Active Walking Trips

SPECIAL – France’s Dordogne Quercy Vineyard Walk – Guided

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:26:39 +0000

New trip date this year with a special REDUCED rate!

*Special Date: Oct. 20 – 27 (7 Nights)

*Special Rate: 1st person = full price, 2nd person = 1/2 price (Single Supplement: first single waive, must have a group of 5 for this pricing)

See trip page for more details: France’s Dordogne Quercy Vineyard Walk – Guided

SPECIAL – England’s Taste of Suffolk Walk – Guided

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:23:16 +0000

New trip date this year with a special REDUCED rate!

*Special Date: Oct. 20 – 27 (7 Nights)

*Special Rate: $2,305.00 USD (Single Supplement: $470.00, min. 5 people, max 10 people to make this trip)

See trip page for more details: England’s Taste of Suffolk Walk – Guided

North Carolina’s Magic of the Smoky Mountains – Guided / Self-Guided

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:10:58 +0000

The Smoky Mountains were named for the morning mist that rises out of the valleys, shrouding the mountains in “smoke.” They are one of the most beautiful places in America and a place to return to – again and again. The climate allows outdoor activity year round – winter is not all that long and the summer nights are cool for a good night’s sleep.

You will be staying in Dillsboro, on the “quiet” side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in a wonderful old mansion originally built as a summer home for the Kress family. Now a bed and breakfast, it’s furnished with period antiques and spacious rooms where you’ll enjoy wonderful food and spectacular views. On the day of arrival there will be a delicious welcome dinner to introduce you to your guide, discuss the itinerary, and enjoy some mountain music.

Our hikes explore the “Smokies” and you’ll be immersed in the history of the Cherokees as well as the early Appalachian settlers. Nature abounds here with a diversity of plants and wildlife found no place else on earth. A World Heritage site and biosphere all its own, you’ll marvel at the variety of trees and wildflowers. You’ll behold the beauty of Lake Fontana, a 10,000-acre lake, and enjoy the thrill of a New Zealand-style jet boat ride as it cruises and spins – what great fun!

You’ll visit the magnificent Biltmore Estate and Gardens in Asheville and one day will be spent on the Cataloochee Divide – enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch at The Swag – a unique inn hidden away in the mountains.

A free day is provided for you to enjoy one of the other many activities available in the area – whitewater rafting, zip lining, fly-fishing, tubing, swimming, shopping, or a customized hike suited to your particular interests.

We also offer this trip self-guided. You will stay at the same hotel, arriving any Sunday night through Friday. After a delicious breakfast, you will be free to choose any of the delightful options available in the area.

Guided Option:
Dates: (7 nights) June 2-9, Sept. 8-15
Rate: $1,650.00 USD per person – double occupancy (Single Supplement: $425.00 USD)

Self Guided Option:
Dates: (5 nights) Arriving any Sunday through Friday. It is possible to arrange for additional nights, please call to discuss.
Rate: $395.00 USD per person – double occupancy (Single Supplement: $375.00 USD)

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Vermont’s Green Mountains Walk

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:05:05 +0000

Set in the heart of the Green Mountains your base for this vacation is at the lovely Mountain Top Inn and Resort, Vermont’s classic four season resort, located in Central Vermont, just 11 miles from Killington. It is majestically set on 350 acres with sweeping views of a mountain lake and the Green Mountain National Forest. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort offers an endless array of outdoor activities, ideal for both couples and families….there’s something for everyone at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort.

Hiking trails wander through the Green Mountain National Forest, offering gentle walks, to more vigorous hikes through the mountains, including Gifford Woods State Park, Deer Leap at Sherburne Pass, Bald Mountain, and many more, including the ski trails through the Killington ski area.

The inn was formerly a retreat for a wealthy family and as such, it features very comfortable and welcoming rooms. It additionally offers activities for all family members including swimming in the pool, swimming and kayaking on the lake, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, sporting clays and tennis courts. After a day of all the fun activity, you may choose to schedule a well-deserved massage with one of the talented professionals on staff. In the winter months, both downhill and cross country skiing as well as snow shoeing are available.

For those that want to plan a larger group event, the inn has exquisite chalet homes available. The chalet homes are luxuriously designed with wonderful living rooms complete with fireplaces, a full kitchen, and a private deck to enjoy the sunsets and often recreation rooms as well. The bedrooms each include a bathroom, most ensuite. These chalet homes are ideal for groups traveling together that want to have their own private space for socializing in a more private environ.

Dates: At your convenience, starting any Sunday or Monday night as space allows.
5 Nights Rate: $960.00 USD with breakfast & dinner (Single Supplement: $325.00 USD)
4 Nights Rate: $770.00 USD with breakfast & dinner (Single Supplement: $310.00 USD)
Optional massage: $195.00 USD

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Vermont’s Sugarbush Escape – Guided / Self Guided

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:00:24 +0000

Come and enjoy Sugarbush Vermont, mostly known as a ski resort, it is also a wonderful summer escape. We have arranged for a five nights stay for you at the wonderful Clay Brook resort, including a delicious breakfast each day in the Timbers Restaurant. In March you can enjoy 3 days of snow shoeing with a guide, and in the summer, 3 days of hiking with a guide.

One day you will be in for an adventure of discovery and wonder in the wilds of Sugarbush, and the green Mountain National Forest. So much to take in, the birds, the black bears, and learn about how they make maple syrup. Another day you will do a walking tour of historic Waitsfield village and the Mad River path, a beautiful connection between the comforts of town and the wonders of nature.

The “Fungi Hike” will probably be a new experience, where you learn about the magic and mystery of wild mushrooms. That night you will feast at the Timbers restaurant on a dinner prepared with many different fungi, providing you with some wonderful ideas for the future!

All the hikes and snow shoeing days will be tailored to the experience and fitness level of your group. Ski lifts will be available to you as needed. Minimum of 4 people to a group.

We also offer a self-guided, mid-week stay, arrive any Sunday night, and stay through Friday. The Clay Brook offers suites with a full kitchen, or you can take a double room.

2012 Winter Dates: (5 nights Sun – Fri) Winter snow shoe trip: March 18-23
Winter Rates: $1,065.00 USD (Single supplement: $785.00 USD)
One bedroom suite: $1,535.00 USD (Single supplement $1255.00)

2012 Summer Dates: (5 nights Sun – Fri) Summer hiking trips: July 8-12, Aug. 12-16, Sept. 23-27
Summer Rates: $750.00 USD (Single supplement: $490.00 USD)
One bedroom suite: $950.00 USD (Single supplement: $680.00 USD)

Self Guided: (Any 5 nights, Sun-Fri, subject to availability, summer only)
Rates: $570.00 USD (Single supplement: $490.00 USD)
One bedroom suite: $725.00 USD (Single supplement $680.00)
Add a weekend (2 nights) at either end of your summer visit (subject to availability): $525.00 USD
One bedroom suite: $715.00 USD (includes breakfast)

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England’s Discover the Isle of Jersey – Guided

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:51:52 +0000

Jersey is the largest of the four islands that are part of the Channel Islands, closer to France than to England. They are however considered to be part of the “British Islands” not to be confused with the “British Isles”. Each island has its own primary legislature, in Jersey known as the States of Jersey. The islands are not represented in the UK parliament, and any laws passed by one of the islands, are then given Royal Assent by the Queen in Council to whom the islands’ governments are responsible. The islands are also not part of the European Union, though they promote economic links with the EU.

Jersey has a long and interesting history, dating back 25,000 years, when they were attached to the landmass of continental Europe; they were eventually separated by rising sea levels. There is an interesting mixture of French and English culture on the island, as well as its own particular flavor. During the French revolution many of the wealthier aristocracy took refuge in Jersey, and during the Second World War it was occupied by the Germans. Jersey is now a very active financial center, with its own tax laws, offering a “tax haven” to many.

We have a wonderful seven night trip planned for you, which will introduce you to both the beauty, and the rich culture of the island. You will be staying in a small family run hotel, close to town, but in the country, with a swimming pool. Breakfast is included, and if you feel like staying home one night, the dinners are delicious. For such a small island, Jersey preserves a lot of its land in farmland ,with the traditional British “walking paths” running throughout. Much of the coast line is high, with wonderful cliffs to walk along, and beautiful coves to visit. The architecture is magnificent, the gardens truly beautiful, helped by the mild climate. On your walks, you will have many opportunities to visit local cafes, be sure to try the mussels which are great specialty of the island. Your trip will also include a catamaran crossing to Guernsey, another island to explore. This trip is an exceptional way to visit these islands, and I know you will want to go back. On Saturday night there will be a welcome dinner at your hotel to meet your guide, and discuss your visit.

There is an also a wonderful opportunity to improve your photographic skills with an optional half day photographic workshop with your guide Remi and professional photographer Gary Grimshaw. This will be an “Introduction to Landscape Photography”, how it has been approached by classic photographers, and how to handle your own digital camera. The course will include a short guided walk with personal tuition from Gary, ending with a summary of your progress.

Dates: (7 nights) May 5-12, Sept. 22-29
Rate: $1,400.00 USD double occupancy (Single Supplement: $370.00 USD)
Optional Photography Workshop: $60.00 USD per person; 4 person minimum

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Italy’s Taste of Umbria Walk – Guided

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:41:15 +0000

This walk in Italy is a special experience as Umbria has all the ingredients of culture and gastronomy that we strive for! The extraordinary frescoes of Giotto and Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti in Assisi for example. The fantastic wines presented to us by Roberto Angellini ……. some of the best Italy have to offer. And then the magnificent flowers of the Sibillini mountains. It is a week not to be missed for those that love the good things in life! Mules accompany you on the longer days walking in the mountains to lighten the load. You will enjoy the great hospitality of Marco and Francesca at their beautiful lodge behind the whale-back Monte Subasio.

Umbria is bordered by Tuscany to the west, the Marche to the east and Lazio to the south. Mostly hilly or mountainous, its topography is dominated by the Apennines. It is the only Italian region having neither coastline nor common border with other countries. In the Monti Sibellini we will include a visit to the tiny desolate lake, the Lago di Pilato (the supposed death bed of Pontius Pilate) as well as two other days walking around the crater of Castelluccio. An extraordinary plethora of flowers is here in June, in fact one of the wonders of the flower world.

Olive oil groves abound at the foot of Monte Subasio intermingled with the Umbrian Sagrantino vineyards and we will be visiting two very different sorts of winemakers. Giovanni who makes wonderful Sagrantino wine and virgin pressed olive oil which is sold all over Italy, and Ambrogio whose wine is served in a concrete vat on his farm. This is wine made the old-fashioned way. Not only does Ambrogio make his own wine which we will be sampling together with his own unfiltered olive oil but also his own hams and salamis. Definitely no additives here!

Gastronomy is as high on the list as ever. Truffles will feature in the cuisine of the chef of the Grotta Azurra hotel in Norcia and we will have a morning truffle hunt with Nicola and Nina, his beautiful chocolate cocker spaniel. Norcia is a tiny circular walled village at the foot of the Sibellini mountains which is famed for its charcuterie of wild boar and the truffles it has. After seeing how they hunt for truffles, in the evening we will sample the most delicious gnocchi imbued with black truffle and finished off with a grating of white truffle. Also on the menu in the week will be oven-baked pizza, vitello, carciofi, oodles of olive oil and of course … gelato!

Norcia itself is incredibly pretty with its small square (sheltering one excellent gelateria for clandestine enthusiasts). The wall has seven gates that are supposed to represent the seven vestal virgins who stand to protect the village. The two stark white churches in the square are a dramatic contrast to the strange castle that sits on another side and the classical porphyry loggia that stands opposite.

We shall also be staying in the beautiful more gentle landscape of the foothills of Monte Subasio. Before walking through the vineyards and olive groves of the Valle di Spoleto we will do an early morning visit to the great basilica of San Francesco and view the famous frescoes painted by Giotto. More time will be spent in the tiny chapel of Saint Martin painted by Simone Martini. Here we will see the difference between the Sienese artists and those from Florence – the difference between a solid placement in space and an extraordinarily beautiful sense of line and grace.

Perugia will be our last port of call. This is a fine Etruscan city that H.V. Morton described as one in which he could well imagine how easy it was to murder someone in the Middle Ages. The alleys are narrow and dark and they run off the wonderful Corso Vannucci in a myriad of iniquity. Of course, being the last day, this would be an ideal opportunity for shopping.

Please note: you could extend your vacation in Italy to two weeks, by adding our week in Tuscany, either before or after this trip.

2012 Dates: June 2-9, 16-23
Rate: $2,900.00 USD double occupancy (Single Supplement: $630.00 USD)

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Italy’s Tuscany Walk – Guided

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:36:00 +0000

This new eight day trip takes you through the beauty of a well-trodden Tuscany. Well-trodden yes but we will be showing you this great region through our eyes and with our passion. Food, wine, culture and walking will lend itself to the success of a great week. There are some outstanding wines made in Tuscany … namely Brunello of Montalcino and the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano. These you will be sampling and comparing. James has always had a great love for the works of the Gothic sculptor Giovanni Pisano and as well as seeing some outstanding works of his there will be much early and Renaissance work of equal merit to see! In Florence you visit the Accademia to see the wonderful Michelangelo sculptures for instance and then the ethereal frescoes of Fra Angelica painted some sixty years earlier in the Convent of San Marco just nearby.

Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making…From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Tuscany is widely regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been home to some of the most influential people in the history of arts and science, such as Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine, we will enjoy all of this as we walk and the beautiful country side, or while we visit several historical towns and cities such as Florence, San Gimignano and Sienna.

Please note: you could extend your vacation to two weeks in Italy by adding a week in Umbria, either before or after this trip.

Dates: (7 Nights) June 9-16
Rate: $2,900.00 USD double occupancy (Single Supplement: $630.00 USD)

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Spain’s The Magic of Catalunya – Guided

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:18:20 +0000

Catalunya is a magnificent region of Spain full of history and struggle for autonomy. Its capital city Barcelona is probably the most modern city of Europe with a fabulous buzz of Catalan pride that culminates in the extraordinary Sagrada Familia project. This was started by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi in 1883 and they hope to finish it in 2020! A modern day magnificent cathedral encrusted with molluscs and fantastic beasts.

Part of Catalan culture also is the building of the human towers: the castellers. This event takes place in the certain village squares and will normally incorporate teams from three different Catalan villages. The towers built go up some good 12 metres high and involve tiers of men and women standing on each other’s shoulders.

We will visit Cadaques and the rugged Costa Brava, Sitges, one of the prettiest ports and Collioure the port of inspiration to the Fauve painters Matisse and Derain. And then finishing off in Barcelona one of the great capital cities of Europe visiting the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batllo two of Gaudi’s masterpieces.

Hopefully also the wonderful human tower festival an extraordinary daring do of Spanish bravura and the calçots gastronomic feast a hedonistic festival of dropping fire cooked leeks into the mouth having covered them with romesco sauce!

There are also three nights at the famous port of Cadaques nestled in the Costa Brava with Dali’s house in the next door village. A boat trip round the cape, finishing in a four star hotel overlooking the bay of Collioure .

For bird watchers we would be delighted to start this week a day early and go from Sitges to the world famous wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Here we would do an evening and a morning’s bird watching before going to Sitges to collect the rest of the group. There would be a supplement of $295.00 per person for this extra day and night.

Dates 2012: (7 nights) March 4-11, March 11-18, March 18-25
Rate: $2,820.00 USD double occupancy (Single Supplement: $630.00 USD)
For the additional bird watching day add $295.00 USD

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England’s Suffolk Coast Walk – Guided

admin — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:49:40 +0000

The county of Suffolk is the where your guide was brought up so it gives him enormous pleasure to be able to show you around one of the most beautiful counties in England. Suffolk Pink, Suffolk Punch the Redpoll Suffolk cows and it surely has to be one of the best counties for the “gastro pub”. This is our second itinerary in Suffolk and centres around the beautiful coast line which has been an inspiration to so many writers, poets and composers. We centre the week around the port of Aldeburgh which was the birth place and working place of Benjamin Britten. This is scenery with wonderful marshes and the muddy estuaries of the Alde, Deben and Ore rivers. There is good bird life and of course fabulous fish to be enjoyed and the great Adnams brewery at Southwold.

Each night will be spent in the one of the local villages, staying in comfortable local hotels, each room with a private bath, and excellent food. Each morning you will enjoy a great English breakfast before setting off for your walk of the beaches, local historical spots, old ruins. Most days you will enjoy great picnic lunches, though you will also have the opportunity to eat one of the best “fish and chip” lunches in England!

The days will vary, but all will include great food, lots of local information, bird watching (Marsh Harriers, Avocets, Bearded Tits, Red-breasted Mergansers …) each day’s walk more beautiful and interesting than the day before. You will get to see the Suffolk Punch Trust which is probably the oldest stud farm in the world for the famous Suffolk Punch Horse.

2012 Dates: (7 nights) July 8 -15
Rate: $2,680.00 double occupancy (Single Supplement: $720.00 USD)

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