Guided walk along the Camino de Santiago Pilgrim’s Way

Few trails in the world have been walked by so many as the Pilgrim’s Way in the northwest of Spain; over the centuries millions have walked the trail to venerate the tomb of the Apostle St. James – Santiago.

Walks Worldwide has two special guided small group departures for its 11-day Camino de Santiago walk departing 4 September and 9 October 2009. The trips are particularly well-suited to those who wish to travel alone with like-minded people.

The guided walk offers several other advantages over the independent version, the most important of which is the services of a bi-lingual tour leader who is an expert in the history of the trail and Spain, and can add colour as the group makes progress with fascinating facts and stories. There is also the convenience of a support vehicle which has refreshments and carries luggage.

The 100km walk commences in the city of Leon, where special pilgrims’ passports are collected. The 11-day trip provides plenty of time to complete the walk and enjoy places visited along the way, and an extra two days are allowed to explore the fascinating section to Sarria.

The final destination is Santiago de Compostela, where two nights are spent allowing plenty of time to enjoy the historic city with its famous 15th Century cathedral.

Departing 4 September or 9 October 2009, the holiday costs from £1865 pp which includes flights, all transportation, 10 nights’ accommodation, most meals, support bus, entrance fees to places of interest visited and the services of a bilingual expert guide. The price is based on two sharing a room but single travellers have the option of sharing a room with other single people to avoid single supplements.

Call 01524 242 000 (www.walksworldwide.com).

Ends 30 June 2009

For further press information call Mick Thompson or Jane Parritt at Media Contacts PR on 01367 820 766 (mick@mediacontactspr.co.uk).

Walks Worldwide expands programme to Germany

Germany is one of the most overlooked holiday destinations and yet is home to some of the best walking trails in Europe. Walks Worldwide – the UK’s leading independent specialist tour operator – has a choice of four itineraries, three of which are brand new for 2009.

The E5 Across the Alps (small groups) – 10 days from £1195 pp

The E5 is one of Europe's most challenging trails with one section crossing the Alps from Bavaria across the glaciated mountains of the Austrian Tyrol to 'Mediterranean' Merano in Italy. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide you will enjoy dramatic scenery, alpine flowers, glaciers, rugged peaks and picturesque meadows whilst experiencing authentic Bavarian and Tyrolean hospitality and hearty cuisine, in welcoming, family-run guesthouses. The trip provides the chance to follow 200kms of this ancient trail through meadows, over passes, past glacial lakes and across alpine plateaux, home to the rare steinbocke sheep. The small-group holiday departs between June and September and costs from £1195 pp which includes 9 nights’ accommodation, most meals, transfers and a guide. Call 01524 242 000 (http://www.walksworldwide.com/)

Bavaria – In Search of the Swan King (self guided) – 9 days from £985 pp

Said to be mad, King Ludwig II (the 'Swan King') the eccentric King of Bavaria left behind a legacy of some of Europe’s most extravagant architecture. The Swan King is probably best known for creating the fantasy castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein, which is without doubt the most famous and iconic landmark in Bavaria. Walking through Bavarian villages, there are numerous castles to enjoy including Falkenstein, the highest castle in Germany, and at Fussen, there will be time to visit iconic Neuschwanstein and, if you feel up to it, a hike to the top of Tegelberg (1730m) for fine Alpine views. The trail continues upwards to King Ludwig's old, historic hunting cabin at Bleckenau (1167m) and beyond to the Alpe Jagerhutte (1435m). Many other spectacular castles will be seen along the way. The trip can depart any day between May and October and costs from £985 pp (two sharing) which includes train tickets for airport transfers, luggage transfers (whilst walking), 8 nights’ B&B, guide notes and maps. Call 01524 242 000 (http://www.walksworldwide.com/)

The Best of the Rheinsteig (self guided) – 8 days from £595 pp

The 'Rheinsteig' is a new, fully way-marked trail following the course of the River Rhine upstream, through romantic countryside, famous for its castles, vineyards, culture, history, nature and landscapes. Although the entire Rheinsteig is some 320 kilometres in length, Walks Worldwide has selected the best section of this brand new trail so that it can be enjoyed over a week's holiday. You follow the Rhine from the charming city of Koblenz to Rudesheim, walking an average of 20 kilometres per day through an ever-changing landscape, with lots of interesting sights along the way. Dramatic castles perched high above the Rhine are frequent along the route. The holiday can depart any day during the summer months and costs from £595 pp (two sharing) which includes 7 nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels (with breakfast), route notes and maps. Call 01524 242 000 (http://www.walksworldwide.com/).

Ends 30 June 2009

For further press information call Mick Thompson or Jane Parritt at Media Contacts PR
on 012367 820 766 (mick@mediacontactspr.co.uk).

Corsica’s GR20 named Europe’s toughest trek

The UK’s leading specialist walking holiday company – Yorkshire Dales based Walks Worldwide – claims that the GR20 in Corsica is probably the toughest trek that can be found close to home.

Comments Mike Wynne, Managing Director of Walks Worldwide: “The classic GR20 ridge walk in Corsica is, in my opinion, the most spectacular and challenging trek in Europe. It traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary across the country.

“The trail offers some fantastic scenery, along with an insight into the authentic and traditional working mountain community. You will meet the last of the shepherds that still follow the age-old transhumance lifestyle, where they pass the summer months with their flocks on the high fresh airy pastures and the winter months down by the coast.”

The accommodation for the trip is varied; a mix of camps, refuges, gîtes and shepherds' cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty (and renowned for stunning views and fine local wines and cheeses).

The trail winds through some incredible mountain terrain remaining almost in entirety over 1000 metres; steep ascents over high ridges, deep descents into dramatic chasms, some 'via ferrata' across granite slopes with the option of scaling the occasional peak.

The trek culminates in some fabulously challenging ascents over high mountain passes with the possibility (weather depending) of summiting Paglia Orba (2525 metres). Saving the best till last, the famous Cirque de la Solitude is the most stimulating section of the trek leaving walkers who complete the trail with a remarkable sense of achievement.

The holiday ends at the small coastal town of Bastia (except for the September departure which ends in Calvi) with time to enjoy the street cafes, shops, restaurants and the comfort of a hotel bed – to sleep like a baby.

The15-day trips depart in June, July, August and September and costs from £1450 pp. This includes flights, all transportation, 14 nights’ accommodation, most meals, baggage transfers and guide.

Call 01524 242 000 (www.walksworldwide.com).

Ends 30 June 2009

For further press information contact Mick Thompson or Jane Parritt at Media Contacts PR on 01367 820 766 (mick@mediacontactspr.co.uk).

£100 off holidays to Greece in 2009 with Walks Worldwide

http://www.walksworldwide.com/country/greece_cyprus.html

Walks Worldwide has joined forces with The Greek Ministry of Tourism to offer £100 per person off the brochure price for the first 30 people to book a Walks Worldwide holiday to Greece during 2009.

The offer is the initiative of the Ministry’s rural tourism arm as an incentive for more people to discover and explore the fabulous Greek countryside.

So why not take this opportunity to be one of the first to discover Walks Worldwide’s new self-guided trip in the Pindos Mountains, Zagoria and Vikos Gorge Trekking, between May and September? The price is now from £1030pp* (click for details).

The ever popular Corfu Trail can now be enjoyed as either an 8, 10 or 15 day holiday during April, May, June, September and October. The walk takes you through rural areas of this delightful island, away from the crowds who tend to stick to the beaches! The prices for the trips are from £755 for the 15 day trip*, from £550 for the 10 day trip* and from £475 for the 8 day trip* (click for details).

Another option is the hike to the Mount Olympus region, with guided group departures for those who want to bag the summit, and easier self guided walks in the area for the less ambitious. The new price is from £695* (click for details).

On the delightful green Pelion peninsular, accessed via Volos, Walks Worldwide offers a twin centre self guided walk during April, May, June, September and October. On The Pelion Ramble you may hardly see another soul! The new lower price is from £695 pp* (click for details).

Finally down in the Peloponnese, A Taste of Mani is a centre-based trip, where there are a variety of Walks to chose from, sea caves, Byzantine towns and rural markets to visit. From £675 pp* (click for details).

*All ‘from’ prices quoted are for the first 30 people to book a walking holiday to Greece.

If you have travelled with Walks Worldwide before, trips mentioned above can be combined with the Loyalty scheme which gives a further £150 off.

Call 01524 242 000 (http://www.walksworldwide.com/).

For more information on tourism opportunities in rural Greece, visit http://www.agrotravel.gr/

Ends April 2009

For further press information call Mick Thompson at Media Contacts PR on 01367 820 766 (mailto:mick@mediacontactspr.co.ukj).

Is Romania set to become the new Morocco?

Walks Worldwide, the UK’s leading walking holiday company, claims that Romania is set to become the next hot destination. Located in southeast Europe, bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia and Ukraine, Romania is just over 3 hours flying time from the UK yet in the Carpathians it is like travelling back in time to the Europe that was. Steeped in history, folklore and culture with medieval Saxon cities, stunning mountainous scenery, timeless villages, and some of the most hospitable people in Europe, add up to make Romania a first class destination.

Walks Worldwide has introduced 5 brand new trips to Romania, virtually unique to the UK market for 2009; based on their own personal adventures in this fascinating country.

Transylvania – Walks in the enchanted land of Dracula (8 days from £945 pp) [click for details].

Apuseni – Land of the Sunset (8 days from £1095) [click for details].

Fagaras - The Haute Route of Transylvania (5 days from £750 pp) [click for details].

Mountains and Monasteries of Bucovina (9 days from £1195 pp) [click for details].

Mythical Maramures – Where Earth meets Heaven (8 days from £1095 pp) [click for details].

Holidays include all ground transportation, accommodation, most meals and the dedicated services of an English speaking guide. Walks Worldwide can also book flights and arrange varied extensions to these holidays on request.

New 2009 Brochure - Out Now!

The new 2009 brochure from Walks Worldwide, the walking holiday specialists, offers a superb portfolio of private guided treks, guided and self-guided, open-dated departures and ‘In Style’ walking tours (the connoisseur’s choice). For 2009, Walks Worldwide has added 54 new tours, including a greatly expanded programme in Eastern Europe and South America, plus a whole new section dedicated to their increasingly popular ‘In Style’ tours – great for trekkers who prefer a bit of luxury at the end of a day! Many guided tours are now open-dated, offering greater flexibility and, unlike many ‘rival’ operators, available for a minimum of two travelling together. Perfect for those who want independence with the benefit of their very own local guide.

The dedicated team at Walks Worldwide combines years of firsthand experience and is genuinely enthusiastic about each of the countries they visit - all keen walkers too! Want to know the best Inca route to Machu Picchu, be one of the first to try Husky Trekking in Finland – walkies here takes on a whole new meaning, unravel the secrets of Romania’s mythical Maramures – an ancient land of wooden churches, or visit the only town in the US where the mail is still carried by mule? Ask Walks Worldwide, they’ve been there, done that…

Headliner trips for 2009 include:

FINLAND - Husky Trekking: 8-day guided tour with scheduled departures in June & Aug 09 - £895 p/p (land only).
A brand new tour exclusive to Walks Worldwide - dog-assisted walking with your very own Husky in Finland’s wild forests. Arctic dogs have traditionally been used for many purposes, and when there is no snow, they’re used for carrying packs and also to help humans walk faster by utilising a special leash tied to a harness. It’s not a walk in the park, and to fully enjoy this incredible experience, you need to be strong and a dog lover – Nordic Hiking is sooo last year!
ROMANIA – Mythical Maramures: 8-day guided tour departing May-Oct 09 (min 2 persons) - £1,095 p/p (land only).
A new walking holiday in the remote Maramures region of Romania, offers a journey back in time into a rural medieval life that will enchant even the most jaded world traveller. Visit the ‘Merry Cemetery’ as seen on Michael Palin’s BBC TV series New Europe, and the ancient hand-built wooden churches, many of which are now World Heritage sites.

USA – Canyons of the South West: 14-day self-drive tour with guided walking departing 09 daily - £2,895 p/p (land only).
This itinerary combines the independence of a self-drive tour with guided off-trail trekking in some of the country’s best national parks. Explore the Grand Canyon, Escalante River and famous ‘Grand Staircase’, Navajo and Havasupai Indian Reservations, Bryce and Zion NPs. Later, visit the only town in the US where mail is still carried by mule and stay in ‘The Most Beautiful Place in America’ – Sedona.

PERU – Salkantay Luxury Lodge Trek: 17-day guided group tour departing March-Dec 09 – from £2,995 p/p (land only).
Why follow in the footsteps of the Inca Trail hordes when you can trek to Machu Picchu along the magnificent Salkantay Trail? With breathtaking views around every corner this tough trail is hugely rewarding, even better when trekking ‘In Style’, from one luxurious eco-lodge to another. Take a dip in the stunning glacial lagoon at the foot of mystical Salkantay (6,271m), the second most important Inca peak, or enjoy the scenery amidst the bubbles of an outdoor Jacuzzi, just one of the little luxuries available on a superb new tour.

Click here to go to new digital brochure.

NEW - CONDOR PASS AND LOS LLANOS

Trek in the northern tip of the Andes, explore the wild plains and swamps of Los Llanos and experience the world's highest free-falling waterfall, Angel Falls. Walks Worldwide’s NEW guided, 13-day The Condor Pass and Los Llanos tour departs London daily throughout 2008 and 2009 – available NOW!

After an initial night in Caracas, transfer to the city of Merida, located on a high plateau surrounded by 'Las Cinco Aguilas Blancas' - Venezuela's five highest peaks including Pico Bolivar (5,007m). After time soaking up the atmosphere and sampling the local delicacy - Andean trout, head south to Sierra Nevada National Park, encompassing an area of 130,000 acres, part of the Andean ranges and offering fine examples of high mountain pine forests, páramo, Frailejones (endemic shrub), glacial lagoons and a wide variety of animals. Here to is Mucubaji Lagoon - the largest lagoon in the park, and behind it the suitably majestic Mucunuque Peak (4,672m). Running parallel to the Sierra Nevada is a slightly lower chain of mountains – La Culata, home to one of the world’s largest flying birds - Andean Condor, with wingspans of up to 3.5m. Here, the park offers vast, windswept vistas across a treeless terrain, dotted with wildflowers and spectacular waterfalls. Follow the aptly named ‘Condor Pass’, ascend Pan de Azucar (4,747m) for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Maracaibo and the Sierra Nevada, then descend to the valley floor through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Venezuelan Andes, passing villages and cultivated fields en route - in time for a well-earned soak in conveniently located hot springs! The journey continues into the Llanos (grasslands) of Venezuela where a 53,000 square hectare cattle ranch provides an incredible wildlife habitat. Enjoy a 4x4 'safari' in specially converted vehicles for further opportunities to observe wildlife, including caimans and Anacondas! Finally, spend 2-days exploring the landscape surrounding the world's highest single drop waterfall, Angel Falls. Soak up the atmosphere of raging spray during a cruise close to the falls, walk behind the watery curtain of Sapito Falls, trek through lush primary rainforest to the base of Angel Falls, and finally take a dip in the water, relaxing on the sun-heated boulders, before returning to Caracas for homeward flights.

The tour costs from £2,395 including international and internal flights, pre-paid taxes, transfers, hotel, lodge and camp accommodation, most meals, camping equipment (not sleeping bags) and an expert guide.

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