Easy active vacations: Put the emphasis on vacation
Thinking about an active vacation? You're not alone. Once a stronghold of the fit and trim, active vacations now cater to people with all types of interests and abilities. Even a couch potato can have a good time! To help introduce newcomers to active travel, luxury tour operator Euro-Bike and Walking Tours (EB&WT), is offering a number of "beginners tours." These premium tours visit some of Europe's best destinations, and feature carefully selected routes over gentle terrain.

The beginner's tours scheduled for this year will visit the Chateaux of the Loire, the flower fields and windmills of Holland, and the medieval wine villages along the Mosel River. All feature gourmet dining and fine accommodations. "Our beginners tours in France, Germany and Holland offer great cycling and walking routes," said company President, Rene Hoeve, "but the emphasis is on relaxation and easy touring." In addition to cycling or walking, the tours feature leisurely diversions that range from touring famous castles to tasting vintage wines at renowned wineries. Cycling routes are about 25 miles each day, and walking routes are about 5 miles per day. Shorter routes are always an option, and a support van is available at all times.

EB&WT is one of the oldest and most respected active vacation companies operating in Europe. In addition to the beginners tours, the company's 2000 catalog features over 70 tours to 15 European countries. Each tour is rated for its level of difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. EB&WT's tour season runs from April through October, with tours that are 6 to 15 days in length. The company has been leading active vacations in Europe for 30 years.