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Bike and Barging Tours

Nordic Walking and Barging Tours
Holland Walking

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NORDIC WALKING AND BARGING WITH IBT

WHO DOES NORDIC WALKING?

When Frank Behrendt, IBT's founder, discovered Nordic Walking he almost gave up his bicycle. "I'm totally hooked," he says, and now walks several times a week in all kinds of weather. This low-stress, full body workout appeals to people who may never ride a bike or, like Frank, those who enjoy having another sport to pursue.

WHAT IS NORDIC WALKING?

A fast-growing European sport appealing to enthusiasts of wide age range and athletic ability, with immediate health and fitness benefits, Nordic Walking grew out of summer practice by serious cross country skiers in Finland and has become a sport on its own. Specifically designed poles are used to enhance regular walking, propelling the body forward with controlled arm movements and increasing the healthful benefits of regular walking by surprising margins. Impact on knees, hips, ankles and back is substantially reduced, calories are burned up to 46 percent faster, heart rate response increases up to 20 percent and the upper body benefits by increase in strength and tone. The technique is quickly learned and easily put to use in streets, in parks, almost anywhere. It's a skill that will go home with you. We provide poles, or you may bring your own.

WALKING AND BARGING

Nordic Walking, like bicycling, proves a perfect fit with barge trips. You have the pleasure of new walks each day and the same bed each night. The barge sails as we walk and is docked to welcome us at the end of every day. IBT barge tours take place in various parts of Europe and enlist the services of individually owned vessels whose captains make their passengers comfortable and welcome. You are accommodated in a two-bedded cabin with private bath, and can unpack without packing again until leaving for home. Breakfasts and dinners are on board. Returning at the end of the day, a peek into the galley lets you identify whatever tempting aroma is emerging in advance of dinner. Now and again the barge is underway during meals, producing a changing vista from the dining table. The sun deck provides an out-of-door salon, and seating is available in the main salon as well. Each cabin has its own porthole view of the river scene.

LEAVE IT TO US

Although you will do the walking, leave everything else to us. We meet you at the airport and will return you there, transport you to the barge, provide the bicycle and, through our knowledgeable planning and the constant attendance of your guide, ensure that all goes safely and well. Your guide provides insight on the area and is fluent in the language. All breakfasts and dinners are on board the barge; lunches are on your own in whatever pretty village we've come to.

WHAT IS A DAY LIKE?

Days vary, as we visit sites of interest (gardens, historic locations, windmills, chateaux) and hear informative lectures as well as experience the countryside. Stops are frequent and opportunities to take photos ample. We start in the fresh air of the morning, take a lunch break en route in some attractive small town - or perhaps pick up supplies to picnic. For dinner and breakfast, the barge's experienced chefs know exactly what pleases hungary walkers. Ingredients are bought locally so are fresh, seasonal, and delicious. The days's shared experiences, discussed over dinner, produce a happy camaraderie with your companions.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

IBT's hallmarks, safety and combining maximum value with the best prices in the business, have attracted thousands of people for great bicycling experiences since the company's establishment in 1976, and now the experience of Nordic Walking can be combined with barging. Both age range of participants and range of their athletic ability are widely varied. If Nordic Walking is new to you, we're ready to teach you proper technique and help you to improve during the trip..

Is a Nordic Walking and Barging tour for you? IBT can provide the perfect means for finding out.