Wayfarers Walks Across New Paths In 2009

83 Walking Holidays in 17 Countries

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. October 14, 2008

NEWPORT, RI, October 7, 2008. Tapping its singular blend of passion and experience, The Wayfarers launches its 26th season with an ambitious, large-scale program featuring more new Walks than ever. Eight new itineraries, representing a total of 16 new Walks across diverse locations ranging from Alaska to India, highlight the 2009 Walk Schedule. Hand-crafted by The Wayfarers' own Walk leaders and reflecting an incomparable depth of experience and passion, the Walks include both favorite regions and new, awe-inspiring destinations in which travelers can immerse themselves in a culture's history, cuisine and people. The Wayfarers' Walks are all-inclusive and guaranteed in U.S. dollars.

Highlights in The Wayfarers' 2009 schedule include the nine-day Greece: Sparta & the Peloponnese and Alaska Walks; the Bront"e Trail, a six-day exploration of one of England's most evocative literary landscapes; India: The Glories of Rajasthan, an enlightening 14-day trip revealing India's spiritual and historical richness; and Venice & The Veneto, a seven-day study of Venice and the architect Palladio. The Wayfarers 2009 schedules also feature two women-only Walks in England and Italy and such favorites as Innsbruck to Salzburg, The Loire - River of Kings and Tuscany & Umbria. A new 7th Annual Founders' Walk, led by The Wayfarers' founders Michael West and Christopher Hague, traces a seven-day path across Northern Ireland, ending in Belfast.

The Wayfarers 2009 schedule features 83 diverse Walks through 17 countries, including England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, South Africa, India, New Zealand and the United States. Walks are priced from US$2595* per person, and range from five to 13 nights, with varying levels of difficulty.

Passion, in-depth knowledge and a commitment to supporting and embracing the destinations in which it plans Walks are at work in each itinerary. Expertly designed by a team of professionals deeply committed to walkers' enjoyment every step of the way, a Wayfarers Walk is in harmony with the environment. Foot power is supplemented by a variety of local transportation, ranging from steam trains to cable cars, from coastal launches to gondolas; and a support vehicle provides shuttle service and rest when needed, also taking the burden of bags and supplies. The Wayfarers guests stay in charming locally owned inns and hotels with first-class facilities and service and dine in restaurants serving locally grown food.

India: The Glories of Rajasthan - New!

The land of warring Moghul emperors and great Rajput princes comes to life on The Wayfarers' new Glories of Rajasthan, a 14-day trip that captures the essence of Old India and reveals the country's spiritual richness. In addition to visiting well-known monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort, travelers will stray from the usual trail to see the magical 16th-century Kumbalgahr Fort and the luminous Jain temple at Ranakpur.

Offered November 8-21.

Greece: Sparta & the Peloponnese - New!

The Wayfarers' co-founder Chris Hague leads Sparta & the Peloponnese, a new nine-day walk through the unspoiled Peloponnese area of Greece. Highlights include a visit to a 2000-year-old Mycenaean tomb accessible only with an ancient key. From arid mountains and lush green citrus orchards to sparkling blue seascapes, the Walk uncovers the country's striking natural beauty.

Offered May 24-June 1 & September 27-October 5.

England: In Search of the Bront"es - New!

For lovers of 19th-century English literature, The Wayfarers' new In Search of the Bront"es Walk is an in-depth six-day walk through Britain's most beloved literary landscape. Highlights include excursions to Top Withens Farm (setting of Wuthering Heights), Northleaze House (a setting from Jane Eyre) and Haddon Hall. Offered June 14-19, July 26-31(Women only), and September 6-11. Priced $3,695 per person.

Northern Ireland: 2009 Founders' Walk - New!

The 7th Annual Founders' Walk embraces the beauty and history of newly prosperous and peaceful Northern Ireland. This new seven-day Walk explores the majestic coastline with long stretches of sandy beach and the remarkable Giant's Causeway to the Nine Glens of Antrim, where carpets of wildflowers, mountainous gorges and stunning waterfalls showcase the beauty of the Emerald Isle. The trip concludes with a visit to historic Belfast.

Offered June 7-13 & September 6-12.

France & Spain: Le Pays Basque - New!

The Basque Country's strong cultural identity is evident on Le Pays Basque, a new seven-day Walk along the storied region that spans the border between France and Spain and hugs the Atlantic coastline. Walkers will have an opportunity to explore the area's busy harbors and picturesque villages and meet the Basque people who speak Europe's oldest living language.

Offered June 7-13 & September 20-26.

Italy: Venice & The Veneto - New!

The new seven-day Venice & The Veneto Walk explores Venice through the eyes of one of its most famous architects, Palladio. Inspired by the 500th-anniversary of his birth, this Walk visits many of Palladio's greatest buildings and reveals the wealth and opulent lifestyle of the Venetians. Walkers will get off the beaten tourist track on a private boat excursion to a lesser-traveled part of Venice. Offered July 5-11, September 13-19 & September 27 - October 3 (Women only).

Slovakia: Toward The Tatras - New!

The complex, fascinating heritage of Slovakia is explored on Toward The Tatras, a challenging new eight-day Walk. Walkers gain a deeper understanding of the country's recent history while working their way through the rugged, mountainous landscape. Excursions include visits to some of the country's many thermal spas, the local "koliba" (traditional wooden houses where meat is served on a grill) and a taste of Slovakia's fine beer and wine.

Offered August 9-16.

United States: Alaska - New!

For adventurers who seek to experience Alaska in a way that can't be gleaned from the inside of a tour bus or solely by sea, The Wayfarers' nine-day Alaska Walk is an ideal introduction to the 49th state. Walkers will experience the wilderness, weather and wildlife of Alaska firsthand as they set off on foot along Alaskan trails well-lit by up to 22 hours of daylight.

Offered June 21-29 & August 23-31.

Walks range from 5-12 days and are rated easy to challenging, with distances of 4-5 miles, 6-10 miles or 12-15 miles per day. www.thewayfarers.com 800- 249-4620.