Gorgeous scenery, Roman towns, and 30,000 years of history

Cycle back through time, past prehistoric caves, Roman ruins, and medieval gargoyles. This bike trip takes us into a region of Provence overlooked by most tourists, where we get all the charm of this ancient region, but without the crowds.

Biking out the first day, we travel on quiet country roads, past fields of poppies, to the turreted medieval duchy of Uzes. Then we're off to the Ardeche Gorges. Bike up a road carved right through the limestone cliffs, then spin 15 miles along the top edge of this natural wonder. Below lies Chauvet Cave, where masterful cave paintings of bison, mammoths, and rhinoceroses, dating back 30,000 years, was discovered in 1994.

We spend a memorable night at the restored chateau in the ancient village of Aigueze, whose cobblestone streets and crumbling towers seem little changed by the centuries. Then come two nights in historic Vaison-la-Romaine, originally settled in Paleolithic times, then a Roman province. Take a moonlit stroll to its ruined hilltop castle, and a brief hike to the nearby village of Crestet, where little seems to have changed for 300 years. Finally, stop for a wine-tasting in celebrated Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Highlights:

• Roam Avignon, an ancient city of stone ramparts and belltowers. Explore the mazelike 14th-century Palace of the Popes.
  
• Enjoy a memorable picnic at the Pont du Gard, the 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct considered one of the 7 surviving wonders of the ancient world.
  
• Sip a traditional Provencal pastis as you enjoy a game of boule by a village stream.
  
• Cruise the rim of the Ardeche Gorges, as kayakers battle the brawling rapids a thousand feet below.
  
• Take a moonlit walk along the ramparts walls of Aigueze, as the Milky Way twinkles overhead.
  
• Tour the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheater.
  
• At the end of each day's travel, savor a well-earned three-hour gourmet dinner.
  

Is it the right vacation for you? This moderate ride offers easier cycling days (averaging 30-40 miles) for those who want more sightseeing time, and exhilarating optional routes (up to 60 miles) for more experienced cyclists. If you've biked a 40-mile day in the past year or so (or 50 miles on flat terrain), and can devote a few weekends to preparatory rides, you're all set for the adventure of a lifetime. Past travellers comment on this trip: "Without question, the best vacation I've ever been on."— Daniel Buker, Carlsbad, Calif. "It was simply incredible. I consider myself well-traveled, but I've never experienced anything as mentally, spiritually and physically uplifting. I can't wait for my next Alyson Adventures trip."— John M. Williams, Tampa, Fla.

Dates and Price:
Sept. 21 to 28, 2008: $2,495: A trip for gay men.

Prices are per-person, based on double occupancy. Tours often fill up months before departure. We regularly update our travel schedule to show the status of this and other trips.

Travelling Alone?
So are most of the people who travel with us. You do not need to pay extra to travel by yourself. Prices are per-person, and the single supplement applies only if you'd like a room by yourself.

Location: Begins and ends in Avignon, in southern France.

Price includes: Comfortable hotels each night; Services of two tour guides; All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners with wine included; Transportation to get luggage (and tired riders!) to destination; Use of bike; A wine-tasting; Map and routes.

Not included: Travel to and from Avignon; 4 lunches; 2 dinners; Souvenirs, snacks, admissions; Gratuities for guides.