Travelling in Great Britain

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Ruth Adams
Exploring the walled city of Chester

Exploring the walled city of Chester

So you are ready to take the first step travelling in Europe, and travelling in Great Britain is your first choice.  How exciting! So how do you want to travel? As a travel professional, the first thing I would ask you is- what do you want to see?  What are your interests? Are you comfortable driving on your own or would you prefer to stay with a group of people?

Or perhaps you are looking at public transportation- does heading into a large rail station in London England to board a train cause heart palpations?!  I am here to tell you that there are myriad ways to explore to country of your choice. A good travel professional can find you the travel experience that should only whet your appetite for more!

Budgets

One of the items a travel professional must consider is budget.  North Americans are often slightly stunned at the prices in Europe. Yes there are bargains to be had, but day to day living including food and gas is more expensive, especially if you take time to factor in the exchange rate.  Number one- figure out your total budget, but then don’t stress about the cost of a litre/gallon of gas, or the cost of a cup of coffee- you will drive yourself mad.

Secondly, remember you can always return. 

Don’t try to see everything in one trip. If your budget is limited, embrace the shorter experience, and see what you can. Believe me, unless your travel professional has totally missed the mark, your mind will be boggled.  Yes, perhaps if you are a part of a tour, there are places you wish you could linger.  No worries, plan to return the following year, and perhaps second time round is the time to travel on your own, whether by car or public transportation.

Finally, make your decision and embrace it.

Don’t fret about the “might haves” or “could haves”. Instead head out on your trip travelling in Great Britain knowing that your are going to have the best trip possible!

Posted in Beyond Adventure Travel- All, Europe | Leave a comment

Walking Vacations in Europe

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Ruth Adams
tdc Italy

Walking Vacations in Europe around the Tuscany Countryside

If you are a hiker, why not consider heading to Europe on a walking vacation?

Exodus is just one company that offers many hiking and walking vacations in Europe; some of the most appealing of these can be found in Italy.  While in Italy, consider combining a walking vacation with a cultural holiday, for instance, Florence is not far away.

Here is a great example of a fabulous walking vacation in Italy.  Lots of options however if you are interested. And if you would like to add on a visit to a couple of Italy’s cities as well, please be sure to contact me.

Chianti: Walking and Wine invites you to experience beautiful San Gimignano, Siena and Italy’s most famous wine. When looking to know more of European art and society, there is no better place to start than Tuscany, thanks to its fine Renaissance cities, beautiful rolling countryside and outstanding Chianti wine. The landscape of southern Tuscany fulfils all expectations, with mediaeval hilltop villages and cypress-lined avenues snaking through vineyards.

Converted to a high standard, this old farmhouse is a relaxing retreat in the heart of Tuscany. Set in a rural location, Villa Casalta prides itself on the fine home-made food prepared with traditional ingredients and locally produced wines and olive oil. Back in the 19th Century, this beautiful farmhouse used to be the residence of a noble family of Siena. Now it belongs to Delia and her daughter Roberta, who have provided outstanding country hospitality for over 20 years.

All twin and single rooms are en suite and there is an outdoor panoramic pool available for guests (open when the weather is warm enough – usually mid May to end of September).

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Start Villa Casalta.
  • Day 2 Visit the mediaeval market town of Greve in Chianti and the hilltop village of Montefioralle; afternoon wine tasting at Villa Casalta.
  • Day 3 Travel to Siena and explore the stunning historic centre; learn about Tuscan and Italian wines at the Wine School.
  • Day 4 Circular walk from our lodge to the tiny village of Fonterutoli and back to Castellina.
  • Day 5 Free day.
  • Day 6 Discover the magnificent city of Florence, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.
  • Day 7 Walk to picturesque San Gimignano with free time to explore Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa. Wine Tasting.
  • Day 8 End Villa Casalta.

Details:

Mode of travel: 5 days centre-based walking; low altitude throughout.
Group size: Normally 6 to 16 plus leader and local staff.
Accommodation: 7 nights renovated farmhouse with swimming pool.
Food: All breakfasts, 5 dinners and 3 wine tastings included.

Posted in Beyond Adventure Travel- All, Europe, Walking/ Hiking | Leave a comment