iExplore Canada Active(Trip #65845)

Tour Overview

Welcome to the Napa of the North! Canada’s Okanagan Valley is the oldest and most prolific wine region in Canada. It’s nestled on the same latitude as Germany’s famed Mosel Valley, but don’t mistake it as a cool-climate grower. Like its European cousin, it produces some of the finest Rieslings and Gewurztraminers. But its unique climate zone also nurtures vintages on par with the best Italian and California reds. We’ll cycle smooth roads along pristine lakes and through stunning countryside, following the routes of pioneers to vineyards with frontier flair: OK Falls, Tinhorn Creek, and Nk’mip. And pause at a lavender farm with a fragrance of Provence, and a goat cheese farm to sample the latest stock. With over 30 wineries, spectacular mountain vistas and beautiful lakes, the Okanagan Valley makes a gorgeous setting for a cycling adventure! Explore this up and coming gem before word gets out!

The Okanagan bicycle trip is rated Moderate. The bike tour consists of riding alongside the lake and vineyards with some rolling hills and mostly flat stretches on quiet country roads. In the Okanagan, the majority of the cycling will be on tranquil vineyard roads passing well known wineries such as Quail’s Gate, Mission Hill as well as riding along the Kettle Valley Railway and the 90km Okanagan Lake. Daily distances of cycling range from 18 to 32 miles per day, with options for more riding. The Okanagan riding offer sunny skies, breathtaking scenery and of course your local and professional guides will be there to assist you at all times.

Day by Day Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: The Estates of the Okanagan
The first two days of biking, eating, drinking and sleeping are focused on exploring four unique and stunning wineries. We will enjoy a tasting at each winery, as well as guided tours at three. You will find that each winery tour and tasting reflects the character of the wineries and the region.
Indulge in a food and wine paired lunch at Mission Hill Cellars. Enjoy a full cultural tour, ice-wine tasting, historical vineyard tour and dinner at Quail’s Gate Estate Winery. Cycle to the Provence of the Okanagan where we will visit the one and only Lavender farm, which boasts a collection of over 60 varieties of lavender. The precious lavender is sold through the small on-site country store and exclusive retail boutiques across Canada. Perhaps enjoy learning the art of lavender wand or wreath making before devouring a picnic featuring lavender lemonade and scones. After your Winemaker's lunch at Summerhill organic winery, we will continue to our luxury hotel.

Stops will be made at several award-winning wineries in the Kelowna area often including: Summerhill Estate, St. Hubertus Estate, and Cedar Creek Estate.

Manteno Resort: Elegant, yet casual, the Manteno Resort, located in Kelowna, BC, is perfect. Surrounded by golf, skiing, wineries, and Okanagan Lake, the resort is the center for Okanagan fun! Kelowna’s finest waterfront resort and villas with services and hotel amenities to meet your every need. This is a place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and service beyond the expected. Manteno offers superb waterfront accommodation, plentiful amenities and unexpected extras. A fireside library, a private theater, and the Wild Apple Restaurant & Lounge where you can enjoy waterfront sunsets while savoring the freshest Pacific Northwest cuisine.

Accommodations: 2 nights Manteo Resort
Meals: Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 1 dinner

Days 3 & 4: The Estates of the Okanagan
Explore the northern most tip of the Sonora Desert along lakesides and country roads. Travel the routes of pioneers along the historic Kettle Valley Railway and the Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Brigade Trail. Taste the nectar of the Gods while cycling along spectacular lake views, as you make your way to OK Falls. Cycle the charming roads to Oliver, the Wine Capital of Canada. Enjoy an exclusive visit with Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan Inc. a family owned and operated boutique making over 20 types of goat cheese – everything from chevre-type cheese, a Camembert-style goat cheese, to a blue cheese the “Goatgonzola”. New, and just as tasty, is their homemade gelato. Enjoy yet another tasting and tour at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards before returning to our luxury hotel.

Stops will be made at several award-wining wineries in the area including: Wild Goose, Noble Ridge, Jackson Triggs, Silver Sage, and Blasted Church

Accommodations: 2 nights Walnut Beach Resort
Meal: Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 1 dinner

Departure Dates

2010 Departure Dates:
August 8 to 13
September 5-10 and 12-17
October 3-8

Prices

$2,895 per person, double occupancy, based on two persons traveling together.
$550 Single Room Supplement

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of August, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:
· All accommodations in deluxe hotels.
· All breakfasts, two lunches, four gourmet dinners including wine.
· New 2009 Giant Sedona Lifestyle bike with 21 speeds and comfort seat, light weight helmet, handlebar bag, rear carrier rack, lock, patch kit with spare tube, pump, lock, bell and toe straps option.
· Experienced guides (s) who look after your every need.
· Support vehicle that sweeps the daily bike route offering refreshments and snacks, transporting your purchases, and offering transfers to the hotel.
· Highlighted regional maps with history on each sight and options to stop along the way.
· All transportation from rendezvous to drop off.
· All gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service.
· Daily briefings: your guides review each morning the best-route including which direction to take at the crossroads, where to turn for a flatter option and how to find that shortcut back to the hotel.
· T-shirt, water bottle and luggage tag.
· CD of your Once in a Lifetime trip.

Exclusion:
· Airfare.
· Accommodations before and after the trip.
· Gratuities for guides
· Meals not specified in the itinerary.
· Beverages, unless specified.
· Airport taxes.
· Travel Insurance

Trip Information

Where do we rendezvous on day one of the Okanagan bicycle trip?
A guide will meet you at the Kelowna airport on the first morning or your tour.

Where does the Okanagan bicycle trip finish?
Transfers will be given to the airport at the end of the trip, please advise us of your airline schedule. If you wish to extend your tour, just ask an iExplore Adventure Consultant for arrangements!

What is the weather going to be like in Okanagan?
The weather in Okanagan is often compared to America's Napa Valley. Lake Okanagan, stretching through the area, also influences the weather, bringing some humidity and cool breezes. From May through September expect dry warm summertime temperatures averaging in the 80s, with cool evenings and very low annual average rainfall.

What is not included on my Okanagan bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip; gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.

How should I tip my guides?
If you appreciate the service your Adventures guide provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 120 to 160 Canadian for the guide for this 4-day tour.

What travel documents will I need for my Okanagan bike trip?
All travelers to Canada are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.

What is the average daily mileage in Okanagan?
The average daily mileage is about 20-30 miles (28-38km). There will be daily options for riding additional or fewer miles.

How should I get in shape?
The best way to prepare for your bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Okanagan bicycle tour. We have different riding options everyday and, of course, great van support.

How should I pack?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing!