Walkabout Gourmet Adventures | 2021-2022 Brochure

2021 - 2022 JOURNEYS

SINCE 1986

ear Adventurers, walkers and friends, Dwelcome to our brochure for 2021 and 2022. It

has certainly been a year of unforeseen changes

that none of us will ever forget. After 35 years of

printing our annual Walkabout brochure we are

quite nostalgic to say that the time has come to

“give in” and present our new virtual brochure

for the very first time only on our WGA website.

During all these years Walkabout Gourmet

Adventures has always had a strong desire to

wander and explore the world with a great passion

for creating unique experiences. Travel connects

us to our planet, its people and ourselves and our

ongoing secret is our personalised service with

small groups travelling with like-minded guests,

enthusiastic and passionate guides whilst staying

in charming accommodation with delicious food...

all the ingredients for a happy holiday. Whether

its an African safari, a hiking odyssey in the Alps,

a wellness journey or a culinary experience…

it is the personalised touch which makes the

difference. During the past year all of us in the

travel industry have been challenged to the limit

but we continue to believe in our philosophy and

original Walkabout style of travel... small groups

and private adventures exploring off the beaten

track destinations... a low impact model of how

travel should be in this new world. We know that

international travel will resume before too long

and all of us at Walkabout are looking forward

to welcoming you on one or more of our tours.

Until then, stay safe and healthy…. see you soon

back on the track somewhere around the globe!

Gabriela & Graeme Clarke

Founders & Directors of Walkabout Gourmet Adventures

2 02 9871 5526 I WALKABOUTGOURMET.COM

02 9871 5526 I WALKABOUTGOURMET.COM 3

walkaboutguests

When you join a Walkabout Gourmet

Adventure holiday you can expect to

be travelling with a like-minded group

of people who enjoy active holidays

like walking during the day, have an

appreciation of delicious food and a

fine hotel at night. The composition

of our guests is varied. It includes

couples, friends or families travelling

together and solo travellers. Mostly

our guests still come from Australia,

some from New Zealand and then

a scattering from all over the world.

The unifying element on all of our trips

is the joy of travel and the desire to

explore the world. Our guests love the

outdoors and activities like walking,

learning about different cultures

and indulging in delicious food and

excellent wines. Our guests come

to experience the real meaning of

Walkabout.… to get away from it all for

a while and to relax. Many Walkabout

guests have become a part of our

extended family and lots of friendships

have formed during our journeys…a

few even resulting in marriage!

SMALL GROUPS

BIG DIFFERENCE

“Excellent trip well planned, guided

and accompanied by very pleasant and

engaging.” companions”

“We always love travelling with Walkabout.

Great countries, great guides and invariably

great companions.”

“We loved the great group of Aussies who

were experiencing the mountains and

waterways with us.”



HAND PICKED

HOTELS THAT

FEEL LIKE

HOME

walkaboutcuisine

As our name implies, food has always been a

central feature of our holidays. From our early

days when we started Walkabout, surprising

our tired walkers with gourmet candlelit

dinners or French style picnic lunches in the

outdoors became a feature of our Australian

tours …we believe that you can learn so much

about a country through its food. When you

travel with us you will have the opportunity to

sample some amazing cooking in some of the

world’s famous food regions, complemented

by superb local wines. Whether it is a dinner

in an Italian Trattoria, a Greek taverna, a

Michelin star gourmet restaurant or sitting

under the stars in the African desert...the

meals will always remain a memorable part

of your Walkabout holiday. Without this

emphasis on food there is no authentic travel

experience! Long after the holiday is over we

shall always look back fondly at those moments

we shared around the table or the picnic

in the fields with our newly formed friends.

“ A wonderful holiday. Could

not be improved. Gabriella was

the best of guides ably assisted

by Laura. The accommodation

was excellent, the food superb,

the cooking lessons done by a

very competent cooking teacher.

“

When it comes to a holiday, one of the most

important aspects is feeling comfortable and

relaxed in your hotel at the end of the day.

Our aim is to find these unique places which

transmit the authentic, local touch…may it be

a flower cladded house in the Black Forest, a

French Bastide in a field of poppies with the

smell of honey and lavender or refurbished

old palaces or castles, we want you to feel “at

home” for these few precious days. All our

hotels have en suite facilities and many have

pools and wellness centres. Single supplements

are always available for solo travellers.

walkabouthotels

Hotel 6 02 9871 Union 5526 I WALKABOUTGOURMET.COM

Øye, Norway


The walkabout

difference

Our philosophy is all about getting you out into the

countryside where you can discover the charm and beauty

of these regions. Walking with a small, like minded group

of just 5-14 travellers maximum - is by far the best way to

explore these areas. We believe it is important to have time

to “smell the roses”, not to rush through but to soak up the

atmosphere, get a feel for a region and meet the locals. We

are great believers that it is the journey which matters, not

the destination. All our holidays are guided - we are here not

to overload you with facts and figures but discreetly share

with you the wonderful places we have discovered during

“our journey”. In terms of “grading” our walking holidays are

designed for healthy, active people who want to explore a

region at a leisurely pace. We are always happy to discuss our

tours with you before you make a choice. Our mountain tours

are naturally going to be more strenuous and some of the

paths can be stony, but ascents are always done at a slow pace.

BEING ACTIVE

Walking allows us to slow down and

familiarise ourselves with the people,

culture and natural beauty of the

area we are travelling in. It provides

the opportunity to explore remote

destinations, enjoy the tranquillity and

beauty of the landscape, allowing time

to admire its flora and fauna, and to get

involved into the whole experience.

A TOUCH OF LUXURY

We believe there is an enormous sense

of luxury in rarity and the privilege

of being sometimes in remote areas

doing things many people never get

to experience. Often the small things

add to the luxury of these moments,

like our choice of unique hotels or

beautiful picnic lunches in idyllic

locations. These distinctive touches

make us stand out from the crowd.

FABULOUS FOOD & WINE

Great food and wine is one of our

most important trademarks. It is our

passion and we don’t like to make any

compromises – not even in the remotest

of locations. It plays an enormous role

in making the difference between a

good holiday and a sensational one

and plays a major part in this wonderful

cultural experience.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Our tours are designed to immerse you

in the local culture and landscape, to

reveal the true spirit of a region and offer

you a travel experience that is inspiring,

unique and deeply rewarding. We like

to venture beyond the beaten track and

search deeper, connecting with people

in ways that enrich their lives and ours.



The walkabout

team

Walkabout Gourmet Adventures is owned

and operated by Gabriela and Graeme

Clarke. They established WGA 35 years

ago combining their love of food and the

outdoors. When they are not guiding or

working on new itineraries, they live in

Forcalquier in Provence and during the

European winter, they try to escape for a

few months to Australia. Forcalquier is the

base for their European office and their

holiday accommodation apartments. The

Walkabout office in Australia is managed

by Trish Ozard who has been working for

WGA since 1993. Trish looks after all the

reservations and can provide you with

information on all their walking holidays

as well as the apartments in Provence.

Gabriela and Graeme still lead the majority

of their walking holidays and they are now

supported by their children Nastassja and

Serjosha. The team of tour leaders are

highly skilled professionals, yet they are

also incredibly warm people who run on

endless energy, an unquenchable thirst for

fun, and genuine excitement for welcoming

you. They have that special “it” factor that

transforms a trip into an unforgettable

journey. They are with you during the entire

holiday and look after all the details while

you walk, relax and enjoy your journey! We

are always delighted to hear the positive

feedback from our guests about our guides.



CALENDAR 2021

CALENDAR 2022

FEBRUARY 2021

AUGUST 2021

JANUARY 2022

25/06 - 08/07 On the Celtic Way

06/02 - 10/02 Discover Victoria’s High Country

MARCH 2021

10/03 - 18/03 Sydney Coastal Gems

16/03 - 23/03 A Winter Tale in Iceland

20/03 - 27/03 Grampains & Great Ocean Coastal Trail

28/03 - 01/04 Explore Wilson’s Promontory

APRIL 2021

02/04 - 12/04 Mystical Morocco

18/04 - 30/04 Best of the West

MAY 2021

06/05 - 22/05 A Mediterranean Odyssey

07/05 - 22/05 New Zealand Gateway

10/05 - 25/05 The Spirit of Japan

25/05 - 10/06 Treasures of Cappadocia and Eastern Turkey

26/05 - 30/05 When in Rome

JUNE 2021

03/06 - 18/06 Epicurean walk in Italy

10/06 - 16/06 Pagnol’s Provence

25/06 - 01/07 Flavours of Bavaria

25/06 - 08/07 On the Celtic Way

JULY 2021

05/07 - 11/07 A Rejuvenating Retreat in Provence

10/07 - 23/07 Discover the Pyrenees

12/07 - 25/07 The Peer Gynt’s Trail

13/07 - 19/07 Flavours of Provence

27/07 - 09/08 Iceland Explorer

12/08 - 18/08 Greenland Explorer

13/08 - 26/08 Into the Wilds of Alaska

30/08 - 12/09 A Walk to the Stars

SEPTEMBER 2021

01/09 - 15/09 Follow the Gouurmet Trail Revisited

05/09 - 18/09 A Taste of Europe

11/09 - 24/09 The Romantic Path

14/09 - 29/09 The Highlanders Trail

17/09 - 30/09 Italian Lakes

20/09 - 05/10 From the Sea to the Summits

25/09 - 29/09 When in Rome

29/09 - 12/10 Secrets of Provence

OCTOBER 2021

03/10 - 09/10 Discover the Piedmont


03/10 - 16/10 Explore Croatia & Slovenia

03/10 -16/10 Epicurean walk in Italy

05/10 - 09/10 A Parisian Getaway

15/10 - 05/11 African Walkabout

18/10 - 31/10 Gastronomic Trail through hidden France

22/10 - 05/11 Journey through the Holy Land


NOVEMBER 2021

14/11 - 25/11 Flavours of South India

20/11 - 27/11 Grampians & Great Ocean Coastal Trail

DECEMBER 2021



16/01 - 31/01 - New Zealand Gateway

FEBRUARY 2022



MARCH 2022

02/03 - 09/03 Byron & Beyond

14/03 - 22/03 Sydney Coastal Gems

18/03 - 25/03 A Winter Tale in Iceland



APRIL 2022

01/04 -18/04 A Journey back in Time

03/04 - 13/04 Mystical Morocco

16/04 - 30/04 La Dolce Vita

18/04 - 30/04 Best of the West

21/04 - 28/04 Crete - the island of Zeus

29/04 - 12/05 From the Mountains to the Mediterranean


MAY 2022

07/05 - 22/05 New Zealand Gateway


14/05 - 27/05 The Pilgrim’s Way

15/05 - 29/05 Follow the Gourmet Trail Revisited

18/05 - 03/06 Treasures of Cappadocia and Eastern Turkey

30/05 - 03/06 When in Rome

JUNE 2022

01/06 - 14/06 Jewels of the Balearic Islands

04/06 - 19/06 Epicurean walk in Italy

10/06 - 16/06 Pagnol’s Provence

17/06 - 02/07 From the Sea to the Suummits

20/06 - 03/07 Walk to the Stars

24/06 - 30/06 Flavours of Bavaria

JULY 2022

05/07 - 11/07 A Rejuvenating Retreat in Provence

10/07 - 23/07 Discover the Pyrenees

12/07 - 25/07 The Peer Gynt’s Trail

13/07 - 19/07 Flavours of Provence

27/07 - 09/08 Iceland Explorer

AUGUST 2022

12/08 - 18/08 Greenland Explorer

13/08 - 26/08 Into the Wilds of Alaska

26/08 - 08/09 Timeless Valleys

SEPTEMBER 2022

02/09 - 15/09 A Taste of Europe

14/09 - 27/09 The Romantic Path

14/09 - 29/09 The Highlanders Trail

17/09 - 30/09 Eastern Circuit

17/09 - 30/09 Italian Lakes

29/09 - 12/10 Secrets of Provence

OCTOBER 2022

02/10 - 15/10 Gastronomic Trail through hidden France

03/10 - 09/10 Discover the Piedmont

03/10 - 16/10 Explore Croatia & Slovenia

05/10 - 09/10 A Parisian Getaway

15/10 - 05/11 African Walkabout

20/10- 03/11 Journey through the Holy Land


NOVEMBER 2022

14/11 - 25/11 Flavours of South India



DECEMBER 2022




Australia & Asia

JOURNEYS



AUSTRALIA

GRAMPIANS & GREAT

OCEAN COASTAL TRAIL

8 DAYS

Experience the majestic splendour of the well known

Grampians. This unique area offers spectacular

scenery with mountain peaks over 1000 metres and

numerous species of wildlife. We visit Mafeking, the

site of Victoria’s last gold rush, where in 1900 over

10,000 diggers lived under canvas in search of their

fortune.

Throughout the year the National Park is ablaze with

a seemingly endless variety of wildflowers. It truly is

a botanical paradise. Before European settlement in

Australia, a large part of the Grampians was occupied

by Aboriginals. Today the region contains the

greatest concentration of Aboriginal rock paintings

in Victoria.

Our walks take us to Mt Zero, the Wonderland

and Mt William. Experience the Port Campbell and

Otway National Parks, a perfect location for a few

days of fascinating coastal walking. We explore long

stretches of unspoiled coastline and walk up into

the hinterland, which provides shelter for an array

of unique wildlife. We visit the famous 12 Apostles,

huge limestone pillars worn and weathered by the

stormy Southern Ocean.

The magnificent Melba Gully is the jewel of the

Otway’s and renowned for its dense forests of

Myrtle Beech. A highlight of time in the Otway’s

is the opportunity to walk 2 sections of the newly

opened Great Ocean Walk. The trail goes through

some previously inaccessible areas in the former

Otway National Park.

“

My eleventh tour with WGA in 12 years! People ask me

which one I have enjoyed the most. I still can’t decide. I

have genuinely loved every one of them and the Grampians

and Great Ocean Road was no exception. Such a great

balance of strenuous and gentle exercise, beautiful and

varied scenery, wonderful wildlife, exceptional travelling

companions and fabulous cuisine! What more could you

want! I can’t wait for the next one! Thanks again Graeme.

“



SLEEP & DINE

In these marvellous two

regions we stay “in the best

of both worlds” - dramatic

mountain scenery combined

with spectacular coastal

landscape. We have chosen

three lovely hotels, full of

ambience and charm. The

excellent cuisine in both

regions allows plenty of

space for indulgence! In the

Grampians we spend 3 nights

in Halls Gap in a 4 hectare

green oasis on the edge of

town. Our evening dinners

are in three of the best

restaurants in town where

you have the opportunity to

sample delicious home style

cooking. In Port Campbell

we have 2 nights in newly

established luxury villas. This

delightful sleepy little seaside

resort has gone through

somewhat of a revival in

recent times and it now hosts

some excellent restaurants,

which we shall sample during

our stay. Our final 2 nights are

spent just outside of Apollo

Bay. Nestled in amongst

20 acres of beautiful rolling

countryside all rooms have

magnificent sweeping views

of the coastline. We dine at

nearby Apollo Bay, which has

some of the best restaurants

along the Great Ocean Road.

ACCOMMODATION

Seafarers Getaway

Southern Ocean Villas

DATES & PRICES

Departure Dates Double Occupency Single Supplement

Mar 20 - 27, 2021

Nov 20 - 27, 2021

Mar 23 - 30, 2022

Nov 19 - 26, 2022

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 680

AUD$ 680

AUD$ 680

AUD$ 680



AUSTRALIA

Join us to explore one of Australia’s

most outstanding National Parks,

Wilson’s Promontory. “The Prom”,

so called by its many admirers, is the

most southerly point of mainland

Australia. The park encompasses

magnificent coastal and mountain

scenery.

Over 700 species of native plants

exist, providing a perfect habitat

for the prolific wildlife. Kangaroos,

koalas and wombats are just a few

of the many native inhabitants.

Emus, rosellas, kookaburras and

cockatoos can be seen almost

everywhere. The only way to really

experience the Prom is on foot.

Explore Wilson’s

Promontory

5 DAYS

Our walk highlights some of the

park’s most beautiful areas. We

pass through a variety of vegetation

from bush to luxuriant, moist fern

gullies. These harbour magnificent

white sandy beaches washed by

spectacular rolling surf.

“ Beautiful cottages with koalas in the trees,

wombats wobbling past and kookaburras

stealing the delicious predinner cheese and

canapés while sipping champagne overlooking

the beach. Healthy, delicious food, well thought

out walks, travel times, exceptional scenery.

Graeme is an excellent guide, I have already

recommended the walk to friends and family.

“



SLEEP & DINE

The countryside surrounding Wilson’s promontory

is home to rich farmlands which produce Australia’s

best dairy products, fine meats, poultry and crisp

vegetables. The area is also noted for several excellent

vineyards and a boutique brewery. Our fabulous

beach front accommodation has spectacular ocean

views across Waratah Bay to Wilson’s Promontory and

Bass Strait. It is a mecca for wildlife - there are a few

resident koalas plus wombats and an array of birdlife.

We have direct access to the beach just 5 minutes

away so each evening, energy permitting you have an

opportunity for a refreshing swim. Enjoy an aperitif on

the terrace before dinner as we relax watching the sun

set over this magnificent countryside. Later we meet

for a delicious dinner prepared by our resident chef.

ACCOMMODATION

Bear Gully Cottages

DATES & PRICES


Mar 28 - Apr 1, 2021

Dec 03 - 07, 2021

Feb 11 - 15, 2022

Mar 31 - Apr 04, 2022

Nov 27 - Dec 01, 2022

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 365

AUD$ 365

AUD$ 365

AUD$ 365

AUD$ 365



New

Join us as we discover one of Sydney’s most

stunning coastal paths – Bondi to Bronte

Coastal Walk. In November we coincide

this walk with the annual Sculptures by the

Sea Exhibition which is Australia’s largest

outdoor sculpture exhibition. We take the

short drive to Manly on our first day where

we are acquainted, for the first time, with

the exquisite design of the Boathouse

Group when we visit their gorgeous

Boathouse Café at Shelly beach for lunch. In

the late afternoon we settle into our lovely

accommodation at Barrenjoey House Palm

Beach which we shall call “home” for the

next 4 nights. Palm Beach is a strikingly

beautiful location surrounded by water

with the Barrenjoey lighthouse at the very

tip of the peninsular. Discover the beauty

of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park which

looks out over Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury

River and Pittwater. It is the second oldest

national park in Australia and contains

some significant aboriginal sites. Nearby

is Brisbane Waters National Park which is

another important site for rock engravings

and paintings. We enjoy a delicious lunch

at the Boathouse Hotel Patonga while

admiring the views across Broken Bay. Our

mode of transport to and from our walks

will be the historic timber ferries which ply

their way across Pittwater – such a relaxing

way to start and finish our walks each day.

Our final 4 nights are spent in luxury at

Bells Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant

and Spa. If we are able to tempt you away

from this gorgeous hotel, we have some

beautiful coastal walks in store for you

through the adjoining Bouddi National

Park. Discover the local bush tucker and

the medicinal uses of our native plants

as we participate in a guided, indigenous

walk. Pearls, bubbles and oysters - what a

great way to finish off our tour as we learn

about the local Broken Bay Pearls while

enjoying a glass of sparkling wine.

AUSTRALIA

Sydney Coastal Gems

9 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Barrenjoey House

Bells at Killcare

DATES & PRICES


Mar 10 - 18, 2021

Mar 14 - 22, 2022

SLEEP & DINE

AUD$ 5,950

AUD$ 5,950

AUD$ 1,590

AUD$ 1,590

Our first 4 nights are spent in the historic Barrenjoey

House. It is a local icon and has recently been

refurbished by the Boathouse Group into a very

stylish and chic hotel. We enjoy delicious dinners

each evening and on our last day we enjoy a relaxed

lunch at their other location – the Patonga Pub. Our

final 4 nights are spent at Bells at Killcare Boutique

Hotel just across Broken Bay on the Central Coast

where we enjoy first-class facilities at this boutique

hotel. Take advantage of the luxurious spa – just

perfect after a day’s walking in the national park.

At night we enjoy delicious seasonal dishes in the

hotel restaurant. Much of the produce is grown in

the hotel’s own vegetable garden and on our final

evening we enjoy the Chef’s Tasting menu.



AUSTRALIA

Best of the West

13 DAYS

New

Join us as we spend 13 days exploring some of the

most beautiful areas of South West WA. We begin our

journey in Perth and travel inland to the lovely coastal

town of Albany where we are based for 2 nights.

We walk in the spectacular Torndirrup National Park

and we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves

in the history of the National Anzac Centre.

From here our walk takes us under the largest wind

turbines in the southern hemisphere and we quench

our thirst at the Yilgarnia Winery before arriving at

our luxurious spa retreat in Denmark. We are ideally

located to spend 2 days discovering the famous

Bibbulmun Track where we shall wind our way along

the coastline discovering such idyllic beaches as

Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. The turquoise

waters and pristine white sandy beaches have to

be seen to be believed. However, it’s not just about

the nature - we shall also introduce you to some of

Western Australia’s premier regional restaurants

such at Silas Masih’s Pepper and Salt restaurant.

Time for a “tree change” as we experience the tall

karri forests of the Pemberton region – experience

the 40-metre high Tree Top Walk and discover an

array of wildlife up close on an eco-cruise through

beautiful Walpole Inlet.

At Cape Leeuwin we gaze out over 2 oceans – the

Indian and the Southern as we stand on the South

West tip of mainland Australia. This is the beginning

of another famous walking track – the Cape to

Cape. We spend the next 2 days following this trail

past the idyllic beaches of Margaret River. We shall

visit both Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Vineyard to

sample some of the renowned Margaret River wines

and have a long lunch at the latter.

Spend a morning wandering through the charming

coastal town of Margaret River. On our last day

stretch your legs on the longest timber jetty in the

southern hemisphere at Busselton before we return

to the bright lights of Perth.



ACCOMMODATION

The Beach House

Chimes Retreat & Spa

Karri Valley Resort

Margarets Beach Resort

DATES & PRICES


Apr 18 - 30, 2021

Nov 18 - 30, 2022

AUD$ 6,485

AUD$ 6,485

AUD$ 1,485

AUD$ 1,485

SLEEP & DINE

We have chosen four delightful

hotels which highlight the

diversity of the different regions

of South West WA. In Albany

we spend 2 nights in an awardwinning

boutique hotel, in

Denmark we have 3 nights in a

lovely spa retreat where you can

soothe your muscles after a day

on the Bibbulmun Track; near

Pemberton we stay in a peaceful

resort surrounded by a karri forest

overlooking Lake Beedelup and

finally at Margaret River we have

4 nights directly on the beach in

a lovely coastal resort. Our local

restaurants will highlight the

delicious regional produce which

the South West corner of WA is

so famous for. Our three wine

tastings will similarly showcase

the high-quality wine which this

part of Australia now produces –

many of them award winners.



New

Join us to discover one of Australia’s most outstanding

alpine regions. Based in our former hometown of

Dinner Plain we have the opportunity to explore some

of Victoria’s magnificent High Country. The Alpine

National Park stretches from central Gippsland all the

way to the New South Wales border where it adjoins

Kosciuszko National Park. Within the park are some of

Australia’s most stunning alpine landscapes, including

mountain peaks, escarpments and grassy high plains.

The region encompasses some of Australia’s most

iconic peaks - Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop and Mt

Howitt. There are some stunning walks which lead to

the summits of these mountains but there are also

more gentle trails meandering through the majestic

snow gums. In Spring and Summer, the area is ablaze

with colourful wildflowers on par with anything you

see in the European Alps.

AUSTRALIA

Discover Victoria’s

High Country

5 DAYS

Dinner Plain is a unique alpine village located on

the edge of the Alpine National Park - it is a perfect

location and setting for us to base ourselves from

where we can discover the Victorian High Country.

There is a series of trails leading straight from the

village into the park so we have a multitude of options

available. One of the highlights of walking in the high

country is discovering some of the old cattlemen’s

huts which are scattered throughout - their history

goes back to the 1860’s and are a testament to the

pioneers who lived and worked this country during

the years when cattle were allowed to roam freely in

the High Country.

The alpine environment is one of the most pristine

environments in Australia. It contains a number of

unique flora and fauna species. The park supports

110 native plant species, 12 of which (including the

Bogong daisy bush and silky daisy) are found only

within the park and 38 of which are of “national

significance”.

Among its fauna is the rare Mountain Pygmy-Possum,

the world’s only alpine marsupial, which stores food

to last through the winter. In addition there is the

Smoky Mouse, Broad toothed Rat, Powerful Owl,

Spotted Tree Frog and the She-oak Skink.



SLEEP & DINE

Gippsland and North Eastern Victoria is renowned

for the quality of its local produce and premium

wines. At Dinner Plain we stay in a very comfortable

mountain lodge with ensuite facilities and in the

evening after our day of activities we shall have the

opportunity to relax and enjoy delicious meals.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel High Plains

DATES & PRICES


Feb 06 - 10, 2021

Dec 11 - 15, 2021

Feb 06 - 10, 2022

Dec 08 - 12, 2022

AUD$ 2,455

AUD$ 2,455

AUD$ 2,455

AUD$ 2,455

AUD$ 295

AUD$ 295

AUD$ 295

AUD$ 295



AUSTRALIA

Byron & Beyond

8 DAYS

New

It was certainly Serendipity, which has brought us

to Byron in the first place and we feel privileged to

call this dreamy place for some time of the year our

“home”. Ever since we bought our house we had

the great desire to share this unique paradise with

our Walkabout community. From our base in Byron

we discover some of the many beautiful marvels this

region has on offer.

Our Byron and Beyond tour covers the Byron Bay

region and we move as far up as the Northern

Rivers of NSW. Originally known as Cavanbah or

‘meeting place’ by the original Bundjalung people

of the area, Byron Bay continues to live up to its

traditional heritage. We venture through coastal

subtropical rainforest and explore the beautiful

Nighcap National Park. The dominant massifs,

sheer cliff walls, lush green gullies and spectacular

waterfalls, which make up Nightcap National Park

are relics of its volcanic past.

At Springbrook National Park is the World Heritage

site of the Gondwana Area. Our walk takes us to

the Natural Bridge, a picturesque rock formation,

formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt

cave. The precipitous drop of Minyon Falls is the

dramatic result of thousands of years of erosion. We

of course explore Australia’s most easterly point at

Cape Byron Reserve with its unsurpassed panoramic

ocean and north coast hinterland views.

Another great inspiration to create this new

tour was Sreejith, our wise Yoga/Meditation and

Reflexology teacher from our tour in India. A true

yogi, he transmits everything, which is so often

missing in our modern ways of teaching yoga. A

morning meditation at mystical Killen Falls is one

of the highlights of this tour. Our days are usually

starting with yoga or meditation, which of course is

always optional but once experienced one practice

with Sreejith, we are sure you don’t want to miss

out. We have also included a small cooking seminar

where we will share some recipes from our work in

progress cookbook, Flavours of Walkabout. We will

share some of our early day recipes, inspirations

from our travels and also something from our healthy

food bible.



ACCOMMODATION

Byron at Byron

DATES & PRICES


Mar 02 - 09, 2022 AUD$ 4,485 AUD$ 1,390

SLEEP & DINE

Our fabulous accommodation is nestled in 45-acres

of magical subtropical rainforest. Here you can

walk and discover the resident flora and fauna

or take a swim in the inviting infinity pool. Induldge

with a treatment at the luxurious spa… a

place to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. Dine in

style surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy in

the hotel’s renowned restaurant where we can expect

a feast of the regions finest local products

prepared by an internationally acclaimed chef.



NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Gateway

16 DAYS

New

Join us as we take you to world renowned coastal

and mountain trails deep into the national parks

of the South Island. From snow-capped mountains

and glaciers to turquoise lakes and rivers, the views

will leave you speechless. Of course, when we’re

having a break from walking, there will be plenty of

time to sample some of the best cuisine and wine

that Aotearoa has to offer. Our comprehensive 16-

day journey will begin and return to Christchurch.

On our first day we shall travel north to Kaikoura

which is famous for its fresh seafood. Then it is on

to Abel Tasman National Park for 3 nights. Here we

shall sample the first of our “great walks “- a handful

of walks across the country are given this status

because of their amazing trails and stunning views.

We then move onto Cape Foulwind and Paparoa

National Park - famous for its Pancake Rocks and

blowholes. Nestled in the rainforest-clad foothills of

the Southern Alps is Franz Joseph in the heart of New

Zealand’s glacier country. We shall base ourselves

here for another 3 nights to allow us plenty of time

to explore this fascinating region.It’s now time to

taste some of New Zealand’s renowned Otago

Pinot Noir outside of the gorgeous town of Wanaka.

On our way to Queenstown we stop for a walk in

the Aspiring National Park - allowing us to get up

close to the stunning Rob Roy glacier. Queenstown

is renowned as the adventure capital of the world so

there is no shortage of things to do on your free day.

It is also full of top-notch restaurants and cafes so

you will be kept busy with all the choices. From here

we can also access the famous Routeburn Track.

This is another one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks

“so to spend a day “tramping” beside the banks

of the Routeburn River with its gin-clear water and

through native beech forest, is very special. Our

last 2 nights are spent at Aoraki Mt Cook National

Park which is arguably home to New Zealand’s most

jaw-dropping scenery! This is where New Zealand’s

most famous son, Sir Edmund Hilary, trained for his

successful ascent of Mount Everest. On our final day

we make our way back to Christchurch after 16 days

of exhilarating sights and impressions.



SLEEP & DINE

New Zealand is renowned

for its delicious food and

wine – it is no longer the

land of “fush and chups”

and BBQ!! It is now the

home of fresh seafood

like green lipped muscles,

crayfish, bluff oysters and

a huge range of freshly

caught fish. There is plenty

of award-winning cheeses

and of course no one does

lamb like the Kiwis! When

it comes to wine, the New

Zealanders have certainly

made a name for themselves

with their Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc and more

recently their Pinot Noir

from the Central Otago

region. During our 16 days

we shall stay in a variety

of accommodation styles

– from an eco-lodge within

the Abel Tasman National

Park, a rainforest retreat

at Franz Joseph and the

iconic Hermitage Hotel at

the base of Mt Cook which

was once home to the many

mountaineers who first

climbed this mighty peak.

On our final day we make our

way back to Christchurch

after 16 days of exhilarating

sights and impressions.

ACCOMMODATION

The White Morph

Awaroa Lodge

Punakaiki Resort

Rainforest Retreat

Edgewater Resort

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Hermitage Hotel

DATES & PRICES


May 07 - 22, 2021

Jan 16 - 31, 2022

May 07 -22, 2022

AUD$ 9,475 AUD$ 1,990

AUD$ 9,475 AUD$ 1,990

AUD$ 9,475 AUD$ 1,990



New

Our Spirit of Japan tour allows guests to experience

an “insiders” view of the real Japan from the bustling

cities of Tokyo and Osaka, the pristine countryside of

the Nakasendo Way and the natural wonders of the

Japanese Alps. Along the way taste a variety of delicious

culinary delights as we travel through regional Japan.

Stay in both comfortable Japanese inns and westernstyle

accommodation - all with private ensuite facilities.

Travel with a maximum of 12 like-minded guests primarily

from Australia, in a very personalised tour which will be

accompanied by both Walkabout and local Japanese

guides. We begin our journey in the vibrant and exciting

city of Tokyo - we certainly recommend having a couple

of nights here before the tour commences. Our first stop

is Yudanaka where we have the opportunity to visit the

famous Snow Monkey Park where we can observe the

wild monkeys going about their daily lives. We move

onto Matsumoto, an historical city nestled below the

Japanese Alps. One of the highlights of our visit here

is the opportunity to visit the amazing historical castle

plus Japan’s premier Modern Art Museum exhibiting

the works of Kusama Yayoi. From here it’s onto the

pristine Kamakochi Valley - a natural wonderland within

the Japanese Alps. No visit to Japan is complete

without experiencing the “onsen” hot spring baths.

After a day of walking, there is nothing better than to

soothe one’s body in the warm natural waters – such a

soothing experience one can quickly get into the habit

each evening! One of the unique opportunities we

have to experience real Japanese hospitality is when

we participate in a home visit and cooking class at Biwa

ko. We shall also visit and stay overnight in a traditional

Buddhist temple. We have the opportunity to join in the

morning prayer ceremony which allows us a real insight

into the spiritual side of the Japanese people. Apart

from the bustling cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima,

we shall also have free time to explore the cultural

centres of Kyoto and Nara. Myajima is often thought

of as being Japan’s most beautiful island. It is famous

for its beautiful shrines, in particular, Itsukuchima which

appears to float on the sea at high tide. The island is

also famous for its delicious oysters. On our final day

we travel to Hiroshima. The city’s peace memorial is a

striking reminder of the ending of World War 2.

JAPAN

The Spirit of Japan

16 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Yoroduya

Nara Hotel

Morino Hotel

Miyajima Grand Hotel

Hotel Kagetsu

DATES & PRICES

Daiwa Roynet

Departure Dates

May 10 - 25, 2021

Oct 26 - Nov 10, 2021

May 10 - 25, 2022

Oct 26 - Nov 10, 2022

Double Occupency

AUD$ 10,495

AUD$ 10,495

AUD$ 10,495

AUD$ 10,495

Single Supplement

AUD$ 1,945

AUD$ 1,945

AUD$ 1,945

AUD$ 1,945

SLEEP & DINE

Our accommodation will include a mixture of both

charming Japanese Inns and comfortable Western style

hotels. All accommodation will include private ensuite

facilities. Experiencing the diverse food culture of Japan

will be one of the highlights of this tour. Each region of

Japan offers guests a unique culinary experience and our

local guide will ensure that we are introduced to each

particular delicacy in each region we travel through.



INDIA

Flavours of South

India

12 DAYS

Kerala the “land of coconuts” is situated on India’s

west coast and has over 500kms of tropical beaches

facing the warm Arabian Sea. For centuries, South

India’s Malabar Coast has been the heart of the

spice trade in the Indian Ocean. In its thriving port

cities, the confluence of Greek, Roman, Phoenician,

Arab, Chinese and European cultures remain visible

in the architecture, religion, and daily life of the

people. We discover its incredible cultural heritage

and lovely landscapes, from palm-tree lined whitesandy

beaches and pastoral waterways where ornate

“kettuvallam” houseboats lazily float, to rice paddies

lined in coconut groves and rubber plantations where

tigers once roamed.In Cochin, with its stunning

location along the Arabian Sea, our walks reveal the

legacies of its European past, from British mansions

and Dutch cottages to a 16th century synagogue.

In the cool mountain region of Munnar our walks

are amongst the cool tea, coffee and lush spice

plantations. The very sound of the word Thekkady

conjures up images of elephants, unending chains

of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar

forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife

reserves in India and spread across the entire district

are picturesque plantations and hill towns with great

mountain walks. As we glide on our deluxe private

houseboat, Kerala’s picturesque rural scenes are all

around us. Our journey on waterways through this

quiet region reveals the life of people working their

fields with water buffaloes and fishing with nets from

traditional longboats. With such a rich and ancient

culture influenced by so many different customs,

Kerala has thrived. Many cuisines were developed

over time but always without compromising the

freshness of the local ingredients used. It is this

Philosophy that has kept the people so healthy.

Their strong cultural ways are still practised and

much respected. We learn how to prepare native

dishes using spices from Kerala’s Western Ghats.

Ancient crafts like handloom weaving, carvings and

basket weaving are mostly done by hand. Soothe

the body and soul with a our meditation and yoga

classes. Finding harmony with the Divine.



SLEEP & DINE

ACCOMMODATION

The four and five star hotels are chosen from the best in the

area for your comfort and charm. The food will be the biggest

surprise - delicious, freshly cooked and healthy. Kerala cuisine is

not hot, instead beautifully spiced. And yes you can bring spices

back provided you declare them and they are dried and sealed.

Taj Malabar Kochin

The Fog

Spice Village

Xandari Riverscapes

DATES & PRICES


Nov 14 - 25, 2021

Nov 14 - 25, 2022

AUD$ 6,445

AUD$ 6,445

AUD$ 1,685

AUD$ 1,685



Three million years ago violent eruptions of Mount Erciyes (3,916m) and Mount

Hasan (3,300m) covered the surrounding plateau of Cappadocia with tuff, a

soft stone comprised of lava, ash and mud. The wind and rain have eroded

this brittle rock and created a surrealist landscape of rock cones, capped

pinnacles and fretted ravines, in colours that range from warm reds and golds

to cool greens and greys. Goreme is one of those rare regions in the world

where the works of man blend into the natural surroundings. During Byzantine

times chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, their ochretoned

frescoes reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscape. Even today

troglodyte dwellings in rock cones and village houses of volcanic tufa merge

harmoniously into the landscape. Cappadocia is also a natural wonder and a

unique area in the world, loaded with history. We trek, exploring the surreal

landforms of the Goreme valleys and enjoy the colourful blaze. Following

ancient pathways, we visit the strange rock-cut churches and monasteries

carved from the soft volcanic tuff. We continue to South-eastern Anatolia,

which is rich in history and cultural heritage with many magnificent historical

sites, dating back to 7,000 BC. Mount Nemrut is an impressive peak rising

from a flat plain in Northern Mesopotamia and stretches to a height of 2150

metres. It is unrivalled in its historical treasures and the gigantic statues. The

toppled heads of Apollo, Zeus and Hercules are just amazing. We continue

eastward to Sanliurfa, the birthplace of Abraham and once an important post

on the ancient trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean

coast. Today it hosts one of the best bazaars in Turkey. Our trail takes us

through Harran, famous for the unusual and fanciful beehive-shaped houses

and to Mardin, one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia and well known for its

delicious food. Van is one of the most important cities of the old Vaspurakan

region and located on the east coast of Lake Van. It is the largest lake in

Turkey at an altitude of 1,720 metres and ringed by beautiful mountains. Here

we also visit the island of Akdamar, just half an hour from the shore with a

church from 921. Dramatic Doğubayazıt, set on a stark treeless plain between

ranges of craggy mountains, is the last Turkish town on the highway to Iran,

just 35kms to the border. From the striking 18th century Ishak Pasha Palace

we gaze upon legendary Mount Ararat (5137metres). According to the Bible it

was in the Ararat Mountains where Noah’s ark landed. We journey on to Kars,

famous for its cheese and goose meat. South-east towards the border with

Armenia we visit the fascinating old site of Ani. Once a wealthy rival of Kars,

it is now a ghost town. Ani lies close to a great ravine which demarcates the

border. The ruined 1000-year-old churches contain remarkable wall paintings

and sculptured decorations. We drive east towards the Black Sea Mountains

and walk in the Lake Cildir region. This huge and glorious lake is curiously

unknown to tourists. The landscape reminds us of some remote Scottish lochs,

and it is an intensely arable area. We walk on the plateaus of Artvin und Savsat,

an attractive hilly area, surrounded by high mountains on all sides, including

the 3,537 metres Karçkal Mountains to the west, watered by many mountain

streams and pools. They are an extension of the Caucasus and separate the

Black Sea from Anatolia. The weather in Artvin is very wet, and the forest is

every shade of green imaginable. This greenery runs from the top all the way

down to the Black Sea coast where we finish our tour in Trabzon.

TURKEY

Treasures of

Cappadocia

& Eastern Turkey

17 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Kayakapi Caves

Izala Boutique Hotel

Cheltikov Hotel

DATES & PRICES


May 25 - June 10, 2021

May 18 - June 03, 2022

AUD$ 7,865

AUD$ 7,865

Manici Hotel

Şahmaran Resort

Laset Motel

AUD$ 1,185

AUD$ 1,185

SLEEP & DINE

Set in a landscape of fairy

chimneys, the next 3 nights

we stay in a unique cave hotel,

which is carved into a mountain

cliff. Situated in the heart of

town, it has luxurious cave

rooms. Located at the foot of the

Ortahisar Castle, whose natural

beauty has been preserved over

time, traditional culture remains

a way of life. In Eastern Turkey we

stay in “the best of both worlds”

- the dramatic mountain scenery

of Mount Nemrut and the Kaçkar

Mountains or in charming lake

side settings on the shores of

Lake Van and Lake Çıldır. Here

we have chosen a variety of

beautiful hotels, full of ambience

and history. The Turkish cuisine is

one of the greatest cuisines in the

world. While influencing plenty

of other cuisines in the countries

the Ottoman Empire formerly

occupied, the Turkish cuisine

reflects the country’s history. The

varied climate allows for almost

everything to be grown within

the country. Contrary to what

you might have experienced,

Turkish cuisine is not spicy,

except for the southern part of

the country, which has a strong

Middle Eastern influence. Lamb

used to be the most important

meat eaten but now it’s too

expensive. The eggplant remains

the most popular vegetable,

enjoyed in various forms. Turks

don’t eat pork because of their

religion. But we find beef,

lamb, fish and poultry in a lot of

dishes, although the vegetarian

specialties are incredible! There

are also many excellent local

wines. The cuisine of the Black

Sea region uses fish extensively,

especially the local anchovy.



Europe

JOURNEYS



TURKEY & GREECE

A Mediterranean

Odyssey

17 DAYS

New

Our walk begins in Istanbul - the only city in the world

which embraces two continents, one arm reaching

out into Asia, the other into Europe.

The museums, churches, palaces, mosques, bazaars

and the sight of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

As you recline on the shores of the Bosporus at sunset

contemplating the red evening light reflected in the

windows and on the slender minarets on the opposite

shore, you understand why so many centuries ago

settlers chose to build on this remarkable site.

Formerly known as Constantinople, the vibrant

centre of the old Byzantine and Ottoman Empires,

Istanbul is a chaotic mixture of cultures, history and

architecture.

We leave the city along the shoreline of the Marmara

Sea and visit Gallipoli. From here we continue south

and visit ancient Troy, a 5,000-year-old legend, the

archaeological ruins of Ephesus and the rock pools

of Pamukkale.

The shores along the Aegean region are among the

loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent

coastline, lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean

Sea, is abundant with vast and pristine beaches,

surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and

pinewoods.

We trek in the most beautiful coastal areas of the

Turkish mediterranean. Known to the ancients

as Lycia, this fabled coast of clear turquoise-blue

water is rich with archaeological sites. Fragrant

pine forests tumble down a slope to end abruptly in

red cliff, secret coves and sandy beaches. We visit

splendid Greco - Roman ruins of the Lycian period:

Caunos, Letoon, Pinara and Xanthos before we

begin our journey into Greece. Here we discover the

lost islands of the Dedocanese on a Turkish “gulet”

boat. These Greek islands are all so beautiful and

different!!! Symi, the Venetian with pastel colours,

Nysiros the volcanic and Tilos, the authentic. We

discover each one of them on foot and walk on

some marvellous hidden, ancient footpaths.



ACCOMMODATION

Buyuk Truva Hotel

Doga Thermal Health & Spa

Orka Boutique

DATES & PRICES

Departure Dates

May 06 - 22, 2021

Oct 03 - 19, 2021

April 30 - May 16, 2022

Double Occupency Single Supplement

AUD$ 8,665

AUD$ 8,665

AUD$ 8,665

Yedıbılgeler Vıneyards Hotel

Dalyan Resort Hotel

Prenses Selin Yacht

AUD$ 1,385

AUD$ 1,385

AUD$ 1,385

SLEEP & DINE

On our one night in Canakkale,

our hotel is only a stone’s throw

away from the ferry that crosses

the Dardanelles Strait and is

surrounded by boutiques and

restaurants.The next two nights we

stay in Selcuk in a vineyard which is

in an idyllic location. We spend one

night in Pamukkale, at the foot of

the snow-white “travertines”. Our

new hotel has a fantastic spa centre

- a Turkish bath with marble and

tiles from Kutahya, sauna, jacuzzi

and several swimming pools.Our

hotel in Dalyan is right on the

banks of the Calbis River and only

3 minutes from the town centre.

During our two-night stay you

can enjoy the lovely pool, Turkish

bath or even a massage. On our

two-night stay in Fethiye our hotel

offers magnificent views across the

bay and is very centrally located.

It also has a Turkish bath house

and a Finnish sauna. On our 3rd

night in Fethiye we move onto our

luxurious gullet, ready for an early

departure. It is a real treat to call

this 35-metre-long “gulet” home

for the next 8 nights, anchored

in a harbour or a deserted bay.

Contrary to what you might have

experienced, Turkish cuisine is not

spicy, except for the southern part

of the country which has a strong

middle-eastern influence. Lamb

used to be the most important

meat eaten but now it’s too

expensive. The eggplant remains

the most popular vegetable,

enjoyed in various forms. Turks

don’t eat pork because of their

religion. However, we find beef,

lamb, fish and poultry in a lot of

dishes, although the vegetarian

specialties are incredible!! There

are also many excellent local wines.

The dinners during our 10 days in

Turkey will either be in our hotels

or in cosy small local restaurants

where we can discover one of the

greatest cuisines in the world.

On the Greek part of this journey

we enjoy delicious dinners on or

below deck which are prepared by

our crew. We also discover some

secret small taverns on the islands

with some tasty delicacies.



Our tour starts in Chania in Crete, one of the

most beautiful cities in Greece. Crete is the most

southerly and largest Greek Island and provides an

inexhaustible array of vivid impressions. A cradle

of European civilisation, it has an unrivalled history

and culture and is a paradise for the amateur

archaeologists. The island was the seat of the great

Minoan civilization, whose fascinating remains are

one of the most impressive sights in the entire

Mediterranean region.

Our walk passes through vineyards, orchards and

olive groves and takes us to the superb White

Mountains, jagged peaks which are sometimes

snow-covered until early June. They epitomize the

essence of Crete, which is virile, proud and fiercely

independent, like the Cretans themselves. We pass

small isolated villages and follow the old footpaths

created by shepherds and their animals. From

the fertile valleys and isolated plains high in the

mountains we have some spectacular views to the

Libyan Sea.

GREECE

Crete - The Island

of Zeus

8 DAYS

On the southern side of the Omalos plateau, the

Samaria National Park was established to protect

the endemic flora and fauna of this fascinating

region that encompasses Europe’s longest gorge

and a number of smaller gorges. It is one of the two

remaining habitats for the Cretan wild goat or Kri-Kri

that lives in secluded hollows on the mountainside.

The Kri-Kri are usually seen in the afternoon but

their shyness makes it unlikely to glimpse one. The

18km hike through the Samaria Gorge begins at

Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau at an altitude of

1200 metres. A well-maintained path drops down to

the bottom of the gorge through a fragrant forest

of pine and cypress trees.

Along the way, there are many species of flora, some

of which are endemic to Crete and found only in this

gorge. Wild herbs that grow profusely in the nooks

and crannies of the cliffs, release their fragrance

with only the slightest touch.



SLEEP & DINE

In Crete we stay in “the best of both worlds” -

the dramatic mountain scenery and the charming

coastal villages. Here we have chosen a variety of

beautiful hotels, full of ambience and history. Food

in Greece - like its wine - is highly regional. Lots

of salads, fresh seafood and the favourite meat is

lamb. The Greeks love their coffee and sweets and

the streets are lined with small footpath cafes.

ACCOMMODATION

Monastery Estate

Ilio Hotel

Eleonas Country Village

DATES & PRICES


Apr 21 - 28, 2022 AUD$ 3,945 AUD$ 595



ITALY & FRANCE

From the Mountains

to the Mediterranean

14 DAYS

Sardinia has glorious beaches, dramatic cliffs,

fascinating prehistoric sites and a wild interior roamed

by shepherds. The churches, where Christianity

and paganism mix, are part of Sardinia’s fabulous

mystique. On our coastal rambles, mountain hikes

and cultural exploration, we discover the best of

this alluring island where we are never far from the

glistening blue sea.

We catch the ferry for a short trip across the

Straits of Bonifacio to Corsica. It is a mountainous

island, 170kms south of the French mainland, with

an extraordinarily diverse landscape and is often

referred to as the most beautiful island in the

Mediterranean. Our carefully chosen route enables

us to discover some of the most majestic mountain

scenery, a spectacular coastline with vertiginous

cliffs and wonderful sandy beaches. Our guided walk

will take us past tumbling rivers, through forests

of pine, silver birch and chestnuts, across hillsides

of lavender, rosemary, thyme and an aromatic

undergrowth that the locals call the Maquis, from

which the French Resistance took its name.

We move towards the interior of the island and

stay for 2 nights in Evisa. The village is known as

the Corsican capital of chestnuts and could also

be called the capital of hiking! From Evisa we will

get a taste of Corsica’s “real” mountains, still snow

capped in the spring season. Our day walks will take

us up into high territory, sometimes on the famous

“GR20”, possibly Europe’s most reputable hiking

track.

We walk a section of the Sentier du Littoral and

discover the wonderful rock garden of Les Calanches

in the Golfe de Porto. In the heart of the Regional

Nature Park of Corsica, it has been listed World

Natural Heritage by UNESCO. From Piana we

explore the beautiful Capo Rosso and Capo d’Orto.

In the “Desert des Agriates” near St Florent we

follow a scenic coastal path with fascinating granite

boulders and some pristine beaches against the

deep blue of the Mediterranean.



ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Su Gologone

Hotel Solemare

Hotel Capo Rosso

Hôtel La Roya

DATES & PRICES


Apr 29 - May 12, 2022 AUD$ 7,845 AUD$ 1,285

SLEEP & DINE

In Sardinia, our beautiful

family-run hotel is in an

impressive rural setting below

the Sopramonte massif. The

architecture is distinctively

Sardinian and the hotel’s

restaurant is renowned for

its Sardinian specialities. The

next 2 nights we spend in the

heart of Alghero. Located

on the Gulf of Alghero, our

villa has panoramic views of

the Mediterranean Sea. The

following 2 days we stay in the

fascinating town of Bonifacio.

It is perched on a spectacular

cliff top at the southern tip

of the island and is the most

Genoese of Corsican towns.

Set out along the walls of the

Bonifacio ramparts, our hotel

is situated in a quiet location

on the harbour with lovely

views across the water and to

the old town. Each night we

discover the delights of the

Corsican cuisine by visiting

the best local restaurants

in this pretty old port. The

next 4 nights we stay in a

hotel in Piana. It is classified

as one of the most beautiful

villages in France, overlooking

the Mediterranean and the

famous Calanches. Our

restaurant has wonderful sea

views and offers fresh fish

from the Gulf, often made

into “aziminu” (bouillabaisse

or fish soup), chevre and brebi

cheese, charcuterie, various

pastas and delicious salads.

The final 2 nights we stay St

Florent in the northwest, just

at the base of Cap Corse. St

Florent is a charming seaside

town in the Nebbio region and

not far from the vineyards of

Patrimonio. Our cozy hotel

in St Florent has a wonderful

atmosphere. Local traditions,

modern comfort, excellent

cuisine, and tastefully

furnished premises make it an

ideal base for us to explore

the superb countryside.



Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic

Islands and offers some excellent walking

destinations especially the lesser-known

West Coast.

We are based in the Sierra de Tramuntana

Valley near Sòller, famous for its orange

groves and small romantic villages, which the

Moors called the golden “Suliar”. Hidden

rocky bays with crystal clear water, the scope

for excursions and the magnificent scenery

make this area a real paradise.

Our walks, well away from the tourist

resorts, lead us past orange and flowering

almond plantations with marvellous views

of the mountains and the sea. Both coast

and mountains host a profusion of flora and

fauna and the main cultivated plants are fig

trees, almonds, orange and lemon trees, not

to forget the olive and carob trees.

SPAIN

Jewels of the

Balearic Islands

14 DAYS

Menorca is the most easterly and greenest

of the Balearic Islands. In spring we are

rewarded with splendid displays of wild

flowers, which include cistus bushes, yellow

crown daisies, purple gladioli, asphodels and

a wide variety of orchids, to name just a few.

The island has several wetlands, which are

important for birds. Although Menorca

does not have the mountains like Mallorca,

the scenery is spectacular and the rugged

coastline is dotted with small inlets, coves

and crystal clear bays.

Our beautiful gentle walks into the interior

of the island take us through some quaint

timeless villages where time seems to have

stood still. Here we might find some lively

morning markets selling fresh local produce

for our picnics. Menorca has a fascinating

history and culture and was designated a

UNESCO Biosphere as far back as 1993.



SLEEP & DINE

Our splendid hotel in Mallorca is situated in

the olive and citrus groves above Sòller. After

renovating the former 200-year old olive mill and

two neighbouring “Fincas”, a luxury hotel was

created. It has a wonderful pool with stunning views,

aromatic gardens and landscaped surroundings. In

Menorca our hotel is right in the historic centre of

the picturesque town of Ciutadella, from where we

have easy access to all of our walks. The restaurants

in both locations are excellent.

ACCOMMODATION

Ca’s Xorc

Hotel Tres Sants

DATES & PRICES


June 01 - 14, 2022 AUD$ 8,185 AUD$ 2,390



FRANCE & SPAIN

The Pilgrim’s Way

14 DAYS

Only someone who has travelled

the route to or from Santiago can

understand that the so-called Route of

St James, which ends in Santiago de

Compostela, is more than just religion,

culture, sport, history, art, gastronomy

and countryside rolled into one.

It is all these things, but at the same

time much more. It is hard to explain a

phenomenon that is more than twelve

centuries old in its current form, but

which also incorporates myths and

legends from people and traditions

long predating Christianity itself.

Part of the answer lies in Galicia, a land

prone to harbouring mysteries, spirits,

witches, mandrakes and other hidden

treasures. In the Middle Ages, when

half a million pilgrims a year walked this

path in spiritual quest, extraordinary

monasteries, pilgrim hospices and

villages sprouted along the route to

serve pilgrims’ needs.

Our walking journey covers the most

beautiful sections of “El Camino” on

peaceful mountain paths and country

lanes marked with the scallop shell,

symbol of St. James.

Our walk begins in Ainhoa in Pays

Basque in France which is very

different from its neighbouring regions

and best illustrated by the unique

Basque language. As we walk these

thousand year old trails, where 20th

century intrusions are few, we relish

Romanesque settings redolent with

the air of pilgrimage. Following “The

French Route”, our journey ends in

Santiago de Compostela, the Holy City

reputed to hold the bones of fishermanevangelist

St. James.



SLEEP & DINE

On this tour we exclusively use

the Parador and Pousada Hotels

in Northern Spain. They are staterun

luxury hotels, mostly located

in historic buildings. They are

furnished with appropriate antiques

and their restaurants concentrate

on local specialties. Our first few

days are spent in Ainhoa, one of

the most picturesque villages

in Pays Basque. Our cozy hotel,

classified as a historical monument,

dates back to the 17th century

and has served as a hostel along

the “French Route” of the Plgrim’s

Trail. It is extremely comfortable

with a secluded garden, swimming

pool and sauna. It is renowned

for its elegant dining and has, in

recent years, earned a Michelin*

for its fabulous cuisine. Having

crossed the border into Spain, our

next two days are in a Parador

in the historic village of Sos del

Rey Catolico, which has been

declared a Spanish National Trust

monument. Our hotel has an

elegant interior and guesthouse.

The gastronomic specialities are

roast lamb, marinated rabbit and

medieval cake - freshly made! Our

lovely Parador in Santo Domingo

de la Calzada is located in a former

convent of San Francisco. The

convent was rebuilt in 1595 by Juan

Herrera and is composed of three

different sections, the church,

museum-workshop and guest

house. The hotel is well known for

its delicious cuisine specializing

above all, on local produce and

washed down with an incomparable

Rioja wine: artichokes with clams,

sautéed vegetables with lamb,

fine kid and suckling pig roasts and

some of the best desserts, such as

“ahorcaditos de Santo Domingo”

- pears in wine with chocolate

sauce.Our next destination

is Leon where we stay at the

Parador “Hostal San Marcos”. This

amazing 5* hotel is one of the most

important buildings in the Parador

chain, being the former Hospital

and Monastery of San Marcos,

the headquarters of the Order of

Knights of St. James. The tasty

delights of Leonese cuisine, lamb

dishes, local sausages, delicious

trout and exquisite desserts are

just some of the fine offerings of

this famous hotel. Our last two

days are spent in a cozy Pousada

in the pretty village of Portomarin.

Directly on the pilgrims’ trail, our

hotel offers beautiful views of

the vast landscape and distant

mountains and introduces us to

the Galician cuisine and the famous

Portomarin liquors.

ACCOMMODATION

Hôtel Ithurria

Parador de Santo Domingo

Parador de Leon

Pousada de Portomarín

DATES & PRICES


May 14 - 27, 2022 AUD$ 7,665 AUD$ 1,075



This is one of our favourite walks. It combines the breathtaking

views in the Pyrenees, beautiful Mediterranean coastline with

ancient villages and a rich array of flora and fauna. The Pyrenees

stretch for 430 kms from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Our

walk begins in Collioure, a small fishing village, known as the

jewel of the Cote Vermeille. Onto Ceret for lunch and a stroll

around this pleasant, typical French town. It is most famous for

its outstanding Musee d’Art Moderne with works from Matisse,

Braque and especially Picasso. We cross the border into Spain

and the next three days are spent walking in the fertile valley

of Cerdanya. This is lush dairying country and from our tiny

village we have magnificent views across to the Cadi Moixero

N.P. The next day we walk in the fertile valley of Cerdanya,

discover ancient villages and picnic amidst magnificent alpine

countryside. Today we continue on to one of the most beautiful

National Parks in the Pyrenees - the Aigues Tortes and Lake St

Maurici National Park. There are over 50 lakes and the most

characteristic features of the Pyrenees are represented in this

park. Here we base ourselves in the tiny village of Tavascan at

the end of a remote valley. After a day of mountain passes and

spectacular scenery, we travel to the Ordesa National Park in

the Aragon region of Spain. This marvellous mountain range

is the natural border between Spain and France. The Ordesa

valley is a tongue of green vegetation running for 15 kms

between two imposing walls of bleached, calcareous rock. Right

at the end is our Parador with its unique location just below

the imposing Monte Perdido. The walk into the spectacular

Circo de Pineta starts directly at our hotel and takes us through

some magnificent mountain scenery. Pyrenean chamois are

plentiful and the lammergeyer has one of its major European

strongholds in these mountains. From here we traverse into

France to the small town of Gavarnie in the Pyrenees National

Park. In our small friendly hotel we enjoy the typical cuisine

of the region which our host, Bernard, prepares to perfection.

Gavarnie is an ideal location for a walk into the surrounding

mountains and of course to discover the amazing amphitheatre

of the Cirque de Gavarnie. It can only be described as one of

nature’s wonders. There are over 1500 species of wildflowers

native to the Pyrenees and wildlife is abundant i.e. Lynx, lizard,

marmot, ptarmigan, bearded vultures, and golden eagles -

there are even approximately 15 brown bears in the national

park. Our final day takes us to Biarritz on the Atlantic coast,

where the tour ends. With its colourful shops, picturesque

restaurants and delightful old fashioned tea rooms, it is a great

place to finish this tour.

SPAIN & FRANCE

Discover the Pyrenees

14 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Cerdanya EcoResort

Hôtel La Casa Pairal

DATES & PRICES


July 10 - 23, 2021

July 10 - 23, 2022

AUD$ 6,795

AUD$ 6,795

Hotel Estanys Blaus

Parador de Bielsa

AUD$ 825

AUD$ 825

SLEEP & DINE

We receive a charming

welcome in our hotel in

Collioure. This delightful

Catalan residence is a real

gem. The hotel is set in a

lush garden but only a few

minutes from the centre

of this gorgeous town.

In the Cerdanya Valley

we stay in a tiny, remote

village with an important

historical background. Our

friendly family-run hotel

has a beautiful garden and

swimming pool with grand

views to the Cadi - Moixero

National Park. At night we

experience truly homemade

Catalonian cooking. In

Tavascan, near the Aigues

Tortes National Park, we

stay in an extremely cozy

and friendly family-run

hotel. It is set in a wonderful

mountain landscape and

the hotel restaurant offers

delicious mountain cuisine.

In the Monte Perdido

nature reserve we stay in a

welcoming Parador, located

on the western slopes of the

mountains now designated

as the Ordesa National

Park. The restaurant

maintains the high

standards of the Parador

Group and serves the best

of the dishes popular in the

Northern part of Aragon.

Particularly tasty are the:

“Trucha del Cinca a lo fine”

which is local trout, “Pierna

de jabali” being roast leg

of wild boar; “Teresicas

de Aragon” which is a

local dessert made with

puff pastry. From our

hotel in Gavarnie we have

magnificent views towards

the most famous section of

the Pyrenees, the Cirque

de Gavarnie. In the cozy

dining room we enjoy our

tasty dinners each evening.



SPAIN & PORTUGAL

A Journey back in Time

18 DAYS

Andalusia is one of the most diverse regions in southern

Spain. It has a mild climate with wonderful unspoiled

beaches and hidden coves. The land of flamenco songs

and dances, dazzling whitewashed villages set against an

intense blue sky. Olive groves stretching as far as the eye

can see. The tiny villages are linked by old pathways and

still used today. The beautiful local architecture and narrow

winding streets remind us of a long Moorish heritage.

Even 500 years after the departure of the Moors, we can

still admire their advanced civil engineering skills when we

walk along their elaborate system of aqueducts. This tour

offers a wonderful insight to this charming part of Spain.

It takes you to beautiful mountain country, gorgeous

green river valleys with abundant and varied wildlife and

a huge range of Andalusian flora. In Granada we visit

the legendary and incomparable Alhambra Palace, one

of Europe’s most romantic monuments. The spectacular

Sierra Nevada is home to the highest peaks in Spain and

UNESCO has declared it a Biosphere Reserve. The typical

whitewashed ancient villages, known as Las Alpujarras,

are famous for their characteristic flat rooftops. Our

walking track takes us through these intriguing, oldfashioned

villages and constantly changing scenery. The

views are truly unbelievable - from the often snow-capped

mountains to the glistening Mediterranean! The elegant

Andalusian capital is Spain’s passionate city of flamenco

and bullfighting, of artists and poets, of jasmine-scented

gardens and Moorish monuments. Ronda is one of

Andalusia’s loveliest towns, towering over a plateau and

famous for its plunging river gorge. It is a spectacular

base for walks to some of Spain’s most beautiful pueblos

blancos (whitewashed villages). We walk “fragrant”

trails and follow an old smuggler’s path in the Sierra de

Grazalema Mountains. We continue to magical Seville,

one of the jewels in the crown of Europe. A dreamy

sense of a life, long since disappeared elsewhere in

Europe, envelops one in Portugal. The Algarve conjures

up images of golden sand lapped by azure waves. We

discover hidden landscapes and a fascinating history.

During our coastal walk we explore deserted beaches,

fossilized cliffs, blowholes and the majestic Cabo de

Sao Vicente, the south-western most point in Europe. .

Famous port wines add to the sweet taste of Portugal and

we explore the scenic northern region on hikes through

vineyards perched above the beautiful Douro River.



SLEEP & DINE

The enchantment of spending a

night in the Alhambra gardens

is the exclusive opportunity in

the Convento de San Francisco.

Built by Fernando and Isobel in

the late 15th century on the site

of a Moorish palace, it is now a

Parador and listed under one of

the best 500 hotels in the world.

The views of the Generalife,

gardens of Secano and the

Albaicin are a real luxury. This

splendour is preserved in the

restaurant fare. Our charming

hotel in the Sierra Nevada is on

a large property amidst orange

and olive plantations. From the

garden, with its very large pool,

we have marvellous views of the

majestic mountains. Our candlelit

dinners highlight the interesting

and flavoursome Alpujarrian

cuisine. The fabulous Parador in

Ronda provides a panoramic view

of the “Tajo”, a gorge of more

than 100 metres. Partridges,

Andalusian soups and rabbit are

some of the specialities of its

restaurant. Our elegant hotel in

Seville is overlooking the Plaza

Nueva Square, located in one

of the best locations and only

250 metres from the cathedral

and the ancient part of the city.

A very memorable hotel! In the

Algarve we stay in a Pousada

with 5 star views of the ocean

and towering cliffs of Sao

Vicente. The exquisite Vintage

House Hotel belongs to the

Relais and Chateaux group and

is situated in the Porto region. It

is surrounded by vineyards and

all rooms overlook the Douro

River and the steeply terraced

vineyards beyond.

ACCOMMODATION

Parador de Granada

Parador de Ronda

Hotel Inglaterra

Pousada de Sagres

Hotel Mundial

The Vintage House

DATES & PRICES


Apr 01 - 18, 2022 AUD$ 9,485 AUD$ 1,845



This beautiful walk begins in the rolling hills of the famous

food and wine regions of Dordogne and Burgundy. It then

continues east to the foot of Europe’s highest mountain

Mont Blanc with the “piece de resistance” being our last 4

nights in the Swiss Alps walking amidst some of the world’s

finest alpine scenery. In the Dordogne we spend our

time walking through delightful oak forests, past ancient

villages and beside the romantic Dordogne River. You will

be surprised by the variety of delicious produce from this

area - walnuts, fois gras, black truffles, goat’s cheeses and

some excellent wines. The Dordogne has a very colourful

history dating back to the Stone Age and today has some

of France’s best-preserved chateaux. Onto Burgundy - a

land of clustered storybook hamlets, medieval chateaux,

world-renowned wines and hot mustards! Our walks here,

of course, concentrate on trails through some of the most

famous vineyards in the world. We also introduce you to

some of the lesser known regions near Autun which is

renowned for its beautiful deciduous forests and a history

dating back to Roman times. Surely one of Europe’s most

treasured sights are “the Alps”. There is nothing else in

the world quite like them. It is not only the sheer grandeur

of the towering peaks but it is the cosiness of the hillside

villages, the unforgettable display of alpine wildflowers,

the sound of cowbells ringing through the valleys and

the sight of a welcoming inn as you round a bend on a

mountain trail. We base ourselves in Chamonix at the foot

of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. With 310 kms

of walking tracks, this wonderful alpine area is a walkers’

paradise. Here, you also have the opportunity to ride on

the world’s highest cable car to Aiguille du Midi, 3842m.

On a clear day the view is truly unbelievable. You can even

catch another cable car across the glacier to Italy for a real

cappuccino! Our final destination is the famous Bernese

Oberland in the Swiss Alps where we have chosen the lovely

village of Grindelwald as our base. Marvel at the sheer

splendor of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Stroll knee deep in alpine wildflowers and journey to the

famous Jungfrau Joch on the highest railway in Europe.

A walk not to be missed is the classic ridge walk to the

Faulhorn, regarded as one of the top 10 in Switzerland.

Our walk concludes in Luzern from where there are good

train connections in all directions and flight connections

from nearby Zurich International Airport.

FRANCE & SWITZERLAND

Sea To The Summit

16 DAYS



SLEEP & DINE

In the Dordogne Valley

we stay in the beautifully

restored Villa Romaine. This

immaculate hotel is located

only a few hundred metres

from the Dordogne River

overlooking the valley. Enjoy

a pre-dinner drink on the

terrace and watch the colours

of the sandstone buildings

fade in the final evening

light. Taste the delights of

the famous Perigord kitchen

as our hosts Emily and David

spoil us each evening with

some truly memorable meals.

In Burgundy we stay in a

charming 18th century farm

house which has been lovingly

restored. It is located just on

the outskirts of Beaune in a

quiet village in a beautiful

country setting. Relax in the

delightful garden, enjoy their

delicious breakfasts on the

terrace and in the evening take

an aperitif in the courtyard.

At night we have selected

4 wonderful restaurants

from the region where we

enjoy excellent food and of

course the opportunity to

sample the famous Burgundy

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

A warm welcome awaits

you in Chamonix. Our hotel

is family operated and has

a relaxed and personalized

atmosphere. Located at the

base of the Aiguille du Midi,

it has stunning views across

the mountains and a pool and

garden to enjoy. As they do not

operate a restaurant you have

the opportunity to sample

three lovely restaurants in the

town, which we have chosen

and another of your choice on

your free day. Our final hotel is

in Grindelwald. It has a superb

setting overlooking the village

with a panorama of some of

the most famous mountains in

the world including the north

face of the Eiger. The Brawand

Family has been operating

the hotel since 1708 and now

Christian and Vera are the 9th

generation to manage it. At

night enjoy delicious dinners

which highlights the influence

of the German, Italian and

French cuisine. Don’t be late

for breakfast as the buffet

offers an amazing selection of

healthy treats.

ACCOMMODATION

Hôtel La Villa Romaine

Oustalet

DATES & PRICES


Sep 20 - Oct 05 2021

Jun 17 - Jul 02 2022

AUD$ 8,945

AUD$ 8,945

Hôtel Le Clos

Hotel Kirchbühl Superior

AUD$ 1,205

AUD$ 1,205



FRANCE & GERMANY

A Taste Of Europe

14 DAYS

Champagne is a world famous region, located

in north-eastern France. The Champenois

vineyards are planted only with Pinot Noir,

Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. These

magnificent vineyards stretch as far as the

eye can see over rolling hillsides, dotted with

picturesque villages.

Behind these billions of bubbles is a long

history; and it wasn’t until the late 17th

Century that the tart wines of Champagne

became the sparkling wines that we all know

so well today. Our walks take us through this

lovely undulating countryside - past vineyards,

gorgeous oak forests and beside swift flowing

streams.

The Alsace region, nestled between the Rhine

River and the Vosges Mountains, is one of

France’s most unique areas. It is blessed with

a wealth of beautiful scenery, cultural sights

and is famous the world over for its fine white

wine and delicious cuisine.

The storybook villages with their tudor-style

houses are an absolute delight. Our walks

take us along the famous wine route and into

the glorious deciduous forests of the Vosges.

We learn about the area’s Celtic heritage and

visit some of Europe’s finest old castles and

monasteries.

The Black Forest has always been a region,

which conjures up images of deep dark forests

with winding romantic paths, picturesque

valleys and cozy timber farmhouses. Discover

a fairytale landscape as we walk our way

through some of southern Germany’s most

beautiful countryside. Its stunning beauty

which includes pristine mountain streams,

alpine meadow and hillsides ablaze with

wildflowers allow you to step back in time and

imagine what ancient Germany might have

once been like.



ACCOMMODATION

A La Cour d’Alsace

Hotel Garni Silberfelsen

DATES & PRICES


Sep 05 - 18, 2021

Sep 02 - 15, 2022

AUD$ 7,945

AUD$ 7,945

Château de Courban & Spa

AUD$ 1,140

AUD$ 1,140

SLEEP & DINE

Our first hotel is directly on

the border of Champagne

and Burgundy, so we have

the best of both these

famous food and wine

regions. Our hotel has been

an absolute labour of love by

the Vandendriessche Family

during the last 10 years.

Nestled in the tiny village of

Courban is the enchanting

Chateau de Courban. This

noble, classical mansion

enclosed by ancient stone

walls, has been rebuilt in 1839

on the foundations of a 17th

century castle, which has left

a beautiful tower, housing

a dovecote. More recently

the family have lovingly

restored the chateau and

have established a charming

boutique hotel. Enjoy a

delicious cuisine highlighting

the specialties of two of

France’s most famous food

and wine regions. Our hotel

in Alsace is situated in one

of France’s most beautiful

villages - Obernai. Our hotel

was once the former manor

house and wine cellar of

the distinguished Baron

de Gail Family and is now

one of the premier hotels

of the region. After a day

of walking you will certainly

look forward to relaxing in

their brand new wellness

centre. In the evening enjoy

fine dining in their excellent

restaurant where you can

also sample some of France’s

premier white wines. In

the Black Forest we stay

in the charming village of

Menzenschwand. Our cozy

family hotel is located on

the edge of the village at

the beginning of one of the

most beautiful valleys in

Southern Germany. Typically

German, the day begins with

a healthy breakfast buffet.

Before dinner enjoy a predinner

drink in the cosy

Black Forest bar. At night

enjoy delicious home cooked

meals as our hosts, Sabine

and Sylvia, introduce us to

the gastronomic delicacies of

this region.



The Flavours of Bavaria is not only a cultural, foodie and

walking holiday but also an opportunity to discover one of

Germany’s most stunning regions. Located throughout the

northern Alpine foothills, Upper Bavaria is home to pristine

lakes, impressive mountain peaks, lush woodlands and the

discovery of a culture that is renowned in the world for

its charm and warm-heartedness. Everyday life has been

minutely recorded through the many household items,

tools, and pieces of clothing displayed in various museums

of local history, including cake tins, snuff boxes, and the

infamous Bavarian ‘wolpertinger’, a creature made up of

the fur, claws, teeth and horns of many different species.

We discover the many sights around Lake Tegernsee, an

area whose far-reaching history has left many awe-inspiring

traces. Artists, musicians, statesmen and nobility have

lived in the fine houses that appeared after the first monks

settled in the valley. We enjoy the “Gemuetlichkeit” of a

real beer garden expérience while sitting with the locals and

savour regional beers. Our breathtakingly beautiful walks

lead us along lakeshores, through idyllic meadows, forests,

valleys and into the surrounding mountains. One of the

many highlights is the herbal walk with Wastl, a nationally

recognized herbal educator. It is an interesting excursion

into the rich world of wild herbs and fruits and Wastl will tell

us everything about medicinal and poisonous plants and the

importance of water. He will teach us something about the

history, culture and food culture - the versatile use of herbs,

shrubs and the trees. We walk to Wastl’s “Herb Kitchen” at

the romantic Mangfall River where he prepares some of his

finest concoctions and dishes like soups, wild vegetables

and herbs, vinegar, soft drinks, jellies, salads and more. The

Hasenöhrl-Hof is a 500 year old Bavarian farm reconstructed

into a “state of the art” event location where we learn about

the Bavarian food. During our “event” cooking course we

find out many secrets of the Bavarian kitchen which spoil

us with fresh, regional and seasonal food. Other activities

include a visit to a distillery of Bavarian single malt whisky,

an organic dairy, a ride on a horse carriage, an open-air

museum and a cooking class in a flower cladded traditional

house. Our final day takes us to the Austrian city of Salzburg

and on our way we travel along the beautiful Chiemsee.

There are several islands in the lake - the most famous is

the Herreninsel. It has a palace built by King Ludwig II in

1878 called Herrenchiemsee, which was never completed

but was meant to be a replica of the Palace of Versailles.

GERMANY

Flavours Of Bavaria

7 DAYS



SLEEP & DINE

The first two nights we stay in a charming hotel

just above the Tegernsee Lake with a unique

panorama view of the lake and the surrounding

mountains. In the evening some culinary surprises

are waiting for us. The next 4 nights we stay in a

beautiful mountainous landscape at the foot of the

Wendelstein Mountain, in the German Alps. It has

a delicious restaurant, an indoor pool and excellent

spa facilities. The two dinners during our 2 days of

cooking will be in the cozy dining rooms of our two

private farm houses, enjoying our efforts from the

day, together with some excellent local wines.

ACCOMMODATION

Der Alpenhof

DATES & PRICES

Der Westerhof


Jun 25 - Jul 01, 2021

June 24 - 30, 2022

AUD$ 4,265

AUD$ 4,265

AUD$ 725

AUD$ 725



FRANCE

Gastronomic Trail

through hidden France

14 DAYS

Our walk begins in Ainhoa in Pays Basque

in France which is very different from its

neighbouring regions and best illustrated by

the unique Basque language. Nestled between

the Atlantic Ocean and the high peaks of the

Pyrenees, the Basque country offers a superb

variety of terrains, wild and cultivated, all

enjoying a remarkably generous climate. We

then move along the Pyrenees range, westwards

to Carcassonne in the heart of the picturesque

Aude region, where the reputable “Corbière”

wine is produced. Carcassonne is known the

world over as the best preserved fortified town

from the middle ages. Built originally by the

“Cathar”, dissidents of the main stream catholics,

the old city went through a long history of glory

and destruction, wealth and abandon to finally

be saved and restored in the 19th century. We

explore this spectacular region with walks in the

“Causses” area around the village of Minerve

and the secret vineyards of Corbière hidden in

the pretty countryside outside of Carcassonne.

We experience the beauty of the 17th century

“Canal du Midi” winding its way between villages

in the shade of giant plane trees. Our third and

last base for this tour is in the lovely little hilltop

town of Grignan in the “Drôme Provençale” just

outside of the Rhône valley. Grignan is known for

the renaissance chateau sitting at the top, host

to many festivals and concerts in the summer

months.Here we are at the heart of some of the

best names for the “Côte du Rhône” wine. The

countryside is a patchwork of vineyards, lavender

fields, olive and apricot orchards, truffle oak tree

plantations and occasional cereals fields. The

region is incredibly charmful and the people

are generous and friendly.In many villages, time

seems to have simply stopped. Our walks take us

through various parts of the countryside, up and

down some high hills, through farms and villages

and we don’t forget to sample some of the local

marvels as we visit olive mills and wineries. In the

nearby town of “Vaison-la-Romaine” we witness

the remains of ancient days when Romans had

established themselves in the region.



SLEEP & DINE

Our first few days are spent in Ainhoa, one of the

most picturesque villages in Pays Basque. Our

cosy hotel, classified as a historical monument,

dates back to the 17th century and has served

as a hostel along the “French Route” of the

Pilgrim’s Trail. It is extremely comfortable with

a secluded garden, swimming pool and sauna.

It is renowned for its elegant dining and has,

in recent years, earned a Michelin* for its

fabulous cuisine. In the Corbière we stay in

a small chateau just outside of Carcassonne

amidst the property’s own vineyards. Wine is

made there in the cellars and is served freely

at the dinner table. In Grignan we are based

in a beautiful four star hotel surrounded by

a vast park right at the foot of the town and

Renaissance Chateau. The hotel is in an 18th

century house, originally the residence of

the local doctor and Maire of Grignan. Our

rooms are large and tastefully decorated.

We take our dinners there in the hotel with

open views to the gardens or even better,

weather permitting, outside on the terrace.

ACCOMMODATION

Hôtel Ithurria

Le Claire de la Plume

Château De Siran Hôtel & Spa

DATES & PRICES


Oct 18 - 31, 2021

Oct 02 - 15, 2022

AUD$ 7,965

AUD$ 7,965

AUD$ 1,385

AUD$ 1,385



New

What better way to discover the magic of Paris than by being

shown around by an insider who has spent years sourcing out

all the best places the city has to offer. Nastassja is happy to

share with you her favourite food finds and other secret corners.

It’s pretty obvious that this tour will involve a lot of eating -

indulging in the oh so fabulous sweet pattiseries and sipping

wine while tasting the various French cheeses with baguette!

A great activity of the french “art de vivre” go by... The city

is rich in art, gastronomy, fashion and culture and these will

be our main focus points through the trip. Whether you’d like

to source out that extra special item for a loved one or for

yourself, trust Paris to have that just waiting for you to find

it! The “Art de vivre à la Française” will be experienced in the

most authentic way and on a daily basis, how lucky are you!

Making the time to sit at cafes and watch the world go by with

delicious croissants, and of course the divine french bread and

butter! In the evenings, we will slowly stroll our way through

the night-lit streets and enter a whole new culinary celebration

of the French cuisine in some of the best sought out restaurants

in town. Speaking of which we shall also have the opportunity

to learn more about how to actually cook a French dish with

a cook during a Parisian cooking class. Get ready to uncover

the most sought after culinary secrets of French cuisine and go

home with a recipe list full of tasty dishes. A special evening

surprise will be held at the Moulin rouge show – get ready to

immerse yourself in one of the oldest and most entertaining

cabaret shows in the world. A truly unique experience! From

strolling along the banks of the Seine, discovering the hidden

corner of neighbourhoods such as Montmartre with its

spectacular panoramic views, the charming village-like Marais,

chic St Germain des Près, your feet are in for some sightseeing

in style. Don’t worry there are sufficient cafes to rest at! One

cannot go to Paris without at least having the ultimate Eiffel

tower experience. Its top views give a unique perspective of

what Paris truly is. A wonderful city from above and below! Art

has and still plays a most important role in the Parisian scene

and it comes as no surprise that a visit to the famous Louvre

museum and Musée D’Orsay will be viewed with an expert in

the field of art history. Autumn in Paris is a truly magical time of

year. It is all about colours and cosiness...the streets are not as

busy, the days are shorter and the lights are golden. We shall

make the most of this and stroll around the Tuileries gardens

afterwhich we will then visit a museum dedicated to one of the

most renowned painters in France – Monet. Engross yourself

in his magnificent world for a little while and imagine the pastel

coloured water lilies turning to reality right in front of your eyes!

FRANCE

A Parisian Getaway

5 DAYS



SLEEP & DINE

Our charming Parisian hotel is located in the

heart of Paris in the beautiful neighbourhood of

St-Germain-des-Prés. Centrally positioned and

within walking distance to all the main attractions,

bakeries, cafes, restaurants and shops. Our

culinary experience in Paris will mostly be focused

on tasting the real French cuisine in its many

flavours and forms. Dining amongst the locals

where the quality of the food and atmosphere

are at its best. All dietary requirements can be

adapted upon request.

ACCOMMODATION

La Perle

DATES & PRICES


Oct 05 - 09, 2021

Oct 05 - 09, 2022

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 2,465

AUD$ 365

AUD$ 365



FRANCE

Secrets of Provence

14 DAYS

Our adventure begins in Aix-en-Provence where we meet and then drive

to Cassis. We visit this picture postcard village on the Mediterranean

and travel through the well-known wine region of Bandol before we

reach Le Lavandou, our base for the next 3 nights. Our first walk will

be in the idyllic Iles d’Hyères. The islands have been known since the

sixteenth century as the Golden Islands, on account of the colour of

their southern cliffs. Their natural beauty makes them an ideal location

for some spectacular coastal walking. Our second walk takes us to St.

Tropez from where we explore a fairly steep stretch of the coastline

before moving more inland across some very pretty vineyards. Today

we leave the seaside and drive towards the Montagne du Luberon. This

mountain range is full of charm and runs east from Cavaillon towards

Manosque. Today it embraces about 50 communities, which all appeared

during the Middle Ages, clinging to the rock face. The tall houses with

their imposing walls huddle close together at the foot of the castle or

church. The inhabitants of this region lived from the cultivation of olive

trees and lavender, rearing sheep and from silk worms. Traces of these

ancient traditions can still be seen in the little walls and enclosures of

dry stones, and in the “bories”, small stone cabins in which the peasants

sometimes sheltered for weeks, during the time they were working in

the fields. We visit Roussillon and walk in the strange shapes and lurid

colours of the ochre cliffs. The village dates back to the 14th century and

is red from the dust of the ochre cliffs on which it stands. The different

shades of the ochre are featured in the local houses and enhance the

village and the surrounding countryside. In the late afternoon we arrive

in Forcalquier, our base for the next 5 nights. This sun filled corner of

France is a sweet land, scented with lavender, dotted with olive trees,

Roman remains and hillside villages with fountain-filled squares. Our

splendid walks will lead you through hills, covered in wild rosemary,

sage and lavender and the perfume promises some outstanding cuisine

for which the French are so famous - Aioli, Daube, young rabbit baked

in a honey and lavender crust, fabulous goat cheeses, olive oil and the

famous melons. Of course we shall visit the wonderful market in our

hometown of Forcalquier, ancient abbeys, Europe’s largest gorge, the

Luberon Valley and the Lure Mountains - the setting for many of Jean

Giono’s novels. We walk in the Luberon Valley and everywhere you will

enjoy the typical scents of Provence, the fragrance from the region’s

wild herbs, the tang of pine trees and the perfume of lavender. Relax

in the beautiful gardens of our idyllic country retreat, take a swim or

have a game of tennis. Before dinner, taste the award winning local

Pastis or a homemade orange wine. Dinner tonight will be in a lovely

restaurant near Forcalquier. Our final stop is the beautiful alpine town

of Barcelonnette in the remote Ubaye Valley in the French Alps. It is

rich in history and offers the perfect location to explore the Mercantour

National Park. The park stretches along the Italian border and surprises

us to no end with some spectacular mountain scenery.



SLEEP & DINE

ACCOMMODATION

The first 3 nights are spent in le Lavandou on the Mediterranean. Our

hotel is set in a lush garden surrounded by flowers, palm trees, swimming

pool and spa. It is only 5 minutes from the beach and very close to the

ferry harbour to the magic Ile de Port Cros. In Forcalquier we stay in

one of our favourite hotels. Located in a picturesque Provincial setting

in Haute Provence, it has two swimming-pools and tennis courts. Here

we have selected a number of individual restaurants, which offer truly

gastronomic delights of the so famous “Cuisine Provençale”. In the French

Alps our cosy hotel is situated in the magnificent mountain village of

Barcelonnette. Here we can sample great food with a Mexican influence.

Hotel Spa Azteca

Auberge De La Calanque

Charembeau

DATES & PRICES


Sep 29 - Oct 12, 2021 AUD$ 7,425

AUD$ 1,035

Sep 29 - Oct 12, 2022 AUD$ 7,425

AUD$ 1,035



Jean de Florette and Manon de Source, My Mother’s

Castle and My Father’s Glory - who has not heard of

these wonderful books and films of Marcel Pagnol!

From our hometown, Forcalquier, we shall take you

to the places which influenced Marcel Pagnol in his

writing.

During your time with us you will get to know many

of Provence’s special tastes and smells. Most of the

regions have remained unspoilt and the villages

have preserved their local identity and spirit.

FRANCE

Pagnol’s Provence

7 DAYS

Inspired by Julian More’s book - Pagnol’s Provence

- we show you some of the famous film locations.

In Haute Provence with Montagne de Lure,

Contadour and Ganagobie, we recognize scenes

out of “Regain” and “The Baker’s wife.” Join us

for the rare opportunity to experience daily life in

Provence at the pace of the local inhabitants.

We shall walk in the L’Etoile Range and Cassis.

We also travel through the tiny village of La Treille

where much of the film Jean de Florette was shot.

“ What an enjoyable week! This was my fourth visit

to Provence so, after reading the tour brochure

and the high praise given by previous WGA

travellers, I arrived with high expectations.

This faultless tour greatly exceeded my

expectations. I particularly enjoyed strolling

through the ever-changing Provençal landscape

in such good company. And, what a delight

it was to end each day wining and dining at

another of Graeme’s well-chosen restaurants. I

have particularly fond memories of the superb

seafood restaurant on the waterfront at Cassis

and of the occasional glass of Rosé de Provence.

Thank you Walkabout Gourmet Adventures.

“



SLEEP & DINE

In Forcalquier we stay on the outskirts of the village,

in the countryside, in a hotel which Pagnol himself

could have easily chosen; charming and so typical

of the real Provence. It is set in the countryside

with a delightful garden, swimming pool and for

the energetic, a tennis court. Before dinner you can

try your hand at boule while enjoying a glass of the

local aperitif “pastis”! Afterwards we travel into

the countryside to experience some delightful local

restaurants offering real Provincial food. The last

two nights are spent in Cassis, a beautiful seaside

port on the Mediterranean. Our hotel is only minutes

away from the harbour in a very quiet location with

a lovely garden setting complete with a pool and

spa. We dine out in the old town and experience

fresh Mediterranean seafood both nights.

ACCOMMODATION

Charembeau

Hotel Royal Corttage

DATES & PRICES


Jun 10 - 16, 2021

Jun 10 - 16, 2022

AUD$ 3,950 AUD$ 685

AUD$ 3,950 AUD$ 685



FRANCE

A Rejuvenating

Retreat in Provence

7 DAYS

We invite you to take some time out and visit a more spiritual Provence

with activities relating to the senses. In our hometown of Forcalquier,

within the walls of a converted 13th century convent is UESS, the

European University of Scents and Flavours. This institution is dedicated

to research and training for the study of aromatic and scented plants,

vital for the development of the cosmetics and food industries, which

are particularly active in our region. It organizes many specialized

training courses and one of them is the Perfumers Workshop, which

enables beginners to learn the basis of a perfume composition and

create our own customized and unique perfume. At the end of the

workshop we can take home our own flacon of self-made perfume.

Not least amongst the wonderful things about our “neighborhood” in

Haute Provence are the gardens of the Prieuré de Salagon. This ancient

Benedictine priory is located on a 2000-year-old Gallo-Roman site and

includes a 12th-century Romanesque church famous for its classical

music festivals. The ethno-botanical gardens present some beautiful

flowers and aromatic plants from a region famous for them, and the

medieval garden shows you what was growing here “way back then”.

Our walks take us into the gentle hills of Provence with siestas in a

field of wild thyme and through small hilltop towns. Nastassja Clarke’s

greatest passion has always been about healing, self-development and

empowering people to be the very best version of themselves, and for

them to reach their full potential. This is why she has included various

healing techniques, which shall inspire others to rediscover parts of

themselves on a deeper introspective level. She will also be there to

assist and support you through your journey on the retreat here in

Provence by personally coaching you “one on one”. With her soft

guidance she will provide you with alternatives to heal, grow and live a

life that is more vibrant, joyful and aligned to each person’s unique needs.

Under the gentle guidance of Federico Insabato, we attempt to gain

a deeper inner elevation through the wonderful practice of meditation

and yoga. Ayurvedic Massages are also available upon request. The

radiant Antonella will assist and help you integrate the Alexander

Technique - an educational process that was created to retrain habitual

patterns of movement and posture in order to reintegrate spatial selfawareness

and regain general wellbeing in the body and mind. The Life

Alignment Technique will also be available under the loving guidance

of practitioner, Paola Conti. Life Alignment is a transformative healing

system of the body, heart and mind. It provides the means to free us

from the past, in order to fully live in the present and in the process

to discover our life’s purpose. Every morning Nastassja will greet you

with healthy breakfast alternatives to start your day just right and

will provide you with easy and delicious recipes for you to bring back

to your daily life routine once the retreat is over! Expect an array of

fragrant vegetarian dishes during the retreat by professional chef,

Virginie, specializing in fresh local organic produce.



SLEEP & DINE

We stay at Residence Saint Mary in our own holiday

apartments, which are in a charming, cobblestoned

street in the old town of Forcalquier; ideally located

to explore the quieter parts of Provence.

ACCOMMODATION

Residence Saint Mary

DATES & PRICES


Jul 05 - 11, 2021

Jul 05 - 11, 2022

AUD$ 4,350

AUD$ 4,350

AUD$ 625

AUD$ 625



We fell in love with Provence many years ago and

there is nowhere else in the world quite like it. Above

all, Provence is a region to delight and nourish the

senses - the strong colours which attracted many of

the world’s famous painters, the smell of lavender,

pine and wild herbs, shopping in colourful markets,

street cafes, local wines, rich vegetable soups, chicken

stuffed with rosemary and bouillabaisse with freshly

baked bread.

On this holiday we stay in an idyllic country retreat in

Upper Provence. It is an area of great natural beauty

away from the tourist haunts. During the three day

cooking seminar, professional chef, Gabriela Clarke,

will introduce you to authentic Provençale cooking. It

is a pleasant way to immerse yourself in the French

way of life and learn how to prepare and cook the

delicious local produce.

FRANCE

Flavours

of Provence

7 DAYS

Included in our itinerary are visits to the famous

Forcalquier market, a rustic chevre cheese farm, an

ancient olive mill, France’s No 1 pastis distillery and

Monsieur Bresc, a local beekeeper. Our walks take us

into the gentle hills of Provence with siestas in a field

of wild thyme, strolling through small hilltop towns

and visiting the famous Gorge du Verdon, the second

deepest canyon in the world.

After a day of activities, relax in the beautiful gardens

of our retreat or visit one of the local cafes and practice

your French with the locals. Take a swim, play tennis or

enjoy a game of boules at sunset (it is a great excuse

for a glass of pastis!).

“

I particularly loved the olive farm, the Potager and

Vineyard, lunch at Alain Ducasse, the lavender

fields, and both restaurants in Forcalquier,

Salagon, the goat farm and cooking with Joyce.

Thank you for making Provence all that I’ve read

about and more!

“



SLEEP & DINE

We stay in one of our favourite hotels, Auberge

Charembeau. Located in an idyllic Provincial

setting in Haute Provence, it has a swimming pool

and tennis courts. We have selected a number of

individual restaurants, which highlight the diversity

of the “Cuisine Provençale”. The dinners during our

3 days of cooking will be in the dining room of our

own home, enjoying our efforts from the afternoon,

together with some excellent local wines.

ACCOMMODATION

Charembeau

DATES & PRICES


July 13 - 19, 2021

July 13 - 19, 2022

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 395

AUD$ 395



FRANCE

Timeless Valley

14 DAYS

Our stay in Upper Provence is at the border of

the well known region of southern France with

a more mountainous, less populated area to the

north. The long ridge of the Lure Mountains is

generally considered to be the actual frontier

between two different worlds.

We explore the territory found immediately to

the north of this ridge, a combination of rugged

slopes, wide rocky river beds and tiny hamlets.

Not very far from here, we venture into a highly

remote valley of the Southern Alps, a region

called “Queyras” with solid farming traditions.

Our ‘home’ is just down from St. Veran, the

highest village in Europe at 2000m.

From our base the walks will take us even higher

towards the border of Italy, over ridges in excess

of 2800m. The Monviso, one of Italy’s proud

summits at 3841m will soon become a familiar

landmark.

Back to lower country, we then find ourselves

in “Ardèche” a part of the Cévennes in the

Massif Central with particularly strong traditions.

Generations of farmers carved the steep slopes

into countless terraces to scrape their survival

from this tough but majestic country.

Chestnut trees (bread tree in the popular

language) were essential to the existence of local

populations for centuries and we don’t leave this

region without a good “roasted chestnut party!

Finally our journey allows us to discover some

parts of Savoy - further north in the Alps than

earlier in the tour. Our base is in the superb town

of Annecy, renowned for the breathtaking beauty

of its lake and the picturesque atmosphere of the

old town. Annecy is only a short distance from

Geneva in Switzerland. The lake is surrounded by

tall mountains and for obvious reasons hiking is

the favourite hobby of most locals.



SLEEP & DINE

Our base in upper Provence is a charming small hotel in

Sisteron. Here we are treated to some of the region’s

specialties, one of them being the Sisteron lamb, renowned

nation-wide! In Queyras we make a small but comfortable

2 star hotel our home. The vast outside terrace is the ideal

place to relax and enjoy the late afternoon light after a day up

and down high mountain tracks. Our hosts treat us to some

“serious” mountain dishes, often based on locally produced

cheese. In Ardèche our home is again in a “Maison d’Hôtes”,

by the side of a roaring torrent with a 20m high waterfall

right at our doorstep. The enthusiastic owners have turned

an 18th century silk mill into charming accommodation. Their

dining table draws respect from all around the place and

offers a range of very inventive and tasty dishes based on

local produce. In Annecy we stay in a cosy 3* star hotel a few

steps away from the lake and at walking distance to the busy

town centre. From our hotel it takes about 15 minutes on foot

along the lake to reach the old part of town. For our dinners

we have chosen some of the most inviting restaurants.

ACCOMMODATION

Grand Hôtel du Cours

Hotel Spa L’Equipe

Hotel des Marquisats

DATES & PRICES


Aug 26 - Sept 08, 2022 AUD$ 6,495 AUD$ 975



Our walk begins in Florence and follows the scenes from some

famous films along the Italian Riviera and the Cote d’Azur. “A Room

with a View” was filmed at Pensione Bencista in Fiesole where our

tour begins. From here we travel to the Ligurian Coast. The hills

and mountains in the backdrop make it a spectacular setting. Sestri

Levante, formerly a fishing village, is both beautiful and full of life

with stunning sea views on the two bays.

The town makes a perfect base for discovering the wonders of

Liguria and is not too far away from the well-known sites like the

Cinque Terre and Portofino. Our walks will take us to the most

picturesque and quaint towns and villages along the Ligurian coast.

On our journey through Liguria’s villages and unspoiled nature we

discover some places which have been locations for famous Italian

and foreign films like “The Trip to Italy”, “Enchanted April”, filmed

in Portofino, on the Italian Riviera and “The Bourne Identity” with

Matt Damon where one scene was filmed at the Imperia harbour.

The stretch of coast belonging to the Province of Imperia is also

known as the Riviera dei Fiori, the Flower Riviera, characterized by

bays, ports and coves. At a short distance from the coast, behind

the hills are valleys and pristine woods with many great walking

tracks.

FRANCE & ITALY

A Walk to the Stars

14 DAYS

Time to cross the border into France and our adventure continues

along the Cộte d’Azur, known for its dramatic mountains, sparkling

blue Mediterranean waters and a craggy coastline. On a coastal

walking track we discover the famed St-Jean Cap Ferrat peninsular

with luxurious villas, including the spectacular Villa Ephrussi. We

explore the hilltop villages of Vence and St Agnès and stroll the

streets of beautiful Menton. Time permitting, we also visit Monaco.

“And God Created Woman”, with Brigitte Bardot, “Bonjour

Tristesse” and La Piscine, starring Alain Delon, Romy Schneider,

Maurice Ronet and Jane Birkin and “Two for the Road” with Albert

Finney and Audrey Hepburn were all films set at the Côte d’Azur.

Our final destination is St Tropez, one of the world’s most famous

“villages”. Once a totally unknown fishing community, St Tropez

started its days of fame when it attracted prestigious painters

in the first part of the 20th century. It later gained international

attention when stars of the movie industry (Brigitte Bardot, to

name only the “sparkiest”) made St Tropez their trendy place of

vacation and even sometimes their home. On our walk we explore

a fairly steep stretch of the coastline before moving more inland

across some very pretty vineyards. In the evening we have time

to wander around the port and explore the narrow alleys of the

historic part, nearby.



SLEEP & DINE

We stay in “the best of both worlds” - In Sestri

Levante we stay in an old aristocratic XVII century

villa; it stands on the seafront of Sestri Levante, a

few metres only from the beautiful sea of the Gulf

of Tigullio, between Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Converted in 1947 into an elegant hotel, Villa Balbi

has elegant and rich interiors, made precious by rare

and valuable antique furnishings, tapestries, pictures,

precious marble, beautiful parquet and finely finished

ceilings. The Balbi palace, once the mansion of noble,

aristocratic families, site of historical events and

abode of famous men and women, still keeps all its

charm today. It is a quiet and very comfortable hotel,

with its own pool, private beach and restaurant. Our

hotel in Borgomaro is an Albergo Diffuso which is

distributed in 3 historic buildings. The oldest dates

from the 15th century and is the ideal location from

where we start our walks. Our hotel in Villefranche

is dating back to the beginning of last century and

it offers a panoramic view of the sea. Our hotel in St

Tropez has a superb view over the Gulf of Saint Tropez

and combines Provençal charm with a contemporary

spirit. At the heart of a wonderful garden shaded by

century-old palm trees, this former large villa built in

the previous century was entirely renovated in 2015

into a boutique-style hotel. It’s the ideal location to

relax and discover the Côte d’Azure.

ACCOMMODATION

Relais del Maro

Hotel La Flore

DATES & PRICES

Departure Dates

Aug 30 - Sep 12, 2021

Jun 20 - Jul 03, 2022

Grand Hotel Villa Balbi

La Bastide Du Port

Double Occupency Single Supplement

AUD$ 7,725

AUD$ 7,725

AUD$ 1,035

AUD$ 1,035



ITALY

Italian Lakes

14 DAYS

This magnificent walk extends from Piedmont

to Veneto and from Switzerland to Trentino

in the north. Narrow and long, these lakes

are all of glacial origin and their banks are

covered with varied and luxuriant vegetation.

The numerous villas with attractive gardens

on the lake side, the great variety of flowers

throughout the year and the small sailing

villages add to the charm and originality of

these pre-alpine lakes.

Late spring at Lago Maggiore! With its

Mediterranean climate and fantastic food, it

is an ideal region to begin our walk. Passing

this majestic lake, our route takes us through

the narrow gorges of the Verzasca and the

Centovalli. The grottos (restaurants) along

the way offer fresh home-grown produce

and such delicacies as minestrone, saffron

risotto and rabbit in red wine with rosemary

potatoes.

At the enchanting Lago di Como we are

surrounded by wooded hills below the

majestic mountains. The lake consists of

three long narrow arms and has a total

length of 50 kms. We walk on old mule tracks

through varied and lush Mediterranean

vegetation with splendid views across the

lake. The Panoramic Trail, which begins in

the picturesque little village of Soglio, just

across the border in Switzerland, offers some

majestic mountain scenery.

Lake Garda is the largest and perhaps the

most beautiful of the northern Italian lakes.

Sheltered by the Dolomites, it has a temperate

climate and historically was the most northern

locality in the world where citrus fruits could

be grown commercially. Our itinerary includes

a walk at Monte Baldo, the Sentiero Angelini

and a walk to the fairytale castle of Drena. To

catch a glimpse of the imposing private villas

and gardens, we take a ride on a steamer,

which regularly ply the lake and walk from

Gargnano to Muslone.



SLEEP & DINE

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Antico

Hotel Regina

Our first four nights are spent in a small, traditional

village in Ticino, Switzerland in the hills behind

Locarno. We stay in a very comfortable family run

hotel where you will receive a warm welcome.

On three evenings you can truly experience the

culinary delights in the famous “Da Agnese”

Stazione Restaurant - a well-known gourmet retreat

converted out of an old railway station! One evening

we have dinner in a typical grotto restaurant and

enjoy delicious home cooked local cuisine. Our

Hotel in Varenna is a romantic villa, right on Lake

Como. The big terrace is immersed in flowers and

the blues and greens of the lake - an ideal spot to

sip a glass of Prosecco and watch the sunset. Our

last five nights are spent in a splendid hotel at Lake

Garda which offers magnificent views across the

lake. It is situated in a lovely garden, complete with

a wonderful swimming pool and wellness centre.

Our restaurant offers a delicate flavoured cuisine.

Risotto, homemade pasta, grilled or sauced meat

and lake fish are well prepared and extremely tasty.

Hotel Bellevue

DATES & PRICES


Sep 17 - 30, 2021

Sep 17 - 30, 2022

AUD$ 8,485

AUD$ 8,485

AUD$ 1,465

AUD$ 1,465



Holidays in the Austrian Lakes District

mean sunshine, dreamlike mountains

and swimming in crystal clear lakes. Our

magnificent walks take us through gentle

rolling fields to majestic mountains,

sleepy valleys, alpine streams and

quaint villages with geranium-bedecked

chalets. Highlights are the Loser peak

with views down to Lake Altaussee and

Lake Grundlsee and The Three Lakes

walk to Lake Toplitz. Enjoy local culinary

delights in some of the most romantic

settings.

AUSTRIA & ITALY

The Romantic Path

14 DAYS

We continue into the friendly Leutasch

valley, which stretches along the base of

the Wetterstein range of mountains, the

border between Austria and Germany.

It has a real “country” feel, with small

village churches and fields of hay dotted

amidst original alpine forest. Our walks

will take us into the Gais valley which

is known for its Alpine meadows and

the spectacular walking areas, as well

as being the home of the turn-of-thecentury

German-language author

Ludwig Ganghofer. The Austrians have

a reputation for being high spirited and

charming. It takes a lot of willpower to

walk past the inviting outdoor cafes,

especially with the smell of freshly

baked strudel in the air.

We travel via the Brenner Pass into

northern Italy to the “King of the Alps”

- the Dolomites. These jagged rocky

peaks are an inspiring sight, especially

at sunset when the mountains take

on a breathtaking hue of pink, known

as “Alpenglow”. We walk through

green meadows, alive with flowers and

explore such famous mountains as the

Stella group and the Puez Geissler N.P.



SLEEP & DINE

Our hotel in the Austrian Lakes

District is a romantic and quiet hideaway

in an incredibly unspoiled

setting. It has it’s own private access

to the lake, a beautiful terrace and

a very nice spa centre. As there

is absolutely no traffic, the only

“noise” comes from a little creek

next to the building. Food and

beverages are outstanding and the

breakfast is certainly the best we

have experienced - a great beginning

for a day of walking in the Alps. On

our return, the delicious homemade

cakes on display in the Brahms

Café will certainly tempt you. The

German composer Johannes Brahms

preferred the Seevilla Hotel during

his many stays in the Salzkammergut

Region and two of his compositions

were even premiered here at the

hotel Seevilla. The next 3 days we

stay in the beautiful Leutasch Valley.

Our hotel is ideally located in a very

quiet position and with glorious

views of the mountains in a homely

and family atmosphere. It has a

heated indoor pool and a beautiful

swimming lake. The cozy restaurant

serves the typical Tyrolean cuisine.

Our family run hotel in the famous

Groedner Valley has a traditional

alpine style and is full of atmosphere

and charm. The tastefully furnished

premises offer panoramic mountain

views, a wellness centre and the

restaurant serves delicious Italian

cuisine.

ACCOMMODATION

Romantik Hotel Seevilla

Alpenhotel Karwendel

Alpenhotel Rainell

DATES & PRICES


Sep 11 - 24, 2021

Sep 14 - 27, 2022

AUD$ 7,985

AUD$ 7,985

AUD$ 1,015

AUD$ 1,015



ITALY

When in Rome

5 DAYS

What better way to discover the eternal city’s secrets than with

someone who has sourced out all the locals favourites, and has

come up with a list of things to see and do off the tourist traps.

Nastassja has now lived in Rome for six years and has always been

on the lookout for new things to explore. May is the perfect month

to visit Rome - the jasmine is intoxicating every side street and the

city is blooming back to life after the colder months.

Rome is considered the heart of Italy, where the abundance of

life is high and all aspects revolve around food, wine and good

company. The Italian way of living is simplicity and quality. Even

though their diet mostly consists of pizza, pasta and gelato, there

are many local Roman dishes, which go further, then just gluten

and carbs. The pleasure one can get out of eating one simple dish

is indescribable and has to be experienced at least once - and

Rome is sure to be a live theatre experience. Dining is always

highly entertaining and lively, as for the “aperitivos”, an absolute

essential part of Roman living, which happens at the end of a

working day, consisting of a pre-dinner drink with lots of tasty

nibbles along with it! A real danger but worth the indulgence and

many flavours!

This tour will consist of food, wine and a bit of culture; an escape

into nature will also take place. As for the ladies a personal

shopping tour around the picture perfect Roman streets can also

be organised, and the men are welcome to join or find one of

many beautiful cafes and lounge in the sun, pretending to do

what Romans can do so well - nothing! Another highlight will be a

cooking class with an Italian woman in her kitchen, and going to

the market and cooking up all the ingredients from scratch. And

then of course comes the best part - tasting what we concocted!

Rome is known for its seven hills, which promise spectacular

panoramic views over the whole city. The Gianiculum hill is the

perfect way to work off the food, which we shall be consuming

on a daily basis. Everyday at noon a single shot of a canon breaks

the peaceful silence - a tradition that has been going on since the

19th century. On our way, we will stop for coffee and do it as the

locals do - at the bar. Energised by then we can face the “climb”

where we will stop by the magnificent “Fontanone”, a fountain,

which was built by pope Sixtus V.

For the health and wellbeing of everyone, we will also include a

few yoga sessions to reconnect with our inner-self and work off

all the food! Your body will thank you for it! Extras such as an

evening at the theatre, or spa experience in the Jewish ghetto

can be organized.



SLEEP & DINE

Our boutique hotel is just around the famous

Campo de’ Fiori market. Centrally located and

within walking distance to all the best bars, cafes

and shops. Our culinary experience in Rome

will mostly be focused on the traditional Italian

dishes, dining amongst locals, where the quality

exceeds the quantity and appearance. All dietary

requirements can be adapted upon request.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Residenza In Farnese

DATES & PRICES


May 26 - 30, 2021

Sep 25 - 29, 2021

May 30 - Jun 03, 2022

AUD$ 2,925

AUD$ 290

AUD$ 2,925

AUD$ 290

AUD$ 2,925 AUD$ 290



New

Our walk begins in the beautiful city of Florence. The magic of

Tuscany is not only its culture that brought forth the Renaissance

or masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci but its

magnificent countryside. Our walk leads us through medieval

hilltop villages, rolling hills, fertile valleys, vineyards, olive

groves and forests ablaze with colour. We follow a trail through

the wooded countryside of Chianti and the hills around San

Gimignano. At night enjoy delicious Tuscan cuisine - vegetable

timbale with a basil sauce, bruschetta, guinea fowl in vin santos,

memorable porcini dishes, the best pasta and mouth-watering

pastries.

With just a ferry ride away we will immerse ourselves in the dreamy

Italian island of Elba, one of the most beautiful islands in the

Mediterranean! The meandering footpaths on the colourful island

take us through the quaintest of villages and green shady forests

leading us up to high secluded peaks, which offer stunning 360°

views of this slice of paradise! Elba’s typical low mediterranean

vegetation offers a large variety and the greatest treat is that one

can always finish off at one of the many inviting beaches to cool

off from the day.

ITALY

Follow the Gourmet Trail

Revisited

15 DAYS

Explore the mystical Tuscan coastline of the Maremma, a hilly

area dotted with vineyards, castles and a sandy coast with

beautiful beaches. This region has been inhabited for a period

of one thousand years and along our trails we will discover many

archaeological sites. We walk through pine forests and aromatic

mediterranean vegetation to sandy beaches. In the nearby

Uccellina Mountains we explore a medieval cistercian abbey.

Nearby Mount Argentario is a peninsula tied to Tuscany by just two

strips of land. This wild and unspoilt promontory was once used

as a defensive fortress, and indeed, its former military function is

still visible today. From Porto Ercole we meander up through oak

forests to the Convento dei Frati Passionisti, a monastery built in

1737. From the summit of Monte Argentario at 645 metres we

descend to the panoramic seaside town of Porto Santo Stefano,

which is the departure point to Giglio Island.

This ultimate hidden gem offers the bluest of seas all around and

fabulous beaches to unwind after a day of walking. The largest part

of the island is wild and covered by mediterranean vegetation.

Get ready to be intoxicated by a whirl of fragrances. The wild

beauty of the countryside around Capalbio will sweep you off

your feet to mystical places such as the magnificent Tarot garden,

which features large colourful sculptures created by renowned

artist Niki de Saint Phalle.



ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Pescille

Hotel Riva del Sole

SLEEP & DINE

The first 3 nights are spent in a grand country estate,

nestled in the hills, surrounded by olive trees and

overlooking San Gimignano. It has a beautiful landscaped

garden, complete with a swimming pool and tennis courts.

A highlight here is the opportunity to eat in some of the

best local restaurants in this famous region of Tuscany. In

Elba we stay in a charming hotel close to the seaside. Our

hotel in the Maremma is on the beautiful Monte Argentario

promontory and enjoys an exclusive location with stunning

panoramic views over the beautiful landscape. Immersed

in luxuriant natural surroundings, we are only one kilometre

from the centre of Porto Santo Stefano.

Hotel Filippo II

DATES & PRICES


Sep 01 - 15, 2021

May 15 - 29, 2022

AUD$ 8,185

AUD$ 8,185

AUD$ 1,045

,045 AUD$ 1,045



ITALY

Discover

the Piedmont

7 DAYS

New

The Piedmont, one of the largest regions in Italy, is an

area of outstanding beauty and history. Surrounded by

the high Alps, its landscape is like a grand garden with

valleys, vineyards, hazelnut bushes and old castles.

The capital is Turin, which was for centuries the seat of

the Savoy Dynasty. More recently the area has gained a

reputation for its fine gastronomy and was adopted by

the UNESCO as a world heritage area. A foodlover’s

paradise! Wonderful cheeses, grapes, wild herbs, grappa

and chocolates. Two of its most famous products are

of course the highly sought after white truffles and its

popular wines, namely Barolo and Barbaresco. These are

just some of the mouth-watering treats which await you

after a day’s walking.

Our walks in the Piedmont take us through splendid and

almost untouched countryside, dotted with traditional

farms. Highlights include visits of Alba, Barolo and

Barbaresco, which are some of the most important towns

in the Piedmont.

In his private kitchen our friend and professional chef Gino

offers hands-on instructions on classic Italian cuisine. The

emphasis is on simplicity, quality, fresh ingredients and

easy-to make recipes. Gino will share the secrets of pasta

making with us and we also learn all about the famous white

truffles while on a truffle hunt. Lessons are complemented

by visits to wineries and a colourful market!

“

The tour was fabulous. The accommodation was

excellent and beautifully located in the rolling hills of

the Piedmont. We were surrounded by vineyards and,

since it was Autumn the grape harvest was in full swing

which added another dimension to our tour. Gino our

tour guide and chef was energy itself - either virtually

running up hills on our walks to cooking unbelievable

gourmet meals! The food was extraordinary. The times

in Gino’s kitchen helping him prepare our feasts while

having a glass or two of the Piedmont’s excellent wine

were really special. Gino organized our time for us really

well. From strolling through vineyards to get to beautiful

hilltop towns, wine tasting, truffle hunting and Michelin

standard meals Gino was helpful and good humoured. I

thoroughly enjoyed this tour.”



“

SLEEP & DINE

Surrounded by vineyards, we stay in a magnificent

villa near Agliano. It is set in the peaceful Piedmont

countryside, boasting a swimming pool, spa and

a vast garden. We have selected a number of

individual restaurants which highlight the diversity

of the “Cucina Piedmontese”. The three dinners

during our 3 days of cooking will be in our villa,

enjoying our efforts from day to day, together with

some excellent local wines.

ACCOMMODATION

NaturalMente Wine Resort

DATES & PRICES


Oct 03 - 09, 2021

Oct 03 - 09, 2022

AUD$ 4,275

AUD$ 4,275

AUD$ 725

AUD$ 725



Our tour begins in Sorrento - the gateway to the stunning

Amalfi Coast. This 25 km long peninsula, rising to more than

1,400 metres, has an extensive web of magnificent paths,

many of ancient origin. Well above the busy coastal towns,

we walk through hamlets, citrus orchards and vineyards on

the mountainside. A highlight is our magical walk on the

enchanted island of Capri. It is also possible to visit the famous

Vesuvio, which entered the history books when it erupted

in 79AD. In the space of two days the Roman settlements

of Pompeii, Ercolano, Stabia and Oplontis were wiped out.

Today the volcano’s reputation as a merciless destroyer has

been greatly diluted and you can walk in Vesuvio National

Park, established in 1991. On your free day you can visit

Pompeii where you can find the richest insight into the daily

life of the Romans. We move onto Peschici on the Gargano

Promontory. It offers dramatic scenery and its high rocky spur

plunges into the Adriatic Sea, broken here and there by small

beaches. In the Abruzzo Mountains the wild landscape exerts

a strong influence. They are dominated by the Appennines

and the hinterland forms one of Italy’s last remaining

wildernesses. At 2,912m, the highest peak is Gran Sasso. A

particularly beautiful area is the Parco Nationale d’Abruzzo.

It is one of Europe’s most important nature reserves with a

rich landscape of high peaks, rivers, lakes and forests. Once

hunted almost to extinction, the park now boasts 100 brown

bears. Our route continues to Umbria - the “green heart of

Italy”. This region contains some of Italy’s most outstanding

medieval hill towns - Orvieto, Assisi, Spello, and Spoleto are

just a few. They also house some of Italy’s oldest churches

along with Roman and Etruscan remains. Such countryside

yields many delicacies - trout, olive oil and the prized truffles.

Norcia, our base for the next 3 nights is located in the heart

of the Appennines and the Monte Sibillini National Park,

and already founded 600 years before Rome. It bares the

mark of a long and colourful history: ancient city walls which

are still standing, major monuments and a wealth of art.

Our walk takes us through the Sibillini National Park, which

was founded in 1993 in the land of the mythical Sibyl tribe.

Wolves, golden eagles, pilgrim falcons and many other native

species are the most evident signs of a varied and rich fauna.

The charm of abbeys and medieval villages, scattered in the

form of a crown at the foot of the mountains, have created an

ancient and evocative world. Even today, time seems to have

stopped still to pay homage to such extraordinary beauty. On

our way to Florence we travel through Assisi and spend the

morning visiting this famous town. Our walk ends in Florence

where you have excellent rail connections in many directions.

ITALY

Epicurean walk in Italy

16 DAYS



SLEEP & DINE

Our first 2 nights we stay at a

charming hotel in Sorrento,

which is situated in the centre

and just a short distance from

the seafront. From the hotel you

can enjoy the stunning views

of Sorrento and the beautiful

coastline. Its lovely restaurant

offers a flavoursome cuisine,

based on fresh vegetables, fish

and seafood. 3 nights we stay

in Amalfi where our hotel has

a spectacular position high up

overlooking Amalfi and the sea.

4 nights are spent in a peaceful

hotel at the harbour in Peschici.

Here the local cuisine is enlivened

with seafood, fruity green olive

oil and dry white wine. The fresh

vegetables and huge bursting

tomatoes account for one of

the healthiest diets in Europe.

During our stay, Arcangela’s

mother spoils us with some of

the best Italian home-cooking

and her fish soup alone is worth

the visit. During the next 3

nights we stay in an elegant

art nouveau country house, set

in a large park with centuryold

trees, centrally located in

Pescasseroli. It was the former

residence of the family of the

well-known Italian philosopher

and politician, Benedetto

Croce. The restaurant of the

hotel boasts a choice of classic

cuisine or traditional regional

specialties. Our final 3 nights we

stay in the magnificent Palazzo

Seneca in Norcia. Our dinners

will be taken in the elegant

ambience of our hotel, a one

star Michelin restaurant and

also at the Ristorante Granaro

del Monte, originally the main

grain store of Norcia, built for

protection within the town walls.

This building is now classified

as a National Monument. It has

5 medieval halls, transformed

into elegant banqueting rooms

and furnished in the medieval

style. The “Granaro del Monte”

is known as one of the most

outstanding restaurants in

the region and allows you to

discover the authentic flavours

of Norcia’s gastronomic

traditions. On the menu we

can find tagliolini noodles with

truffles, spelt soup, fettucine

with wild boar and many other

specialities.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Continental

Hotel Miramalfi

DATES & PRICES


Jun 03 - 18, 2021

Oct 03 - 18, 2021

Jun 04 - 19, 2022

Hotel Elisa

Palazzo Seneca

AUD$ 8,325 AUD$ 1,455

AUD$ 8,325 AUD$ 1,455

AUD$ 8,325 AUD$ 1,455



Sicily is a sun-drenched, palm-fringed island and

derives its rich culture from the impressive parade

of Mediterranean powers that have ruled its shores

for the last two millennia. The glorious monuments

are of many epochs, from Greek temples to

cathedrals adorned with Arabic-Norman facades.

We discover Sicily on walks through the splendid

Riserva dello Zingaro, pristine coastal land backed

by steep mountains. It was Sicily’s first nature

reserve and is a real oasis of biodiversity.

ITALY

La Dolce Vita

15 DAYS

During our walk we find the most isolated and

enchanting beaches and enjoy the natural beauty

of this protected eco system. The interior of the

Madonie Mountains reveals Sicily’s deeply rustic

culture - tiny mountain villages, farms, shepherds

and freshly-made cheeses. From Cefalu we have

a magnificent panorama of the turquoise sea and

a lovely stretch of sandy beaches before moving

to the Aeolian Islands, which lead a precarious

existence in the buffeted waters off the northern

Sicilian coast. They offer excellent walking with

some splendid vantage points over the other

islands. They are named after Aeolus, the Greek

god who kept the winds he controlled shut tight in

one of the islands’ many caves.

The 2,600 year-old heart of Siracusa, Ortygia, is set

on an island. We walk the narrow streets, explore

Doric temples and the fabulous Greek, Roman and

Christian ruins. The majestic volcano of Mount Etna

dominates a large part of eastern Sicily and is the

highest active volcano in Europe. Our walk takes

us above 2000m and together with a local guide

we discover this fascinating mountain. Pantalica

Gorge is Sicily’s greatest necropolis. Along the

path through the gorge we discover some of the

5,000 Neolithic tombs, hewn into the canyon walls.

On our way to Palermo we stop in Piazza Armerina.

Here we visit the vast and sprawling complex of

the Villa Romana, once a Roman hunting lodge

dating back to 286 and 305 AD. The mosaics are

virtually intact and the most breathtaking ones are

those of the Roman-African period.



SLEEP & DINE

ACCOMMODATION

On this marvellous island we stay in “the best of

both worlds” - the dramatic mountain scenery

of the Madonie Mountains in Petralia Sottana

and the charming coastal villages like San Vito

Lo Capo, the ancient part of Siracusa and the

island of Lipari. Here we have chosen a variety

of beautiful hotels, full of ambience and history.

The excellent local cuisine has already a taste

of Africa. Mountainous areas produce lamb,

goats and characteristic Sicilian cheeses. From

the plains and coast, and the rich volcanic soils

around Mount Etna, come superb vegetables

and sub-tropical fruit. There is also a great

variety of fish and very drinkable local red and

white wine.

Hotel Carasco

Hotel Il Castello

Hotel Pocho

Domus Mariae

DATES & PRICES


Apr 16 -30, 2022 AUD$ 7,945 AUD$ 1,345



CZECH REPUBLIC, POLAND & SLOVAKIA

Eastern Circuit

14 DAYS

The Eastern Circuit is not only a cultural and historical

walk but also an opportunity to discover one of Europe’s

most amazing Nature Reserves - The High Tatras, which

pass through both Poland and Slovakia. Our route starts in

Munich in Southern Germany. Travelling east, we stop for

lunch in the delightful town of Regensburg. It is beautifully

located on the Danube River and is home to the famous

13th century cathedral and 12th Century stone bridge. The

town is built on Roman ruins, which date back to 90 B.C.

In the afternoon we continue through Bavaria before we

cross the border and enter the Czech Republic near Cheb.

Our route takes us through the delightful region of the Ore

Mountains before reaching the picturesque countryside of

Bohemia, famous for its spas and maze of walking trails.

After indulging ourselves in the spa town of Karlovy Vary

(Karlsbad) for 2 nights, we travel the short distance to visit

one of the finest cities in Europe, Prague. Naturally one

could spend a week in this romantic city but during our

visit guests are given a great overview - it is very easy

to explore all the worthwhile sights on foot directly from

our centrally located hotel. We travel further east through

the Czech Republic and cross the border into Poland. We

spend two days in Cracow, Poland’s former capital and one

of the great art and cultural centres of Europe. Located

on the Vistula River, the city stands on the place where

the Little Poland Upland and the Carpathian Mountains

meet and form the so-called “Cracow Gate”. In the

Polish Tatras we base ourselves in the beautiful mountain

resort of Zakopane. Located in a picturesque valley, it is

renowned for its quaint timber houses and folklore. From

here we discover high peaks and ridges, alpine meadows,

cosy alpine chalets and crystal clear streams flowing into

breathtaking mountain lakes such as Morskie Oko. The

next day takes us across into Eastern Slovakia into one

of the most beautiful natural wonderlands in Europe - the

High Tatra Mountains National Park. The region is alive

with marmots, rare chamois, eagles and even bears. Our

walks take in more spectacular mountain scenery, including

a visit to Scalanaty Pleso where there is an option via cable

car to visit Lomnicky Stit, the second highest peak in the

Tatras. Our final day takes us to the sophisticated Austrian

city of Vienna. On our way we travel through the beautiful

little Carpathian Mountains. They begin in Romania and

in Bratislava they finally come to an end. Bratislava, the

capital of the Slovak Republic, is located on the Danube

River and the Austrian border is almost in sight of the city.



ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Gródek

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Certovka

Hotel Embassy

Grand Hotel Starý Smokovec

DATES & PRICES


Sep 17 - 30, 2022 AUD$ 7,845 AUD$ 985

SLEEP & DINE

Our first 2 nights we spend

in a beautiful hotel in the

old spa town of Karlovy

Vary. Even today it still has

a Victorian atmosphere

and the wide boulevards

and architecture are

outstanding. A highlight

is the aperitif in one of

Europe’s oldest hotels, the

Grand Hotel Pupp. Our 2

nights in Prague are in a

delightful hotel next to the

river and near the famous

Charles Bridge. All the

main historical sights are

just a 10 minute walk away.

The next two nights are

spent in a charming family

run hotel in the centre of

Cracow. We dine in one

of Cracow’s famous cellar

restaurants where we

enjoy fresh local trout or

Kings Shaslics cooked on

an open grill. During the

4 days in the Polish Tatras

we stay in an extremely

comfortable hotel in the

bustling resort town of

Zakopane. Our dinners will

be in cosy local restaurants

with excellent Polish

cuisine. Our final 3 nights

are spent in the High Tatras

in the Slovak Republic.

We stay in the venerable

old Grand Hotel in Stary

Smokovec. This historic

building which dates back

to the beginning of the

last century has lots of old

world charm, next to the

Tatra Mountains NP.



NORWAY

The Peer Gynt’s Trail

14 DAYS

Our walk begins in one of Europe’s best kept secrets -

Bergen. It has a gorgeous location directly beside the sea

but with towering mountains rising just behind. It has a

bustling port and famous fish market and it is well worth

spending time here before or after the walk. We travel west

towards the famous fjord country including the romantic

Geiranger Fjord. Our walk here takes us past waterfalls

and onto an alpine plateau with superb views towards the

most famous fjord in Norway.

We pass the spectacular mountain road, Trollvegen and

follow the old King’s Road to the tiny Dovrefjell National

Park. It was established to protect the dramatic highlands

around Mount Snohetta and to provide a suitable habitat

for arctic foxes, wild reindeer, wolverines and musk oxen.

In Norway, fossil records show that the musk ox prospered

around Dovrefjell during the last Ice Age. Henrik Ibsen’s

“great hunter” Peer Gynt did not fell a single deer in the

entire story, but he brought to Rondane status and a place

in international literature.

Following the footsteps of Peer Gynt, we walk in the amazing

landscape of the Rondane National Park, surrounded by a

ring of mountains. This region, 600 million years old, once

rose from a lifeless sea. Through thousands of years this

alpine area has provided hunters with a living, and the

hunters have left their mark in the form of reindeer traps

and burial mounds. Rondane’s range of fauna is diverse -

from lemmings to reindeers! The spectacular Jotunheimen

National Park is “home of the giants” and the epitome of

Norwegian countryside with its high peaks and mountain

communities in the valleys. It offers magnificent walking

through ravine-like valleys, past plunging waterfalls, deep

lakes and glaciers. The view from Besseggen across the

two lakes of Bessvatn and Gjende is outstanding.

On our last day we follow the famous Sognefjellet which

traverses the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe

and then onto the Sognefjorden before returning to the

historic town of Bergen. From here it is possible to take

one of the world’s finest rail journeys, passing between

snowy peaks and over the bleak Hardangervidda plateau

to Oslo. Don’t miss the side trip on the Flam line, which

hairpins its way down the Flam valley to Aurlandsfjord,

stopping midway at the thundering Kjosfossen waterfall.



SLEEP & DINE

Our hotel in Oye is like a fairytale from “La belle

époque”. At the end of the 1800’s Hotel Union was

the most sought after hotel in Northern Europe -

its guest list read like a “whose who” of Europe

- Queen Willemina of the Netherlands, Emperor

Wilhelm II of Germany, King Oscar II of Sweden

and Norway, and Queen Maud and King Haakon

VII of Norway are some of the royalty who enjoyed

their stay here. This romantic hotel has now been

completely renovated and has an idyllic location

amidst beautiful untouched natural scenery, located

only a short distance from the Geiranger fjord. In

the Dovrefjell national park we stay in a small hamlet

which has been very tastefully restored. It combines

modern comfort with historical authenticity. At night

enjoy deliciously prepared dinners as Knut and Ellen

introduce us to the gastronomic delights of this

region. Our hotel on the edge of the Rondane N.P.

is located just above the tree line and commands

excellent views of the national park. It has very

comfortable lounges and also an indoor heated

swimming pool and sauna. A culinary adventure

is the “koldtbord” - a buffet offering a wonderful

selection of fish and seafood specialities, salads,

meat dishes, breads, delicious cheeses and various

desserts. Our hotel in the picturesque village of Lom

has been in the same family since 1897. It is a stately

farm courtyard consisting of the main building

and several historic 17th century log houses. The

beautiful timber-lined lounges and sitting rooms

create a wonderful atmosphere of tradition. As

you relax in this charming establishment you may

detect an enticing aroma originating in the kitchen

luring you down into the dining room. Acclaimed

chef, Kristoffer Hovland, has continued in the ways

of his predecessor Arne Brimi who created what he

called “natures kitchen” - using the freshest local

ingredients and prepared using a long cultural and

culinary tradition. This inspiration from Arne has

continued with the menus being based on the fine

local produce such as reindeer, local trout and fresh

vegetables which are grown in the valley just outside

of Lom. Norway is a haven for berries with delicious

raspberries being used in many of the desserts.

Don’t miss the chance to sample the famous waffles

with cloudberries after our walk at Sota Saeter!

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Union Øye

Rondablikk Hotel

DATES & PRICES


July 12 - 25, 2021

July 12 - 25, 2022

AUD$ 9,365

AUD$ 9,365

Kongsvold Fjeldstue

Fossheim Hotel Lom

AUD$ 1,185

AUD$ 1,185



Our journey begins in Reykjavik and takes us into an

untamed world of fire and ice, of spouting geysers,

blue lagoons, massive glaciers, and multicolored valleys

stretching to the sea. Our spectacular adventure

immerses you in the full realm of Iceland’s extraordinary

landscapes, with fantastic coastal and mountain walks.

We travel north-east and our first few days are spent

in the delightful remote fishing port of SiglufjoerdurI, a

highlight of any trip to the north-west. The country’s most

northerly town, Siglufjörður clings precariously to the

foot of steep mountain walls, which enclose an isolated

narrow fjord on the very edge of Iceland. The Arctic Circle

is barely 40kms away but Siglufjörður makes an excellent

base for walking around the surrounding mountains.

From here we also have the opportunity to join a whalewatching

excursion in search of humpbacks or even the

giant blue whale. After visiting Godafoss, “waterfall

of the gods”, with its spectacular cascade, we head to

Lake Myvatn, known as one of the best bird-watching

sites in the world. We explore the lake surroundings

and also visit Dimmuborgir lava field, an area of bizarre

lava formations with volcanic arches, pillars, caves, and

bridges. In the Krafla volcano area, our walk brings us

across countless rift fissures and lava flows from the

eruptions of 1975 and 1984. We pass through the stark

contrasting desert scenery of the northeast highlands

to the enormous Dettifoss in Vatnajökull National Park.

Europe’s largest waterfall, in terms of volume discharge,

Dettifoss is bizarrely set in an arid area of sand and

rock formations. We continue moving east and come to

Seydisfjordur, a place of singing waterfalls and peculiar

characters and stay in this welcoming town, rich in

history. The Vatnajökull icecap, Europe’s largest glacier,

is the backdrop for our walks between mountain and

sea. We walk along stunning Jökulsárlón Lagoon, cross

Skaftafellsheidi Heath, passing the beautiful Svartifoss

waterfall and skirting the massive Skaftafellsjökull

Glacier. We explore the Reykjadalur Valley, with its green

hills and natural hot springs and magnificent Thingvellir

National Park, a World Heritage Site. On our last day

we allow time for a soak in the milky blue waters of the

Blue Lagoon, a famed geothermal spring. We are happy

to say that we have found some amazing hotels and an

Icelandic cuisine that deserves a special mention for its

creativity and high quality! Attention coffee connoisseurs

- this is high competition to Italy - we never had a bad

coffee anywhere!

ICELAND

Iceland Explorer

14 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Siglo Hotel

Hotel Laxa

SLEEP & DINE

The first three nights we stay in the

Siglufjord and our hotel is built into

a fisherman’s marina. All rooms have

wonderful views of the surrounding

mountains and quaint town of

Siglufjordur. Enthusiastic chefs at the

hotel’s restaurant have some culinary

surprises in store for us. We spend

3 nights in our hotel at Lake Mývatn

which blends well into the landscape

and the grass roof does not destract

from the unique views of the lake

and the river Laxá. From the hotel’s

restaurant we can admire the beauty

of the surroundings. Seydisfjordur is

one of our favourite places in Iceland.

The pretty village lies in a deep

cleft between high snow-covered

mountains and is famous for its 19th

century wooden houses. We spend 2

nights at our hotel which consists of

three separate houses and is full of

character and atmosphere. The next 3

nights are spent in a family-run, hillside

hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur The

view from the hotel is spectacular, over

green pastures, moors, mountains and

glaciers. Less than an hour’s drive from

the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík and

set against a backdrop of majestic

mountainous lava fields, the last 3

nights are spent in a Luxury Adventure

Hotel. Its location by the “Golden

Circle” route makes it the perfect

base for our walks. It has an awesome

Lava Spa, an execellent restaurant and

an award-winning Northern Lights bar

with amazing views of the magnificent

landscape that stretches out to the

horizon.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

ION Hotel

DATES & PRICES


July 27 - Aug 09, 2021

July 27 - Aug 09, 2022

AUD$ 10,885

AUD$ 10,885

AUD$ 2,615

AUD$ 2,615



ICELAND

A Winter Tale in Iceland

8 DAYS

As the days are getting longer again, join us on our Winter Tale in Iceland.

Snow and ice add new shapes to the landscape, making this winter paradise

plain magic to experience. On our walks explore the stark beauty and soft

light amongst frozen waterfalls and the overwhelming sweeping landscapes

this region has to offer. A dog sledding tour on snow and a visit to the

unchained Siberian husky kennel at Bergthora’s home, the Heiði farm, is

another highlight. Here two guests and a musher from Snow Dogs share a

wooden sled with 8-10 Siberian huskies pulling you on a scenic trail of 6-10

km, through the Icelandic snowcapes. Taking approximately 45-70 minutes

with picture stops. Here we also have the opportunity to meet and play

with some of the friendliest animals in the country. At the Heiði farm at least

twenty sled dogs are waiting to greet you. While you play with the animals,

you will learn about how dog-sledding works, and how the Siberian husky

came to be an ideal breed for it. In Mývatn, snowmobiling is one of the

local’s favourite ways of travelling through the rough arctic conditions. It is

a part of the Icelandic lifestyle and Icelanders like to share their passion for

snowmobiling with us. Another adventure is to visit the Lofthellir ice cave

inside a volcano. It is a permafrost ice-cave inside a lava tunnel, boosting

incredible ice formations, some hundreds of years old. The tour starts

from our hotel and the journey to the cave leads us through rugged tracks

along incredible geology. The drive takes us past the volcano Mt. Hverfjall

and along the Lúdentarborgir crater row. Of course, we will go on winter

walks and will give you the necessary equipment you need for a winter

hike (snowshoes, overalls, hiking poles, spikes). Another thrill on our winter

tour is hunting for the Northern lights. As night falls, we search for the

spectacular blue, green and violet arcs shimmering across the sky above us.

It is thanks to the weaker magnetic field around the poles, that electrically

charged particles from the sun can enter the earth’s atmosphere here.

But we don´t need to understand the physical part of it to enjoy amazing

Northern lights shows in Iceland! When this “art of nature” illuminates the

sky with spectacular displays of green, purple, pink, even red, our hearts

jump with joy and it will be one of those experiences of a lifetime. We have

always enjoyed our visits to the Mývatn nature baths during summer, but

it is even more special in winter. It was opened in 2004 and has proven

to be one of the region’s highlights for travellers. Based on a century’s

old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely

natural experience. Begin with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up

from fissures deep in the earth’s surface and end with a luxurious bath in

a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres.

Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms,

the warm soothing waters of Mývatn nature baths benefit both

skin and spirit alike. The Sigurgeir’s bird museum is the perfect solution

for an unfavourable weather day and is on the Ytri-Neslönd farm beside

Lake Myvatn. It was established following the pioneering work of Sigurgeir

Stefansson who lived at the farm. Sigurgeir’s bird museum is considered

the largest known private bird collection in Iceland. There are plenty of

other activities that could be an option dependent on weather!



SLEEP & DINE

We spend 7 nights in our hotel at Lake Mývatn

which blends well into the landscape and the grass

roof does not distract from the unique views of the

lake and the river Laxá. While eating delicious food

at the hotel’s restaurant, we can admire the beauty

of the surroundings.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Laxa

DATES & PRICES


Mar 16 - 23, 2021

Mar 18 - 25, 2022

AUD$ 6,895

AUD$ 6,895

AUD$ 485

AUD$ 485



New

If you want to experience one of our planet’s

most jaw-dropping, beautiful settings, come to

Greenland. With icebergs spilling out of its fjords

and a fascinating Inuit culture, Greenland is a

wonderland for adventure. Our walks are well

paced, with stops to enjoy the views, wildflowers,

birds, unusual rock formations and of course the

thousands of exquisitely sculptured icebergs

stranded on the shoreline or cruising the fjords.

With its vast central ice caps and rugged, fjordcut

eastern coastline, Greenland has one of the

most spectacular landscapes in the world. We

arrive by boat from Kulusuk and have a day to

explore Tasiilaq on Ammassalik Island. It has

colourful houses, friendly people, howling sled

dogs, smiling kids and a pioneering spirit. These

are two of the many hundreds of barren, rocky

islands guarding an impenetrable maze of fjords

and inlets on Greenland’s sparsely inhabited

east coast. On our path through the Valley of

Flowers, we can discover many delicate arctic

plants in bloom. We go on a fantastic boat tour

with a local guide from Tasiilaq village toward

the large glacial fjord of Knud Rasmussen. Here

we discover icebergs, whales and extraordinary

scenery. One of Greenland’s most scenic routes

is hiking up to Somandsfjell, the impressive

mountains just above Tasiilaq. From here we

have a panorama view of the area. Our helicopter

flight between Tasiilaq and Kulusuk offers

stunning views of the land, sea and ice below.

Arriving at Kulusuk, we have a day to explore

the rugged Kulusuk Island on foot. We walk to

Greenland’s most popular village, which remains

a settlement of fishermen and hunters. There

is a small harbour, shop, church, workshop for

sealskins and carvings. A glimpse of traditional

Greenland! Another highlight is a spectacular

walk on a glacier. In this realm of elemental beauty

and wilderness, we will savour the rarity of pure

silence and the spell-binding light of the arctic

summer. There are plenty of other activities that

could be an option, dependent on weather! Join

us as we take you to world renowned coastal

and mountain trails.

GREENLAND

Greenland Explorer

7 DAYS



SLEEP & DINE

The first 4 nights we stay in Tasiilaq and our hotel has a

wonderful location above a sheltered fjord, overlooking

the picturesque town and majestic mountains. It has

been fully modernised, yet retains a friendly, informal

atmosphere. Our hotel in Kulusuk is close to the airport

and it is Greenland’s only settlement hotel where you

can experience the true atmosphere of the unique

lifestyle in an Inuit hunter settlement. Greenland’s

culinary scene is still greatly influenced by the rustic

Inuit cuisine. It is a nation where food preparation from

scratch still permeates throughout everyday life and

almost everyone has a favourite cooking method for

reindeer, knows how to salt their own fish and boil their

own jam. Apart from whale, one of their most common

protein sources, we can also find reindeer, lamb and

the occasional muskox on the menu. The delicious

but rather rare Greenlandic salmon (called kapisillik)

can only be enjoyed in the country. Crowberries are a

delicious substitute in pies, wine and jams and the herb,

Angelica, has also made it into the gourmet cuisine.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Angmagssalik

DATES & PRICES


Aug 12 - 18, 2021

Aug 12 - 18, 2022

AUD$ 7,125

AUD$ 7,125

Hotel Kulusuk

AUD$ 330

AUD$ 330



BRITAIN & FRANCE

On the Celtic Way

14 DAYS

Cornwall is a fantastic county with friendly

people, beautiful countryside, great food, a

vibrant history and a strong sense of Celtic

culture. During our walks we discover tiny

fishing villages, smuggler’s coves, dramatic

cliffs, countless spectacular beaches and

sweeping bays. The Dartmoor in Devon is a

truly inspiring part of the world! It has swards

of pasture, narrow lanes and picturesque

thatched cottages. The heart of the moor is

wild, heather-covered hills, punctuated by the

stark beauty of the granite tors. Normandy,

the land of calvados, camembert and cider,

just can’t help looking like it is posing for a

picture postcard. Rolling hills so green they

make your eyes squint. Mont St Michel is

amongst the most unlikely, extraordinary

sites on the surface of the earth. What makes

it so exceptional, besides bearing some of

the finest examples of gothic architecture

ever produced, is the location of the “Mount”

itself. The so-called Bay of Mont St Michel

sees the largest tides in the world with up

to 12 metres difference between high and

low! As a result, the bay changes twice a

day from a flat sandy beach to the ocean.

We walk barefoot across the flat sand banks

towards the “Mount” which we spend time

visiting at the end of our walk. Brittany offers

an outstanding setting for some wonderful

walking along a rugged coastline swept by

the rough Atlantic Ocean. Above the cliffs,

massive granite headlands covered in heath

extend back to sun-drenched forests and

picturesque villages. The spectacular coast

occasionally interrupted by long sandy

beaches, rivers and hidden bays, surprises

walkers time and time again. The movement

of the huge tides provides a fascinating

spectacle. Belle-Ile-en-Mer is surrounded by

steep rugged rocks and braves the Atlantic

Ocean. Incessantly wave after wave breaks

at the innumerable corners and angles of the

rocks, washing them continuously. Roaring

surf and foaming spray are special features

of Belle Ile.



SLEEP & DINE

ACCOMMODATION

Our family run 4 star hotel in

Cornwall is set on 65 acres of

outstanding natural beauty,

right on the banks of the Helford

River. It has its own golf course,

tennis courts, large indoor

pool health spa and awardwinning

restaurant. Our hotel

in Dartmoor has been a former

mill and is nestled in a river

valley just outside the ancient

moorland stannary town of

Chagford. It is well known for its

excellent cuisine. In St Malo we

stay right at the entrance to the

historical fortress town and only

a short distance to the Mt St

Michel Bay. Our chef specializes

in a traditional, yet creative

cuisine made with regional

produce, fish and seafood.

Our hotel on the quaint island

of Belle-Ile-en-Mer boasts an

unbeatable location, right on

the characteristic steep cliffs

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

and the Aiguilles de Port-Coton

landscapes.

Budock Vean Hotel

Citadelle Vauban

Mill End Hotel

Hotel Le Nouveau Monde

Le Grand Large

DATES & PRICES


Jun 25 - Jul 08, 2021

Jun 25 - Jul 08, 2022

AUD$ 8,325

AUD$ 8,325

AUD$ 1,480

AUD$ 1,480



New

We begin our route departing from Edinburgh. Deemed one of the most friendly city’s in

the world and dating back to the 11th century, our monumental tour commences amongst

Neo-classical architecture, medieval alleys and regal gardens of the cities monarch. Our

striking adventure immerses you in the full realm of stunning landscapes, remarkable

history and welcomes us into the heartfelt warmth and spirit that is Scotland. We travel

north and enter The Cairngorms, the largest national park in the United Kingdom. Scenes

of Caledonian forests, bay granite and mountain heather make for exceptional walking.

Our first accommodation is Dalmunzie Castle, a quintessential, turreted Scottish residence,

standing proudly at the head of a 6500-acre estate, dating back to 1510. Dalmunzie is

nestled in the heart of Glenshee and is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains,

glens and little rivers, all a few steps away from the front door. Deer, highland cows and

no doubt a kilt or two can be spotted along this fabled route of cattle duffers, poets and

legends abound. This isolated gem is home to a mysterious dark forest beckoning us into

the history drenched trails of the region’s spectacular mountain walks. We pass through the

crown of the highlands - Dunrobin Castle, the pristine residence of the Earls and Dukes of

Sutherland. Here we spend an afternoon enjoying the pristine gardens learning the ancient

art of falconry. Traditionally mastered to provide game for the inhabitants of the castle we

witness the spectacular acrobatic skills of owls, falcon and hawk. We continue the journey

to the tip of the country and bid the shores of Scotland farewell as we enter the dark

waters of the alluring north. Shipwrecks greet us as we enter the Orkney Islands. Endowed

with ancient mysteries we part on the windswept archipelago of standing stones, eagle

tombs and orcas. After adventuring through Neolithic stone circles, iron age villages from

5000BC and perilous views on our coastline walk, we continue our expedition to the lonely

and endless skies of the Assynt - the national scenic area. Walks carved by glaciers lead us

through the breathtaking mountains to caves strewn with bones of humans and animals

dating back to 40,000 years ago. Gairloch is our next stop and hosts a fantastic array of

distinctive mountain scales where we traverse both the crisp and quaint hikes of the Wester

Ross’. Here we can note the distinguishment of traditions of clan structure, landlords and

begin to map the region’s tartans consigned according to a truly fascinating kinship order.

As we drive to the far west coast we cross the bridge to the infamous Isle of Skye revealing

a fascinating view of the past where drovers swam their herds of highland cattle across

the sea to market on the main territory. The largest island of the inner Hebrides boasts

radiating peninsulas where we walk through basalt terrain of the spectacular Quiraing and

The Old Man of Storr. We visit the romantic Armadale castle in the south where the first

free settlers of Australia departed from their beloved homelands to pioneer a new life.

Here we find a museum dedicated to the emotional journey of the men and women of the

area. Our trip south-east leaves behind the dinosaur fossils, waterfalls plunging off sea

cliffs, clan warfare and folklore as our iconic Celtic pilgrimage leads us to the doorway of

an enchanting island castle set in the mists of the great Loch Leven. Glen Coe echoes our

footsteps as we trek the mammoth valley where the stories of a haunting past are wispered

through this notorious and romantic glen. Meandering our way through the ever unfolding

magnificence of the Trossachs National Park we find ourselves on the bonnie banks of the

peaceful and serene Lake of Menteith. A timeless oasis graced by swans and fishermen

catching our evening meals as we replenish on local cuisine. Ben Lomond and its surrounds

idealise our Southern Highland’s adventures as we inhale the rugged beauty by ways of

steamboat and walking around the esteemed waters of Loch Katrine and Loch Ard.

SCOTLAND

The Highlander Trail

16 DAYS



ACCOMMODATION

Dalmunzie Castle

Eddrachilles Hotel

Bridge Of Orchy Hotel

DATES & PRICES


Sep 14 - 29, 2021

Sep 14 - 29, 2022

AUD$ 10,950

AUD$ 10,950

Storehouse Hotel

The Flodigarry Hotel

Lake Of Menteith Hotel

AUD$ 3,985

AUD$ 3,985

SLEEP & DINE

The first two nights we stay in

the Cairngorm National Park

and the castle is built in the

Valley of Glenshee. All rooms

have a rich history each telling

a story of the characters that

once lived there or passed

by its stonewalls. From cattle

rustlers, to earls to poets and

maidens this neo-classical

castle balances a unique

blend of charming humility

amongst its countless roomed

hallways. Our enthusiastic chef

forages local delights from

the surrounding mountains,

treating us to some culinary

surprises at the castle’s very

own restaurant. We spend

three nights in our lovely new

hotel on the main island of

Orkney. Originally built in 1880

as a herring and pork curing

store, the Storehouse is right

in Kirkwalls historic centre. It

has now been renovated and

re-designed, recycling all the

materials within the original

building, mixing the old with

the new. It also has one of the

best eateries in town. From our

Hotel Eddrachilles at the north

coast of Scotland we have the

most spectacular vistas out

toward the picturesque islandstudded

bay. The charm and

character of this 200-year old

building used to be a church

TOUR EXTENSION

manse, sitting in its own garden

with direct access to the sea.

Here we are spoiled with

afternoon teas and delicious

dinners. The next 3 nights we

spend at the Flodigarry Hotel

on the Ilsle of Sky. It has all the

modern luxuries and we have

stunning views of the dramatic

seascape towards the Torridons

and Scottish mainland. This

spectacular setting is the

perfect base for exploring the

Isle’s walks, townships and

stunning mountains. Here we

also have a fine selection of

outstanding restaurants.Our

Bridge of Orchy hotel is on the

way up to the west side of the

central highlands. It consists

of a small cluster of buildings

in the surreal landscape of

Rannoch Moor and the majesty

of Glen Coe and beyond is the

ideal place to start our walks.

Less than 30 minutes from

the famous Loch Lomond, we

spend the last three nights at

the elegant and serene waters

of Lake Mentieth. With all the

country charm, including the

highland cows out the back, we

enjoy a peaceful atmosphere

in the heart of the Trossachs.

With an excellent restaurant

and an award-winning menu

our taste buds delight in the

flavours of the region.

Join us on our 2 or 3 day extension and discover Scotland with

Scottish photographer Tim Pereval on his autum photo walk.

There are endless opportunities and autumn is this magic time

of the year to see Scotland, one of the best countries in the

world for autumn views. Price to be advised, depending on the

number of days/nights.



CROTIA & SLOVENIA

Explore Croatia & Slovenia

14 DAYS

Our journey begins in the world heritage-listed city of

Dubrovnik and takes us to the island of Mljet where we

hike the spectacular coastline of this sun-splashed island

which is almost entirely a national park. Enchanting

Croatia is lapped by the crystal-clear, azure waters of

the Adriatic and a wide variety of landscapes can be

found in Croatia. Most people are familiar with the

stunningly beautiful indented coastline and its array

of amazing islands, however, over 40% of the country

is mountainous. We discover Paklenica National Park,

which stretches from deep canyons, beech forests and

spring fed creeks to the Adriatic coast.

We explore the aqua-coloured lakes, cascades and

waterfalls of World Heritage-listed Plitvice Lakes

National Park. A magnificent landscape with wooded

hills and 16 terraced lakes strung together by waterfalls

that were simultaneously carved out and, with the

help of mineral deposits, created this fluid landscape.

Countless cascades and strangely clear and colourful

water make this park a misty natural wonderland.

After a short stay in the famous spa town of Opatija

we cross the border into Slovenia, which shows

off with its towering peaks of the Julian Alps. Rich

spiritual traditions, charming and ancient mountain

villages, spectacular granite peaks of the Julian Alps

and an intact old world culture are the treasures of

tiny Slovenia. It is only half the size of Switzerland and

has fewer than 2 million inhabitants but this peaceful

and spectacular corner of old Europe is a real gem.

Its Renaissance-flavoured towns are unspoiled and the

walking opportunities are endless. The capital Ljubljana

is the country’s political, economic and cultural centre.

It has often been referred to as a little Prague without

the crowds. It actually has more of a town feel rather

than a city atmosphere. Its 56,000 students make sure

that it stays young!

Our walks take us through vineyard-covered hills and

forested trails that lead to frescoed monasteries. We

scramble up into the majestic alpine terrain in the

Triglav national park and discover isolated valleys

that shelter the kind of truly bucolic villages that have

largely disappeared in Western Europe.

Our journey ends in beautiful Venice, one of the most

romantic cities in the world!



SLEEP & DINE

Our hotels on the island of

Mljet and in Starigrad are

directly at the seaside. We

enjoy traditional elegance in

our luxurious 5-star hotel in

Opatijia in Croatia, complete

with an in house spa centre.

Our contemporary hotel

in Slovenia is in the small

village of Ribcev Laz. It has

a large indoor pool and is

very close to Lake Bohinj. In

Croatia the excellent local

cuisine already has a central

European flavour. On the

coast, however, where fish

and seafood are widely used,

the Mediterranean flavours

of Italy are dominant. From

the plains and coast to the

mountainous areas, rich soils

produce superb vegetables

and fruits. Both red and

white wine are produced

and the standards are

definitely improving. For

its size Slovenia offers an

incredibly varied cuisine.

Because it is surrounded by

countries on all sides it is

heavily influenced by their

styles; Austrian sausages

and strudel, Italian ravioli like

dumplings and Hungarian

style goulash and palacinke

(pancakes with a variety of

fillings). They have been

making wine in Slovenia since

Roman times so be prepared

for some pleasant surprises.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Odisej

Hotel Jezero

DATES & PRICES


Oct 03 - 16, 2021

Oct 03 - 16, 2022

AUD$ 7,865

AUD$ 7,865

Villa Vicko

Remisens Premium Hotel

AUD$ 1,360

AUD$ 1,360



AFRICA

&

THE MIDDLE EAST

JOURNEYS



Morocco’s sensuous beauty is legendary, from

imperial cities with labyrinthine and souks to the

awesome grandeur of the Sahara. Our journey

begins in Marrakech and takes us across the Tizi

n’Tichka pass to the outskirts of Ouarzazate, which

is now a small Moroccan Hollywood (numerous

films took place, and are still shot here). In the

afternoon we continue to the Dades Valley which

is an amazing area in the High Atlas Mountains - a

photographer’s paradise! The valley has lush green

fields, spectacular gorges, and slot canyons of

rose-coloured sandstone.

Morroco

Mystical Morocco

11 DAYS

The Dades Gorge has a fairy-tale feeling and the

strength of the colours will never escape your

memory. The Dades area is filled with lush valley

oasis towns and many of the Kasbahs are in ruin,

contributing to the mysterious atmosphere. We

settle at the foot of Erg Chebbi where Morocco’s

tallest sand dunes stretch to the horizon and admire

the magnificent sunsets. The next morning we try

not to miss the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.

They stretch over kilometres and kilometres and

are sublime at sunrise as they change colours from

pink to ochre and from red to orange.

We cross the desert where only few villages brave

those difficult living conditions. Eventually we

enter the Draa valley and the oasis of Agdz, which

is renowned for its fine dates. The town is in a vast

palm grove and on the old caravan route, linking

Marrakech and Timbuktu.

We leave Agdz and travel north through the

lush Draa Valley and travel to the lovely town of

Ouirgane. It is all surrounded by the High Atlas

Mountains, in the heart of the Berber country.

Ouirgane is also known as a health resort, perfect

to enjoy the spa and yoga.

Together, with our local guide, we discover the

Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas Mountain

range. It covers an area of 100,000 hectares and

boasts the highest mountain peak in North Africa,

Jbel Toubkal, 4167 metres (13750 ft) high. Our last

day takes us to Marrakech where our journey ends.



ACCOMMODATION

Marhaba Kasbah Azul

Hotel Tomboctou

Hotel Xaluca Dades

Domaine de la Roseraie

DATES & PRICES


Apr 02 - 12, 2021

Apr 03 - 13, 2022

AUD$ 5,565

AUD$ 5,565

AUD$ 925

AUD$ 925

SLEEP & DINE

From the dining room of our Kasbah in the Dades Valley we enjoy

panoramic views and savour some of the country’s traditional cuisine

- a delicious couscous, the famous pigeon pie, the Moroccan soup,

harira, or the many varieties of tagine with meat. In Erg Chebbi

we spend two nights in the renovated Tombouctou guesthouse. Its

privileged location near the sea of dunes is just magical. In Agdz

we stay in a beautiful, newly built Kasbah for 3 nights. Our peaceful

hotel, inspired by many Moroccan Kasbahs, is in the heart of the

palmarie and has a scrumptious restaurant, which opens up to the

pool area. It offers fine Moroccan cuisine but we might also escape

for one night to the more familiar European cuisine. In Ouirgane, at

an altitude of 1,000 metres, our charming hotel is secretly hidden in

the middle of sixty acres of natural parkland. All rooms and suites

open on to patios and terraces surrounded by thousands of rose

bushes. There is also a very inviting spa and pool.



JORDAN & ISRAEL

Journey through

the Holy Land

15 DAYS

Our walk begins in Amman - (direct flight connections from Dubai

to Amman with Emirates or Royal Jordanian) and promises to be an

exciting exploration of Jordan and its antiquity. It also includes 3

nights in the Holy City of Jerusalem in Israel (political circumstances

permitting). From Amman we visit the fabulously preserved Roman

ruins at Jerash, an archaeological masterpiece consisting of a

triumphal arch, stadium, huge fountain, temples and collonaded

streets. We cross the border into Israel via the King Hussein-Allenby

Bridge, one of the three passages from Jordan. Here we will explore

the treasures of Jerusalem from the times of King David to the

Prophet Mohammed. We walk to the West Wall and can write our

own personal prayer note to tuck into the wall, see the golden dome

of the mosque on Temple Mount, and follow the path called the Via

Dolorossa, where Jesus carried his cross past the Stations of the

Cross and we view the Old City from the heights of the Mount of

Olives. We cross the border back into Jordan at the Eilat border and

have a short visit of Aqaba at the Red Sea in the south of Jordan.

We travel to Wadi Rum, once Lawrence of Arabia’s headquarters

during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-1918. Rocky peaks rise out

of pink sands and Desert Bedoudines ramble these sands with their

camels. Together with our local Bedouine guide we will explore

some amazing canyons and walk between towering sandstone

cliffs. The ever changing palette of colours is best seen at sunrise or

sunset. In the late afternoon we enjoy a gentle camel ride, ending

the day with a traditional Bedouin feast and gazing into the stary

sky! We discover fabled Petra, the long-lost city of the Nabateans,

a stunning ruin carved from solid red sandstone in the 3rd century

BC. Petra is a world heritage site and the sheer sandstone hills form

a deep canyon that protects it in all directions. Our walks in Little

Petra and Petra take us through the Siq and the Treasury and Royal

Tombs. We cross mountains with wide views before descending to

the Monastery and climb to the High Place of Sacrifice. One evening

we can enjoy Little Petra at candlelight and we even experience a

“hands on” short cooking class. On our way to the Dead Sea we

walk in the Dana Nature Reserve - a region of wadis and mountains.

Ever since the days of Herod the Great, people have flocked to the

Dead Sea in search of its curative secrets. With the highest content

of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water is thought

to possess healing properties, and the mud on the shores has

been used for therapeutic purposes for over 2000 years. Float in

the natural buoyancy of the Dead Sea by its mystical setting and

luxuriate at the truly magnificent spa in our exquisite resort. On our

way to Amman we visit Mount Nebo, from which Moses glimpsed

the Promised Land. We also visit Madaba, famous for its mosaics,

especially the ancient map of the Holy Land.



ACCOMMODATION

The Sephardic House

Mövenpick Resort Petra

Bait Ali

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar

DATES & PRICES


Oct 22 - Nov 05, 2021

Oct 20 - Nov 03, 2022

AUD$ 9,765

AUD$ 9,765

AUD$ 1,295

AUD$ 1,295

SLEEP & DINE

There are many ways of

getting to know Jerusalem.

Probably one of the nicest is

to explore this wonderful city

from the Austrian Hospice. It

is situated in the middle of the

Old City of Jerusalem, directly

on the Via Dolorosa and within

easy walking distance of all the

holy sites of the monotheistic

religions. Despite the

pulsating life in the streets

of the Old City, the Austrian

Hospice represents an oasis

of peace and relaxation during

our 3-day stay. 4 nights are

spent in very comfortable

chalets of a luxurious desert

camp which blends naturally

into its surroundings. It has

exceptional views of the Moon

Valley, a large modern kitchen

and even a swimming pool. It

was hand built by its Jordanian

owners in the Bedouin Arabic

tradition, using mostly natural

materials from the direct

surroundings. The next 4

nights we are at the 5 star

Moevenpick Resort Hotel in

Wadi Musa, directly at the

entrance to the historic city of

Petra. It certainly has oriental

flair and features an exciting

combination of natural stone,

handcrafted wood and Middle

Eastern fabrics and textures.

The hotel has an outdoor

pool, steam bath and a fully

equipped gym. 2 nights we

stay in the historic village

of Dana, far from noise and

traffic. Our newly built rooms

have a private balcony with an

amazing view. The Kempinski

Ishtar is a truly luxurious and

exclusive hotel, overlooking

the Dead Sea and famous

for its ozone-rich air, mineral

loaded seawater and ultra

violet filtered sunshine. The

amazing spa complex is set

amidst glorious gardens

dotted with lagoons, waterfalls

and private pools, with indoor

jacuzzi, ice cave, steam room,

Ayurveda, Asian therapies and

local salt and mud treatments

- the perfect setting for our

final stop in Jordan.



NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE

African Walkabout

22 DAYS

On our African Walkabout we travel to Namibia,

Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Namibia is situated on the Atlantic coast of

Africa but the general landscape is dominated

by the oldest desert in the world, the Namib.

The surrounding areas are dry and visually

impressive, with interesting flora and fascinating

geological formations. In Namibia we come

“face to face” with lots of big game - elephants,

lions, giraffes, zebra etc. It is very special seeing

these wild animals in their natural habitat.

Botswana is known to be hot and dry, with the

exception of the lush oasis of the Okavango

Delta - reputedly one of the most beautiful

places in the world! Largely off-the-beaten

track, Botswana is a haven for wildlife - especially

elephants. Our visit to Chobe National Park is

one of the highlights of our safari.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the

world, making it one of the world’s “Seven

Natural Wonders”! In the 1800s Victoria Falls

was described by the nearby Kololo as ‘Mosioa-Tunya’

which means “the smoke that

thunders” - illustrating the powerful forces of

Victoria Falls!

David Livingstone is believed to be the first

explorer to have discovered Victoria Falls;

in 1860 he spread the word about his travels

there. The area soon became a popular tourist

attraction, especially on the Zimbabwean side.

“

We didn’t really know what to expect from

Namibia and it gave us heaps: fabulous and

varying landscapes including the incredible

Namib desert, wildlife from day 1 (we saw 48

animals and lots of birds too), and of course the

local people. Walkabout had once again selected

interesting boutique and scenic accommodation

which was in the main off the beaten track.

“



SLEEP & DINE

Our accommodation includes permanent

camps, bush cabins, chalets in a Reserve

Park and the luxury of an Eco Lodge on

the edge of Africa’s highest sand dunes.

Most of our meals are at our lodges

but sometimes our guides prepare our

dinner on the campfire and we dine

under the stars - with a dazzling display

of the southern hemisphere night sky.

ACCOMMODATION

Sossusvlei Lodge

Dolomite Camp

Grootberg Lodge

Namushushu Lodge

Europahof

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge

DATES & PRICES

A’Zambezi Lodge


Oct 15 - Nov 05, 2021

Oct 15 - Nov 05, 2022

AUD$ 10,985

AUD$ 10,985

AUD$ 1,085

AUD$ 1,085



America

JOURNEYS



AMERICA

Into the Wilds

of Alaska

14 DAYS

Inspired by Wendy, a friend and superb Alaskan guide, we have introduced

Alaska into our Walkabout programme. The vast beauty of this region is

overwhelming with plenty of fresh and delicious food. The first two days we

stay at Sheep Mountain, which is very close to Wendy’s home. From here

we walk up to Lion’s Head and venture out on Matanuska Glacier where we

explore the wonders of this moving glacier. Together with Wendy, who is a

certified glacier guide, we strap on our crampons and discover the incredible

features of the glacier, including beautiful crevasses and startlingly blue ice.

The glacier is constantly changing and moving, so our route is dependent

on the conditions of the day. We end our walk with some great photos

and a better knowledge of glaciers and how they are formed. Deep in the

Alaskan interior are over six million acres of preserved wilderness, which

include massive expanses of forest, glacial lakes, frozen tundra, and towering

mountains - including North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. The name

“Denali” means “The Great One” in the native Athabascan language. At 6,190

m above sea level, it is the highest peak in North America and surrounded

by one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Denali national

park is home to many types of wildlife including caribou, moose, wolves, Dall

sheep, bald eagles, and the mighty grizzly bears. We will learn a lot about

wildlife, history and the geology of this area on our walk and on a wilderness

safari, which will take us deep into the National Park. Our next destination

is Seward in the South. Here our highlight is an optional magical cruise on

the Kenai Fjords with breathtaking scenery, massive tidewater glaciers and

abundant wildlife like the cute otters, sea lions, plenty of whales and a variety

of seals. We may even spot some black bears swimming. On our trail at the

edge of Exit Glacier we witness how glaciers re-shape a landscape and learn

how plant life reclaims the barren rocky land exposed by a glacier’s retreat.

Our final 5 days we spend in Homer. It has long been known as the “Halibut

fishing capital of the world” and described as “where the land ends and the

sea begins”. It has spectacular views of Kachemak Bay, the Kenai Mountains

and several volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet including Mt. Augustine, Mt.

Iliamna, and Mt. Redoubt. Our “Lands End” hotel is on the Homer Spit

(“spit” is a geological landform), a narrow 7.2 km long gravel bar and the

longest road into ocean waters in the world. It accommodates Homer’s port

facilities along with numerous shops and restaurants. We visit the enchanted

artist community of Halibut Cove as well as Seldovia, “across the bay” from

Homer. On your free day you can try your luck and fish for the Kenai River

King Salmon or join Eric from Alaska Ultimate Safaris on a bear watching

safari. Flying slower than an airplane gives you plenty of time to take photos

of the scenic surroundings through the big windows. The chopper experience

allows access to remote areas that planes simply can’t reach. Eric loves the

outdoors and is very knowledgeable. With only five or six passengers, it is a

thrill getting close to the bears. The flight is about 45 minutes each way from

Homer.Along the way you can see Mt. Redoubt, volcanoes, and gorgeous

mountain vistas. Sitting beside the riverbank and watching the bears fish,

eat and teach their cubs is certainly a mesmerising experience, so absolutely

peaceful and will be a great finale to your visit of America’s last frontier.



SLEEP & DINE

Our hotels and lodges in

Alaska are superbly located

and offer our guests a unique

opportunity to experience

the amazing countryside

which Alaska has become

so famous for. In Sheep

Mountain we stay in a laidback

country style lodge. The

individual handcrafted cabins

are extremely spacious with

private ensuites and kitchen

facilities. From the deck

there are spectacular views

of the Matanuska Valley

and Chugach Mountains.

Sheep Mountain lodge has

been hosting travellers from

all around the world for 79

years. At night relax in the

cosy log cabin restaurant

and enjoy the delicious home

cooked produce. At Denali

we stay in a resort which is

owned and operated by a

pioneering family from the

region. It is located right

on the edge of the mighty

Denali National Park. All

rooms have a spacious deck

overlooking the fast-flowing

Nenana River. In Alaska there

is always tea and coffee

making facilities in your room

so after a day of walking in

the national park sit back on

your deck , relax and admire

the mountain views. At night

we have the opportunity

to experience the delights

of some superb local

restaurants including the

stylish hidden gem Parks 229.

The Windsong Lodge is set

alongside the Resurrection

River on the edge of the

Chugach National Park near

Exit Glacier. It is an extremely

tranquil resort designed

to showcase Alaska’s wild

beauty. The bustling port of

Seward and the vast expanses

of Kenai Fjords National Park

are mere minutes away –

Windsong’s peaceful setting

means that our guests have

a lovely cosy escape after a

day of activities in the great

Alaskan outdoors. Being so

close to the town of Seward

means we have an array

of excellent restaurants to

choose from for our evening

meals including the nearby

Salmon Bake, one of the

best kept secrets in the area.

Set on the tip of Homer

Point our accommodation at

Land’s End Resort immerses

you in the natural paradise of

Kachamak Bay. View whales

and sea otters right outside

your window or shorebirds as

they migrate the shoreline.

This extremely comfortable

hotel oozes with atmosphere

and it dates back to 1958

when the first owner began

his dream of opening a

hotel and restaurant in this

very unlikely location at the

end of Homer Spit. There

is no better place to watch

the setting sun after a day

of exploring Kachemak

Bay and its surrounds. The

township of Homer is often

referred to as Alaska’s most

charming town with lots of

cosy galleries, cafes and

restaurants. In the evening

after our activities we have

plenty of great eateries to

choose from.

ACCOMMODATION

Grizzly Bear Resort

Windsong Lodge

DATES & PRICES


Aug- 13 - 26, 2021

Aug 13 - 26, 2022

AUD$ 10,275

AUD$ 10,275

Lands End Resort

Sheep Mountain Lodge

AUD$ 2,245

AUD$ 2,245



Walkabout

STAYS



Your

French

home

away from

home.

Feel like a local

in the heart of

Provence.

OUR

HOMES

Béatrice

• 2 guests

• Bed type : 1 queen

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Large terrace

• Free Wifi

RESIDENCE SAINT MARY

In Forcalquier, our hometown in Provence,

we have 4 apartments for holiday rental.

The apartments have either one or two

bedrooms with separate kitchen, lounge

and bathroom. Three of the apartments

can be connected into a four/five bedroom

house - perfect for a large family or a group

of friends. They have modern conveniences

and have been decorated in the Provencal

style. Three of the apartments have

terraces, one of them with lovely views of

our garden and citadel hilltop park. They

are all located in one of the nicest streets

in the old town, rue Saint Mary - a charming,

cobblestoned street, leading up to a

hilltop park. One of the unique aspects of

the location is the fact that rue Saint Mary

is a cul-de-sac; and extremely quiet with

no traffic noise. However, the main square

with its lovely cafes and restaurants is just

around the corner. It is certainly convenient

to be able to wander down in the

evening, have a lovely meal with a bottle

of wine and not have to worry about who

is driving! On top of the hill, overlooking

the old town is a 19th century chapel set

in a wooded cemetery, marking the site of

the former citadel. In the past, Forcalquier

was a favourite residence of the counts of

Provence and an internationally renowned

cultural, political and economic centre. Today,

Forcalquier hosts one of the liveliest

and most colourful markets in the region.

Here you will find all the produce of the

season: lavender, honey stalls and artists

selling their wares. Wander through the

restored old town with its narrow streets,

basking in the middle of rolling luxuriant

scenery and discover the many interesting

nearby sites like the Verdon Gorge or

the picturesque villages in the famous Luberon

Valley.

Eleonor

• 4 guests

• Bed type : 1 queen

• Bed type : 1 sofa bed


• Courtyard

• Free Wifi

Sancie

• 4 guests

• Bed type : 1 king or 1 twin

• Bed type : 1 double


• Terrace

• Free Wifi

Blanche

• 2 guests

• Bed type : 1 double


• Rooftop terrace

• Balcony

• Free Wifi



WALKABOUT GOURMET ADVENTURES PTY. LTD.

Worldwide Walking Holidays since 1986

AUSTRALIA

P.O. Box 4718 North Rocks. N.S.W. 2151

Tel: +61(0)2 9871 5526

info@walkaboutgourmet.com

ABN: 63131608896 DUNS 75-926-5171

EUROPE

8 Rue Saint Mary, 04300, Forcalquier, France

Tel: +33 (0)6 8738 3837

contact@walkaboutgourmet.com

SIREN 429 474554 DUNS 39-299-1191

WALKABOUTGOURMET.COM

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Walkabout Gourmet Adventures | 2021-2022 Brochure

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