11 Oct 2013
New Wayfarers Walks for 2014 include the fairytale Norwegian Fjords, the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago, Spain and the wilderness hills of Colorado. All feature the company's promise of unique itineraries, plus adventure, fitness, friendship and comfort.
Michael West, Wayfarers co founder said: ‘The new trips are quintessential Wayfarering journeys: all wonderful in their own right and all completely different. The Norwegian Fjords offer great walking in breathtakingly beautiful scenery – truly like a fairy tale. The Camino de Santiago reveals traditional Spanish life along an ancient route of faith, dating back 1,000 years. In Colorado, there’s the fascinating history of Native Americans, the Old West and spectacular lakes, mountains, hot springs and wildlife to discover’.
The Wayfarers new 2014 brochure features 43 different Walking Vacations in 19 countries throughout the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Central Europe, USA, Argentina and New Zealand. The new-look brochure has a souvenir section - a celebration of the company’s 30 years. It also has new pages to help guests select walks by the type of traveller they are eg Adventure, Explorer, Classic or Culture or by theme, such as history, wine, art, food, gardens and family history.
NEW Walking Vacations for 2014:
Norwegian Fjords is a moderate Walk with glacier walking, covering 7-12 miles per day, rated Level 4. Departure dates: June 22-29 and September 7-14 US$ 4,695 per person (Wayfarers Friend rate: US$ 4,450), based on two people sharing.
Camino de Santiago is mainly easy to moderate walking, covering 9-15 miles per day, rated Level 4. Departure dates: 17-24 May, 7 nights US$ 4,465 per person (Wayfarers Friend rate: US$ 4,240), based on two people sharing.
Colorado is a strenuous but rewarding Walk, covering 8-12 miles per day, rated Level 5. Departure dates: July 13-19, 6 nights US$ 2,995 per person (Wayfarers Friend rate: US$ 2,845), based on two people sharing.
Unique Walks and strong bonds
It is important to The Wayfarers to develop fresh new Walks while continuing to improve its classic, most popular Walks. New itineraries are painstakingly researched to offer a rich experience and complete immersion into every new region. Trails are picked for their wonderful scenery and opportunities to enjoy local culture, food, history, wildlife and geography.
Wayfarers local guides and walk managers are chosen for their expertise, great personality and caring approach. The company sets itself the highest standards of customer service, before, during and after a trip, including personal correspondence from founder Michael West. On the trail, Wayfarers groups are typically a broad mix of educated, discerning, friendly guests who welcome newcomers and solo travelers. Lifelong friendships are frequently forged on the trail.
Slow travel and responsible tourism
For 30 years, The Wayfarers has pioneered walking vacations as the travel equivalent of the Slow Food Movement. They have promoted walking as the best way to see the world, taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature, to enjoy getting fitter and being open to new experiences. Their enthusiasm has inspired a devoted following with around 40% repeat guest bookings.
The company has quietly championed responsible tourism for 30 years, supporting local businesses wherever they go in the world, long before it became fashionable or expected to do so. They support conservation initiatives and are proud to follow The International Ecotourism Society’s principles.
Thirty years on the trail
The Wayfarers was born from the simple idea of friends and co-founders Michael West, Christopher Hague and Peter Clifford to share their love of walking with friends. In the early days, Wayfarers Walks were in the South and West of England, with the group typically staying in local B&Bs with shared bathrooms. Guests kept coming back and the Walks grew in number and geographical reach, until today when they cover the most beautiful regions in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, the USA, New Zealand and Patagonia. Accomodations have upgraded to first class, ensuite hotel rooms, but the total commitment to guests and the friendly camaraderie of the group remains a constant.
Our guests are The Wayfarers greatest ambassadors. Here’s what they say:
‘The basics have stayed the same over the years – great research and good leaders – but now there’s so much more choice of destination.’
‘The Wayfarers hire the best people. It’s an extraordinary organization and I feel blessed to have found it.’
ENDS
For more information on any of our Walks and destination images, please contact Alicen Dines at Watershed PR on 00 44 1308 420785 email alicen@watershedpr.co.uk.
Note to editor:
About The Wayfarers Walking Vacations:
Named by National Geographic Traveler as purveyor of one of the ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime,’ and by National Geographic Adventure as one of the ‘Best Hiking Companies,’ The Wayfarers offers an eco-sensitive walking vacation of both culture and fitness in 19 countries with 40+ itineraries.
Walks cover England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, New Zealand, Patagonia, Alaska, Colorado, Southwest USA, and a barging/walk combination in Burgundy, France. Now in its 30th year, The Wayfarers offers exclusive entrees into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents.
