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Two weeks
from
£2,890
THINKING ABOUT A
SUMMER WALKING
HOLIDAY?
Few spaces
remaining!
LEADER AWARDS 2013
AS VOTED BY YOU!
The results are in and we’re pleased to announce
the winners of the Best Leaders Awards are:
1st place Al and Jane Sarjeant
2nd place Karen Groenewald
3rd place Julia Cooper
Congratulations to Al and Jane Sarjeant who win
£250 worth of Craghoppers kit. Praise must go
to ALL of our leaders. We know they can turn a
really good holiday into a totally fantastic one!
16 days
from
£3,395
A Journey in Mexico
Magnificent Malawi & Zambia
With a remarkable inheritance from the Aztecs and Mayans,
Mexico has many of the world’s greatest natural, scenic and
historic wonders. In this holiday we see them all. Volcanoes,
pyramids, old colonial cities, mountains and walks amongst
Mayan ruins – Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!
Discover the friendliest place on earth, where the warm
welcome of the local people and the beauty of the
landscape will melt your heart! This is Africa at its mildest,
safest and a great introduction to this fascinating continent.
18 days
from
A Taste of South Africa & Safari
£3,999
With so much to see and do in South Africa,
it’s hard to know where to start, so we have
taken care of this for you! In this ultimate
one stop holiday you’ll experience everything
that makes South Africa so incredible, from
breath-taking scenery and world class cuisine to
catching a glimpse of the big five. Cape Town,
Robben Island, the Valley of Desolation and
an unforgettable stay in Kruger National Park,
are just some of the highlights on this actionpacked adventure!
13 days
from
£4,195
These and many more
holidays can be found in our
NEW BROCHURE OUT SOON!
Visit our website or call 01707 386803
to request your copy today.
Also coming soon... our
NEW Winter Mini Brochure
Featuring new holidays in Cappadocia,
Dresden & Berlin, Andorra and Dobbiaco.
The Falkland Islands & Chile
One of the world’s most remote places, loved by penguins
(some even surf with a smile) and a naturalist’s dream! We
walk, wildlife spot and visit Goose Green and Stanley. Then
we venture to Sea Lion Island before spending our last day
in the wine lands of Santiago. Cheers!
Including Skiing,
Cross-country, Snowshoeing
and Christmas Markets
COMING SOON!
news
SPRING 2014
and holiday updates
Heart & Sole News
Don’t leave it too late. Book your adventure today!
Departures available
Walking from Puerto de Soller, Mallorca ............................................... May, Sept
Tinos & Andros, Greece ................................................................ EXTRA DATE Sept
Walking from Iseo, Italy .............................................................................. May, Aug
The Trentino Highlands, Italy ........................................................... July, Aug, Sept
Apulia & the Trulli, Italy .............................................................................. May, Sept
The Upper Inn Valley, Austria ..................................................................... July, Aug
Tirolean Summer, Austria ............................................................................ July, Aug
The Douro Valley, Portugal .................................................................................. June
Portuguese Wanderings ....................................................................................... May
Floating Garden of Madeira ..................................................................... April, Sept
A Week Around Dubrovnik, Croatia ................................................................. May
Through the Heart of New England, USA ....................................................... Sept
America’s Canyonlands ......................................................................................... Sept
Across the Alps ................................................................................ EXTRA DATE July
Contrasts of California, USA ................................................................................ Sept
Vietnam Adventure, Vietnam ..................................................................... Oct, Nov
WALKING THE YPRES SALIENT
Anna and Melvin Conlong have just returned from
leading in St Lucia and wanted to share these
photos from the Monchy Primary School, which is
sponsored through our Heart & Sole initiative.
By choosing Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you
are contributing directly towards their breakfast
club, which as you can see, is greatly appreciated!
Like to walk independently?
LOYB offers wonderful itineraries
on some of the UK’s national
trails, including Offa’s Dyke and
the popular Coast to Coast path.
1 May – 8 May 2014
18 – 25 September 2014
A fascinating centenary tour of Belgium’s historic landscape and the battlefields of Flanders Fields.
This poignant journey includes walking the villages of Belgium’s Westhoek, visits to Commonwealth
and German military cemeteries and a walk on the Passchendaele ridge from Zonnebeke to Tyne Cot.
Based in beautiful Ypres throughout our stay, we have time to explore the delights of the city, which
has been lovingly restored to its pre-war grandeur with cobbled streets and impressive
architecture. There’s also the remarkable Flanders Fields Museum, in the Cloth Hall and
of course, the moving ‘Last Post’ ceremony, held each evening at the Menin Gate.
Join us to discover the history and remember the sacrifice of a past that has touched us all.
To book this tour call our experts on 01707 331133
Or visit our website to find out more www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
All the above departures are subject to availability
Tel: +44 (0) 1707 331133
[email protected]
Ramblers Holidays Ltd., Lemsford Mill, Lemsford Village, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 7TR.
www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
www.ramblerscountrywide.co.uk
www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk
www.adagio.co.uk
INSIDE
NEW WALKING
HOLIDAYS,
CRUISE & WALK
& ANDALUCÍA
PLUS MARKING
THE FIRST WORLD
WAR CENTENARY
THERE’S STILL TIME
TO BOOK A SUMMER
WALKING HOLIDAY TO:
Greece, Austria, Dubrovnik, Italy, Mallorca
plus Portugal, USA & Vietnam.
See back page for details.
ABTA No.V5094
PLUS
MUCH
MORE...
new places...
We all enjoy the intrigue of discovering
somewhere new... so here’s a sneak peek into
the exciting new walking holidays featuring in
our next worldwide brochure, coming soon!
CRUISE & WALK
come walk with us, let’s
fly and cruise away…
Kaş
Kaş and Antalya - the perfect answer to those winter blues!
The ancient villages, quiet bays and fascinating Roman,
Ottoman and Byzantine ruins at every turn are a real feast
for the eyes. Add some warm weather too and there’s
nothing more could you wish for.
Our cruises to the Canaries, Cape Verde and West Africa have got off to a flying
start! With year-round sunshine, spectacular ports of call and all the comforts of a
relaxing cruise ship, it’s easy to see why!
You fly direct to Tenerife, which means there are less days at sea. So you get to enjoy
the highest number of walks in more places than we have ever been able to offer.
6 days
from
Remember, your price includes: accommodation, meals, walking tours, shore visits,
sightseeing programmes, the services of a dedicated tour leader and on board
entertainment!
£665
Barcelona
Magic of Canaries Fly-Cruise
Canaries, Cape Verde & West Africa
Gaudi’s masterpieces are an absolute must! Park Güell and
La Sagrada Familia are guaranteed holiday highlights, as are
Las Ramblas and the Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat.
There’s simply so much to see and do walking from this lively
city nestled between the mountains and the sea.
From just £1,145! 14 night duration
Santa Cruz (Tenerife), San Sabastian (La
Gomera), La Estaca (El Hierro), Santa Cruz
(La Palma), Funchal (Madeira), Agadir
(Morocco), Casablanca (Morocco), Arrecife
(Morocco), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria).
From just £1,495! 15 night duration
Santa Cruz (Tenerife), Mindelo (Cape Verde),
Porto Novo (Cape Verde), Praia (Cape Verde),
Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Puerto
del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Las Palmas
(Gran Canaria).
One week
from
£1,220
Don’t miss your chance to go ashore and experience more.
Hidden Delights of
the Western Algarve
One week
from
£925
Morocco’s Atlantic Coast
From Agadir to Essaouira we enjoy
delightful coastal walks amongst sand
dunes. In one week our adventures
take us to the Souss-Massa National
Park, the red walled city of Taroudant,
known as Little Marrakech and through
Argan forest.
One week
from
£940
Two weeks
from
£1,070
Islands in the Southern
Mediterranean
Fancy some easy walking in Sicily,
Malta & Gozo? Then look no further!
There’s history, Baroque cities, grand
public buildings, cathedrals, beautiful
town squares, sunny marinas and
sandy beaches. And if you are a fan
of BBC4’s Inspector Montalbano and
undiscovered Sicily then you’ll be
walking right into the film set on
this holiday.
To book your Cruise & Walk holiday call our experts on 01707 386767
Or visit our website to find out more www.cruiseandwalk.co.uk
Discover the welcoming heart of the
Algarve as we follow paths through
a glorious mix of coastal, mountain
and inland scenery. Staying in two
contrasting centres, Silves and Burgau,
highlights include the spectacular
mountain range of Monchique and
Cape St Vincent Natural Park.
9 days
from
£2,999
Whistlestop Japan
Enjoy the thrill of the super-fast
bullet train and the tradition of a
Japanese tea ceremony. We contrast
vibrant and up-to-the minute Tokyo
with time-honoured Kyoto, where
wooden houses and Geisha mix with
modern society. A fascinating and
memorable introduction to the Land
of the Rising Sun!
CRUISE & WALK TASTER DAY…
Would you like to know more about our unique Cruise & Walk holidays?
Then register your interest for our ‘A Taste of Cruise & Walk Day’ taking place on
6th May in Southampton, on the Balmoral and 28th September in Newcastle, on the Black Watch.
You C
can come along, chat to our walking specialists and take advantage of some exclusive on the day offers.
NEW LOGOTYPE
- New Type
- Slightly condensed
- Narrower line width
- Balanced kearning
Email your name, postal address with postcode to [email protected]
A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE OF
Travel writer for the Telegraph, Susanna Armson, savours one of Spain’s most diverse regions with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.
As I threw open my window at Hotel Méson Poquiera in
Capileira, I was on top of the world. From my room in the
second highest village in Spain I could see the snowy peaks
of the Sierra Nevada looming over me. I’d spent the day
following the old mule paths and trails of the Poqueira Gorge
in Andalucía’s lush Las Alpujarras, amid alpine pasture and old
stone cortijos (farmhouses) with a friendly group of walkers.
Having travelled with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (RWH) before, I
can dispel any preconceptions you might have about “rambling”. It’s all
about expert knowledge, pure adventure and the joy of discovery. Age isn’t
a barrier as these holidays are carefully designed for different abilities and
interests. Walks are graded, so you know which will be testing and which are
more leisurely. Clients travel solo, with a partner or with a group of friends.
Las Alpujarras, on the southern slopes of the highest mountain range
in Western Europe outside the Alps, is barely a couple of hours’ drive from
the Costa del Sol but is a million miles away in most respects. Up here are
cute whitewashed villages clinging to mountain slopes, deep valleys with
rushing streams, and peaks that beg to be climbed.
We took our time to stroll around Capileira and its sister Moorish
villages Bubión and Pampaneira, admiring the flower-filled patios and the
views down to the distant sea. For more rewarding challenges, I would
recommend the Walking in Mairena in the Alpujarras trip, which includes
a mountain ascent as well as trails around the Poquiera Gorge. However, if
you want to explore these surroundings in a gentle way, opt for a holiday
to Mairena with Adagio, the RWH company that specialises in gentler
explorations. Here you will learn how to cook al andalus; walk through
olive and almond groves; taste wine at a bodega and stay at the rustic
Casa Las Chimeneas. The Alpujarras is one of the great walking areas of
Andalucía but far from the only one – and RWH has them all covered.
Enjoying year-round mild weather, the region is ideal for a pleasant, crowdfree break in autumn, spring or winter.
Another favourite is the Axarquia. The trip is based at Competa, a
picturesque pueblo blanco (white village), an easy drive from the coast yet
in resplendent surroundings. The Axarquia has footpaths through orchards,
along ridges and up into the mountains, offering something for all abilities.
RWH walks are eight to 14 miles, taking four to seven hours, and cover a
variety of terrain. The Liman Trail that takes in the postcard-pretty village of
Frigiliana, with views that change all the time.
Small groups of like-minded people is what you get with RWH –
along with an expert leader who takes you to spectacular sites and
remote outposts. This is especially welcome for those with an interest in
birdwatching. RWH has a trip to Extremadura and Doñana, two famous
sites for birds. The first is the region just to the north of Andalucía close
to Portugal and is home to the Monfragüe National Park. The forest and
rocky cliffs attract many species and visitors may see griffon and Egyptian
vultures, imperial and Bonelli’s eagles, red kites and smaller birds such as
white-rumped swifts and Iberian chiffchaffs. Black storks are sometimes
seen. This trip also includes the contrasting plains around Trujillo just to the
south with its bustards, sandgrouse, harriers and cranes.
Guests then move to Andalucía’s Coto Doñana, an immense area
bordering the Atlantic and the Guadalquivir river in the south. The
wetlands, dunes and forests make it one of the best sites for birdwatching
in Europe, with flamingos, spoonbills, glossy ibis, egrets, herons and many
more species. The park harbours the endangered Iberian lynx as well as
many deer and wild boar.
The base, El Rocío, is like something out of the Wild West with wide,
sandy streets. The town’s centrepiece is the striking white Hermitage,
whose statue of the virgin is a pilgrimage destination for hundreds of
thousands each year.
Seville has many fine buildings, including the cathedral and the Alcázar.
On the Classical Andalucía itinerary you’ll be based in the city for five
nights, with the opportunity to take local transport out to the rolling Sierra
Morena which offers easy walking country.
Next you’ll travel by road to Córdoba for a four-night stay. This gives
you plenty of time to explore the famous Mezquita, the Jewish and Muslim
quarters as well as the surrounding countryside.
Granada is your final destination. There are five nights to enjoy here,
to discover the beautiful cathedral and monasteries and the magnificent
Alhambra – the palace fortress of the Nasrid sultans. There’s also the
chance to explore the mountainous terrain that surrounds Granada.
On The Moorish Trail holiday, which starts in Marrakech and continues
north, across the Strait of Gibraltar, you will visit the pueblo blanco town of
Ronda along with Granada and Córdoba before ending in Madrid.
Browse the RWH options and the variety becomes evident. You can
book Cruise and Walk holidays, combine rail journeys with walking, cycling
with hiking and try hut-to-hut routes, as well as the birdwatching holidays.
Accommodation ranges from huts to five-star spa hotels but wherever you
stay it will have been hand-picked to give you an authentic experience.
Wherever you walk in the world, RWH offers excellent value. Its outstanding
service, rewards for repeat customers, early-bird discounts, best price
guarantee and full financial protection have earned the company a loyal fan
base. There is no question in my mind that the world’s more beautiful on
foot and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays can help you discover it.
Full article featured recently in Authentic Holidays with AiTO, the Daily Telegraph. Re-produced
with kind permission from the author.