When chef and guide Kathy Bechtel teamed up with professional cycling guide Vernon McClure over a shared passion for the Dolomites, they launched Italianoutdoors Food and Wine. This boutique tour company focuses on tailor-made cycling adventures, ski retreats and guided hikes across Italy’s Dolomite region, creating personalized itineraries for every level of participant. Leading small groups, Bechtel and McClure design routes and activities around each guest’s interests to blend active exploration with leisurely downtime.
Vernon McClure is widely regarded as one of the area’s top local guides. He leads experienced cyclists on some of Italy’s most demanding climbs, while also offering gentler rides through foothills and mid-mountain terrain. For those seeking an easier pace, scenic, relatively flat bike paths along the South Tyrol wine road provide relaxed, enjoyable cycling. Beyond biking and hiking, the company’s programs include city culinary tours, curated wine tastings and hands-on Italian cooking classes taught by Kathy Bechtel. In her classes, Bechtel shares practical techniques for classic dishes such as risotto and gnocchi, helping travelers bring authentic Italian flavors home.
Each trip is crafted to the preferences and abilities of the participants, whether that means a challenging multi-day cycling itinerary, a restorative ski escape, or a combination of outdoor activity and food-focused experiences. Small group sizes allow for highly personalized attention from the guides, flexible routing and the opportunity to discover lesser-known trails, viewpoints and local producers. The result is a distinctive travel experience that balances physical activity, cultural immersion and gastronomic discovery in one of Italy’s most stunning mountain landscapes.
Italianoutdoors Food and Wine emphasizes sustainable, locally rooted experiences. Meals and tastings highlight regional producers and seasonal ingredients, while guides favor routes that showcase the Dolomites’ natural beauty and cultural heritage. Travelers can expect knowledgeable local insight, thoughtful logistics and an emphasis on authentic encounters—whether visiting a family-run winery, exploring alpine pastures or learning to prepare a traditional dish.
Suitable for solo travelers, couples and small groups of friends or family, the company tailors the pace, difficulty and focus of each trip. Options range from full-day guided rides and half-day culinary workshops to multi-day active itineraries that include lodging arrangements, luggage transfers and on-route support. This level of customization ensures that participants of varying fitness and interest levels can all enjoy a meaningful and memorable stay in the Dolomites.
For travelers seeking an integrated active-and-food experience in northern Italy, Italianoutdoors Food and Wine offers an appealing combination of expert local guiding, culinary expertise and carefully curated routes. Kathy Bechtel and Vernon McClure’s combined knowledge—culinary and outdoor—creates itineraries that allow guests to fully enjoy the Dolomites’ dramatic scenery, regional cuisine and rich alpine culture.
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