HEART OF EUROPE
August 9-17, 2009

Santana’s Signature Tour

Make no mistake, Europe’s Bodensee is our favorite destination. Imagine a clear blue lake nestled at the base of the Swiss Alps. A lake so large that two other countries, Germany and Austria, share its 270km shoreline. Imagine a week of great cycling that circles the lake, visits 3 countries and includes the authentic historic and cultural diversions we expect from Europe: quirky castles, half-timbered houses, intriguing museums, baroque churches, open-air markets and colorful pageants. How about a FUN place where shopkeepers, hotel owners and chefs strive to convince you that their shore of the lake offers the finest shopping, comfiest inns and most satisfying cuisine.

Back in 1993, when Santana proposed an international tandem rally with 50% European participation, we quickly learned that European cyclists were not interested in attending a rally sited in an area filled with American tourists. Where did they want to ride? In the summer (when Mallorca becomes too hot), the favorite destination of Europe’s cyclists is the Bodensee.

Never heard of the Bodensee?

Don’t bother checking English-language tour guides; this is a resort area that Europeans have saved for themselves. Bodensee is a lesisure region known for its medieval castles, beautiful scenery, walled villages and friendly hotels. Although you’ll see snow-capped alpine peaks in the distance, the elevation of the lake is a mere 1,300 feet. Europeans who visit the Bodensee will park their cars for their entire stay. To explore the region’s attractions they simply walk down to the lake and catch one of the dozens of shoreline ferries that stop at no fewer than thirty-nine villages. The primary sports of this romantic region are sailing, cycling and relaxation.

Perfect for all levels of cycling, this is a tour where you won’t need to look at a map or routesheet. Where, if you keep the lake on your right, a few days of fantastic cycling will bring you back to your starting point. Where, along the way, you cross international borders to sample the gracious hospitality of five European cultures. Teams who want to take it easy can follow the Bodensee’s level shoreline bike paths to pass through fascinating villages every 3-4 miles. Energetic couples who wish to venture farther from shore, can join Bill and Jan McCready to explore untrafficked lanes through a rolling quiltwork of orchards, forests and vineyards. Strong couples who want to burn zillions of calories, can join European tandem teams on vigorous climbs into the adjacent German, Swiss and Austrian Alps. And on any day that you don’t care to ride (or if you linger too long in some enchanted village), simply coast to the shore, wheel your tandem onto a ferry for a cruise to our next luxurious lakefront hotel.

Improved itinerary

 Santana’s original Bodensee tandem tour was a “couples-only” event—a child-free program that allowed full days of energetic tandeming followed by unhurried evenings, museum visits, formal castle receptions and fancy gourmet meals. While many loved this “romantic” format, others realized that the Bodensee—a favorite destination for European families—would be a great place to return with their children.

In 2004 Santana’s back-to-back Bodensee tours included our classic Romantic Tour plus a new “family friendly” version that traded some fancy meals and dress-up evenings for outdoor activities that went way beyond cycling. Guess what—the “youthful” itinerary with roller-toboggans, aerial trams and a chartered steam cog train was tons more fun—even for adults. We project that a third of the couples on this event will bring children (or grandchildren); with most in the age range of 9-17. Like all of Santana’s tandem-specific events (all brands welcomed), family members may use singles, triplets, quads and trailers to join in the fun.