Moselle Valley, Inntravel 05 Jan 2015
Grand Cerdanya, Moselle Valley & Hidden Ibiza Join Inntravel's Slow Holidays for 2015

Inntravel

Inntravel returns to its roots with a new walking holiday in the Pyrenean border country of the Grand Cerdanya, where the Slow holiday specialist offered its very first inn-to-inn walking break nearly 30 years ago. Also introduced to Inntravel's tempting programme for the forthcoming 2015 season are Meandering the Moselle Valley, a route that includes the finest sections of the newly-opened Moselsteig long distance footpath - predicted to be next year's hot seller; exploring Ibiza's quiet north-east coast - a world away from the island's party reputation; a duo of exhilarating, high-altitude walks in the Dolomites; and a family-friendly cycling break from the Loire to the Cher.

Whether choosing to walk, cycle, or journey by train, boat or car, Inntravel has over 100 carefully-crafted breaks discovering the lesser-taken path. All feature unspoilt landscapes, hand-picked accommodation, welcoming hosts and meticulous route notes. For even more flexibility, opt for a Rural Hideaway and dip into the local sites and activities as and when.

 

INTRODUCED FOR SPRING 2015

 

WALKING AND MORE

Meanders of the Moselle: More a journey than a walk, this wine-infused adventure follows the prettiest stretch of the River Moselle as it winds past the vine-terraced hills and historic villages of this ancient wine-growing corner of Germany. It will also take in sections of the recently unveiled Moselsteig long distance path and delve into the region's traditions - such as Strausswirtschaften, where locals sell their own wine from their door, identifiable by a wreath or brush hanging up outside - vertiginous vineyards, excellent food and welcoming Gasthäuser. The journey begins, fittingly, in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, and makes use of both rail and boat to propel walkers along the river. Traverse Europe's steepest vineyards; take a slow boat to Weingut Derkum; follow a rose-scented path from the wine town of Ürzig; and potter around the labyrinthine wine cellars of Traben-Trarbach, a former wine trading centre, once ranked second to Bordeaux. Other highlights are dipping into the German version of the Camino de Santiago, the Jakobsweg, and the fairy-tale village of Beilstein. Price: from £680 inc. 7 nights' B&B accommodation, 2 dinners and 1 picnic.

Beyond the Iron Curtain: Marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, this new self-guided rail trail explores the fluctuating fortunes of New Germany. Journey by rail between the iconic cities of Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden to see how they have emerged from the cloak of the Iron Curtain. Stay two nights in each to marvel at the enduring cultural treasures, with the help of Inntravel's walking notes and city cards. In Berlin, follow a route that traces a chequered history and takes in the magnificently restored Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and the Wall, before venturing beyond the city limits to Potsdam. Continue to musical Leipzig, once home to a host of famous composers and the catalyst to the eventual tumbling of the Wall 25 years ago. Next is Dresden which has risen from the ashes to be restored to its former glory - and is home to the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Price: from £675 inc. 6 nights' B&B and rail travel between Berlin-Leipzig-Dresden.

 

The Grand Cerdanya: This classic Mediterranean Pyrenean walking route returns Inntravel to where they offered their very first walking holiday. Resembling a giant golden bowl, the Grand Cerdanya is a grass and wheat-filled plain suspended amid the eastern Pyrenees. This is a place of transit and refuge, a borderland where French and Spanish traditions meet modern Catalonia and where three languages are commonplace. Walking to the sound of cowbells, cross landscapes of tinkling streams, boulder-strewn highlands, picturesque villages, green pastures and glacial lakes. Discover the village of Meranges, a small time capsule of Pyrenean tradition; cross the border into France to stay in the hidden hamlet of Brangoly and follow in the footsteps of the transhumance to the tiny Spanish enclave of Llivia. Demanding walks are rewarded with exceptional hospitality and delicious Catalan cuisine.  Price: from £858 inc. 7 nights B&B, 6 dinners and 4 picnics.

Ibiza's Hidden Charms: Set aside any preconceptions of Ibiza and discover the beautiful paths and secret beaches of the north-east coast. A world away fromthe hedonistic resorts of the south, here guests can expect laidback villages, ancient stone watchtowers and idyllic coves only accessible by foot. This leisurely walking break begins on the coast at Santa Eularia with a stay at one of Ibiza's oldest hotels, the Buenavista, before heading inland through carob, almond and olive groves to San Juan. Sweeping coastal views accompany the route to San Miguel where a choice of walking or lingering over a seafood lunch by the water's edge awaits. Inntravel offers the option to add on Ibiza's exclusive neighbour, Formentera, just a short ferry ride away, to enjoy gentle strolls and bike rides around the lagoon and along the coast. Price: from £795 inc. 7 nights B&B, 3 dinners and 2 picnics. Add Formentera for £235 inc. 3 nights' B&B and ferry.

The Dolomites' Three Peaks: In the easternmost corner of Northern Italy, cosying up to the Austrian border, lies the grasshopper-green Pusteria Valley. Emerald lakes, iconic peaks, historic hotels and rewarding walking - this holiday in the heart of the Dolomites has them all. Walking from the shores of the glittering Dolomite lakes into the heart of the region's 'Three Peaks', stay at four historic hotels, including the Hotel Lago di Braes, where Grand Duke Franz Ferdinand stayed shortly before his assassination. Highlights include: a walk to San Lorenzo di Sebato, overlooked by its twin castles, Michelsburg and Sonnenburg; traversing to Kühwiesenkopf at 2,000m for commanding views over Lake Braies; hiking around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Dolomites' most celebrated massif; and exploring the panoramic crest of the Carniche Alps. Price: from £798 inc. 7 nights' half board.

The High Alpine Way: The most challenging of Inntravel's new routes for 2015, the South Tyrol's Venosta Valley is nothing short of a wonderland for walkers who love to be up in the mountains. Snaking down from the Reschen Pass, with the snow-capped peaks of the Ortler range giving way to a neat patchwork of fields, apple orchards and pretty villages below, the setting here is spellbinding. Navigate the sun-soaked, south-facing foothills of the Weisskugel, walk alongside ancient water channels, cross Alpine meadows where apricots, berries and wildflowers abound, pass romantic chapels and farms which maintain old-age traditions. Stay at six welcoming hotels en route, beginning in lakeside Reschen and ending close to the village of Tschars. Price: from £825 inc. 7 nights' half board and 6 picnics.

CYCLING AND MORE

Family Cycling From the Loire to the Cher: Freewheeling between castles and caves and alongside rivers and a patchwork of farmland, there is no shortage of places of interest and picnic spots to pause at along the way on this leisurely break. The two-wheeled adventure begins in Ambroise where families can take their pick of flexible routes. Cycle to the fairytale-like Chateau de Chaumont; meander westwards via an aquarium; visit the Clos Luce, a mansion-turned-museum devoted to Leonardo da Vinci; or explore the parkland surrounding the Chanteloup Pagoda. Leave the Loire behind, and cycle to the equally picturesque River Cher where routes take in the Chateau de Chenonceau, the 11th-century keep at Montrichard, the vast mushroom caves at Bourre, and an underground 'town' sculpted by a local craftsman. Families who want a day out of the saddle can hire canoes and spend the day on the river. Both hotels, in Amboise and St-Georges-sur-Cher, have swimming pools. Price: from £870 per adult and £215 per child (when sharing with 2 adults) inc.6 nights' B&B and 2 dinners.

RURAL HIDEAWAYS

Two Castles House: New to Inntravel's Rural Hideaways self-catering programme is the ultra-modern Two Castles House in the Corbières hills. Located in the rural hamlet of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, this recently-built and eco-efficient property is divided into two spacious 2-bedroom apartments – available individually or linked together. This is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating region and superb walking country with the walking notes provided.  A secret refuge of the mysterious Cathars during the Middle Ages, today these silent hills hide seemingly inaccessible fortresses where the heretics made their ill-fated last stand. Discover their legacy, explore the hill-top châteaux, uncover the varied flora and fauna of the unique garrigue landscapes; and enjoy wines from the immediate area. With a hire car included, the historic cities of Carcassonne and Perpignan are also well within reach, as is the Mediterranean coast. Price: from £915 per property (or £458pp based on 2 sharing), inc. one week's self catering accommodation and hire car.

All walking and cycling prices are per person based on 2 sharing and include route maps and notes, and luggage transportation between hotels where appropriate. Cycling holidays also include cycle hire with accessories.

 

For more information on Inntravel, a member of AITO, Tel 01653 617000 or visit www.inntravel.co.uk.