A trip that combines natural beauty with great food and wine is a sure fire way to enjoy the best of Europe – and, as VICTORIA MILNER discovers, doing it on two wheels can be an especially rewarding option.
Cycling is undoubtedly the sport du jour. Whether you live in Singapore, Sydney or Seattle, you’ve no doubt eyeballed the packs of lycra-clad cyclists speeding around your neighbourhood. For some, lycra is a vehicle for their midlife crisis (you know who I mean) but for others, cycling is a more relaxing pursuit.
When a friend suggested a cycling jaunt in Portugal, I initially scoffed. While I don’t mind riding to the market on a Saturday, piling the basket high with fresh produce, then riding the 10 minutes home again, cycling for a holiday seemed quite beyond my pedal power.
After a little research, though, I began to think that not only could I tackle such a holiday, I might also enjoy it. The allure of picturesque landscapes and exceptional food and wine, with some exercise thrown in, didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.
Destination: Portugal
Self-guided biking holidays are having their moment in the sun. An organised, active holiday where you don’t have to endure the pain of a big tour group can make for a rewarding trip. The other beauty of this kind of travel is its flexibility. The key is to work with a tour company that can create an itinerary to suit your needs. In our case, those were to enjoy some fairly easy cycling while also having time to explore.
Portugal is an ideal country if you’re looking for somewhere away from the tourist hordes. What particularly appealed to us about the Northern Portugal itinerary we chose was the opportunity to see Porto and the Douro Valley. We’d be enjoying a vibrant European city break and also experiencing some spectacular nature.
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de EL Singapore.
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Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
