How it all works
There are guided, group and independent options, inn-to-inn and single center. All introduce you to an interesting and unspoiled corner or the world. There are options for every fitness level too, from woodland rambles to challenging mountain and ridge walking and cycling for both the softies and the energetic.
Cycling
All cycling holidays are either independent or self-guided.
Independent tours allow you to follow any route you choose using our maps and detailed notes. We suggest routes using quiet country lanes, and go by the places we think are most interesting. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road explorations. All independent cycling tours are graded. See what the "bike" symbol means by clicking here, starting off with just enough exercise to work up an appetite for the next great meal, with longer route options if you're feeling energetic.
"Independent" doesn't mean unsupported, though. Our local staff greet you at the train station and take you by mini-van to the first hotel. You'll attend a briefing session, where our reps will fit you out with your bike, tell you all about the things to see and do, and help you map out a route if you have a special side trip you'd like to make. During the briefing session, you'll also have a chance to meet any other travelers who are booked on the tour. Although the tours are not intended as a group experience, we find that people often make friends on our independent tours enjoy the opportunity to meet others - but if you aren't so inclined you're free to travel at your own pace. There are rarely more than six or eight people on any independent cycling tour, so you can be as sociable, or otherwise, as you choose.
On independent tours, you move on between hotels every two days: we transport your luggage, so you don't need to carry a lot in your panniers (provided). In-between days are an opportunity for exploring locally, with the help of our detailed maps and notes. You can cycle on the off days, or just opt for relaxation!
On independent tours our staff clean and carefully check every bike before it goes out, so we don't expect many problems. If anything does go wrong, we'll come out to your hotel and put it right. And our reps are only a phone call away if you have any problems! We also give you a puncture repair kit. Due hygiene and safety concerns, we do not provide cycling helmets. However, we strongly recommend that you bring your own cycling helmet.
Self-guided cycling tours are for the more experienced cyclists. Although, we provide complete maps and detailed route notes along with moving your luggage between hotels, there is no local staff - so you should be handier with repairs and a bit more self-reliant. Self-guided tours also move hotels every night, so you have more of a chance to see the region and get in more cycling time. Your bike will be expertly adjusted to fit you, information on the type of bike available can be found on the information panel for each trip. Simply request bike hire when you book your tour, in most cases the bike will be delivered to your first hotel.
Walking
All walking tours are either Guided, Independent or Self-guided.
We travel the "undiscovered" corners of each region on our walking tours. You'll follow a linear or circular route staying at country inns or hotels following detailed route notes and maps. As long as you are reasonably active and in good health you will be able to find a walk to suit you. Our walking tours are not intended as an endurance contest, but rather a unique way to experience the countryside.Click here for more information on grading for walking tours.
On Guided walking tours, you walk in small groups, with like-minded, mostly professional, people. But no one is tied to a group itinerary, we do our best to find out about everyone's special interests, and make sure that they have the opportunities to pursue them. Guided tours can be centre-based (you stay in a single hotel throughout, and take walks each day - sometimes getting to the best starting point by mini-van) or in those cases where the best walks can't all be reached from a single centre, we offer Inn to Inn tours. While on an inn to inn walk, our guides provide transport and move the bags and look after your every need and act as walking guides along the carefully chosen routes. Tours are rated according to the grading system indicated in the trip panel.
Our Independent Walks let you discover the heart of your holiday region, in your own way and at your own pace. Independent does not mean unsupported, though. Our local staff greet you at the train station and take you by mini-van to the first hotel. You'll attend a briefing session, where our reps will tell you all about the things to see and do, and help you map out a route if you have a special side trip you'd like to make. During the briefing session, you'll also have a chance to meet any other travelers who are booked on the tour. Although the tours are not intended as a group experience, we find that people often make friends on our independent tours enjoy the opportunity to meet others - but if you aren't so inclined you're free to travel at your own pace. There are rarely more than six or eight people on any independent walking tour, so you can be as sociable, or otherwise, as you choose.
On independent tours, you move on between hotels every two days: we transport your luggage, so you don't need to carry much more than your camera and a picnic lunch. In-between days are an opportunity for exploring locally, with the help of our detailed maps and notes. You can walk on the off days, or just opt for relaxation!
On independent tours it is nice to know that our staff is only a phone call away if you have any problems!
Self-guided tours offer the same detailed route notes and maps, along with luggage moving service as the independent tours - however you won't have the same level of support with an on-site rep, thus you should choose this option if you are an experienced walker with map reading abilities. On self-guided tours we try to preserve the linear trail, moving each day to a new hotel. Booking hotels on a one night basis and moving luggage every day costs a little more, but it makes for more interesting walking routes which offer a sense of achievement as well!
Trekking
These fully guided walks take you to the high mountains. They are for those who want to enjoy the mountain ambiance in the company of like minded travelers; for those who are committed walkers who relish the prospect of exploring of the beaten track, surmounting every pass and trekking unaided from horizon to horizon.
Our walks are by no means the preserve of the superfit! There are trails to suit all levels of experience, many well within the capabilities of any normally fit and healthy individual. Click here for information on trek grading.
We don't believe in roughing it for the sake of it. The trails are much more fun without a heavy pack to carry, so we provide vehicles, pack animals or porters to move the baggage whereever the terrain permits.
If you want to get deep into the mountains you have to camp, but this can be done with style, with mess tents, tables, stools and as many creature comforts as can be mustered. Not all tours rely on camping, often where there is a village inn or pension we use it, and many of our walkers enjoy memorable evenings over a well-stocked table in superb mountain villages.
Our groups range from six to fifteen in numbers and have an international flavor. While many come from North America, you will also find Brits, Australians and Europeans who enjoy their mountain travel the Breakaway Adventures way!
Barging
Barging is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to the see the beauty of rural Europe at close hand. Your floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more, without the need to pack and unpack every day. Every voyage takes place on one of our deluxe barges, furnished with every modern comfort. The finest regional cuisine is prepared by your on-board master chef, complemented by a wide array of regional wines and an open bar. And, of course the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there to attend to your slightest need.
Daily excursions are a highlight of all our cruises and are designed for you to experience the richest treasures in each area. You may explore quaint, medieval villages, story-book towns of half-timbered dwellings, magnificent chateaux and castles, museums and abbeys, Bronze Age and Troglodyte dwellings, partake of wine tastings in privately owned vineyards and shop in colorful open air markets. Your daily excursions are either a short walk away from the barge or if further, the ever-present barge minibus will carry you the short distance required.
All voyages are include accommodation, all gourmet meals aboard and ashore, Champagne Welcome, open bar, excursions and admittance fees, use of bicycles and other facilities such as sauna, spa pool/Jacuzzi and fitness room.