Saturday, July 31, 2010

Top 10 European Fall Walking Tours from Classic Journeys


Quebec & Charlevoix Departs Sept. 12 from Quebec City 6 days/5 nights
North America's European heritage is on brilliant display from the cobblestone streets of Lower Town Quebec to the arts-and-crafts villages of Charlevoix. On foot, we take in Montmorency Falls and a national park that's home to peregrine falcons and caribou herds, plus a whale-watching cruise on Saguenay Fjord.


Prague to Budapest Departs Sept. 5 from Prague 8 days/7 nights
Bookended by two imperial capitals, this time-traveling trip boasts castles and cathedral spires along with remarkably preserved medieval villages. In the rolling countryside of the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, we enjoy farmland walks and winery visits, capped by a delightful cruise on the Danube.

Bordeaux & the Dordogne Valley Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 10 from Bordeaux 7 days/6 nights
Vintage reds complement a week of scenic walking through river valleys, vineyards, and villages that double as world heritage sites. Following ancient footpaths, we explore medieval castles, view prehistoric cave art and hunt for truffles with a leading expert. Our most popular trip debut ever!

A Week in Provence Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Avignon 7 days/6 nights
Scented fields of lavender and thyme share the spotlight with a soaring Roman aqueduct and towering hilltowns. Together, we walk the crest of the Dentelles de Montmirail, shop village markets, sip pastis under the plane trees, and savor al fresco piqueniques of local wine, baguettes and goat cheese.

Amalfi Coast & Capri Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Naples 7 days/6 nights
Skimming over the Bay of Naples by hydrofoil to Capri, we enjoy two full days of coastal walks, ancient Roman villas and modern shopping. Back on the mainland, a morning rim walk on Mount Vesuvius precedes our arrival in Positano, where we enjoy a private tasting at a limoncello factory and a personal guided tour of nearby Pompeii.

Southern Tuscany to Rome Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 3 from Cortona 7 days/6 nights
Samplings of olive oil and local wines take center stage during a week that showcases medieval Siena, rustic Umbria and an insider's glimpse of Rome. On rural walks, we take in landmarks in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, photogenic hilltowns, and Etruscan tombs...accompanied by unforgettable meals, from cheese-tastings and impromptu picnics to unique ristorantes.

Italian Lake Retreats Departs Sept. 5 & Oct. 3 from Bellagio 7 days/6 nights
A sparkling trio of lakes – Como, Maggiore and Orta – are the focus of a memorable week in the mountains of northern Italy. On shore, we ramble country roads and bridle paths, pausing to sample local wines and cheeses along the way. Private motor launches carry us over the water to explore an island monastery, jewel-like palaces and spectacular gardens.

Sicily - Island in the Sun Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 10 from Palermo 7 days/6 nights
Two nights in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento place us squarely in the center of Greek antiquity, including wildflower walks with views of the sea. A ferry ride to Lipari, largest of the Aeolian Islands, leads to memorable stops at vineyards and olive plantations. From Taormina, clinging to the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, we head out for a one-of-a-kind picnic on the slopes of Mt. Etna.

Taste of Tuscany Culinary Tour Departs Oct. 10 from Florence 7 days/6 nights
Lovers of Italian cuisine never had it so good! In professional kitchens and private cucinas, we pick up countless tips on preparing Tuscan classics. Outdoors, we enjoy countryside walks, winetastings, and samplings of the region's legendary olive oil...with plenty of time to explore the Renaissance splendors of Florence and the streets of Cortona made famous by Francis Mayes.

Southern Spain's Andalucia Departs Sept. 12 & Oct. 17 from Seville 7 days/6 nights
It's all about the Moors on this weeklong visit to the cultural centers of Seville and Ronda, Granada and Jaen, where we soak up the art, architecture and antiquities they left behind. On scenic nature walks, we explore one of Los Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and amble among the pillars of El Torcal National Park, with time carved out for olive mills and vineyard visits.

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