28 Mar 2013
Newport RI Spring is the ideal time to travel, ahead of the Summer crowds, when the flowers are in bloom and the countryside is fresh and vibrant. Europe is top of The Wayfarers’ list for Spring color, in particular Switzerland, The Italian Dolomites and Cornwall, England.
Switzerland and the Italian Dolomites must be on every wildflower lover’s bucket list for their spectacular Spring Alpine meadows, carpeted with the most vivid display of flowers, including gentian and edelweiss. Cornwall enjoys a micro-climate which brings the native hedgerow Spring flowers out early and allows exotic, rare tropical plants to thrive. Two of England’s most important historical gardens are a plant finder’s delight, set within a just few miles of each other.
Switzerland: Bernese Oberland and Lake Lucerne Walk
- Level 4 of 5, moderate to energetic climbs up to 7,000 feet. 9-11 miles per day.
- Walk dates: July 7-14, 7 nights price US$ 4,295, per person (double occupancy), all inclusive
On this Walk, the Wayfarers hike the classic alpine routes, green and fresh with Spring pasture. We take a cable car to see the snow capped peaks of the Rinderhorn and enjoy the best display of wildflowers in the pastures at Wegenalp. The commanding view of the north face of the Eiger contrasts with the charming villages of Grindelwald and Weggis, where traditional chalets will be decked with brightly colored geraniums. This Walk’s highlights also include a visit to the 17th century village of Rougemont, watching Gruyere cheese being made and walking the medieval lanes of Lucerne.
http://www.thewayfarers.com/walking-tours/european-walking-tours/bernese-oberland-and-lake-lucerne/
Italian Dolomites Walk
- Walk Level 5 of 5, includes some steep mountain path walking. 8-14 miles per day.
- Walk dates: June 30 - July 6 and August 25 – 31. 6 nights price US$ 4,195 per person (double occupancy) all-inclusive
The Wayfarers enjoy the spectacular plateau of Gardenaccia, looking at a panorama of inspiring peaks and mountain pastures.We traverse wildflower meadows in the high plateau above San Cassiano, heading to Cortina d’Ampezzo and its Cinque Torri (five towers). In the pretty yet fashionable villages of Cortina and Moena, the traditional chalets will be decked with window boxes full of vivid Spring flowers. Other highlights of this Walk include Lake Carezza, beloved of Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, a visit to the WWI museum and lunch in a peaceful mountain rifugio.
http://www.thewayfarers.com/walking-tours/european-walking-tours/the-dolomites/
Cornwall’s Creeks, Coves and Coastal Trails Walk
- Walk Level 4 of 5, includes undulating coastal path walking of 150-250 feet. 7-10 miles per day.
- Walk dates: May 19-25, 6 nights price US$ 3,995 per person (double occupancy) all inclusive
This Walk includes visits to two famous and spectacular English gardens: the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trebah Gardens.
In the Victorian era, Heligan’s 1,000 acres were filled with England’s rarest and most exotic plants but the Great War and years of neglect turned them into a bramble and ivy-infested wilderness. The rediscovery and restoration of Heligan to its former glory is considered one of the greatest garden projects of the 20th century. Nearby Trebah is another sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. It is rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world.
In both gardens, there will be a dazzling Spring displays of lilac, sweet myrtle, euphorbia and rhododendron. Both gardens grow the beautiful Pocket Handkerchief or Ghost Tree (Davidia) which gets its name from the enormous white bracts which flutter in the breeze, attracting moths at nightfall.
Michael West, founder of The Wayfarers Walking Vacations, sums up what he loves about Spring Walks: ‘Walking in Spring is the ideal antidote to a cold, harsh winter. It’s the perfect season to walk in (not too hot or cold) and appreciate nature at its most beautiful. Because Spring is much quieter than Summer, we feel our guests really get the authentic experience we want to give them of unspoilt countryside and villages.’
Why choose a Walking Vacation?
For anyone unfamiliar with Walking Vacations, The Wayfarers has published a free, comprehensive Walk Away Guide, written by travel writer Everett Potter. This inspiring and practical booklet explains what is so special about walking vacations and how to prepare for a trip. It is available in print, as a downloadable pdf or an Ipad app.
Download the Walk Away Guide from the website: http://www.thewayfarers.com/walkawayguide/
Downloaded the Ipad app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-wayfarers-walks-hikes/id407945255?mt=8
ENDS
ett Potter’s Travel Report:
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 16 countries with 40 itineraries.
Walks cover Austria, Northern Ireland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, France, New Zealand, Patagonia in Argentina, Alaska, Southwest USA, and a barging/walk combination in Burgundy. 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. Walks are from 6-13 days and are rated on a five-level challenge scale. The Wayfarers is also a member of Trusted Adventures, www.trustedadventures.com, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to places visited.www.thewayfarers.com. 800-249-4620.
For more press information and high res images:
Please contact Alicen Dines at Watershed PR alicen@watershedpr.co.uk
