In celebration of turning 70, Larry is hitting all seven continents with the help of THIRDHOME.

Next Stop: The Middle East

The year was 1977, and the hottest ticket in Chicago wasn’t to see the Cubs, Bears, or Bulls; it was the ticket to see “Treasures of Tutankhamun,” visiting our landmark Field Museum of Natural History just south of the Chicago Loop. King Tut was on tour, and he arrived in my city straight out of the year 1325 BC. My mom and over a million other Chicagoans had scored tickets to visit the most famous Egyptian of all time, and she shared the experience with me. It was an impactful event to see artifacts of the “Boy King of Egypt” on loan from Egyptian curators, and it piqued my lifetime curiosity about all things related to ancient Egypt. I would have to wait 56 years to visit Egypt myself and the iconic pyramids of Giza. With Steve Martin’s 1978 funky tune “King Tut” dancing in my head, our tour guide Sahar led 23 fellow adventurers and me toward the Giza Pyramids to begin our 14-day adventure.

My THIRDHOME travel guru Liz Bates encouraged me to sign on to the Cultural Crossroads of Humanity adventure to visit Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. Once my daughter Morgan heard I was headed out to see not just the Egyptian pyramids but Jordan’s Petra and the Dead Sea, she asked me (no, she told me) that she was tagging along. This would be our third adventure to ancient places, and she assured me that Instagram would appreciate the influencer content coming their way.

Let’s get biblical:  

They say pictures don’t lie, and my hundreds of unforgettable images from the trip reinforced my belief that this adventure stood above all prior visits to historical, religious, and cultural sites. Christians, Jews, and Muslims claim certain parts of the sacred ground we explored during our 14-day adventure. We studied Old Testament, New Testament, and Islamic reference points each day, including:

• Mount Nebo, where Moses roamed and looked down upon the Promised Land
• The Stations of the Cross, where we followed Jesus’ path through Old Jerusalem
• Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene
• Nazareth, the childhood town of Jesus
• Looking down upon The Sinai desert where Moses led the Jews out of Egypt
• Dome of the Rock in Old Jerusalem, the Muslim world’s third holiest shrine
• The Wailing Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, the most religious site in the world for Jewish people

Let’s get historical:

• Dated in 2560 BC, making them more than 4,500 years old, the Great Pyramids of Giza defy imagination leading Elon Musk to double down on his claim that aliens must have constructed the pyramids.
• The 2000-year-old city of Petra was built as a trade center and carved out of red sandstone cliffs.
• Boating across the Sea of Galilee scene of many episodes of the life of Jesus Christ
• Looking down on the City of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives viewpoint and realizing you see historic and iconic churches, mosques, and synagogues located within a mile of each other.

Let’s get fed:

The Middle East is an excellent part of the world for lovers and fans of garlic, olive oil, hummus, and eggplant. If you enjoy a big breakfast, this is the trip for you. Every morning we were greeted with a vast buffet featuring freshly squeezed juice, salmon, all manner of bread, fresh fruit, stuffed grape leaves, and olives galore. Yummm! 

 While dinners featured an inevitable combination of chicken and rice, we visited several family homes in Jordan and Israel. We got to chat and chew with the locals in their home environment, including a Palestinian cooking lesson. We visited one of the largest wineries in Israel that ships wine to several countries worldwide, including the U.S. This visit ended with a wild bus ride back to our hotel featuring our own “girls gone wild” dancing and singing on the bus.  

There were so many highlights on this trip that I had to tax my brain to pick my top 6, but here are some of my favorite experiences:

1. I was a member of the self-proclaimed 3 Wisemen, featuring myself and my new BFFs Doug and Tim as the group’s senior members. Collectively we dispensed our own carefully curated version of wisdom based less on knowledge and more on the fact that we were older than the rest of the group.
2. The emotional experience of touring the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, having an emotional meltdown, and running into one of my wonderful travel mates and new friend Lyn. Knowing exactly what was needed, she provided a pat on the back, a hug, and a chocolate candy to help me regroup.
3. Visiting a local winery in Eilat, Israel, with Robert and Tammy Jo and having what should have been a 15-minute tasting turn into an enlightening and lively 2 ½ hour political discussion with the winery’s owner. And yes, he continued pouring while we continued talking and even drove us back to our hotel.
4. We were hanging on while we explored the breathtaking Wadi Rum Desert in 4-wheel drive vehicles covering the same territory Lawrence of Arabia traversed during World War I while joining the Arabs in a guerilla war against the Turks.
5. I met a young Muslim woman who explained that her passion was mentoring and encouraging her peers to become independent entrepreneurs and leaders in the Islamic community.  
6. I was walking through the narrow streets of Old Jerusalem and people-watching the incredible multicultural crowd.

PHOTO GALLERY

MEET LARRY

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & THIRDHOME Member

In celebration of turning 70, Larry is hitting all seven continents with the help of THIRDHOME.

Next Stop: Cozumel, Mexico

My travel buddies and I celebrated Día de los Muertos in Cozumel, Mexico! So colorful, with so many skeletons, so many masks and costumes, so much great food, and so much joyful confusion for us Gringos. To help future visitors who are lucky enough to find themselves south of the border during this glorious holiday, let me share some Dia de Muertos factoids:

Día de los Muertos is not:

1. The Mexican version of our Halloween. No trick or treating; kids don’t get dressed up; the adults do! Excellent Mexican cuisine is everywhere, not Mars and Snickers bars. 
2. A day to celebrate Freddy Krueger or Jason. Cancel the chainsaws, knives, and hockey masks.
3. A remake of any of the Day of the Dead movies. No flesh-eating zombies or zombie costumes are to be seen anywhere.

Día de Muertos is:

1. A celebration of life, not death. Families gather at homes and local cemeteries to remember and celebrate the lives of departed family members.
2. A yearly chance for families to welcome back the souls of departed family members for a reunion with food, drink, dance, and memories.
3. The building of temporary altars called “ofrendas” that feature photos of family members to be remembered, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), lots of marigold flowers, and water or tequila because when the souls visit and crossover, they are thirsty.
4. An ancient tradition dating back 3,000 years to the Aztecs, who saw death as an integral part of life.
5. According to many of my Mexican friends, a favorite holiday due to the chance to reconnect spiritually with beloved family members
6. A day of dancing, parades, and festivals (watch the opening scene in the James Bond film Spectre shot in Mexico City).

If you want to understand the spirit behind this beautiful holiday, fire up the Disney Channel and watch the enchanting Pixar Studio movie Coco. It is a visually rich peek into the culture of Mexico that appeals to all ages.

Back to Cozumel and my week at one of my favorite THIRDHOME properties of all time, Villa Yak Alil, a 6,500 square foot home located on a private palm tree-lined beach. This little slice of paradise was one of those homes you didn’t want to leave once you unpacked and toured the property. Private beach, check! Ocean kayaks, fit! Snorkeling off the coast, check! Fully equipped kitchen, check! Sunset over the Caribbean, check! Check out pelicans, egrets, and stingrays, all visible from our front-row seats at the beach!

But my six travel buddies, like me, want to visit new places, and Cozumel and the Riviera Maya provide ample opportunities for exploration. Our first order of business was to arrange transportation for the week, and we lucked out. Our two guides, Andres and Jesus, were former kings of the Cozumel Carnival, and they knew every nook and cranny of this beautiful island. We realized we were in the presence of Cozumel “royalty,” and our guides were not taxi drivers but celebrities in Cozumel. King Andres provided transportation, and he and his wife cooked a fabulous seafood dinner and the best flan I’ve ever tasted. Our tour included visiting the cemetery where families were preparing ofrendas for the Dia de los Muertos celebrations later that Day.

Downtown Cozumel was all decked out with statues and holiday decorations. So many skulls and so much color everywhere! Our visit to the 2-story Museo De La Isla Cozumel served two purposes:

1. An opportunity to learn about Cozumel’s history, culture, and geography

2. The chance to visit the 2nd-floor restaurant and enjoy guacamole and margaritas while viewing all the waterfront activities is just as important. Cozumel is a popular cruise ship port. But It is a very different experience to spend a week on the island versus a few hours touring off a cruise ship.   

Our big week adventure was taking the ferry with King Jesus to the mainland and an excursion to the Mexican theme park Xcaret, located 40 minutes south of Cancun. Xcaret is unlike any U.S. amusement park. Not a roller coaster anywhere, nor any waterslides or mechanical dinosaurs. But the collection of attractions made me wish we had two days instead of 1 to visit the park. Take advantage of this spot if you vacation in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. 

Highlights were many, including:

• We were snorkeling through an underwater cave.
• Observing the iguanas, jaguars, manatees, sea turtles, monkeys, and flamingos at close range.
• Closing the Day with the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show highlights Mexico’s history from Jai Lai to the Spanish invasion to mariachi.
• The Danza de los Voladores, a UNESCO cultural heritage, in which five performers climb a 30-meter pole and four spin down to the ground attached to ropes while the 5th plays a flute and drum remaining at the top of the bar. No fear and no net!

If Cozumel is not on your Mexico “I’ve got to get their list,” I strongly suggest you add it.  

PHOTO GALLERY

MEET LARRY

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & THIRDHOME Member

In celebration of turning 70, Larry is hitting all seven continents with the help of THIRDHOME.

Next Stop: Azilal, Morocco

It was a balmy 112 degrees when I landed in Marrakech.  Who knew Africa could get hot in July?  Morocco was a detour from my European Invasion to sneak in a visit with my friend Abdou.  I met Abdou when he guided our Third Home “Colors of Morocco” tour last year and he and I morphed into “Whatsapp buddies” staying in touch ever since.  So, I took him up on his offer to return to Marrakech and travel with him to his hometown of Azilal located 3 hours away in the Atlas Mountains.  I welcomed his invitation to join him in his air-conditioned car and as we entered the scenic mountain range, the temperature cooled down to a slightly less awful 95 degrees.   Our adventure was underway. 

First stop on our “Abdou Azilal Tour” was the spectacular Ouzoud waterfalls located 15 miles from Azilal.  After a short walk from the crowded parking lot in the middle of this rocky and desolate landscape was the highest waterfall in North Africa surrounded by olive groves with cafes, vendors and a series of hiking trails leading down to the falls.  The resident monkeys joined us as we approached the falls and appeared to be pretty content and well fed as visitors were chatting them up and feeding them.  In the distance I saw hikers beat the heat by swimming in the small lake at the base of the Falls.  If I didn’t experience Ouzoud first-hand and take dozens of pics, I would have left convinced that what I saw was a mirage since the surrounding area as so dry and rocky.

Next up was hanging out with his family in their Azilal home.  I arrived in Azilal during the four-day celebration of Eid al-Adha, one of the 2 main holidays celebrated in Islam.  This “feast day” celebrates the willingness of Ibraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael to Allah as an act of obedience.  Spoiler alert: It didn’t happen, and a lamb provided by Allah was sacrificed in Ishmael’s place.  To celebrate the holiday, animals are ritually sacrificed, and meat provided to families, friends and the poor in each town.  Abdou’s brother slaughtered 3 sheep and a goat prior to my arrival so for the next 2 days we were seriously well-fed carnivores with large plates of meat, olives and fruits at each meal. 

Several mosques dotted Azilal so prayers were plentiful and residing at the top of the mosques, next to the speakers, were huge nesting storks.  The highlight of the town was the numerous cafes where the locals gathered to sip tea and talk.  Two days later I parted company with Abdou and his family and arrived in Marrakech at my Riad for my final night in Morocco and a welcome swimming pool.

As a final note, while in Amsterdam, I learned to love fresh herring, a local favorite fish served with pickles and onions.  My father would have been proud as he was a herring lover his entire life. 

Next Stop: Lisbon

TAP Air Portugal has become my favorite airline in the world for two reasons:  1. They hold an auction wherein flyers can bid on moving up to a first-class seat from coach.  For the record, I bid, and I lost.  2. They send out an email prior to any flight connecting through Lisbon offering to extend a layover from several hours to several days and rebook your flight allowing a traveler the opportunity to stay in Lisbon and experience the city.  When I received the email 3 days prior to flying home from Morocco I remembered my favorite Spanish saying “por que no?” (why not?) and decided to spend two nights in Lisbon prior to leaving the continent.

Great decision on my part because Lisbon is a city worth exploring and quite different from my prior European destinations.  Lisbon is a hilly city much like San Francisco, with picturesque vantage points to view the Tagus River, the plazas and the neighborhoods.  I decided that a tuk tuk tour was in order given my short stay and I chose Jose’s vehicle mainly because his tuk tuk was adorned with a really cool wooden parrot.  It was a great choice because we covered the entire city riding up and down streets so narrow that arms had to remain in the vehicle to avoid hitting fellow tuk tuk travelers.  During my tour I learned that the great earthquake of 1755 combined with a fire and tsunami pretty much leveled the entire city of Lisbon. 

My 5 Favorite Lisbon highlights:

1. The Portuguese sardine!  Not disrespected and squeezed into a small can with a bunch of oil, but grilled and served on a plate to be consumed with French fries.  Delicious!
2. Strolling through the city’s narrow streets and seeing how the locals live.  Even the graffiti tells a story.
3. Dining al fresco and sipping sangria in the Alfama historic district while chatting with the restaurant owner.
4. Riding a bicycle along the Tagus riverfront and stopping at Commerce Square to admire the large rectangular square and the iconic arch leading into the city center.  
5. Gazing down at the city from up high at sunset and admiring the vibrant array of colors and shadows.  Lisbon is an incredibly colorful city.

PHOTO GALLERY

MEET LARRY

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & THIRDHOME Member

In celebration of turning 70, Larry is hitting all seven continents with the help of THIRDHOME.

Next Stop: Amsterdam

What’s not to like about a country that birthed Vincent Van Gogh, Heineken beer, those cute wooden shoes and coffee shops that sell marijuana alongside their java?  And how about all those bikes in Amsterdam?  800,000 Amsterdammers (yes, that’s a real word) own 880,000 bikes and dominate the city streets.  Autos beware, this is a city bent on travel on 2 wheels, not four.  The Dutch go to work on bikes, take their kids to school on bikes, go on dates on bikes and stay incredibly fit on bikes.  This is an indicator of a very egalitarian society where young and old, men and women and rich and poor travel side by side across the city.  Noom and Weight Watchers are advised to stay clear of the Dutch market.  These folks don’t need you.

My three days exploring this glorious city led to more steps per day than the prior 3 weeks of my Virginia life.  Amsterdam continually ranks as one of the most walkable cities on the planet and the Amsterdam-Centrum or city center can be reached from all sides of the city on foot.   Tired of walking?   Rent a bike, or better yet, take a city tour by boat and explore the Amsterdam canals and bridges while learning about Amsterdam’s history.  

You want great museums and attractions? 

• Art lovers can check out the Van Gogh and Rembrandt museums in the center of the city. 
• The Anne Frank House is so popular, you need to grab a ticket the first Tuesday of the month before your visit. 
• For beer lovers like myself, the Heineken experience takes place in the building that housed the original Heineken brewery in 1867.  Did you know that Heineken is shipped to 192 countries each day and that their “brand ambassador” is moviemaker Benicio Del Toro.  
• Madame Tussaud Amsterdam features an incredible variety of famous people ranging from Beyonce to The Hulk to Barak Obama.

As a final note, while in Amsterdam, I learned to love fresh herring, a local favorite fish served with pickles and onions.  My father would have been proud as he was a herring lover his entire life. 

Next Stop: Bruges

Second stop, Bruges, Belgium for a stay in one of the coolest Third Homes on the website.  This amazing apartment in the heart of Bruges features a 16^th century tower that provide a 360-degree vantage point of the city.  On a clear day one can see the towering windmills on the coast as well as dozens of church spires scattered throughout Bruges. 

Bruges is a city to fall in love with.  It is a medieval Unesco site and a living museum that leads one to believe they are walking through a modern-day fairy tale.  At the heart of the city are the Markt and Burg squares and a 13^th century belfry with 366 winding and narrow steps made from stone, wood and marble that one can climb (and I did) to view the whole city and surrounding countryside.  Each Wednesday the square features a “don’t miss it” market with fresh fruits, vegetables and delicacies from across the region.  Warm weather features al fresco dining in dozens of outdoor cafes. 

What makes Bruges such a spectacular and memorable site?  How about this:

1. There are more than 80 bridges in Bruges and canal tours operate all day to cruise the city.  At night the bridges and surrounding historic buildings are lit up and produce some of the most memorable reflection photo opportunities anywhere. 
2. You have to love a city that features one museum dedicated to the French Fry and another museum dedicated to the history of chocolate and cocoa.  Only in Bruges can one witness singing and dancing taters.
3. Speaking of chocolate, over 50 chocolatiers (chocolate shops) dot the streets of Bruges.  Each shop offers different versions of quality cocoa ranging from melt in your mouth white and dark chocolate truffles to caramel and marzipan infused cocoa treats.  For true chocoholics tours operate daily to visit several of the top stores.
4. Once a week locals gather beneath the belfry for a concert of church bells from above.  Since I have a high level of ignorance identifying classical music hits, and I was clearly in over my head, I asked my fellow concert mate what was playing and was told it was a Bach fugue.
5. The waffles in Bruges, especially at Chez Albert’s, are absolutely the most scrumptious delicacy in the whole city.  How about choosing between chocolate, fresh strawberries, whipped cream or caramel toppings.  Diet be gone!  These are simply too difficult to pass by. 
6. A bicycle tour into the countryside is a must do.  Windmills and pastoral scenes along the river as well as the rare Belgian Blue cows await tourists who are so inclined to explore the nearby town of Damme.
7. Belgian beer dates back to the Middle Ages and the Belgian Brewers guild was recognized in 1385.  The Belgian breweries bring over 2,000 original beers to market.  My favorite?  Brugse Zot Blonde.

PHOTO GALLERY

MEET LARRY

World Traveler, Philanthropist, Friend, & THIRDHOME Member

As temperatures rise, so does wanderlust. Join us as we explore the top European destinations that travelers are heading to this summer.

Many find summertime synonymous with vacation, perhaps in part because of the idyllic weather or more time off from work. Now, with a reopening world, and the official start of summer approaching June 21, more people are itching to travel than ever before. In a recent article penned for Fortune, the President of American Express Travel reveals an exciting increase in foreign travel this summer, particularly to some of Europe’s greatest cities.

Let’s take a closer peek into the top four international destinations worthy of making your summer vacation roster.

London, England

Thinking of venturing across the pond? Now’s a great time to do so! Fortunately, London has a mild climate year-round, which translates to comfortable summertime temperatures resting in the mid-70s (°F). What’s more, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, making it easier to check off all the can’t-miss attractions on your itinerary. This may include Buckingham Palace, which is only open to the public from July to September. Better yet, if your next exciting home swap lands you in London between late June and early July, you might just find yourself in the stands at Wimbledon!

Paris, France

“Summer loving had me a blast…” — The lyrics don’t lie; it just so happens the best time to visit the most romantic city in the world is from June to August. Long days of sunshine averaging in the high 70s (°F) will grace you as you wander the streets in search of authentic Parisian cuisine and exciting activities. You can enjoy the summer’s many open-air events, such as the Paris Street Music Festival (Fete de la Musique) in June or the three-day Rock En Seine Festival in August.

Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece’s capital city, is a wonderful year-round destination. While the summer heats up quickly, reaching the low 90s (°F), there are plenty of ways to stay cool during your travels. An easy trick? Include museums and cultural centers with air conditioning in your itinerary. You can see some of Athen’s best attractions like the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the National Archaeological Museum without breaking a sweat. Another tip is to embrace nightlife. Many bars, clubs, and cafés in Athens boast open-air features, including courtyards and rooftops, so as the temperatures fall with the setting sun, have yourselves a fantastic night out!

Rome, Italy

There’s no denying that summertime is peak season in Rome. The warm, mid-upper 80s (°F) weather and exciting annual events, like Vinòforum and Lungo il Tevere, draw visitors from across the globe. As such, hotels can become costly, which is another great reason to try a house exchange for your summer vacation. Don’t just take our word for it; see what our members are saying:

“Absolute Perfection.”

This is by far the best property we have had the pleasure of booking. Everything about this apartment is perfect – the location, the spaciousness, the amenities, the thoughtfulness of the owners – welcome wine, charcuterie, breads, waters. We have been to Rome many times but this was one of the best visits we’ve ever made to the Eternal City. We ate at many of our favorites and David’s suggestions are spot on – Armando’s, Nino, Emma, Ditrirambo, La Pergola, Taverna Angelica, and Life. We took the Scavi tour, visited many of the smaller churches we hadn’t had an opportunity to see, walked this beautiful city, and attended the Opera, We even experienced a Roman snowfall which is a true rarity. We look forward to returning to this beautiful apartment in the not too distant future.”

– Emma L., Member since 2020

“Great location and beautiful apartment!

We stayed during the month of July 2021. From the time we reserved this beautiful apartment, the host was very helpful providing useful information, sharing the websites, and made sure that our stay would be comfortable. The manager was very helpful upon arrival and during the stay, made sure that all was in place to make sure we enjoyed the stay. We felt very well taken care of and made us feel very special. Location of the apartment was closed to every places where we wanted to visit. We usually stay at St. Regis for our short stay in Rome, but this apartment location made our stay in Rome for a week especially very enjoyable. Apartment was very specious, clean and comfortable with updated modern interior. Nothing like staying at the hotel. We would love to return to this property again. Thank you for letting us book and stay at your beautiful property.”

– Mark U., Member since 2019

Ready to plan your ultimate summer vacation? Click here to learn more about traveling to Europe this summer with THIRDHOME.

THIRDHOME Rentals is pleased to announce our new partnership with 360 Private Villas!

360 Private Villas specializes in exclusive luxury villas not generally available in the usual booking platforms. From typical farmhouses in Tuscany to contemporary mansions on private islands, they handpick our properties for the most discerning traveller. 

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360 Private Villas is a collection of modern, contemporary luxury holiday villas located across Europe – many are considered ‘designer’ and all have a wow factor.

Each villa is carefully sourced to ensure only the best are represented. Get ready for state-of-the-art villas, hand-picked from countries like Spain and her islands, Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia and Greece. Plus, nearly all villas have a private pool or are on the beach.

360 Private Villas’ service is absolute, and includes recommendations, suggestions, upgrades and any kind of ancillary services you may need will always be provided in a professional and discreet way.

Learn more about 360 Private Villas here. Looking to reserve a luxury rental home now? Browse available THIRDHOME Rentals here.

Are you a mountain biking enthusiast? These THIRDHOME properties are for you!

While some vacationers prefer to relax pool or beachside during their stay, some explorers prefer to be a little more adventurous. Keep reading to view a selection of THIRDHOME luxury properties that are located by some of the most exciting mountain biking trails in the world!

United States

From the Rockies to the Appalachians, the United States offers plenty of thrilling off-road terrains for mountain biking! Check out some of these ideal biking properties in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Colorado.

Sun Valley Mountain Estate | Sun Valley, Idaho

The spectacular mountain views are just the start to what’s special about this home. The photos don’t do it justice, you must visit and see for yourself! Three sides of the house overlook large ponds, where you are likely to spot bald eagles, elk, moose, great blue heron and other local wildlife. Outside, enjoy the 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens and three smaller ponds with fountains. Offering 4 spacious bedrooms and only 8 minutes from the nearest mountain, outdoor activities couldn’t be closer! Click here for all properties located in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Spanish Peaks Ranch | Big Sky, Montana

Spanish Peaks Ranch is as beautiful in the summer as it is exciting in the winter. This fabulous five-bedroom, six-bathroom, 5,400 square-foot ranch offers all guests the cozy comfort and panoramic views that come with Mountain living, as well as the luxury of unique architecture and amenities. Big Sky Resort is just down the road and offers an exclusive spa that is accessible to guests as well as easy planning for outdoor activities. Click here for all properties located in Big Sky, Montana.

Stonewood Bend | Bend, Oregon

This custom Northwest-style home is comprised of 8,000 square-feet with four bedrooms and seven bathrooms! Located in Bend, Oregon, with incredible views of the Deschutes River, guests are able to enjoy a luxurious stay surrounded by beautiful greenery. The expansive great room boasts a soaring stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving an ideal spot to unwind and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Pilot Butte and Tumalo Falls are located nearby to give guests the opportunity to bike and explore some incredible scenery! Click here for all properties located in Bend, Oregon.

Black Diamond Summit | Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado

This expansive residence is positioned on Mt. Crested Butte in the ultra-exclusive ski in/out “Summit” area and takes in unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery. From this home, you can look over the Crested Butte Resort, the town and valley! Not to mention, 17 mountain peaks are visible from almost every room in the house. In the winter time, guests are able to ski-in and ski-out, but in the summertime, guests are free to bike the beautiful trails all around wonderful Crested Butte! Click here for all properties located in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Luxury Family Home on The Roaring Fork River | Aspen, Colorado

This beautiful 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 5,500 square-foot family home is located in a lovely neighborhood on a private road just 15 minutes from downtown Aspen! Located right on the Rio Grande Trail, adventurous guests are able to bike or hike their way to downtown Aspen or simply explore the nature-filled trail! Click here for all properties located in Aspen, Colorado.

Canada

If you’re dreaming of mountain biking with lake views or in the incredible atmosphere of Vancouver, get ready to reserve a stay in Canada!

Lakefront Designer Home | Saint-Donat, Canada

This home is located on Lake Archambault, one of the nicest lakes in the Laurentians! This lakefront home is the perfect getaway for any guest wanting to explore the Canadian outdoors. Offering 4 bedrooms and accommodating up to 8 guests, there is plenty of room for the entire family! Saint-Donat is becoming increasingly popular among cyclists, who like to take the challenge of riding along the famous Chemin du Nordet to reach the village of Mont Tremblant! Click here for all properties located in Mont Tremblant, Canada.

Vancouver Island Dream | North Saanich, Canada

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no better spot than this elegant four-bedroom waterfront home. Nestled on 5,000 square-feet surrounded by the gorgeous natural splendor of Vancouver Island, this home includes access to your own private dock! Explore the nature around the home by biking the nearby trails all around Vancouver Island. Click here for all properties located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Europe

Europe is full of unparalleled scenery from historic landmarks, to art, to incredible landscapes! Mountain bike all over Europe with THIRDHOME.

Villa L’Accursio | Impruneta, Italy

This historic Italian estate, located only 15 minutes from Florence, is situated on 10,000 square-feet and is surrounded by the stunning, rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Each of the 8 bedrooms is bright and spacious, featuring fabulous interiors and furniture. Bike the surrounding countryside with family or friends! Click here for all properties located in Tuscany, Italy.

National Montreux Residence on Lake Geneva | Montreux, Switzerland

Located in the luxurious National Montreux Residences, this high-standing four-bedroom residence features stunning views of Lake Geneva. With miles of peaceful lakeshore and stunning 19th-century architecture, you and your guests will love exploring the charming city of Montreux! Bike the beautiful mountains around Lake Geneva, or take a bike ride down the shore. Click here for all properties located in Montreux, Switzerland.

Unique Farmhouse Retreat | Cadaqués, Spain

Enjoy the peace of the Spanish countryside at this spectacular farmhouse, the oldest home in the village of Cadaqués. Just 20 minutes from town, you’ll spend your trip immersed in the stunning Cap de Creus Natural Park, surrounded by gorgeous vistas as far as the eye can see. Offering 6 bedrooms and accommodating up to 12 guests, this magical residence is a dream! Click here for all properties located in Spain.

South America

Argentina is home to some of the most spectacular mountain ranges and exotic landscapes.

Argentinian Mountain Refuge | Uspallata, Argentina

Uspallata is a small, delightful town in a valley in between the stunning Andean String! It is a popular destination for the adventurous traveler looking for mountainous excursions. There are 5 private vineyards on the property for guests to enjoy as well as 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 10 guests. Mount Aconcagua Provincial Park is only a few miles away, which is the perfect setting for hiking and biking! Click here for all properties located in Argentina.

Ready to take your travels to a whole new level of elevation? Get ready to book your mountain biking trip today! View all availability by clicking here.

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Want more information about our Exchange Club? Click here to learn more about THIRDHOME.

Our selection of vacation rentals in Europe is growing every day. Here are some vacation rental properties in Europe you can’t miss!

 

5. Croatia

Villa Rosemarine | Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Enjoy stunning views across the Adriatic from this waterfront paradise. The spacious Villa Rosemarine features 6 ensuite bedrooms, each including dramatic sea views. Walk through the lavender and bougainvillea-filled garden on your way to the crystal clear waterfront or swim in the nearby infinity edge heated pool. Ask the property’s “skipper” to chauffeur you around Croatia’s archaeological sites and cultural attractions. Whether you’ve been dreaming about a trip to Croatia or are contemplating your next European getaway, Villa Rosemarine will surely not disappoint.

4. Spain

El Nido | Torreguadiaro, Spain

El Nido, or “The Nest” is located in Southern Spain near the Mediterranean coast. In fact, the aptly named “Nest” is perched atop a hill, giving the home unparalleled views of the coast, The Rock of Gibraltar, and on a good day, Africa.  This recently remodeled home is filled with modern amenities and plenty of space for a group or family trip. Each of the property’s three levels includes a deck, so everyone can enjoy El Nido’s fabulous views. Can you see an Andalusian holiday in your future?

3.  France

Beau Rivage | Longeville Sur Mer, France

Located on France’s West coast, near the Bay of Biscay, sits this elegant and family-friendly home. Beau Rivage embodies all the charm of Loire Country, with its expanse of surrounding pine forest and nearby Vendée Coast, known for its exceptional surfing conditions. The home itself can sleep up to 12 people and features a colorful children’s playroom. The playroom opens up into a delightful outdoor dining area overlooking the heated pool and jacuzzi. Beau Rivage has something to please every family member. Mix up your next French holiday with this scenic and peaceful coastal property.

2. Greece

Villa Dolce Vita | Mykonos, Greece

Perched above Agrari Beach on the southern coast of Mykonos, you’ll find Villa Dolce Vita. This Cycladic-style home features the white washed stone, which Mykonos is famous for, with pops of blue decor and natural greenery throughout the landscape. Designed to capture refreshing sea breezes, this home was built with large seaward openings and a focus on the garden and pool area. With room for 12 people, Villa Dolce Vita’s spacious interior includes a warm combination of stonework, wooden beamed ceilings and a collection of historic antiquities. From the edge of the pool or jacuzzi, you can spot the island of Naxos on the horizon. This property is the perfect secluded escape for groups or families looking for peaceful relaxation.

1. Italy

Palazzo Prugnoli | Monte Santa Maria Tiberina, Italy

Just Southeast of Florence, on the flanks of the Umbrian/Tuscan border, sits Palazzo Prugnoli. This restored 16th century Tuscan villa was formerly owned by the Prince of Milan and can sleep up to 18 people. Surrounding the property you’ll find wineries, medieval castles and ancient Roman installations. The rear terrace, made of stone and terracotta tiles, overlooks the pool which features sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside. Whether you spend your time hunting truffles in nearby groves, discovering surrounding history or just lounging by the pool, you’ll be sure to have the quintessential Tuscan experience with Palazzo Prugnoli.

 

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