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Romania and Turkey and is US$9470 or €5,990 per person. The journey may also be broken up and taken in three shorter legs at lower rates.
By David Wilkening
David
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