For the 2006 summer season, Inntravel introduces walking holidays in the Douro, the Azores and Lesvos, as well as a walking tour in Sicily. Amongst the new destinations are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The 2006 programme, until now called Summer Inn-Active becomes Walking and More and offers the widest selection of independent walks, as well as thrilling journeys by rail, boat or car. Choose from routes in Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
In the Douro Valley, walkers will be able to follow the route from the Port wine lodges right back to the grape and this walk has been put together in close collaboration with a member of the Symington Port family in the UK, giving a real insight into the traditions of Port production.
Route notes (and walking maps) are so detailed on Inntravel’s walking holidays that you don’t need a guide. However, a series of Local Insights have been introduced for those who would like to learn more about the region – whether it be local culture or wildlife. On selected walking holidays, Inntravel will be offering guided excursions, such as the visit in Aragon to see hundreds of griffon vultures being fed in the wild – an extraordinary spectacle (p43).
Other excursions include seeing orchids with a botanist in the Catalan Coast (p29); learning about the medicinal properties of the plants (p189) on a guided walk with a herbalist beneath a Swiss glacier; whale-watching in the Azores (p18); bird watching with an ornithologist on the Gulf of Roses (p32); thrilling guided walking above 2,000 metres in the Alpujarras (p55); a tour of Graham’s Port Wine Lodge (p23), and visiting a gorge in Andalucia where 200 pairs of griffon vultures nest (p61).
Inntravel features almost 80 independent summer walking holidays in over 55 regions, providing something for everyone, from gentle coastal strolls to high mountain hikes, with your luggage transported ahead. And because they are independent, you can choose how and when to travel, and select the length of stay.
Authentic, family-run hotels lie at the heart of Inntravel’s active and relaxed holidays, where a warm welcome and delicious regional cuisine are guaranteed. At the end of the Spanish, Italian, French and Alpine sections are some 23 high-quality hotels that make ideal bases for a few days’ relaxation and exploration. Pick one or two, or combine several to make your own touring holiday.
New Routes for 2006
Valley of Gold - the Douro Valley
Journey from Porto, famous for its famous port lodges and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelling upriver by train to explore on foot where the port wine is produced, using age-old harvesting and processing methods. Spend five days walking to the north of the river, through vineyards, orchards, woods of cork oaks and sleepy villages steeped in the traditions of wine-making. Highlights include the romantic wooden boat that ferries you to a simple rural inn for the night, the many opportunities for wine tasting and some wonderful accommodation including a lovingly restored nobleman’s house. 7 nights from £828pp inc. travel. Page 23.
The Treasures of Eastern Sicily
A new fly-drive holiday with opportunities for walking and visiting the historical treasures and ancient monuments left by the many civilisations that ruled over Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island. Stroll through Ragusa’s and nearby Scicli’s Baroque streets, now both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and take a guided excursion (pay locally) by jeep or on foot to the upper slopes of towering Mount Etna. 8 nights from £968pp inc. fly-drive. Page 111.
The Azores - Europe's Westernmost Frontier
Inntravel offers stays on three islands from this archipelago, set in the mid-Atlantic, 800 miles west of Portugal’s mainland: a renovated 16th century manor house on São Miguel, a Country House on São Jorge and the elegant 4-star Pousada in the lively capital of Horta on Faial. Walking is the best way to discover these lush volcanic landscapes and there are splendid routes and paths on several islands. Included during the week is a full-day’s whale watching, where there are good chances to spot the mighty sperm whale, the smaller pilot whale, dolphins and turtles. 7 nights from £938pp including international flights and car hire. Page 18.
Lesvos – The Third Largest Island in Greece
It’s difficult to beat walking along the ancient stone paths of Lesvos, especially in spring when endemic flowers carpet the ground. During the week stay in friendly hotels and explore three different areas, from the olive groves of the east, to the mysterious 20-million year-old petrified forest in the west. Each day brings something new: whether walking alongside a Roman aqueduct, a Bronze Age site or one of the pilgrims’ paths across Mount Olympus’ panoramic slopes. 7 nights from £698pp including flights & transfers. Page 129.
Inntravel is an active member of AITO and one of a handful of travel companies to be awarded the AITO Responsible Tourism’s maximum 3-star status. In addition Inntravel provides financial support to three charities: Plantlife, VSO and Yorkshire Wildlife.
For a copy of Walking and More, which runs from 1st March – 30 November, contact:
INNTRAVEL, Nr. Castle Howard, York YO60 7JU
Tel 01653 617906 www.inntravel.co.uk
Lead in Price for a walking holiday with flights: A week’s walking in the Mountains of Alicante (p49) costs from £625pp sharing, including return scheduled flights Gatwick-Alicante, taxi transfers, 5 five nights half board, 2 nights B&B, 2 picnics, walking maps and notes and luggage transfers between three hotels.
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