SLOW DOWN TO SEE THE WORLD??
A whole new style of travel was born of that pioneering bike
trip – as was a new style of travel company, in Butterfield &
Robinson. Soon they shifted our focus from European student trips
to "grown-up" biking vacations, as well as special-interest
trips for universities and art institutions across North
America.
We refined the concept of exploring Europe by bike
through the early 1980s, recognizing that a new generation of
discerning travelers wanted to cap an exhilarating day of
biking with a memorable dinner and a luxurious château hotel.
The idea caught people’s imaginations. One great trip in
Burgundy became three in France, a dozen throughout Europe, and
so on. And as our researchers discovered fascinating areas that
were better explored on foot than by bike, the B&R repertoire
expanded to include walking trips.
Encouraged by an enthusiastic group of loyal travelers –
and an ever-widening circle of people who enjoy the B&R style –
B&R has grown steadily, while maintaining the fundamental values
that make us unique and have guided us since the beginning. With
nearly 100 trips in more than two dozen countries, we remain
committed to being the best rather than the biggest.
Almost four decades after that first adventure, George
still brings the same enthusiasm and attention to detail to
overseeing B&R’s day-to-day operations. Martha is a key advisor
on all aspects of the business, and with George is constantly
seeking out great new places to bike or walk. Sidney, now a
senior partner at one of Canada’s leading law firms, plays an
important role in shaping B&R strategy.
Biking Trips
Slowing down to see the world doesn’t mean rushing from one
place to the next, it means flexibility. It means stopping to
smell the roses – or tasting the wine, browsing the markets,
chatting with the locals, absorbing the views and checking out
the sites. You choose which of our custom-designed bikes you’d prefer to
ride. You choose your pace – dig deep and power forth or cruise
along carefree (either way, the support van is never far off).
Walking Trips
Slow down to see the world has been our guiding philosophy for
40 years, so exploring à pied, as the French say, comes
quite naturally to us. On foot you have the chance to savour the
minutiae – follow our detailed route suggestions or wander off,
lost in conversation with a local farmer; take a few extra
moments to explore the castle that lies just around the bend; or
relax, cappuccino in hand, at a local café.
We’ve worked hard to develop routes for everyone, from serious
hikers to Sunday strollers, so you’re free to make your way at
your own pace – whether that means one cobblestone or one
mountain pass at a time.
Some of the most glorious places on earth can only be
accessed by sea. Worth a visit for their jaw-dropping scenery
alone, our small ships take you away to these fabled coastlines
and islands. Each day offers opportunities to explore seaside
cliffs, secluded beaches or villages that seem untouched by time
or tourists.
By Sea
Sounds good, but I'm not the cruise type
Neither are we. That's why we use small ships that top out at
about 30 passengers. Sleek and agile, they can slip into tiny
ports, anchor off a tawny beach, or turn around on a dime.
They'll take you to places well beyond the reach of the
leviathan cruise lines. Want to pause for a dip off the back of
the boat? Tag along with a pod of whales? Go ahead. Think of it
as your own private yacht
Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595
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