03 Jan 2014
A Slow holiday with Inntravel discovers the lesser-taken path, a truly individual experience at your own pace. Whether choosing to walk, cycle, journey by train, boat or car, or explore from the homely comforts of a Rural Hideaway, the carefully crafted holidays featured in Inntravel’s three new brochures ease visitors through wonderful European landscapes, and let them uncover hidden corners along the way. The 10 new additions to Inntravel’s selection of self-guided holidays for 2014 include walking holidays in the wild and untamed Faroe Islands; in the borderlands between Portugal and Spain; along the Via Spluga linking Switzerland and Italy; high above the ‘seven capes’ of western Lycia in Turkey; and in the green valleys of South Tyrol. In this same part of northern Italy Inntravel introduces one of four new cycling holidays. The other three explore the unique wetlands of the Camargue in southern France; the culturally rich region of Puglia in southern Italy; and the plain and coast of Catalonia.
In this, their 30th anniversary year, it is possible to choose from over 100 Inntravel routes and journeys found in the latest Walking and More brochure, plus more than 50 holidays in the Cycling and More brochure for individuals and families. For those cyclists who want a little extra help on the uphills, Inntravel introduces electric or e-bikes in 22 of its regions for the first time.
NEW FOR 2014
The Faroe Islands – A North Atlantic Adventure
This new island-hopping adventure in the North Atlantic explores the unspoiled, untamed and unforgettable Faroe Islands where 18 volcanic islands occupy a far-flung patch of the Norwegian Sea. Over one week, experience their proud, seafaring culture and unique ways of life. Inntravel’s memorable walking and driving routes guide guests to the best spots where mountains, sea cliffs and charming towns vie for attention. Take a journey by boat to the easternmost island of Fugloy, perhaps returning by a great-value helicopter ride; walk through the magical Ambadalur valley; drive to the bleakly beautiful village of Saksun to walk alongside its tidal lagoon, and view the incredible bird cliffs of Vestmanna from a boat. While the weather may be unreliable, the quality of light and the almost ethereal atmosphere will leave visitors longing to return. Price: from £860pp, inc. 7 nights’ B&B, 5 dinners, 7 days’ car hire, walking maps and notes.
Follow on two wheels the great River Rhône as it flows from historic Tarascon in Western Provence via the Roman city of Arles to the sea at Saintes Maries de la Mer. Cycle along back roads and country tracks before traversing the unique Camargue wetlands, famously populated by flamingos, white horses, black bulls and all manner of waders. This is a culturally rich area, with opportunities to learn about Van Gogh who lived in Saintes Maries de la Mer, St Rémy de Provence and Arles, all of them en route; and to discover the strong identity of the Camargue with its Spanish gypsy roots. Price: from £798pp inc. 6 nights’ B&B, 3 dinners. Or from £965pp inc rail travel from the UK.
Walking and More in the South Tyrol
Discover this beautiful area with the help of a Transport Pass for use on buses, trains, cable car and bicycle, while staying at the Goldene Rose Hotel in Karthaus in the Senales Valley. Part of the fun is picking up a bike from one station in the Venosta Valley, dropping it off at another, then returning by rail. Another highlight is a memorable night spent in the hotel’s Bella Vista mountain refuge, where guests can relax in Europe’s highest outdoor sauna at 2,845 metres. Price: from £690pp inc. 7 nights’ half board.
Enjoy a mix of activities in Catalonia. Days of cycling, from one high-quality hotel to the next, alternate with ‘free’ days when visitors can either relax or explore further, just as they wish. Stroll on foot to medieval villages, visit a museum devoted to Salvador Dalí, or take a dip in the sea. The holiday finishes in charming Llafranc on the unforgettable Costa Brava coast. Price: from £735pp inc. 6 nights’ B&B and 4 dinners. Alternatively rail inclusive from the UK from £1,150pp.
Spend a week at the delightful Pomar Velho in the tranquil border region between Portugal and Spain, and strike out along ancient smugglers’ trails which wind through cork oak woods and olive groves, and past weathered granite outcrops. Learn about the traditional olive oil production at the village olive mill and participate in the many opportunities for wine-tasting – Alentejo wine is fast gaining a name for itself. Price: from £595pp inc. 7 nights’ B&B, 3 picnics and 3 dinners.
Orchards & Vineyards of the South Tyrol
This week of easy self-guided pedalling amid magnificent Alpine scenery explores both the Austrian and Italian sides of the South Tyrol, with two night stays in the towns of Bressanone, Bolzano and Trento. The South Tyrol enjoys the sunniest season in the Alps and the route is packed with cultural and historic interest including a cable car trip, an historic train ride, and several museums. Many of these designated cycle paths along the valley have been recently developed. The routes are flexible in length, too, thanks to the excellent bike carriage facilities on the regional rail service. Price: from £898pp inc. 6 nights’ B&B and 2 dinners.
Along the ‘Via Spluga’ to Lake Como
Embark on an adventure that follows the historic Via Spluga from the Swiss town of Thusis, over the Splügen Pass, to the Italian town of Chiavenna, passing bijou lakes and traversing dramatic gorges along the way. The natural beauty of the scenery surrounding this ancient trading route serves as a wonderful build-up to a memorable final two days by the shores of Lake Como – a place that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The holiday includes vouchers for the Andeer thermal baths, San Martino Church in Zillis, known as the Sistine chapel of the Alps, and the rose gardens of the Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, among many other visits. Price: from £1,235pp inc. 9 nights’ B&B, 6 dinners and 3 picnics.
Expect some exciting walking over rugged terrain on this fascinating eight night route from Ovacik to Antalya, along the westernmost section of Turkey’s beautiful Lycian Way long distance path. Highlights include Kayaköy – the Greek ghost village featured in Louis de Bernières’ Birds Without Wings; a descent into the village of Faralya on the green slopes above Butterfly valley, and a visit to ancient Sidyma to explore the ruins of this once huge Lycian city. Price: from £785pp, inc. 8 nights’ half board, 4 picnics and a lunch.
Discover Puglia’s history the Slow way, with easy pedalling along quiet country lanes. The region that forms the ‘heel’ of Italy is sandwiched between the Adriatic and Ionian seas: it was first settled by Greeks, then conquered by the Romans, and later still by the Normans. All have left their mark across the plains and along the coast, and there are elegant Baroque towns to discover too, including Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’. Price: from £1,085pp, inc 8 nights’ B&B and 7 dinners.
Danube Explorer - Cycling for Families
The easy riverside cycle routes are a perfect way for families to explore the wonderful Danube Valley, passing beneath fairy-tale castles and through wine-producing villages. Staying in three 4-star hotels, families can make the most of the swimming pools and the fabulous water park at Melk, and spend the last day afloat on the Danube – a fitting finale. Price: from £898 per adult and £698 per child up to 14 years, inc. 7 nights’ B&B and 5 dinners.
Rural Hideaways Brochure
Among Inntravel’s collection of 36 country cottages, fabulous farmhouse apartments and quaint quintas offering peaceful seclusion are the following new properties:
- Madeira Cottages, a group of farm cottages surrounded by vineyards on the quieter, sunnier, and more traditional western side of Madeira;
- Provençal Apartments, a restored farmstead on the edge of the mysterious Camargue National Park;
- Almond Grove Cottages, three traditional town houses deep within the rugged mountains of Alicante, a paradise for birdwatchers and botanists;
- Ragusa Stone Apartments, rural cottage apartments set in the peaceful grounds of a 4-star hotel, a lovingly restored 19th-century villa, in the heart of south-east Sicily’s wine-producing region;
- Lake Orta Hillside Apartments, stylish apartments on a sunny hillside with superb views of little-known Lake Orta, Italy’s Lake District; and
- Sorrento Peninsula Cottages, a trio of cottages, in the gardens of a stylish hotel close to Sant’ Agata, offering a tranquil base from which to explore the beautiful Sorrento Peninsula on foot, by car, bus, train or boat.
All walking and cycling prices above are per person based on two sharing and include route maps and notes, and luggage transportation between hotels where appropriate. Cycling holidays also include high quality cycle hire with accessories. Flights or rail from the UK are extra unless otherwise stated.
For more information contact Inntravel (01653 617000, www.inntravel.co.uk).
PRESS ENQUIRIES: Julia Spence or Annabel Owen
Julia Spence Public Relations
T: 01491 824524 / M: 07802 443113
Email juliaspence.pr@gmail.com
Issued 3 January 2014
