PAINTING WALKING SINGING HOLIDAYS

Transcription

PAINTING WALKING SINGING HOLIDAYS
Channel Islands Italy France Spain Portugal Malta Montenegro Romania Bulgaria Morocco India Sri Lanka
Dear Adventurer,
OUR UNIQUE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
It’s been 17 years since I first took a group of
walkers to Spain to share with them the special
places I’d found – we sat in the shade and ate
grapes picked from the vines above our heads.
Since then the company has grown beyond my
expectations, and it’s that unquantifiable magic
that has remained at the heart of Authentic
Adventures – it’s at the heart of all our holidays.
I am happy to say that our painting holidays are more popular than
ever, our singing holidays sell out year upon year, and our walking
holidays continue to grow. Photography and cooking are under review
this year and we hope they will return in 2017. Your loyalty discount
will be held and is available on other holidays
Our business is founded on crucial elements such as small groups,
professional tutors and guides, wonderful locations, great customer
service and quality hotels, but it’s the added extras that make the
holidays really special – a 4 x 4 ride up in the mountains of
Montenegro, painting in a private garden in Amalfi, following the Walk
of the Gods overlooking the Bay of Naples, singing with local choirs in
Kerala or mixing colour palettes in rural France.
2
John Brough, September 2015
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I hope you can join one of our happy groups and enjoy an
enriching time with others who share your interests. With
destinations added every year, there is always something
new to tempt you… that’s why each year more than
half of our guests have travelled with us before.
What’s special
about Authentic
Adventures?
Our goal is to give our guests a real
adventure while they immerse
themselves in their chosen interest
alongside like-minded people.
We spend weeks discovering and
preparing new regions, seeking out the
best hotels, locations and local experts
who become our tour managers.
Over the years, we have joined in
festivities from ferias to weddings and
eaten meals in private houses from Italy
to India. These magical moments can’t
always be timetabled but thanks to our
very special local staff and their friends
something memorable usually happens.
National Parks
and Responsible Tourism
Responsible Tourism is very fashionable
today. We are proud to have always
been committed to giving more to the
places we visit than we take. We have
worked closely with National Parks,
respected their guidelines, helped with
their translations and where possible we
use locally-owned hotels, restaurants
and coaches. Our guides reflect these
values and, by way of example, several are
involved in organic small holdings.
Leaders and tutors
All of our people are hugely experienced,
not only in their particular discipline, but
also as group leaders across a wide range
of abilities. They are chosen for their love
of teaching, sense of humour and ability
to remain calm.
Local guides and tour managers
You will be led by one of our local walking
guides or assisted by one of our local tour
managers. They will not only ensure the
smooth-running of the holiday, but make
you feel safe and relaxed allowing you to
truly immerse yourself in the life, culture,
history, flora and fauna of the region.
No hidden costs
We do our very best to make clear on each
holiday what is included. All transport,
ferries and entry fees are always included,
while dinner with wine and a picnic lunch
are usually included. See holiday
itineraries for exactly what’s included.
Authentic food and wine
The different countries we visit offer wide
ranges of local specialities. We specifically
request dishes that are both local to the
region and in season. Wherever possible,
wines are from local vineyards.
Mixing activities
Many friends and couples find it hard to
share holidays due to their differing
interests and objectives. We regularly offer
painting and walking holidays at the same
time and location. Many groups of friends
come with us to new destinations year
after year to share these weeks.
we visit and it’s very easy for you to
enjoy these as an extension to your
holiday. If you would like some help with
choosing a hotel, we’re here to help.
Travelling alone
Our holidays are perfect for anyone
travelling alone and, over the years, many
great friendships have been formed. You
are sure to enjoy the bond created by the
sharing of common interests. Many of our
holidays are single-supplement free and
70% of our guests are single travellers.
Special diets
Once our leaders and tutors are made
aware of any special dietary needs, they
will always do their very best to ensure
these are met.
Loyalty discount
We value your continued loyalty. Our new
discount scheme gives returning guests up
to 15% off each holiday. See page 54 for
details.
Non-participating partners
You are very welcome to join us and,
increasingly, partners and friends come to
enjoy the locations and share in the
sociable evenings. Discounts are always
available and are detailed on each
itinerary page.
Special requests
With leaders like ours you will be able to
request almost anything. Certainly
anniversary flowers, early morning taxis to
watch the dawn, recommendations for a
day on your own, bike hire or horse rides
are all part of a day in the life of an AA
tour manager.
Staying a bit longer
There are some great cities in the regions
Choosing your holiday
Our office staff know all the leaders and
tutors and are familiar with our
destinations. They can help you find the
holiday that best meets your needs and
interests.
Continued improvement
We always strive not only to develop
new holidays and destinations but to
continually improve them as they evolve.
We are very grateful to all our guests
who are kind enough to contact us,
whether by phone, letter or email, with
suggestions of how we can make our
holidays even better and where we
might go in the future.
“ This holiday brought together
the two things I love best – a
great teacher and travelling to
new places. I will be
recommending Authentic
Adventures to all my friends.”
PAINTING HOLIDAYS
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PAINTING – AN INTRODUCTION
UNITED KINGDOM
Channel Islands • Jersey
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FRANCE
NEW
Gascony • Lectoure
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ITALY
Campania • Amalfi
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NEW
Campania • Ischia
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Tuscany • Val d’Orcia
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Liguria • Cinque Terre
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Abruzzo • Civitella Alfedena
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SPAIN
Andalucia • Aracena
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Canary Islands • La Gomera
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PORTUGAL
Madeira • Serra de Aqua
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MALTA
Gozo • Xlendi
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ROMANIA
Bucovina and Transylvania
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MONTENEGRO
NEW 17
Bay of Kotor • Kotor
MOROCCO
Atlas mountains and Marrakech
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INDIA
Kerala • Backwaters and Highlands
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PAINTING WORKSHOPS
21-28
PAINTING TUTORS
WALKING HOLIDAYS
WALKING – AN INTRODUCTION
ITALY
Liguria • Cinque Terre
Campania • Amalfi
Campania • Ischia
Tuscany • Val d’Orcia
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NEW
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Veneto • Dolomites
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Abruzzo • Civitella Alfedena
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SPAIN
Canary Islands • La Gomera
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Andalucia • Aracena
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MALTA
Gozo • Xlendi
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PORTUGAL
Madeira • Serra de Aqua
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BULGARIA
Razlog • Bankso
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ROMANIA
Transylvania • Bran & Saxon Villages
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MONTENEGRO
NEW 42
Bay of Kotor • Kotor
WALKING GUIDES
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SINGING HOLIDAYS
SINGING – AN INTRODUCTION
SPAIN
Andalucia • Aracena – natural voice NEW
MALTA
Gozo • Xlendi – natural voice
MONTENEGRO
Bay of Kotor • Kotor – natural voice NEW
BULGARIA
Razlog • Banya – natural voice
SRI LANKA
Elephant Island Tour – natural voice
FRANCE
Gascony • Lectoure – show songs NEW
SPAIN
NEW
Andalucia • Malaga – choral
SINGING LEADERS
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OUR UNIQUE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
INDEX
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GENERAL INFORMATION
TRAVEL, BOOKINGS & BONDING
COMPLETE HOLIDAY CALENDAR
54
55
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PAINTING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
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PAINTING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
Come and join us on a
colourful painting holiday
People come on our painting
holidays for a relaxed and enjoyable
artistic adventure. Many return year
after year to seek out new subjects
and new locations. In 2016 we are
pleased to offer two new locations –
Montenegro, with stunning Venetian
architecture and watery reflections,
and Ischia, ‘the green island’ across
the water from Naples. Take time to
browse our collection of diverse
locations, from the nearby Channel
Islands to distant India.
Our tutors are crucial to the success
of our holidays. As always, we hand
pick our tutors for their
professionalism, teaching experience
and sense of humour. This year we
welcome four new artists to our
team: Sarah Gillard, Angela Corben,
Rob Collins and Susanna Bailey – all
have a wealth of experience and
enthusiasm.
There is plenty of individual tuition
for budding and accomplished artists
alike, and an end-of-week informal
‘exhibition’ – with a glass or two of
local fizz.
Our tutors
All our tutors are professional painters,
working in a range of media. More
importantly they are friendly, patient and
encouraging in helping you develop your
techniques, whatever your level of
experience. They are totally committed,
teaching for 6-8 hours per day with free
time in the afternoons, although you may
take as many breaks as you wish.
To enable you to assess our tutors and
decide who might suit you, we include
several examples of their work (pages 2128). If you want to talk to a specific tutor
before booking, we are happy to give you
their contact details. In any case your tutor
will be in touch with you before the holiday.
Group sizes
Our groups average nine but do vary.
Selecting your holiday
Not only do our tutors offer different styles,
but the regions provide very different
landscapes. If you feel that you need to
know more about the locations, our office
staff are here to help and our tutors can be
contacted by phone.
NOTE: Some locations are hilly or involve
boat trips, so please check the painting
conditions on the itinerary pages and if in
doubt call the office.
How the holiday works
Before departure your tutor will phone to
ensure that they are fully aware of your
hopes, aspirations and any concerns you
may have.
To ensure you experience the region to the
full we travel to different locations on most
days. We include demonstrations, one-toone tuition, reviews and an informal
end-of-week exhibition. Some painters
prefer to operate independently of our
tutors, just enjoying the social and
organisational aspects of the holiday.
What if it rains?
Rain is rare in our locations and we choose
the dates carefully. However should it arrive,
we have excellent facilities for working
indoors. Don’t forget that rain and its
aftermath can offer some of the most
inspiring skies and landscapes to the artist.
Local support staff
Our local tour managers with their in-depth
local knowledge are with our groups
throughout the day. By liaising with the
hotel, driving minibuses and helping guests,
tutors are left to concentrate on tutoring.
Their local knowledge enables us to find
unique locations, excellent restaurants and
colourful local events.
Non-painting partners
Increasingly, partners and friends come to
available and are detailed on each holiday
itinerary page.
Equipment
We supply chairs and boards in almost all
locations. We send all guests tutor-specific
equipment lists.
This was the best holiday I have been
on. Beautiful locations and excellent
teaching. Many thanks
Eleanor Symons – Painting in Madeira
Bays and Boats
around St Brelades
4 full days of painting tuition
5 nights in en-suite accommodation
5 dinners
Personal welcome at Jersey airport or
port/ferry terminal
◆ All transfers and transport
◆ Visits all included
◆ Chairs and boards provided
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Picturesque harbours, multicoloured boats and shimmering
puddled beaches as the tide ebbs,
contrast with verdant valleys, farms
and vineyards. Rich in history with a
fascinating Anglo-French culture,
Jersey is a small island and all our
locations are close at hand
DATES AND PRICES
Date
A typical itinerary
Arrival Day
Guests are met from either the airport or
ferry terminal and taken to our hotel. The
afternoon and evening will be spent
exploring and sketching our local bay.
Gorey Castle
From its historic battlements built to defend
Jersey there is an outstanding view of the
bay, the coast and the village, with its
narrow streets nestling below. There is also
an option to explore the castle.
Corbiere
This most westerly point has inspiring views
of rugged rocks and turbulent seas. The
lighthouse high on its island stands as a
reminder of wrecks and storms.
Rozel
This small sheltered north-facing harbour
nestles within the arms of the bay, Rozel
woods at our backs. It is one Jersey's most
picturesque bays.
Tutor
Exc
01 Oct
Angela Corben
£1,099
06 Oct
Angela Corben
£1,099
Single occupancy of double room
£150
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly gently sloping locations within 200
metres of transport. Some sand.
St Brelade's Bay
On the doorstep of our hotel the expanse of
the bay beckons. From our vantage point by
the ancient fishermens’ chapel, perched
high on the headland we view the
glistening tidal flats and turning tide.
Departure day
Guests will be transferred to either the
airport or port to suit their travel plans.
OPTIONS FOR PARTNERS
Non-activity discount
£110
Where we stay
St Brelade's Bay Hotel is a special location.
Set in five acres of stunning gardens and
overlooking one of the most beautiful
beaches in the Channel Islands, it’s a 4-star
hotel with luxury accommodation, delicious
food and excellent service. An indoor pool, a
spa and steam room, makes it the perfect
place to relax when not painting. Enjoy the
facilities, the peace and quiet and wonderful
views. Sea view room upgrades are
sometimes available for a supplement.
Airport transfer time 15 minutes.
THE CHANNEL ISLANDS • JERSEY • ST BRELADE’S BAY
WHAT’S INCLUDED
THE CHANNEL ISLANDS • JERSEY • ST BRELADE’S BAY
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FRANCE • GASCONY • LECTOURE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The greens and golds
of Gascony
7 breakfasts and 5 lunches
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Toulouse airport
Air-conditioned minibus available at all
times
◆ Service of full-time tour manager
◆ Visit to vineyard with wine / Armagnac
tasting
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From the pretty hilltop cathedral
town of Lectoure, the landscape of
the Gers falls away – rich in both
history and agriculture and famed
for its Armagnacs. Fortified hamlets
and grand chateaus dot the
landscape while the fields create
perfect patterns for our painters
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive in Lectoure with time to explore
the town and gaze out across the Gers.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Exc
A day on home ground
A relaxing day in the gardens of this elegant
hotel with it’s classic architecture.
with a tasting of course! Lush green vines,
delightful gardens and panoramic views
across the estate.
La Romieu and the hill top villages
This nearby, magical village provides a
breadth of subjects – the arched square, the
church cloisters, a Unesco World Heritage
site, narrow cobbled streets, cafes and many
feline sculptures.
Market day in Lectoure
The market fills the main street with a
plethora of sketching scenes. Later we work
up our sketches in the calm of the hotel.
Stone and grassy tracks. All locations are
within 400 metres of transport.
Departure
We depart early for Toulouse airport.
The Castelnau des Fieumarcon
A fabulous day in the calm gardens of this
privately owned fortified village with
elevated views across the rolling hills. Pretty
cottages and gardens full of fresh figs,
rosemary and fruit trees. The views are out
of this world.
Free day
Explore lovely Lectoure, relax at the hotel,
visit the thermal spa or take a balloon flight.
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Tutor
12 Sep
Brian
£1,599
19 Sep
Brian
£1,599
£210
Travel arrangements
page 54
The Domaine d’Arton
A lovely day in the grounds and gardens of
this famous wine and Armagnac producer –
UNDERFOOT
£250
Where we stay
Hotel de Bastard is a pretty, converted
mansion in the centre of Lectoure. It’s a
traditional stone property, with tall
windows with balconies, shutters, parquet
flooring and an ambience of tradition and
luxury. There is a swimming pool and a
lovely, shaded courtyard garden where you
can relax. There is a brasserie and bar in
the hotel and there are lovely views across
the rolling Gascon hills beyond.
Airport transfer time 1½ hrs.
Colours, cliffs and Capri
This magical coast is a dream and
we’ve found some superb secret
spots from which to paint. The peace
of a private garden contrasts with the
pace of Pompeii and the hidden gem
of the ‘fiord’ beneath our hotel
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
A short transfer takes us to Furore in time
for a quick explore before dinner.
Villa Tenuta La Picola
We spend our first day in a delightful
private garden just 10 minutes from our
hotel and famed for its picnic!
Painting Pompeii
Pompeii is a unique location. As well as the
amazing ruins and roads, exceptional
frescoes are found throughout the city.
Picture perfect Positano
Positano is possibly the most beautiful
town on the Amalfi Coast, filled with
brightly painted houses, cafes and
colourful boats on the sparkling
Mediterranean. If ever there was a
painting-perfect town this is it!
Free day
Pop down to the sea or enjoy a boat ride
from Sorrento to the island of Capri with its
Roman ruins, and stone-paved lanes – a
Mediterranean retreat which is surely one
of the most beautiful in the world.
The ancient paper makers
Amalfi is a picturesque waterfront town
long appreciated for its relaxed
atmosphere. It is dominated by aristocratic
houses, bell towers and churches of great
artistic value. Later we visit a 13th century
paper mill before stopping by a limoncello
maker to observe and taste!
Revealing Ravello
We spend the day capturing the cafe
scenes and buildings around the square.
Good shopping and an early return for our
show.
Departure day
We depart early for Naples airport.
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6 dinners with wine
Full time tour manager
Personal welcome at Naples airport
Limoncello and local cheese tasting
Visit ancient city of Pompeii
Visit the Museum of Paper in Amalfi
Chairs and boards provided
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
20 May
David
£1,599
02 Sep
Angela
£1,599
23 Sep
Susanna
£1,599
£133
Travel arrangements
page 54
ITALY • CAMPANIA • AMALFI
WHAT’S INCLUDED
UNDERFOOT
Paths and pavements, sometimes steep
23 Sep Walking
£250
£1,399
Where we stay
The family-run Hotel Bacco sits
high above the sea, surrounded
by vineyards. There are
breathtaking views of the
Amalfi Coast and individually
designed rooms looking out
onto the gardens or coast.
It’s known for its gourmet
restaurant and romantic terrace.
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AITALY • CAMPANIA • ISCHIA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITALY • CAMPANIA • ISCHIA
Wineries and waterfronts
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There’s a dreamy quality to islands
and Ischia more than fulfils that
dream. The coastal scenes are
charming but we’ve added a couple
of special, off the beaten track,
locations. You’ll be captivated by the
waterfront colours and the famed
island and Aragonese castle.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
06 May
Susanna
£1,549
£133
Travel arrangements
page 54
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Arriving in Naples you will be met and
transferred to the port, where a fifty minute
ferry crossing takes you to Ischia.
Forio town
Just outside our hotel is the pretty little
town of Forio with its busy streets, cafe
scenes and harbour. A lovely first day.
UNDERFOOT
Sant Angelo
On the south of Ischia lies the island
promontory of St. Angelo. Fabulous
maritime scenes, boats and a pretty village
climbing up the hill from the port.
Free day
Enjoy a gentle day in Forio or take the ferry
to the nearby island of Procida or Naples.
Wine and gardens
A morning in a tiny winery full of history and
lovely intimate little scenes. Here we’ll enjoy
a lunch followed by a trip to the Mortella
Gardens created by Susanna and Sir William
Walton. Lovely dappled light.
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6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Naples airport
Visits to Ischia Ponte and Sant Angelo
Visit winery and wine tasting
All transfers including ferry
Local tour manager
Capturing the castle
We spend the day in Ischia Ponte catching
the morning light on the waterfront
buildings before turning around to capture
the famous Castello Aragonese as the
afternoon sun falls upon it.
Back to base
Our last day is spent in Forio before
preparing for our final exhibition and
celebration of the week.
Departure day
metres of transport.
£250
Where we stay
Hotel Villa Mafalda is a family run, two
star hotel situated in the heart of Forio
– a great place to see the gorgeous
sunset in Ischia. The hotel is only a few
steps away from cafes, shops and a
pretty beach. You will receive a very
warm welcome from the family and
enjoy simple and delicious local
cuisine.
Airport transfer time 2 hrs.
(actual time on minibus and ferry)
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5 lunches and 6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Rome airport
Visits to Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and
Montecchiello
Visit vineyard and wine tasting
All transfers and transport
Free use of spa facilities
Local tour manager
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Bathed in burnt sienna
The iconic sun-baked Tuscan
landscape of rolling fertile
countryside, adorned with stately
cypress trees and punctuated by
picture-postcard hilltop medieval
villages, is an artist’s dream. Hot
springs, spa treatments and easy
access to Siena, one of Italy’s most
famous and beautiful Renaissance
towns, are added attractions
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive at our hotel in San Quirico D'Orcia
in time to relax and appreciate the views
before dinner.
Around our new home
We will spend the day walking and
sketching in and around San Quirico.
High and wide
Amid fertile, undulating farmland, a hilltop
farmhouse and chapel provide a typical
Tuscan vista; sheep graze below and the
spire of Pienza punctures the haze.
Vineyards galore
We wander among hilltop vineyards or olive
groves enjoying the hospitality of the
owners. Our picnic is the fruits of their
labours, including famed Tuscan oils.
Departure day
We depart early for Rome airport.
Tutor
Exc
18 Jun
Susanna
£1,599
03 Sep
Rob
£1,599
£175
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
ITALY • TUSCANY • VAL D’ORCIA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
metres of transport. Some steep towns.
18 Jun
Walking
£250
£1,399
Hot springs and cool shade
The pretty village of Bagno Vignoni is set
around hot springs and ancient thermal
baths – perfect for a delightful Tuscan day.
Free day
Visit Siena, laze in the hotel gardens, relax
by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment.
Montecchiello
The narrow streets of this beautiful walled
village provide views at every turn, while
beyond, panoramas to Pienza beckon.
Where we stay
Hotel Casanova is our very comfortable
hotel just outside the walls of San Quirico
d’Orcia. It offers en suite rooms, poolside
views of countryside, peace and quiet and
a wide choice of typical Tuscan cuisine and
wines. The wonderful, newly refurbished
spa with pool, jacuzzi and sauna is free to
use and beauty treatments are available.
Airport transfer time 2¼ hrs.
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ITALY • LIGURIA • CINQUE TERRE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Between sea and sky
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The remote Cinque Terre has
inspired artists and poets for
centuries, and is little changed today,
with mountains that dive to the sea,
interspersed with tiny fishing
villages. There are still few roads so
we’ll let the train take the strain as
we explore the five settlements of
this UNESCO World Heritage Site
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Monterosso
Monterosso is famous for its beach, but its
eye-catching feature is the Monterosso
Giant, a 14m high sculpture of King
Neptune jutting out from the cliff face.
Exc
UNDERFOOT
Vernazza
This little picture-postcard fishing port is just
perfect painted from on high. We look down
on its small harbour with tiny beach, tightly
hugged by church and town. The castle
imposes its presence from above.
Corniglia
On top of a promontory, Corniglia is the most
rural of the Cinque Terre villages, surrounded
by vineyards and terraces, broadening both
our artistic horizons and our palette.
Free day
A chance to relax or visit Riomaggiore,
Portofino or Genoa by train.
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Tutor
21 May
Kevin
£1,549
No single room supplement
£555
Travel arrangements
page 54
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Our hotel, at Monterosso al Mare, is a short
hop from Pisa airport. There's time to enjoy
the view, swim or do some sketching.
7 nights in en suite accommodation
6 dinners with wine
Full-time tour manager
Personal welcome at Pisa airport
All transport in Italy including trains
Cheese, olive oil and wine tasting
Manarola
Here in the oldest of the Cinque Terre towns,
the cheerily painted, steeply terraced houses
have long provided inspiration to artists. No
doubt the result of the local Sciacchetra wine.
Monterrosso
We return to this magical village as there is
such an abundance of great painting
settings and opportunities.
Departure day
We leave early for Pisa airport.
All locations are within 400 metres of
transport (trains). Village streets are steep.
21 May Walking
£250
£1,399
Where we stay
Villa Adriana is a lovely hotel in
the heart of the village of
Monterosso Al Mare. There are
delightful shaded gardens with
tall palms, excellent local food,
attentive staff and an inviting
pool.
Please note: all transfers here
are by train so please bear this
in mind when packing!
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Communing with nature
High in the Apennines and home to
brown bear, lynx, chamois and wolf
lies the Abruzzo National Park, the
oldest in Italy. Here, we sketch in the
high meadows, alongside fast
flowing rivers, beside mountain
lakes in some of the many medieval
stone villages
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Rome airport
All air-conditioned transport
Good food sourced from local farms
Rich wildlife including bear and wolf
Wild flowers, including 42 orchid species
DATES AND PRICES
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive in Civitella in time for a short walk
to explore by the lake and familiarise
ourselves with the area before dinner.
Down by the waterside
Just a few paces from the hotel, we paint
the view of the lake, with its stunning
mountain backdrop.
The doors of Barrea
We paint in the small, peaceful square,
beside the church. Our subjects are lovely
old doorways, an ancient water fountain
Tutor
Date
and the quaint little streets off the square
with their honey-coloured stone houses.
Oasis Del Lago
We paint beside the lake, under the
overhanging willows whose branches dip
low into the water. Surrounded by mountains
and a sprinkling of tiny villages, we watch
colourful boats bobbing on the lake.
Free day
Relax by the lake or visit Scanno,
immortalised by photographer Henri CartierBresson and, according to Edward Lear,
home to Italy's most beautiful women. We'll
let you decide!
Valle Fiorita, Pizzone
We spend the day high in the heart of the
National Park of Abruzzo. At the edge of an
ancient and beautiful wood and heathland,
cropped by the wandering wild ponies, we
paint surrounded by nature in all her glory!
Charming Civitella
A last morning in our home village before
returning to the hotel gardens for some
“finishing off” in time for our exhibition.
Departure day
We depart for Rome airport after an early
breakfast.
Exc
£1,249
Christine
11 Jun
£70
page 54
Travel arrangements
UNDERFOOT
Walking
11 Jun
£250
£999
ITALY • ABRUZZO • CIVITELLA ALFEDENA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Where we stay
Hotel Albergo La Torre is located
in the historical centre
of Civitella Alfedena. Converted
from an 18th century nobleman’s
palace, it’s a simple mountain
hotel with great mountain views
and is well known for its
cooking, in particular, the locally
sourced meats and cheeses and
homemade pasta.
11
SPAIN • ANDALUCIA • ARACENA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Balconies and bell towers
7 night's in en-suite accommodation
Personal welcome at Faro airport and
transfers
◆ Service of full-time tour manager
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The village of Alajar nestles beneath
a crag in a valley surrounded by
hillside groves of chestnut and cork
oak. Narrow, cobbled streets open
onto charming squares of stone
houses and balconies ablaze with
geraniums
DATES AND PRICES
Date
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Leaving Faro we arrive in Alajar in time to
explore this pretty village before dinner.
Around Alajar
The village provides a host of subjects, from
wrought iron balconies and ancient
doorways, to elegant villas and ramshackle
old sheds.
Away from it all
A short trip takes us out to the beautiful
valley of San Bartolome where we sit
beneath the shade of an ancient oak to
paint the charming old hermitage. Set in
rolling pasture land we have only the cows
and the birds to keep us company.
Free day
A great chance to visit the capital city of
Andalucia, Seville, or the more easily
accessible regional centre of Aracena.
Head in the clouds
The dramatic Peña de Arias Montano,
perched above Alajar, provides us with
12 lovely rooftop views.
Tutor
04 Jun
Kevin
11 Jun
Kevin
Posada de San Marcos upgrade
Single use of double room
Travel arrangements
Exc
£1,499
£1,499
£120
£85
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Stony tracks and paths
Life in a sleepy hamlet
A couple of miles from Alajar lies the quaint
little hamlet of Los Madroñeros. Passing
walled vegetable gardens and black pigs
rooting amongst the cork oaks, it is
arguably the prettiest hamlet in the region.
Where we stay
We use two hotels – Posada de
Alajar and Posada de San Marcos.
Both are authentic, in the heart of
the village and are three minutes
apart. San Marcos is our base for
meals, pool and gardens. Our prices
are based on Posada de Alajar for
which there is no single
supplement. Let us know if you
want to upgrade to the San Marcos.
Down to earth
Back in Alajar for our final day and a chance
to revisit old haunts or rework paintings
from earlier in the week.
Departure day
We depart early for Faro airport.
£250
Posada de San Marcos garden
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Red earth
An unusual sculpted landscape of red soil,
trees and the ever-present sea. Later, we
stop in the tiny hamlet of Caseria des
Epenias where pink and white houses and
palms create a charming subject.
Free day
Read by the pool, swim in the sea, take a
whale watching trip, wander around the
shops or people watch in a cafe.
The woods of Las Hayas
The ancient woodland is not to be missed
with twisted laurel, lichen, hanging mosses
and light flickering through the canopy.
Gorgeous Gomera
The island has a unique geology,
flora and terrain, prickly pear and
waving palms, ancient woodland,
distant islands and light-filled
terraces. Relax in the evenings with
local music on the beach
Ancient Agullo
This old village still retains stone houses and
small allotments. A peaceful place to sit,
paint and relax with a lovely little authentic
restaurant for lunch.
Back on the seafront
We spend the morning in the little harbour
of Gran Rey where small boats bob about
and the occasional fisherman returns. After
lunch, we return to the scenes outside our
hotel and a final sunset.
Departure day
After breakfast, we will take a short ferry
ride back to Tenerife airport.
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Tenerife airport,
ferry and transfers to La Gomera
◆ All air-conditioned transport
◆ Visits to local towns and villages
◆ Traditional, local cuisine
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DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
28 Feb
David
£1,499
13 Nov
David
£1,499
£196
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Pavements and tracks. All locations are
within 400 metres of transport
£250
SPAIN • CANARY ISLANDS • LA GOMERA
Where we stay
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
After a one-hour boat ride to La Gomera,
we'll arrive in time to enjoy the views and
go for a swim before supper.
Around Arure
High up lies the sleepy village of Arure with
its old farmsteads, palms and terraces. We
stop at a viewpoint of the magnificent valley
below, the sea and distant islands.
Hotel Playa Calera is in a
stunning beachside location in
the village of Gran Rey and close
to the cafes of this quiet village.
A stylish hotel, with plenty of
facilities including a fabulous
rooftop swimming pool. You'll
enjoy strolling along the beach
from sunrise to sunset.
Actual time on minibus and
ferry transfers 2½ hrs.
13
PORTUGAL • MADEIRA • SERRA DE AQUA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Harbours, valleys and
villages in nature’s
paradise
A spectacular coastline, dramatic
sky-scraping mountain peaks, dense
evergreen valleys, abundant exotic
plant life and charming little villages
frozen in time. Visiting painters to
Madeira, Sir Winston Churchill
included, have been spellbound by
this wealth of creative inspiration
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive at the beautifully located Pousada
in time for a welcome drink and dinner.
The secret garden
Our first day is spent around the Pousada.
Stunning views from the terrace with trees,
wild flowers and spectacular mountains.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Camara de Lobos
This picturesque rocky harbour is adorned
with colourful fishing boats. Racks of salt
cod dry in the sunshine as fishermen repair
their boats and nets. Harbourside cafes with
parasols and palm trees – a favourite scene
of Winston Churchill.
Flowers and fruit in Funchal
Funchal for morning sketching in the very
colourful and bustling fruit, flower and fish
market. After lunch in a pavement
restaurant we enjoy more sketching and
painting – pavement cafes and restaurants,
old doorways and houses, church and fort.
Encumeada
Nearby Seixal with its small harbour
provides a range of excellent subjects
including rocks, crashing waves, steep cliffs
and headlands stepping back along the
coastline – dramatic and atmospheric.
Departure day
It’s a short trip to Funchal airport.
Free day
Visit Funchal and discover the old church
and the Tropical Gardens, or take the short
cable car to the Botanic Gardens.
14
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Funchal airport
Visit Sao Vicente
Cheese and wine tasting
Sao Vicente
This charming picture-postcard village
boasts a pretty church and cobbled streets
lined with dazzling whitewashed houses,
shops and cafes.
Tutor
Exc
14 Mar
Christine
£1,399
£175
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
14 Mar Walking
£250
£1,199
Where we stay
In a magnificent valley
setting amidst lush
vegetation, the Pousada dos
Vinhaticos offers superb
views and is a lovely
traditional place in which to
relax. The friendly staff serve
good local food and wine and
all rooms are en suite.
Airport transfer time
40 mins.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Calypso's Isle – sparkling
gem in the Med
6 dinners with wine
Wine and olive oil tasting
Traditional ftira bread-making
Personal welcome at Malta airport
and transfers to Gozo and ferry
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Malta’s prettier little sister, the tiny
island of Gozo, is a painter’s dream,
with spectacular sea cliffs and inlets,
a profusion of spring flowers, and
brightly painted Phoenician style
fishing boats. Other gems include its
citadel capital, Victoria, and the
Ggantija Temple – the oldest
freestanding structure on earth
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
A short hop from Malta airport to the ferry
then half an hour to Gozo in time for dinner.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Xlendi harbour and bay
Close to home we explore the harbour, the
nearby watchtower and the high sea cliffs.
Lunzjata Valley and chapel
Once the preserve of the Knights of St John,
we lunch and paint beside an ancient
chapel built into the cliffs, overlooking quiet
market gardens.
The Citadel and It-Tokk Market
A day in the hilltop capital, from where the
entire island skyline can be seen. Explore
and paint the colourful bustling market
square and basilica.
Free day
Relax, swim, enjoy a diving lesson, take an
island tour or a boat to Comino. Or cross
the water to Baroque Valletta.
Hondoq
A rocky inlet with a tiny sand beach, and
chapel, with views of Comino and the Blue
Lagoon. Perfect for a lunchtime swim.
Tutor
14 May
Sarah
Travel arrangements
Exc
£1,199
Azure Window and Inland Sea
High cliffs conceal the “Inland Sea” busy
with boats. The Azure Window, a
spectacular natural rock arch in the sea,
frames the blue Mediterranean.
Departure day
After breakfast, we take the ferry back to
Malta to catch our flights.
14 May Walking
page 54
UNDERFOOT
£250
£999
MALTA • THE ISLAND OF GOZO • XLENDI
Where we stay
Hotel San Andrea is a
traditional, small, family-run
hotel right on the waterfront at
Xlendi (‘shlen-dee’), a charming
little harbour set at the head of
a deep, calm inlet. You can step
out of the hotel and jump
straight into the sea! Sea
rooms are available at a small
supplement.
15
ROMANIA • BUCOVINA AND TRANSYLVANIA
ROMANIA •BUCOVINA AND TRANSYLVANIA
WHAT’S INCLUDED
A step back in time
Romania is home to one of the last
peasant civilizations in Europe. This
two-centre holiday gives us the
chance to see the painted churches
and villages of Bucovina and the
ancient ways of the Saxon villages in
rural Transylvania so admired and
supported by Prince Charles
A typical itinerary
Date
DATES AND PRICES
Arrival day
Transferring from Cluj, we arrive in the
village of Vama in time for dinner.
A green day
The beautiful fortified monastery of Sucevita
is dominated by the colour green and
nestles harmoniously in the rural landscape.
A day in the life of rural Bucovina
A day spent around a traditional Bucovinian
house and its productive gardens.
Light and land
A peaceful day among old farm buildings,
people, gentle hills and hayricks that stand
like an army guarding this secret land.
Transfer day
Heading for Transylvania we follow part of
Jonathan Harker’s fictional route towards
the legendary castle of Count Dracula.
A blue day
This monastery of Voronet – often known as
the “Sistine Chapel of the East”– features
an intense colour known as Voronet blue.
We spend the day in the magical setting of
the quiet courtyard surrounded by frescoes.
Sublime Sighisoara
A quiet day painting in this original
medieval town, a world heritage centre,
with its network of narrow streets and
closely aligned rows of colourful houses.
16
5 nights in en suite guest house
4 nights in en suite historic hotel
9 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Cluj airport
Visit to Voronet monastery
Visit to Viscri
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Living tradition
The beautiful village of Viscri and fortified
church immerses us in the 17th century,
with its cobbled streets, traditional houses
and still-practised rural ways.
Bucolic landscapes
A day in the quiet village of Copsa Mare –
village houses, farmland, hayricks and a visit
to the famed fortified church of Biertan.
Departure day
An early transfer to Cluj airport.
Tutor
Exc
17 Sep
Christine
£1,799
£235
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly rough paths, pavements and fields.
All locations within 400 metres of transport.
Some steep towns.
£250
Where we stay
Casa Calin is a lovely guest house,
endowed with comfort, charm and a
very caring family. You are surrounded
by forested mountains and meadows
and there is a great sense of peace.
Hotel Sighisoara, built in 1520, was
once a bishop’s house, and formerly
the City Hall. In the heart of the
citadel, this 3-star hotel is close to
cafes and shops.
Longest transfer time 4½ hrs
Venetian Reflections
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Venetian buildings on stone
waterfronts, remote mountain
villages, the extraordinary Lake
Vardar, Venetian churches on
shimmering islands and all with a
backdrop of white limestone
mountains. It’s wonderful.
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6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Dubrovnik airport
and transfers
Services of full-time tour manager
Boat trip on Lake Vardar
Boat trip to Gospa od Skrpjela
DATES AND PRICES
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Leaving Dubrovnik we arrive in Kotor in time
to explore the old streets before dinner.
Coastal Kotor
We capture the lovely lanes, squares,
churches and waterfront scenes of the
beautiful walled Venetian town of Kotor.
Perfect peace
Following the Vrmac peninsula we stop at
the pretty village of Stoliv before winding
our way inland to the peaceful old village of
Gornja Lastva with its small church, and
peaceful lanes shaded by Mulberry trees.
Lovely Lake Vardar
Climbing high into the mountains we reach
the unique Lake Vardar with its ancient
fishing customs. The waterfront and boats
make marvellous subjects and we enjoy a
relaxing trip on the lake.
Free day
A chance for further exploration of ancient
Kotor, some swimming, perhaps a little
shopping or an excursion to ancient Budva.
Remote Kraji Do
This village feels completely cut off from the
sea and in this peaceful spot we capture old
hayricks, cottages, barns and the small
church while surrounded by birdsong.
Picture perfect Perast
By boat to the magical island of Gospa od
Skrpjela where we paint the church with its
blue roof, the lovely jetty and views back
across the shimmering seas to Perast.
Departure day
We depart early for Dubrovnik airport.
Date
Tutor
Exc
01 May
Brian
£1,499
08 May
Brian
£1,499
10 Sep
David
£1,499
£240
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Pavements paths and stony tracks. All
subjects within 400 yards of our transport.
08 May Walking
£250
£1,299
MONTENEGRO • BAY OF KOTOR • KOTOR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Where we stay
Hotel Vardar in Kotor is a lovely, elegant
hotel situated in a charming square just off
the main piazza in the heart of the walled
town. The rooms are large with fabulous
bathrooms and the service is excellent. The
rooms have wifi, hair dryers, satellite TV
and safety deposit boxes. Breakfast can be
taken on the lovely shaded terrace looking
out over the square.
Airport transfer time 2 hrs. + time
Casataken at border crossing.
17
MOROCCO • ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND MARRAKECH
MOROCCO • ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND MARRAKECH
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Imnane images
Across a high pass we discover the village
of Achdirte in the beautiful Imnane valley.
Farmland, irrigation channels and women
washing clothes as loaded mules pass by.
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The Imlil valley
We follow the river from Imlil stopping at
the shaded cafe Mont Blanc with its view
across the river. Lunch in Ait Ali, a busy
village with an old water mill.
Remote Azzaden valley
Using 4x4s we cross a high pass and
descend to the remotest of villages where,
from a rooftop terrace, we sketch the daily
village scenes and enjoy a homemade
lunch. This really is an amazing adventure.
Ochres and aquamarines
Cherry orchards, walnut forests,
remote mountain villages, sparkling
waters and mules – a sense of peace
contrasts with the vibrancy, sounds
and colours of Marrakech
Transfer day
Leaving Imlil, we reach Marrakech by lunch
time. In the afternoon, we explore the souk
and capture the excitement of Djema el Fna
– the great square.
The Majorelle and Menara gardens
A fabulous morning spent in the Majorelle
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
06 Oct
Sarah
£1,399
£154
Travel arrangements
page 54
gardens – blues and yellows predominate
with cacti, bamboo and water features – a
calm oasis within the vibrant city. Later, we
settle in the Menara gardens with its huge
pond, pavilions and the distant Atlas peaks.
Departure day
There’s time for a little shopping before we
depart for the airport.
NOTE: Accompanied private tours,
without a tutor, are available at dates
to suit and for any size of group.
UNDERFOOT
Paths and pavements can be rough and
sometimes steep.
£250
Where we stay
We stay in Riad Jnane (5 nights) in the
village of Imlil, a lovely small hotel built by
our local walking guides. Rooms are a
good size in traditional Moroccan style
with private bathrooms and small
balconies. Breakfast is served on the lovely
roof terrace. In Marrakech we stay in the
very central Riad Kasbah 117 (2 nights).
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive in Imlil in time to enjoy the views
from the rooftop terrace before dinner.
Dappled light and distant peaks
Light filtering through the walnut trees,
passing mules and sparkling waters of the
irrigation canal and great sketching from an
upstairs cafe. Later, there’s a lovely shaded
18 spot with views of Toubkal peak.
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Personal welcome at Marrakech airport
4x4 excursion to remote village
NOTE: The Imlil hotel is 400-yards from the
road. There are 3 floors with no lifts.
Riad Jnane
Riad Jnane roof terrace
Maximum transfer time 1½ hrs.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Colours, canoes,
rivers and reflections
Kerala will invite you to use every
tube of colour you possess. Greens
will be prominent but be prepared
for flashes of pink, gold and blue in
kingfishers and saris. We have
deliberately scheduled time for you
to enjoy your painting and perhaps,
sometimes, take a moment to just sit
in the shade and drift
◆ 8 full days and 3 half-days of painting
tuition
◆ Return flights from Heathrow
◆ 13 nights full board en suite
accommodation in charming,
high-quality hotels
◆ Professional tutor throughout
◆ Full-time services of professional,
English-speaking tour manager
◆ Half-day boat trip on the Backwaters
◆ Visit to spice garden
Arrival day
Transfer from Cochin airport to our first
hotel in The Backwaters region.
The Backwaters – 4 nights
We spend three days capturing the varied
and colourful waterside locations. Full of
wonderful reflections and the chance to sit
quietly watching village life pass by.
Transfer – drive to Periyar.
Periyar Tiger Reserve – 3 nights
A day sitting amidst cardamon, pepper,
fenugreek and cinnamon in the spice
gardens and a free day with various options
including guided walks, visiting the most
fantastic bookshop, shopping or relaxing
around the hotel.
Transfer – drive to Munnar.
The Western Ghats – 3 nights
We stay in the hill station of Munnar. At
1,500 metres, this vibrant small town is set
amidst the lush, green tea gardens that
contour the landscape. Our painting
locations reflect the fresh greens of this teagrowing region.
Transfer – drive to Fort Cochin.
Fort Cochin – 3 nights
We stay on the ancient headland that
separates The Backwaters from the Indian
Ocean. This old European settlement and
the many wonderful buildings remind us of
its rich colonial past. A wonderful old
synagogue, fantastical Chinese fishing nets
and the burial place of Vasco da Gama are a
few of the facinating features. Good shops
for artefacts, antiques, jewellery or saris.
Departure day
We depart early for Cochin airport.
DATES AND PRICES
Date Tutor
Exc
Inc
12 Nov Susanna
£2,595 £2,995
£385
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
£400
Where we stay
Our four hotels offer authenticity,
quality, service and proximity to
our locations. We have
deliberately selected upmarket
hotels some of which are heritage
style and others much more
modern. They are all very
comfortable.
INDIA • KERALA • BACKWATERS AND HIGHLANDS
INDIA • KERALA • BACKWATERS AND HIGHLANDS
For full hotel listings, please see
our website.
Longest transfer time 7 hrs.
19
PAINTING AND DRAWING DAY WORKSHOPS
20
PAINTING AND DRAWING DAY WORKSHOPS
The fast track to creative success
Nothing will do more for your painting skills than quality time with a
professional tutor. We've asked our top experts to run a series of workshops
for our painting guests, each focusing on a different aspect of putting colour
to surface. Their skills and experience will give you the chance to learn a
wide range of techniques, tips and tricks of the trade in a short space of time.
New workshops are regularly added to our website. Here is a taster of some
of the courses we will be running...
Colour in the Cotswolds
Introductions to using gouache, painting
flowers and the joy of colour with Sarah
Gillard, a specialist in gouache, the ideal
medium for experimenting with colour. The
workshops will take place in the Stroud
area – her “happy place” for painting
fields of flowers in the Cotswolds.
See website for details
£105
New ways of seeing and
drawing in the Cotswolds
Painting Workshop Kelmscott
Manor, Gloucestershire
Private Tour & Workshop
Buscot Park, Oxfordshire
David Paskett will be sharing his skills in
the Art of Seeing, Measured Drawing and
iPad painting over several workshops
ranging from single days in Painswick to a
five-day break at Wick Court Farm in
Arlingham.
A day at the former retreat of William
Morris, father of the Arts & Crafts
Movement. Immerse yourself in the
beautiful house and gardens, and spend an
afternoon sketching inside or painting
outside in the pretty garden.
A private tour of The Faringdon
Collection with assistant curator Roger
Vlitos. The collection includes works by
Rembrandt, Reynolds, Rubens, Van Dyck
and Murillo. The afternoon will be spent
painting in the gardens.
See website for details
from £105
17 Oct 2015 Susanna Bailey
£105
18 Oct 2015 Susanna Bailey
£105
After a long association with
The Royal Opera House,
Christine left to follow her
passion for painting.
In addition to her solo
shows, she exhibits her work
in a number of prestigious
galleries, including The Mall
Galleries, with the Pastel
Society and the Society of
Women Artists.
Her work has featured in
books and publications.
She is devoted to teaching
and, with her infectious
enthusiasm, Christine gently
encourages and inspires her
students, from the complete
novice to the experienced
painter.
Primary media: Pastel,
watercolour, oil, drawing
and mixed media
MEET YOUR TUTORS – CHRISTINE RUSSELL
MEET YOUR TUTORS – CHRISTINE RUSSELL
21
MEET YOUR TUTORS – DAVID PASKETT
22
MEET YOUR TUTORS – DAVID PASKETT
David has followed careers in
both the musical and visual
arts since leaving art college,
working as a professional
painter for the last 30 years.
A past President of the Royal
Watercolour Society and an
inveterate traveller and author,
he constantly tries different
approaches to keep his own
painting fresh.
Generous with his knowledge,
David believes that it’s never
too late to start painting and
drawing and encourages
people to have a go – “when
you create, you have to risk
being bad.”
For David the act of looking
and seeing is more important
than the accumulation of
“painters’ tricks”.
Primary media:
Watercolour, acrylic, oil
pastel, Chinese ink, mixed
media and drawing
Brian is a full-time artist and
tutor. His work is sold
through numerous UK
galleries and has also been
purchased by Stephen Fry's
Kingdom series. He is
currently the official artist at
the Black Country Living
Museum.
An experienced tutor, it is his
innovative, free-flowing and
impressionistic style for
capturing atmosphere and
light that most appeals to
his students. He combines
this with a warm and
friendly approach with
personalised tuition and
demonstrations.
He is committed to inspiring
and improving the work of
all his students.
Primary media: Acrylic,
Gouache, Watercolour,
Pen & Wash, Pastel,
Mixed Media, Drawing
MEET YOUR TUTORS – BRIAN STEVENTON
MEET YOUR TUTORS – BRIAN STEVENTON
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MEET YOUR TUTORS – KEVIN DEAN
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MEET YOUR TUTORS – KEVIN DEAN
A graduate of The Royal
College of Art, Kevin has
illustrated numerous books,
designed textiles, ceramics
and also much of the marble
decoration at The Grand
Mosque in Abu Dhabi. A keen
traveller, his spontaneous
location paintings and
drawings are exhibted widely.
Kevin is a very experienced
and supportive tutor, with a
relaxed style and a good
sense of humour. He is happy
working with beginners or
more experienced artists. He
likes to encourage people to
make lots of quick, lively
studies, either as a way of
warming up or as satisfying
paintings and drawings in
their own right.
He brings a mono-printing
system along for those keen
to experiment.
Primary media:
Watercolour, mixed media,
and all forms of drawing
Inspired throughout her life by
colour, Sarah’s dream was
fulfilled when she joined the
Liberty Design Studio as a
colourist where she worked
for four years.
Sarah is drawn to colour for
its ability to excite surprise
and captivate, and her quest
for inspiration has led her to
Spain, Greece, Italy, France,
Croatia and beyond to
produce landscapes and bold
abstract paintings in gouache.
Her paintings have been
exhibited by the RWA, the
Bath Society of Artists and the
Thelma Hulbert Gallery,
published as greeting cards,
posters and limited-edition
prints and featured in Country
Living.
Primary media:
Gouache, sketching and
mixed media
MEET YOUR TUTORS – SARAH GILLARD
MEET YOUR TUTORS – SARAH GILLARD
25
MEET YOUR TUTORS – SUSANNA BAILEY
26
MEET YOUR TUTORS – SUSANNA BAILEY
Susanna Bailey first travelled
as an artist when she won the
Nancy Balfour Scholarship
during her post graduate
years at the Slade School.This
fuelled her love of drawing
and painting and has taken
her all over the world as a
tutor, and as a working artist.
Susanna is a colourist who
works in several media,
specialising in watercolour.
Charismatic, popular and fun,
she believes that careful
teaching covering sketching,
colour, composition, and the
best use of available
materials, will lead to real
confidence, and wonderful
paintings. Her approach is to
give a structured week
through demonstration, and
one-to-one tuition. She enjoys
sharing her love of art history.
Primary media:
Watercolour, pastel, acrylic,
oil and mixed media
Rob Collins has spent a
lifetime developing look and
put skills – the ability to see
what is in front of him and
put it down in paint. For 30
years he has exhibited at the
Francis Kyle Gallery in central
London. He has painted
extensively in France, Italy and
Spain as well as Saudi Arabia
and St. Lucia. In 1997 he took
part in Antony Gormley’s One
and Other project.
A great communicator, Rob’s
passion for the craft, history
of painting and excitement at
the visual world permeate his
teaching. “It is wonderful to
work with people to develop
their skills and share their
excitement when they realise
they too can produce images
others enjoy.”
Primary media:
Rob is happy to teach in
any medium
MEET YOUR TUTORS – ROB COLLINS
MEET YOUR TUTORS – ROB COLLINS
27
MEET YOUR TUTORS – ANGELA CORBEN
28
MEET YOUR TUTORS – ANGELA CORBEN
A love of the great outdoors,
and the beauty of nature
inspires Angela to paint on
location at every opportunity.
She is captivated by the
changing light and the
colours, scents and sounds of
nature,whether in the New
Forest, the South of France or
Andalucia.
Angela’s style is bold and
expressive, using an economy
of brushstrokes to capture the
atmosphere of the scene.
Exhibited widely, Angela
draws on her extensive
teaching experience, to
deliver structured tutorials
and live demonstrations, with
plenty of empathetic
guidance and practical tips,
tailored to fit each individual
to ensure confidence, and
exciting, memorable artwork.
Primary media:
Watercolour, pastel, acrylic,
oil and mixed media
Join us off the beaten track
Whichever scenery you enjoy, there
is an Authentic Adventure for you.
Our walking holidays follow rivers
and coastlines, traverse mountains,
hills, forests and lava plains and
weave through the fields of crops
that are the lifeblood of the regions.
Whether you enjoy a ramble or a
hike, our walking holidays are
graded from the leisurely walks to
the more strenuous, steeper terrain.
We’ve some new guides to introduce
this year. In Montenegro we have
found the wonderful Boris and I
have happy memories sitting in his
mountain garden drinking the local
mead and planning the routes.
Martina joins us in Italy and it was
she that shared some of the secrets
of her island home of Ischia, another
new location for us this year. Finally,
a blast from the past, we welcome
the return Peter Ott in Andalucia
where he has lived for nearly 20
years and whose market garden is
now thriving. He’ll be leading us
around his local villages and
through the chestnut and cork oak
woods once again.
Our guides
We use experienced local leaders. We
cannot emphasise enough the value of
being guided on walks designed by leaders
who live in the locality. Because of their love
of the regions, they are both enthusiastic
and knowledgeable and will share with you
the regional experiences that make our
holidays so special. Meet them on pages
43-44.
Your safety
Our leaders are first-aid qualified and carry
first-aid kits and mobile phones.
Group size
Our groups are typically between six and
twelve and therefore have little impact on
the locals and their environment.
What you need to take
We recommend that you wear walking
boots. You will also need a small day sack
for your food and water and although we
hate to mention it, waterproofs. Many
guests use walking poles especially when
descending. We send out an equipment list
with your booking confirmation but if you
have any queries about equipment, please
give us a call.
Selecting your holiday
Your choice will be based on the regions in
which you’re interested, the dates available
and the grade that suits you.
When selecting your grade it is worth
remembering that these holidays are far
more than a good walk. Walking within your
ability enables you to enjoy the whole
experience. If in doubt please phone us.
How the holiday works
We lead five full days of guided walks
during the week, several of which start from
the hotel. When required we take airconditioned coaches or public buses at the
start and finish of the walks. All associated
costs with this transport are met by us.
Non-walking partners
Increasingly, partners and friends come to
available and are detailed on each holiday
itinerary page.
WALKING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
WALKING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
Walking grades
Whether it’s a leisurely walk or something more strenuous, you’ll be out for most
of the day. + indicates either more ascent or more demanding terrain.
Grade Distance
Max. ascent
Locations
3
up to 9M/14km
1500ft/460m
Ischia, Tuscany, Aracena, Gozo,
Madeira, Bulgaria, Montenegro
3+
up to 9M/14km
2130ft/650m
Abruzzo, Amalfi, Romania,
Cinque Terre, La Gomera
4
up to 12M/19km 2500ft/760m
Dolomites
29
WHAT’S INCLUDED
◆ 5 full days of walking with professional
local guide
◆ 7 nights in en suite accommodation
◆ 7 breakfasts and 5 lunches
◆ 6 dinners with wine
◆ Personal welcome at Pisa airport
◆ Boat trip to Porto Venere
◆ Visit to Cappuccini monastery
◆ Visit to ancient sanctuaries
of Madonna di Reggio and Soviore
Discovering the Five Lands
Our week of spectacular walking on
the Italian Riviera leads us through
mountains that dive to the sea,
interspersed by tiny villages, once
home to fishermen’s refuges. The
remote Cinque Terre inspired
Shelley, Byron and others. Today,
there are still very few roads; only
paths and trains open up this
wonderful landscape
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Grade
Exc
21 May
Cristiano 3+
£1,399
£555
Travel arrangements
page 54
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Our hotel, at Monterosso, is a short hop
from Pisa airport. There's time to enjoy the
view, take a dip or head off and explore.
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony tracks and paths
The Lover's Path
A short train ride brings us to the famous
Via dell’Amore. We cross vineyards and
fields hanging between rugged mountains
and cerulean sea. We return home by train.
sanctuary, before descending to Monterosso
along an ancient pilgrims' path.
Costa del Semaforo
We’ll let the train take the strain – all the
way to Levanto. We pass a castle and follow
a picturesque ancient path, cut into the
edge of the cliff, enjoying panoramic views
along the way.
Porto Venere – Riomaggiore
We sail to Porto Venere for a town tour,
taking in its fine old churches and Genovese
castle. We follow the sea to Riomaggiore
and descend to the train station.
Pilgrims and Sanctuaries
A short train ride, then we climb to the
Madonna di Reggio Sanctuary. A woodland
30 walk brings us to a second ancient
Guide
Free day
A chance to relax and perhaps visit
Portofino or Genoa by train.
The Blue Trail
We follow the ancient Sentiero Azzuro path,
via terraced vineyards, olive groves and
fishing villages, to Vernazza. We return by
boat or train.
Departure day
After breakfast, we return to Pisa airport.
21 May Painting
£250
£1,549
Where we stay
Villa Adriana is a lovely hotel in
the heart of the village of
Monterosso Al Mare. There are
delightful shaded gardens with
tall palms, a lovely pool, excellent
local food and attentive staff.
Please note: all transfers here
are by train, so please bear this in
mind when packing!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Valley of watermills
Via the charming village of Pontone, we
follow the Torre dello Zirro ridge before
descending into the valley of the watermills,
with its ruins of ancient paper mills. The
path takes us deep into the valley, with lush
vegetation and waterfalls. Later, we visit a
13th century paper mill before stopping by
a limoncello maker to observe and taste!
Coast, contours and Capri
It makes an impression – it always
has done. Even back in 29 BC,
Emperor Augustus fell in love with,
and acquired, Capri. That’s the
Amalfi coast for you – perhaps it’s
standing hundreds of feet above the
blue-green Med, or walking through
olive groves in the lemon-infused air
Arrival day
A short transfer to our hotel in Furore leaves
time to explore before dinner.
The walk of the Gods
This amazing walk follows the contours of
the land and leads us through fields of
wildflowers, past ancient stone huts, and
across precipitous terraced hillsides
overlooking the sea. We end the day in
beautiful Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
Off to Amalfi
From the artists’ retreat of Ravello, we
descend via vineyards, lemon groves and
hamlets to the coast and Amalfi town. After
an ice-cream, we take the labyrinthine path
around the headland to Atrani.
Free day
Pop down to the sea or enjoy a boat ride
from Sorrento to the island of Capri with its
Roman ruins and stone-paved lanes – a
Mediterranean retreat which is surely one of
the most beautiful in the world.
A typical itinerary
Vesuvius and Pompeii
From high on Vesuvius we circle the crater
past lava flows and pumice fields to view
the Bay of Naples – one of the panoramic
wonders of the world. Later, we explore the
extraordinary site of Pompeii.
The ridge of Monte Tre Calli
Through vineyards and chestnut woods, we
climb the ridge of Monte Tre Calli, with its
wide vistas. Choose to continue the climb to
the Monte Sant'Angelo, or stop and enjoy
an extended picnic lunch. We descend via
the chapel of the Silent Virgin to our hotel.
Departure day
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Naples airport
◆ Walk the world famous Path of Gods
◆ Famous limoncello and cheese tasting
◆ Visit ancient Pompeii
◆ Visit the Museum of Paper in Amalfi
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Guide
Grade
Exc
23 Sep
Stefano
3+
£1,399
£133
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Stony tracks and paths, country and coastal
roads with steep drops.
23 Sep Painting
£250
£1,599
Where we stay
The family-run Hotel Bacco
sits high above the sea,
surrounded by vineyards.
There are breathtaking views of
the Amalfi Coast and
individually designed rooms
looking out onto the gardens or
coast. It’s known for its
gourmet restaurant and
romantic terrace.
31
WHAT’S INCLUDED
local guide
◆ 7 nights in en-suite accommodation
◆ Personal welcome at Naples airport
◆ Ferry transfers from Naples to Ischia
◆ All transfers and transport in airconditioned vehicles
◆ Visits to a botanical garden, a private
orchard, winery and wine-tasting
◆ Informal cooking class
◆ Swimming in the sea and thermal spa
◆ Famous limoncello tasting
Around the green island
The island of Ischia in the Bay of
Naples is known as the ‘green
island’, with mountains rising above
2000 feet. Famous for its almost
subtropical climate and thermal spas
it was popular with the Greeks and
Romans. The varied walks lead us
past medieval castles, cave
dwellings, vineyards, olive groves,
forests and beaches
DATES AND PRICES
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Arriving in Naples you will be met and
transferred to the port, where a fifty minute
ferry crossing takes you to Ischia.
Roman baths and Elephant Cave
A lovely coastal walk full of ancient
history – the Roman baths at Olmitello, and
the caves of Cavascura, where we swim in
the thermal water. From here, we take a
boat to the extraordinary rock formations of
the Elephant Cave and finish in the pretty
port of St. Angelo.
Forests and wild herbs
A delightful walk through Pelara, an area of
forests, Mediterranean scrub and wild herbs,
finishing in a bay of crystal clear, turquoise
water where we can swim or simply relax.
Free day
Enjoy a gentle day in Forio or take the ferry
32 to the nearby island of Procida or Naples.
Piano Liguori to St. Pancrazio
From Piano Liguori we walk to the headland
of St. Pancrazio with spectacular views and
hidden corners. Later we stop and visit the
famed Castello Aragonese .
Vineyards and viniculture
A walk through vineyards, lunching and
wine tasting at the winery. After a delicious
meal, we walk via ancient gateways, stone
houses and secret gardens to the Funno
orchard, where we pick the fruit for use later
at an informal cooking session at our hotel.
The Bay of Chiaia di San Francesco
From our hotel our walk leads to the Bay of
Chiaia di San Francesco with its pretty
waterfront. Via the old pilgrimage
destination of the forest of Zaro, we climb
Monte Epomeo, the island’s highest
mountain, enjoying spectacular views across
the Bay of Naples, ending in Lacco Ameno
where we enjoy a well-earned drink on a
terrace overlooking the sea.
Departure day
Date
Guide
Grade
Exc
17 Sep
Marianna 3
£1,349
£133
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Stony paths, tracks, sand and pavements
£250
Where we stay
Hotel Villa Mafalda is a family run, two
star hotel situated in the heart of Forio
– a great place to see the gorgeous
sunset in Ischia. The hotel is only a few
steps away from cafes, shops and a
pretty beach. You will receive a very
warm welcome from the family and
enjoy simple and delicious local
cuisine.
Airport transfer time 2 hrs
(actual time on minibus and ferry)
local guide
◆ 7 nights in en-suite accommodation
◆ 5 lunches and 6 dinners with wine
◆ All transfers and transport
◆ Free use of spa facilities
◆ Personal welcome at Rome airport
◆ Visits to Montepulciano, Pienza and
Montalcino
◆ Visit vineyard and wine tasting
◆ Gregorian Monks chanting in
Sant’Antimo Abbey
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Classic Tuscany
A gorgeous week of wandering
through vineyards, walking past
abbeys and zigzagging around
hillsides of the Val d’Orcia in the
heart of classic Tuscany
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Leaving Rome we arrive in medieval San
Quirico d’Orcia in time for dinner.
San Quirico to Bagno Vignoni
A uniquely different day spent crossing the
Crete Senesi – one of the most amazing
landscapes in Italy. The near desert region
has a gentle bleakness with occasional
houses and lines of cypresses, the only signs
of habitation.
Ancient Sant’Antimo Abbey
From Montalcino, home of the famous
Brunello wine, we follow an ancient route to
the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. A day of olive
groves and woodlands of oak and laurel.
Via vineyards to Pienza
Departing San Quirico, with its twisted
medieval alleyways, we follow gentle tracks
through vineyards across the Renaissance
new town of Pienza.
Free day
Visit Siena, laze in the hotel gardens, relax
by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment.
Departure day
We depart after breakfast for Rome airport.
Guide
Grade
Exc
18 Jun
Stefano
3
£1,399
£175
Travel arrangements
page 54
WHAT’S INCLUDED
UNDERFOOT
Mostly white tracks and footpaths.
18 Jun Painting
£250
£1,599
Gelati in Buonconvento
After visiting a beautiful abbey, we pass
through typical wine country with
wonderful views and abandoned
farmhouses before reaching ancient
Buonconvento for a gelato.
Monticchiello to Montepulciano
Leaving the small medieval hamlet of
Monticchiello we follow the dusty white
tracks that snake their way through fields
and forests to the ancient 5th century BC
Etruscan town of Montepulciano.
Where we stay
Hotel Casanova is our very comfortable
hotel just outside the walls of San Quirico
d’Orcia. It offers en suite rooms, poolside
views of countryside, peace and quiet and
a wide choice of typical Tuscan cuisine and
wines. The wonderful, newly refurbished
spa with pool, jacuzzi and sauna is free to
use and beauty treatments are available.
Airport transfer time 2¼ hrs.
33
ITALY • VENETO • DOLOMITES
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITALY • VENETO • DOLOMITES
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Venice airport and
transfers
◆ Famous alpine mountain cooking
◆ Alpine cheese tasting
◆ Visit the ancient brewery in Pedavena
◆ Visit the Museum in the Clouds
◆ Visit the Vajont Dam
The Bellunesi
– the other Dolomites
Unknown to most until the
establishment of the National Park,
the Bellunesi region is a treasuretrove of wildlife – mouflon, red and
roe deer, chamois, and marmot. Ten
pairs of nesting golden eagles
oversee this magnificent landscape
and alpine flowers are everywhere.
It’s fabulous walking with a brilliant
white limestone backdrop
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We arrive in the mountain village of Croce
d'Aune in time to explore the village.
Into the Valle del Mis
A shortish first day starting at the Visitor
Centre and the historical Pedavena Brewery.
Then we get cracking and walk through
Valle del Mis with the spectacular sculpted
waterfalls of the Cadini del Brenton.
Way up high
A longer day on one of the most famous
walks – a spectacular climb to the refuge
Giorgio Dal Piaz. There is a wonderful sense
of isolation amidst these great peaks.
The Museum in the Clouds
After visiting Cibiana, famous for its houses
with painted murals, we make the ascent of
34 Mount Rite and visit the incredible Messner
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Museum in the Clouds with its spectacular
panorama of the Dolomites. On our return
home we pass the famous Vajont Dam.
A day of rest
We start with a stroll in the beautiful old
town of Feltre, followed by a visit to the
Ethnographic Museum of Serravella. A short
transfer takes us to Agordo where we will
visit the former copper mines of the
Venetian Republic. Later, we see the town of
Belluno, ending the day with an aperitif.
The Cansiglio Plateau
A wonderful walk on the plateau Cansiglio
with lush meadows and the sacred forest of
Serenissima. We pass the gorgeous beech
woods of Cansiglio and end the day at the
local organic dairy for cheese-tasting.
A circuit of Stua lake
A beautiful circuit around one of the most
famous valleys of the park. This really is an
Guide
Grade
10 Sep
Martina
4
Travel arrangements
Exc
£1,499
immersion in nature – meadows, flowers,
hornbeam, beech and scots pine, streams,
limestone outcrops and the evidence of
Quaternary glaciation.
Mostly stony paths, grassland and tracks.
Departure day
After breakfast we return to Venice Airport.
page 54
UNDERFOOT
£250
Where we stay
Croce d’Aune is a simple mountain
hotel with a great atmosphere,
fabulous mountain food and a
warm welcome. It’s built in the
typical Alpine tradition with a
wood panelled dining room and
bar.
A perfect base from which to
discover this wonderful mountain
landscape. Fabulous views.
Airport transfer time 2¾ hrs.
Dancing with wolves
High in the Apennines and home to
brown bear, lynx, chamois and wolf
lies the Abruzzo National Park, the
oldest in Italy. Here, we walk through
the huge beech forests, mountain
passes and secret lakeside villages in
this beating heart of the country
Lago Vivo – the Living Lake
A journey to the Living Lake, so called
because it appears and vanishes with the
seasons. Wonderful views, high peaks and
home to populations of lynx, bear and wolf.
Monte San Nicola, Valle Fondillo
Starting at the pass of Forca d'Acero, we
begin what is one of the best walks in the
park – deep valleys, rocky peaks and alpine
flowers all the way up to Monte San Nicola.
Arrival day
Leaving Rome, we arrive in Civitella
Alfedena in time for dinner.
Free day
A chance to visit Sulmona and the lakeside
village of Scanno with its intricate network
of streets, mansions and unexpected small
piazzas. Alternatively, you might fancy hiring
a bike, or a canoe to explore the lake.
Monte Tranquillo
We take a short trip to Pescasseroli before
our ascent to the mountain. It is known as
“Tre Confini”, three borders, because it
provides the natural border between three
valleys. From the top you can see the entire
north side of the park. Monte Tranquillo is
one of the best places to observe wildlife.
Walnuts and mountain springs
A wonderfully varied walk that leads us, via
freshwater springs and mountain rivers, to
flower meadows and the opportunity to
spot some of the larger fauna for which the
area is famous. Later, we descend towards
Barrea along an ancient road once used by
shepherds.
A typical itinerary
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Rome airport
◆ Visit Sulmona, home of confetti, and
traditional village of Scanno
◆ Chance of spotting brown bears, wolves,
lynx and chamois
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Villetta Barrea and beyond
We explore one of the most beautiful
forests of the park. Spectacular views of the
high peaks of the Camosciara massif and,
with luck, we’ll follow tracks and signs of
the presence of brown bear and wolf.
Departure day
We depart early for Rome airport.
Guide
Grade
Exc
11 Jun
Cristiano 3+
£999
£70
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Grassy meadows and stony footpaths that
may be steep at times.
11 Jun
Painting
£250
£1,249
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Where we stay
Hotel Albergo La Torre is located
in the historical centre of Civitella
Alfedena. Converted from an
18th century nobleman’s palace,
it’s a simple mountain hotel with
great mountain views and is well
known for its cooking, in
particular the locally sourced
meats and cheeses and
homemade pasta.
35
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Whistle down the wind on
the island of La Gomera
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Tenerife airport,
ferry and transfers to La Gomera
◆ Visit to traditional pottery
◆ Wine tasting
◆ Visits to local towns and villages
◆ Traditional local cuisine
A week of walking on beautiful La
Gomera in the Canary Islands. A tiny
volcanic island near Tenerife, its
people are famous for whistling
messages across the gorges, through
wooded valleys of pine, palm and fig
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
After a one-hour boat ride to La Gomera
we'll arrive in time to enjoy the views and
go for a swim before supper.
Through palms and basalt flows
A lovely walk through a very quiet region of
the island where palm is grown for its sap. A
fascinating day of discovery with amazing
views and wonderful old lava flows.
Garajonay National Park
Famed for its ever-green Laurel, this subtropical forest provides the most wonderful
and diverse canopy under which to walk.
Good paths, shade, over 2000 plant species
and a sense of peace.
Vallehermoso, a special place
This is a day of spectacular panoramic views
of the coast, laurel forests and volcanic
landscapes. We stop by a lovely small
hermitage before descending through giant
terraces of grain to Vallehermoso – the
home of Enekoiz, you will learn about the
agriculture and its impact on the landscape.
The hidden vines
More fabulous paths and magnificent vistas,
we pass relics of man’s time here – brick
kilns, old cereal and potato terraces and
stop to visit Bodega Montoro for wine
tasting and a tour of the farm. Later we stop
at an abandoned port still standing against
all the force of the Atlantic.
36
A grasp on Gomeran Pottery
From the sacred mountain of La Fortaleza,
with its 300 archaeological sites we pass
Chipude famed for its church and where we
discover the traditional pottery techniques
first brought from Africa – a time before the
wheel or moulds. Later, lunch is provided by
an 80 year old lady who has been serving
guests in her house for over 40 years.
Departure day
After breakfast, we will take a short ferry
ride back to Tenerife airport.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Guide
Grade
Exc
06 Mar
Enekoiz
3+
£1,199
£196
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony paths and tracks.
£250
Where we stay
Hotel Playa Calera is in a
stunning beachside location in
the village of Gran Rey and close
to the cafes of this quiet village.
A stylish hotel, with plenty of
facilities including a fabulous
rooftop swimming pool. You'll
enjoy strolling along the beach
from sunrise to sunset.
Actual time on minibus and
ferry transfers 2½ hrs.
Under a chestnut canopy
Wonderfully varied landscapes, lush
orchards and the village of Castaño del
Robledo are the day’s highlights. We follow
old Roman roads via arid hilltops descending
in the shade of chestnut and cork oak.
Chestnuts and chorizo
The tradition of walking between
villages has left a history of
wonderful footpaths. In this gentle
hill-country, covered with cork oak
and sweet chestnut, our paths
meander by sparkling streams
where kingfishers and bee-eaters
flash through the dappled shadows
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Around Alajar
From our hotel we climb gently up the Sierra
de Arturo, enjoying the view of Alajar and
passing through the hamlets of Los
Madroñeros and El Calabacino.
Meandering past mills
We follow a picturesque brook that takes us
Churros and cheerios
Starting with a snack of churros, we follow
the old cobbled route up to the Puerto de
Linares, on to Linares, and finally circle back
home to Alajar. A farewell to the Sierra.
through a dramatic gorge with wonderful
rock formations, and pass several old,
abandoned mills.
Lovely Linares
Wandering through woodland, we pass
several villages before dropping down to
the beautiful village of Linares, well-known
for its citrus groves.
Free day
A great chance to visit the capital city of
Andalucia, Seville, or the more easily
accessible regional centre of Aracena.
Departure day
We depart early for Faro airport.
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
5 full days of walking with local guide
7 nights en-suite accommodation
Personal welcome at Faro airport and
transfers
Visit Castaño del Robledo
Visit Linares
Air-conditioned transport at all times
Wine and cheese tasting
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Guide
Grade
30 Apr
Peter
3
17 Sep
Peter
3
Travel arrangements
Exc
£1,299
£1,299
£120
£85
page 54
WHAT’S INCLUDED
UNDERFOOT
£250
Where we stay
Posada San Marcos garden
37
natural wonders of the Azure Window and
the inland sea. Following country paths, we
head home via the knights’ watchtower,
and prehistoric cave dwellings.
Free day
Relax, swim, enjoy a diving lesson, take an
island tour or a boat to Comino. Or cross the
water to Baroque Valletta.
Distant Comino
A walk along the eastern side of the island
with sea views over to Comino and Malta.
We visit Qala point with its ancient cart ruts,
a medieval chapel and the pretty bay at
Hondoq Ir Rummien, returning via the cliffs.
Flowers, temples
and natural wonders
Spring walkers on Gozo are greeted
by dramatic sea cliffs, sunken
valleys, old salt pans and curious
rock formations, amidst a myriad of
wild flowers. Calypso's Cave, the
Knights of St John and ancient
temples add a further romantic twist
A typical week
Arrival day
A short hop from Malta airport to the Gozo
ferry. Take a dip in the sea before dinner.
38
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Town and country
A chance to enjoy coastal walking with
fabulous views from the highest cliffs in
Gozo, discover an ancient hunting ground
of the knights of Malta and an introduction
to the charming capital of Victoria.
Roman salt pans
From the small village of Ghasri, we follow
old country roads to the seaside town of
Marsalforn. From here, we explore the
ancient salt pans which date back to the
Romans before heading back inland along
the route of an ancient water course.
The wild west
On the wild west coast we walk along the
high cliffs of Wardija, and visit an ancient
Punic spa, before dropping down to the
All along the watchtower
From Ghajnsielem village, we follow the
southern coastal path passing an ancient
watchtower of the knights and visiting the
beautiful, tiny inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, Ta Cenc,
Sannat, and Saguna cliffs.
Departure day
After early breakfast, we take the ferry back
to Malta to catch our flights.
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
5 full days of walking with local guide
6 dinners with wine
Village visits
Transfers to Gozo including ferry
Air-conditioned vehicles
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Guide
Grade
3
Carol
14 May
Travel arrangements
Exc
£999
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony paths and tracks with some
high vertiginous cliffs.
14 May Painting
£250
£1,199
Where we stay
hotel right on the waterfront at
Xlendi (‘shlen-dee’), a charming
little harbour set at the head of
a deep, calm inlet. You can step
out of the hotel and jump
straight into the sea! Sea
rooms are available at a small
supplement.
By waterways through
a botanical paradise
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Funchal airport
◆ Air-conditioned vehicles
◆ Fabulous local dishes at hotel
◆ Wine and cheese tasting
◆ Walking the levadas
A spectacular coastline, often
dropping sheer into the sea, dramatic
sky-scraping mountain peaks, dense
evergreen valleys, a magical network
of levada walkways, abundant exotic
plant life – Madeira is known as
‘God’s Botanical Garden’. Top it all
off with a rich marine environment –
this truly is the Pearl of the Atlantic
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We drive to the Pousada dos Vinhaticos
and arrive in time to explore before dinner.
An introduction to levadas
We follow a fast-flowing levada (irrigation
channel) through the dappled light of the
laurel trees, delighting at the ever more
dramatic views.
High peaks levadas
We walk to one of the most remote parts of
the island, with fabulous views of villages,
mountains and waterfalls.
Water, water everywhere…
Rabacal Valley is a natural wonder. From its
pousada we walk to a waterfall. Later, we
reach a lake below a cliff from which 25
natural springs cascade.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Woodland levadas
From the east point of the island, the
minibus gives us a good start for our climb
of Pico Ruivo, the tallest peak on the island
with breathtaking views.
Lonely levada and hot springs
From the island’s northeastern most point,
we walk through cliff tunnels, back to Porto
Moniz, a natural spa. Why not end your day
with a dip in the hot springs.
Free day
Relax and swim, discover Funchal, or visit
tropical gardens.
Departure day
Guests are transferred to the airport to suit
their travel plans.
Tutor
Grade
Exc
14 Mar
Stefano
3
£1,199
£175
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony tracks and paths. Some steep
climbs.
14 Mar Painting
£250
£1,399
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Where we stay
In a magnificent valley setting
amidst lush vegetation, the
Pousada dos Vinhaticos offers
superb views and is a lovely
traditional place in which to
relax. The friendly staff serves
good local food and wine and
all rooms are en suite.
Airport transfer time
40 mins.
39
BULGARIA • RAZLOG • BANSKO
WHAT’S INCLUDED
BULGARIA • RAZLOG • BANSKO
Rugged walking in an
ancient landscape
local guide
◆ 7 nights en-suite accommodation
◆ Personal welcome at Sofia Airport and
transfers
◆ Visit UNESCO heritage site
◆ Chairlift fees
◆ Air-conditioned transport for all trips
◆ Local guide for duration of trip
A week of contrasts, from gentle
lakeside settings to the high peaks of
the Pirin mountains. Our descents
lead us through mountain villages
with historic painted churches.
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We reach our mountain hotel in time for a
walk around the village before dinner.
Goats and the Primrose Trail
Following a wild goat trail, we climb into the
Rila National Park. Returning via woodland
and the Primrose Trail, we end up in the
village of Dobarsko, with its 12th century
frescoed church – a UNESCO heritage site.
Peaks and passes
Starting at 1900m, we follow mountain
tracks between rugged peaks, up the
Bunderitsa valley to Todorka pass. We
descend via the ancient forests and lakes of
the Damyanitsa valley.
Along the pilgrims’ path
We visit the fabulously ornate Rila
Monastery where we enjoy a traditional
Bulgarian mehana. Later we follow the
pilgrims’ path through glorious meadows.
Bezbog Lake and peak
From the chairlift at Bezbog Lake (2240m),
we climb its peak with stunning views to
40 the valley floor – the lakes and peaks of the
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Pirin mountains are laid out before you. We
follow the ridge to Polejan peak (2850m)
before returning to the chairlift.
Cart tracks and cafes
A gentle valley walk with panoramic views.
We follow the ridge to Godlevo, returning
along cart tracks via the painted chapel to
the village. We’ll take a welcome break in
the picturesque village square.
High-point viewing
Starting from the Vihren Hut (2195m) we
take the easier route up Mount Vihren
(2914m), the highest peak in the Pirin
range. From here you can see over the Pirin
into Greece and Macedonia.
Departure day
We depart for Sofia airport after breakfast.
Guide
Grade
03 Sep
Hazel
3
Travel arrangements
Exc
£999
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony tracks and paths with some
steep rocky sections.
£250
Where we stay
Pirila Mountain is a simple, comfortable
hotel, run by friendly, hospitable staff.
Both European and Bulgarian cuisine is
served using freshly prepared local,
organic ingredients. Step back in time and
immerse yourself in a slower, gentler way
of life. Nestled on a hillside above the
tranquil village of Dolno Draglishte, Pirila
Hotel boasts uplifting views of the Pirin
and Rila mountains.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
local guide
◆ 4 nights in en suite guest house
◆ 3 nights in en suite historic hotel
◆ Personal welcome at Bucharest airport
◆ Cable car in Bucegi mountains
◆ Sparkling wine tasting
◆ Visit to Viscri and a chance to discover
the work of the EminescuTrust
◆ Horse-drawn carriage ride
◆ Visit two UNESCO world heritage sites
The saxon villages and
pastures of Transylvania
Untouched nature and biodiverstity
are the reasons for Prince Charles’
love of, and commitment to, the area.
Free from pesticides, the meadows
hum with insect life, flowers abound,
hayricks pepper the landscape, and
beekeepers move their bee trailers
from pasture to pasture
DATES AND PRICES
A typical week
Arrival day
Departing Bucharest, we arrive in the village
of Bran, stopping en-route to visit the Rhein
wine cellars where we have dinner in the
cellars and a late arrival at our hotel.
Shepherds’ huts and meadows
A walk in the hilly area between Bucegi and
Piatra Craiului mountains – two of the most
beautiful National Parks in the country. We
pass some of the country’s richest pastoral
areas, dotted with shepherds’ huts, hay
meadows and summer lodges and views.
Where the wild things are
An easy country track takes us through the
Zarnesti gorges and into the Piatra Craiului –
one of the most beautiful national parks in
Romania. Leaving the gorges, we climb
through the woods to reach the alpine
meadows of Magura and Pestera villages.
The region is home to almost one third of all
European large carnivores – bears, wolves
and lynx.
Date
Up to the top
Taking the cable car high into the Bucegi
Mountains, a world of strange rock
formations, we follow a path to Omu peak,
the highest point in the range with great
views over the Southern Carpathians.
Saxon settlements
Starting from the isolated Saxon village of
Nou Sasesc, we head over the hills to Copsa
Mare and on to Biertan via a mixture of hills
and valleys – an expansive landscape
covered in ash, oak and beech forests, large
open meadows and medieval hamlets.
Transylvanian transfer…
After a visit to the medieval centre of
Brasov, we head for Sighisoara stopping en
route in Viscri – a typical Saxon village
nestled between the oak forests that cover
these hills. A short while later we reach the
magical medieval centre of Sighisoara.
Crisscrossing our way around Cris
A peaceful day wandering through the high
meadows, woods, farms and pastures
around the village of Cris.
Departure day
We leave early for Targu Mures.
Tutor
Grade
Exc
01 Oct
Raluca
3+
£1,399
£175
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Mostly stony tracks and paths and
grassland.
£250
Where we stay
Hotel Cehov is a rural retreat a short
distance from Bran castle with great
views over the Piatra Craiului and
Bucegi Mountains. Friendly owners with
a love of the mountains. A lovely sense
of calm at the end of the day.
Hotel Sighisoara, built in 1520, was
once a bishop’s house, and formerly the
City Hall. In the heart of the citadel, this
3-star hotel is close to cafes and shops.
Longest transfer time 3 hrs.
ROMANIA • TRANSYLVANIA • BRAN AND THE SAXON VILLAGES
ROMANIA • TRANSYLVANIA • BRAN AND THE SAXON VILLAGES
41
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Limestone, lakes and
lovely Lustica
Spectacular limestone mountains,
ancient Austro-Hungarian military
paths, incredible sea views, pretty
waterfront towns, ancient villages,
the judicious use of 4x4s and the
extraordinary Lake Vardar make for
a wonderful week of walking.
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Leaving Dubrovnik we arrive in Kotor in time
to explore the old streets before dinner.
The path to Perast
From the village of Orahovac, we follow a
zig-zag trail through the woods to a
deserted village called Stepen. A climb to
local guide
◆ Personal welcome at Dubrovnik
◆ All transport on the island
◆ Visits to Perast
◆ Wine and local produce tasting
◆ 4x4s when required
◆ Boat trip on Lake Vardar
the ruins of Vranovo Brdo fortress, provides
breath-taking views from where an old path
leads to the Venetian town of Perast.
The Vrmac Peninsular
A lovely ridge walk from Kotor with
fabulous views of the bay. We stop in the
almost abandoned village of Gornja Stoliv
before descending to the coast and enjoying
our return to Kotor by boat.
Lovely Lake Vardar
Lake Vardar is an extraordinary setting for
our day of walking, boat ride and farm visit.
This region represents one of the most
hidden and authentic corners of
Montenegro.
Free day
shopping, a boat trip to the islands off
Perast or an excursion to ancient Budva.
42
Distant Sveti Stefan
Starting high above Budva we follow a
panoramic path via an old church, the
village of Celobrdo and the Praskvica
Monastery before continuing to the island
of Sveti Stefan – a fishermen’s settlement
transformed into a luxurious hotel.
The Tastes of Lustica
An exploration of the Lustica peninsular
from Radovici to Mrkovi via old military
paths. We finish the day in an ancient olive
mill where we learn how to taste olive oil
and enjoy the tastes of products such as
olives, cheese in olive oil, prosciutto, wine,
brandy, honey, and pomegranate juice.
Departure day
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Guide
Grade
Exc
08 May
Boris
3
£1,299
£240
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Good footpaths and stony tracks.
08 May Painting
£250
£1,499
Where we stay
Hotel Vardar is a lovely, elegant hotel
situated in a charming square just off the
main piazza in the heart of the walled
bathrooms and the service is excellent.
The rooms have wifi, hairdryers, satellite
TV and safety deposit boxes. Breakfast
can be taken on the lovely shaded terrace
looking out over the square.
taken at border crossing.
Guides who go that extra mile to make your holiday
When we visit thes locations to plan the routes we seek out local guides who
are not only experienced leaders but who have a passion for their country, its
culture and food. We cannot emphasise enough the value of being guided on
walks designed by leaders who live in the locality. Because of their love of the
regions, they are both enthusiastic and knowledgeable and will share with
you, whenever possible, the spontaneous cultural events that make our
holidays so special. On occasions they are even known to read poetry…
Stefano Spinetti
Stefano grew up in the mountains of
Abruzzo, central Italy. With a degree in
Animal Biology and an academic
background in archaeology, he has a
great breadth of knowledge. He has over
20 years experience as a mountain
leader and his explorer's spirit has taken
him to every continent. He loves to share
his country's culture, history, and natural
places with our guests.
Enekoiz Rodriguez
Cristiano Pignataro
Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Enekoiz
developed a very early love of La Gomera.
His Gomeran grandfather passed on the
culture, legends and anecdotes of the
island where Enekoiz spent every summer
of his childhood. Now, he’s made his
passion his profession, being responsible
for the planning and development of green
tourism activities on the island and
interpreting its heritage for visitors.
Cristiano grew up in Fiano, near Rome. A
lover of the outdoors, he has a degree in
Earth Education and Nature. The desire
to travel and spend his days outdoors led
him to Authentic Adventures. He not only
interprets the language, but also knows
a great deal about the history, geology
and culture as he leads his walking trips
in Italy.
Hazel Ellis
Borislav Jablan
Hazel moved to South West Bulgaria six
years ago after having fallen in love with
the mountains and the traditional
lifestyle of this hidden corner of Europe.
Always a keen walker and lover of the
outdoors, she and her husband, Dave,
built a small family hotel in a quiet
village and now they enjoy sharing the
history, culture and landscapes of their
new home with their guests.
Native to Montenegro, Boris loves to
share all that is special about his country.
A great traveller, his enthusiasm for the
Montenegran culture is infectious and
will leave guests with a rich and lasting
insight into the country, its gastronomy
and its place in the Balkans. A keen
mountain walker with a degree in
Environmental Tourism, his philosophy is
to explore, experience and enjoy!
MEET YOUR WALKING GUIDES
43
44
Carol Barber
Federico Ferrara
Carol, an experienced walking leader, has
lived in Gozo for thirteen years, and for the
last ten years has led walks on the island
for groups of walkers of varying ages and
interests. During this time she has
accumulated a wealth of knowledge of the
flora and fauna, as well as the history of
the island. Carol’s strength is in her welfare
of each walker, and ensuring that everyone
enjoys the walks to their utmost.
A professional guide for many years,
Federico loves guiding walkers, with a
special focus on the lesser-known places
that retain their charm and authenticity. A
member of the Italian Geographical
Society and passionate about nature and
travel, he has lived in Spain and travelled
Central and South America, convinced that
walking allows one to discover and taste
the true essence of places and cultures.
Raluca Zamfir
Marianna Polverino
Raluca discovered her passion for
travelling as a youngster. A student of the
fine arts, she changed course and
graduated in sustainable tourism. Today
she has achieved her dream of mixing her
passion for the outdoors with her work.
A very active person, she loves cycling,
skiing and walking in the mountains. Her
enthusiasm for her country is infectious
and she is extremely popular with our
guests.
Marianna grew up in Ischia. With a degree
in ecotourism, she likes walking through
vineyards, tasting good food. She is
passionate about protecting the culture
and traditions of the island through
events and management of the island
paths. She has a sunny disposition and is
keen to share her love of Ischia – a place
that is full of colours, aromas, folklore,
breathtaking views and much more.
Martina Caroli
Peter Ott
A zoologist and passionate naturalist,
Martina took a degree in Natural Sciences,
specialising in the study of the larger, highmountain, mammals. She later earned a
master's degree in Sustainable Tourism
and Ecotourism and is now a nature guide
who is lucky enough to combine her
greatest passions – walking in nature and
trying to convey to our guests her infinite
passion for animals.
After many years spent travelling the
world with his wife MJ, Peter trained in
outdoor education. However, he became
distracted by the beauty of the Aracena
region and finally settled there where he
now owns and runs a small farm and
loves introducing our guests to the
routes and villages around his home – a
great enthusiast about life in rural Spain.
Extending the range of
our singing holidays…
We are one of the most experienced
Singing holiday operators in the UK
and have been organising Natural
Voice group holidays since 2003.
This year, by popular demand, we
are introducing Choral and Show
Songs holidays to our repertoire.
We welcome single travellers,
couples and groups of friends to
come together and create our very
own holiday choir.
Our singing holidays are uplifting,
rejuvenating, joyful and sociable.
Singing together in groups can often
be magical and a lovely way of
making new friends.
Whether you’ve only sung in the
bath, or are a regular member of a
choir, our inspirational tutors will
soon have you singing in glorious
harmony. We create a supportive and
relaxed environment in which to
learn, whilst discovering beautiful
locations – it is a holiday after all!
In addition to the singing aspect, our
holidays always include cultural
visits or walks.
Natural Voice holidays
Show Songs holidays
Choral holidays
The remarkable Faith Watson has been
leading Natural Voice groups since 2003,
and it is largely thanks to her commitment,
passion and teaching skills that our holidays
have grown so rapidly in popularity.
New for 2016 – Helen Sims will be leading
a fabulous week in Gascony, France,
singing Show Songs, light opera and classic
pop tunes.
Choral holidays are also new this year, and
we are privileged to have this exciting
adventure led by the renowned and hugely
experienced conductor Adrian Partington.
Based in the pretty hilltop town of Lectoure,
singers will enjoy learning from a repertoire
that includes Les Miserables, The Lion King
and Lennon and McCartney. We will
develop our harmonies as a group while
having fun. We sing for five half days, take
you to beautiful towns and markets and
arrange wine tastings and delicious dining.
Adrian will be leading our group of choral
singers to the city of Malaga in Spring 2016
for four fabulous days singing Mozart’s
Requiem and Coronation Mass. Thanks to
our tour manager, Simon Harding, a resident
of Malaga, we will be singing in the unique
Anglican church. We finish the week with a
recital.
We welcome everyone who loves to sing!
All the songs are taught by ear, so there is
no need to be able to read music or be part
of a choir. There is always a friendly,
supportive environment and there is a great
sense of fun.
We welcome all who enjoy singing and
learning in a relaxed atmosphere. All music
scores will be provided for the duration, and
while there is no need to read music, some
optional music theory will be included for
anyone with an interest. An uplifting and
inclusive singing experience. There will be a
full-time accompanist on this holiday.
We welcome choral singers with some
experience and music-reading ability. While
still a holiday, this is a comparitively intense
singing experience. We provide full scores
for the duration of the holiday and a fulltime pianist and organist.
Our maximum group size is 25, but holidays
often run on smaller numbers.
Our maximum group size is 25, but holidays
often run on smaller numbers.
This holiday requires a minimum of 40
participants.
This year we have recruited two new tutors
– Liz Martin and Guy Wilson. Both have
wide experience of singing professionally
and of leading choirs.
We always travel to diverse locations and
always try to include a music festival or
joining a local choir – this year our Natural
Voice holidays will visit Spain, Gozo,
Montenegro, Bulgaria and Sri Lanka.
Also included is a guided tour of the famous
Picasso museum.
SINGING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
SINGING HOLIDAYS • AN INTRODUCTION
45
NATURAL VOICE
5 half-days singing tuition
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Faro airport
All transfers and transport in
air-conditioned vehicles
◆ Three optional walks
◆ Local tour manager
◆ Visit the Romeria San Juan
Flamenco and festivals
This is a holiday to revel in the true
magic of rural Spain and its history
of music, song and dance. It
coincides with the Romeria San
Juan. While the festival is classic
Andalucia, the landscape is not – it’s
a region of stone-built villages
nestling in the gentle cork oak and
chestnut-covered hills. MJ, our tour
manager, has sung with local choirs
for years so we can be sure of a great
evening with the local singers
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
The mornings
We sing most mornings around the hotel,
and in beautiful spots on our adventures
around Alajar. On the day of the Romeria we
drive to the village of Linares to simply enjoy
the gathering at the start of the festival.
Tractors with flatbeds and dancers, fabulous
horses, the vivid colours of the flamenco
dresses and children running in excited
circles. When the Romeria departs we will
have our morning sing in the sheltered
church patio before heading off to join the
procession for their picnic lunch in the most
beautiful shaded woodland. Expect
46 spontaneous music and dance.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
24 May
Faith
Travel arrangements
The afternoons
On three of the afternoons we will offer
easy walks from Alajar but for those who
would rather not walk the hotel is a lovely
place to relax and there is nice pool.
The Romeria San Juan
Romería comes from romero, meaning
those travelling towards Rome. It is a
Catholic celebration that consists of a trip
which ends at a hermitage. Travel is by car,
tractor, carriage, horse or on foot. As it
proceeds it gathers pilgrims from other
villages so that by mid-morning the
procession is much larger – like streams
joining to create the river. Lunch is
celebrated at the hermitage where grand
picnics are produced and a huge paella is
served with much music, song and dance
in the shade of the trees.
Free day
Visit local Aracena or Seville or simply relax
around the hotel.
Departure day
We have two departure times for Faro.
Exc
£1,499
£120
£85
page 54
UNDERFOOT
£250
Where we stay
Posada San Marcos garden
NATURAL VOICE
In harmony with
the ancient goddess
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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◆
Based on the small island of Gozo,
famed for its goddess culture and
right beside the sea in the village of
Xlendi, this is a week of Acapella
songs, easy coastal walks swimming,
wine and olive oil tasting in the
company of like-minded spirits
6 dinners with wine
Transfers to Gozo including ferry
5 half-day coastal walks.
Visit the capital Victoria
DATES AND PRICES
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
A short hop from Malta airport to the Gozo
ferry. Take a dip in the sea before dinner.
Morning songs
We spend most mornings singing in the
hotel and the local church enjoying building
our repertoire of Acapella songs. There
could be an option of a final low-key
performance for those that enjoy
performing.
The afternoons
On each afternoon we are offering an easy
(2-4 mile) coastal walk. Alternatively guests
may enjoy relaxing on the hotel terrace or
swimming/snorkelling in the bay right in
front of the hotel. Additionally we visit an
olive farm and vinyard for tastings and
where, by an open fire, we learn to make
the traditional Maltese bread, ftira.
Free day
Relax, swim, book a diving lesson, take an
island tour or a boat to Comino, or cross the
water to baroque Valletta with its
magnificent harbour.
Departure day
After an early breakfast, we take the ferry
back to Malta to catch our flights.
Date
Tutor
18 Jun
Liz
Travel arrangements
Exc
£1,199
page 54
UNDERFOOT
£250
Where we stay
hotel right on the waterfront
at Xlendi (‘shlen-dee’), a
charming little harbour set at
the head of a deep, calm inlet.
You can step out of the hotel
and jump straight into the sea!
Sea rooms are available at a
small supplement.
47
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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◆
◆
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Dubrovnik airport
and transfers
Boat trip on Lake Vardar
Sing in a private on organic smallholding
Boat trip to Gospa od Skrpjela
Visit to Unescoo World Heritage town
of Perast
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Sea and song
Based in the old waterside Venetian
town of Kotor, surrounded by
spectacular limestone mountains,
this holiday is a mixture of songs and
the sea with visits to the interior, boat
trips, Unesco World Heritage sites
and an introduction to the Klappa.
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Meeting at Dubrovnik airport we cross the
border and arrive in Kotor in time to explore
the old streets before dinner.
48
NATURAL VOICE
Morning songs
local music school near the hotel. Our
adventures take us to the extraordinary lake
Vardar, which we explore by boat, before
continuing to the old farm of our local guide
where we sing in the round on a lovely old
stone threshing area. Another day we travel
along the coast to the little town of Stoliv
where we sing in the church. As ever we
plan to join with a local choir and through
them we will be introduced to the Acapella
singing of Klappa. On most of the outings,
swimming is possible and it’s always
available close to our hotel in Kotor.
The afternoons
Our adventures take us out on two days
(Lake Vardar and Stoliv on the Vrmac
peninsular) and on one other day we shall
visit the Unesco World Heritage site of
Perast where we take the boat to the
magical island of Gospa od Skrpjela.
Free day
shopping or an excursion to ancient Budva.
Departure day
Tutor
Exc
24 Sep
Faith
£1,499
£240
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Paths, pavements and stone jetties.
£250
Where we stay
Hotel Vardar is a lovely, elegant hotel
situated in a charming square just off the
main piazza in the heart of the walled
bathrooms and the service is excellent.
The rooms have wifi, hair dryers, satellite
TV and safety deposit boxes. Breakfast
can be taken on the lovely shaded terrace
looking out over the square.
taken at border crossing.
NATURAL VOICE
The hills are alive…
WHAT’S INCLUDED
◆
◆
◆
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Singing in a mountain setting, amidst
ancient churches and hot springs.
The chance of gentle but spectacular
walks using chairlifts.
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
We reach our mountain hotel in time for a
stroll around the gardens and a short
singing session together before dinner.
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Sofia airport
All transfers and transport
Chairlift to the high mountains
Regional meals
Optional local walks
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
20 Aug
Guy
£1,199
£105
Travel arrangements
page 54
BULGARIA • RAZLOG • BANYA
BULGARIA • RAZLOG • BANYA
UNDERFOOT
Morning songs
We spend most mornings singing in and
around the hotel or in the high mountains.
Turkish bath houses, ride the narrow-guage
mountain railway or visit the nearby
sanctuary for rescued bears.
In the afternoon
To get the most out of your visit to this
stunning landscape, the holiday is aimed at
those who enjoy walking as well as singing.
After lunch on most days we offer the
option of an easy walk of 3-5 miles. We visit
Bezbog Lake where a gentle stroll leads us
to awe-inspiring views within the heart of
the Pirin mountains. Trips include pretty
neighbouring villages with hot mineral
springs – just perfect for a rejuvenating dip.
Additionally we visit churches, vineyards
and uniquely located cafes.
Departure day
We depart for Sofia airport after breakfast.
Free day
Relax at the hotel, enjoy the spa facilities,
explore historic Bansko with its restored
Some town walking, stony paths and tracks
£250
Where we stay
The Aspa Villa Spa is a family-owned
hotel on the edge of the village of
Banya. Set in the centre of the
Razlog-Bansko valley and surrounded
by three spectacular mountain
ranges, it has good sized en-suite
rooms, outdoor pool, Jacuzzis and
spa with sauna and steam room
available for free. Massages are
available for an additional cost.
49
SRI LANKA • ELEPHANT ISLAND TOUR
SRI LANKA • ELEPHANT ISLAND TOUR
The song of the whale
Much more than a singing
holiday – discover this romantic
spice island while singing in
wonderful colonial houses, on
white sandy beaches, on tea
plantations, in temples and with
local choirs.
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
From the airport you will be transferred to a
luxury beachfront hotel in Negombo.
Sigiriya – three nights
We enjoy the luxurious surroundings of the
Aliya Resort, singing at the hotel with the
spectacular backdrop of the Sigiriya Rock
NATURAL VOICE
Fortress. The cave temples of Dambulla are a
wonderful place to sing and we visit the
Minneriya National Park with its famed
elephant herds.
Kandy – three nights
From the calm surroundings of the Earl
Regency Hotel, in the midst of tea
plantations, there’s more singing and gentle
walking woven into fascinating visits to the
Temple of the Tooth, the fabulous botanical
gardens, tea plantations, factories and the
surrounding hillsides.
Nuwara Eliya – three nights
Still in hill country, we head to Nuwara Eliya.
Reflecting the colonial era this ‘Little
England’ is covered with terraces growing
potatoes, carrots, leeks, and roses,
interspersed with tea bushes on the steeper
slopes. We stay in The Grand Hotel, the
palatial residence of the governor of Sri
Lanka in the 1820s.
Galle – three nights
The coastal and historic setting of Galle
abounds with fabulous spots around the old
fort with its imposing, sea-facing walls and
the narrow, colourful streets. Adventures
include witnessing the famous stiltfishermen and a whale-watching trip. Our
luxury hotel fronts the beach from where, on
the final evening, we enjoy a fire and
barbecue and share some songs with a local
choir. A lovely end to an incredible journey.
Departure day
We leave early for Colombo airport.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
◆ 12 half-days singing tuition
◆ 13 nights full board luxury
accommodation
◆ Return flights from Heathrow to
Colombo
◆ Services of full-time tour manager
◆ Air-conditioned transport throughout
◆ Whale watching trip
◆ Visits to historical monuments and
museum entrance fees
◆ Visit to tea gardens
◆ Visits to Toddy tappers
◆ Cultural show of music and dance
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
30 Jan
Faith
£2,895
Inc
£3,295
£495
UNDERFOOT
Mostly good paths but some may be muddy
when wet.
£400
Where we stay
Our five hotels offer authenticity,
quality, service and proximity to
our locations. We have deliberately
selected upmarket hotels, some of
which are heritage style and others
much more modern. They are all
extremely comfortable.
For full hotel listings, please see
our website.
50
Maximum transfer time
6½ hrs.
SHOW SONGS
WHAT’S INCLUDED
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
6 dinners with wine
Personal welcome at Toulouse airport
and transfers
Visit to Domaine d’Arton Vineyard
Visit to Fleurance
Visit to Condom
Optional music theory classes
All music scores for the duration
DATES AND PRICES
Dreaming a dream…
A typical itinerary
Show songs, pop favourites and light
opera, based in the lovely hilltop
town of Lectoure. We come together
in four part harmony, singing such
favourites as Les Miserables, The
Lion King and songs by Lennon and
McCartney. The final selection will be
influenced by the range of voices
Arrival day
We arrive in Lectoure in time to explore the
old streets before dinner.
Morning songs
hotel. We hope to finish the week with a
local low-key performance.
The afternoons
Our adventures take us out to the nearby
towns of Condom and Fleurance. We will
also visit the beautiful wine and Armagnac
producer Domaine d’Arton. In addition,
there will be an optional basic music theory
class on most afternoons. Two afternoons
will be left free.
Free day
A chance to relax by the pool, explore
Lectoure or take a day trip to Toulouse.
Departure day
We depart early for Toulouse airport.
Date
Tutor
Exc
21 Aug
Helen
£1,599
£210
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Pavements and gardens
£250
Where we stay
Hotel de Bastard is a pretty, converted
mansion in the centre of Lectoure. It’s a
traditional stone property, with tall
windows with balconies, shutters, parquet
flooring and an ambience of tradition and
luxury. There is a swimming pool and a
lovely, shaded courtyard garden where you
can relax. There is a brasserie and bar in
the hotel and there are lovely views across
the rolling Gascon hills beyond.
51
SPAIN • ANDALUCIA • MALAGA
SPAIN • ANDALUCIA • MALAGA
Mozart in Malaga
Spring in Malaga is the perfect time
to enjoy five fabulous days in heart of
this cultural city, singing Mozart’s
Requiem and Coronation Mass. Led
by the celebrated conductor, Adrian
Partington, we sing in the unusual
Anglican church of Saint George
where we finish with a recital
A typical itinerary
Arrival day
Meeting at Malaga airport we arrive at our
central hotel in time to explore the old
streets before dinner.
Morning songs
We spend our mornings singing in the
unique Anglican church – a five minute walk
from our hotel.
CHORAL
The afternoons
We spend two afternoons singing in the
church in addition to enjoying a guided tour
around the Picasso museum. There is a free
afternoon to enjoy central Malaga and
possibly indulge in a little shopping.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
◆ 2 full days and 2 half-days of singing
tution
◆ 5 breakfasts
◆ Personal welcome at Malaga airport and
transfers
◆ Services of full-time tour manager
◆ Free half-day for exploring and shopping
◆ Guided visit around the Picasso museum
◆ All music scores for the duration
Departure day
We depart early for Malaga airport.
Malaga has an impressive line-up of
museums and Moorish monuments, a
pedestrianised centre and great cafes
and shops. It is also very easy to fly to.
The trip is supported by Simon Harding,
a bi-lingual and highly knowledgeable
guide who has lived in the south of
Spain for over 25 years. He will be with
you throughout, to advise on local
cultural information and restaurants as
well as offering any assistance to make
your stay as enjoyable as possible.
DATES AND PRICES
Date
Tutor
Exc
30 Mar
Adrian
£789
£245
Travel arrangements
page 54
UNDERFOOT
Pavements and gardens
£150
Where we stay
Hotel MS Maestranza is our extremely
well-located hotel – not only a short
walking distance from the centre of the
vibrant city of Malaga and its attractive
new leisure port area, but also just a few
minutes on foot from our unique singing
location. The hotel has a wonderful rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the
Malaga skyline and the Mediterranean.
There is a gym and a host of other facilities.
Airport transfer time 20 mins.
52
Increasing the range of our singing leaders
Faith Watson
Our singing holidays go from strength to strength, largely due to the passion
and commitment of our primary tutor, Faith Watson. With the expansion of
our programme this year, we are introducing four new tutors, all carefully
selected for their expertise, teaching experience and enthusiasm. They are
all specialists in their field – so you will be learning from some of the best.
We are pleased to introduce you to our two new natural voice leaders, Liz
Martin and Guy Wilson, our show songs enthusiast Helen Sims and the
renowned Adrian Partington, who will be leading our first choral holiday.
Faith has enjoyed singing unaccompanied
harmony for as long as she can remember.
A member of The Lovenotes, a soulful, jazzy
quartet, her huge repertoire of songs,
includes crunchy jazz, swing harmonies and
songs from around the world. For 20 years,
Faith has enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm
for acapella singing with those of all
abilities and from all walks of life. Faith
believes that everyone can enjoy the thrill
of singing in harmony.
Adrian Partington
Guy Wilson
Adrian Partington is an inspirational
conductor, chorus master, pianist and
organist. He is artistic director of the BBC
National Chorus of Wales and conductor of
the Gloucester and Bristol Choral Societies,
director of music at Gloucester Cathedral
conductor of the Three Choirs Festival. He
has a warm, friendly approach, is
professional but fun and thoroughly enjoys
imparting his knowledge about the
composers.
Guy is a singer, song-writer, voice teacher
and workshop leader, with a charismatic
style and broad tastes in vocal music. Guy
spent his 20s singing with the D'Oyly Carte
Opera Company and the choir of Christ
Church, Oxford. Today he runs community
choirs and song-writing workshops in
schools. He sings with The B Naturals, one of
the UK's leading close-harmony quartets,
and is Artistic Director of new folk vocal
ensemble Corcordium.
Liz Martin
Helen Sims
Liz’s enthusiasm for singing is deep-rooted,
passionate and highly infectious. She has
lived in France, Spain and Italy where she
sang in bands, choirs and madrigal groups.
For the last 20 years she has shared her love
of singing by teaching singing and today
runs four big community choirs, collectively
known as The Loud Crowd. She loves sharing
different kinds of songs: world, folk, jazz,
classical, gospel, pop, sacred – or in fact,
anything in harmony.
Helen has been immersed in the world of
musical theatre since childhood. An
experienced conductor of mixed-voice
choirs, she is the musical director of The
Stuart Singers. She enjoys inspiring adults to
find their voice and develop their singing
while having fun. Helen believes everyone
can enjoy singing regardless of their ability
to read music. Her great love is singing
songs from shows and light popular music.
MEET YOUR SINGING LEADERS
MEET YOUR SINGING LEADERS
53
GENERAL INFORMATION
Travelling to the regions
Arrival and departure collection times
Whatever your preferred method of travel, for
the convenience of all, we have common
collection points at the destination airports.
We appreciate the convenience of flying from
your local airport and therefore our staff will
meet you from your chosen flight. Please read
carefully the exact arrangements for your
destination on this page.
Please follow our travel arrangements as we
are unable to keep the groups waiting for
individuals. If you arrive after the specified
time you will need to make your own way to
your destination hotel at your own expense.
We are here to help you find the best flights for
your holiday. We offer a personalised booking
service and your flight will be fully protected by
our ATOL bond.
We charge a small booking fee of £50 per
person. You are assured of the best possible
travel arrangements and value.
Once you arrive at the destination airport we
will take your luggage, leaving you
unencumbered while awaiting departure.
Lunch is not provided by us on the arrival day
however, there are cafes in each airport.
If you prefer to travel by train, the railway
stations are usually well-linked to the airports –
the meeting point for all modes of transport.
Location
Airport
You need to
arrive before
We return you
to the airport by
Jersey
Jersey
15:30*
11:00*
Ischia
Naples
15:00
09:00
Amalfi
Naples
15:00
09:00
Cinque Terre
Pisa
15:00
08:00
Dolomites
Venice
14:00
10:00
Tuscany
Rome Fiumicino
14:00
10:00
Abruzzo
Rome Fiumicino
14:00
10:00
Lectoure
Toulouse
Costs and discounts
54
Loyalty discount
We value your continued loyalty. Our new
discount scheme offers the following:
• Clients who have travelled with us at
least once 10%.
• Clients who have travelled with us 8 times
or more 15%.
These discounts apply to every booking.
Note: These discounts may not be
used in conjunction with any other offer.
17:30
10:00
Aracena Painters & walkers Faro
12:00
09:00
Aracena Singers
Faro
12:30
08:00
Malaga
Malaga
14:00
09:30
La Gomera
Tenerife Sur
14:30
09:30
Madeira
Funchal
15:30*
10:00*
Gozo
Malta
16:00*
06:40*
Kotor
Dubrovnic
12:30
09:30
Bran & Saxon villages
In Bucharest / Out Targu Mures 14:30
14:00
Bucovina & Translvania
Cluj
14:30
14:00
Razlog, Bulgaira
Sofia
14:30*
10:00*
Atlas & Marrakech
Marrakech
18:30
12 noon
* These times are flexible as we run a shuttle service between the hotel and the airport.
For flight inclusive holidays
Included in the price of our long-haul holidays are economy flights from London. Flight
details, including times, deviations and upgrade opportunities are available on request or
on our website. Alternatively you can make your own travel arrangements and join us at the
appropriate airport/hotel.
Group discounts
Bespoke holidays can be arranged for private
groups. Contact us for special group prices.
Making a booking
Before completing a booking form, please
contact us to ensure places are still available.
Your financial protection
Authentic Adventures Limited is a company
committed to customer satisfaction and
consumer financial protection. We are
therefore pleased to announce that, at no
extra cost to you, and in accordance with “The
Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations
1992” all passengers booking with Authentic
Adventures Limited are fully insured for the
initial deposit, and subsequently the balance
of monies paid as detailed in your booking
confirmation form. The policy will also
include repatriation if required, arising from
the cancellation or curtailment of your travel
arrangements due to the insolvency of
Authentic Adventures Limited. This insurance
has been arranged by Towergate Chapman
Stevens through International Insurance
Company of Hannover SE.
In the unlikely event of Insolvency you must
Inform Towergate Underwriting Travel
immediately on +44 (0) 1932 334140.
Please ensure you retain this booking
confirmation form as evidence of cover and
value.
Policy exclusions: This policy will not cover
any monies paid back to you by your Travel
Insurance or any losses which are
recoverable under another insurance or
bond.
ATOL bonding
Many of the flights and flightinclusive holidays are financially
protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL
protection does not apply to all holiday and
travel services listed. Please ask us to confirm
what protection may apply to your booking.
If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then
the booking will not be ATOL protected. If
you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the
parts of your trip are not listed on it, those
parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see
our booking conditions for information or for
more information about financial protection
and the ATOL Certificate go to:
www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
30 JANUARY
Sing Sri Lanka, Elephant Island Tour • Faith
21 MAY
£2,895
28 FEBRUARY
Paint Spain, La Gomera • David
£1,499
06 MARCH
Walk Spain, La Gomera • Enekoize
Paint Italy, Cinque Terre • Kevin
£1,549
Paint Montenegro, Kotor • David
£1,499
Walk Italy, Cinque Terre • Cristiano
£1,399
Walk Italy, Dolomites • Martina
£1,499
24 MAY
Sing Spain, Aracena • Faith
£1,199
14 MARCH
10 SEPTEMBER
12 SEPTEMBER
£1,499
04 JUNE
Paint Spain, Aracena • Kevin
Paint France, Gascony • Brian
17 SEPTEMBER
£1,499
Paint Romania, Bucovina & Transylvania • Christine
£1,799
Walk Spain, Aracena • Peter
£1,299
£1,349
Paint Portugal, Madeira • Christine
£1,399
11 JUNE
Walk Portugal, Madeira • Stefano
£1,199
Paint Spain, Aracena • Kevin
£1,499
Walk Italy, Ischia • Marianna
Paint Italy, Abruzzo • Christine
£1,249
19 SEPTEMBER
Walk Italy, Abruzzo • Cristiano
£999
30 MARCH
Sing Spain, Malaga • Adrian
£789
30 APRIL
Walk Spain, Aracena • Peter
18 JUNE
£1,299
01 MAY
Paint Montenegro, Kotor • Brian
£1,499
06 MAY
Paint Italy, Ischia • Susanna
08 MAY
£1,199
Paint Italy, Amalfi • Susanna
£1,599
Paint Italy, Tuscany • Susanna
£1,599
Walk Italy, Amalfi • Stefano
£1,399
Walk Italy, Tuscany • Stefano
£1,399
24 SEPTEMBER
Sing Bulgaria, Razlog • Guy
Paint Montenegro, Kotor • Brian
£1,499
Sing France, Gascony • Helen
Walk Montenegro, Kotor • Boris
£1,299
02 SEPTEMBER
Paint Italy, Amalfi • Angela
Paint Malta, Gozo • Sarah
£1,199
Walk Malta, Gozo • Carol
£999
20 MAY
Paint Italy, Amalfi • David
Sing Montenegro, Kotor • Faith
£1,199
£1,599
Walk Bulgaria, Razlog • Hazel
£1,499
01 OCTOBER
Paint Jersey • Angela
£1,099
Walk Romania, Transylvania • Raluca
£1,399
06 OCTOBER
£1,599
03 SEPTEMBER
Paint Italy, Tuscany • Rob
£1,599
£1,599
Sing Malta, Gozo • Liz
21 AUGUST
14 MAY
Paint France, Gascony • Brian
23 SEPTEMBER
20 AUGUST
£1,549
£1,599
OUR COMPLETE 2016 HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Our complete 2016 holiday calendar
£999
£1,599
Paint Jersey • Angela
£1,099
Paint Morocco, Atlas • Sarah
£1,399
12 NOVEMBER
Paint India, Kerala Backwaters Tour • Susanna
£2,595
13 NOVEMBER
Paint Spain, La Gomera • David
£1,499
55
A wonderful holiday in a
beautiful location. Our tutor was
a gem. Happy to recommend
Authentic Adventures.
Lynda Roberts, Painting, Greece
I honestly cannot think of
anything that would have
improved the holiday! It was
perfect.
Sally Hinde, Singing, Portugal
Your office staff were so kind
and helpful. I was worried about
the flights and they made it all so
simple. Thank you.
Jenny Kempson, Painting, India
01453 823328
Bond’s Mill • Stonehouse
Gloucestershire • GL10 3RF
www.authenticadventures.co.uk
B
ESTA
This has been my 16th holiday with
your company, which speaks for itself.
All have been very enjoyable, but this
has been one of the highlights.
John Cornell, Walking, Italy
SHE
LI
D
7
199

PAINTING WALKING SINGING HOLIDAYS

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