ItaliaOutdoors, a provider of private, personalized recreational vacations in Northern Italy, introduced today a unique program called “Chefs on Bikes,” one example of their active culinary tours for bikers, skiers and hikers who want to explore everything Northern Italy has to offer while enjoying their favorite outdoor activities.
Each ItaliaOutdoor program is individually designed and led by company founders Vernon McClure and Kathy Bechtel. Programs feature personalized guided tours tailored to each group’s favorite leisure activities, cultural interests and fitness levels. Unlike traditional biking and walking tour companies that offer standardized itineraries, ItaliaOutdoors caters to guests of all ages, interests and fitness levels to ensure everyone experiences Italy in a way that is most enjoyable for them.
This past bike season, ItaliaOutdoors kicked off a Master Chef program and hosted Master Chef Jody Adams of Rialto Restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts on two culinary bike tours of the Veneto region of Italy that includes the area of Northern Italy from the Dolomites to the sea, where guests explored the wine roads of Valpolicella and the cities of Verona and Venice.
Said, Jody Adams describing her experience with ItaliaOutdoors, “There are so many beautiful back roads and hidden treasures in this wonderful area of Italy. Exploring by bike with ItaliaOutdoors provided a nice pace that gave more opportunity for discovery and conversation. Each evening, we gathered around the table to create and share a wonderful meal, enjoy spectacular wines and plenty of laughter. This trip was the perfect mix of adventure and fun.”
Personalized Private Programs Are Designed Around You
ItaliaOutdoors Chefs on Bikes program is just one example of the personalized itineraries ItaliaOutdoors can create for small groups of bikers, skiers and hikers. ItaliaOutdoors offers bike routes for the more relaxed cyclist, or more challenging rides, including aggressive hill climbs and longer days in the saddle. The company accommodates all levels of bikers, with optional daily loops to keep even the strongest riders busy. Ski itineraries include lessons for all levels of skier or snowboarder, guided resort skiing or backcountry explorations, as well as alternate activities for the non-skier or a rest day. Hikers can enjoy a hut-to-hut trek across the spectacular Dolomites, or more leisurely day hikes with 4-star accommodations each night. On all tours, there is time each day to discover and enjoy the amazing culture and foods and wines that have made Italy a favorite destination for so many travelers.
ItaliaOutdoors culinary programming features everything from basic cooking skills to gourmet meals, with Master Chefs. Guests enjoy regional cuisine lessons ranging from fundamental cooking to more advanced techniques depending upon the group. Groups can also learn ways to address specific dietary needs, such as healthy cooking, vegetarian recipes, or salt-free or gluten-free diets. Or if guests just want to eat well during your vacation, ItaliaOutdoors will guide you to the best in the local cuisine. For those not able to make it to Italy, ItaliaOutdoors offers in-home cooking classes featuring the amazing regional cuisine of Northern Italy, paired with Italian wines.
Hosted by Recreational and Culinary Experts
Owner Vernon McClure is the recreational programmer and fitness expert for Italiaoutdoors. Vernon is an ex-army ranger and four-time ironman with 15 years of experience leading active tours of Northern Italy, including biking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, scuba diving and sailing. Originally from Kentucky, Vernon has resided in Italy for the last 19 years, where he has instructed thousands of bikers, hikers and skiers of all levels and abilities. With a master’s degree in European literature, Vernon continues to be an enthusiastic student of the history and culture of Italy.
Co-owner Kathy Bechtel joined ItaliaOutdoors to share her culinary and wine expertise, passion for the outdoors, and love of Italy. A former Bell Lab telecommunications engineer with an MBA in Strategic Management, Kathy left the nine-to-five world to attend culinary school, where she graduated first in her class. An avid hiker, biker and skier, Kathy works as a ski instructor at Sugarloaf, Maine.
“By offering a unique blend of guided recreational and cultural activities, culinary classes and wine tastings we are able to provide personalized tours that take full advantage of our knowledge as well as the climate, beauty and distinctive character of the region” says Kathy Bechtel of ItaliaOutdoors. “Because we provide a multi-faceted experience, our tours are ideal for small groups of friends or families, or for corporate getaways searching for that very special vacation experience.”
For more information about upcoming trip itineraries and highlights from past trips, including guest comments, go to http://www.italiaoutdoors.com or check out photos on the Italiaoutdoors Facebook page.
About Italiaoutdoors
Italiaoutdoors is an owner-operated specialty guide service that offers individualized programs for small groups who want to explore the beauty and diverse culture of Northern Italy while hiking, biking and skiing.
Guests of Italiaoutdoors share a passion for a healthy lifestyle and an appreciation for the region’s history, beauty, culture, wines and culinary delights. Tours geared around hiking, biking, and skiing are adaptable to various fitness levels and interests of individual guests.