An SHP bike trip is a unique and wonderful way to experience Europe, whether you've been there before or not. The trips are designed to give you:

• Cultural attractions and events - Send for an Activity Sheet listing the cultural and other activities and sights for the trips in which you are interested.
• Opportunities for meeting Europeans.
• Opportunities for language practice.
• Scenic beauty.

All of our trips in Europe strive for a good balance between city and country, between culture, fun and relaxation.

Most students who choose European trips are interested in seeing and experiencing Europe - the cultures, the scenery, the people - and view the biking as a fun way to get from place to place and see some beautiful countryside as well. Our trips are planned with this in mind. The biking is rarely difficult - usually moderate and sometimes easy - through countryside typical of each country, encountering every 2 or 3 days a larger town of major cultural or historic interest.

meeting europeans

An SHP bike trip is an excellent way to meet and interact with local people. You'll be cycling through lots of small towns and villages, past farms and markets, soccer fields, shops, etc. On cycling days, since you're not isolated inside a van or tour bus, there's nothing to stop you from striking up a conversation with any of the people you will be meeting. You can ask directions at farms, shops, houses; ask farmers or fishermen to explain why they're doing something interesting; talk to people in the stores where you'll shop; ask local students to explain how to do something (like play cricket) or offer to teach them some frisbee tricks.

cultural opportunities

Our trips are structured to include ample time to visit the major cultural attractions of each area, see famous cities, and shop. The rhythm of SHP trips is 2-4 countryside cycling and activity days followed by 1-3 cultural exploration days in a well-known town or city.

visits to museums, theaters, etc.

Your group will tour some of each city's most famous museum(s) and/or historical sights. Admission and tour costs are included in your trip price, as are theater tickets at Stratford-on-Avon in England, etc.

If left to their own devices, trippers would too often spend their tree time shopping or hanging out in one place, thus missing a lot of what these unique cities have to offer. It is especially difficult in a strange place where they don't know what is available to see, how best to get around, etc. - the temptation to stay in one place can be overwhelming. Yet we do understand the desire for some free time to see what they want, shop, etc. In towns and cities, older groups can have periods of up to two hours or to shop, explore a given area, see a museum in more depth, etc. in smaller groups of 2 or more.

language practice

It's not necessary to know the language of the countries in which you're traveling (many Europeans speak English - in Holland almost everyone speaks English). However, if you want to practice using your language skills, you'll certainly have ample opportunity! Again, because you're not isolated in a bus, or in a hotel filled with other Americans, there's nothing to stop you from asking directions or talking to local people in the language of the country.

shopping opportunities

There will be opportunities along the route and in major cities to shop. You needn't worry about trying to carry large or expensive purchases on your bike most stores will ship your purchases back to the States for you.

scenic beauty

The areas through which you'll be cycling are chosen for their great beauty. You're not in a bus or van going 60 mph with a driver who stops only at pre-planned destinations, so you'll be able to stop whenever you wish: if you see a gorgeous view, a picturesque picture-taking opportunity, fishermen unloading a boatful of fish, a neat store, a delicious-looking patisserie, or if you just want to rest in a beautiful spot for a few minutes.

food on a european trip

Your group will be doing most of the cooking, according to the usual American tastes, and the food will be familiar. Shopping for food in outdoor markets and separate small shops for meat, produce, bread, etc. is a fun and interesting part of the European experience (supermarkets are not too common in rural Europe).You'll find that meat, cheese and vegetables are often not cut into neat chunks and wrapped in plastic for you, and instant dinner foods are not common, but it is all part of the fun.

On non-camping days on the continent, groups usually eat the continental breakfast provided by the hostel, pension, or hotel. Groups often stop at a grocery store nearby to supplement the breakfast with extra food. Lunches are almost always picnic lunches bought in grocery stores or markets, even in cities, When you're not camping, your group will eat out, usually in inexpensive restaurants, creperies, etc., where you can get enough to fill you up and where the food is familiar enough to be liked.

On all trips, your group will eat at least one dinner in each country in a restaurant which serves food for which that country is famous. You may choose to try a regional specialty, or to stick to something more familiar on the menu. Many regional specialties are also available in grocery stores.

Many countries are well known for delicious, mouthwatering specialties, from main dishes to desserts. Groups have no trouble finding the sweet things - there's at least one person in a group who has a homing pigeon's instincts for such things.

A word to parents: Our concerns are that 1) the trippers get enough food to carry them through days filled with physical activity, and 2) they have some opportunities to try local dishes if they wish. The better restaurants which parents would choose are often very expensive in Europe, and serve portions too small to fill up a hungry teenager who has just cycled 30 miles. In addition, most teenagers are not gastronomically adventurous, and draw the line a good deal before snails, frogs, and jellied whole fish with the eyeballs staring up at them!

hostels, b&bâs, small hotels & inns

Hostels are simple dorms with separate bunkrooms for males and females, a common rec room, and either a kitchen where hostellers may cook their own food or (more commonly on the continent) a dining room where simple but nourishing meals are served. At most hostels, each hosteller is asked to do a quick chore before departing in the morning - this helps keep the costs down. Most hostels are closed during the daytime. Although city hostels cater to lots of Americans, you're more likely to meet students from many other countries in the countryside hostels. Hostels are in everything from farmhouses to castles to modern school dorms.

B&B's are British - people's homes where they have rooms for guests and serve breakfast (bed and breakfast). B&B's, inns and small hotels are more interesting than hotel chains, and many take a special interest in bike groups.