VILLAGES UNTOUCHED BY TIME IN NORTHERN PORTUGAL

New York, NY (04/14) Go back in time with “Walking the wild hill country”. On Foot Holiday’s self-guided eight-day hike through the hills of Northern Portugal will take you to the most rural villages where you will experience Portugal’s traditional country life. Hike through the charming little hamlets of Soajo, Lindoso, Brufe, Camp Geres and the Roman Road to Emaus, until reaching Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro, a monastery that was converted into a top hotel.

On this tour you will visit Portugal’s national park, Peneda-Gerês, a splendid landscape characterized by lush green valleys and granite hills. Hidden in the park you will find delightful villages where rural communities continue a lifestyle that is centuries old. These small towns are the epitome of remoteness. See typical Portuguese granaries, espigueiros, where farmers keep their maize, to feed to their long-horned cattle; and walk on ancient paved footpaths and along the Via Romana high above the valley.

Every On Foot itinerary puts a strong emphasis on culture and local hospitality.  Throughout your journey, the choice of accommodation will vary, ranging from friendly pensions and traditional Portuguese houses to a luxurious hotel. You will also have the opportunity (for an extra charge) to taste typical dishes at Brufe’s remarkable restaurant, Restaurant Abocanhado, recognized worldwide for its delicious bacalhau, and can have a memorable evening at Emaus, tasting Paulo’s menu tradicional, accompanied by his excellent range of local wines.   

This tour is available from April to October. Rates for eight nights per person sharing are from $984 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, one evening meal, six picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers between hotels.

For more information contact On Foot Holidays at (011)44 1722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

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Note to editors: On Foot Holidays features predominantly linear, self-guided walking holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia and the UK’s south-west. Each walk has been designed by a ‘Route Adviser’ – a person who lives locally and has painstakingly developed an itinerary through varied countryside, packing in as much culture as possible en route and seeking out the most welcoming small hotels, farmhouses and village rooms. The emphasis is very much on good food and wine after a day’s walking. On Foot Holidays is a member of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators).

FROM LAKE CONSTANCE TO THE FOOTHILLS OF THE ALPS, EXPLORE AUSTRIA LIKE NEVER BEFORE

New York, NY (1/2014) On Foot Holidays, the tour operator that creates off the beaten path walking tours throughout Europe, offers a seven-night journey to explore Austria. You will be able to choose your set-off date, while On Foot staff takes care of the rest of the planning, arranging your stay in authentic and traditional family-run hotels and transferring your luggage by van from village to village.  From Lake Constance to Damüls, you will enjoy a hands-free walk through magnificent areas of the Bregenzerwald, including Bregenz, Lingenau, Schwarzenberg, Bezau, Schönenbach, and Mellau.

Austria (Lake Constance and the foothills of the Alps) is of medium difficulty to walk, with four to five and a half hours of walking per day.  With your partner, friends, or even solo, adventure your way through the meticulously designed On Foot trails. Put together by a “Route Advisor”, in this case local architect Peter Münch, the route ensures to be rich in design and culture as you pass through landscapes of meadows, woods and charming villages. On Foot staff will also provide you comprehensible maps, walking directions and detailed itineraries.

This tour is described by previous On Foot clients as “a real walking gem”.  Be amazed by magnificent over 6000 ft peaks and enjoy the most spectacular views. Also, if you are lucky enough, you might get a glimpse of white fresh snow on the very top of the mountains, an amazing contrast to the surrounding vibrant green pastures. To enable exploration of remote valleys without arduous climbs, and also to reach the top of Damüls bowl, cable cars are available and included in the tour package.

Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,246 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, six traditional and hearty evening meals made of locally produced food, detailed itinerary and supporting material and luggage transfers.  To ensure good weather conditions for walking, the tour is only available from June to September.

For more information, and questions regarding customized variations of the trip contact On Foot Holidays at +44 1722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

WALKING TOURS IN FRANCE: DISCOVERING PATHS LESS TRAVELED WITH ON FOOT HOLIDAYS

NEW YORK, NY (12/13) – On Foot Holidays, creators of walking tours designed just for you and where you act as your own guide while they handle the hassles of transferring your luggage by vehicle, arranging stays in charming inns, hotels or B&Bs, and ensuring that you will dine deliciously at the end of each day, offers three journeys in undiscovered France that will surprise and delight you.

Cotes du Rhone (Gigondas and the foothills of Mont Ventoux).  This seven-night journey is considered medium to hard with walks of four to seven hours each day.  It starts and ends in villages perched atop a cliff.  You’ll visit medieval Venasque, the cobbled-stone alleys of Crestet, the formidable castle of Vaison, and the pretty villages of Mazan, Le Barroux, and Gigondas.  Walk in the extraordinary geological formation of the Dentelles de Montmirail with the highest peak in Provence within sight.  Saunter through olive and cherry tree groves and a sea of vineyards.   Spectacular views throughout.  You might want to upgrade to a night in the Marquis de Sade’s former home.  End your trip, if you like, in historic Avignon, home of the popes in the 14^th century.

All meals typify the best of Provence.  Some recommended dishes include stuffed chicken and mushrooms with cream sauce and roast lamb accompanied by potatoes with foie gras.  The wines include Gigondas reds and whites, from family-owned vineyards in the region.

The Cotes du Rhone tour was designed by Regis Leroy who knows the region intimately.  He and his wife Patricia are always willing to be helpful. Rates per person sharing for seven nights are from $1,560 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, five evening meals, five picnics, a detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Chamonix and the French Alps (Le Pays du Mont Blanc).  This seven night self-guided hike at the foot of Mont Blanc is difficult and sometimes frankly challenging but worth the extra effort as it encompasses some of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular landscapes in Europe.  In summer, the Alpine meadows are flower-decked and the Aiguille de Midi cable car rises 3840 meters for dramatic vistas over glaciers and snowfields.  There are various options for taking it slightly easier, such as a gentle stroll along the oratories and chapels of the “Route du Baroque” but the best walking is to be had up high with views to die for.

The Chamonix area is a gourmet’s delight and the tour enables you to stay with three excellent cooks – Fiona at Les Contamines, Helen and Leighton at Les Houches, and Carla at Chamonix.  Since you’re in France, the wines everywhere are delicious.

This route was designed by Lizzy Ashley Cooper who regularly walks the paths and routes in the forests, mountain slopes and meadows around Mount Blanc.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,633 and include accommodations, breakfast daily, six dinners, six picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Alpes Maritime (From the Alps to the Mediterranean). A seven night self-guided walk ideal for you if you would like to move your walking grade up to medium.  The route goes from La Brigue on the France/Italy border down the Roya Valley to Menton on the Riviera and takes you through one of the most remote parts of France.  The medieval village of La Brigue offers the chance to explore winding alleyways and old town houses while Saorge beckons from its cliff-side position..  Visit the ancient towns of Breil and Sospel and stay in the mountain-top village of Ste. Agnes with its views across to the Mediterranean.   The last stop is Menton, Belle Epoque splendor now restored to its former glory.

The cuisine on this route is very southern-France and includes such tasty fare as Nicoise Stew, mushrooms with goat cheese and aioli Provencale.  You’ll also find a touch of Italy-in-France with bresaola and cacciatore.

The Alpes Maritime tour was designed by Richard Petitjean who has lived in the area for 29 years and is a licensed tour guide. Since 60% of France’s flora is found in the region, his knowledge of botany is put to good use.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,214 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, two evening meals, four picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

For the lowdown on any of these tours such as when best to go, how much walking is involved, where you would stay and how to get there, etc., visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

ANNOUNCING ON FOOT HOLIDAYS – DESIGNED WALKING TOURS THROUGH UNTOUCHED CORNERS OF EUROPE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, a specialist in self-guided walking and hiking tours throughout Europe, offers 21 perfectly picturesque trails, ranging from Italy’s barely-trodden Sabine Hills to its must-see Amalfi Coast, and from the untamed coast of Turkey to Spain’s fabled White Villages, with spring and autumn pegged as the ideal walking seasons. Rates start at approximately $1050 per person for accommodations, breakfast, some evening meals, some picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information.

There are trails for all abilities – amblers, scramblers and seasoned hikers.  Travelers choose set-off date and book their own travel, while On Foot sees to it that luggage is transported from point to point, leaving walkers pleasingly hands-free.  Accommodations are on a Bed and Breakfast basis, so that travelers can explore local food and wine options under the guidance of On Foot.  Accent is on local offerings, traditional delicacies, cultural variation, regional dishes and recipes handed down from generation to generation from the best cooks and the best kitchens.

On Foot walking trails are put together by a “Route Advisor,” a person who lives locally and has painstakingly created an itinerary that is designed to take the traveler through varied countryside, packing in en route as much beauty and culture as possible. Each Route Advisor identifies the most welcoming small hotels, farmhouses and village rooms, too – the kind of legwork most people eschew because they don’t have time to do.  Each walk is scrupulously tested and graded for difficulty by On Foot’s Director, Simon Scutt, and by at least one other team member, who are available to impart their first-hand knowledge.

“What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations that are full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for mind and body.”

SAMPLE WALK:

Lycian Way, Turkey, $1086 per person, graded medium-hard.

This walk was designed by Kate Clow – an inhabitant of the region for more than 20 years and author of The Lycian Way guidebook. A seven-night itinerary along the Turquoise Coast begins from a mountain hotel near Antalya, taking hikers down to the coast of Phaselis, a beautifully-preserved Graeco-Roman site, past secluded beaches to the Chimaera, the eternal flame of legend, and on to the ruins at Olympus. The last leg, along an untamed coastline, ends at the lighthouse of Kilidonya.  Price includes accommodations with daily breakfast, four evening meals, five picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information. Extensions to Istanbul are available.

Contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

PAMPERED IN PARADISE: INDULGE IN A GRANDHOTEL LIENZ BEAUTY WEEK TREATMENTS, FITNESS AND FINE DINING

Established by World Travel Awards as the World's Leading Medical/Wellness Spa, Austria's GrandHotel Lienz presents a special Beauty Week package for 2013. Ideal for both men and women, enjoy nourishing luxury - from gourmet meals and a lavish suite to daily fitness programs and various body treatments.

Built from scratch on the banks of the River Isel in a region surrounded by majestic mountains, this state-of-the-art facility has raised the bar for excellence in wellness tourism. From May 8 to October 31, 2013, take part in this all-inclusive offer for $1,690* per person per week, and from November 1 to December 15, 2013, enjoy everything for only $1,300* per person per week.

A Beauty Week consists of seven nights in a Superior Suite with scenic views from the balcony; breakfast buffet; 5-course gourmet dinner; a special fitness program (includes full body toning and aerobic training); an Immersion massage; the "St. Barth Chill out" - a deeply relaxing body treatment with warm clams; "St. Barth Softness" - a Caribbean body scrub massage; "St. Barth Sensation" massage; "Intuitive & Sensitive" massage, adjusted to your needs; anti-stress massage with scalp treatment and aromatic oils; a "Serail steam bath"; wellness bag with a fluffy bathrobe, towels and slippers for use during your stay; use of all facilities in the spa and fitness area (indoor and outdoor relaxation pool, sauna complex, steam baths, Solarium, etc...); and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Treat the body and soul, and feel rejuvenated at the end of a week.

For more information, visit www.grandhotel-lienz.com/en/.

*Rates are based on the exchange rate between the Euro and the US dollar as of 03/08/13.

CLIFF-TOP WEDDINGS ABOVE THE AMALFI COAST AT MONASTERO SANTA ROSA

Perched high atop a cliff on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa practically floats over the sparkling Gulf of Salerno below. The former monastery features a variety of unique venues to make for a dream-like wedding or reception. From small, intimate fetes to large, festive affairs, weddings may be held anywhere on the property, day or evening.

The gardens comprise four levels of lush landscape and terraced walkways – any of which can be easily transformed into an aisle for an al fresco “I do”. The lower lawn and infinity pool deck, hovering over the Gulf of Salerno, make a perfect location for a reception. Guests can gather to toast to forever while they watch the sky transform as the sun sets.

The Sunset Terrace, located on the highest level of the hotel, features a full panorama overlooking the coast with views stretching from Amalfi to Positano. The expansive terrace has a number of individual seating areas as well as retractable canopies for shade.

For an indoor event, Monastero Santa Rosa has several of spacious indoor suites, luxuriously decorated in contemporary Italian style, all with windows overlooking the sea and many with their own private outdoor terraces.   

Those interested in religious ceremonies will delight in the choice of four local chapels in the charming town of Conca dei Marini. The helpful Monastero Santa Rosa staff is able to take care of all the church arrangements. 

As for dining, Monastero Santa Rosa’s Michelin-starred chef and his culinary team will create a custom-designed wedding menu. Whether it’s Mediterranean cuisine like homemade pasta and freshly caught seafood or personal dishes that convey individual tastes, the team will whip up a multi-course meal comprised of the highest quality ingredients.

After the festivities, the couple can retire to the comforts of one of the suites. The Sea View Premium Terrace Suite, in particular, has been dubbed as the most romantic. The bedroom features a king-sized bed swathed in fine Italian linens while the extraordinary stone bathroom features a walk-in shower and a double-wide tub. The living and dining room are adorned with one-of-a-kind antiques and the enormous outdoor terrace comes complete with a dining table, lounge chairs, lemon trees and a retractable canopy for shade.

The entire property – all guest rooms and suites, restaurant, and spa – may be privately reserved, turning the hotel into a fully equipped Italian villa.

Monastero Santa Rosa’s Special Events Concierge is available to provide guidance and inspiration for all aspects of planning. All arrangements may be left to the dedicated team of staff who will immaculately execute every tailor-made detail for the ceremony, interior and exterior decorations, floral arrangements, photographic and video services, tailor-made dining, guest accommodation, exclusive hire of the spa, childcare and babysitting, limousine and car hire, musical accompaniment for the ceremony and reception as well as make-up application and hair styling. 

Rates at Monastero Santa Rosa start at $480* per room per night and include breakfast. To rent the entire 20 rooms and suites in the low season (April 18 – May 20, October 7 – November 4) the net total daily rate will be $ 28,801* plus VAT & city tax. During the high season (May 21 – October 6), the net total daily rate will be $ 37,762* plus VAT and city tax.

The above mentioned rates are inclusive of full breakfast daily, complimentary daily use of the Thermal Spa Suite (including the Stone Sauna, Domed Herbal Steam Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, Experience Shower, Crushed Ice Fountain and Tepidarium), complimentary use of the fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi internet throughout the hotel, and free shuttle service to Amalfi. Spa treatment packages can be arranged upon request as can meal plans and special menus. 

For further information on getting married or honeymooning at Monastero Santa Rosa visit www.monasterosantarosa.com

*Based on the exchange rates on 11/20/12