Book NOW for 2016 trips at 2015 prices Bookings (with 10% deposit) received before 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at the current published 2015 prices ook B your late 2015 trip today See inside for late availability Aug-Dec 2016 Trip dates New for 2016... JULY 2015 ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL GROUP LTD., T/A ATG Oxford • 274 Banbury Road, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.atg-oxford.com REGISTERED IN ENGLAND, COMPANY NUMBER 1449375
ATG Oxford (Alternative Travel Group) offers premium-quality walking and cycling holidays to the most beautiful and interesting areas of Europe and beyond.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Book NOW for 2016 trips at 2015 pricesBookings (with 10% deposit) received before 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at the current published 2015 prices
ookB your
late 2015 trip
todaySee inside for
late availability
Aug-Dec
2016Trip dates
New for 2016...JULY 2015 ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL GROUP LTD., T/A ATG Oxford • 274 Banbury Road, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom
It was very good to meet so many ofyou (the best form of communication– we should do it more often!) at theATG 35th Anniversary and ATG Trustfundraising event in London inNovember. The event raised over£7,000 for Sustainable Developmentprojects in areas visited by ATG.
The primary source of communicationabout ATG, its trips and news is theATG website. This provides far moreeasily accessible up-dated informationthan printed materials.
Footloose & Freewheeling routebooks are continually updated andprinted in small batches, so booksarrive ‘hot off the press’ … and theRoute Manager will advise you ofany ‘last minute’ information.
Newsletters are designed to remindyou that ATG is still here – waiting toprovide your next excellent holiday,and to provide information on newtrips, together with dates and prices.
So ‘is that it?’ No. Because brochuresare still really valuable, as are clientswho prefer a printed format to anelectronic one. With a brochure,together with the latest ATGNewsletters, you can source 98% ofthe information you need.
Changes of actual informationcontent amount to no more than1% year-on-year. For this reason,rather than distributing tens ofthousands of brochures world-wide…to dedicated internet users (!), ATGbrochures are sent ‘on request’. Ifyou would like an Escorted orIndependent (Footloose) brochureat any time please contact the office.
And an apology…
We apologize for the late arrival ofthe ‘ATG Escorted’ brochure. Thisbrochure is in an advanced stage ofproduction, and copies with the 2016trips will be available in the autumn.Despite the absence of a brochure,the ATG website seems to befunctioning well: 2015 has seen thelargest increase in both Escorted andIndependent bookings on Europeantrips for 10 years.
We look forward to welcoming you…
What do they have in common?... Answer on page 7
Nicholas Breakspear(1100-1159)
Thomas a Kempis(1380-1471)
Desiderius Erasmus(1466-1536)
PROVENCE NEWSn Footloose: Upgrade
It was ‘no problem’ when, on theProvence Footloose route, a hotelwith a restaurant, and no othersnearby, closed just before the firstclients started walking…
The Footloose route books offer achoice of walking routes on many days(easier and more challenging), so byusing one of these (easier) alternativeroutes, it was possible to divert…andstay at a picturesque village withpanoramic views and excellent(upgraded) accommodation!
Those taking the ‘standard’ routehave a comfortable 3* hotel in thecentre of the charming village ofBonnieux, with views and goodrestaurant. The ‘superior ’ route hasbeen upgraded to a 4* hotel (seeabove), which happens to be one ofthe best in Provence, and its**Michelin restaurant, one of thebest in France.
A three-course evening meal at thehotel's excellent 'La Bergerie'restaurant is included, however youmay upgrade to a meal in the**Michelin Restaurant EdouardLoubet for only 53 Euros.
n Escorted: New trip for 2016
Domaine de Capelongue, Bonnieux
PH
OT
O:
FR
AN
CIS
OR
AV
ET
Z
Long views over the Lubéron
The new itinerary of Classic Provenceincludes: walking in Les Alpilles, hills tothe south of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,celebrated in the iconic paintings of VanGogh. It also includes walking throughpicturesque medieval streetspunctuated with ancient Romanmonuments; paths throughcharacteristic scented scrub with viewsto the sea, through lavender fields,vineyards and olive groves, and alongthe southern edge of the Vaucluse, andthe Lubéron. All this, wonderful variedwalking, some excellent hotels, and arange of some of the best Provençalcuisine. See pages 12-13.
Prize WinnersThank You to all our clients whoreturn their Quality Questionnairesafter trips. Your invaluable feedbackallows us to continually monitor andimprove our trips. Congratulations tothe winners of our Questionnaire drawfor 2014 trips:
1st prize – an 8-day ATG holidayMr R Langford, Stockton-on-Tees
2nd prize – a magnum of ChampagneMrs J Duncan, Aberdeen
3rd prize – a bottle of ChampagneDr G Pasvol, London
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices 1
n Across the CévennesBACK FOR 2016
A wonderful walk withsome excellent hotels, itincludes the Causse deMejean (also in Flowersof the Cévennes) andthe area of the Lozère &Tarn Gorge Footlooseroute, on which thefeedback has beenconsistentlyoutstanding. See pages 14-15.
ESCORTED TRIP NEWS
n Tuscan Trail BACK FOR 2016
This trip, established in 1979 andaffectionately known to thousands ofATG clients as the ‘Tuscan Trial’ (!),was their introduction to ATG, and todiscovering that ‘the best way to seea country is on foot’.
Today the hotels and restaurants arebetter, but the countryside and walkingroute remain timelessly unchanged,and from San Gimignano to Siena, theATG-researched paths were once partof the Via Francigena, the medieval‘main road to Rome’…. It’s back andbetter than ever! See pages 16-17.
n Unknown Basilicata NEW TRIP
Almost unvisited when ATG started running trips there20 years ago, Basilicata, from coast to coast, remainswild and ‘unimaginable’. Dolomites (!), Greek temples,vast, high flower-filled pastures, fine ancient pilgrimpaths, wonderful southern hospitality.
The itinerary includes three of the best walks from anearlier trip, but now, with the opening of new hotels andrestaurants, the trip we have long wanted to offer hasbecome practicable. For keen walkers there is a ‘feast’,and for those who prefer half-days, the minibus meetswalkers each day – for an ATG picnic! See pages 18-19.
n Srinagar & Ladakh NEW TRIP
Starting in Srinagar (recovered from2014 floods) we enjoy the experienceof staying in a houseboat on lakessurrounded by water-lilies, with viewsof snow-capped mountains. We thenfly direct to Leh in Ladakh. Ladakh,with its rich culture and traditions,many fine Buddhist monasteries,delightful people, and not least,superb Himalayan mountain scenery,offers a glimpse of a timeless world.There is comfortable accommodation(no camping!), good local cuisineand some excellent walking.Go Now! See pages 22-23.
n The Hills of South West India NEW TRIP
This new 14-day itinerary in south west India takes us throughthe high hills and most spectacular scenery of Kerala andTamil Nadu. Travelling on foot, by jeep, boat, narrow gaugerailway and by road, our journey takes us from the forestsand long views of the Western Ghats, to spice gardens, teaplantations, national parks with an abundance of wildlife,especially birds, and from the highlands surrounding thelegendary colonial hill-station of Ooty (2,240m/7,350ft), toidyllic lakes …and the sea. The best, most characteristic hotelsand delicious southern Indian cuisine. See pages 20-21.
Ladakh: ‘Land of High Passes’
Castelmezzano: one of Italy's most beautiful villages
Exclusive Tuscany: A flexible itinerary including variedwalk options, excursions, time to relax, superb food andwine, and a concert and gala dinner on the last night.
Hotel nights: 7 at Pieve a Castello Grade: 1 - 2£2,195 / $3,625 (+DFS £308 / $510)
29 Aug-5 Sep: Pieve As You Like It! 8 Days, Italy
A World Class walk, from meadows of the Monti Sibillinito Spoleto – wonderful country and views; picturesquevillages, fine frescoed churches, some excellent hotelsand cuisine.
Hotel nights: 3 at 4*, 3 at Residenza d'Epoca, 1 at 2* pilgrim hotel Grade: 3 - 4 £2,435 / $4,020 (+DFS £161 / $270)
29 Aug-5 Sep: Unknown Umbria 8 Days, Italy
* Most independent routes remain open through October. See page 27 for an overview.2
Unknown Umbria & Spoleto Independent: 5 or 8 days
Route open until October 18: From £495 / $820
5-12 Sep: Unknown Tuscany 8 Days, Italy
ATG’s most unusual trip! Crag-top towns approachedby ancient Via di Cava, then lakes and plateaux, andfinally Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral.
Hotel nights: 5 at 4*, 1 at *3, 1 at 2* Grade: 2 - 3£2,495 / $4,120 (+DFS £182 / $305)
SeptemberM
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
W
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
F
4
11
18
25
S
5
12
19
26
S
6
13
20
27
AugustM
3
10
17
24
31
T
4
11
18
25
W
5
12
19
26
T
6
13
20
27
F
7
14
21
28
S
1
8
15
22
29
S
2
9
16
23
30
Trip Grades – see page 25 = continuous route DFS = double for single supp.
The most picturesque villages in France set invineyards with the forested Vosges hills as a backdrop.Great walking, hotels, food and wine.
Hotel nights: 3 at 4*, 4 at 3* Grade: 2 - 4£2,995 / $4,945 (+DFS £329 / $545)
5-12 Sep: Classic Alsace 8 Days, France
Classic Alsace Independent: 5 or 8 days
Route open until October 18: From £620 / $1,025
Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto Independent: 5 or 8 days
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices 3
Some of the country’s finest scenery, historic towns,castles and Renaissance palaces; fascinating open-airethnographic museum, delightful Hungarian people.
Hotel nights: 1 at 5*, 5 at 4*, 1 at 3* Grade: 3£2,295 / $3,790 (+DFS £203 / $335)
12-19 Sep: Hungary: the Danube Bend 8 Days, Hungary
Hungary: Danube Bend Independent: 8 days
Route open until October 18: £795 / $1,315
Idyllic scenery with longviews and delightfulmedieval towns containingfabulous works of Art –including those by Piero, stillwhere he lived and painted.
Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 5 at 4*Grade: 2 - 3 £2,895 / $4,780 (+DFS £231 / $385)
12-19 Sep: Land of Piero della Francesca 8 Days, Italy
These picturesque volcanic islands off the coast ofSicily provide walking with spectacular views, afascinating historic heritage, comfortable hotels anddelicious seafood.
Hotel nights: 4 at 4*, 3 at very comfortable 3* Grade: 2 - 3 £2,695 / $4,450 (+DFS £189 / $315)
20-27 Sep: The Aeolian Isles 8 Days, Italy
PH
OT
O:
FR
AN
CIS
OR
AV
ET
Z
Discovering easy paths through the historic heart ofCatalunya, its deserted hills, Romanesque churches,exciting variety of birds and flowers, geologicalformations and wonderful cuisine!
Hotel nights: 7 at 4* hotel in lovely setting Grade: 2 - 2+ £2,395 / $3,955 (+DFS £231 / $385)
13-20 September: Unknown Catalunya 8 Days, Spain
Easy paths from cliff-side, medieval Rocamadour, to theimposing castles overlooking the Dordogne River, toprehistoric dwellings and paintings around Les Eyzies.Great Périgord cuisine.
Hotel nights: 2 at 4*, 5 at very comfortable 3* Grade: 2£3,115 / $5,145 (+DFS £210 / $350)
19-26 September: Classic Dordogne 8 Days, France
19-26 September: Way to AssisiThe trip that has everything! Fine walking, famedmedieval towns on Roman foundations, outstandingart, excellent hotels, good food and Sagrantino wine,and following in St Francis’ footsteps.
Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 4 at 4*, 1 at 3* Grade: 3 £2,895 / $4,780 (+DFS £329 / $545)
* Most independent routes remain open through October. See page 27 for an overview.4
Late AvailabilityEscorted Independent*
Trip Grades – see page 25 = continuous route DFS = double for single supp.
NovemberM
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
W
4
11
18
25
T
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
S
7
14
21
28
S
1
8
15
22
29
Wonderful walking and scenery! Extensive sierras, gorgesand ravines punctuated by picturesque villages; ridgewalks, pilgrim paths and magnificently situated castles.
Hotel nights: A range of characteristic hotels, all very friendly Grade: 3 - 4 £2,090 / $3,450 (+DFS £70 / $120)
20-27 September: Alto Teruel 8 Days, Spain
Alto Teruel Independent: 8 days
Route open until September 30: £780/ $1,290
The Baroque, Carthusian Certosa di San Lorenzo diPadula (or Padula Charterhouse) is the largest
monastery in Italy (12.7 acres), and has the largest cloisterin the world (2.97 acres), surrounded by 84 columns.Begun in 1306 and completed more than 400 years later,its design emulates a gridiron – a metal grate with parallelbars – evoking the live burning of a saint. Its museumhouses finds from excavations from two importantnecropoli discovered in the environs, representing theperiod from protohistory to the Hellenistic Age. Alsonotable are the cloister’s 16th century choir stalls with fineintarsia decoration, high altar and main door dating backto 1374, and the magnificent grand, white marblestaircase leading to the library.
Two little-known areas south of Naples – medievalPadula, its rich heritage dating back 3,000 years, andNorthern Calabria, its high grassy hills offeringinspiring walking.
Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 5 at 4* Grade: 3 - 4£2,295 / $3,790 (+DFS £140 / $235)
Portugal’s wild west coast with some of Europe’s largestwaves, the protected Serra da Sintra, and UNESCO Heritagesite of Sintra itself, with its castles, palaces and gardens.
Hotel nights: 5 at 5*, 2 at 3* (2 at Michelin* restaurant) Grade: 2 - 3£2,970 / $4,905 (+DFS £504 / $835)
4-11 Oct: Sintra & the Portuguese Coast 8 Days, Portugal
PH
OT
O:
NA
OM
I M
OG
IL &
JA
ME
S K
EA
NE
Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Independent: 8 days
Route open until October 31: From £995 / $1,645
Southern Tuscany Independent: 5 or 8 days
Route open until October 31: From £540 / $895
Two great wine areas, two of Italy’s finest abbeys,medieval hill towns and Renaissance Pienza. World-Class art. Inspiring walking, flowers, birds – andfabulous Siena.
Hotel nights: 5 at very comfortable 3*, 1 at 4* and 5* Grade: 3£2,660 / $4,390 (+DFS £294 / $490)
5BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices
DecemberM
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
W
2
9
16
23
30
T
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
S
5
12
19
26
S
6
13
20
27
Sail the Aegean, anchoring to explore the islands onfoot. Nights in picturesque harbours, and finally dinnerwith classical music in the floodlit site of Ephesus.
Hotel nights: 7 on a luxury yacht, 2 in cottages Grade: 1 - 2£3,995 / $6,595 (+DFS £882 / $1,460)
10-19 October:Ephesus & the Dodecanese
10 Days,Turkey& Greece
11-18 October: Amalfi CoastSome of Italy’s most idyllic coastal scenery andimpressive picturesque towns and fishing villages.Walk along ancient stepped paths between villages,farms, churches and monasteries: the “Path of theGods” high above the sea.
Hotel nights: 7 at 4* Grade: 3£3,195 / $5,275 (+DFS £672 / $1,110)
8 Days, Italy
Amalfi Coast Independent: 5 or 8 days
Route open until October 31: From £675 / $1,115
Walk across the island twice! Fine, rugged scenerywith immense views, dramatic gorges, mountains andsea. Picturesque hill villages and delightful people.
Hotel nights: 4 at 4*, 3 at very comfortable 3* Grade: 2 - 3£3,095 / $5,110 (+DFS £385 / $640)
20-27 October: Paths to Barolo 8 Days, Italy
Walk through the wooded Langhe hills and Barolovineyards: a picturesque patchwork interspersed withwoods, hill-top villages and castles. The area is famed asmuch for its food as its renowned wines.
Venetians’ Venice – lunch at private palazzo on theGrand Canal, a private visit to the cathedral of SanMarco in an exclusive itinerary, staying at the 5* Danieli.
Hotel nights: 4 at 5* Danieli Grade: 1 £2,920 / $4,820 (+DFS £432 / $715)
6-10 November: Secret Venice 5 Days, Italy
Medieval hill towns, art and landscape.Walk down from Monte Subasio onChristmas Eve – to spend Christmas Eve,day and night in Assisi.
Hotel nights: 5 at 4* Grade: 2 - 3 £1,995 / $3,295 (+DFS: £195 / $325)
21-26 December: Assisi Christmas 6 Days, Italy
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure: desert, hotsprings, lakes, fjords, glaciers and peaks;fabulous walking, unforgettable scenery –all in style.Hotel nights: 9 at 5*, 3 at 4*, 3 at 3* Grade: 2 - 3+ £9,325 / $15,390 (+DFS £1,790 / $2,955)
10-25 November: Discovering Chile 16 Days
Discover Oman’s subtropical coast, deserts,mountain villages, spectacular wadis, luxurydesert camping, and Muscat’s best hotel. Allthis and plenty of walking.Hotel nights: 3 at 5*, 3 at 4*, 2 at 3 *, 2 at Eco lodge, 2 campingGrade: 2+ - 3 £4,995 / $8,245 (+DFS £1,015 / $1,675)
Images: CW = Christopher Whinney; CB = Chris Bartle
PIEVE A
CW
CW
7
Common Order What do NicholasBreakspear (1100-1159, the only EnglishPope – Adrian IV – from 1154-59), themystic Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471),and the Christian Humanist andscholar Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) have in common?
Answer: all were Augustinian CanonsRegular. This was the Order of Canonsthat, for seven centuries, ran thecanonry of Santa Maria (now Pieve) aCastello, the overnight stopping placeon the Via Francigena, the earlymedieval ‘main road to Rome’.
This fortified complex of early 8thCentury buildings played host tocountless travellers, including recordedvisits by Emperors and Popes – ontheir way to or from Rome. NicholasBreakspear is known to have travelleddown the Via Francigena from Francein 1149 prior to his appointment asCardinal Bishop of Albano, and lateras Papal Legate to Scandinavia – fromwhere he returned in 1154.
In 1156, in an attempt to quell conflictin Rome, Pope Adrian IV issued aninterdict, suspending administration ofmost religious rites in the city. Thisdecimated lucrative pilgrim traffic tothe city, and on all roads to Rome.
In the same year Pope Adrian IVissued a document granting privilegesto Santa Maria (now Pieve) a Castello…
Was this a coincidence? Or help for hisfellow Canons Regular, at a placewhere he had almost certainly stayedon several occasions, to secure itagainst fluctuations in the number ofpilgrims travelling the Via Francigena –upon which the canonry dependedfor its income and survival …?
Footnotes
CASTELLO
CW
CW
CB
CB
8
hoW does it Work?
Your stay at Pieve a Castello will
be on an all-inclusive ‘house-guest’
basis. Everything is included – all
meals, wines, drinks and snacks
between meals, all transfers, all
scheduled visits and excursions,
for guests wishing to participate in
the escorted programme offered.
Mornings at Pieve a Castello are
relaxed. Breakfast, from 7.45 to
11.00, is served in the courtyard
when the weather is fine – an
extensive buffet, with cooked
breakfast available between 8.00
and 9.00.
Lunch is available on the lower
(covered) terrace between 1.00
and 2.00pm each day, whilst those
out on a scheduled excursion will
enjoy a celebrated ATG picnic.
Snacks and drinks…between
meals: Each room has a fridge-bar
re-stocked once a day with
complimentary bottled water, soft
drinks, beer and light snacks.
There is also a guest kitchen with
coffee, tea and a selection of fruit
and a home-made cake or
biscuits. In the library a selection
of alcoholic drinks is also available.
Pre-dinner drinks are served in
the library or on the library
terrace from 7.00pm. These are
accompanied by freshly made
appetizers from the chef.
Dinner is served in the arcaded
octagonal former baptistery, or in
the courtyard ‘under the stars’. It
comprises three courses and fine
wines. After dinner coffee and
drinks are then served in the
library or on the library terrace.
perfectly preserved
The canonry was abandoned in
1400 AD, but remained in an
outstanding state of preservation,
with all its architecturally
important buildings still intact. Its
proto-Romanesque basilica-style
church is a rare survival, whilst its
early 8th century arcaded
octagonal baptistery, is the finest,
and almost only such building
remaining from the period.
Today, following 20 years of
restoration works, ‘Pieve a
Castello’ – some of the oldest still-
inhabited structures in Europe,
again welcomes travellers. Winner
of a ‘World Legacy Award’ for
Heritage tourism, it operates as a
Residenza d’Epoca (historic
building converted to
accommodate guests).
What is there?
There are 10 bedrooms,
originally built for multiple
occupancy by early medieval
travellers. All now have private
en-suite facilities and views of
the central courtyard and open
countryside.
The church and one chapel
offer recording-quality acoustics
and sound systems, and music,
including some recorded at
Pieve a Castello. There is a fine
concert grand piano, and
classical concerts every Friday
evening, followed by a gala
dinner.
The arcaded octagonal
baptistery, that in medieval
times, like the church, had
general daily use – for travellers
to meet, eat and sleep, as well as
for baptisms, is now used for
dining.
There is a well-stocked library
with many books about the
area, and several comfortable
sitting areas, as well as seating in
the courtyard and on shaded
terraces.
CB
CW
CW
Images: CW = Christopher Whinney; CB = Chris Bartle
CW
CW
9
CW
Which Week to
choose?
Whichever week you choose
will give you a unique insight
into the area, its culture and
heritage. As one client wrote:
Our week at wonderful, ancient
Pieve a Castello took us far
beyond the restless superficiality
of ‘tourism’. It made us feel from
the outset that we were privileged
insiders who genuinely belonged.
As an authentic travel experience
this is as good as it gets.
Pieve a Castello offers different
itineraries that explore the
area’s wide range of outstanding
World-Class interests. Each
week is accompanied by a
renowned ATG Tour Leader and
Tour Manager.
making it happen
To ‘make it happen’ – each
evening before dinner there is a
presentation of the next day’s
‘theme’, or focus of interest, and
related programme of activities
and excursions. If there is an
escorted walk, a wine tasting,
cookery demonstration, concert
or excursion to explore – e.g. –
‘legacy of the Etruscans’, and
you would prefer to swim, read,
listen to music, go for an
independent walk or bicycle
ride, or just enjoy being in this
‘very special place on the
planet’, Pieve a Castello is there
for you to enjoy ‘as you like it’.
What is there to do
and see…?
The location, between Florence
and Siena provides enough
places of outstanding historic
and cultural interest to last a
lifetime of exploration, with
almost unlimited opportunities
to access, not only the wealth of
world-renowned Heritage sites,
but also the many other
outstanding, but little-known,
sites, in this area burgeoning
with places of unsurpassed
cultural interest: ‘Secret Tuscany’.
Whilst the diversity of
sightseeing opportunities is of
an incomparably high standard –
so, too, are the opportunities for
exploring the area on foot.
A legacy of centuries when the
bustling Via Francigena carried
millions of travellers annually to
and from Rome, is a network of
major and minor, supply and
access routes, over 200 miles of
which fan out from Pieve a
Castello. These ancient routes,
now paths and tracks, ideal for
walking, lead through vineyards,
olive groves, meadows and
forest to iconic destinations
such as Siena, Monteriggioni and
San Gimignano.
These destinations can also be
reached by bicycle along quiet
country gravel roads and tracks.
A substantial booklet with a
variety of self-guided walks
(from 1 to 7 hours) is part of
the information pack provided
to each guest.
THE pool
Whether to cool off after a walk
or activity, to swim for exercise,
or to simply enjoy its ambience,
the 50-foot pool (open May-
October) guarantees to delight!
It has salt filtration and is lined
with travertine (marble) – the
water surface giving soft
reflections of the ancient
buildings and organic vegetable
gardens which supply the kitchens.
A fascinating immersion experience…
This unique, ‘’insider’s experience’’,includes two hours of each morning(days 2–7) spent in ‘immersion’ Italianlanguage sessions, tailored to all levelsof ability. Included, too, is a view of therace from one of the best-situatedwindows on the piazza…
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport wetravel by road (1.5 hours) to Pieve aCastello. After time to relax there will bea tour of this unique complex of early8th century buildings. Eveningpresentation: The Palio, its History,
Celebrations and Traditions
Day 2 After language session, apresentation on the history,celebrations and traditions of the Palio.After lunch, enjoy a two-hour walkthrough the Tuscan countryside.
Day 3 After a relaxed morning at Pievea Castello, we travel to Siena for theTratta – drawing lots to select the horsesfor the Palio and allotment of thesehorses to the Contrade. Lunch in Siena.
Day 4 Morning and lunch at Pieve aCastello, followed by a walk toMonteriggioni (3-4 hours). Optional:Siena – early evening procession of theVotive Choir of the Contrade.
Day 5 In the afternoon we visit Sienafor the ‘Prova Generale’ (fifth and finalrace trials) and we are privileged to jointhe ‘Cena Propriziatoria/Cena dellaProva Generale’ (a very special dinner)at a contrada.
Day 6 The day of the Palio! In theafternoon we depart for Siena.
Day 7 Morning review of the previousday’s unforgettable events! Afternoonwalk through the Montagnola Senese(2-3 hours), before a ‘gala’ dinner.
For over 700 years travellers on theVia Francigena, the ‘main road toRome’, stayed overnight at Pieve aCastello. This itinerary explores theearly medieval ‘road’ (today tracks andpaths) and fascinating world of themedieval traveller.
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport wetravel by road (1.5 hours) to Pieve aCastello. After time to relax, there willbe a tour of the 8th century complex.Evening presentation: Pieve a Castello
& the Medieval Traveller
Day 2 We walk through idylliccountryside to discover some of theancient major and minor routes of thearea, and what influenceddevelopments and changes (5 miles/2.5 hours). Evening presentation: The
Via Francigena
Day 3 We walk through forests of theMontagnola to an iconic medievalvillage – one of the dependentcanonries (6 miles/3 hours). Eveningpresentation: Medieval Enterprise &
Travel
Day 4 We drive for 15 minutes, thenwalk following the route of the earlymedieval Via Francigena to ‘Castello delBosco’ – now San Gimignano – with itsfamous towers. (8 miles/4 hours).Evening presentation: Medieval
Travellers – What they Wore, Carried
& Ate
Day 5 We follow the Via Francigenasouthwards through forest to afrescoed church (8 miles, 4 hours) andreturn to Pieve a Castello for lunch.Evening presentation: Medieval Pilgrims
Day 6 We drive (30 mins), then walkfollowing the Via Francigena to Siena,with time to explore the ‘best-preservedgreat medieval city in Europe’. Eveningpresentation: Age of Miracles
Day 7 We drive (10 mins) to a nearbyabbey, which we visit before exploringsome impressive variants to the ViaFrancigena, returning to Pieve aCastello on foot (6 miles/3 hours).Evening concert and gala dinner atPieve a Castello.
Day 8 Return to Pisa airport by road(1.5 hours).
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport wedrive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castellowhere, after time to relax, there will bea tour of this unique complex of early8th century buildings. Eveningpresentation: Mills & Tunnels
Day 2 We drive to nearby Colle di Vald’Elsa and explore the network ofancient mill-races and tunnel streets.Afternoon walk, following the ViaFrancigena from Colle to Pieve aCastello (6.6 miles/3.5 hours). Eveningpresentation: Life on the Via Francigena
Day 3 We drive (25 mins), then walk,enjoying spectacular views of SanGimignano. After a visit and lunch, anexcursion to the nearly iconic village ofMonteriggioni offers the opportunity towalk back to Pieve a Castello (8.5miles/4 hours). Evening presentation:The Sword in the Stone
Day 4 We drive (45 mins) to visit thehuge, roofless Abbey of San Galgano,and small domed church containingthe ‘Sword in the Stone’. After visiting afrescoed hermitage and a church onthe ancient Via Francigena, paths leadback to Pieve a Castello (7.5 miles/3.5-4 hours). Evening presentation:Volterra
Day 5 We drive (50 mins) to Volterra,and visit the excellent Etruscan museum,cathedral, fine public buildings, andworks of Art…. Optional afternoon walk(5 miles/2.5 hours), following the 10thCentury Via Francigena back to Pieve aCastello. Evening presentation: Monte
Oliveto Maggiore
Day 6 We drive (1 hour) to visit thegreat Abbey of Monte OlivetoMaggiore, with its frescoed cloister.After a private tour of the abbey wewalk through scenery of the crete downto the Asso Valley (5 miles/2.5-3 hours).Evening presentation and tasting:Chianti!
Day 7 We drive (25 mins) into theChianti hills to visit a renowned wineestate for a tasting. Afternoon free,before a concert and gala dinner atPieve a Castello
Day 8 Return to Pisa airport by road(1.5 hours).
Remaining Dates 2015
Pieve: As You Like ItAugust 29September 5 & 26October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Dates 2016All trips run Saturday-Saturday, exceptSiena & the Palio (Monday-Monday).
April2 Tuscan Legacy9 Medieval Traveller16 Tuscan Legacy23 Medieval Traveller 30 As You Like It
May7 Tuscan Gardens14 Tuscan Legacy21 Medieval Traveller28 As You Like It
June4 Tuscan Gardens11 Tuscan Gardens18 As You Like It27 Siena & the Palio (Mon-Mon)
July2 Tuscan Gardens9 As You Like It16 As You Like It23 Medieval Traveller30 Medieval Traveller
August6 As You Like It13 Tuscan Legacy20 Medieval Traveller27 As You Like It
September3 As You Like It10 Medieval Traveller17 As You Like It24 Tuscan Legacy
October1 Tuscan Gardens8 As You Like It15 Medieval Traveller22 Tuscan Legacy29 Tuscan Legacy
Note: Departures can be booked forprivate groups (subject to availability), with any of the above itineraries.
Pieve a Castello is an ideal base fromwhich explore Tuscany’s profoundLegacy – that has done so much tofashion Western Civilization today.
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport wedrive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello.After time to relax there will be an(optional) guided tour of the 8thcentury complex. Eveningpresentation: Etruscan Legacy
Day 2 We drive (45 mins) to the greatEtruscan city of Volterra where we visitimpressive Etruscan tombs, extensivewalls and the excellent Etruscanmuseum. We return via Roman bathsand walk back (45 mins). Eveningpresentation: Siena: the Legacy
Day 3 We drive (25 mins) to Siena,and walk to enjoy iconic paintings byDuccio, Lorenzetti and others.Opportunity to walk part way back toPieve a Castello along the ViaFrancigena (6 miles/3 hours). Eveningpresentation: Language Legacy –Dante, Petrarch & Boccaccio
Day 4 We visit nearby iconic locationsthat proudly feature associations withlocal writers on whose works theItalian language was modelled: SanGimignano, Certaldo and – on footfrom Pieve a Castello – Monteriggioni(4 hours). Evening presentation:The Renaissance
Day 5 We drive (45 mins) towardsFlorence, which we approach on footalong quiet lanes to San Miniato alMonte, from where a path descendsto an arched gate in the city walls. Wecross the Ponte Vecchio to visit theUffizi Gallery. Evening presentation:Leonardo: the Legacy
Day 6 We look at the legacy ofTuscan, world-renowned cuisine andwine. We drive (25 mins) to visit arenowned wine estate for a tasting.Optional walk and late afternoonCookery Demonstration.
Day 7 Free day with visit to the localmarket, and walk (6 miles/3 hours) tonearby Etruscan beacon. EveningPresentation: Tuscan Legacy, followedby a concert and gala dinner at Pievea Castello.
Day 8 Return to Pisa airport by road(1.5 hours).
Three great centres of Italiangardens – Lucca, Florence and Siena,with outstanding Tuscan gardensrepresenting their development fromthe early Renaissance through tomodern times.
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport wedrive (30 mins) to Lucca. Time toexplore this delightful city before dinner.
Day 2 We visit the Villa Reale, anhistoric garden noted for itsmagnificent trees; and Villa Torrigiani –an elaborate villa, which we cannormally visit, set in a formal garden.
Day 3 We drive (1 hour, 15 mins) toFlorence, where we visit the house andgardens of the Villa della Petraia andgardens of the Villa Reale at Castello,designed for Cosimo di Medici. Afterlunch we cross Florence to visit thedelightful Villa Gamberaia, muchappreciated by Edith Wharton. Wethen continue on to Pieve a Castello(1 hour).
Day 4 Free day with optional visit toSiena and afternoon walk in thecountryside around Pieve a Castello(2-3 hours).
Day 5 We drive into southern Tuscany(1.5 hours), visiting small historic formalgardens in San Quirico d’Orcia andPienza, en route to visiting the superblysituated Renaissance-style gardens ofLa Foce, creation and former home ofIris Origo. Return to Pieve a Castello(1.5 hours).
Day 6 We drive (25 mins) through thewooded Montagnola behind Pieve aCastello, to visit a ‘Peruzzi’ garden: theCastello di Celsa. We then walk (30mins each way) to enjoy a bird's-eyeview of the Villa Cetinale gardens,which we visit. After a picnic lunch,there is the option of a walk back toPieve a Castello from the hamlet of SanChimento (1.5-2.5 hours dependingon route).
Day 7 Visit to local market at Colle diVal d'Elsa, and optional walk backtowards Pieve a Castello (1.5 hours).After lunch we drive (40 mins) to enjoya private tour of the fascinating VillaGeggiano, near Siena.
Van Gogh's A Wheatfield, with Cypresses – a landscape through which we walk
13
Hotels 8
WORLD-CLASSINTERESTS
Restaurants 9
Wine area 9
Scenery 9
Walking 8
Flowers 8
Birds 7
Wildlife 6
Geology 6
Cultural 8
History 9
Art 7
Architecture 8
Environment 7
FOOD & WINE
Paths over hills are stony and dryunderfoot (even after rain). In thevalleys – quiet asphalt lanes,woodland and farmland tracks,paths across open country.
TERRAIN
For four nights of this trip we dineat MichelinH/HH restaurants. Therange of excellent local produce,and strong traditions of Provençalcuisine, make dining onsuccessive nights at restaurants ofthis quality a truly worthwhileexperience.
The cuisine is complemented bywines from the area, known fortheir delicate flavour, with well-balanced reds, crisp whites andlimpid rosés.
Francesco Petrarca(1304 – 1374, anglicized: ‘Petrarch’),was born in Arezzo, Tuscany, andspent his early years at Incisa, nearFlorence. In 1309 his father, a lawyer,and friend of (exiled) Dante Alighieri(see Tuscan trail Footnotes on page17), escaped the violent conflicts inFlorence, and followed Clement V,the first ‘Avignon Pope’, to France.The family lived in Avignon andnearby Carpentras. In 1316 he wassent to study Law at Montpellier, thenBologna, and after ‘seven wastedyears’ he returned to Avignon, wherehe took Minor Holy Orders.
Then on 6 April 1327, the sight of awoman called ‘Laura’ in the church of
Sainte-Claire d’Avignon, awoke inPetrarch a lasting passion. At hishouse in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse hestarted to write what became thecelebrated ‘Il Canzoniere’ (‘SongBook’): 360 poems to ‘Laura’ – whomhe possibly never met!
Petrarchestablished areputation as apoet, scholar,philosopher,prolific letter-writer, andadventurous
traveller throughout Europe – ‘forpleasure’ (combined with occasionaldiplomatic missions).
His rediscovery of Cicero’s letters,together with his pioneeringhumanist views, are credited forinitiating the 14th-centuryRenaissance. His sonnets were widelyadmired and adopted as a model forRenaissance lyrical poetry, and when,in the 16th century, Pietro Bembocreated the model for the modernItalian Language, he based this onthe works of Petrarch, Boccaccio, andto a lesser extent, Dante Alighieri.
In his will he left 50 florins to hisfriend Boccaccio ‘to buy a warmwinter dressing gown’, and his housein Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to thecaretaker.
Lamb from the causses, venisonand wild mushrooms from theCévennes, trout from streams andwide variety of cheeses includingthe famous Roquefort. Cuisineranges from country cooking of ahigh standard to regional style withrobust local dishes using aromaticherbs. Good wines from theHérault Valley and Languedocregion like Faugères and St.Chinian; noteworthy wines fromthe Aveyron such as Marcillac.
Walking with (‘driving’)donkeys – i.e. 'muleteering' – has along history in the Cévennes. Untilthe late 19th century it was one ofMeyrueis's main sources of income. Itwas also in 1878 that Robert LouisStevenson published an account thatmade him a precursor of walking andcamping holidays: as a therapyfollowing the end of his relationship
Forest, mule, sheep and farm tracksand quiet country lanes. Rockypaths on two days. High forestedhills of the Cévennes and openrolling plateaux of the causses withsparse pastures and scrubintersected by dramatic gorges.
10: World-Class 9: Outstanding8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices
Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport we
travel by road (1 hour) to the ancient
hill-top city of Volterra (531m/1,739ft)
where we stay for two nights at a
converted convent (4* with a pool),
in the walled medieval centre.
Day 2 We walk through the
medieval streets, through an arched
gateway, and down to an olive grove
beneath which lie extensive Etruscan
tombs, excavations from which, in
Volterra’s excellent Etruscan museum,
provide much of our understanding
of the city’s highly-developed ancient
civilisation. After visiting the tombs
and Etruscan museum, we walk to
enjoy evidence of Volterra’s Etruscan,
Roman, and medieval past (4.5
miles/3 hours). There is also time, ‘at
leisure’ to discover the alabaster
workshops for which the city is renowned.
Day 3 We walk down an ancient
paved Etruscan path into the valley
from where we follow farm tracks to
a ridge, with panoramic views back
to Volterra. After an ATG picnic, our
way lies through forest from which
we emerge to spectacular views of
the walled hill town of San Gimignano
(324m/1,061ft), ‘the medieval
Manhattan’, with its famous tower
houses, and walk up through olive
groves and vineyards to an arched
gate in the medieval walls (15.4 miles/
8 hours). Our hotel on the central
‘Piazza Cisterna’ occupies one of the
famous tower houses. We walk through
the evening streets of this once
bustling overnight stopping place on
the Via Francigena, the medieval
‘main road to Rome’, and dine at one
of the town’s best restaurants.
Day 4 Morning to explore San
Gimignano (before the day-visitors
arrive) – its medieval tower houses
built by rival families, of which there
were once 72 – the tallest rising to
over 70 metres (230ft) – and its fine
frescoed churches. There are also
good shopping opportunities! We
then walk into the country for a
picnic lunch, before continuing
through archetypal Tuscan landscapes
to enter the walled town of Colle di
Val d’Elsa (262m/858ft) through a
fine fortified gateway (8.7 miles/4.5
hours). We stay in ‘Colle Alta’, the
high walled town, where in the Middle
Ages, despite having 52 tower houses,
increasing population led to building
over the streets of the fortified town,
creating Italy’s finest ‘tunnel streets’!
The pedestrian circuit of the medieval
walls is an ATG Trust project.
Day 5 We walk across a plateau with
small stone villages, vineyards, olive
groves, meadows and woods. We
pass some Roman baths, and visit a
fine Romanesque abbey church
before walking, in the footsteps of
Dante Alighieri (see Footnotes page
17), who visited the village in 1300 as
an ambassador for the Guelf League,
up to the walls and 14 watchtowers
of our destination – Monteriggioni
(11.6 miles/6 hours). We stay in the
heart of this tiny iconic village at a
converted palazzo, with a pool in an
olive grove and dine at a renowned
restaurant ‘across the street’.
Day 6 Our walk takes us through
forest and farmland, before our first
view of Siena – Dante’s Antechamber
of Paradise. We walk up into the city
u Destination airport: Pisa
u Continuous route
u Fitness: Grade 3('Grade' info: see page 25)
u Days of walking: 6
u Shortest / longest walk: 3 / 8 hours
Archetypal Tuscany! Walk from hill-top, Etruscan
Volterra to Siena through vineyards, forests and olive
groves – via classic, timeless countryside – and enjoy
excellent Tuscan food and wines.
ITINERARY
8 DAY TRIP, ITALY
ACCOMMODATION
NIGHTS 6 & 7
Siena
Hotel Continental
HHHHH
16
Tuscan Trail
NIGHTS 1 & 2
Volterra
San Lino
HHHH
NIGHT 3
San Gimignano
Leon Bianco
HHH
NIGHT 4
Colle Val d’Elsa
Palazzo San Lorenzo
HHHH
NIGHT 5
Monteriggioni
Hotel Monteriggioni
HHHH
Volterra San Gimignano Colle Val d'Elsa Monteriggioni Siena
Dirt and gravel roads, farm tracks,mule paths, woodland trails andtracks across the Tuscan hills.
TERRAIN
The restaurants at which we dineare renowned for theirinterpretations of Tuscan cuisine,whether refined and stylish or allacasalinga (traditional). You canexpect game, wild mushrooms,beans and freshly made pasta –all local ingredients. We walkthrough vineyards producingChianti of the Sienese hills: full,fruity reds and white Vernaccia diSan Gimignano, Chianti Classiconear Siena, and the delicious VinSanto dessert wine.
Dante Alighieri, poetand moral philosopher, was born inFlorence in about 1265. When told,aged 12, that he had been promisedin marriage (to Emma Donati – theylater married and had 3 children),Dante declared that he had alreadyfallen in love. The girl was BeatricePortinari, who was never more than aformal acquaintance, and diedunexpectedly in 1290.
His love poems to Beatrice (VitaNova, 1296) were in the tradition of‘courtly love’, and significantly, writtennot in Latin, but in a literarylanguage, based on the Tuscandialect – that Dante called ‘Italian’.
Dante aspired to a political career,
held various public offices in
Florence, and in 1301 travelled to
Rome in a delegation seeking the
intervention of Pope Boniface VIII in
settling sectarian conflicts in Florence.
The Pope ‘suggested’ Dante remain
in Rome. Meanwhile the ‘Black
Guelph’ faction, supported by the
Pope, destroyed much of Florence,
and killed many of their enemies.
They seized Dante’s property, and
condemned him to perpetual exile
and death if he returned.
Freed from public office, Dante had
more time for literary projects.
Between 1308 and 1312 he
completed the Inferno, a vision of hell
– unflatteringly portraying Pope
Boniface VIII! He finished the
Purgatorio and Paradiso sections of
the Divine Comedy shortly before his
death in Ravenna in 1321.
His legacy – the Divine Comedy – is acorner-stone of Italian language andliterature, and its use of thevernacular instead of Latin, a preludeto the Renaissance.
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
The wild and majestic Pollino National Park – and a signature Loricato pine
19
Hotels 7
WORLD-CLASSINTERESTS
Restaurants 7
Wine area N/A
Scenery 10
Walking 9
Flowers 10
Birds 8
Wildlife 7
Geology 10
Cultural 7
History 8
Art 6
Architecture 7
Environment 8
10: World-Class 9: Outstanding8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good
FOOD
The terrain is mountainousand the walking is moderatelystrenuous. We follow mostlygood mountain tracks withoccasional mule paths,forestry roads and waysacross open pastures.
TERRAIN
One of the most ancient andtraditional of all Italian cuisines,Basilicata is an area where almostall pasta is still hand made, thevegetables are grown withoutchemicals and the animals areraised in a traditional mannerproviding a gastronomy that hasnot changed radically throughoutthe centuries. Interestingly, acertain Greek influence stillpervades the cuisine of this area,as it does the food of much of thesouth. The dishes are notelaborate but full of aromas andalways balanced, a cuisine thatperfectly interprets theMediterranean diet.
The Pollino is Italy’s largest National Park.Established in 1992, it covers 1,820 square kilometres in theBasilicata and Calabria regions. It takes its name from thewild Pollino Massif, which has many peaks over 2,000m/6,550ft (highest peak 2,267m/7,424ft). It includes natural,geological and archaeological interests, and is noted for itsancient Albanian-speaking communities. The park is one ofthe last refuges of the Bosnian pine (many over 1,000 yearsold) and has a rich flora with ‘carpets’ of orchids. Wildlifeincludes the Italian wolf, European otter, roe deer, goldeneagle, black woodpecker, chough, peregrine falcon, lannerfalcon, red kite and Egyptian vulture.
Day 1 After arrival at Kozhikode(Calicut) airport we drive (3 hours) upinto the Western Ghats, throughsome of Kerala’s most picturesquescenery, to Vythiri (757m/2,483ft).Our resort-style hotel is set in 150acres of coffee and cardamomplantation and tropical rainforest.Time to relax, with optionalafternoon bird-watching walk.
Day 2 We walk (4 hours) aboveVythiri, along forest paths of theWestern Ghats, with fine views acrossthe forested hills and tea plantations.Afternoon free to relax, with optionalwalk.
Day 3 Morning drive (3 hours) intoKarnataka to Nagarhole NationalPark (687m/2,254ft to 960m/3,150ft),where we stay for two nights atluxury eco-lodge Orange CountyResort, with sweeping views over theKabini River. Afternoon jeep safari.
Day 4 We explore the park by jeepand boat. Nagarhole is home to wildelephant, jungle bison, wild dog,jungle cat, hyena, gaur, crocodile,barking deer, sloth bear, giant flyingsquirrel, 250 species of birds and afew tigers and leopards.
Day 5 We drive (4.5 hours) fromNagarhole to Ooty (2,240m/7,350ft),the largest hill station in the NilgiriHills (‘Blue Mountains’), in theprovince of Tamil Nadu, and enjoylunch at the Taj Savoy, a colonial-styleheritage hotel with spectacular viewsover the surrounding countryside.We visit Ooty’s impressive botanicalgardens, home to 1,000 species of
plants. A short drive (45 mins) takesus to the historic Gateway Hotel in thehill station of Coonoor (1,850m/6,069ft).
Day 6 A morning exploration ofCoonoor, including a walk through atea plantation, and gourmet teatasting, sampling the many flavoursand colours of tea grown in the highNilgiri Hills, followed by a privatelunch at a working estate. In theafternoon we enjoy a ride on thenarrow-gauge railway (‘Toy Train’)from Coonoor through spectacularmountain and forest scenery (2.5hours) to Mettupalayam, from wherewe continue by road (1 hour) toCoimbatore (1,850m/6,070ft).
Day 7 We drive (back into Kerala)towards Munnar. En route we stop tovisit the wonderfully preservedShenbaga Vilaasam estate, with aprivate tour by a family memberaround this magnificent house builtin its own unique blend of colonialand southern Indian architecture,decorated with family heirlooms,antiques and art. We enjoy a strollaround the family’s coconutplantations, paddy fields, vanillafarms and betel leaf plantationsbefore a sumptuous lunch. We thencontinue by road to our ‘retreat’ highin the hills of Munnar (from1,450m/4,760ft to 2,695m/8,842ft),surrounded by lush, hilly countrysideand rolling tea plantations. (5 hoursdrive in total).
Day 8 Morning walk to explore thehills, forests and plantationssurrounding our hotel (4 hours).Optional afternoon visit to the TataTea Museum, or time to relax andenjoy the hotel and its peacefulsetting.
u Arrival / Departure airports:Calicut / Cochin
u Fitness: Grade 2+('Grade' info: see page 25)
u Days of walking: 10u Shortest / longest walk: 1 / 4 hours
ITINERARY
14 DAY TRIP, INDIA
20
Discovering the Hills of South West India
Day 9 We drive (3.5 hours) toThekkady (1,337m/4,386ft), situatedhigh in the Cardamom Hills andhome to Periyar National Park. Keralais the spice capital of the world andThekkady is its chief producer. Overtwelve varieties of spices, includingginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla,pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, cloveand nutmeg are cultivated inThekkady and its neighbouringvillages. In the afternoon we tour alocal spice plantation and walk toenjoy the fine scenery (2 hours).
Day 10 After an early start(wonderful birdsong!) we explore thePeriyar National Park, one of India’smost important wildlife sanctuaries,on foot. The park is centred around alarge artificial lake (reservoir dambuilt by the British in 1895), andattracts an impressively large anddiverse population of birds andanimals. (3-4 hours walking). Afterlunch we drive (3 hours) toKumarakom (1m/3ft) and check in toour 5* hotel with magnificent viewsacross Lake Vembanad.
Day 11 We walk to explore the villageof Kumarakom with a local expert (3-4 hours). We transfer by private boatto a nearby backwater village andspend time with locals to gain a uniqueinsight into their way of life. Afterlunch, optional visit to KumarakomBird Sanctuary, or free time to enjoythe hotel and its facilities.
Day 12 After a relaxed breakfast, weboard a houseboat to enjoy abackwater cruise on the picturesqueVembanad Lake and surroundingwetlands (5 hours). On arrival atAlleppey, we continue by road toKochi (Cochin) (2 hours).
Densely forested Western Ghats, hill stations and tea
plantations, world-class national parks, the tranquil
Kerala backwaters and Cochin. This trip covers the
Indian food has a richly deservedreputation throughout the worldfor being aromatic and delicious.Regional variety is vast. The Southis renowned for its extensive andoften surprisingly subtle use offresh spices. Coconut in everyguise forms the base for Keralancuisine. Its long, tropical coastlinemeans seafood and exoticvegetables and fruit abound. InCochin Arab, Chinese,Portuguese, Dutch and Britishinfluences are all present. Forthose used to the Mughal-inspired Indian cuisine found inthe UK this will be an excitingvoyage of culinary discovery.Excellent-quality beer is foundeverywhere and is the bestaccompaniment to Indiancooking with its strong spices andsugar, which together make thepalate insensitive to the subtletiesof fine wines. Refreshing, coldfruit or milk-based drinks mixedwith ice and sugar (e.g. nimbupani and lassi) are delicious,thirst-quenching alternatives.
Day 13 Morning walking tour of FortCochin, with its giant fishing nets(from China), ancient mosques andarchitectural reminders of the BritishRaj; and St. Francis’ church, theoldest European church in India(1503). We take a private boat toneighbouring Mattancherry to visitthe Jewish Synagogue and DutchPalace, and adjacent market.Afternoon ‘at leisure’.
Day 14 Transfer to Kochi airport.
NIGHT 6
Coimbatore
Vivanta by Taj
HHHHH
NIGHTS 7 & 8
Munnar
Windermere EstatePlantation & retreat
Well-established farm, forest andmountain tracks, tea plantations.Sightseeing in towns and cities.
TERRAIN
NIGHTS 10 & 11
Kumarakom
Kumarakom LakeResort
HHHHH
NIGHT 9
Thekkady
Spice Village
HHHH
NIGHTS 12 & 13
Fort Cochin
Brunton Boatyard*
HHHH
*January departure =5* Vivanta by Taj, Kochi
Tranquil backwaters
Tea plantation in the hills of Munnar
Nagarhole National Park
21 Jan - 3 Feb
3 Dec - 16 Dec
2016 DATES 2016 PRICES
£4,895 / US$8,080
Double-for-singlesupplement
£1,210 / US$2,000
10: World-Class 9: Outstanding8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices
NOTE: We strongly recommend you pre-extend in Delhi, with time to acclimatiseand explore the city.
Day 1 After arrival at Delhi airportwe take an afternoon flight (1 hour)to Srinagar (1,585m/5,200ft) in theKashmir Valley. Early evening shikara(rowed gondola-style with one oar)ride to explore Nagin Lake.
Day 2 We walk through the oldtown of Srinagar, its ancient narrowstreets, spice and copper markets,bazaars and traditional way of life.We visit the fascinating ShahHamadan and Jama Masjid Mosques,and the celebrated (UNESCO)Mughal Gardens, developed in the16th century along the banks of DalLake (connected by a waterway tothe Nagin Lake).
Day 3 We enjoy a shikara ride to thefloating market – a riot of colours andnoise, as farmers trade their vegetablesand fruit – then return to the houseboatfor breakfast. We visit ShankaracharyaTemple and enjoy panoramic views ofthe city and later transfer to ourhouseboat on Dal Lake.
Day 4 Excursion to the beautifulDachigam National Park, with itsdense forests and flower-filledmeadows. The park was establishedto protect a number of rare plantsand animals, including the Kashmiristag (unique to this park), Tibetanwild ass, snow leopard and urial, and145 species of birds.
Day 5 Morning flight to Leh(3,524m/11,562ft), with spectacularviews of the Zanskar range.Afternoon visit to the 15th centuryTsemo Gomba, a hilltop strongholdthat offers memorable views acrossthe valley and the old town of Leh.
Day 6 We explore the lovely SabooValley and its rural landscape on foot(3 hours), learning about the Ladakhiway of life. After lunch we visit atraditional Ladakhi house where wehave the opportunity to sample‘butter tea’ and/or ‘chang’ (barley beer).
Day 7 Early morning visit to ThikseyMonastery, picturesquely situated ona small hill. We witness the monks’morning prayer ceremony beforeexploring. We then drive (5 hours) toHunder village (3,127m/10,259ft) inthe Nubra Valley via the incrediblyscenic Wari La Pass. Optionalafternoon (1.5 hours) walk up to the32 metre statue of Maitreya Buddhanear Diskit Monastery.
Day 8 We drive (1.5 hours), thenfollow the Nubra River on foot all theway to the Ensa Monastery and itsgreen oasis (2.5 hours). After lunch wedrive to the Yarab Tso Lake – ‘WishfulLake’ (3,300m/10,826ft) where weenjoy another pleasant walk (1 hour).
Day 9 We drive (1 hour by jeep) upto the top of the Hundar Gorge andto the tiny village of Hundar Dok,where we begin our walk (3-4 hours),following a glacier-melt stream pastterraced farmland surrounded by theimpressive Karakoram mountains.Optional afternoon walk (3 hours)back down via a gorge.
Day 10 We drive (6 hours) toUletokpo in the Sham Valley,stopping en route at the top of theKhardong Pass (18,330ft – the world’shighest ‘motorable’ pass!). Afterlunch in Leh, we stop en route to visitthe stunning ruins of the fascinatingtown of Basgo, before continuing toour beautifully situated hoteloverlooking the Indus at Uletokpo.
u Destination airport: Delhi
u Fitness: Grade 3 - 4('Grade' info: see page 25)
u Days of walking: 11
u Shortest / longest walk: 1.5 / 7 hoursITINERARY
15 DAY TRIP, INDIA
22
Discovering Srinagar & Ladakh
Day 11 We drive (1 hour) to the small(2-house) village of Yangthang, fromwhere we walk (2 hours), followingpaths beside the river and through agorge to the isolated andspectacularly situated RizongMonastery (3,401m/11,158ft), set in anatural amphitheatre. After visitingthe gompa, we walk down to visitChulichan (Chomoling) Nunnery (20mins), before continuing on foot –(40 mins) to the Ule Ethnic Resort.In the afternoon we drive to Alchi(25 min drive), the oldest Buddhistlearning centre in Ladakh and anextraordinary National Heritagecentre.
Day 12 We drive (35 mins) to HemisShukpachan (3,645m/11,958ft), fromwhere we begin our walk (4 hours) toTingmosgang – crossing a flat areato an ill-defined pass, marked withchortens (stupas). From here wetraverse downhill before a steadyclimb towards the Mebtak La Pass(3,720m/12,183ft). After admiring theview, we walk down to the village ofAng, then follow a jeep road on tothe village of Tingmosgang (3,222m/10,570ft), the 15th century capital ofLadakh, set in a fertile valley.Optional afternoon walk up aspectacular gorge to a jewel of avillage unknown even to mostLadakhis (3 hours).
Day 13 We drive to the oldest villagein the region. Tia village (3,394m/11,135ft), located on a hill, comprises200 families occupying medievalhouses in a maze of alleys, tunnelstreets, and courtyards. Afterexploring Tia on foot we walk up tothe Bongbongla Pass, enjoyingstunning views all the way beforegently descending to the Indus River(3.5 hours). We drive to Lamayuru
Wonderful Himalayan walking in idyllic mountain
scenery with flower-filled meadows, lakes & glaciers;
picturesque villages with traditional ways of life,
colourful Kashmiri and Ladakhi culture and history.
The terrain is varied: farm tracks,lanes and mountain paths – somerough, stony and barren underfoot.There are no precipitous drops.We have kept the walkingdistances relatively modest as thisallows us to acclimatise to thealtitude and gives us time toexperience the mountains. Pleaseensure you bring sturdy, well-broken-in walking boots with firmankle support.
TERRAIN
(3,504m/11,496ft), noted for its 11thcentury monastery perchedpicturesquely high on a spur of rock,and former shrine of the Bon-chosreligion prior to the advent ofBuddhism. We then return to Leh byroad (3 hours).
Day 14 We drive (25 mins) to themouth of a forgotten gorge, whichbecomes increasingly dramatic as wewalk towards the Himalayan peakswhose waters have carved it over theyears. We walk back to the MathoMonastery, where we enjoyunforgettable views of the KarakoramMountains (4 hours with shorteroptions). Free afternoon.
Day 15 Transfer to Leh airport for a 1hour flight to Delhi.
NIGHTS 7 - 9
Diskit
Hotel Sten-DelFamily-run hotel
NIGHTS 10 - 12
Uletokpo
Ule Ethnic ResortEco resort
This trip involves a considerableincrease in altitude, as it entailsflying from Delhi (at sea level) toLeh (at 3,500m/11,500ft). Fitnesshas no bearing on acclimatisationto altitude. There is no way topredict your acclimatisation rate(they vary every time one goes toaltitude), but what is known is thatit depends largely on rest andhydration prior to the trip and forthe first couple of days at altitude.For this reason the itinerary hasbeen structured to allow for agradual acclimatisation, withgentle sightseeing and walkingactivities at the start of the trip.Leh has excellent medical facilities(being also a military outpost)and should we have anyproblems with altitude we canmanage these.
ALTITUDE
10: World-Class 9: Outstanding8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good
17 Sep - 1 Oct
2016 DATE 2016 PRICES
£4,995 / US$8,245
Double-for-singlesupplement
£710 / US$1,175
Prices include internal flights but not flightsto/from the start/end of trip.
BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices
Long-time clients Rob and RobinWhitten, from Portland, Maine,USA, have been inspired tocapture their ATG Footlooseholidays by sketches and journalentries, including those on thefront and back covers. Whata wonderful way to re-livethe adventure!
You can see more of their ATGFootloose journals at:www.whittenarchitects.com
Inspiring views across the Gorge de la Jonte
For many ATG clients, travelling with ATG is a regular part of their lives,an annual (or biannual!), happy interlude that refreshes, restores andinspires. Yet it’s clear from feedback that ATG trips aren’t just‘holidays’, but experiences that shape and endure .... Some recent letters:
From Dr Eva Krug, Basel,Switzerland
I have been walking with ATG
since the end of the ‘80s and have
just completed what must be
about my 14th hike. I am writing
to complement the feedback form
because I think the Lozère and
Tarn Gorge hike is so outstanding
it merits a few extra lines of
appreciation. We already look
forward to seeing what Footloose
trips will tempt us in 2016.
From Jennifer and StuartWatson, West Yorkshire, whowere inspired by an article aboutATG in The Times in 2001, andwill take their 17th ATG trip this autumn:
My husband and I would like to
formally sincerely thank you for
the magnificent golden thread
you and ATG have woven in to
our lives….We deeply appreciate
the continuous journey, slow
travel and the feeling of setting
off together ‘over the hills and
far away’….Thank you again
Christopher Whinney and your
wonderful ATG Footloose
holidays, which have led to so
much enrichment in our lives.
From Jean and David Wildman,Surrey
My wife and I have just
completed the Approach to
Rome. This was our 15th ATG
holiday. More importantly, this
was the way we chose to
celebrate 50 years of marriage.
We were not disappointed. Since
our first trip in 1997 ATG changed
our approach to holidays. You
started our love affair both with
walking and particularly with Italy.
We owe you a huge vote of thanks.
The Trust supports projects that aim to:
• Protect the integrity of the environment and the beauty of its landscapes.
• Preserve the habitats of rare and interesting flora and fauna. • Conserve works of art and architecture.
All projects must be:• Co-funded by local organisations and implemented by the beneficiaries, thereby forging the commitment that helps ensure the long-term maintenance of the project.
• Part of an integrated, long-term plan to bring sustainable tourism development. This may require securing funding for the development of tourism services around the project.
• Accessible to ATG clients.
A TG T R U S T U PDAT E – J U LY 2 0 1 5
The Trustees would like to thank all clients who haveparticipated in ATG’s Saturday Charity Walks, boughtcopies of the ATG salad book – proceeds of whichsupport the ATG Trust; and also those who have madeindividual donations. The charity’s Trustees and Presidentare all ATG clients; and Jessica Jenkins, who looks afterthe Trust administration has worked for ATG for the last18 years.
Two new project proposals have been put forward byATG Tour Consultants. Both projects are in Italy and theTrust is keen to offer its support. The Trust would bedelighted to hear from any clients who may have ideasfor future ATG Trust projects. Contact Jessica Jenkins on01865 315 613 or [email protected]
PROPOSED PROJECTColle Val d’Elsa, Tuscany
This project involves the clearingand reopening of the north city wallpaths around Colle di Val d’Elsa,Tuscany. The project will involveclearing all the rubbish andovergrowth on the walls and on thepaths, which will make theimpressive walls, which are animportant part of the town’sheritage, visible again from thesurrounding area. As part of theproject they will also make the pathsstructurally safe and put up woodenrailings, so that people, both localsand tourists, can walk here andenjoy the town’s historicsurroundings.
1. Haworth and the Brontës
19th September 2015 11.5 miles
From Haworth, situated above theWorth Valley amid the bleak PennineMoors, we walk past the famousBrontë parsonage and climb upPenistone Hill. We then join the BrontëWay to cross Haworth Moor above thepicturesque reservoirs of Laithe andPonder. We then turn to the heart ofthe moor and walk to Oxenhope forlunch. A short stroll above the WorthRiver brings us back to Haworth for tea.
2. Tetbury and Westonbirt Arboretum
24th October 2015 11 miles
From the Cotswold woollen town ofTetbury, we head along the edge ofHighgrove House and then along theborder of the Arboretum. We thenpass through the Arboretum on publicfootpaths, before gentle country trackstake us to Shipton Moyne for lunch.We return to Tetbury via EstcourtHouse.
UK Saturday Charity Walks
Trustees: Edward Bernard (Chairman), Hilary Daniels, Dr Fiona Davidson and Catherine MacRae
Trustee and Administrator: Jessica Jenkins; President: Sir Geoffrey Bindman
The ATG (Ad Terrae Gloriam) Trust is a Registered Charity (Number 1082542)
PH
OT
O:
CH
RIS
TO
PH
ER
WH
INN
EY
3. Bradford-on-Avon to Bath
14th November 2015 12 miles
From Bradford-on-Avon, our routefollows the River Avon west to theremarkable aqueduct at Avoncliff. Towpaths, water meadows and woodlandpaths lead us through Freshford and onto Limpley Stoke. After lunch, the routeclimbs through woodland, and on toClaverton Down, with its wonderfulviews over Georgian Bath. We descendpast Prior Park to the Avon, and followthe river to the heart of Bath for tea.
29
PH
OT
O:
IRE
NE
MA
TU
RI
PROPOSED PROJECT Spoleto, Umbria
This project is the restoration of afresco depicting the martyrdom of StThomas Becket in the Church of SSGiovanni e Paolo, located in the heartof Spoleto, Umbria. The Trust hasreceived a letter from the Mayor ofSpoleto outlining the project plansand the importance of this projectlocally. This church was consecrated
in 1174 and the fresco dates back tothe early 13C. The church is currentlyin a dilapidated state and for yearshas only been opened occasionally tothe public. The restoration of thisfresco would be part of a generalrestoration of the church as a wholeand it is then proposed that thechurch can be opened permanently.
Colle Val d’Elsa is visited on the following ATG trips: Tuscan Trail (Escorted – see pages 16-17),Tuscany & Siena Footloose & Freewheeling, trips based at Pieve a Castello (see pages 6-11).
Inset: A section of adjacent paths to be made safePH
OT
O:
SO
FIA
HU
RT
AD
O-T
AY
LO
R
PH
OT
O:
IRE
NE
MA
TU
RI
The best way to see a country is on foot! ...
... and the best way to capture a holiday is by journal! The sketches on thefront and back covers are of timeless Tuscan landscapes traversed on ATG'sEtruscan Lanes to Orvieto Footloose route, courtesy of long-time clients Roband Robin Whitten from Maine, USA. More of their journals can be seen on