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Most travellers want to cross off the Eiffel Tower or the Berlin Wall on a bucket list trip to Europe. But there are so many gorgeous destinations still relatively undiscovered, away from the crowds and full of authenticity. Below are a few of our favourites.

Head to Bern for its preserved medieval Old Town and the world’s first Lindt chocolate factory. Stay for the surprising small-town charm that’s so easy to fall in love with. Known as Switzerland’s beer capital, Bern boasts a 6-km stretch of arcaded walkways lined with shops, breweries, and parks filled with flower-covered water fountains. The stunning beauty is all tied together by an old-world atmosphere that makes you question if it really is Switzerland's capital city.&nbsp;Following an unhurried tempo alongside the locals (who clock the slowest average walking speed in the world according to <a href="https://www.bern.com/en/fun-facts#:~:text=The%20canton%20of%20Bern%20contains,city%20Switzerland's%20%E2%80%9Cbeer%20capital%E2%80%9D.&amp;text=Toblerone%2C%20still%20produced%20entirely%20in,most%20famous%20of%20Swiss%20chocolates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Welcome Bern</a>), there really is no better place in the world to slow down and take in the sights. In the summer you can stroll along the banks of the River Aare and enjoy live music while sampling local treats at pop-up bars and food trucks. The Zytglogge clock tower is Bern's oldest and most recognizable monument, a UNESCO-listed landmark with its 15th c. astronomical clock that enthralls travellers every hour with a performance.

1. Bern, Switzerland

We recommend following your nose through Bern’s rich chocolate history—Toblerone is still entirely produced here, but its reputation as the birthplace of modern chocolate started in 1879 when Rudolf Lindt left a mixer running, resulting in the creamy chocolate we love today. Experience Bern's old-world charm on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/switzerland-e-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Switzerland E-Biking</a> trip.

Walking through <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/uncovering-the-baltics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lithuania’s</a> capital city is like stepping into a Baroque fairytale. Every step paves the way to elaborate churches, castles, colourful shops and restaurants. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe, a UNESCO site since the 90s now lined with cute cafes and amber jewelry shops.On top of being the largest Baroque city in Northern Europe, Vilnius is also known for its expansive green spaces and incredible network of bike paths—almost 50% of the city is blanketed in parks and forests where local chefs often visit to forage ingredients. The food scene ranges from farm-to-table, local and seasonal to traditional Lithuanian dishes with Nordic or Jewish-inspired elements, always accompanied by local craft cider or beer.

2. Vilnius, Lithuania

Just 30 minutes from town is Trakai Island Castle, a stunningly beautiful Gothic water castle connected to the mainland by a moat, considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Visit Vilnius and Trakai on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/lithuania-to-latvia-multi-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lithuania to Latvia Multi-Active</a> trip.

Just a short boat ride from Naples, Ischia has been a secret home of Italian wellness for centuries. While most travellers cruise the Amalfi Coast to glitzy Capri, you'll find the locals prefer Ischia to get an authentic dose of Italian living while still being immersed in the unbelievably beautiful scenery.Spend your days hiking the stunning coastline, gazing at views of Capri and Procida in the distance. Perfectly manicured gardens and whitewashed villages are the dominant sights, while the island's bounty of natural springs, thermal spas and farm-to-table restaurants make for a rejuvenating day's end.

3. Ischia, Italy

The jewel in Ischia's crown is the enchanting Mezzatorre Hotel, housed in a stylish 16th c. watchtower and nestled on a private bay overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Here you can enjoy the Turkish baths and natural thermal pools at the spa; you can even swim in the Med directly from a staircase leading down from the pool. It's the perfect place to indulge in Ischia's famed reputation as a relaxation haven dating from the Roman Empire, and we settle into the Mezzatorre for three nights on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/capri-ischia-walking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Capri to Ischia Walking</a> trip.

Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is a fascinating blend of old meets new. Because of its location between Europe and Asia and its proximity to the Silk Road, a crossroad of culture and global powers has left its mark throughout the centuries—but a new wave is transforming Tbilisi’s relatively undiscovered landscape.Trendy hotels and restaurants are opening up beside old Art Nouveau and Stalinist buildings. You can ride a cable car over a former Persian citadel in the morning, explore the ultra-modern glass Peace Bridge in the afternoon and hop from one hip wine bar to the next as the sun sets over the Caucasus Mountains. The city is the perfect size for exploring on foot, and the culinary scene is fuelled by chefs sprinkling their creative touches on classic Georgian recipes.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Experience Tbilisi on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/georgia-wine-country-walking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia Wine Country Walking</a> trip.

When most travellers think of a trip to Portugal, they'll head straight to Lisbon or Porto. And while these cities are worth a visit for the culture and incredible scenery, we love&nbsp;Évora&nbsp;for its layered history.&nbsp;Évora is the culinary heartbeat of Alentejo and a place that moves slower than other cities of the same size. It's UNESCO-listed due to its profusion of historical architecture and neolithic sites, including Roman ruins dating back to 1000 B.C., Renaissance castles and astonishing sites like the Chapel of Bones (with interior walls encrusted with human bones and skulls). This plays a testament to the city's spiritually rich reputation. It was once a place that performed witch trials and the only place in Portugal where one prosecution was actually carried out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not far, a pre-Stonehenge monument adds to the sense that time moves slower, beckoning to different ages throughout the centuries wherever you step. But not all feels old in Évora. Modern life abounds, with businesspeople and families living and working amongst the historical monuments. The music conservatory also attracts jazz and classical music students from around the country. Students are inspired by Alentejo's local music genre: Cante Alentejano, a style of vocal music carried out with no instruments traditionally sung in large groups and bound to make the heart flutter.&nbsp;

5. Évora, Portugal

Évora is set to be one of the <a href="https://culture.ec.europa.eu/news/evora-to-be-the-european-capital-of-culture-2027-in-portugal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">European Capitals of Culture</a> for 2027, making now the best time to experience this incredible destination. Visit Évora and the Chapel of Bones on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/portugal-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Portugal Biking</a> trip.

This romantic corner of France has it all. Candy-coloured villages, an incredible network of well-polished bike routes, a rich wine culture and cuisine you won’t find anywhere else in the world. <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/deep-alsace" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alsace</a> passed between French and German powers several times since the 17th c.,&nbsp;resulting in a unique blend of cultures seen through the Alsatian dialect, the steep-roofed Germanic architecture and culinary specialties such as gingerbread and tarte flambée. The region is popular among locals looking for a weekend getaway thanks to its location off the trodden French tourist route. This means you’ll feel a little more like a local while you cycle the Route des Vins or go tasting with winemakers.

6. Alsace, France

Join an <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/alsace-e-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alsace E-Biking</a> departure to get immersed in this underrated European destination.

Vis is a small but enchanting Croatian island nestled off the <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/best-way-see-croatia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dalmatian Coast</a>, encompassing all the beauty of Hvar without the busy crowds. Once an army base for Yugoslavia, the island was rendered off-limits for years before opening to travellers in 1989. This isolation resulted in untouched natural landscapes and access to local, organic produce as a way of life.Hop on a ferry from Split and cruise the turquoise Adriatic to dock on the island, where you’ll be welcomed with vineyards and olive groves, a bounty of mom-and-pop seafood restaurants and virtually no tourists outside of the locals looking for a domestic escape. Major drawcards of this serene oasis include the bustling coastal town of Komiza and the towering Hum hill—the highest and most magical mountain peak on the island offering specular hiking routes.

7. Vis Island, Croatia

Visit Vis as you cruise from one sun-drenched island to the next on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/dalmatian-coast-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dalmatian Coast Active</a> trip.

Vlad the Impaler once roamed the streets of Sighisoara. He was a former ruler of Wallachia who was known for impaling his foes and, naturally, an inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But there are so many treasures that await in Sighisoara beyond its bloodthirsty history.&nbsp;The candy-coloured town circles a hill surrounding ​​the only inhabited medieval fortress in all of Europe. A UNESCO site since 1999, the old town’s unique architecture combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, with the jewel in its crown being the 14th c. Clock Tower that’s visible from every corner of Mures County. Sighisoara makes a great base from which to explore the Saxon villages of Viscri and Biertan, where you can visit a fortified church that was once used as a prison for couples who wanted to divorce.

8. Sighisoara, Romania

Discover what awaits in Sighisoara and the Transylvanian Alps on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/romania-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Romania Biking</a> trip.

When you think of a typical Greek escape, whitewashed towns and beaches on the Cyclades most likely come to mind—but up north is where the real Greece reveals itself, and Metsovo is a place entirely of its own. This charming mountain village is a year-round destination brimming with stone and wood houses, wonderful tavernas and museums, and incredible hiking trails with fewer crowds.Metsovo is the perfect gateway to explore the jaw-dropping Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO site soaring over 1,000 feet high on rocky megaliths (it’ll be hard to imagine going back to a crowded Santorini beach!). Don’t leave without sampling the region’s famous Metsovone cheese, awarded the coveted Product of Designated Origin in 1996.

9. Metsovo, Greece

<a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/northern-greece-e-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bike</a> or <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/northern-greece-hiking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hike</a> your way through Metsovo and Meteora on our trips to Northern Greece.

Charming Ålesund is a great starting point to make your way to Norway's famous Geirangerfjord. The town’s most iconic feature is the colourful art nouveau architecture—the result of a devastating fire that took place in 1904, destroying the wooden buildings characteristic to the times.Today Ålesund is a cultural centre of the region, home to a variety of museums that showcase Norwegian coastal culture and way of life. The town is best explored on foot (or kayak!), with impressive panoramas of the fjords and the Sunnmøre Alps no matter where you turn.

10. Alesund, Norway

Experience Ålesund's coastal charm on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/norway-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norway Biking</a> trip.

10 Underrated European Destinations to Visit in 2023

Ever wonder what it's like to race alongside international cycling superstars in an Italian Grand Tour? Now, a ticket to the Giro-E is all you’ll need to ride the "world’s toughest race in the most beautiful place."…. on e-bikes.

In Italy, cycling is a type of religion.It’s a land where you’ll find bikes outnumbering the number of parked cars. Where you’ll see locals of all ages riding on two wheels from dusk ‘til dawn. And where you’ll feel the excitement surrounding its annual bike racing event—the <a href="https://www.giroditalia.it/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giro d’Italia</a>—months&nbsp;in advance.Following closely behind Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia is one of the cycling world’s prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours. Since 1909, Giro fans have been gathering around their television sets to witness the nation’s top cyclists embark on a gruelling race around the country.Whether riders are zipping through the twisting vineyards of Prosecco Hills or trekking up the scarped edges of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/dolomites" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Dolomites</a>, Giro d’Italia’s scenic route shines a spotlight on Italy’s incredible diversity and beauty—it’s easy to understand why bicycles have been synonymous with Italian culture for over a century.&nbsp;

For avid cyclists, the thought of participating in a Grand Tour like the Giro d’Italia—racing alongside elite athletes as echoes of the roaring crowd fill the air—has historically been reserved for that of a daydream. But as a company that’s in the business of turning dreams into reality, we had to find a way for our travellers to experience the thrill of it all for themselves.&nbsp;

Giro-E: A Professional Cycling Dream

Thanks to the 2018 introduction of the Giro-E biking event, a golden ticket is all that’s required to live out your wildest cycling dreams. Giro-E, the only stage event in existence reserved exclusively for pedal-assisted <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/get-inspired/your-e-bike-questions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">e-bikes</a>, is the brainchild of RCS Sports, the same organizer of the Giro d’Italia.The event comprises 18 stages ranging from 70 to 115&nbsp;kilometres daily, along the same route, and during the same time the Giro&nbsp;d’Italia takes place. Best of all, it’s open to riders of all levels—from amateur cyclists to self-proclaimed pros; there’s a route and region perfect for everyone.Veteran Trip Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/georgia-yuill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia Yuill</a>, our go-to expert for&nbsp;the Dolomites, had the chance to experience the Giro-E’s third official year in 2020, scoping out the circuit for future guiding endeavours. For Georgia, dropping into the Giro-E was like dropping&nbsp;into the Olympics and being allowed to run around the track ahead of the sprinters who are competing.“For the amateur, it’s like stepping into the big game and being part of that," Georgia said. "The Giro d'Italia is one of our annual major sporting events that people tune into even though they’re not cycling, like the World Series or the Superbowl. It’s an emotional event for Italians and the sport is growing everywhere around the world.”

The (Bike) Path to Glory

The Giro-E’s 2020 regional sectionals comprised six slots, with each slot passing through Italy’s bounty of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/get-inspired/2017/06/29/the-8-best-biking-routes-in-italy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contrasting landscapes</a>: <ul><li>Slot 1 Sicily</li><li>Slot 2 Calabria and Apulia</li><li>Slot 3 Abruzzo, Marche, Emilia Romagna, San Marino</li><li>Slot 4 Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia</li><li>Slot 5 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, Lombardy</li><li>Slot 6 Lombardy, Piedmont</li></ul>Georgia was designated Slot 1.&nbsp;“As the Giro-E, we’re advancing all of the professionals. We don’t start at the same point; we start further into the route," she said."By the time we finish our route at our pace, the Giro d’Italia racers come through and will cover the same final distance that we did.”

Georgia’s captain was <a href="https://www.maxlelli.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Max Lelli</a>, an ex-pro racer who lead the ENIT team to the most victories. <a href="https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/moreno-moser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moreno Moser</a>, also an ex-pro racer, was great support for her along the routes as he shared a wealth of technical racing tips.“You’re riding with people who are very accomplished and captains who want you to be successful," she said. "I certainly came off learning so much about cycling and the world that surrounds it. They’re very passionate, and you just get taken into the professional side of the event.”

An E-Bike Boost

Although the circuit comprises steep ascents up rolling hills, up the mountainous Dolomites and even up Sicily’s active Mount Etna volcano, the boost from the e-bikes provides riders with as little or as much assistance needed—you don’t have to be an elite athlete to race alongside one.“Cycling up Mount Etna in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/sicily" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sicily</a> was phenomenal. The Giro d’Italia racers were getting closer and closer….we had to get off the road so it wouldn’t conflict with their speed! We were moving at an accelerated speed the entire time, so going uphill is much faster," she said. "One of the great benefits is that the road has been cleared for you. There’s a sensation that you can really allow yourself to go at maximum speed.

This year’s Giro-E concludes at the end of May, but there are high hopes for those wishing to live out their Olympic dreams in the future.“Every year comprises a different route, and so once we hear where the Giro d’Italia is racing, we can design our own B&amp;R trip to move in parallel with it," she said. "Dolomites stages are always some of the most exciting aspects of the Giro. We could design a pre-event experience on classic Dolomites routes, following which travellers participate in some stages of the Giro-E.”

From the azure coastlines of Sicily and Sardinia to the twisting trails of the Dolomites, exploring Italy is best done on two wheels. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get in touch with Georgia</a> to see how she can craft your biking adventure of a lifetime.

Giro-E: Racing the Giro d'Italia Route on E-bikes

Yvonne's journey with B&amp;R started over a decade ago, when a good friend working from our headquarters in Beaune revealed to her that B&amp;R was in search of Guides for the upcoming season. While she was based in Ireland at the time, Yvonne had already spent a year living in Italy and was yearning to live out la dolce vita once again. She hopped on board to guide her first B&amp;R Walking trip in the Cinque Terre and hasn't looked back since."I still have fond memories of leading travellers through those spectacular cliffs and making fresh pesto at a local friend's house at one of our lunch spots. I got hooked on the B&amp;R way of life straight away - travelling and slowing down to see the world."Since making Madrid her home eight years ago, this guide-turned-Experience Designer has become a true expert in all things Spain-related and loves nothing more than to plan amazing adventures to her adopted Spanish soil. Get to know more about Yvonne in our Q&amp;A below!

<h2>Vital Stats:</h2>Years in Travel Business: 25Years with B&amp;R: 16Regions of Expertise: Spanish Wine Country, Camino de SantiagoCountries visited: 20+Countries lived in: Italy, Spain, Ireland, UK, ArgentinaTrips planned: 15+Trips guided: Lots! 40+

<h2>Q&amp;A with Yvonne:</h2>This officially marks your first year as a B&amp;R Experience Designer after gaining a wealth of experience guiding over 40 trips. And what a year it's been! Any favourite moments or lasting impressions from the season?It’s been a special year for planning trips as many of our travellers were hitting the road for the first time since before the pandemic. I felt their travel experiences were almost more sacred than ever before and that made it a real privilege for me to be part of the process.After spending a lot of time before the trip communicating by email or phone it’s always really special to receive photos or videos from our guides of the group out on the road, cycling around La Rioja or dancing up a storm during their final night celebrations! That’s when it makes it all worthwhile.

What’s your preferred method for immersing yourself in a new place?Shopping for food. It sounds basic but I make a real effort to seek out local food markets and shop in small, independent butchers, fishmongers and fruit shops when I spend time in a region. There's no better way to learn the language, speak with the locals and get a feel for what’s going on in the area.Food is a huge part of any culture and speaking about food with others creates a universal connection that taps into historical and cultural habits and norms. I learn so much about a place and its people by trying their food and getting curious about their cooking traditions. Needless to say, It also pleases my palette immensely!Favourite hotel in the world?It has to be Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara in the west of Ireland. Being Irish I am, of course, a bit biased but that hotel for me personifies Irish charm and elegance.As soon as you walk in the hotel’s main door you're greeted by friendly staff at the front desk and the peaty smell of the open fire with its trusty old leather armchairs perched to the side, just inviting you to sit down and relax beside the cozy hearth. Combine that rustic charm with beautiful natural surroundings and I think that Ballynahinch really is the most idyllic country haven (and you can experience this incredible stay on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/ireland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ireland Biking</a> trip!).

Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?It has to be Casa Gonzalez in Madrid. It’s an old-school deli and wine bar that’s been around for almost 100 years and is still in the same family. The owner Paco is a real character and serves a great variety of wines by the glass and top-quality Spanish cheeses and cured meats. This place is a much-loved institution in the Huertas neighbourhood and the front-window table is the ideal place to watch the world go by over some tasty treats.Favourite restaurant in the world?OK, I am going to cheat here a bit as this is not a restaurant but I have to say the street food at the local markets in South East Asia and I am specifically thinking of <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a>.If I think about my favourite food experience this is absolutely what springs to mind. I’ve had the most delicious foods on an early morning trip to the fish market in Hoi An where all of your senses are just blown away by the bustling market scenes, the loud chatter of the vendors, the pungent smells of the fresh fish and the first tastes of exotic foods that I had never tried before. It’s a truly memorable place to eat and it makes me smile every time I think back to it!

Favourite bottle of wine?Well, this changes regularly as I love to try lots of different wines but they are always Spanish and, over the years of living here, I have made it my mission to try as many of the different varieties available. That keeps me busy as Spain has 69 wine regions or DOs!! So, while I still have lots more to get through I will say that my most recent favourite is a red blend of tempranillo and mencía grapes from Galicia, in the north of Spain, called Pajaro Loco or Crazy Bird in English. So delicious!

Are there any destinations you haven’t been to, but want to visit?Yes, many! Nepal, New Zealand and Iceland are probably up there in my top three.What are your three most underrated destinations?I would say Bangkok, Naples and New York. They all just happen to be big cities that often get a bad rap and I guess I like them because I love the buzz and chaotic energy of big cities and the random encounters you can have there.When I was in New York people couldn’t have been friendlier to me with strangers stopping on the street one day to help me with directions, which obviously goes against all the negative stereotypes you hear of New Yorkers!&nbsp;What items are absolute musts on your packing list?A refillable water bottle, Mac red lipstick and a notebook and pencil.And finally, what’s your favourite trip you’ve ever taken?Oh, that’s a difficult question but I would have to say the hiking trip that I did in Patagonia, Argentina. Never have I felt such awe and respect for nature as I did in that part of the world. You can’t help but be overwhelmed by the beauty and sheer magnificence of the scenery there. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

Experts + Insiders: Yvonne Power

Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a tiny country often overlooked for its larger-than-life neighbours. You won't find massive mountain peaks like in Patagonia, or monstrous wonders of the world (ahem, Machu Picchu). Instead, Uruguay offers an irresistible atmosphere of a laidback California-cool. It's a hideout for illustrious artists and chefs on a search for low-profile living surrounded by constant inspiration and natural beauty. And with its up-and-coming wine industry, glamorous hotels and emerging arts scene, it's easy to see why South America’s high society flocks here on holiday.&nbsp;When Experience Designer Stephanie Gulledge guided her first trip to Uruguay, she fell in love with their way of life and wanted to share that special spirit with travellers, offering an adventure that was really off the beaten path. Below she shares the highlights of our new&nbsp;<a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/uruguay-multi-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Uruguay Multi-</a><a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/uruguay-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Active</a>&nbsp;trip, an incredible journey through refined hamlets and sandy beach towns, made greater by the local characters we’ll introduce you to along the way.

Uruguay has all of the elements of a classic B&amp;R trip. Incredible hotels, unique cultural experiences, really great food, bike routes and surprising wine. It’s a beautiful, compact destination that allows us to bike from hotel to hotel, passing the coast, vineyards and beautiful waterways. The diversity of&nbsp;<a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/south-americas-best-kept-secret-uruguay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Uruguay’s landscape</a>&nbsp;is unparalleled, and the multi-active portion also layers in hiking, kayaking and yoga to showcase the varying terrain.&nbsp;In terms of first experiences in Latin America, everyone usually has Peru or Argentina on their mind. But I would encourage travellers to get their first taste of Uruguay for unique local encounters against incredibly diverse landscapes. Argentina and Peru are absolutely amazing, but Uruguay is where the locals from Brazil, Chile and the rest of South America holiday, so that creates even more of a local experience.

Travellers will get to experience the classic B&amp;R elements, from vineyard hopping and coastal bike rides to phenomenal meals and world-class chefs. But this trip is really about showcasing the spirit of Uruguay and the special elements that make it stand out from the rest of South America.&nbsp;Uruguay is a small, centralized and progressive society; the morals of the local people are very strong. Family values and meals together are important, and we’re able to spread these encounters out all throughout the trip. I’m most excited to share that special layer of the country that you’ll be immersed in when travelling with B&amp;R, made possible by local connections.&nbsp;In Montevideo, travellers will meet our friend and expert musician Lobo Nuñez. He's the soul of candombe music, a style of drumming and dance that first surfaced in the late 18th c. Candombe is an expression of art, culture, music and complex choreography and is highly tied to the culture of Uruguay today. It's been recognized by UNESCO as an&nbsp;Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Lobo is an amazing contact on the first day because he's a perfect representation of Uruguayan culture and the spirit that candombe represents.

Sometimes we're lucky enough to meet Pablo Atchugarry, a mega-artist living a low-profile in the countryside. We take a beautiful bike ride to his workshop and have lunch, enjoying the views of his park and sculptures. But travelling with our incredible local guides and hearing about their life and stories is often the best eyes and ears into what the country is all about.

There’s this chic beach town called José Ignacio, people travel from all over the world to rub shoulders with the who’s who there. Behind the town, you have rolling hills and vineyards similar to Tuscany. There are olive plantations spread throughout, and here you can really get a sense of the European influence that was left. Having access to all of that is why the locals are able to consume a healthy Mediterranean diet, where everything is grown in the area. The hills aren’t to the degree of Tuscany, and we have access to more van support and e-bikes, so it’s perfect for all activity levels.

If you’re into art and hotels, this trip is an incredible combination of the two. We chose to use two properties from the Vik group. The first is the Estancia Vik, an elevated ranch experience in José Ignacio. The property is very far from a real ‘ranch’ experience as it’s filled with avant-garde art—every single room and suite has been designed by a different local artist. On a Scheduled trip it’s always fun to tour everyone’s room and see what direction the artist went in. Walking into each room is like walking into a whole new world.

We also stay at Bahia Vik, the newest property by the Vik group nestled on the coast. Once you get there you don’t need to wear your shoes because you’re on white sand. In addition to having great rooms, they have a really beautiful dining experience and an incredible pool. For me, these are some of the most unique hotels I’ve ever been to.

The farm-to-table experience is part of everyday life in Uruguay. There’s an incredible food scene and they eat locally without making an effort. They have access to local produce, fresh olive oil and seafood, and they’re also one of the largest cattle-producing countries in the world.&nbsp;There’s a lot of creativity that’s gone into the food that we get to experience on this trip. There’s a blend of cultures when you’re eating - in some places you’ll find little touches of French influence. In other places, they have unique ways of cooking with fire and cooking outdoors. Organic eating is just the way of life for them, as is the concept of farm-to-table.I love visiting this little beachside restaurant called La Huella. Fresh seafood with whatever local veggies they’re offering that time of year - you can’t have a better meal than that. There’s great music playing along with the sound of crashing waves in the background. The ambiance and the food experience (with a glass of Tannat!) are not to be missed.

Whether you want to keep biking or go wine tasting, I recommend spending some extra time in Carmelo for a unique way to end the trip. It’s an even bigger wine-producing area surrounded by endless vineyards and amazing beaches. You can even go on a cruise down the Río de la Plata!

Feeling inspired to experience our little secret in South America? Get in touch with Stephanie Gulledge to reserve your spot for 2023 and 2024.

Uruguay: Coastline, Vines & Surprising Wines

As we cycled through the medieval streets of Beaune during B&amp;R's annual Guide Kickoff, Bernard, one of our seasoned guides, imparted words that would echo throughout the week: "To be a great guide is to wake up every day and strive to be the best version of yourself."Think of it as a week-long training extravaganza from our office in the heart of Burgundy, where our guides from all around the world come together to prepare for the start of our season. Bernard’s statement stuck with me, as it perfectly captured the ethos of each and every one of our guides.

From savvy veterans to bright-eyed newbies, our guides are truly the most interesting people in the world, bringing with them a unique skill set and outlook on life that made me eager to experience a B&amp;R trip with every single one of them. They speak multiple languages, they know all the best restaurants in town, and they’re keen to share their outlook and intense knowledge of life and culture.&nbsp;Take Maria, an Argentinian living in Croatia, who decided to take a break from her stint as an acrobat to guide for B&amp;R. Or Aurelie, who hails from Alsace and was kind enough to spend most of her night translating every single ingredient on the menu for me during a dinner in town (I promised her next year I would brush up on my French!).Beyond honing their skills in the bike atelier, our new guides had the chance to connect with B&amp;R's local friends who cater our Burgundy Wine Country Biking trip, discover the charming L'Hôtel de Beaune, the first hotel on trip, and explore the routes that await our travellers this season. Connecting with partners and digging deep into a region are key elements of a successful B&amp;R trip.

Throughout the week, the energy was electric and the generosity of our guides was unparalleled. From how they looked out for one another on our afternoon rides to the infectious enthusiasm they brought to every conversation, it felt like being at a party where everyone was the host. No glass of Pinot was ever left behind at dinner, no detail overlooked.&nbsp;During one hilly bike ride to the Meursault vineyards, I found myself trailing behind. It was then that I knew our travellers were in good hands this season, as our guide Urban voluntarily pushed me up the hill while riding his own bike with ease. Urban, who guides our Norway Biking trips, later confirmed that he had done the same for our travellers while tackling the imposing Trollstigen Pass.&nbsp;This was one of many experiences during my time with our guides that highlighted their unwavering dedication – even off the clock. Our guides really are the best people in the world, and I left the Kickoff feeling like I had not only met the incredible people who guide our trips, but also a new family of inspiring and passionate leaders.

From mastering their mechanical skills in the atelier to savouring the flavours of Burgundy, our guides have been through an intensive week of training to ensure that every B&amp;R trip is nothing less than exceptional. Enjoy the highlights from Kickoff as they prepare for an extraordinary season ahead.

Guide Kickoff 2023

Have you never been to the most glorious region (in our humble opinion) of all of France? Or perhaps you’ve been here countless times, to savour the incredible wine, soak up the atmosphere of those magical vineyards, and enjoy equally exquisite Burgundian food. Either way, if it’s your first time or your fiftieth, I’m here to sing the praises of our spiritual second home.David Butterfield—son of our co-founders George and Martha—makes wine here in Beaune and likes to say that while Toronto is B&amp;R’s ‘heart’, our European operations office in Beaune, is the ‘soul’ of B&amp;R. After making my way there, I must confirm that it’s true. Here’s why this wonderful region keeps producing trips of amazing vintage year in and year out—and why you should make your way here—especially if it’s your first time.

Diving back into over fifty years of Butterfield lore and legend, it’s our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/burgundy-biking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Burgundy Biking trip</a> which paved the way (or pedalled the way?) for thousands of bike trips to come, in regions as far-flung as Morocco and Vietnam (and anywhere else that looks great by two wheels).Burgundy is the grande dame, the original, the classic, the quintessential B&amp;R trip, and it doesn’t get any better than pedalling through the vineyards and vistas and sipping Grands Crus in the very region where they were grown. (We also know pretty much everyone in town, so getting that last-minute table at Les Caves de la Madeleine shouldn’t be a problem)

WHY BURGUNDY?

Believe me, first-timers and non-bikers, when I say you can do it. Caveat: I am not a professional biker by any means: I am a professional sitter. (As the Digital Marketing Specialist in the Toronto office, I’m most often found behind a desk than behind a set of handlebars).

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST (BIKE TRIP)

I’m also a mere commuter biker—I don’t travel more than 10 kilometers (a little over 6 miles) per day. I was a little intimidated at the prospect of going—gasp!—as far as 30 or even 50 kilometres, the average daily ride in Burgundy.But I’m pleased to say I made it 55 kilometres, with the moral support and encouragement of my guide (merci mille fois, Chris Litt!). I felt fine the next day, even embarking upon another 30-kilometre lunch ride through the rolling hills with our French team. Toronto is wonderfully flat as a pancake, but those Burgundian hills had me working harder than I was used to. But that sense of accomplishment? Well worth it.

Another excellent option when testing your mettle on a bike trip is simple—just choose an e-bike! It’s an incredible thing, especially if you and your travelling companions are of differing abilities. I tested out an e-bike on another ride, and I loved it. (Tip: ‘Turbo’ mode will have you zipping up hills while other folks are huffing and puffing). With an adjustable electric assist, you’re still ‘working’ as little, or as much as you want to, as you can adjust how much boost you get with the click of a button. Easy-peasy.

DON’T FEAR THE E-BIKE

Let’s be honest, though: you’ve come to Burgundy for the sumptuous cuisine and the wine, right? (Or perhaps those legendary B&amp;R picnics you may have heard about?) I’ll leave the wine rhapsodizing <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2016/01/14/best-burgundy-wines/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">to our experts</a>, but will add a few of my observations about some local delicacies: did you know the oh-so-French specialty, escargot, originated here? The Burgundian snail, Helix pomatia, is the most sought-after, as they’re the biggest and the sweetest-tasting variety. They’re also difficult to farm, so wild-caught snails are the ones to eat. Don’t miss out.

COME FOR THE WINE, STAY FOR THE CUISINE

There’s also the matter of that quintessential French condiment: mustard. While most mustard seeds are actually grown in North America and imported, this <a href="https://www.fallot.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">local moutarderie’s</a> Burgundy mustard is made with local mustard seeds and combined with Burgundy wine. It’s intensely flavourful and even better than anything you’ve ever tasted. (You may even ride through mustard fields depending on the season you come in). Another local delicacy that pairs nicely with mustard is the terrine known as jambon persillé (literally, ‘parsleyed ham’). A slice of it with a dab of mustard and a torn-off chunk of fresh bread? Heavenly.I also fell in love with the charming little candy, Anis de Flavigny, another locally-made treat. At the heart of these candies lie green anise seeds, tumbled in thin layers of tumbled sugar. Originating in 1591, initially by monks, these local candies are famous countrywide and are still being made on-site at the abbey, although no longer by ascetics. The flavours and beautiful illustrations on each tin make these a sweet souvenir, too.

PASS THE (BURGUNDIAN) MUSTARD, PLEASE

One of our most beloved hotels, <a href="https://www.domaine-rymska.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Domaine de Rymska</a>, occupies a working farm in the tranquil Burgundian countryside. This Relais &amp; Chateaux property has been meticulously restored and offers some of the best farm-to-table cuisine in the region. You'll even witness lambs, thoroughbred horses and other majestic creatures trotting about on the hotel's grounds. With a secluded atmosphere and an incredible selection of wine, it’s a place where you’ll feel welcome and at ease.

ANOTHER DIVINE PLACE TO REST

All good things must come to an end, but the journey didn’t stop after I came home: I bought a touring bike to continue my own exploration of the ‘slow road’ back home in Toronto, and I can’t wait to see how far my two wheels will take me this year. Long story short: once you open your heart to Burgundy, only time will tell what magic it will work upon you, long after you’ve returned.

LET BURGUNDY CAST ITS SPELL

Feeling inspired to see and stay for yourself? Get in touch with Eugenie Weiss to start planning your next sojourn.

Rediscovering A Classic: Burgundy

Slow Travel

community stories

Africa and Middle East

Two Fires Gallery: Rwanda's Stories Shared through Local Talent

Hotels

Our Friends

See + Do

The Slow Road

Mallorca

Son Brull Hotel &amp; Spa Pollenca

Spain

<h2>A Family Affair </h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-49711 alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-480x300.png" alt="Son Brull Hotel Mallorca" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />Son Brull’s striking gold exterior and sophisticated detailing make for a regal façade at first glance. But the personalized greetings that each guest receives from the Suau siblings upon arrival create a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the laidback island lifestyle of Mallorca.
“Being the only family-run boutique hotel on the island makes a huge difference because we’re on the property every day, and most of our team has been with us for years,” she said. “We have a lot of regular guests who return year after year and see the same faces greeting them. Our staff remembers them and knows how they like their coffee in the morning and what kind of cocktail they drink. All of our staff are local from the surrounding villages, we train them ourselves, and they’ve been with us for many years.”
<h2>Continuing the Legacy of Son Brull</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-49731 alignright" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-480x300.png" alt="Son Brull exterior" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />For Mar, the business of hotels has always pulsed through her veins. And while being the daughter of a hotelier prompted her childhood to look a little different, she’s had the advantage of gaining experience in every aspect of the business. 
“When I was a kid, I didn’t play with dolls. I played hotels. I played the role of receptionist, cook, waiter. We were always at the hotel to be closer to our father because he was working all the time. He never planned for us to continue his legacy, but it just happened,” she said. 
Continuing her father’s legacy at Son Brull also meant continuing the legacy of the 17th c. monks who lived off the land and welcomed tired travellers in search of food and shelter. Three centuries later, the Suau family has restored the property into one of Mallorca’s top boutique hotels while maintaining its unique heritage and natural resources.
<figure id="attachment_49732" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-49732" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-49732 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2.png" alt="Son Brull Pool" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1-copy-2-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-49732" class="wp-caption-text">One of Son Brull&#8217;s four newly renovated Villa Suites</figcaption></figure>
All in all, a stay at Son Brull encompasses award-winning cuisine, a wealth of adrenalin-pumping activities, cozy interiors and <a href="https://sonbrull.com/en/spa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">organic spa treatments</a>—all tied together with family-friendly service and an atmosphere brimming with environmental sustainability and Mediterranean magic.
If you’re feeling inspired to experience the rich heritage of Son Brull for yourself, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get in touch with Christine Tucker</a> to see how she can craft your ideal Mallorcan escape.

Son Brull Hotel & Spa: Embracing Sustainability in Mallorca 

E-bikes

Italy

<figure id="attachment_48841" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48841" style="width: 2400px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48841 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10.png" alt="Giro E Racers In Italy" width="2400" height="1500" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10.png 2400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-10-960x600.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48841" class="wp-caption-text">Stage 10 of the Giro-E 2020</figcaption></figure>
<h2>An E-Bike Boost</h2>
Georgia’s captain was <a href="https://www.maxlelli.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Max Lelli</a>, an ex-pro racer who lead the ENIT team to the most victories. <a href="https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/moreno-moser" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moreno Moser</a>, also an ex-pro racer, was great support for her along the routes as he shared a wealth of technical racing tips.
<figure id="attachment_48904" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48904" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48904 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Mount-Etna-225x300.jpeg" alt="Georgia Yuill At Mount Etna" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Mount-Etna-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Mount-Etna-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Mount-Etna-450x600.jpeg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Mount-Etna.jpeg 960w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48904" class="wp-caption-text">Georgia Yuill taking a quick pit-stop in front of Mount Etna, Sicily</figcaption></figure>
“You’re riding with people who are very accomplished and captains who want you to be successful,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I certainly came off learning so much about cycling and the world that surrounds it. They’re very passionate, and you just get taken into the professional side of the event.”
Although the circuit comprises steep ascents up rolling hills, up the mountainous Dolomites and even up Sicily’s active Mount Etna volcano, the boost from the e-bikes provides riders with as little or as much assistance needed—you don’t have to be an elite athlete to race alongside one.
“Cycling up Mount Etna in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2017/03/21/sicily-land-myths-maidens-monsters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sicily</a> was phenomenal. The Giro d’Italia racers were getting closer and closer….we had to get off the road so it wouldn’t conflict with their speed! We were moving at an accelerated speed the entire time, so going uphill is much faster,&#8221; she said. &#8220;One of the great benefits is that the road has been cleared for you. There’s a sensation that you can really allow yourself to go at maximum speed.”
<figure id="attachment_48844" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48844" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48844 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AGiro-E-2020.png" alt="Stage Two of the Giro-E" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AGiro-E-2020.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AGiro-E-2020-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AGiro-E-2020-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AGiro-E-2020-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48844" class="wp-caption-text">Stage 2 of the Giro-E 2020</figcaption></figure>
This year’s Giro-E concludes at the end of May, but there are high hopes for those wishing to live out their Olympic dreams in the future.
“Every year comprises a different route, and so once we hear where the Giro d’Italia is racing, we can design our own B&amp;R trip to move in parallel with it,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Dolomites stages are always some of the most exciting aspects of the Giro. We could design a pre-event experience on classic Dolomites routes, following which travellers participate in some stages of the Giro-E.”
Feeling inspired to take part in the world&#8217;s toughest race in the most beautiful place? <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get in touch with Georgia</a> to see how she can craft your adventure of a lifetime in Italy.

Thanks to the 2018 introduction of the Giro-E biking event, a golden ticket is all that’s required to live out your wildest cycling dreams. Giro-E, the only stage event in existence reserved exclusively for pedal-assisted <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2020/01/09/changing-course-the-e-bikes-ascent-toward-the-mainstream/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-bikes</a>, is the brainchild of RCS Sports, the same organizer of the Giro d’Italia. The event comprises 18 stages ranging from 70 to 115 kilometres daily, along the same route, and during the same time the Giro d’Italia takes place. Best of all, it’s open to riders of all levels—from amateur cyclists to self-proclaimed pros; there’s a route and region perfect for everyone.
Veteran Trip Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/experts/georgia-yuill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia Yuill</a>, our go-to expert for the Dolomites, had the chance to experience the Giro-E’s third official year in 2020, scoping out the circuit for future guiding endeavours. For Georgia, dropping into the Giro-E was like dropping into the Olympics and being allowed to run around the track ahead of the sprinters who are competing.
“For the amateur, it’s like stepping into the big game and being part of that,&#8221; Georgia said. &#8220;The Giro d&#8217;Italia is one of our annual major sporting events that people tune into even though they’re not cycling, like the World Series or the Superbowl. It’s an emotional event for Italians and the sport is growing everywhere around the world.”

<figure id="attachment_48839" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48839" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48839 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-9.jpeg" alt="Giro E Italy E Bike Race" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-9.jpeg 2560w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-9-450x300.jpeg 450w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-9-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Giro-E-2020-Stage-9-900x600.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48839" class="wp-caption-text">Stage 9 of the Giro-E 2020</figcaption></figure>
<h2>The (Bike) Path to Glory</h2>
<figure id="attachment_48848" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48848" style="width: 228px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48848 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Yuill-Giro-E-228x300.png" alt="Georgia Yuill Racing The Giro-E" width="228" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Yuill-Giro-E-228x300.png 228w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Georgia-Yuill-Giro-E.png 380w" sizes="(max-width: 228px) 100vw, 228px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48848" class="wp-caption-text">Georgia Yuill racing in the Giro-E 2020</figcaption></figure>
The Giro-E’s 2020 regional sectionals comprised of six slots, with each slot passing through Italy’s bounty of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/2017/06/29/the-8-best-biking-routes-in-italy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contrasting landscapes</a>:
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 1 Sicily Region</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 2 Calabria and Apulia Regions</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 3 Abruzzo, Marche, Emilia Romagna Regions, San Marino</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 4 Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regions</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 5 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, Lombardy Regions</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"> Slot 6 Lombardy, Piedmont Regions</li>
</ul>
Georgia was designated Slot 1. 
“As the Giro-E, we’re advancing all of the professionals. We don’t start at the same point; we start further into the route,&#8221; she said. &#8220;By the time we finish our route at our pace, the Giro d’Italia racers come through and will cover the same final distance that we did.”

Biking

Croatia

Orebic

Wine

Europe

<h2>A Villa That Gives Back</h2>
Although Korta Katarina&#8217;s roots run deep in offering guests unparalleled luxury, the first of its kind in Orebić, its philosophy still remains ingrained in engaging with its local community.
&#8220;All of our employees are from Orebić—the villa is a real source of pride for the people of the village, many of them are employed there—even during COVID, we never made layoffs, and we paid them the whole time,&#8221; Mr. Anderson said. “The greatest reward is the people we work with. We’re very proud of what we’ve done.
<figure id="attachment_48789" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48789" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48789 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Korta-Katarina-Orebic.png" alt="Villa Korta Katarina And Winery" width="960" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Korta-Katarina-Orebic.png 960w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Korta-Katarina-Orebic-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Korta-Katarina-Orebic-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Korta-Katarina-Orebic-768x480.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48789" class="wp-caption-text">Views of the Adriatic from Korta Katarina&#8217;s patio</figcaption></figure>
<hr />
<h2>The Future of Korta Katarina </h2>
<figure id="attachment_48730" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48730" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48730 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Adriatic-1-480x300.png" alt="Orebic" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Adriatic-1-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Adriatic-1-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Adriatic-1-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Adriatic-1.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48730" class="wp-caption-text">Cruising the Adriatic Sea</figcaption></figure>
So, just how bright is the future of tourism for Orebić? With lots of talk about the Pelješac Bridge finally connecting southeast Croatia to the rest of the country, there’s sure to be a rise in visitors wishing to cast anchor and unearth the secrets of this dreamlike town. According to Mr. Anderson, this is marvellous news for Korta Katarina, as completion of the bridge will cut down the amount of travel time to get to Orebić by a third. It would appear as if venturing off-the-beaten-path in Orebić—and savouring the exuberance of Korta Katarina—is a voyage that’s slowly creeping out of the shadows to compete with its glitzy neighbour Dubrovnik.
If enjoying fine wine and gourmet cuisine over panoramas of the sparkling Adriatic sound enticing, a stay at Korta Katarina is a must. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/">Get in touch with Tom</a> to see how he can craft your idyllic getaway to Croatia.

<h2>A Labour of Love</h2>
Six months later, the Anderson’s were offered a jaw-dropping property that was taken back by the government.
&#8220;A four-story hotel—and it&#8217;s empty, and they&#8217;re willing to sell it to you—if you promise you&#8217;ll rebuild it,'&#8221; he was told.
<figure id="attachment_48777" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48777" style="width: 480px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-48777 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Korta-Katarina-Winery-Villa-480x300.png" alt="Korta Katarina &amp; Winery Villa" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Korta-Katarina-Winery-Villa-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Korta-Katarina-Winery-Villa-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Korta-Katarina-Winery-Villa-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Croatia-Korta-Katarina-Winery-Villa.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-48777" class="wp-caption-text">Villa Korta Katarina &amp; Winery in Orebić, Croatia</figcaption></figure>
Mr. Anderson said yes.
And with that, the Anderson&#8217;s purchased the well-known Rivijera hotel, a sumptuous seaside villa nestled on the shores of the shimmering Adriatic.
&#8220;We suddenly had this little piece of heaven—a building we have sitting on top of a hill overlooking the Adriatic—with the promise to put it back into service,&#8221; Mr. Anderson said.
After an intense labour of love and almost a decades-worth of planning, one of Croatia&#8217;s most exclusive properties was on the horizon. <a href="https://www.kortakatarina.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Korta Katarina</a>, member of Relais &amp; Châteaux, finally opened its doors in 2018.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-48751 size-large" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Villa-Korta-Katarina-And-Winery-Gallery-750x600.png" alt="Villa Korta Katarina And Winery Gallery" width="750" height="600" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Villa-Korta-Katarina-And-Winery-Gallery-750x600.png 750w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Villa-Korta-Katarina-And-Winery-Gallery-375x300.png 375w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Villa-Korta-Katarina-And-Winery-Gallery-768x614.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Villa-Korta-Katarina-And-Winery-Gallery.png 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" />
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<h2>The Space</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-48718 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Banner-2-Korta-Katarina-bathroom-480x300.png" alt="" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Banner-2-Korta-Katarina-bathroom-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Banner-2-Korta-Katarina-bathroom-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Banner-2-Korta-Katarina-bathroom-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Banner-2-Korta-Katarina-bathroom.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />This secluded property is so much more than your average hotel. Consisting of a winery, vineyard, the villa and even a 201 ft luxury yacht, every room has a story to tell at Korta Katarina. These stories are illustrated through the refined antiques and elegant attention to detail found around every corner. Through its serene splashes <img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-48719 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/KK-Villa-480x300.png" alt="Korta Katarina Winery" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/KK-Villa-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/KK-Villa-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/KK-Villa-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/KK-Villa.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />of pastel blues, milky whites and sandy ivory coating every inch of its interior. And best of all, through its <a href="https://www.kortakatarinawinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainably farmed vineyards</a> and lavish collection of KK award-winning vintages—a favourite among the locals.
&#8220;Years went on; we started our winery—we made wine in the building. Eventually, we decided to <img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-48720 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/winery-KK-480x300.png" alt="Korta Katarina Wine" width="480" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/winery-KK-480x300.png 480w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/winery-KK-250x156.png 250w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/winery-KK-768x480.png 768w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/winery-KK.png 960w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" />move it adjacent to the building, but co-join it with the villa,&#8221; Mr. Anderson said. &#8220;We make a limited production of 60,000 bottles per year—most of it sold in Croatia, though we do export to some areas in the US.&#8221;
Today, Korta Katarina hosts gastronomy wine tastings paired with an upscale introduction to Croatian cuisine. Guests also have the option to sample some of Orebić&#8217;s most palatable delicacies with trips to local oyster farms—the perfect combination of salty seawater and freshwater makes this an idyllic experience. And after exuberant days of soaking up the sunshine, guests can revel in the little touches of luxury and personalization that the Anderson&#8217;s put into every aspect of the villa, including the bedtime stories found on each room’s pillow come day&#8217;s end.
Korta Katarina’s prime location ensures there’s no shortage of activity for all levels. Cruise to Korčula by speedboat to embark on a bike ride through Pošip vineyard, the region’s finest white variety. Walk the longest walls in Europe in the 14thC town of Ston. Kayak, kitesurf and scuba dive along the coast of the turquoise Adriatic. No matter what the day calls for, the area is ripe with adventure for even the most intrepid of travellers.

Blog posts by Liana Mallia