Country Walkers, a tour operator in world-wide active travel, is making the travel process even easier and more affordable with new flight and tour combinations.
Country Walkers is encouraging city exploration with flights two days prior to group departures. Travelers can now arrive to the destination early, providing ample opportunities to take full advantage of a city. Pre-tour exploration also includes breakfast at the hotel and transfers to the trip’s meeting point. Flight upgrades are also available on request, as are “customized air packages” offering personalized options including choice of airline, departure city, departure time and routes available at additional fees.
Starting this month, there are 13 flight and tour combinations available across Europe from Country Walkers. Highlights include:
Croatia: The Dalmatian Coast Flight + Tour Combo: The tour gets rolling early with arrival at the Atrium Hotel. Take in towns decked out in ornate Renaissance architecture and Roman ruins such as the palace of the Emperor Diocletian. Visit the 16th-century Pustinja Blaca monastery and the ancient Spanjola Fortress. Enjoy an authentic pasticada meal at a family-owned konoba. And explore the walled UNESCO World Heritage site cities of Split and Dubrovnik, the famous “Golden Cape,” the olive groves of Bra?, the lavender fields of Hvar, the medieval stonework of Kor?ula and more. Total Flight + Tour Combo: 11 days/10 nights; easy to moderate guided walking; from $5,938 based on double occupancy from New York; five scheduled departures from May through October 2015.
Ireland: Connemara & Galway Bay Flight + Tour Combo: Both before and after the tour, travelers enjoy relaxed stays in the comfort of the recently renovated Oak Wood Arms Hotel with leisure facilities onsite and easy proximity to regional attractions. On the 10-day/nine-night Ireland: Connemara & Galway Bay flight and tour combo, discover the allure of the Emerald Isle’s landscapes, Celtic past, and locals quick to share their wit and wisdom over a pint. The guided walking adventure takes in the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the pink-granite shorts of Omey Island, isolated fishing villages, verdant farmland, an Iron Age fort, a Bronze Age burial ground, the golden beaches and grassy paths of Inishbofin, the geological wonder of the Burren and more. Total Flight + Tour Combo: 10 days/nine nights; easy to moderate guided walking; from $5,468/double occupancy from New York; three scheduled departures from May through September 2015.
Italy: The Amalfi Coast & Capri Flight + Tour Combo: Enjoy additional nights before and after at the five-star Grand Hotel Vesuvio, an elegant address along the seafront promenade of Naples that has hosted royalty and celebrities since the late 19th century. Leave spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and the Sorrentine Peninsula behind and embark on the 10-day/nine-night Italy: Amalfi Coast & Capri flight and tour combo, which features guided walking including the extraordinary ruins of Pompeii, cobblestoned medieval villages like Ravello, magnificent vantage points such as the Belvedere dell’Infinita, and the medieval tower Torre dello Ziro. The Path of the Gods is counted as one of the world’s most stunning coastal trails, while a scenic ferry ride to the isle of Capri zips past the beautiful Faraglioni cliffs. On-island trails take travelers to Monte Solaro, the 800 Phoenician Steps of Anacapri, and the 2,000-year-old Roman ruins of Villa Jovis. Total Flight + Tour Combo: 10 days/nine nights; moderate guided walking; from $5,948/ double occupancy from New York; six departures from May through October 2015.
Country Walkers, www.countrywalkers.com