* Featuring 37 holidays including 6 in the UK and 31 in Europe

*Seven new itineraries featuring the Shetland Islands, Spain, France, Italy & Switzerland

*Nine 'Adagio Plus' holidays

*Prices all-inclusive of walks and excursions offering excellent value for money

Adagio(01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk), the specialists in “gentle walking”, small group - big experience, expertly led holidays, has launched its new 2020 brochure, with a selection of 37 different holidays, including seven completely new itineraries featuring the Shetland Islands, Spain, France, Italy & Switzerland. 

Stretching from the subarctic archipelago of the Shetland Islands to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, exciting new additions for 2020 include The Shetland Islands- an unforgettable journey to a series of islands rich in wildlife, culture and Britain's most northerly outpost; Catalan Explorer- an artistic encounter with Salvador Dali, dipping into Catalan culture, exploring the northeast corner of Spain; and Dobbiaco and the Tre Cime– an 'Adagio Plus' alpine escape immersed in dramatic mountains and pristine lakes around the northern Dolomites. 

Based on the premise that one of the most relaxing ways to explore a destination is on foot, each of Adagio's travel rich itineraries have been carefully designed to cater for clients who are active but want a more leisurely paced holiday. Immersed in the regional history and culture, with the opportunity to savour authentic local cuisine, they include plenty of time to experience each destination from the inside out, from staying in handpicked characterful hotels to being guided by an experienced Adagio leader. 

Sitting alongside popular themed and leisurely-paced Adagio favourites such as Pazos & Gardens of Galicia, Portugal by Trainand An Ionian Jewel, nine 'Adagio Plus'itineraries are also included.  With a slightly more active countryside element and longer walks than on the standard Adagio holiday, popular choices for these include alpine hiking in Zermatt & the Mighty Matterhornwhere trains and cable cars whisk clients to high alpine trails through flower-filled meadows to towering peaks and walks in The Zugspitz Arena, a hidden gem of the Tirol with dramatic peaks, sparkling lakes and high tarns. 

Kevin O'Regan, Managing Director commented: “At Adagio, we like to be a step ahead, carefully researching each destination and handpicking our hotels to ensure that our holidays have the insider edge. With an emphasis on taking one's time to experience each destination at a leisurely pace, we aim to offer a more immersive experience. Combining must-see places with lesser known gems, eating great local cuisine and experiencing a mix of easy transport options are very much integral to delivering a rich and varied experience. With our new brochure offering the opportunity to step back in time to discover the rich history and culture of Catalonia from a spectacular hill-top castle; find your romantic side on a journey through history, art and countryside in medieval Avignon; and discover a fusion of Scottish and Norse cultural influences, natural landscapes, peace and tranquillity in the remote and spellbinding Shetland Islands, there are plenty of options to relaxingly explore some of the world's most enchanting places in convivial company with Adagio.” 

Some of the new tours featured in the Adagio 2020 brochure include: 

The Shetland Islands (New for 2020)

With a new series of the'Shetland' TV series rumoured to screen in February 2020, be immersed in the beautifully remote and wild landscapes as viewedin this drama on an unforgettable holiday in Britain's most northerly outpost. Exploring tranquil isles rich in wildlife and heritage, island hop from the mainland with gentle walks to take in a plethora of wildlife and ancient archeological sites. Discover captivating birdlife including puffins, kittiwakes and razorbills on Mousa Island and at Sumburgh Head, along with otters and seals on a walk from Noss Island to Geordie's Holes. Wander around a host of historical sites, including the Prehistoric and Norse Settlement of Jarlshof, Iron Age Mousa Broch and the Old Scatness Brock, and travel to Unst, the most northerly inhabited island, renowned for its hand knit lace making. With other highlights including visits to the Croft House, Pier House and Shetland Museums, there are also plenty of unscheduled ones with sightings of porpoises, dolphins, minke whales and orcas as part of the many boat journeys.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) The Shetland Islands starts from £1595/person including return flights, half board en suite accommodation at the Scalloway Hotel, all local transport and entrance fees.  Departures: 11 May, 18 July, 15 August and 5 September 2020. 

Postcards from Provence (new for 2020)

Explore the history, coast and culture of southern France, the ancient 'Provincia Romana', a land of lavender and olives, plane tree shaded market squares, popes and artists, gypsies and troubadours. Based in the pretty town of Avignon, setting out each day to discover the region's many attractions, take in the impressive Roman ruins and quaint cobbled streets of Arles where Van Gogh spent the most productive months of his life; Luberon's hilltop villages as immortalised in Peter Mayle's books 'A Year in Provence' and 'Toujours Provence'; and the Camargue, a wetland ideal for spotting wild horses, bulls, flamingos and egrets near the 'bastide' town of Aigues-Mortes and seaside resort ofSaintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.  Offering aninsight into provincial living, the holiday also covers a locally guided tour of Avignon, including the Palais des Papes and the Pont St Benezet across the river Rhone, made famous by the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon'; wine tasting in Chateauneauf du Pape; and the sights and smells ofthe vibrant Saint Remy de Provence market.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night Postcards from Provence starts from £1475/person including return train London St Pancras – Avignon, en suite hotel accommodation in the four-star Cloitre Saint Louiswith breakfast and dinners at the hotel and local restaurants, all local transport and entrance fees.  Departures: 28 March, 25 April, 30 May, 19 September and 10 October 2020. 

Catalan Explorer (new for 2020)

Known for its special light, having provided great inspiration for some of Salvador Dali's most famous works, enjoy an artistic encounter with the painter, dipping into Catalan culture. From the pretty Spanish seaside town of El Port de la Selva close to the French border, visit Dali's home in the seaside village of Cadaques and the Dali Museum in the Figueres. Enjoy walks in the Cap de Creus National Park and along the coast to Llançà, take in a guided tour of the historic town of Peralada with its magnificent castle and pop into France for the day to wander from the colourful port of Argeles to the medieval town of Collioure, the smallest and most picturesque of the Côte Vermeille resorts, prized by painters for its soft pastel coloured houses.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night Catalan Explorer starts from £1339/person including return flights, en suite hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinners at the hotel's restaurant, all local transport, entrance fees and lunch on one day. Departures: 23 April, 14 May, 17 September and 8 October 2020.

A Castle in Catalonia (new for 2020)

Staying in a remote and mighty fortress, rising above the Catalan town of Cardona, be immersed in the rich history and culture of Catalonia, exploring this northeastern corner of Spain on a mixture of gentle walks and sightseeing tours. Following a day at the castle discovering its treasures, the 'Salina' or salt mountain mines and the medieval Church of Saint Vincent, enjoy adventures further afield taking in the Gaudi'sBarcelona with a visit to the Sagrada Familia, the spectacular Benedictine monk monastery of Montserrat steeply built into the rocky mountain terrain and the colourful seaside resort of Sitges. For strolls through the countryside, thereare visits to St Llorenc Morunys, surrounded by lakes and the Pyrenean mountains, and the Iberian town of Solosa as well as ambles between historic villages in Cava country with the opportunity for a little sparkling winetasting.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night A Castle in Catalonia starts from £1499/person including return flights, en suite parador accommodation with breakfast and dinners with local wines at the hotel, all local transport, entrance fees.  Departures: 21 April, 12 May, 22 September and 13 October 2020. 

Medieval Portugal (new for 2020)

Designed for lovers of history, culture and tradition, take a journey through Europe's most pivotal civilisations, walking the Portuguese trail of the Knights Templar. Based in the riverside town of Tomar, home to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Convent of Christ, the former seat to the Knights Templar, explore its rambling assortment of Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture, learning about this influential Catholic military order, before visiting other Templar sights further afield. Taking in thehauntingly beautiful castle of Almoural set in the middle of the river Tejo, the12th century Abbey of Alcobaça and the historic town of Ourem and its ancient castle, the itinerary also includes a walk in the Serra de Aires Natural Park's limestone hills visiting its spectacular Santo Antonio Caves, a visit to one of Europe's greatest Gothic masterpieces - Batalha Abbey and a trail through Vila Nova de Barquinha's sculpture park as well as a spot of Portuguese wine tasting.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night Medieval Portugal starts from £1669/person including return flights, en suite accommodation in Hotel dos Templarioswith breakfast at the hotel and dinners at local restaurants, all local transport, entrance fees.  Departures: 11 April, 23 May, 2 October and 11 November 2020.

Dobbiaco & the Tre Cime (new for 2020) – Adagio Plus

Be immersed in dramatic mountain and pristine lake scenery exploring the northern Dolomites on an Adagio Plus holiday.  Spoilt for choice with so many panoramic views, leisurely hike amongst the most famous landmarks of the Dolomites and the South Tirol in a UNESCO World Heritage area.   Taking inThe Tre Cime di Lavaredo, an iconic trio of freestanding rock formations known as the three peaks, and the little lake of Lago di Dobbiaco, set amongst the Fannes-Senes-Braies andTre Cime Natural Parks, there are plenty ofliteral highs.   Ranging from a heady cable car ride to Mount Elmo to explore the panoramic crest of the Carniche Alps to the views of the peaks from the high altitude Rifugio Auronzo, there is also a walk through the flower filled Moso to Rifugio Fondovalle, renowned as the most beautiful valley in the world. 
Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night Dobbiaco & the Tre Cime starts from £1289/person including return flights, en suite half board accommodation in the three star Hotel Union, all local transport, entrance fees.  Departures: 19 & 26 July, 13 & 20 September 2020.

A Swiss Summer (new for 2020) – Adagio Plus

Step into the enchanting chalet style village of Adelboden at the foot of the dramatic Wildstrubel surrounded by the Bernese Oberland Alps on an Adagio Plus holiday. Awarded the Alpine Wellness Holiday Resort certificate, it is the perfect setting for an unforgettable summer adventure with 300km of hiking paths and a network of cable cars for accessing superb high level mountain walking to a backdrop of remarkable vistas. Ranging from panoramic floral trails through the beautiful Hornli alpine garden and Hahnenmoos Pass to cable car ascents for a mountain walk around glacial brook fed Lake Oeschinen and peak viewing atop the Schwandfeldspitz, the holiday also takes inSwitzerland's second highest waterfall, the Engstligen Waterfall.   Adding to the Swiss delights, there is also time to savour the many cafés, shops and cheese dairies stocked with tasty Alpkase (Alpen Cheese) and delicious Swiss chocolate.

Adagio (01707 386700, www.adagio.co.uk) 7 night A Swiss Summer starts from £1399/person including return flights, en suite half board hotel accommodation in 4-star Hotel Steinmattli, all local transport, entrance fees. Departures: 27 June, 4 July, 15 August and 19 September 2020.

- Ends –

Download images here and see the online brochure now.

For further media information please contact:  Sarah Bolam, Anthea Yabsley or Judith Watson on pr@rwhtravel.comor Salvatore (Tony) Maniscalco on salvatore.maniscalco@rwhtravel.com

Or call: Sarah Bolam: 07714 337756

Anthea Yabsley: 020 8578 6777

Judith Watson: 020 7372 7732

Tony Maniscalco: 01707 386755 

Notes to Editors:

Company Background

Adagio is a collection of small group, leisurely guided holidays on foot, for those who want to enjoy the world at a slower pace, and is part of the RWH Travel, which operates over 250 holidays across over 60 countries worldwide.   

Alongside Adagio, the company offers Ramblers Walking Holidays and Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holidays– in association with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.  All feature small guided groups, great destinations, well researched walks and experienced leaders with Ramblers Cruise & Walk Holidays follow the same principal where guided walks are all included in the price from each port of call.  

Company Mission 

The company's mission is to generate funds for walking charities by the provision of outstanding outdoor activity holidays worldwide.  

With its not-for-profit philosophy, the company contributes monies to the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust which supports walking related and environmental projects in the UK. The company also funds Heart & Sole - an initiative managed by company staff, with the aim of reaching into the heart of the communities visited both in the UK and overseas.  

RWH Travel also runs The Walking Partnership - an initiative which champions walking at the 'grass roots' level by providing funding and support to walking groups and clubs throughout the UK.  

Ramblers Walking Holidays is the Walking Holiday Partner of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity which has been pioneering and championing walking and 'rights of way' for over 70 years across England, Scotland and Wales.  

Customers travelling on all holidays operated by RWH Travel are fully protected via the company's membership of ABTA (No V5094) and as holders of an ATOL licence (No 990).  RWH Travel is also a member of IATA, ETOA and AITO.