7 Unique Christmas Destinations
August 31st, 2017 by Breakaway Adventures|
It’s that time of year when we start getting inquiries from people looking for something truly unique to do over the Christmas holidays. Our popular Christmas program includes cycling or walking to varied destinations, including the peaceful Mediterranean island of Gozo (sister island to Malta); warm winter walking in the best of the unspoiled Western Algarve region of Portugal and, in the Canary Islands, walking along the dramatic volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches and lava flows of Tenerife or Gran Canaria . For something closer to home, imagine strolling along the pink sand beaches of Bermuda, a tiny historic treasure trove of natural beauty- flowers, fish, birds – and fabulous year-round sunshine. For some, only a white Christmas will do! So get on your sleigh and fly to traditional Norwegian hamlet of Venabu for a cross-country skiing holiday, or enjoy walking & cross-country skiing in the pristine natural beauty of the Leutasch Valley in Austria – a true winter wonderland!
Here’s the complete run down of tours on offer for the December 23 2017 to January 3 2018 time frame: |
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Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese islands, where the slow pace of life along with the air of tranquility makes for the ideal choice for a walking holiday. You stay at the 5***** Hotel Ta Cenc, wonderfully secluded and set in 400 acres of private grounds. Guests are accommodated in individual, tastefully furnished stone bungalows, each with its own terrace. Breakfast is a delicious hot and cold buffet, and evening meals offer a mouth-watering selection of Gozitan and Italian specialties, served al fresco on the patio under a 200-year old carob tree. • Start December 23 2017 » Finish December 30 2017
This self-guided walking holiday explores the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda, a sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the 8 largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. You’ll stay in a deluxe ocean view room • Start December 26 2017 » Finish January 3 2018
Walking in Algarve’s Wild West Portugal Far beyond the ‘developed’ Algarve in Portugal’s most southerly Atlantic corner, lies the Sagres Peninsula, a startlingly pristine region of golden beaches, imposing cliffs, swaying flower meadows, dramatic coastlines and tree-lined paths. Locals here offer warm welcome and hold on to the traditions of rural life. The easy-to-follow trails take in rich verdant valleys, pine forests and rugged coastlines, making exploring onfoot amazingly rewarding. • Start December 23 2017 » Finish December 29 2017 • Start December 27 2017 » Finish January 2 2108
On Tenerife it is forever springtime, the sunny climate, glorious flowers, balmy temperatures and majestic scenery making it a perfect antidote to a cold winter. A rugged and spectacular island, it has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore. • Start December 26 2017 » Finish January 2 2108
Less than 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa, in the center of the Canary Islands archipelago, sits the volcanic island of Gran Canaria – often referred to as ‘a miniature continent’ with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from the north’s lush green forests and valleys, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores. • Start December 25 2017 » Finish January 1 2018
Cross-country Skiing in Venabu Norway This is one of our most popular cross-country skiing holidays. Based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park, looking down on the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It’s far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights too, especially in December and January, and throughout the winter there are spectacular sunrises and sunsets. • Start December 23 2017 » Finish December 30 2017
Cross-country Skiing and Winter Walking in Leutasch & Seefeld Leutasch is truly a winter wonderland with its high level plateau and tranquil valley, and it offers some of the prettiest and most extensive walking trails in Europe. As well as being ideal for winter walking, Leutasch also offers a first-class cross-country ski center, horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, curling, ice skating, snowshoeing and alpine skiing. • Start December 23 2017 » Finish December 30 2017 |
Destination Desire
August 22nd, 2017 by Breakaway Adventures|
Do you yearn for a vacation where you can soak in spectacular coastal views? Are you seeking marvelously quiet villages off the tourist trail? Or perhaps is strolling through vineyards, tasting home-grown wines and sampling world-class cuisine your idea of paradise? We have relaxed walking and cycling itineraries for you to explore on foot or by bike in 15 countries, with many different sights, sounds and experiences en route. Here’s just a selection of views you can expect to see on some of our trips – enjoy!
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Meandering along many of the levadas where waterfalls cascade into rolling rivers, jagged peaks rise elegantly in the distance and laurel, heather and pine offer a feast for the senses. • 2017 Dates: Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 29, 26
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Norway is home to glacial valleys, thundering waterfalls and breathtaking glaciers and mountains. • 2017 Dates: Sep 7, 21
Impossibly picturesque, Bavaria is a an absolute Mecca for the walking enthusiast with its snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, fairytale castles and quaint, pretty towns and villages. • 2017 Dates: Sep 2, 9, 16, 23
The pretty coastline of Catalunya is dotted with traditional fishing villages, crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches which are all perfect to explore. • 2017 Dates: Departs every two days from Sep 2 to Oct 16
Beautiful chateaux, fine food and wine and gentle cycling • 2017 Dates: Departs every two days from Sep 2 to Oct 8
Timeless countryside – rolling hills, endless vines and hilltop hamlets. • 2017 Dates: Departs every two days from Sep 2 to Oct 14
Tucked away in northern Italy, Piedmont is brimming with vineyard covered, softly rolling hills, sun-drenched hamlets, world-class wines and incredible hotels. • 2017 Dates: Departs very two days from Sep 2 to Oct 14 |
Schools back in! Time to reset and refresh for 2017/2018…
August 15th, 2017 by Breakaway Adventures
Porto, Portugal Cityscape on the Douro River.
The lazy days of summer are coming to an end, the sun is shining, the hum of lawnmowers can be heard throughout neighborhoods and school is just about (or already) back in session. It’s a great time to reset, refresh and look ahead to the coming 2017/2018 year.
Our selection of guided walks are filling up quickly for the fall (there is limited availability, so it’s worth inquiring right away) or maybe, if you prefer to plan ahead, why not take a look at what is available in 2018?
 The Douro, Portugal: Image captured from the road some kilometers to the west of Oporto, the image shows the Douro river and his vineyards. Portuguese wine is the result of traditions introduced by ancient civilizations; the Basto and Douro regions remain two of the main wine-producing regions of Portugal, complete with wonderful landscapes and a rich history to discover. This walking tour takes us from the atmospheric city of Porto, through the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, where famous port wine is produced and on to the Terras de Basto, home of Portugal’s ‘young’ vinho verde wine. With leisurely walks, wine tastings and cultural visits throughout, this tour is the perfect introduction to the country that once dominated world trade routes. • 2017 Dates: October 21
Walking the Prosecco Hills of Italy Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best yet largely undiscovered wine regions. Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: Prosecco. Based in an elegant converted villa, located in the heart of the so called ‘Prosecco Road’ – Italy’s oldest wine route – we spend a week walking through picturesque rolling hills and sampling the area’s delicious cuisine and authentic bubbles. We also visit charming medieval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo as well as the beautiful capital province of Treviso. • 2017 Dates: October 21
Experience the best bits of an unspoiled European gem where mountains rise dramatically from warm coastal waters, a UNESCO listed national park reveals the worlds second deepest canyon and waterside Venetian towns await discovery. • 2017 Dates: Sep 3, 10, Oct 1
The small village of Villabassa, just north of Cortina d’Ampezzo, is nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. From here we enjoy an excellent choice of routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day’s walking. During the week, we venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Historically the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary during the First World War, the trails take us each day through incredible open-air museums. • 2017 Dates: Aug 26 +indicates challenging departure dates
Undiscovered French Riviera Walk Located on the Franco-Italian border, on the edge of the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how it earned its nickname ‘The Pearl of France,’ combining a city of gardens, seaport, beach resort and a paradise for hikers all rolled into one! With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the level of French/Italian border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera. • 2017 Dates: Sep 30, Oct 7
Delights of the Dalmatian Coast Walk Croatia’s rich cultural heritage is matched only by its amazing natural beauty: sandy beaches, unspoiled islands, tourist-free villages and barely-visited historic sites – all perfect for exploring on foot. Lovely walks and super hotels including 5-star luxury in Dubrovnik. • 2017 Dates: Sep 10, 24, Oct 8
In the heart of the Mediterranean lie Puglia and Basilicata, two unique and still largely undiscovered regions of Italy nestled between the emerald waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. This trip gives us the chance to explore the very best that these Italian gems have to offer, from the rock churches and UNESCO Sassi district of the beautiful city of Matera, to the fairytale Trulli houses of the lush Itria valley and the white hilltop town of Ostuni. Aside from the perfect mix of cultural discovery and gentle walking, we will have the chance to sample the legendary local cuisine and delicious wines that make this region a true food lovers’ paradise. • 2017 Dates: Aug 26, Sep 2, 16, Oct 14, 21, Nov 4
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