Outdoor Travel

06/07/2024

Planning a narrowboat holiday on the canals of Britain? Consider the Falkirk Canal between Edinburgh and Glasgow with the amazing Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies sculpture.

See the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uttSK4zOeyE&t=2s

For more information call Outdoor Travel on 1800 331 582 or see: https://tinyurl.com/55676sxb

03/05/2024

Avoid the crowds of Venice and Florence this summer with a self-guided inn-to-inn walk in the Brenta Dolomites in northern Italy.

For images and ideas that inspire and spur you on with some of the steeper climbs call us at Outdoor Travel on 1800 331 582 or see:

https://tinyurl.com/jz8wub99

03/05/2024

The hinterlands of Catalonia and the Costa Brava in Spain offers some majestic and colourful mountain and coastal scenery...

Join one of our guided walking holidays based in the heart of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone to see oak woodlands, stone terraces of wine and olives and to discover the art and landscapes of Salvador Dali.

For information call Outdoor Travel on 1800 331 582 or see: https://tinyurl.com/4n4juxpx

03/05/2024

The images of Provence in spring and early summer have inspired artists and travellers for centuries...

We offer self-guided inn-to-inn cycling holidays in southern France and the magical home of flamingos, wild horses and black fighting bulls, the Camarge.

Call us to talk about your holiday plans call 1800 331 582 or see:

https://tinyurl.com/275k7u3b

03/05/2024

There are many ways to explore Scotland and many images to inspire...

One of our most favourite holiday memories are biking or hiking and barging along the Great Glen, the Caledonia Canal and Loch Ness - call us for inspiration toll free on 1800 331 582 or see:

http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/pdfs/2023/Scotland_Great_Glen_trails_glens_cycle_cruise_2024.pdf

19/04/2024

Travelling Solo on a Barge Cruise in Europe?

Pay no single supplement on a fantastic selection of spring and summer cruises including Renaissance in Western Burgundy / Loire Valley, La Bella Vita in Venice, Panache in Alsace & Lorraine, and the Spirit of Scotland in the Scottish Highlands.

For the full list of hotel barges and departures, plus full terms and conditions, please call us for a free brochure on 1800 331582 or visit our website: https://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/pdfs/2023/OT_European_Waterways_Prices_Dates_Booking_Form_Conditions_2024.pdf

04/04/2024

Ready to fly to Europe directly from WA with links to all other Australian capitals, call Bobbie or Sera at Outdoor Travel on 03 57 551 743

21/02/2024

A JOURNEY ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER
Bike & Boat from Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Mihn...

New for 2024 this is a splendid itinerary that combines Cambodia with Vietnam at a slow pace with cycling days, sightseeing days and river cruising days when you can completely relax..

From ancient temples to the fast growing cities on Phnom Penh and Saigon (Ho Chi Mihn City), from the seasonal life of the fishing folk along the river to the lush green rice paddies and tropical fruit gardens.

With a maximum of just 28 passengers onboard, places are limited. For details see:http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/pdfs/2024/Vietnam_Cambodia_PREMIUM_PLUS_BB_GUIDED_2024.pdf

26/01/2024

CRUISING THE CANALS OF FRANCE

There can be no more relaxing holiday than watching life go by navigating the canals and rivers of rural France. Be it through the vineyards and wine regions of Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne or Provence, or visiting some of the many medieval and historic towns and villages.

These small ships offer accommodate a maximum of just 22 passengers with a chef and professional crew serving French gourmet cuisine and exquisite wines.

• 11 air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• All meals and unlimited drinks included whilst onboard
• Selected coach excursions
• Hot tub on board
• Bicycles available

Weekly departures - limited space available

For details see: http://tinyurl.com/yc6s9x5p

Prices / dates: http://tinyurl.com/mryhmb5m

Reservations: [email protected]

08/01/2024

22/12/2023

The summer holiday season is upon us. It has been wonderful to help so many of you with your travel plans and we love to hear about the experiences you've had on your active holidays. By all means do send us (or post here) any of the many photos you took on your Outdoor Travel active holiday.

This year our staff have travelled widely to some of the many countries we focus on including France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Northern Ireland, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Germany, Turkey, USA, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Thank you for choosing to support our small family run business in this our 35th year.

We look forward to talking to you in the year ahead to plan your next adventure....

For details of our holidays for 2024 call 1800 331 582 or see: http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/whats_new_holiday

04/12/2023

CYCLING HOLIDAYS FOR ALL SEASONS

Considering a cycling holiday in France? Knowing the route, the terrain, the correct distances to cover and matching the bike to your expectations makes all the difference.

Outdoor Travel has worked in lockstep with regional tourism offices, hoteliers and local suppliers to create a wide range of both guided and self-guided cycle tours arranging luggage transfers from inn-to-inn along interesting routes.

“We began in the Yonne region of Burgundy, where Chablis wines and coq au vin are kings and where ancient historic routes merge with newly-laid cycling trails,” says passionate cyclist and Outdoor Travel managing director Martyn Paterson.

Martyn and his team have been arranging cycling tours in France for more than three decades, visiting and often cycling the numerous routes and itineraries covered.

“The route through the wine-covered Yonne River valley in Burgundy was established by the Romans and later by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. The thickly forested hills were cut and logs were assembled and floated downstream to build the city of Paris.”

INN THE KNOW

Outdoor Travel’s self-guided cycling tours – which offer accommodation in small family-run inns, or charming hotels in welcoming villages – are proving ever popular.

Popular self-guided inn-to-inn cycling trips are to the chateaux of the Loire Valley from Tours, those in Provence or from Montbard to Auxerre and Vezelay, from Dijon to Cluny, Chalon-sur-Saone and Beaune, and trips that take cyclists through Normandy to UNESCO-listed Mont St Michel,

E-bike too are making cycling tours more accessible to those who prefer easier riding.

BIKE AND BARGE

For travellers who prefer a combination of cycling and canal or river cruising, there are plenty of bike and barge holiday options to consider. If having a place to stay where your accommodation and toothbrush follows you, and you prefer not to pack each day, a bike and barge holiday is a wise choice. It’s a comfortable stay, too, in a twin cabin with a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner is served for you daily, by the onboard chef. And of course, a delicious picnic lunch is prepared.

English-speaking guides lead cyclists on sightseeing adventures away from the barge, re-joining the waterway at the next overnight destination, in perfect time for a soothing shower, a relaxing dinner onboard and a stroll through a local town or village.

DELUXE CANAL AND RIVER CRUISING

For those who prefer more cruising and sightseeing with just an hour or two of optional cycling, Outdoor Travel offers luxury canal barge cruising.

The company’s luxury canal barge fleet operates in Burgundy, Alsace, Gascony and Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, Champagne, along the Canal du Midi and in Provence from April to October.

For more details call 1800 331 582 or see our website:

http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/whats_new_holiday

12/11/2023

Handy hints on tying your boot laces for hiking beginners…

See:

Tying your hiking boots the correct way can be the difference between a great day in the backcountry or the blistering agony of the feet.

09/11/2023

Bike & Boat cycling cruises in Turkey

Ancient history and a vibrant modern culture combine to make Turkey a wonderful destination for an active holiday. Colourful markets full of spices, carpets, colourful glass and tempting sweet treats make every day a delight for the senses. Breathtaking sandy beaches, tranquil bays and clear, warm turquoise waters draw you to relax and the end of each cycling day.

Whether by hybrid or e-bike the roads have some challenges both up and down as you traverse the south east coast. Your guide will steer you through an itinerary of between 30-50km a day over 3 to 5 hours. There are breaks for coffee and to explore.

Accommodation is aboard a very comfortable gullet style sailing ship with a tallented cook and friendly crew. Air-conditioned cabins all have their own bathroom.

See ancient ruins, rural villages, conservation areas home to turtles and sea birds, see endless horizons and brilliant sunsets….

Add a few days in Istanbul to complete your holiday.

Limited dates available, see: https://tinyurl.com/2rkrz28h

24/10/2023

Ready to saunter or go hiking, see: http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/whats_new_holiday

22/10/2023

BIKE & SHIP ALONG THE DANUBE
Two weeks visiting Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia & Romania

We hope you will enjoy these pictures taken by our staff on the Danube recently.

For those looking for something more active when cruising this mighty river system in Europe, you will be pleased to hear that there is an extensive network of bike paths along the river and throughout the famous capital cities that this trip visits. Budapest, Austria, Belgrade and Bratislava are all bike friendly cities and there is much to explore on this self-guided cycling cruise.

Limited to just three dates in 2024 there are limited places available so contact us soon to secure your cabin. Call Outdoor Travel for details on 1800 331 582 or

See:http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/pdfs/2023/Germany_Austria_Hungary_Serbia_B-B_SG_Danube_Balkans_2024.pdf

31/07/2023

LUXURY CANAL CRUISES IN SCOTLAND
7-days - includes Loch Ness, Caledonia Canal and Great Glen

Admire the breath-taking Scottish Highland scenery aboard Spirit of Scotland, an elegant, spacious hotel barge (narrowboat this is not).

Purpose-built less than twenty years ago as a hotel barge, her style evokes that of the traditional steamers that plied the lochs of Scotland in times gone by.

Accommodating up to 12 passengers, Spirit of Scotland’s interior features a bright and spacious saloon and dining area with picture windows, a separate bar, and an integral forward wheelhouse giving views of the cruise route ahead. The 6 air-conditioned cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds and are complemented by well-designed en suite shower rooms.

Outside, there are separate areas where you can relax on a recliner, or in the heated spa pool. The large upper sun deck is the ideal place to admire the dramatic backdrop as you cruise on deep-water lochs such as Loch Oich and past historic landmarks along the way.

Add a luxury mini-bus and driver / guide for local excursions to historic monuments and places of interests. Traditional Scottish cuisine, fine wines, an open bar with over 20 different whiskies, onboard, entertainment and an attentive crew of six all ensures a truly memorable Scottish cruising experience.

Weekly departures from April to October - highlights include:

• Dalwhinnie whisky distillery with a private tasting
• Falconry display on the banks of Loch Ness
• Cawdor Castle and gardens, home of Shakespeare’s Scottish Play
• Historic Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles
• Canal and loch cruising with time for walking or cycling
• Glencoe and the battlefield at Culloden

For more information see: https://tinyurl.com/yfx5c7t7
For 2024 dates and prices see: https://tinyurl.com/ukfj336d

Or call 1800 331 582 to talk to Lucie who has experienced this cruise first hand.

22/07/2023

BIKE & BARGE ITALY
From Venice to Mantova or v.v.

There is something very satisfying, in a land where food is enjoyed at a slow pace, to be cycling through fields of wheat, sunflowers, tomatoes and vegetables, beside riverbanks of wild herbs, eel and shellfish farms. Not only do you get to enjoy the ride but you can be confident that dinner is being prepared using fresh local ingredients by the cook aboard your hotel accommodation.

An 8-day Bike & Barge cycling holiday in Italy offers easy paced, mostly flat cycling snd an insight into the historical, cultural, social and political life of a fascinating part of northern Italy.

Venice is like no other city on earth. Our hotel barge is moored just a short vaporetto ride from St Mark’s Square in the city centre.

On the first morning we explore the capital of the ancient “Serenissima Republic of Venice” which held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries.

Our cycling week begins on the Lido. A beach, fashionable with artists and aristocracy of the Belle Époque period, the Lido di Venezia is home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars.

We cycle the lagoon islands taking ferry rides and passing nature reserves where flamingos and herons can be seen. We pass fisherman’s cottages and shellfish boats to the Island of Pellestrina to the fishing port of Chioggia and the River Po Delta.

In Mantova an entire day is dedicated to exploring this UNESCO city of culture. Once a city-state ruled by the Gonzaga family we finish the week riding beside its three picturesque ‘lakes’ formed by the River Mincio.

Departures are weekly from April to October in either direction with a choice of two different classes of barge accommodation – for information call 1800 331 582 or see: https://tinyurl.com/yc7bebh8

11/06/2023

SAIL & BIKE IN THE NETHERLANDS
See the Wedder Sea and Freisland Islands

I thoroughly enjoyed my week aboard the sailing ship Lefde van Freslan. The trip was interesting, varied and it all went very smoothly despite some wild, windy days.

The sailing ship was remarkably comfortable. The public areas are spacious and well laid out with plenty of room for all the guests. My single cabin was small but adequate with a good size bathroom. It had everything I needed. Other twin cabins onboard were remarkably spacious.

The idea of putting up the sails appealed to everyone onboard and there were many enthusiastic helpers. Sails were hoisted, even the topsail, at every opportunity.

The crew of just four were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble and nothing phased them. They all worked tirelessly to make everyone’s trip the best it could be and still had time to chat and offer advice where needed. A big thank you goes to chef Peter who’s menu and presentation gave me some of the best meals I have experience on a boat and bike trip. Plus he always had fresh cakes or cookies for afternoon snacks. Brilliant.

The bikes, mine an e-bike, worked perfectly, with more than enough battery left at the end of the day. The whole group only had one flat tyre and no mechanical breakdowns during the week and that was quickly dealt with.

The itinerary was fascinating, a great mix of wild natural beauty, Dutch culture and history and wonderfully varied cycling paths. I enjoyed the art galleries, museums, a traditional market or two, the coffee shops - especially the Heartbreak Hotel - and the views across the North Sea beaches. I appreciated the widespread internet access. The seafood on the islands and the frites were great, I often came back with my sandwich lunch uneaten.

The trails through the woods and beside the sand dunes and polders were great fun. We had more than enough information with the app, map and junction sheet. No one got lost, no one was likely to.

I have no hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone who enjoys cycling, including those occasional cyclists, and the romance of a traditional sailing ship. And my goodness, wasn’t it brilliant to see those rows of old and restored sailing boats in every port we visited.

One last point, I decided to go directly to Enkhuizen rather than stay in a hotel in Amsterdam, it was truly a highlight of my stay. Just an hour by easy train ride from Schipol Airport, I loved wandering the cobbled streets with building dating back to the 17th century and port area. The shopping and the food were excellent. We even had a jazz festival in full swing, with music and wine everywhere when we returned to port.

See more details: https://tinyurl.com/uhvkfb6m

25/05/2023

HAVE YOU RECEIVED OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER?

See this link or email [email protected] to receive a copy:

Welcome to the new look newsletter from the trusted team at Outdoor Travel in Bright. As always, it's our pleasure to be inspiring you with travel ideas and giving you peace of mind when planning your holiday.

18/05/2023

WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
The Portuguese route - two-weeks from Porto to Santiago…

The route from Porto in Northern Portugal to the Spanish border at Tui and on to Santiago is spectacular but best described as the ‘road less travelled’ compared to the busier French route across Spain. Much of the route is rustic with some challenging sections and an attention to map reading is required. The rewards are many, be it medieval fortresses, churches or convents, sweeping coastal views, ancient villages, abundant seafood and of course, those delicious fresh Portuguese tarts.

See: https://tinyurl.com/yckpkjf3 or call 1800 331 582

09/05/2023

BIKE & BARGE - LAST MINUTE SAVINGS ON PREMIUM PLUS BARGES

France – Seine Valley: Paris to Montargis
Starting 12 August 2023

France, Luxembourg, Germany – Moselle Valley: Metz to Cochem v.v.
1, 8, 29 July or 5 August 2023

SAVE 10% per person (twin share) off tour cost. Singles on request.

Book before 31 May 2023.

Email us for more information or reservations: [email protected]

Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

06/04/2023

Bike & Boat along the River Danube

A big river demands big boats but you will be surprised how quickly you can escape the crowds visiting the towns and small villages through Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Hungary.

Take a look at this short video to see what is involved:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDy4dtCwy2M

For more information on our regular departures along the Danube see:

http://www.outdoortravel.com.au/content/content/pdfs/2022/Danube_Austria_Germany_Hungary_Slovakia_B-B_rr_rev_2023.pdf

Or call Outdoor Travel on 1800 331 582
Email: [email protected]

07/02/2023

How many reasons do you need for an active holiday in France....

See our suggestions for walking, cycling or boating holidays: https://outdoortravel.com.au/content/whats_new_holiday

Or call us on 1800 331 582

06/01/2023

Call for a brochure or more information 1800 331 582