FORT COLLINS, CO. - ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours has been singled out both nationally and in its home state of Colorado for its commitment to business excellence, innovative tour itineraries and for its “great” tour guides.
National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s annual “50 Tours of a Lifetime” feature appearing in the May/June 2011 issue showcases the company’s Bicycling the Danube tour of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.. This same issue will include a feature on the Top 10 Tour Guides, and among these are the two sisters who operate and own ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, Maria Elena Price and Monica Price.
“The outfitters we selected continue to find new ways travelers can connect with places and people,” notes National Geographic Traveler senior editor Norie Quintos, who headed up the project. “More and more, it’s about human interaction.”
“This year we also are highlighting 10 great guides who exemplify the new model of guiding. Where once they were walking encyclopedias, today’s top guides are often a little like life coaches, asking questions to help you get the most out of your trip and pushing you out of your comfort zone,” says Quintos.
Responding to the recognition, co-owner Maria Elena Price said, “Monica and I are so honored to be included in this group! It’s a testimony to our commitment to connecting people to the places we go. We use bicycle travel as a means to that end and enable every one of our guides to passionately facilitate that meaningful connection.
In their home state, ColoradoBiz Magazine has included the sisters’ company in a May 2011 roundup highlighting the “Top 100 Women-Owned Colorado Businesses”. This is the 22nd consecutive year the magazine has announced their list based on annual revenues and other factors.
“This is a highly sought after honor for women-owned businesses in Colorado. This year in particular there were more companies than ever competing to make the Top 100,” states Mike Taylor, Managing Editor.
The ExperiencePlus! tour featured in National Geographic Traveler is a 13 day/12 night program at $4,600 double occupancy ($600 single supplement) and is ideal for beginning and intermediate riders. The tour begins in Regensburg, Germany (access airports in Munich or Frankfurt) and concludes in Budapest, Hungary. Guests cycle an average of 35-60 miles a day for a total of 509 miles. A shorter 8 day version of this trip is also available.
The rates include use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle, accommodations, five dinners with wine or beer, wine tasting, all breakfasts, guided tour in Regensburg, van support, guides and crew. 2011 trip dates are Sep 8-20 and Sep 22-Oct 4. Trip dates for 2012 are Jul 7-19, Jul 22-Aug 3 and Aug 18-30.
“Geographically this trip is unique as it allows people to bicycle through the heart of Alpine Europe without crossing high mountain passes. There are almost no other bicycle tour operators that offer this trip for North American market even though this route is one of the most popular among Europeans,” said Maria Elena Price. “No other operator offers a supported and guided trip this length along the Danube.”