Walking Holiday in the Verdon Gorge, Provence, France. Provence Hits the Alps and the land of sun and olive trees meets the land of snow and melted cheese. The area is also known for lavender production. The harvest is in august; you will smell the little flower everywhere.

Famous for its local cuisine, this serene region of southern France is a food lover’s paradise. With it’s strong emphasis on fresh ingredients from the countryside such as olives, tomatoes, zucchini eggplant, and lemons, Provencal cuisine has earned the nickname “la cuisine du soleil” (cuisine of the sun). One bite and you’ll understand why.

We have selected these three walking days so you can see the very best, walking through the heart of the Gorges du Verdon. It is also possible to walk optional days, from Saint-Andre-les Alpes to walk along Lac de Verdignan and from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Riez where there are more bus to return to Marseilles.

At Night you will relax in lovely and traditional hotels, all rooms en-suite. These have been selected for their : comfort, locations, character, and the quality of the restaurant! As we manage your luggage, just take your day pack with you, we do the rest!

DAY 1 – Coming to Castellane.
Castellane is the gateway to the Verdon gorge and its surrounding nature will surely charm you.

Town: Shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite rooms. Meals: Dinner

DAY 2 – Castellane to Point Sublime (5h, 18km, +476m -413m).

From Castellane we take the GR4 that follows the old route used by the Roman to reach to Lyon. Our trail follows the Verdon valley with unspoiled sleepy village and their typical house, with their red tile and with washed walls. Don’t hesitate to stop en-route in one of them! Mid-afternoon we arrive in the “chalet du Point sublime” our hotel for the night. Not to miss the belvedere points sublime a great views point on the “Couloirs Samson”, narrow gorge and the Verdon River.

Town: Shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite rooms . Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 3 - Point Sublime to La Palud (6h, 20km, +250m -187m).
The day so expected has come. We are now in the French Grand canyon. From our hotel, we ascent follow the “couloir Samson”, to the towering heights of the cliffs above the Verdon River [300m below]. Here the trail start to be challenging and should be taken seriously as we descent toward the river along the steep walls of the gorge. This is an unique experience and should be tackled one in your life!  Down we are welcome in luxuriant vegetation, to The perfect spot for a lunch and even a good “Sieste”! Tonight we stay in La Palud, for a well deserved beer!

Town: Shops, all facilities. Accomodation: 2* hotel, en-suite rooms. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Note that these hotels and guest-houses have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject of availabilities. If the hotel described is not available we provide you with the same standard of comfort & Price.

3 courses meals included in the price. These are usually from a set menu but feel free to ask for soemthing a la carte if you fancy it and pay whatever the difference is.

Loire Valley (Vallee de La Loire in French) was added to the unique UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2000. When delivering its decision, the comittee said that the area was “an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments – the Chateaux – and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself. With cities such as Orleans, Blois, Tours or Nantes, the Loire Valley offers an incredible quality of architectural heritage. Also known as the Gardens of France, Loire Valley is a great place to enjoy biological diversity, endless well kept forests (such as Forest of Amboise) and last but not least, its world class wines. We have graded this walk as “easy” as the average walking time is 4 hours, without any major ascent or descent.

We have decided to focus this trip on a more specific area of the Loire Valley: Le Val de Loire, and more specifically Touraine. With so much natural, cultural and gastronomic wealth, it is no wonder the local motto is still Here, living is an art! Chateau of Amboise or Chateau of Chenonceaux are amongst the most famous castles of the Loire Valley indeed, but there are also lots of small castles you will see during these walking holidays. All these castles were built or re-built during the Renaissance time, thanks to the local soft, friable and porous calcite rock called tuffeau, an easy-to-sharpe material. As a result, Touraine is full of underground quarries that were then transformed into troglodytic dwellings or caves ideal for storing wine, cheese, growing mushrooms and more. Between La Loire and one of its affluent Le Cher, Touraine also holds home to some of the finest wines in France. The walking holidays we have designed for you will bring you through colourful vineyards where you will have a few chances to stop by for wine tasting in local producers cellars.

DAY 1 – To Amboise

After your flight to Nantes or Paris, you will be pre-booked in our selected hotel, Logis de France, in the historical part of town – close to all facilities and only 5 minutes walk from the Castle. This picturesque town, with is white-washed buildings, is in the magnificent Loire valley. Definitely worth a visit! You could spend more time here and visit the magnificent Chateau d’Amboise, Clos Luce (the house of Leonardo da Vinci), or the Pagoda of Chanteloup – all within a short taxi ride (10min) or by bus in the summer!

DAY 2 – Thesée to Montrichard (4H, 16 KM)

From the Gallo-Roman ruins of Thesée, our way leads to Bourre via the Castle of Gu-Pan and Monthou-sur-Cher. Vineyards and troglodytic dwellings will be part of the landscape. You will continue your journey towards the medieval town of Montrichard with its castle overlooking the cobble streets and Le Cher.

Town: Shops, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Bars, Restaurants. Accomodation: 2* Hotel Logis de France, in the heart of the medieval town, at the foot of the castle and nearby river Le Cher. Meals: Half board – 3 courses Menu du Terroir dinner and buffet breakfast.

DAY 3 – Montrichard to Chissay-en-Touraine (2H, 8 KM)

For this second day, we offer you a short walk so you can enjoy visiting Montrichard, its castle and the Monmousseau Cellars, Touraine longest wine underground galleries. Then, an easy walk along Le Cher and through vineyards will bring you to Chissay-en-Touraine. Here, you are booked in a 4* castle!

Town: Bar & restaurant, shops. Accomodation: 4* stunning XVIth century Castle, with swimming pool. Meals: 3 courses dinner and buffet breakfast.

A Walking Holiday in Tuscany, Italy. Situated on the west side of Italy on the Mediterranean coast, Tuscany is simply steeped in natural beauty, history and culture. Chains of slender cypress trees rise and fall amongst the green brown contours of the Tuscan hills. Here you will discover peace and calm. The evenings inherit the beauty of the days just spent and you will soon come to appreciate why this place has seduced writers like Robert Browning and E.M. Forster.

During 6 days you will experience the real heart of Tuscany in this truly unique trip, partly following the famous “Via Francigena”, an ancient pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome.

So, relax and enjoy your time in Tuscany!

DAY 1 – Coming to Volterra

Volterra is one of the oldest villages in Italy, we recommend visiting the historic centre.

Optional circular walk: [3h, 10km, +/-351m]

Ease your way into your walking holiday with a gentle trek. The walk is mostly on a white road, lined with cypress trees – a good introduction to what is to follow…

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 4* hotel in the heart of the town in a 17th-century villa, with swimming pool. Room en suite.

DAY 2 – To San Gimignano [4h, 12km, +348m, -178m]

After a short transfer to Pignano, you will walk between vineyards and through oak woods with wild Cyclamen in flower in autumn and fine views of the ruins of the fortifications of Castelvecchio. Tonight you will stay at San Gimignano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – known for its imposing medieval towers.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* hotel in the heart of the village. En-suite.

DAY 3 – To Colle Val d’Elsa [4h10,14km,+394m, -208m]

Today is a leisurely day through olive groves and cypress avenues up to the village of Montecchio. In Colle Val d’Elsa, enjoy a glass of Chianti in the central piazza.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* hotel with character. Rooms en-suite.

DAY 4 – To Monteriggioni [4h, 23km, +61m, -191m]

Today’s walk is spent mostly in the shade, starting with a long descent to the Castel Petraia and then up to the densely forested hill of Montagnole, close to the attractive village of Strove. The stroll continues on to the handsome fortifications of Monterrigioni.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: Guesthouse in the tiny fortress-town of Monterrigioni. Rooms en suite.

DAY 5 – To S. Columba [4h35, 13km, +346m, -410m] and to Siena

We take to the road again for the last day of our trip. While you might find this day the most challenging, the end will certainly justify the means! After walking across the Montanella, you can admire the village of Funghaia and its church with frescoed interior. A short taxi ride will take you to your hotel in the heart of Siena – your reststop for tonight. Experience real Tuscan food in one of the region’s best osterias.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: 3* guesthouse in a 16th-century historical building in Siena. En-suite.

DAY 6 – Siena

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. However, you can extend you stay in Siena or take an additional night in Pisa or Florence (see options below).

Il Palio (a famous horse race in the heart of the city) takes place on dates in August and July each year. If you wish to book this trip during these dates, please contact us early so that we can secure your accommodation.

Hotel: Same as Day 5. Meal: Breakfast

TO PISA

http://www.pisa-airport.com/index.php

20 major airlines fly to Pisa: Ryanair www.ryanair.com, easyJet www.easyjet.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com, Sky Europe www.skyeurope.com and others.

Shuttle buses connect to Pisa Central Bus & Train Stations (every 10-20mins, until 11pm). Trains also connect the airport to the Pisa Central Station, but these are less frequent. The taxi rank is located outside the airport’s arrival terminal. Average fare to the city €12.00 (+ a surcharge on Sun & Bank Hols).

FROM VOLTERRA TO PISA

To Volterra by bus: Several buses a day connect Pisa to Volterra from the central bus station (takes 2hrs). Departure 5.35 to 21.30 (10.30 to 18.30 on Sat & Sun). Check CPT www.cpt.pisa.it. On Sundays, the service is less frequent. In August, timetable is subject to changes.

• First, line 190 Corsia 1. Pisa to Pontederra (1h)
• Then, line 500 Corsia 4. Pontederra to Volterra (1h)

To Volterra by train: First Pisa to Cecina, then a train from Cecina to Salina di Volterra. Finally, a bus will take you to Volterra. This takes longer (3hrs30) but it can be a good option on Sundays when other services may be limited. See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

TO FLORENCE

Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com and others. Shuttle buses connect to Florence Central Bus & Train Stations every 30 minutes.

To Volterra by bus: There are several buses a day from the central bus station (2hrs10mins). Departures 4h50 to 17h10. Check http://toscana-toskana.de/volterra-it/bus.htm

TO ROME FIUMICINO OF ROME CIAMPINO

Virtually all airlines fly to Rome. From the airport, there is an easy shuttle to Rome Termini train station.

From Rome Termini there are many trains to Cecina (4h30) and a bus to Volterra: www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

OTHER AIRPORTS

The train & bus networks in Italy are well developed and relatively inexpensive. It is probably possible to get to Volterra from other major cities in Italy. Ask us for advice and we will help you!

BACK FROM SIENA

Many options are possible from Siena, whether you want to return to the airport or visit Pisa, Florence, Rome or another city.

To Pisa: Several trains a day connect Volterra to Empoli (45mins) & Empoli to Pisa (1hr15). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

To Florence: Several trains a day (1hr30 approx.). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

To Rome: Several trains a day (3-4hrs). See www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html.

• 4 nights in hotels 3* or superior (B&B basis)
• 1 nights in guest house of character (B&B basis)
• 6 breakfasts
• Luggage transferred every walking day (Day 2 to 5)
• Transfer Day 2 from Volterra to Pignano
• Step by step walking notes describing the itinerary
• Detailed map(s) of the area (1:25,000 and 1:50,000)

DAY 1 – Coming to Marrakech

After picking you up at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be transferred to your 3* hotel, 10 minutes away from Djemaa El Fna.

DAY 2 – Marrakech (450 m) – Asni – Ait Misane valley – Imlil (1750 m) – Toubkal refuge (3200 m) [5h, +1450]

Transfer to Imlil at 1750m in a walnut tree valley – there’s a Berber souk here on Saturdays! Here we meet our team of Berber muleteers. We start our walk in the late morning, reaching “Marabout Sidi Chemharouch” (2250m) in about 2 hours. Here, our cook has prepared a lunch made of salad, vegetables, mint tea, dessert and seasonal fruits. We then continue to climb on a very easy mule track, until we reach Toubkal refuge at 3200m.

You will stay 1 night in Marseille, in a 2* hotel in the old centre. Marseille is a lively city and you will be able to choose from 100 restaurants and bars whilst there.
The following 2 nights will be spent in the colourful and pretty village of Cassis, in a 2* hotel by the sea.

After a luxury breakfast we take an easy path up to the Reckingerbach River at 1760m, here there is a most unusual mountain restaurant by the stream; with its garden gnomes, jokes painted on the walls, and a guardian who insisted to write in his visitors’ book. From here the path crosses a succession of streams, the Walibach, Hilpersbach, Wilerbach and, and crossing green pasture and lovely wooden chalets. The next 3 nights in a 4-star hotel, kids friendly, as they can enjoys numerous of activities like an initiation to the Via Ferrata… The restaurant appears in the famous “Gault Millau” & the “Guide bleu”, is just SUPERB

Town: ATM, Food shop, internet in the hotel Hotel: 4* hotel, great comfort, best views on the valley, swimming pool, and free activities for kids (climbing, via ferrata, pony riding, drawing…) Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 6 – Blitzingen. Free day
From the town take the cable car up the Eggishorn (2927m), an unspoiled vantage point, above the hamlet of Kuhboden, offering the finest views of the glacier Aletsch for a 360 degree Alpine Panorama and on the magisterial the Eiger, Matterhorn are just Breath-taking.

Town: Same as Day 5.
Hotel: Same as Day 5, 4* hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 7 – Blitzingen. Day with Options [5h, 13.5km, +50m, -50m]
As we stay a third night in our luxury hotel, you have the option to relax in town, visit Zermatt, less than an hour away by train, or to come with us for a walk. We start ascending to the Schwarzer Brunnen River at 1371m, and then the path climbs again up to 1622m at Obermatta before gradually descending to the outskirts of Bellwald. From here you can take a chairlift up and get great views of this part of the Goms valley. Later today, we will go back to Blitzingen by a low path mostly on the shade.

Town: Same as Day 5.
Hotel: Same as Day 5, 4* hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 8 – Blitzingen. End of the adventure
After breakfast, we bid you farewell at the train station below

Meal: Breakfast

From Dublin: BA, Swissair, Aer-lingus fly to Zurich, Geneva.

To the beginning of the adventure

To Obergesteln.
Several trains a day operate to
Obergesteln from Zurich[2h00] & Geneva [3h30]

Walking holidays in Cinque Terre, Italy. Quite possibly the most beautiful coastal walk in Europe, on the most magnificent part of the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre are five coastal, medieval, villages in the province of La Spezia: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of a national park of the same name. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through the National Park, you will discover the coastline as well as the backcountry: villages that cling to the cliffs, tiny sandy beaches and sandy coves as well as terraced fields and extensive woodlands. Given its location on the Mediterranean, only the freshest fish and seafood are good enough for the local cuisine. The anchovies of Monterosso are a local specialty, while the extensive terraced olive groves provide oil for some of the best pesto in Italy.
As this trip is centre based, you will be able to stay in the heart of the National park and explore the area as you wish (see “Cinque Terre Card” below).

To suit everybody’s taste and budget, we have selected 3 types of accommodation (see table of prices below):

• Self-catering apartment (2* standard) in Riomaggiore, including breakfast
• 3* hotel in Monterosso
• 4* hotel in Monterosso

You can extend your stay by adding as many extra nights in the Cinque Terre as you wish, or nights in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome (depending on your flight schedule).

To the Cinque Terre (Monterosso or Riomaggiore)

Take a train to the Cinque Terre (see “How to get there” below) and check into your accommodation in the town of Monterosso or Riomaggiore (see “Options” below). If you arrive early enough, it would be possible to complete one of the shorter walks or alternatively, you could explore, rest or go for a swim.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Monterosso (4h45, +/- 430m)

This is the famous Via Dell’Amore (Lovers’ Walk). This very picturesque footpath winds along the shore, past the five famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Pass by pretty terraced vineyards and olive groves.This walk varies in difficulty from an easy stroll to a demanding hike, but offers the best views of the bay and spectacular approaches to both Monterosso and Vernazza. If you feel tired, you can also take a train from any station along the way.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Portovenere (5h00, +/- 515m)

This walk explores the remote Peninsula of Portovenere. We head south on a path going steeply uphill through extensive woodlands. Passing Campiglia, a pretty, traditional Ligurian village, we descend to Portovenere. From here, enjoy great views of “Isla Palmaria” and the little church sitting atop it. From Portovenere, you can travel back either by seasonal ferry, or by taking the bus to La Spezia and then a train to Cinque Terre.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Circular walk Monterosso (4h00, +/- 601m)

This walk takes you through a fragrant lemon grove where you can enjoy sweeping views of the coast. Both the Etruscans and the Romans followed this path many hundreds of years ago. During the Middle Ages this mule track was of great importance, as it passed just in front of the historical sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

To Pisa

http://www.pisa-airport.com/index.php?lang=_en

20 major airlines fly to Pisa: Ryanair www.ryanair.com, easyJet www.easyjet.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com, Sky Europe www.skyeurope.com amongst others.
From Pisa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Genoa
http://www.airport.genova.it/v2/
Ryanair www.ryanair.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com and other airlines fly to Genoa.
From Genoa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Milan
Virtually all airlines fly to Milan’s airports.
From Milano Centrale (Milan’s main train station) there are regular trains to the Cinque Terre (3hrs). http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Rome
Virtually all airlines fly to Rome.
From Rome Termini (Rome’s main train station) there are many trains to the Cinque Terre (5hrs), with a change in La Spezia http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

These options give you the opportunity to couple your stay in the Cinque Terre with a visit to one of these historical towns/cities. All our hotels are centrally located, close to all amenities and sites of cultural interest. In addition, our accommodations are ideally situated with regards to airports and train stations. Depending on your flight schedule, an extra night/s in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome may make your departure easier.

Centre-based Walking Holiday in the High Tatras, Poland. Ideal for families & groups, this trip explores the Tatras Mountain Range around Zakopane; its central town in Poland. Every day, you will discover a new facet of these magnificent mountains. You will stay in a comfortable self-catering apartment in the heart of the lively city of Zakopane. As you stay 6 nights in the same location, you will have plenty of time to get familiar with the local culture & gastronomy without ever having to rush! This is the reason why this trip is particularly recommended for families and groups.

DAY 1 – Coming to Zakopane.
After flying to Krakow. You will discover the charms of Zakopane, the great capital of the Polish Tatras. You will be pre-booked into our comfortable 2* hotel in the heart of town, all rooms are en-suite.

An easy & interesting walk around Zakopane, starting along the “Ugory ridge” with great views of the Tatras chain. It passes through meadows that are filled with flowers in Spring and early Summer. The second part of the walk is easier, passing rivers & wooden houses typical of the region. Back in Zakopane, the night is yours!

Town: Internet, ATM, food shop, vibrant city, all facilities, plenty of restaurants, pubs, and clubs
Accommodation: Hotel en-suite.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 2 – Morskie Oko & the valley of the 5 Lakes [5h, 14km, +348m -564m]
An early start to attempt one of the most popular treks in the Tatras and visit the famous 5 Lakes. After a short transfer by horse-drawn carriage (not included) to Wlosienica. After a 30 min hike up we arrive in Morskie Oko, widely acknowledged as the most beautiful lake in Poland. The view of the steep ridge and the Rysy (2503m) looming above you is unforgettable. From here, we hike to the west, passing through dwarf pines and above the tree line. The path climbs over two shoulders, and finally ascends to the valley of the 5 Lakes. Arriving in the Vielki straw Polski (a big polish tarn), you can enjoy a refreshing hot/cold drink. Finally we will take a popular forest route, passing the impressive Siklawa Waterfall.

Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 3 – Peering into Slovakia at Kasprowy Wierch (1987m) [4h30, 8km, -1151m].
Transfer to Kuznice by horse-drawn carriage to catch the cable car (not included), 25min ascent to Kasprowy Wierch at 1987m. There, on the top of the ridge, you can admire Poland to the north and Slovakia to the south. Then it is a fabulous descent in a mix of bare land, luxurious forest, and meadows. The views plunging down the valley below are fabulous.

Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

DAY 4 – Zakopane. End of the adventure.
End of the trip after breakfast.

Optional day 1 – Pasture lands [5h30, 12km, +10m -80m]
A fascinating route along the lower slopes of the Tatras. The route links the 7 main valleys and crosses 6 saddles. On the eastern section you can make a short diversion to Sarnia Skala, for an outstanding view over Zakopane and Podhale.
Town: Same every day
Hotel: Same every day.
Meal: breakfast

Optional day 2 – West Tatras [5h, 12km, +677m -677m].
For our first day’s walk, you will make a short transfer by horse-drawn carriage (not included) to the magnificent valley of Chocholowska, where cattle and sheep graze below the green mountains. En-route, you will be able to admire the famous “Timber houses” unique in the area. Here you take a horse drawn carriage (not included) to the mountain chalet of Schronisko, the start of our first day’s hike, and head straight up toward the summit of the Trydniowianski Wierch (1758m). From there, the view into the valley and the Dlugi Uplaz (long ridge) gives you a broad outline of the famous West Tatras. After enjoying the scenery, we descend to the mountain chalet where the horse drawn carriage awaits us (not included). In Zakopane, you will have plenty of time to relax or to enjoy the town that evening!

All hotels have been selected for their comfort, friendliness & character, as much as for the quality of their cuisine. They are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with the same standard of comfort & price.

Can be taken in the apartment, or in one of the hundred tasty restaurants in the town. Note that we provide you with breakfast and can also organise picnic lunches (see Options below)

As you will stay in the same hotel each night, you can relax and unpack your bags on this trip!