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).

PRIORAT: PRESTIGIOUS WINES AND RICH HISTORY WITH ON FOOT HOLIDAYS

NEW YORK, NY (03/14) As Christianity spread across Europe, so did monasteries, and with them came vineyards. On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided walking and hiking tours in seldom seen areas of Europe, offers a tour through hills and XII century monasteries in the region that is home to Spain’s most elite wines.

Priorat, Spain (Along monastery trails to the holy mountain) – With four and a half to six hours of walking per day, this route is considered of medium-hard difficulty. Through mountains and valleys from the historic center of Montblanc to the heart of Priorat, you will visit two important, beautifully-sited monasteries:  Poblet (a Cistercian monastery founded in 1151) and Escaladei, a Carthusian monastery, where for seven centuries the monks cultivated vineyards. Nights will be spent in charming, sleepy towns and villages at typical inns and houses, where you will get closer to the Catalan culture.

You will arrive at Poblet via the medieval town of Prades, and later climb Monsant– the “Holy Mountain” – from which you will descend to Escaladei. With remote bathing pools and Neolithic rock art along the route, this tour is rich in natural water features and ancient symbols. Wine lovers will be delighted, when reaching the final destination, to stroll through the major vineyards of Priorat.  Recognized among sommeliers, this hidden wine gem is the land of a perfect 100 wine score as rated by Robert Parker, renowned American wine critic. Priorat is also one of the only two regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, which is the highest qualification level for a wine region.

Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,120 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, five evening meals, two lunches, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers between hotels.

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

ON FOOT’S WALKING TOUR OF GERMANY’S BEGUILING RHINE GORGE: THE RIVER, THE ROMANCE, THE RIESLING

NEW YORK, NY (03/2014) Things are out; experiences are in, and there’s no better way to absorb a place than by hoofing it. On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided, designed walking and hiking tours through the hidden scenic byways of Europe, announces a walking tour of Germany’s Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey from Bingen to Koblenz takes in the legendary Lorelei rock, famed for mythic maidens luring ships to their peril; 20 fanciful castles (some visit-able), as well as peregrinations through quaint, old German villages – Bacharach for its beauty; St. Goar to explore medieval Rheinfels Castle, Boppard, one-time Roman way-station, known for “4-Seen-Blick,” a vista where the Rhine appears to break into a quartet of lakes.

This is a spirited route, too, where each village boasts its own Riesling, and beer is always on tap.

Rates for On Foot Holidays’ Rhine Gorge tour start at US$900 and include eight bed and breakfasts, one evening meal, three picnics, and luggage transfers between hotels. Level: medium with three and a half to six hours of walking per day.

Magical castles! Historic towns! Terraced vineyards! The Rhine Gorge, that 40-mile-stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley, is so ridiculously romantic and picturesque, it has long bestirred painters, writers, and composers. UNESCO cited it as “an outstanding organic cultural landscape….that has remained largely untouched. As a result, many of the features and elements that lend the area its authenticity have been preserved.”

Foodies will find tasty fare in pubs, inns, cafes, beer gardens and weinstubes along the way: the famous Weinberg Schlösschen in Oberheimbach, the Hotel Deutsches Haus in Kaub or, if the Braubach option is taken, the fine old coaching inn of Zum Weissen Schwanen. The area boasts amazing vintages, too, especially those of Rüdesheim.

In describing its Rhine ramble,  On Foot Holiday’s Director Simon Scutt says, “It’s busy and exciting, too – the barges negotiating sharp bends and the toy trains (for that’s how they look from the footpaths high above), and the river towns and villages…make a pleasant variation from the rural walking.”

On Foot Holiday’s Rhine Gorge tour was designed by architect Peter Münch and local Beatrix Greiff. This trip can be extended to take advantage of all Koblenz has to offer – museums, castles (Fortress Ehrenbreitstein is now accessible by cable car across the Rhine) gardens and restaurants.

Contact: On Foot Holidays at (011)44 722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

WALK YOUR WAY TO HEALTH WITH ON FOOT HOLIDAYS

New York, NY (03/14) - We have good news about the bad news! The bad news is that obesity is expected to overtake tobacco as the leading preventable cause of death in America, where one third of the adults are considered obese. The good news is that one of the best ways to get your heart pumping and body toned is walking.

Self-guided walking tours specialist, On Foot Holidays, offers over 20 different tours that unveil little-known and charming areas of Europe. With routes ranging from easy to hard, it is now possible to get fit while on vacation without having to miss out on any of the culinary specialties of each village.

Each tour is created by a ‘route designer’, a local of the area with a strong interest in its landscape and culture. It usually takes a lot of time to get a handle on a place and get to know its hidden gems; this is why On Foot Holidays arranges your stay in small inns, farms or pensions, which allows you to get closer to the hospitality and the traditions of each region.

Sample Walks:

Slovenia (The Karst- culture and landscape)-  Ideal for the casual walker, this eight-night tour explores the Slovenian Karst, one of Europe’s most diverse landscapes that ranges from sharp edges of limestone caves surrounded by the greenest pine trees to disappearing lakes and rivers. Explore the woodlands and meadows from Ljubljana to Trieste, and indulge in the villages’ wild beauty and culture. After all the walking you will be rewarded; staying at local farmhouses that produce their own wine, hams and honey, makes this tour a great fit for foodies. You will have the opportunity to taste the unique and local Teran wine, famous for its rich and robust character, that pairs perfectly with the local prosciutto (Prsut). Rates per person sharing start at $1,160 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, five evening meals, six picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed “walkers’ pack”. Level: Easy (three to five hours of walking per day).

Sabine Hills (Italy) – This seven-night self-guided walk through  old woods, paths and tracks in the Sabine Hills is more challenging, but you will have lifts available to get over the steep sections. Starting in the historic medieval village of Contigliano, the route will pass through several delightful Italian villages where cuisine will be exceptional, and with all that walking you will not feel guilty about having a taste of everything. In Casperia you will even have the chance to sign up for cooking lessons and learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch. Accommodation is among the highlights of this route– from charming B&Bs and a small palace, to the house of a local artist and an organic working farm, you will experience Sabina at its fullest. The tour ends in the Eternal City, Rome, where you will stay at a wonderful B&B with an excellent location, close to Campo di Fiori and Vatican City. Rates per person sharing start at $1,136 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, four evening meals, two picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed itinerary and supporting material for walkers to follow the routes. Level: Medium (three and a half to six hours of walking per day).

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

EXPLORE MALLORCA WITH ON FOOT'S NEWEST ROUTE

NEW YORK, NY (02/14) Self-guided walking tours specialist, On Foot Holidays, offers a new route for travelers to discover the Spanish, little-known, wild and remote Mediterranean Island, Mallorca. Starting in the capital of Palma, the scenic eight-night trail will guide you through a range of different landscapes, including lofty peaks and deep valleys, all this, perfectly complemented with wonderful local cuisine.

Mallorca: Palma and the Serra de Tramuntana (Where the mountains meet the Mediterranean) – is a medium/ hard route with five to nine miles of walking per day. On Foot’s route designer, avid hiker and historic aficionada, Jesca Scott, has created a path rich in both history and landscapes.  Stroll through Palma’s labyrinthine streets, palace courtyards, art museums and the elaborate Gothic cathedral before heading for the hills. The Serra de Tramuntana range, running down the west coast of Mallorca, is a World Heritage Site because of the extraordinary techniques used to develop agriculture on its steep slopes over the centuries.  Other highlights of this trip include the impressive Finca Galatzo (an historic estate house) in the first few footsteps, the chance to learn how to cook Mallorcan paella at a family-run hotel en-route, and magnificent 360-degree views of mountains and sea from the ‘Archduke’s trail’, and the picturesque Alaro Circuit, complete with ruined castle and hilltop Es Verger restaurant for your final triumphant meal.

On Foot Holidays will create a detailed itinerary and arrange your stay in typical inns and boutique hotels. While walking with your partner, friends or solo, On Foot’s staff will transfer your luggage from village to village so you can enjoy a hands-free excursion.

This trip is available anytime from March to June and from September to December. Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,384 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, one evening meal, detailed itinerary and supporting material and luggage transfers. 

For more information, and questions regarding customized variations of the trip, 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).

WALK THROUGH THE REMOTE AND CULTURALLY RICH PATHS OF THE ITALIAN ALPS

NEW YORK, NY (01/2014) On Foot Holidays, a specialist in self-guided walking tours that stands out for its unique and carefully designed routes through remote areas of Europe, offers a seven-night journey to the Italian Alps’ dramatic rocky mountain chain, the Dolomites. You can take this tour anytime during July, August or September. Once you choose your set off date, On Foot will create a detailed itinerary and arrange your stay in typical inns and boutique hotels. While walking with your partner, friends or solo, On Foot’s staff will transfer your luggage from town to town so you can enjoy a hands-free excursion.

The Dolomites (from remote South Tyrol to sophisticated Cortina) is of medium- hard difficulty to walk with three to six hours of walking per day. Combining the most attractive areas of this World Natural Heritage site, the tour will take you not only to explore the highly distinctive mountain landscapes, but also to experience the rich Tyrolean culture.

The Dolomites, famous for their dramatic vertical and pale-colored peaks, are among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Route designer and ten-year walking expert of the area, On Foot’s Isabelle Basso, ensures the journey is full of unforgettable landscapes and experiences.

Stroll through the dreaming meadows of the South Tyrol, spend a night in an isolated mountain refuge, tour the distinguished Tre Cime Circuit and enjoy the picturesque scenery the Lake at Misurina offers. The tour ends in worldwide known gourmet destination, Cortina, where you’ll be delighted by exceptional dining. Throughout the whole trip you will experience the gastronomic richness of this region; enjoy fresh milk from mountain herds and Italian wine from Veneto. From dumplings to pasta in a week, your palate will be exposed to both German-Alpine and Italian-Alpine cooking.

Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,400 for the early July holidays and include accommodation, breakfast daily, six evening meals, detailed itinerary and supporting material and luggage transfers. 

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

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

ON FOOT’S WALKING TOUR OF SPAIN’S INCOMPARABLE CATALONIA: TONIC FOR BODY AND SOU

NEW YORK, NY (12/2013) On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided, designed walking and hiking tours through the hidden scenic byways of Europe, announces a walking tour of Spain’s historic Catalonia. The tour takes in the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa and the precipitous cliffs of the Cabrerès. Stays are in the medieval towns of Besalu, Santa Pau, Rupit, Joanetes and Olot.  Rates for the seven-night tour start at US$1316 and include seven bed and breakfasts, five evening meals, five picnics, and luggage transfers between hotels. Level: medium to hard with 4 1/2 to 6 hours of walking/hiking a day.

Catalonia is the picturesque region of Spain that encompasses the northeastern provinces of Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Barcelona. Stefano Buonamici, writing for The New York Times, described it as, “….a Catalonia outside Barcelona, one tourists rarely see — a rural countryside, created in part by those volcanoes, with dramatic cliffs, verdant fields and untrammeled medieval villages.”

Hikers will savor Catalonia’s fabled hospitality and scrumptious Catalan cooking. The town of Girona, for example, features El Celler de Can Roca, one of the top-ranked restaurants in the world, while little Olot boasts Les Cols, a two-starred Michelin restaurant (reservations are a must). Hikers will also be ensconced for two nights in a Vogue-featured farmhouse. “What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says On Foot’s Director Simon Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for body and soul.”

The walk begins in the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Besalú, staying in a stylish hotel next to the old bridge. From here it’s through the heart of La Garrotxa Natural Park with its numerous (now extinct) volcanoes. Winding up through the beech woods and rolling pastures of the cliff-girt plateau of El Cabrerès, the views are over the Catalonian hills, the towering heights of Mount Puigsacalm and the often snow-capped Pyrénées.  The final stay is in a converted farmhouse in the rural calm of La Vall d'en Bas.

On Foot’s Catalonia tour was designed by wildlife and walking guide Mike Lockwood, who has lived in Catalonia for 25 years. Fluent in Catalan and Spanish, Lockwood authored the “Sunflower” walking guide to the area and designed much of the network of historical paths that this tour follows. Recently, he handed over the baton to Richard Calvin, a keen walker and sculptor in stainless steel, whose wife Sara looks after hotel liaison and runs her own villa rental company.

This trip can be combined with a visit to Barcelona.

Contact: On Foot Holidays at 011 44 1722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

DISCOVER SOUTH WEST ENGLAND AT YOUR OWN PACE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, the company that stands out for its self-guided walking tours all around Europe, offers an excellent option to discover Southwest England. Walk to hidden and delightful spots of the most English counties of the region: Wardour Castle, Saxon Shaftesbury, Cranborne Chase, Milton Abbas, The Cerne Giant, Evershot, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

South West England (Dorset - In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy). This seven-night journey is considered of medium difficulty to walk, with four and half to six and a half hours of walk per day. The tour starts in the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury and ends in the fishing village of Lyme Regis, where you will be able to relax and have a platter of fresh seafood in the so called “Pearl of Dorset”. Created by locals of the region, the route ensures that countryside is varied with plenty of cultural interest on the way. Walk the romantic ruins of Old Wardour Castle, the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury and picturesque Gold Hill. Explore the tiniest and most concealed streets of quintessentially English villages and enjoy our trails with gently rolling landscapes as backdrops, such as the old royal hunting estate of Cranborne Chase, prehistoric Hambledon Hill and the perfectly designed village, Milton Abbas. Characterized by its richness in geological history, the route will take you to the emblematic World Heritage Site: the Jurassic Coast, and guide you up the Golden Cap clifftop, with its far-reaching sea views.

The eating and drinking in this region will be local and plentiful. The tour passes through towns and villages where food enthusiasts will be able to taste real English ales and hearty and traditional foods.

Forget about the hustle of making schedules that include all the “must-see” places of a city, or reading infinite reviews to find the perfect hotel. On Foot Holidays will prepare you a complete itinerary for you to enjoy the region, and arrange your stay at fascinating and typical old inns. We will also handle luggage transfer so you don’t have any worries or items to carry around while walking.

The South West England tour is available all year round. Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,213 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers. On Foot Holidays recommends an extra day to relax and explore the local countryside at Plush, the seaside at Lyme Regis or Salisbury.

For more information, and questions regarding customized variations of the trip contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 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