Newport, Rhode Island – Adding challenge, diversity and tapping its base of in-depth knowledge of the locations of its walks, The Wayfarers’ 2011 program adds five new walks and refreshed itineraries to 10 of its most popular programs. Additionally, a Country House Stay walk has been added, reflecting the desires of Wayfarers’ guests. Prices for all UK and Europe walks remain unchanged for the third year, and for walkers booking the two Sicily or Ireland walks back-to-back, special pricing applies. New this year, walks are rated on a five-level system, with a five rating indicating the highest challenge level. For walks with a four or five rating, The Wayfarers includes a complimentary, four-week pre-conditioning Fit for Trips program (a $169 value), customized by itinerary. A downloadable brochure is available.
Wayfarers’ walks span the globe with an emphasis on the UK and Europe, and roam alongside beautiful coastal areas, amidst striking mountainscapes, and through quaint villages. The Walks are crafted by The Wayfarers’ highly seasoned and knowledgeable leaders to include not only scenery but also an extensive cultural immersion that can only be had on foot. Accommodations and dining take advantage of the indigenous settings and include charming inns and manor houses, pubs and restaurants with an emphasis on intimacy and local tradition. Small group size is a Wayfarers trademark, with most walks averaging eight to 10 participants.
New Wayfarers’ Walks - 2011
England: Pentillie Castle
Johnny Depp fans will swoon during this seven-day walk, which passes through the coastal estate of Antony, the film set for Disney’s 2010 “Alice in Wonderland” Visitors will live like lords with a six-night stay at the historic Pentillie Castle, which sits on the banks of the Tamar River and borders the counties of Devon and Cornwall. Among the walk’s many fascinating features are a stop at historic Plymouth, notable as the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers; a visit to one of Sir Francis Drake’s former homes; and wild walking in Dartmoor, home of the “Hound of the Baskervilles,” and famed ponies. Non-walking breaks will find guests enjoying croquet or boules on the 2000-acre estate’s magnificent grounds or wandering through the expansive American Gardens and parklands which date from 1809. Rating: 1.
Offered September 18-24, October 2-8. Priced $3,895; $695 Single Supplement.
Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast
Walkers will meander along Wales’ 186-mile Pembrokeshire coast path and dine with the Welsh Poet Laureate Gillian Clarke, learning even more about the local land and seascape. Photography- and poetry-inspiring backdrops along the coastal path include panoramic views from rugged cliff tops and expansive beaches. A visit to the national cathedral of Wales in St. Davids, a 5000-year-old New Stone Age cromlech, and Dylan Thomas’ boathouse on the Teifi Estuary round out the highlights of this seven-day walk, which features guest host Pamela Petro, author and artist. The Wayfarers will treat guests to an overnight stay between the September 18 Snowdonia walk and the September 25 Pembrokeshire Coast walk if both walks are booked. Rating: 3.
Offered September 25-October 1. Priced $3,795; $535 Single Supplement.
France: Alsace -- Founders’ Walk
Visitors will wine and dine their way along the renowned Alsace Wine Trail, tasting the best of Franco-Germanic cuisine and spirits amidst fairy-tale scenery. Walkers will trek through forests near Obernai and the Vosges Mountains, peer at the Black Forest in Germany from atop a medieval fortress, and visit the most concentrated area of feudal castles in Europe on this seven-day walk. The June 5-11 departure is hosted by The Wayfarers’ Co-Founders Christopher Hague and Michael West. Rating: 3.
Offered June 5-11 (Founders’), September 4-10. Priced $3,895; $575 Single Supplement
Italy: The Dolomites
Those looking fora more challenging course will enjoy this seven-day walk through the northern Italian Alps which ventures through pastures, trails and riverside pathways while affording views of 9840-feet high snow-capped peaks and the Dolomites’ unusual pink-hued rock steeples. A UNESCO World Heritagesite, the Dolomites also takes walkers to lunch via cable car connection and an optional visit to an open-air World War I museum at Cinque Torri (Five Towers). The Wayfarers will treat guests to an overnight stay between the September 11 Dolomites Walk and the September 18 Venice and The Veneto Walk if both Walks are booked. Rating: 5.
Offered July 3-9, September 11-17. Priced $3,895; $535 Single Supplement.
Italy: Sicily- Agrigento, Marsala and the Isle of Mozia
Hosted by The Wayfarers’ Co-Founders Christopher Hague and Michael West, this walk tours Greek temple ruins in Segesta and Selinunte, explores the mountaintop town of Erice, and travels the remote coastal paths of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Additional tour highlights include a visit to the famed Florio winery in Marsala, a privately chartered boat ride through Isola Grande, and lunch on Mozia, a former Phoenician colony. Rating: 3.
Offered October 2-8 (Founders’). Priced $3,995; $535 Single Supplement.
Also new this year, The Wayfarers offers a special Bella Sicilia Walk Package for those who book The Wayfarers’ two Sicily Walks (Agrigento, Marsala and the Isle of Mozia – Oct. 2-8 and Ragusa, Siracusa and Mt. Etna – Oct. 9-15). Reflecting a $490 discount, the package also includes ground transportation between the walks and a one-night hotel stay at Cefalu. The package for the two-week program is priced at $7,500, with a $995 Single Supplement.
Also new, back-to-back UK/Scotland, Scotland/North Ireland, Wales, and Italy walks include a free overnight stay between walks.
Refreshed Wayfarers’ Walks – 2011
Several favorite walks have also been updated with exciting new features for 2011. The Jane Austen Country walk now features a private dinner at Chawton House at the very table used for meals by Jane and her friends; walkers can now visit Londonderry during the Northern Ireland: Giant’s Causeway, The Glens of Antrim and Donegal walk; the itinerary for the Italy: Sicily- Ragusa, Siracusa and Mt Etna walk now includes Siracusa, Pantalica and Ortygia; and the beautiful New Mexico walk adds an additional day with two nights in magical Taos.
More information regarding the new 2011 walks and updated itinerary features can be found at www.thewayfarers.com.