atg oxford footloose 2016

INDEPENDENTATGOXFORD

The besT way To see a counTry is on fooT!

FOOTLOOSE

EUROPE

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Welcome to ATG Footloose

Varied interestsWe are very interested in every aspect of theroute, especially wildflowers, birds and animals.We like visiting places en route and very muchenjoy art, architecture, history and prehistory,and want to understand local culture, and knowabout local traditions and cuisine; and whilstwe don’t want to be bombarded with facts andfigures, we would like there to be some sourceof information – a route book – to tell us abouteverything en route – if we want to know!

Relax and enjoyAbove all we want everything to be taken careof so that we are free from the chore oforganisation – and can devote all our time andenergies to thoroughly enjoying every aspectof the trip – to return home revitalised andrefreshed in body, mind and spirit.

Your type of holiday?Our holidays have in common the same highquality of itinerary, interests, accommodation,service, support and attention to detail. Thedetailed information in this brochure will helpyou determine whether our trips are right foryou. If you would like further information aboutthe company or any of our trips, please do nothesitate to contact us.

We look forward to welcoming you…

Independent walking along continuous routes in the most beautiful and interesting areas of Europe

A note from the directors…Our ideal holidays

ATG trips are, unashamedly, our idealholidays. They are trips that we, ourfamily and friends take…They combinehealthy exercise, whilst travellingthrough outstandingly beautiful andinteresting areas, with comfortableaccommodation, good food and wine,the company of a small group of like-minded travelling companions and,most important, everything organisedso that we remain carefree and relaxed– to enjoy the best that every area hasto offer.

Directors Kate and Christopher Whinney – on a Footloose holiday!

Carefully researched – and the best of everythingAs ‘the best way to see a country is on foot’ – thatis how we like to travel. The route must becarefully researched to include the best paths withthe most outstanding and picturesque views, therarest flowers, birds etc., and nights spent at themost interesting and historic places en route.

The right amount of walkingThere must be enough walking, but not too much,with optional transportation available. There mustbe opportunities for sightseeing and relaxing, andwhen we walk on to the next place we expect tofind our luggage has been ‘miraculously’transported and is awaiting us in our rooms atthe next hotel.

AccommodationWe like to stay in the most comfortable andcharacteristic hotels available, and enjoy thedelightful and inevitably varied accommodation(one night in an historic palace hotel, the next ata converted farm). Each evening we like to eat atrestaurants serving the very best local cuisineand wines.

u

The air holidays and flights in thisbrochure are ATOL protected bythe Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 2618.

All holidays in this brochure that do notinclude flights purchased through ATGare ABTOT protected by the Associationof Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Ltd. Our ABTOT Trust number is 5181.

5181

Images: top left, background and main image on front cover: the Piano Grande, Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

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Brochure design by Greg MorahanProduced and edited by Kate Whinney

Barcelona

Toulouse

Oxford

Paris

France

Spain

Scotland

London

Portugal

Marseille

Bologna

Pisa

Rome

Naples

Italy

Lisbon

HungaryBudapest

Siena toFlorence Page 48

Provence:Vaucluse & theLubéronPage 22

Classic AlsacePage 14

Riviera &Portofino 2

Cinque Terre Page 34

Roman Roadsto Orvieto Page 54

Approach toRomePage 44

UnknownTuscany & Orvieto Page 52

Sicily: From theCentre to theSeaPage 66

Amalfi Coast Page 62

GarganoPeninsulaPage 64

UnknownUmbria & SpoletoPage 60

Umbria & Assisi Page 58

Montefeltro &Urbino Page 36

Ancient VolcanicLandscapes Page 42

SouthernTuscany Page 50

Sintra & the PortugueseCoast Page 30

Hills of GironaPage 28

ClassicDordogne Page 16

Lot & Dordogne ValleyPage 18

The ScottishBorders Page 12

Tuscany& Siena Page 46

ContentsFootloose: What ATG Offers .....................02ATG Value: What’s Included?.....................03Who goes on Footloose trips?...................04How will you find your way? ......................06ATG Route Managers ................................07What sort of Hotels? ..................................08What sort of Food & Wine? .......................09Choosing a trip: Grades and Fitness .........10Choosing a trip: World-Class Interests ......11

ScotlandThe Scottish Borders..................................12

FranceClassic Alsace ............................................14Classic Dordogne ......................................16Lot & Dordogne Valley ..............................18Lozère & the Tarn Gorge............................20Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron ............22

HungaryHungary: the Danube Bend.......................24

SpainAlto Teruel .................................................26

Hills of Girona ............................................28

PortugalSintra & the Portuguese Coast ..................30

ItalyRiviera & Portofino.....................................32Cinque Terre ..............................................34Montefeltro & Urbino.................................36225 Miles to Rome (Introduction) ..............38Tuscan Hills ................................................40Ancient Volcanic Landscapes.....................42Approach to Rome ....................................44Tuscany & Siena .........................................46Siena to Florence .......................................48

ItalySouthern Tuscany.......................................50Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto......................52Roman Roads to Orvieto ...........................54Southern Lakes ..........................................56Umbria & Assisi ..........................................58Unknown Umbria & Spoleto ......................60Amalfi Coast ..............................................62Gargano Peninsula.....................................64Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea .............66

Freewheeling .............................................68Walking the Talk.........................................70What else does ATG offer? ........................71Destination Airports...................................72Extension Hotels ........................................73Making a Booking......................................74Booking Form ............................................75Booking Conditions ...................................76

Tuscan Hills Page 40

Lozère & theTarn GorgePage 20

Hungary: theDanube BendPage 24

Alto TeruelPage 26

Southern LakesPage 56

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com2

Footloose

Stay a while...The Footloose concept caters for all ages, interests andbudgets, and is almost infinitely adaptable. Keen walkersmay be most interested in the walking (there are over1,000 miles of Footloose routes across Europe).Enthusiastic travellers may want to linger, taking time todiscover the best that each area has to offer.

You can book extra nights anywhere along a route.

...What ATG Offers

Independent walking holidays managed by ATG Route Managers in each area

• Discover some of the most beautiful and interesting areas of Europe on foot*

• Routes selected for the quality of walking and for outstanding places of interest

• ATG Route Manager in the area will meet you before you set out, check through your chosen

itinerary, provide you with any recent route updates, and can always be contacted by mobile phone

• ATG booklets, with easy to follow instructions and maps, guide you from place to place

• Carefully selected accommodation – often in historic towns and villages

• Luggage transported on route, to await you in your room at the next hotel

• With all the practicalities taken care of you are free to enjoythe area in your own time…

* Various routes also have Freewheeling (cycling) itineraries. See pages 68-69.

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UNKNOWN UMBRIA

& SPOLETO

ROUTE BOOKLET

oooottlloooosseefATGO X F O R D

ATG Value: What’s Included?After you have selected

n Which route you would like

n Itinerary length (where there is a choice)

n Whether you would prefer Standard or Superioraccommodation (see page 8)

n Your preferred start date. You can start on any day ofthe week within the dates indicated on each trip page –subject to availability

Our experienced Reservations Team will confirm yourbooking.

Hotel AccommodationAll your hotel accommodation will have been confirmed.This will comprise comfortable accommodation, easilyaccessible to walkers, with a choice of Standard (moremoderately priced accommodation – indicated by a greendot ) or, where available, Superior hotels (shown with a reddot/text on the relevant trip pages ). In towns where boththe Standard and Superior routes use the same hotel, thisis indicated by a two-toned dot .

Choice and ValueAccommodation is arranged on a Room Only (RO), Bed &Breakfast (B&B), or Half Board (HB) basis, as specified.Where there are several restaurants nearby, staying in B&Baccommodation allows you choice and flexibility, so youcan choose evening meals to suit your taste and budget.Where hotels are relatively remote we negotiate a Half-Board (breakfast and evening meal included) arrangementfor you.

Trip Information

When we confirm your booking, wewill send you electronically or by post:

n Confirmation invoice

n Travel advice regarding publictransport and pre-booked taxis fromthe airport to the first hotel, etc.

n Practical information relating toyour trip

n What-to-bring checklists

For your Independent trip to ‘happen’ the following arrangements will be in place

ATG Route Manager based in the area

n He or she will meet you at your first hotel, usuallybetween 9.00–9.30am on the morning after yourarrival. (If you would like to meet the RouteManager at a different time please contact theoffice prior to departure).

n They will re-confirm all the arrangements for yourholiday in detail and provide you with any recentroute updates.

n They will move your luggage between overnightstops en route, and book restaurants for you,ensuring you eat at the places that are your firstchoice, and you are not disappointed by havingto search elsewhere.

n The Route Manager can be contacted by mobilephone at any time during your trip.

ATG never compromises on

Quality to sell on price‘‘’’

CLASSICDORDOGNE

ROUTE BOOKLEToooottlloooosseefATGO X F O R D

Bicycle hireFreewheeling trips include bicycle hire. Your RouteManager will deliver a high quality, serviced bike to youat your briefing, for use throughout the brochureditinerary.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected] 3

Route Booklets

These booklets contain either measured walking or cyclingroutes (c.100 pages or more), with detailed maps and easy-to-follow instructions relating to the measured route, GPScoordinates, town plans, historical and background notesand a comprehensive range of general information – fromopening times of museums to notes on restaurants, andsustainable shopping information.

Route Booklets, ‘pocket’ A5 size, are regularly re-printedto ensure the information is up-to-date. The booklet is thekey that gives you access to the very best the area has tooffer. With it you will have a superb holiday. Without it youwill – literally – be lost! But then you can call the RouteManager who is always available.

ATG route books are 'the best inthe business' – Daily Telegraph

Classic Alsace: Hôtel Le Parc, Obernai

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Will you enjoy a Footloose trip?If you are active, have an inquiring mind and enjoy a wide spectrum of interests, you have a taste for(mild) adventure, and want to return from your trip feeling fitter and healthier – the answer is YES!

Will you meet other walkers on the route?Footloose routes are designed for no more than 6 people to startdown a route each day. This prevents paths becoming eroded andthe area degraded. It is therefore unlikely that you will meet morethan 4 other ATG walkers during your holiday.

Do you have to walk all the way?Most people do, but if you feel like an easy day – just phone theRoute Manager, and he or she will advise you on the local transportoptions available, which may include a lift to the next hotel.

Footloose trips are for everyone who is able towalk (or cycle – see pages 68-69), enjoys genuinetravel experiences, and has at least 5 days and£430 ($670) to spare...

Footloose will provide all this and more – glorious countryside, days filledwith a range of interests – flowers, birds, historic villages, art andarchitecture. Add to this comfortable accommodation, with your luggagewaiting for you in your room, good food and wine… and you will join the99% of ATG travellers who rate their overall enjoyment as ‘excellent/good’.

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Who goes on Footloose Trips?


What about bringing children?Footloose is a popular holiday for parents with small, ‘portable’ children, or children over10 – who can manage the distances and enjoy being entrusted with the Route Booklet – tofind the way! The idea of a journey and the sense of achievement, together with the widevariety of interests everywhere en route, provide the recipe for a great family holiday.

How many days should you go for?Itineraries vary from 5 to 8 days, with 8 days being the most popular.

5–6 day itineraries: These usually include 4 different hotels and 3 days ofwalking. It makes an excellent short break, can be extended, or included aspart of a longer trip.

7–8 day itineraries: These include 4–6 different hotels, and one or two restdays at places of outstanding interest en route. The itineraries are designedas ideal week-long holidays.

...or link 3 trips together and walk for 22 days to Rome!(See pages 38-45).

When can you start?You can start any day during months when theroutes are open, subject to availability.

What about bringing a group of friends?Footloose is an excellent and popular way to enjoy a holiday with agroup of friends. Some routes can accommodate groups of up to10. Please contact the office for details.

People of all ages, from babies in backpacksto 80-year-olds, couples, small groups offriends, and families from all over the worldenjoy Footloose trips...

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The ATG Route Booklet is the key to the success ofa Footloose holiday. With it you will have anexcellent holiday. Without it you will be – literally –lost!

You won’t get lost, but if you do...simply phone the Route Manager.

The ATG Route Booklet for your chosen areahas easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plansand other information that will guide you todiscover the best that the area has to offer.

The booklet anticipates your needs…

n Walking route with measurements (measured with a surveyor’s wheel)

n Marked maps of the route (facing the instructions) and GPSco-ordinates for those who wish to use satellite navigation

n Town plans marked with walking route and location of hotels

n Historical notes and notes on geology, flora and fauna,regional cuisine, etc.

n Places of interest (monuments and sights) with notes andopening/closing times

n Restaurants, etc., with notes and price guides

n Shops to buy picnic lunches, etc. – includes a substantial shopping guide

n Other information – locations and opening times for banks, postoffices, pharmacies, etc.

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How will you find your way?

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YOUR LUGGAGE TRANSPORTEDALONG THE ROUTE

What about the practicalities en route?

On each Footloose route there is an ATG Route Manager, whois there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure thesuccess of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the countryfluently, and live in the local area.

n Welcome you at your first hotel, usually between 9.00–9.30, the morning after yourarrival. (If you would like to meet the Route Manager at a different time please contactthe office prior to departure).

n Check through your chosen itinerary with you, and confirm all your arrangements

n Provide you with up-to-date information about events in the area, such as festivals orexhibitions

n Make reservations for you at restaurants en route, if required

n Advise you on local transport services, as required

n Answer any questions you may have

n Transport your luggage on the route

n Give you telephone numbers where they can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event ofan emergency

n Contact you at the end of your trip for any feedback you may have

n Do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday

What will your Route Manager do?

BRIEFING AT FIRST HOTEL TOCONFIRM ALL ARRANGEMENTS

ATG Route Managers

‘You will be welcomed...’

Michela Thomann

Route Manager, Dordogne

RECOMMENDED MARKETSTO BUY...

A CHANCE FOR FEEDBACK ATTHE END OF THE TRIP

...PICNIC LUNCH

ENJOY EACH AREA IN YOUROWN TIME

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected] 7

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What sort of Hotels?All the hotels we use on Footloose routes areconveniently situated along the route...

Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

6 H

B / 7

B&

B

LES EyzIES-DE-TAyAc

Moulin de la Beune

HHConverted mill with lovely

garden and excellent

restaurant

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

GORDES

Les Bories

HHHHHWonderful views, 2 pools,

excellent restaurant

NIG

HT

2

HB

PORETA

Borgo della Marmotta

Agriturismo

An authentic, luxurious

farm resort

NIG

HT

2

B&

B

DIEVOLE

Villa Dievole

HHHHVilla in working wine estate

with swimming pool

Siena to Florence

Classic Dordogne Umbria & Assisi


On most routes you can choose Standard or Superior accommodationSuperior accommodation includes upgraded hotels where available. The type of roombooked varies according to the hotels’ room classifications. Further upgrades may beavailable at an additional cost – please enquire on booking. Where there is no Superiorhotel available, you will be accommodated in the Standard hotel in a standard double/twinroom (unless otherwise stated). Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms forsingle occupancy (DFS) for a modest supplemental charge.

The Route Manager visits the hotels daily.

STANDARD OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION

STANDARD & SUPERIOR OPTIONS

On the trip pages the Standard andSuperior options are clearly identifiedby coloured dots. Mixed-coloured dotsindicate that a hotel is used for bothoptions. For trips where there is nocolour coding, there is only onestandard of accommodation. ‘B&B'means breakfast is included. 'HB' meansbreakfast and dinner are included.

4* PALAZZO DRAGONI, SPOLETO: UMBRIA & SPOLETO (superior), NIGHTS 6 & 7

LunchThe ATG Route Booklets and our‘Sustainable Shopping Guides’ arefilled with information about marketsand shops in which to buy your lunch.From seasonal fruits, local cheeses,cured hams and freshly baked breads,you are limited only by what you cancarry in your pack!

DinnerIn some locations, usually where there is no otherrestaurant within walking distance, dinner at thehotel's restaurant is included (indicated by HB –half-board).

Some restaurants are recommended because theyhave provided meals that have been regularlyenjoyed by ATG clients; other restaurants arerenowned internationally (e.g., within the GuideMichelin).

Restaurant BookingsYour Route Manager will be delighted to book restaurantsfor you if required, ensuring the places you eat at are...

• Your first choice• The highest standard• The best value...and you are not disappointed by finding the restaurant full.

What sort of Food & Wine?On Footloose, again, you have a choice...

WineSeveral of the routes pass through well-known wine-producing regions, including the famous Chianti hills,with opportunities for wine tasting along the route.

If you are particularly interested in wine you may liketo consider...

• Classic Alsace• Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

• Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

• Tuscan Hills• Tuscany & Siena• Siena to Florence• Southern Tuscany• Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

• Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

• Roman Roads to Orvieto• Southern Lakes• Umbria & Assisi

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3

2+ - 4

2 - 2+

2 - 3

2 - 4

2 - 3

2 - 3

3 - 3+

2 - 4

2 - 3

3s

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

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59

80

74

61

91

55

45

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52

55

72

The Scottish Borders

Classic Alsace

Classic Dordogne

Lot & Dordogne Valley

Lozère & the Tarn Gorge

Hills of Girona

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

Riviera & Portofino

Cinque Terre

Montefeltro & Urbino

Tuscan Hills

5

5

5

5

6

5

30

42

38

30

37

33

G ML= Grade = Trip length (days) = Total miles

G ML ML

3

3 - 4

8

8

55

57

Hungary: the Danube Bend

Alto Teruel

3 - 4s

3s

2+

3 - 3+

3

2 - 3

2

8

8

7

8

8

8

8

90

68

37

68

70

53

53

3

3 - 4

3

3

3 - 4

8

8

8

8

8

49

54

35

42

56

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

Approach to Rome

Tuscany & Siena

Siena to Florence

Southern Tuscany

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Umbria & Assisi

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

Amalfi Coast

Gargano Peninsula

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

32

33

39

34

24

38

15

s Grade 5 for full 225 miles

2+ - 3 8 74Southern Lakes

G ML ML

2 - 3 7 51Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron 5 35

Walk as much or as little as you likeWhat distinguishes all ATG walking trips is that you can walkas much or as little as you like. This is made possiblebecause all ATG Footloose trips are managed by ATG-trained Route Managers dedicated to the specific route. TheRoute Manager lives in the area and transports your luggageeach day, has a 5-seater vehicle – and is there to help...!They are always on call and will meet you at the start of yourtrip, so you can discuss your requirements and theeasier/tougher options in the route book.

GradesTrips are allocated Grades 2-5 according to terrain andlength of walk. The Fitness Quiz (right) may help youdetermine which Grade of trip is right for you.

Grades '+’: A grade followed by a ‘+’ sign indicates that it isa slightly higher grade than – say 2, but not as tough as 3.

Grades 'range': Grades indicated as – say 2-3 – meanpredominantly Grade 2 walks, with the option of Grade 3walks on one or more days.

In the route books the easier/tougher options are clearlyidentified. In addition you always have the option to ‘walk asmuch or as little as you like’ (see above).

n Grade 2: Walking along well-established paths andtracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces, and openmeadows. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour(Fitness Quiz score 20+)

n Grade 3: Walking along a variety of paths, some stony inplaces, with ascents/descents of 1 to 2 hours(Fitness Quiz score 30+)

n Grade 4: Walking along a variety of paths and surfaces,occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3hours (Fitness Quiz score 40+)

n Grade 5: Challenging walking with a variety of terrain, some long days, and/or long ascents and descents (Fitness Quiz score 45+)

1. When you hurry/run toanswer the telephone areyou...

a) Able to carry on a normalconversation.

b) Slightly out of breath, butable to speak normally.

c) Pausing between phrasesto ‘catch your breath’.

d) You never hurry/run toanswer the phone.

2. Do you...

a) Run, or bound upstairs.b) Walk quickly/easily upstairs.

c) Walk slowly/steadily upstairs.

d) Take the lift/elevator.

3. When travelling, withouttime constraints, in yournearest city or town doyou...

a) Walk whenever possible.b) Use public transport andwalk.

c) Drive, circling until youfind a parking place closeto your destination, thenwalk.

d) Take a taxi door to door.

4. Do you enjoy walking/cycling...

a) More than 10 miles a day.b) 5–10 miles a day.c) 1–4 miles a day.d) You never walk unless youhave to.

5. After 15 minutes of fastwalking to catch the lasttrain, how long does ittake to ‘get your breathback’ and for your heartto stop pounding?

a) 1 minute.b) 2 minutes.c) 4 minutes.d) You would rather miss thelast train than hurry tocatch it.

6. Do you enjoy thechallenge ofwalking/cycling (slowly)uphill...

a) For 3 hours.b) For 2 hours.c) For 1 hour.d) You avoid walking uphillwhenever possible.

7. After prolonged physicalexertion (say a 10 milewalk, a 15 mile cycle ride,or the equivalent) do youfeel...

a) Ready to enjoyother/social activity.

b) Ready for a nap.c) In need of a day or two torecover.

d) Determined never torepeat the experience.

Fitness Quiz: how fit are you?To assess your level of fitness in relation to the varioustrips, you may find it helpful to complete this quiz:

To Score: a) = 9 b) = 6 c) = 3 d) = 0Your total score will give anindication of the trips that might suityou best (see Grades opposite).

Choosing a Trip: Grades & Fitness


Trips by Grade, Length, Mileage

5 35

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Hotels ~

Restauran

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Wine area

Scen

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Walking

Flowers

Birds

Wild

life

Geo

logy

Cultural s

Historic

Art

Architecture

Environm

ent*

World-Class Interests

The Scottish Borders 7 8 N/A 9 9 7 8 7 5 7 N/A 7 7

Classic Alsace 7 / 8 9 10 8 8 7 7 6 7 6 N/A 9 8

Classic Dordogne 7 / 8 7 7 6 7 6 6 8 10 7

Lot & Dordogne Valley 6 / 7 7 7 8 8 7 7 6 9 6 6 N/A 7 8

Lozère & the Tarn Gorge 6 / 9 10 9 10 9 7 6 7 N/A N/A 8

Hills of Girona 6 6 6 7 7 8 6 7 6 7 N/A 7 8

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast 7 / 8 8 7 6 7 6 5 8 6 8 7 9 6

Riviera & Portofino 7 / 8 7 8 8 8 7 8 6 6 6 7 N/A 7 7

Cinque Terre 6 / 8 7 8 10 8 7 8 5 7 6 7 N/A 8 6

Montefeltro & Urbino 6 / 7 7 6 8 7 8 8 7 8 6 9 10 9 8

Tuscan Hills 7 7 9 8 8 7 6 6 7 6 9 10 10 7

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes 6 7 8 9 8 7 7 7 8 6 9 6 8 8

Approach to Rome 6 7 6 7 7 6 6 5 7 6 9 10 10 8

Tuscany & Siena 9 8 9 8 8 8 7 6 6 6 10 10 10 7

Siena to Florence 6 / 8 8 10 9 8 7 7 7 6 6 7 10 7

Southern Tuscany 6 / 7 7 10 8 8 7 7 6 7 6 9 10 10 7

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto 6 / 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 6 10 7 9 9 9 9

Roman Roads to Orvieto 6 8 7 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 9 9 9 7

Umbria & Assisi 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 5 7 6 8 10 8

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto 7 / 9 6 6 10 9 10 8 7 8 7 7 8 8 10

Amalfi Coast 8 7 7 9 7 6 6 5 6 6 7 N/A 8 6

Gargano Peninsula 7 7 7 7 7 10 7 6 6 6 7 N/A 7 8

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea 6 6 6 8 8 7 8 7 8 8 7 9 8

8 7

7 6

9

9

7

8

10

10

7

8

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10 10

10

10 10

10

10

10 10 10

10

10

10

10

10

9 9

9 9

9

9

9

9 9

9 9

9 9

9 9

9

8 / 9 9

9

9 9 9 9

9 9 9

9

9

9

7 / 9

10

9

Hungary: the Danube Bend 6 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 9 8 8 7 8 7

Alto Teruel 6 9 9 9 9 7 7 8 8 6 8 87 7

9

9 9 9 9

Southern Lakes 6 8 8 9 8 8 7 6 10 7 9 9 9 99 9 9 9109

~Standard/Superior accommodation s Cultural: interaction with local people * Environment: success of operation within ATG standards of Conservation and Sustainable Development.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected] 11

Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron 7 / 8 8 8 7 6 5 7 6 7 N/A 6 78

The benchmark against which assessments on this chart have beenmeasured is ‘World Class’ – ‘as good as it gets’.

Who decides? You do!

The purpose of this chart is not a marketing exercise! It is simply toshare client feedback, so that expectations relate to reality.

With a range of travel information available on the internet – someof it accurate, some of it grossly misleading, there seems to be value

in recording a distillation of the actual views of the several thousandhighly discerning people who travel with ATG each year – togetherwith the feedback from ATG Tour Consultants. Information fromclients and Tour Consultants is meticulously recorded in the ATGQuality system, and actioned daily, to ensure continualimprovement.

The strength of this chart is that it represents a fairly wide consensusof opinion; its weakness is that assessments are made by trip, andon any trip every day will have different features (hotels for example)so the assessment represents an indication or summary.

10 – World-Class 9 – Outstanding 8 – Excellent 7 – Very Good 6 – Good5 – Satisfactory OK 4 – Below Average 3 – Disappointing 2 – Poor 1 – Very Poor

Rating:

10 10

7 / 9

6 / 9 10

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

Day 1 • Arrive in KelsoArrive in the market town of Kelso, withits impressive abbey and nearby FloorsCastle. Kelso sits at the confluence ofthe Tweed and Teviot Rivers.

Day 2 • Kelso to Jedburgh(Day 1 – Arrive Jedburgh)Walk southwest across the originalstone bridge over the River Tweed, outof town onto the banks of the RiverTeviot, and along former railway tracksto an uphill stretch of Dere Street,before descending into Jedburgh. Aneasy walk between two historic BordersAbbey towns (13.4 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Jedburgh to BedruleAfter an exploration of the Abbey andMary Queen of Scots’ House, climb upsteadily over farm and woodland tracksleading down past the hamlet ofBedrule and on to Billerwell Farm withfine views across the surroundinghillsides (7.4 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 4 (2) • Jedburgh to DryburghAfter a short transfer by road, headnorth, following a stretch of DereStreet – the Roman Road between Yorkand Scotland, along farm tracks andwinding Tweed riverside paths toDryburgh – an undulating walk, offeringstunning views from the Roman road(10.1 miles, 5 hrs).Day 5 (3) • Dryburgh to MelroseWalk up to the viewpoint, beloved of SirWalter Scott, before descending to theVictorian viaduct at Leaderfoot, wherethree bridges converge. Then walk upto the viewpoints over the former Romansettlement at Trimontium, beforefollowing paths to the foot of the EildonHills. Walk around the northern flanks ofthe hills and down to Melrose, with itsmagnificent Abbey (7.5 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Melrose to SelkirkTake a riverside walk before visiting SirWalter Scott’s baronial mansion atAbbotsford. A steady long climb overpaths and farm tracks and a section ofancient drove road lead down intoSelkirk, where the courthouse used bySir Walter Scott can be found near thetown square (11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 7 • Selkirk to GalashielsA steady, steeper climb up through thePhiliphaugh Estate leads to the ThreeBrethren cairns, with outstanding viewsover the surrounding countryside. Theroute descends to Yair Bridge , thenrises again to the hills above Galashiels,leading around the perimeter of thetown with views across the valley(10 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

12

A T G F O O T L O O S E S C O T L A N D

Features

• Walk through the Scottish borders, an unspoilt landscape

• Rich in history and folklore

• Soft, rolling countryside beloved of Sir Walter Scott

• Follow the banks of the winding rivers Teviot and Tweed through heather-clad hills

• Visit Dryburgh Abbey and Abbotsford House

• Local shops to explore, offering fine knitted cashmeres,pottery, ceramics, glassware, leatherware and fine arts

The ScottishBorders

u Up to 64.1 milesu 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 3u Route open: April-September*

The Eildon Hills from Scott’s View

*For exact route dates and for trip prices, see insert.

Itinerary(Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary)

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

13

The Scottish Borders Trip Information

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Finding Your Way

Riverside and hillside paths; farm, forest, and woodland tracks. Hill climbs rangefrom 150m to 450m. Parts of the route can become muddy in wet weather.

Terrain

Recommended Destination Airport

Edinburgh

From Edinburgh airport there areregular bus and tram services tocentral Edinburgh (40 mins, £4.50),from where there are hourly trainconnections to Galashiels (£10,50 mins). From Galashiels there areregular onward bus connections toKelso and Jedburgh (~£6, 45 mins).

By train from LondonFrom London King's Cross there isan hourly service to Berwick-upon-Tweed (3 hrs 40 mins, ~£60-£75),from where there are regular busesto Kelso (50 mins, £7) and toJedburgh (1 hr 20 mins, £10).

TaxisFrom To PriceEdinburgh Kelso ~£85Edinburgh Jedburgh ~£95

Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays.

Taxis can be booked via the ATGoffice.

Getting There

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Fitness: Grade 3 See page 10 for information on Grades

NIG

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KELSOCross Keys HotelHHHOn the square in centre ofhistoric market town

NIG

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2

B&

B

JEDBURGHAllerton HouseHHHHElegant stone mansion;luxuriously appointed

NIG

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3

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BEDRULEBillerwell FarmHHHHVictorian farmhouse inthe beautiful Rule Watervalley

NIG

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4

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MELROSETownhouse HotelHHHFriendly, centrally located,family-run hotel

NIG

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6

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SELKIRKPhilipburn Country HouseHHHH18th century Georgianhotel with lovely gardens

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

GALASHIELSKingsknowes HotelHHHBaronial mansion datingfrom 1869, now a familyrun hotel situated in 5acres of carefully tendedgardens

The accommodation on this route isequivalent to the 'superior' category

Feet15001000

5000

Metres457305152.50

Day 2 Day 3

0 5 10 15 20 25Miles 30

Kelso

35 40 45

Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

50 55

Day 7

Jedburgh

Bedrule

Dryburgh Melrose Selkirk Galashiels

Harestanes

60

..... 5-day route

The ATG Route Bookletincludes detaileddirections and maps, aswell as up-to-dateinformation on townsvisited, places of interest,local history, restaurants,cafés and shops en route.

Your Route Manager, who liveslocally, is there to ensure your tripruns smoothly. They will brief youbefore you set out, move yourluggage along the route, offeradvice and answer your questions,and they’re contactable by phoneto help out in case of emergencies.

Restaurants, Food & WineThe Scottish Borders is home to awealth of local produce, particularlylamb and beef, game includingvenison, fish from the rivers Tweedand Teviot, and shellfish which isalso exported to Europe.

You will, of course, come across thenational dish, haggis – and manyfine malt whiskies. Also premiumquality ice cream and delicioushome bakes.

World-famous Scottish Whiskies and ahuge choice of ales. Visiting local pubson route is highly recommended!

For further information on food &wine see page 9.

Extend Your Stay:To extend your stay anywhere on the route,please contact the ATG office.

5-day itinerary:One night Jedburgh, Dryburgh, Melrose

and Selkirk.

On booking you will be sent furthertrip information: details of how toget to/from the route, what tobring and other practicalities.

ST BOSWELLS/DRYBURGHDryburgh Abbey HotelHHHHIn wooded private estate onthe banks of the River Tweed


Classic Alsace

A T G F O O T L O O S E F R A N C E : A L S A C E

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in Obernai –picturesque small town with narrowstreets, ancient houses, and delightfulmain square, Place du Marché. Or, if youpre-extend in Obernai for an extra night:A circular walk through the wooded hillsof the Vosges brings you to thepicturesque convent of Mont Ste Odile,with panoramic views across the RhineValley (6.3 or 14.9 miles, 3 or 7.5 hrs).Day 2 (2) • Barr to ItterswillerAfter exploring Obernai, and a shorttrain ride to Barr, a centre of wine-making,quiet lanes lead through vineyards via thepicturesque village of Mittelbergheimwith its Renaissance houses; thencontinue up into the hills by gentle tracksand woodland paths to visit twodramatically situated ruined châteaux,Haut-Andlau & Spesbourg. And finally viathe flower-filled village of Andlau, on toItterswiller, set amongst vineyards in asmall valley. Fine views (5.2 or 8.5 miles,2.5 or 4 hours).Day 3 (2) • Itterswiller to Dambach-la-VillePaths through colourful villages, vineyardsand across forested hills of the Vosgeslead to the picturesque, walled village ofDambach-la-Ville, with its ancient houses,towers and vineyards (3.8 or 7.8 miles,2 or 4 hrs).Day 4 (3) • Dambach to St HippolytePaths through woods and vineyards leadalong the edge of the hills, or via thelandmark Castle of Koenigsbourg, to thedelightful village of St Hippolyte, setamongst vineyards against the woodedhills (7.8 or 12.7 miles, 3.5 or 6 hrs).Day 5 (4) • St Hippolyte to RiquewihrPaths through vineyards and forestedhills lead to the town of Ribeauvillé,famous for its Traniber and Rieslingwines. After exploring the town,continue through vineyards to thepicturesque village of Riquewihr, with itsperfectly preserved streets of ancienthouses (9.6 or 13 miles, 5 or 6.5 hrs).Day 6 • Riquewihr to LapoutroiePaths and quiet lanes lead up throughwoods to a ridge, before descending toLapoutroie. A longer (worthwhile!) walkcontinues around the edge of a wide ‘bowl’ –the Orbey Valley, noted for its scenery,and then descends to the village of LeBonhomme before continuing to Lapoutroie(12.2 or 18.2 miles, 6.5 or 9.5 hrs).Day 7 • Lapoutroie to KaysersbergPaths through mountain pastures lead upto a medieval pilgrim shrine, beforedescending to the delightful small townof Kaysersberg set amongst renownedvineyards. A range of optional walks isincluded in the Route Booklet includingan ascent to the high ridge of the Vosges(1,300m / 4,270ft), and a visit to thehistoric village of Turckheim (6.8, 10.3 or19 miles, 3.5, 5 or 9 hrs).Day 8 (5) • Departure day

14



Features

• Classic wine route – valleys filled with the finest vineyards in Alsace

• Nights in a succession of famously picturesque villages

• Hills of the Vosges with forests and fine views

• High meadows of the Orbey Valley with pilgrim paths

• Outstanding food and wine – everywhere on route

• Easy access by train from the UK

u Grade 2+ - 4u Route open: April-October*

Hills of the Vosges with forests and fine views


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

15

Classic Alsace Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Tracks through vineyards, forests, high hills and meadows. Quiet lanesthrough picturesque villages and pilgrimage routes.

Terrain

Recommended Destination Airports

Strasbourg • Basel-Mulhouse •Paris CDG

There are excellent public transportlinks to Obernai from Strasbourgairport (45 mins), Basel-Mulhouseairport (2–3 hrs) and Paris CDG(3 hrs).

Trains/busesFrom To PriceStrasbourg Obernai ~€ 7Basel-Mulhouse Obernai ~€22

TaxisFrom To PriceStrasbourg airport First hotel ~€ 46

Basel-Mulhouseairport First hotel ~€165

Prices may be significantly higheron Sundays and public holidays.


Obernai

Itterswiller

Riquewihr

Kaysersberg

Le Bonhomme

Lapoutroie

Turckheim Colmar

Barr

Ribeauvillé

Orbey

0 5 10 miles

Dambach-La-Ville

St. Hippolyte

Mont Sainte-Odile

Ottrott

Getting There

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Fitness: Grade 2+ - 4 See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineThe gastronomy of Alsace isrenowned. The Superior routeincludes an evening meal in StHippolyte at a Michelinrecommended restaurant. Overallthere are Guide Michelin restaurantsat Obernai, Riquewihr andKaysersberg. A wide range of grapevarieties from Riesling to Pinot Noirproduce distinguished wines ofcharacter and interest.


On booking you will be sentfurther trip information: details ofhow to get to/from the route,what to bring and otherpracticalities.

HB

NIG

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1

B&

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OBERNAIHôtel Le ColombierHHHStylish; cosy atmosphere,in the heart of town

NIG

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1

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OBERNAILe Parc Restaurant,Hôtel & SpaHHHHCharming hotel in lovely settingwith gardens and pool, excellentcuisine

NIG

HT

3

B&

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DAMBACH-LA-VILLEHôtel Le VignobleHHConverted 18th century barnin traditional Alsatian setting

NIG

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4

HB

ST HIPPOLYTEHostellerie MunschHHHFamily-run ‘Relais du Silence’surrounded by vineyards

NIG

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ST HIPPOLYTEHôtel Le ParcHHHHElegant, family run hotel(Michelin recommended) withpool and spa

NIG

HT

5

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RIQUEWIHRHôtel Le SchoenenbourgHHHModern, spacious hotel withheated outdoor pool

NIG

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HB

LAPOUTROIELe FaudéHHHCharming, family-run hotel withlovely gardens, indoor pool andexcellent cuisineSuperior rooms have a petit salon& bath

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T.

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KAYSERSBERGHôtel les RempartsHHHWelcoming hotel in a verypeaceful setting

NIG

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7&

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KAYSERSBERGLe ChambardHHHHCharacterful, luxurious spahotel with HHMichelin

restaurant and pool

NIG

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2

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ITTERSWILLERHôtel ArnoldHHHFriendly hotel, excellentviews over the valley

..... 5-day route


Your Route Manager, who liveslocally, is there to ensure your tripruns smoothly. They will brief youbefore you set out, move yourluggage along the route, offer adviceand answer your questions, andthey’re contactable by phone to helpout in case of emergencies.

NUMBER OF NIGHTS HB (DINNER INCLUDED)8 DAY • Standard: 2 / Superior: 25 DAY • Standard: 1 / Superior: 1

STANDARD OPTION SUPERIOR OPTIONSTANDARD & SUPERIOR OPTIONS

5-day itinerary: 1 night in Obernai, Dambach,St Hippolyte and Riquewihr

Extend Your Stay: To extend your stayanywhere on the route, please contactthe ATG office.

Cycling itinerary also available:See pages 68-69 for details.

Feet Metres300020001000

0

9156103050

20 25 30 35 40 45Miles

Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

DambachItterswillerBarr

St Hippolyte Riquewihr Lapoutroie Kaysersberg

10 150 5

Feet Metres300020001000

0

9156103050

20 25 30 35 40 45 50Miles


DambachItterswillerBarr St Hippolyte Riquewihr Lapoutroie Kaysersberg

10 15 60 65 70 75550 5

Long route

Short route


A T G F O O T L O O S E F R A N C E : D O R D O G N E

Day 1 • Arrive in Sarlat-la-CanédaTime to explore this attractive market town,in the heart of Périgord Noir, following anATG route through old Sarlat with itsnarrow medieval and Renaissance streets.

Day 2 • Sarlat-la-Canéda to Carsac-AillacWalk from the valley up into low hills withfertile farmland, before descending to yourhotel on an ancient Roman site beside theRiver Dordogne (9.6 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 3 • Carsac-Aillac to Domme(Day 1 – Arrive Domme)Paths lead up to a plateau with extensiveviews and to the ancient walled town ofDomme, perched high on a cliff, enjoyingpanoramic views across the DordogneValley (8.4 or 10.2 miles, 4.5 or 5 hrs).

Day 4 (2) • Domme to BeynacAfter descending to the valley, paths leadalong the river to the impressive castle ofCastelnau (visit, with superb view from theterrace). After crossing the river and up tothe delightful gardens of Marqueyssac, aquiet lane leads to the small village ofVézac, from where it is a 20 minute walk tothe crag-top castle of Beynac, high abovethe river. There is the possibility of makingthis day’s journey by canoe from Cenac,below Domme, to Beynac (7.7 or10.6 miles, 4 or 4.5 hrs).

Day 5 (3) • Beynac to MeyralsA choice of routes lead along the river,then across low hills to the village ofMeyrals and a converted farm in a quietvalley. Optional routes via St Cyprien (finechurch) or along the south side of the rivervia Château des Milandes, once home ofJosephine Baker (10.5, 13.6 or 16.4 miles,5.5–8.5 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Meyrals to Les EyziesPaths lead up into hills, then down to theBeune Valley (optional excursion to site ofprehistoric settlement of Cap Blanc – reliefcarvings of bison and horses), beforecontinuing through the picturesque villageof Sireuil, and then on to Les Eyzies (8.1 or10 miles, 4 or 5 hrs).

Day 7 • Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-SireuilFree day in Les Eyzies with optional walksto visit prehistoric sites (4–17.7 miles).

Day 8 (5) • Departure day, or...Optional extension to Montignac: pathsacross wooded hills lead to the prehistoricsite of Roque St Christophe, from wherepaths along the Vézère Valley lead to thesmall town of Montignac (11.5 or 19.6miles, 6 or 10 hrs).Taxi to Roque required for shorter option.

16

Features

• Finest Dordogne scenery with spectacular views

• The slow meandering river reflecting castles, flower-filledvillages of honey-coloured stone, cliffs and wooded hills

• Outstanding prehistoric sites, with habitations and superbcave paintings and relief carvings dating back15–20,000+ years

• Accommodation in picturesque traditional buildings

• Regional cuisine of Périgord

Classic Dordogneu Up to 74.5 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 2 - 2+

u Route open: Apr-Jul; Sep-Oct*

(94.1 miles with extension)

Castles of honey-coloured stone



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

17

Classic Dordogne Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Easy walking paths, with quiet lanes along river valleys and farm tracksover low hills.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsBergerac • Brive-la-Vallée • BordeauxFrom both Bergerac and Bordeauxthere are direct trains to Sarlat (fromBergerac 1.5 hours, from Bordeaux 3hours). From Brive-la-Vallée airportyou can take a taxi to Souillac(20mins), then onward connectingbus to Sarlat (40mins). An onwardtaxi to Domme (5-day route) takes20 minutes (~€26). Public transportoptions off the main lines areinfrequent, therefore we recommendtaking a taxi from the airport or mainline station.

Trains/busesFrom To PriceBergerac Sarlat ~€13Brive-la-Gaillarde Sarlat ~€10Bordeaux Sarlat ~€27From Paris Austerlitz there are directtrains to Souillac (4.5 hrs), then bus ortaxi to Sarlat (40 mins).

TaxisFrom To PriceBergerac Sarlat/Domme ~€130Brive-Vallée Sarlat/Domme ~€140Bordeaux Sarlat/Domme ~€330Souillac Sarlat/Domme ~€ 55Sarlat Domme ~€ 26

Getting There

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Fitness: Grade 2 - 2+ See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineThe region has a reputation forextremely fine food and produces anumber of gastronomic specialities.The cuisine of Périgord has longbeen famous for its pâtés, foie gras,confits, wild mushrooms, truffles,walnuts, goose, duck and pork. Otherrenowned local ingredients includegoat’s cheese, chestnuts, superbvegetables, chicory, sorrel, plums,greengages and strawberries. Thereare a number of Michelin restaurantsalong the route.Local wines from around Bergeraccomplement the cuisine, or there isBordeaux and Cahors.For further information on food &wine see page 9.

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SARLAT-LA-CANÉDAHôtel Le RenoirHHHSpacious, airy hotel withpool and gardenSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

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CARSACHôtel La Villa RomaineHHHConverted farmhouse inidyllic setting with pool

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B DOMMEL’EsplanadeHHHExcellent location withwonderful views and restaurantUgraded rooms for Superior route

NIG

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BEYNACHôtel du ChâteauHHCentrally located, family-run, riverside hotel

NIG

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HB

MEYRALSLa Ferme LamyHHHTranquil, idyllic settingwith poolSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

6 H

B /

7 B

&B

LES EYZIES-DE-TAYACMoulin de La BeuneHHConverted mill with lovelygarden and excellentrestaurant

NIG

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& 7

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&B

LES EYZIES-DE-TAYACHôtel Les GlycinesHHHHFormer coaching inn set inbeautiful gardens with pool

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MONTIGNACLa RoseraieHHHTraditional, historic hotelwith lovely gardens


NIG

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CARSACLe Relais du TouronHHH'Hotel de Charme' in quietparkland setting, with pool

B&

B

Sarlat Carsac Domme Beynac MeyralsFeet Metres2000 1000

0

610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Miles

Les EyziesLes Eyzies

Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 7Day 6

On booking you will be sent further trip information: details of how to getto/from the route, what to bring and other practicalities.

..... 5-day route

NIG

HT

4

OUTSIDE BEYNACChâteau de MonrecourHHHFriendly hotel in lovelysetting, with pool, 2kmbeyond Beynac

HB


5-day itinerary: Domme to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

Extend Your Stay: To extend your stayanywhere on the route, please contact theATG office.




Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays. Taxiscan be booked via the ATG office.

On several days there are significantly longer options.


A T G F O O T L O O S E F R A N C E : D O R D O G N E

Day 1 • Arrive in GramatA typical small market town, set on avast limestone plateau – the Causse deGramat, the largest in Quercy.

Day 2 • Gramat to RocamadourFrom the small market town of Gramat,walk along grassy lanes to the ruins ofthe Moulin de Sault, then along theGorge d’Alzou, with narrow paths andstream crossings to Rocamadour, withits picturesque cliff-side stonebuildings (7.4 or 8.8 miles, 3.5 or4.5 hrs).

Day 3 (std) • Free day in RocamadourA centre for pilgrimage in the MiddleAges, retaining important ecclesiasticalbuildings – including the crypt of StAmadour.

Day 3 (sup) • Rocamadour to LacaveFollow the gorge to Lacave with itsspectacular, extensive cave system (8.4 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 4 (std) • Rocamadour to MeyronneWalk across the causse de Gramat (alimestone plateau), rolling hills andfarmland to Meyronne, on the banksof the Dordogne (7.4 or 8.4 miles,4.5 hrs).

Day 4 (sup) • Lacave to MeyronneFollow farm tracks up to the village ofMayrinhac, then descend to Meyronne(8.9 or 9.6 miles, 4.5–5 hrs).

Day 5 • Meyronne to CarennacPaths lead through farmland andwoods above the river beforedescending to Carennac, a village oftraditional stone houses clusteredaround a medieval priory on the banksof the Dordogne (14.3 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Carennac to LoubressacWalk up from the river to Loubressac,a quintessential medieval village witha jumble of pointed tiled roofs, andviews of the imposing Château deCastelnau. There is an optional longerroute via the Gouffre de Padirac, a300ft deep chasm, with a boat-ridethrough caves, along an undergroundriver (7.4, 8.9 or 10 miles, 3.5–5 hrs).

Day 7 • Loubressac to St CéréWalk along paths overlooking theGorge d’Autoir and the causses to theChâteau de Montal and St Céré, abustling medieval market town (7.4,10.1 or 11.8 miles, 3.5–6 hrs).

Day 8 • Departure day

18

Itinerary

Lot & DordogneValley

Features

• Walk from Gramat to the riverside town of St Céré

• Picturesque scenery of the causses; the Alzou Gorge;ravines and meadows of the Dordogne valley

• Magnificently situated châteaux and honey-colouredvillages, decked with flowers

• Astonishing cave systems with magnificent concretions(Lacave & Padirac)

• Some of the best and most interesting cuisine andwines in France

u Up to 62.6 milesu 8 Days

u Grade 2 - 3u Route open: Apr-Jul; Sep-Oct*

Finest Dordogne scenery with spectacular views


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

19

Lot & Dordogne Valley Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Quiet country lanes, gravel tracks, woodland and mule paths, and theoccasional steep, rocky path in the Gorge d’Alzou.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsBrive-la-Vallée • Toulouse • Rodez •Limoges

Trains to Gramat from Brive-la-Gaillarde (1 hr), from the centre ofToulouse (3 hrs), Rodez (1 hr 40mins) and Limoges (2.5 hrs).

TrainsFrom To PriceBrive-la-Gaillarde Gramat ~€11Toulouse Gramat ~€32Rodez Gramat ~€19Limoges Gramat ~€26From Paris Austerlitz there areTGV trains to Brive-la-Gaillarde(4.5 hrs, ~€80), with onwardconnections to Gramat (1 hr).

TaxisFrom To PriceBrive-Vallée airport Gramat ~€ 90Brive-la-Gaillarde stn Gramat ~€100Toulouse airport Gramat ~€310Rodez airport Gramat ~€160Limoges airport Gramat ~€295


Taxis can be booked via the ATG office.

5 10 15 miles 0

St Céré

Gramat

Loubressac

Carennac

Meyronne

Rocamadour

Gouffre de PadiracLacave

Getting There

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Fitness: Grade 2 - 3 See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineThis is considered the foremostgastronomic area of France – on thisroute you are truly walking to eat!Truffles and foie gras are specialities;other famous dishes derive fromtraditional peasant cooking –cassoulet (a thick bean, duck andpork stew) is one notable example.

The region grows its own wines – thefine, dark reds from Cahors; reds andwhites from Bergerac (including thesweet white Mobazillac) beingperhaps the best known. There aresome very drinkable Côtes deBergerac, much like the neighbouringBordeaux, though far less famous.For further information on food &wine see page 9.


NUMBER OF NIGHTS HB (DINNER INCLUDED)Standard: 0 / Superior: 2

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

GRAMATRelais des GourmandsHHCharming, family-run hotelwith pool

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

ROCAMADOURLe Terminus desPèlerinsHHFamily-run hotel in towncentre

NIG

HT

2

HB

ROCAMADOURLe Beau SiteHHHExcellent restaurant andpanoramic views

NIG

HT

3

HB

LACAVELe Pont de l’OuysseHHHCountry house with pool andGuide Michelin restaurant

NIG

HT

4

B&

B

MEYRONNELa TerrasseHHHChâteau hotel with valleyviews and poolSuperior rooms are suites

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

CARENNACFénelonHHRiverside hotel with traditionalrestaurant and pool

NIG

HT

6

B&

B

LOUBRESSACLou CantouHHSmall pension in thecentre of a pretty village

NIG

HT

6

B&

B

LOUBRESSACRelais de CastelnauHHHModern hotel with outdoorpool and valley views

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

SAINT CÉRÉLes Trois Soleils deMontalHHHModern hotel with pool andGuide Michelin restaurantUpgraded rooms for Superiorroute

Gramat Rocamadour

Meyronne Carennac LoubressacFeet Metres2000 1000

0

610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Miles

Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

St Céré

SHORTER(STANDARD)ROUTE





STANDARD OPTIONSUPERIOR OPTIONSTANDARD & SUPERIOR OPTIONS


A T G F O O T L O O S E F R A N C E : C É V E N N E S

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in MillauOptional walk along the river Tarn andinto the Causse Noir, renowned for itscurious rock formations (Up to 10 miles,1-5 hrs). Day 2 (2) • Walks from MeyrueisAfter meeting the ATG Route Manager,you travel by road (45 mins) up the JonteGorge to your hotel at Meyrueis, set in awide valley of meadows, high hillpastures and woods at the head of theGorge. After settling into your hotel,there is a range of easy to challengingATG walks to explore the area.Walks for days 2 & 3 range from 9.8-15miles (5-7.5 hours).

Day 3 • Walks from Meyrueis A further choice of walks takes you alongthe top of the Jonte Gorge throughwoods and meadows, or towards highhills of the Cévennes National Park.Day 4 (3) • Meyrueis to Les Douzes Paths lead up onto the Causse deMejean to the spectacular cavern ofAven Armand (one of the finest caves inFrance), continuing across the openplateau, abundant with flowers in spring,before descending to Les Douzes(10.5 or 11.2 miles, 5.5 hrs).Day 5 (4) • Les Douzes to Le RozierWoodland paths lead through typicalcaussenarde hamlets before descendingthrough dramatic scenery at the junctionof the Tarn and Jonte Gorges(9.2 miles, 5 hrs). Days 6 & 7 • Exploring the Tarn Gorge Day 6 Standard: Walk to explore thedramatic scenery of the Tarn Gorge(7.3-15 miles, 3.5-7.5 hrs).Day 6 Superior: A walk throughspectacular scenery of the Tarn Gorgebrings you to the magnificently situatedand splendid Château de la Caze –where you stay (up to 21 miles). Note:the Route Manager will discuss optionsfor shortening the walks. Day 7 Standard: Additional walks toexplore the Tarn and Jonte Gorges, aswell as paths leading up to the adjacenthigh Causse de Mejean and Causse Noir,offering spectacular views (14.2 or 16.4miles, 7 or 8 hrs).Day 7 Superior: Free day at Château dela Caze, with a choice of walks to exploremore of the Tarn Gorge, as well as thesurrounding area (6.2-11.4 miles, 3-5 hrs).Day 8 (5) • Departure day

20

Features

• Wonderful walking with spectacular views

• Dramatic gorges and pasture-covered plateaux

• Wide expanses of high flower-filled meadows

• Cave systems with impressive concretions

• Profusion of birds including raptors

• Choice of a range of walks, from easy to challenging

Lozère & theTarn Gorge

u Up to 91 milesu 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 2 - 4u Route open: May-Jun; Sep*


A range of delightful walks, from easy to challenging


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

21

Lozère & the Tarn Gorge Trip Information


Finding Your Way


Rodez • Montpellier • Nimes

There are train/bus connections toMillau from Rodez (1.5 hrs),Montpellier (1.5-3 hrs), and Nimes(2-2.5hrs). Train/bus costs range from~€13-~€30 depending on route.

TrainsFrom Paris there are TGV trains toNimes and Montpellier (3-3.5 hrs).

TaxisFrom To PriceRodez airport First hotel ~€100Montpellier airport First hotel ~€150Nimes airport First hotel ~€210



Millau

Le Rozier

GORGESDU TARN

GORGESDE LA JONTE

MeyrueisLes Douzes

0 5 10 miles

Sainte-Enimie

Getting There

Restaurants, Food & WineRegional specialities: Lamb from thecausses; venison and wildmushrooms; trout from streams and awide variety of cheeses including thefamous Roquefort. Cuisine rangesfrom country cooking of a highstandard to regional style with robustlocal dishes using aromatic herbs.

Good red and white wines from theHérault Valley and Languedocregion, such as Faugéres and

St Chinian; noteworthy wines fromthe Aveyron, including Marcillac.


The area comprises limestone hills andplateaux of between 1,000ft / 300m and3,000ft /1,220m, intersected by deep gorges.Walking along farm and forest tracks, opengrassy meadows, beside rivers and along quietlanes and footpaths with occasionalstony/rocky sections. There is an immenserange of daily walking options on this route –from easy to moderate to challenging.

Terrain Fitness: Grade 2 - 4 See page 10 for information on Grades


NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

MEYRUEISGrand Hôtel de FranceHHTraditional inn in the heart ofthe village, with outdoor pool

NIG

HT

4

HB

LES DOUZESHôtel de La JonteHHFriendly, family-run hotel

NIG

HT

S 5

-7

HB

LE ROZIER - PEYRELEAUHôtel DoussièreHHRiverside hotel with lovelygardens

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

LE ROZIER - PEYRELEAUGrand Hotel de la MuseHHHHLocated in the heart of theGorges du Tarn

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

MILLAUMercure MillauHHHHLocated in the heart of thehistoric centre of Millau

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

HB

MEYRUEISChâteau d’AyresHHHH12th century castle locatedin a private park

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

HB

OUTSIDE SAINTE-ENIMIEChâteau de la CazeHHHH15th century château withswimming pool and terrace




LOZÈRE ANDTHE TARN GORGE

ROUTE BOOKLEToooottlloooosseefATGO X F O R D

5-day itinerary:Millau to Le Rozier - Peyreleau(one night in each hotel)

Extend Your Stay:To extend your stay anywhere on theroute, please contact the ATG office.


PH

OT

O:

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UT

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R

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

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400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm


A T G F O O T L O O S E F R A N C E : P R O V E N C E

Day 1 • Arrive in Fontaine-de-VaucluseOpportunity to visit the village wherethe Italian poet Petrarch lived from1337–1353 and composed 366 poemsto ‘Laura’; the small Romanesquechurch; and the world-famous resurgentspring that flows at a rate of2,000–33,000 gallons per second.

Day 2 • Fontaine to GordesPaths lead up through a dry limestonegorge, onto the plateau of the Vaucluse,through pine woods and stonewalledmeadows, before descending to the12th century Cistercian Abbey ofSénanque. Set in a quiet valley amongstlavender fields, the abbey retains all itsoriginal 12th century buildings. A paththen leads up to Gordes (10 miles,5 hrs). There is a more direct, lessdemanding option for those who wouldprefer a gentler start (6.2 miles, 3.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Free day in Gordes(Day 1 – Arrive Gordes)Explore the picturesque village of Gordeswith old houses rising in tiers from thevalley, and its Renaissance Château withvery fine chimneypiece. Optional walk toa village of restored bories (stone huts),grouped around a communal breadoven (5.3 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 4 (2) • Gordes to RoussillonWalk down through the old streets ofGordes and through olive groves, to avalley with fields of wheat, lavender andpoppies (!) to Roussillon. Time to explorethe village set high on an outcrop ofochre rock – its many different coloursevident in houses along the picturesquevillage streets (6.9 miles, 3.5 hrs).

Day 5 (3) • Roussillon to BonnieuxFollow paths and farm tracks down to thevalley to a Roman bridge (built 3BC),then through meadows and olive groves,up towards the col between the GrandLubéron and Petit Lubéron ‘mountains’,and the village of Bonnieux, its rampartsstill visible, its houses rising on terracesto its 12C parish church surrounded bycedar trees (8.6 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Bonnieux to LourmarinPaths lead up from the valley throughwoods and high meadows to the ridge ofthe Grand Lubéron (2,950 ft) with viewsacross the Vaucluse to the white limestonecrest of Mont Ventoux and across southernProvence to the sea. From here anoptional route diverts to the panoramicsummit of Mourre Negre (3,685 ft),highest point of the Lubéron. Both routesdescend through maquis scrub to thevillage of Vaugines (location for filmingJean de Florette) before following a widefarm track towards Lourmarin.Opportunity to explore the village,dominated by its interesting château, sethigh on a rock bluff: (12.6 miles/7 hrs – orup to 20.2 miles/10 hrs for diversion).


22

Provence: Vaucluse& the Lubéron

Features

• Walk from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Lourmarin

• Discover idyllic Provençal country, as featured in ‘Jean de Florette’

• Countless images that inspired Van Gogh, Cézanneand the impressionists

• Picturesque villages such as Gordes with its built-interraces; Fontaine-de-Vaucluse with Europe’s largestresurgent spring; and Roussillon with its ochre quarries

• The Lubéron, with its rows of lavender, notablevineyards and flower-filled meadows


u Grade 2 - 3u Route open: Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct*

12th Century Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

23

Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron Trip Information


Finding Your WayRecommended Destination AirportsMarseille • Avignon

From Marseille and Avignon centralstations (and Avignon TGV station)there are regular trains to L'Isle sur laSorgue, from where we recommendyou take a taxi to Fontaine deVaucluse (15 mins, ~€15). FromMarseille airport there are quick andeasy connections to the central trainstation. From Avignon airport werecommend taking a taxi all the wayto Fontaine de Vaucluse (30 mins,~€70), as connections to Avignon areinfrequent. 5-day route: Take a trainto Cavaillon, then taxi (~€40) to Gordes.

TrainsFrom To PriceAvignon L’Isle sur la Sorgue ~€ 8Marseille L’Isle sur la Sorgue ~€16

TaxisFrom To PriceMarseille Fontaine ~€150Marseille Gordes ~€150Avignon Fontaine ~€ 70Avignon Gordes ~€ 70Isle sur la Sorgue Fontaine ~€ 15Cavaillon Gordes ~€ 40



0 5 10 miles

Lourmarin

Roussillon

Gordes Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Bonnieux

Getting There

D NOS A J J M A M F J

˚F ˚C

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

Hours of brightsunshine

max min

32

41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104Hours

Average dailytemperature

200

250

300

350

400Hours

mm

050100150

Rain in mm

Restaurants, Food & WineThis is an ideal trip for gourmets!Regional specialities includebouillabaisse (fish stew) and dishesà la Provençale (with tomatoes, oliveoil, garlic, aubergine, etc.). There area number of Michelin restaurantsalong the route.

There are some delicious wines fromthe area: crisp, dry whites, someexcellent rosés, and the Lubéronproduces smoky, full-bodied reds.



NIG

HT

1

B&

B

FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSEHôtel du PoèteHHHElegantly converted mill inlovely setting, with poolUpgraded rooms for Superior route

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

1 MILE FROM GORDESLe Mas de GordesHHHConverted farmhousewith terrace and pool

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

GORDESLes BoriesHHHHHWonderful views, 2 pools,excellent restaurant

NIG

HT

4

HB

ROUSSILLONLe Clos de la GlycineHHHComfortable hotel in villagecentre

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

BONNIEUXHôtel Cesar PanoramiqueHHWonderful views over theLubéron

NIG

HT

6

HB

1 MILE FROM LOURMARINMas de GuillesHHHRestored country manorhouse with pool andgastronomic restaurant

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

ARLESHôtel du CloitreHHHHistoric residence in theheart of the old part oftown

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

AIX-EN-PROVENCEHôtel des AugustinsHHHCentrally located, withina former convent

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse GordesRoussillon

Bonnieux LourmarinMetresFeet

300020001000

0

915610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35Miles

Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Gordes

Day 3Day 3

40

..... 5-day route




5-day itinerary: Gordes to Lourmarin (one night in each hotel)



Paths over hills are stony and dry underfoot. In the valleys there are woodand farmland tracks, open country paths, and occasional, quiet asphalt lanes.

Terrain Fitness: Grade 2 - 3 See page 10 for information on Grades


NIG

HT

5

B&

B

BONNIEUXDomaine de CapelongueHHHHLuxury Hôtel de Charme withpool and views of the Lubéron


ItineraryA T G F O O T L O O S E H U N G A R Y : D A N U B E B E N D

Features

• Delightful Hungarian people, renowned for theirfriendliness and hospitality

• Explore the mountains, hills and small towns of thefamous Danube Bend

• Visits to charming Szentendre, royal Visegrád, and thegreat basilica of Esztergom

• A fascinating insight into Hungarian history, cultureand gastronomy

• Extend your trip with a Danube cruise to visit Budapest

Hungary: theDanube Bend


u Grade 3u Route open: May-October*

Wide views over the majestic Danube River


Day 1 • Arrive in SzentendreArrive in the picturesque town ofSzentendre, which for decades hasattracted artists and artisans – and withthem workshops, galleries, exhibitions,and museums.

Day 2 • SzentendreVisit the nearby Open-Air EthnographicMuseum (Skanzen), which contains about400 houses in a pastoral setting,representing the various architecturalstyles of Hungary’s regions. Afternoonfree to enjoy Szentendre and its manyattractions.

Day 3 • Szentendre to DobogókoTracks lead up through forest andmeadows to the spectacular scenery ofthe Pilis Mountains, and the village ofDobogóko (645m / 2,112ft) – site of thelegendary ‘pulsating stone’. A longtradition of people claiming to feel apulsating sensation coming from theground, has led to Dobogóko beingreferred to as the ‘Earth Heart Chakra’(12.5 miles, 6 hours).

Day 4 • Dobogóko to VisegrádWalk down towards the Danube Valleyfollowing gently descending paths throughwooded valleys to the picturesquely set,ancient town of Visegrád, capital ofHungary during the Middle Ages (12.2or 15.7 miles, 6.5 or 8 hrs).

Day 5 • VisegrádFree day in Visegrád, with opportunitiesto explore the town’s highlights: CastleHill, the Royal Palace, Solomon Towerand the medieval citadel. Optionalcircular walk (5.9 miles, 3 hrs).

Day 6 • Visegrad to BúbánatvölgyAfter crossing the Danube by ferry (10minutes), follow paths through thesouthern Börzsöny Hills, rich in ‘romantic’scenery of volcanic origin. Walk up toHegyestet (Alt. 482m / 1,580ft), fromwhere there are wonderful views.Descend and follow paths close to theDanube, before re-crossing the river andclimbing up to a pilgrimage site (moreamazing views!), before descending toBúbánatvölgy (12.3 or 13.7 miles,6 or 7 hrs).

Day 7 • Búbánatvölgy to EsztergomLeave the valley, following a road past asuccession of small picturesque fishinglakes. A broad path then leads up, fromwhere there are spectacular views overEsztergom, dominated by the town’smagnificent basilica (6.8 miles, 3.5 hrs).


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

25

Hungary: the Danube Bend Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Established forest and mountain paths, meadows, wooded valleys, streamand river paths.

Terrain

Esztergom

Szentendre

VisegrádBúbánatvölgy Nagymaros

River Danube

Budapest

0 5 10 miles

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

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400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min

D N O S A J J M A M 32

41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

F J


Restaurants, Food & Wine

Recommended Destination AirportBudapest

The city has a comprehensivenetwork of efficient andinexpensive public transport –excellent for exploring the city.The journey from the airport toSzentendre involves a number ofline changes, and depending onconnections takes between1.5-2.5 hours. We thereforerecommend taking a taxi to thefirst hotel, which we are pleasedto book in advance for you.Approximate cost: €40-€45,journey time 40-50 minutes.



Getting There

Whilst Budapest is enjoying a sortof culinary Renaissance, in moreremote areas Hungarian staplesremain traditional and meat-based.Typical dishes include:meat/vegetable soups, noodles withchicken and paprika, stuffedcabbage, beef stew. Puddings:layered pastries, dumplings andfried dough. There are manyexcellent Hungarian wines which areslowly being discovered by the rest


of the world. Locals also enjoypalinka – fruited brandies (pear,plum or apricot) unique to this area;and unicum, a dark brown bittercontaining over 40 herbs. Not forthe faint-hearted! For further information on food &wine see page 9.

DOBOGÓKŐ

NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

SZENTENDREBükkös HotelHHHHFriendly modern spa hotel,centrally located

NIG

HT

3

Walden Hotel

HHHIn the heart of thepicturesque Duna-IpolyNational Park

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

VISEGRÁDHotel VisegrádHHHHCentrally located spahotel, indoor & outdoorpools

NIG

HT

6

BÚBÁNATVÖLGYHotel BellevueHHHH‘Wellness’ hotel in a valleyoverlooking the river, withpool & spa

NIG

HT

7

ESZTERGOMPortobello WellnessHotelHHHHCentrally located 'spa' hotel

Feet Metres

3000

2000

1000

0

915

610

305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45Miles

Day 3 Day 6Day 4 Day 7

Extend Your Stay:We recommend you travel byhydrofoil/river boat from Esztergomalong the Danube to Budapest, toextend your stay at the 5* KempinskiHotel Corvinus in Budapest. Optionsto travel by river are availablebetween May & September.Currently the hydrofoil cruise departsat 17:00 (and arrives 18:30) Sat andSun only. The riverboat optiondeparts at 16:30 (arrives 20:00)Tuesday – Friday (May – August;Saturday only in September).Neither the hydrofoil nor theriverboat departs on a Monday. Seehttp://www.mahartpassnave.hu/ fordeparture times. Note: Occasionally,without warning the schedule can bedisrupted. In the case of the riveroption not being available it is easyto reach Budapest from Esztergomvia train.



B&

BH

B /

B&

BB

&B

HB

B&

B

EX

TE

NS

ION

BUDAPESTKempinski HotelCorvinusHHHHHLocated in the heart ofBudapest, with wonderfulviews

B&

B

2 NIGHTS HB (DINNER INCLUDED)


A T G F O O T L O O S E S P A I N : A L T O T E R U E L

Day 1 • Arrive in Iglesuela del CidA small village with finely preservedcasa palacios dating from the 16th-18thcenturies.

Day 2 • Iglesuela - CantaviejaFrom Iglesuela, cross open sierra andstony pastures with wide views toCantavieja (pr. Canta-ve-yea-ha), sited ona high outcrop of rock, its medieval wallsenclosing a Baroque church (18thcentury), municipal buildings dating fromthe 15th century, a medieval castle and abeautiful 14th century Templar church,San Miguel (6.7 or 11.5 miles, 3.5 or 6 hrs).

Day 3 • CantaviejaTime for exploring Cantavieja, itsporticoed Plaza de Cristo Rey and fineviews. Optional walk to a viewpointoffering a panorama of the area (6.5 or9.7 miles, 3.5 or 5 hrs).

Day 4 • Cantavieja to MirambelCross the valley to a hermitageoverlooking Cantavieja, and follow a ridgewith extensive views through wild emptycountry, before descending to the riversidevillage of Mirambel – a walled Templartown fortified in the 13th century with fivegates, remarkable for their carvings, a fine17th century church and 16th centuryconvent, and two casa palacios(10 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 5 • Mirambel to ForcallAn ancient path up from Mirambel leads tothe tiny village of La Cuba, from whereanother ascent and paths through scrubforest lead to the pilgrim track to SanCristobal with fine views of ourdestination, Forcall. Forcall is noted for itsfine plaza mayor and Renaissance porticoswith two 16th century palacios(15.2 miles, 8 hrs).

Day 6 • Forcall to MorellaPaths lead up to the top of one of themost famous muelas in the AltoMaestrazgo, the Garumba, from where weenjoy wonderful views of Morella (pr. Mor-rey-ya) – which we enter through one ofthe four medieval gates (10.9 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in MorellaMorella is enclosed within 1.5 miles of14th century walls with 14 towers and fourgateways, and dominated by ruins of its12th century castle. 14th centuryaqueduct; Basilica de Santa María laMayor (1330) with carved portals;Monastery of San Francisco with fine 13thcentury cloister and museum. Optionalwalk to the picturesque village of Chiva(4.2 miles, 2.5-3 hours).


26

Itinerary

Magnificently situated fortress town of Morella

Features

• Discover the most sparsely populated and least-known area of Spain

• Great walking – flower-filled pastures, pilgrim paths, ridges and open sierra

• Nights in picturesque, often dramatically situated, little towns and villages

• Ethnically distinct people renowned for their friendliness and hospitality

Alto Teruelu Up to 57.3 miles

u 8 Days

u Grade 3 - 4

u Route open: May-Jun; Aug-Sep*


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

27

Alto Teruel Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Farm tracks, some rocky cart and drove roads, and mountainous paths. Low,green table-top hills, with rises and valleys, followed by climbs and descentsto walled towns and villages.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsCastellon • Valencia • Barcelona

Castellon de la Plana is the closestairport, a one hour (~€100) taxijourney to Iglesuela. You could alsotake a bus to Villafranca (2 hrs, 1bus per day), then taxi (15 mins) toIglesuela. From Valencia airport theeasiest way to reach the route is bytaxi (2 hrs, ~€185). Or take a trainfrom Valencia Nord to Castellon (1hour), then onward per above.From Barcelona take a train toVinaros (2 hrs) then a taxi (1.5 hrs,~€105) to Iglesuela. Or a taxi allthe way: ~€320.

Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays.


0 5 10 miles

MorellaForcall

MirambelCantavieja

Iglesuela del Cid

Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

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400Hours of bright

sunshinemax min

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41

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58

68

77

86

95

104Average dailytemperature

mm

050100150

Rain in mm


Restaurants, Food & WineThe area's cuisine is a blend of localtraditions and home-growningredients, ranging from jamonSerrano (cured and thinly sliced'mountain ham'), and chilindron(spicy tomato & vegetable) sauce;to game, stuffed peppers, fish andtender roast lamb, served withcochifrito: an onion, garlic andpaprika sauce. Teruel is not knownfor refined wines, however itproduces some very drinkable table


Iglesuela del Cid Cantavieja Mirambel Forcall MorellaFeet Metres600050004000300020001000

0

183015351220

915610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55Miles

Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

wines – strong, basic and'interesting'! More sophisticatedwines are from the nearby Riojaand Penedas regions.For further information on food & wine see page 9.

The most sparsely populated andleast-known area of Spain



NIG

HT

1

IGLESUELA DEL CIDCasa AmadaHHFriendly, family-run hotel

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

CANTAVIEJAHotel Balfagon & SpaHHHHStylishly renovated hotelwith wonderful views

NIG

HT

5

FORCALLPalau dels Osset

HHH16th century building inthe heart of the town

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

MORELLAHotel Cardenal RamHHHSensitively renovatedmanor house in centrallocation with fabulousviews

B&

BH

BB

&B

B&

B


NIG

HT

4

MIRAMBELLas Moradas del TempleCASA RURAL

Carefully restored boutiquehotel in historic centre

HB


A T G F O O T L O O S E S P A I N : C A T A L U N Y A

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in RupitSituated at an altitude of 840m on top ofa rocky promontory, around which runsthe Rupit stream. A delightful place,Rupit preserves its medieval ambiencewith cobbled streets, and a jumble ofstone and slate-roofed houses.

Day 2 • Free day in RupitOptional circular walk around medievalRupit, visiting the Sallent waterfall andSant Joan de Fàbregues, one of thebest examples of Catalan Romanesquearchitecture in the area (4.3 miles, 2 hrs).

Day 3 (2) • Rupit to Mas la SerraFrom Rupit pass the Salt de Sallent,follow paths along the edge of theCollsacabra with spectacular views,then walk through open grassypastures and woodland to thespectacularly situated Santuari deNostra Senyora de la Salut, beforecontinuing on to accommodation in aspectacular setting (10.2 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 4 (3) • Mas la Serra to JoanetesEnter the heart of the Collsacabra, ahigh isolated plateau with views acrossthe whole of the Garrotxa. Aftervisiting the hermitage of Sant Miquelde Castelló perched on a rockyoutcrop, descend into the valley belowto spend the night (5.9 miles, 3 hrs).Or, a more challenging route withmagnificent views takes you via thedelightful village of Hostalets d’en Bas(8 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 5 (4) • Joanetes to Santa PauEasy paths enter the Natural Park ofGarrotxa passing Romanesquechurches in picturesque woodlandsettings. Continue through beechforest between dormant volcanoesbefore reaching the medieval villageof Santa Pau, an ancient barony witha castle founded in the 11th century(11.8 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 • Free dayOptional excursion to the dormantvolcano of Santa Margarida, with itstiny chapel inside the crater, then backalong a fertile valley to Santa Pau(7.6 miles, 4 hrs). Alternatively, explorethe excellent museums in Olot.

Day 7 • Santa Pau to BesalúFootpaths pass craggy peaks andmountain rivers (opportunities forswimming in natural pools), beforeclimbing to a high ridge with views.Then oak and pine forests lead to themedieval town of Besalú with its 11thcentury fortified bridge, Jewish bath-house and 12th century monasterychurch (12.7 or 13.5 miles, 6–7 hrs).


28

Features

• Walk from the crag-top village of Rupit to the medieval town of Besalú

• Discover the foothills of the Pyrenees – some of the mostdelightful scenery in Spain

• High, open plateaux, wooded hills, fertile valleys andover forty dormant volcanoes

• Wonderfully preserved villages and towns, and manypicturesque Romanesque churches

• Rich variety of flora and fauna, and diverse ecosystems

• Wide variety of birds of prey – including lammergeier and griffon vultures

Hills of Gironau Up to 55.4 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 2 - 3

u Route open: Apr-Jun; Aug-Oct*

The medieval town of Besalú



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

29

Hills of Girona Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Mostly gentle, well-defined tracks across serra and through farmland; foresttracks and country lanes. Flowers and luxuriant vegetation in early summer.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsBarcelona • Girona

From Barcelona there are trainsor buses to Vic (1.5 hrs), then alocal bus to Rupit, although werecommend booking a taxi fromVic to the first hotel. From Gironathere are buses to Vic (1 hr).

TrainsFrom To PriceBarcelona Vic ~€6

TaxisFrom To PriceBarcelona airport First hotel ~€175Girona airport First hotel ~€130Vic train station First hotel ~€ 55



Getting There

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Restaurants, Food & WineCuina Volcànica describes theregional dishes that use localingredients – e.g., beans, potatoes,grains and vegetables – grown inthe area's nutrient-rich volcanic soil.Fesols de Santa Pau (Santa Paukidney beans) feature heavily onmenus, as do wild boar, lamb,rabbit, bolets (mushrooms) andvarious cured meats. Botifarra(sausage) with white beans is aCatalan favourite.


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RUPITHostal EstrellaHHComfortable hotel inthe centre of Rupit

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3

HB

Near LA SALUTMas La SerraHHH14th century farmhousewith splendid views

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4

HB

JOANETESEl FerresCASA RURAL

Family-run 18th centuryfarmhouse in valley

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& 6

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SANTA PAUCal SastreHHHSmall hotel in convertedcountry houses

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7

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BESALÚEls Jardins de laMartanaHHHFriendly, centrally locatedhotel with impressive views

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7

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BBESALÚCasa MarcialHHHModern, boutique hotelwith pool, in historic centre


Delicious, light, fresh white winesfrom the Penedés region, and morerobust table wine from Emporda.


..... 5-day route



5-day itinerary: Rupit to Santa Pau


(Extinct!) Santa Margarida volcano

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4

HB

JOANETESMas les ComellesAGRITURISMO

17th century farmhouse inwonderful setting

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& 6

HB

Near SANTA PAUMas Can BatlleCASA RURAL

Beautifully restoredfarmhouse with lovelyviews and pool

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BARCELONAMesón CastillaHHTraditional hotel in quietstreet; excellent value


A T G F O O T L O O S E P O R T U G A L : S E R R A d eS I N T R A

Day 1 • Arrive in CascaisA fashionable resort with a marina, smartshops, elegant restaurants and one of thebest (and cleanest!) surfing beaches inEurope. Optional exploratory walk (2 hrs).

Day 2 • Cascais to GuinchoA 'promenade' walk along the coast,past lighthouses and interesting cliffformations (6.4 miles/3 hrs); or a 15-minute transfer with the Route Managerto the start of an 8-mile/4 hr walk throughthe serra and down to Guincho Beach(extensive views!), one of Portugal's bestwind-surfing locations.

Day 3 • Guincho to AzoiaFollow coastal paths before headinginland into the Serra de Sintra.Opportunity to visit the interestingConvento dos Capuchos (Capuchinmonastery) (+2 hrs), before returningthrough the Serra up to the spectacularlysituated 14th century Peninha Chapel.Paths then lead down to your hotel nearthe coast (5 or 12.6 miles, 3 or 6.5 hrs).

Day 4 • Azoia to Praia GrandeA cliff-top walk with spectacular viewsleads to Cabo (Cape) da Roca, the mostwesterly point of Portugal – and mainlandEurope. Continue inland through thevineyards of the famous ‘Colares’ winebefore returning to the coast and pastdramatic cliff formations to the beach ofPraia Grande, with its world-famousswirling waves (6.9 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 5 • Praia Grande to ColaresContinue along the coast to the smallseaside resort of Azenhas do Mar, with itspretty whitewashed houses perched on acliff; then past more fine beaches beforeheading inland to the curious church ofSão Mamede, ‘protector of the animals,’which were freely allowed to enter thechapel until recent times. Minor roadsthen lead to Colares, famous for its wine(6.7 or 9.7 miles, 3 or 4.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Colares to SintraWalk through small hamlets and vineyardsbefore joining wide forest paths passingthrough the Serra to the ‘Romantic’Palace of Monserrate, with exotic gardensand follies. Continue through the Serraand a short section of road brings you tothe arch of the old west entrance to Sintra(7.5 miles, 3.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in SintraDescribed by Byron as a ‘glorious Eden’,and boasting UNESCO World Heritagestatus, Sintra is a visitor’s paradise, withmagnificent palaces, gardens, galleries,churches, museums, and cobbled,medieval streets lined with boutiqueshops and cafés. For highlights take theoptional Sintra city walk.Note: The city’s famous market is on Sundays.


30

Itinerary

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Features

• Dramatic coastal scenery, pristine beaches and some ofthe largest waves in Europe!

• The Serra de Sintra, with its unique microclimates and vegetation

• Walk to the Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point inmainland Europe

• Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and world-famous Colareswines

• Delightful Sintra – a ‘visitor’s paradise’, with its elegantpalaces, romantic gardens, medieval streets and shops

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Sintra & thePortuguese Coast


u Grade 2 - 3u Route open:

Dramatic coastal scenery


Apr-Jun; Aug-Oct*

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

31

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Paths along the Atlantic coast, through low hills, vineyards and forest.

Terrain


Lisbon

From Lisbon take the underground(€1.40) or the aerobus (€3.50) toCais do Sodre (journey time 30minutes), then a train to Cascais(€2.15 – journey time 40 minutes).

TaxisFrom To PriceLisbon airport Cascais ~€50 - €70

You can buy a voucher for a taxi fromLisbon airport information desk inarrivals, however to secure the bestprice we recommend you pre-bookvia the ATG office.



Sintra

LisbonCascais

SintraColares

Praia Grande

PORTUGAL

Guincho

Azóia

Getting There

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Restaurants, Food & WineDelicious country cooking – heartysoups and roasts, with a strongreliance on sausage, cheese, breadand elaborate, fresh seafood dishes.Puddings tend to be sticky andextremely sweet – pastries andcheesecakes are favourites. Thesuperior option hotel in Guinchohas a Michelin .

The windswept coastal area is hometo the 'Ramisco' vines grown in deeptrenches (technically underground)that produce the area'sinternationally renowned Colares

wines. Another famous Portuguesewine worth sampling is, of course,Port.



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CASCAISHotel BaíaHHHOn Cascais bay in the heartof the quaint fishing village

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CASCAISHotel AlbatrozHHHHHLuxury boutique hotel instunning seaside location

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2

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GUINCHOHotel Fortaleza doGuinchoHHHHH17th century fortress with seaviews; Michelin restaurant

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AZÓIAConvento de SãoSaturninoLUXURY RURAL LODGING

Mediterranean style, formerconvent in idyllic settingSuperior rooms have sea view

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4

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PRAIA GRANDEHotel ArribasHHHModern, cliff-top hotelwith sea views

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5

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COLARESSarrazola HouseHHHConverted country house

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& 7

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SINTRALawrence’s HotelHHHHHElegant, stylish hotel incentral location

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& 7

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SINTRATivoli Palácio deSeteaisHHHHHElegant, luxurious hotel inmagnificent surroundings

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LISBONHotel do ChiadoHHHHInnovative, modern hotelin the heart of Lisbon


Cascais

Guincho Azoia Praia Grande Colares

Sintra

Day 2

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1000

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0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40Miles


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3050






A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : L I G U R I A

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in Sestri Levante

Day 2 • Free day in Sestri LevanteTime to explore Sestri Levante with itspicturesque medieval streets and port,tranquil bay and excellent beaches.Optional circular walk (4 miles, 2.5 hrs)or coastal walk southwards(10.5 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 3 (2) • Sestri Levante to ChiavariFollow the coastal path with fine views,then cross hills to the 12th centurybasilica of San Salvatore dei Fieschi,before continuing to bustling Chiavariwith its medieval centre and fine BotanicGardens (12.3 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 4 (3) • Chiavari to RapalloPaved paths through olive groves andsmall farms lead past two fine churchesbefore descending to Rapallo (8.3 miles,4.5 hours). Alternative high routethrough remote, wilder country withspectacular views (9.4 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 5 (4) • Rapallo to Paraggi/PortofinoOptional cable-car ascent to Montallegro,above Rapallo, with pilgrim pathdescent (2.8 miles, 1.5 hrs). Then, fromRapallo, quiet paths and alleys leadaround the bay to Santa MargheritaLigure, continuing, with swimmingopportunities en route, to the tiny coveof Paraggi – Standard hotel (4.8 miles,2.5 hrs). A paved walkway contoursaround a wooded headland to thedelightful village of Portofino – Superiorhotel (1.1 mile, 30 mins).

Day 6 • Free dayOpportunities to explore this famouslypicturesque resort, where exotic‘glitterati’ coexist with the local fishingcommunity, and farmers of the terracesand hidden valleys behind the village(3.1 miles, 1.5 hrs).

Day 7 (5) • Paraggi/Portofino to CamogliClimb past ruined mills to pine-shadedpaths with lovely views and down to the11th century monastery of SanFruttuoso. Opportunities to visit themonastery and swim to view the famousunderwater statue Cristo degli Abissi.Paths through woods and terraces leadup to the central ridge, beforedescending past the church of SanRocco to Camogli (7.6/7.2 miles, 4 hrs).


32

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Features

• Walk from Sestri Levante’s beautiful Bay of Silence to theancient fishing port of Camogli

• Stunning coastal scenery and views, olive terraces,wooded hillsides and the dramatic Portofino peninsula

• Colourfully painted towns and villages renowned for theirtrompe-l’oeil decoration; medieval centres, colonnadedstreets, elegant palazzi and excellent beaches

• Ancient, slate-paved paths traversing high above the coast

• San Fruttuoso Abbey, accessible only on foot

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Riviera &Portofino


u Grade 3 - 3+u Route open: Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct*

Down to the ancient fishing port of Camogli



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

33

Riviera & Portofino Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Ancient paths through olive groves and woodland, traversing hillsidesabove the coast. A few steep climbs and ascents with some approaches tovillages and the sea, including long flights of steps. Slate-paved paths area unique feature of the area and can become slippery when wet.Sticks/poles advisable.

Terrain


Genoa • Pisa • MilanThere are trains to Sestri Levantefrom Genoa (1.5 hrs), Pisa (2–2.5 hrs)or Milan (2.5–3 hrs).

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Sestri ~€13 - €21Genoa Sestri ~€ 5 - € 9Milan Sestri ~€16 - €27

TaxisFrom To PriceGenoa airport First hotel ~€120Pisa airport First hotel ~€230Milan Malpensa First hotel ~€320Milan Linate First hotel ~€300



1 2 3 miles 0

Recco

Camogli

San Fruttuoso

Rapallo

Sestri Levante

Moneglia

LavagnaChiavari

Zoagli

Paraggi

Portofino

Santa Margherita

Getting There

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Fitness: Grade 3 - 3+ See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineFabulous seafood is availablethroughout the route. Alternatively,try the trofiette recchelline (pastawith green beans, potatoes andpesto), and the farinata (giganticpancake made with chickpea flourand baked in a pizza-oven). The areais also renowned for pesto, olive oil,focaccia. Local white wines includeCoronata and Val Polcevera.



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SESTRI LEVANTE

MiramareHHHHOn the Bay of Silence with

terrace and beachSuperior rooms havesea view

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3

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CHIAVARI

Monte RosaHHHQuiet location in the

medieval centre, with pool

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4

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RAPALLO

Tigullio RoyalHHHHRenovated hotel on the

promenadeSuperior rooms havesea view

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& 6

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PARAGGI

Hotel ArgentinaHHFriendly hotel in exclusive

cove

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& 6

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PORTOFINO

Eight Hotel PortofinoHHHHSmall, renovated palazzo

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7

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CAMOGLI

Cenobio Dei DogiHHHHCharming grand hotel with

private beach and poolSuperior rooms havesea view

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GENOA

Hotel Bristol PalaceHHHHElegant, centrally located

hotel

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PISA

Relais dell’OrologioHHHHHAward-winning hotel with

14th century tower

Feet Metres

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610305

0Day 4Day 3 Day 5 Day 7

ChiavariSestri Levante CamogliParaggiRapalloOptional

high route Portofino

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35Miles

Day 2

SHORTERROUTE



5-day itinerary:1 night at each stop on route


STANDARD OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION



A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : L I G U R I A

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in LevantoOriginally a Roman town, it now hasmedieval walls, a 13th century castle andelegant Neo-Classical buildings from itsdays of grandeur as a fashionablebathing resort in the 19th century.

Day 2 • Free day in the areaOptional circular walk in the hills, oncethe domain of the feared Zolaschi, whocontrolled the ancient ridge-top traderoute (6.4 or 8 miles, 3.5 or 5 hrs).Additional walk to the coastal village ofBonassola (1 hour), returning by train oron foot.

Day 3 (2) • Levanto to MonterossoSuperb coastal path, through pinewoods and scented scrub, with views ofthe whole Cinque Terre. A stepped pathleads down to Monterosso, withmedieval centre, castle and Cappucinconvent (4.8 or 9.7 miles, 2.5 or 6 hrs).

Day 4 • Free day in the areaA steady climb up a cobbled path bringsyou to a ridge with wonderful views –both inland and seaward, leading to thesanctuary of Madonna di Reggio, fromwhere a fine pilgrim path leads gentlydown to Vernazza, the former Romanport of 'Vulnetia' (7.9 miles, 5.5 hrs).Return along the coast by train, boator on foot.

Day 5 (3) • Monterosso to RiomaggioreWalk the famous Cinque Terre coastalpath, which links the five villages andtheir vineyards. This may be crowded inhigh season. (A range of options, up to14.3 miles, 8 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Riomaggiore to PortovenereUp through terraced vineyards to thewooded ridge, via the sanctuary churchof Montenero, then through pine,chestnut woods and scrub, beforeemerging to views of the dramaticcoastline and descending to Portovenere(8.7 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in PortovenereExplore Portovenere or take a boat tothe island of Palmaria, with picturesquepaths and beaches for swimming(3 miles, 2.5 hrs).


34

Features

• Walk from palm-fringed Levanto to the promontory village of Portovenere

• One of the finest coastal paths in Europe

• Picturesque fishing villages linked by an ancient networkof footpaths…and by train and boat!

• Excursions into the hills behind the villages, withspectacular views and inspiring walks

• Excellent seafood and renowned wines from theterraced vineyards of the coast

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Cinque Terreu Up to 51.6 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 2 - 4

u Route open: Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct*

Magnificent views along ancient coastal paths



The five villages of the Cinque Terre are connected by frequent local trains.This provides a daily choice of walking options, from easy to challenging, withover 100 miles of excellent paths. The coastal path follows the contours of thecoast and is punctuated by flights of ancient steps. Once you are on theridge (2,000 ft) you can walk on fairly level terrain. The paths are mostlyancient but well-preserved, though steep, narrow and rough in places.Short sections of route not suitable for vertigo sufferers – alternative paths available.

Terrain

Getting There




Cinque Terre wines have beenrenowned from antiquity. Somegood DOC wines, especially fromLevanto, and Sciacchetra (dessertwine).For further information on food &wine see page 9.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

35

Cinque Terre Trip Information


Finding Your Way

0 5 10 miles

Levanto

Monterosso

Vernazza

Corniglia

Manarola

Riomaggiore

Portovenere

PALMARIA

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LEVANTO

Villa MargheritaHHHRestored villa in lovely

setting

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MONTEROSSO

Cinque TerreHHHModern hotel close to

the seafront

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Villa ArgentinaHHLocated at the top of the

village with sea views

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PORTOVENERE

ParadisoHHHMediterranean-style

hotel on the Gulf of

Portovenere

Famous for its beautiful walking routes,the coastal path in this area hasbecome over-popular in recent years,so the best walking is on the higher,inland routes which are included in theATG Route Booklets. On each daythere are several options so you canwalk as much or as little as you like.

NOTE: Paths in the national park may,on occasion, be temporarily closeddue to adverse weather or otherconsiderations. The ATG Route Bookprovides for this eventuality byincluding a range of equally beautifulroute options for each day. Your RouteManager will advise you accordingly.

LevantoManarola

Riomaggiore PortovenerePalmariaMonterosso

VernazzaFeet Metres2000 1000

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0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Miles

Day 2 Day 3 Day 6 Day 7Day 5Day 4

45 50


Genoa • Pisa

From Genoa and Pisa there arefrequent trains to Levanto (1.5-2 hrs).

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Levanto ~€12 - €18Genoa Levanto ~€ 6 - €10

TaxisFrom To PricePisa airport First hotel ~€180Genoa airport First hotel ~€180



Excellent fresh seafood includinginteresting very local species – such asthe ‘bati-bati’, a species of curious, butvery flavoursome local crayfish, andmussels from the Gulf of La Spezia.Local produce from small farms in hillsalong the coast. Good trattorieeverywhere on route, and a couple ofvery good restaurants.

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LEVANTO

NazionaleHHHFamily-run hotel in the

town centre

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MONTEROSSO

Porto RocaHHHHSpectacular situation, wonderful

cliff-side pool with sea views

(pool open May-September)



STANDARD OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION


5-day itinerary:1 night at each stop on route


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PORTOVENERE

Grand Hotel PortovenereHHHHNewly reburbished (formerly

a convent), seafront hotel

Longer/higher route


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : M A R C H E

Day 1 • Arrive in San LeoA scenic walk from the valley, alongstrade bianche, leads up to thedramatically situated fortified medievalvillage of San Leo (2.9 or 5.3 miles,1.5 or 3 hrs).

Day 2 • San Leo to VillagrandeTime to explore San Leo, its 9thcentury pre-Romanesque Pieve, 12thcentury Romanesque ‘cathedral’ andimpressive castle. Afternoon walkthrough farmland and pine woods to alow pass (3,000ft), and your hotel,beside a small lake (6.2 miles, 3 hrs).

Day 3 • Villagrande to FrontinoFarm tracks through woods andmeadows towards Monte Carpegna(4,634ft). Then choose either anancient drove road around the base ofthe mountain, or paths up to highmeadows and an escarpment (summit)with spectacular views, beforedescending through pine woods.Routes join in the village of Carpegnaand continue to the fortified medievalvillage of Frontino (9.7 or 11 miles,5–5.5 hrs).

Day 4 • Frontino to PiandimeletoAfter visiting the monastery ofMontefiorentino with its cloister andMadonna by Giovanni Santi, father ofRaphael, farm and forest tracks leaddown to the small town ofPiandimeleto, distinguished by its finecastle complex (8.5 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 5 • Piandimeleto to UrbaniaWe follow farm tracks up into the hills,enjoying panoramic views. Beyond aridge (1,602ft) we follow tracks andsmall gravel lanes through openfarmland and down to Urbania (917ft)(11.9 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 • Urbania to UrbinoVisit Urbania, its arcaded streets, fine15th century Ducal Palace, ceramicsmuseum, many interesting churches…then quiet gravel lanes lead acrosshills, past farms and isolated churches,to Urbino (1,575ft) (12.6 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in UrbinoVisit the superb palace built by DukeFederico da Montefeltro, withpaintings by Piero della Francesca,Raphael, Paolo Uccello, etc.


36

Itinerary

Features

• Walk from crag-top San Leo to the Renaissance city ofUrbino

• Open hills of Montefeltro, crested with rocky outcrops,woods and quiet villages

• Ridges with wide views and a profusion of flowers and butterflies in spring

• Renowned 15th century Ducal Palace of Federico daMontefeltro, whose court marked one of the highpoints of western civilisation

• Fine churches, monasteries and fortified medieval villages en route

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Montefeltro &Urbino


u Grade 2 - 3u Route open: May-Jun; Aug-Sep*

Inspiring routes to crag-top villages – San Leo


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

37

Montefeltro & Urbino Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Walking on strade bianche (small gravel roads), grassy meadow paths, andwoodland/farm tracks along ridges with superb views. Some stony paths –sticks/poles advisable.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsBologna • Ancona

From the central stations in Bolognaand Ancona there are regular trains toRimini (approx 1 hour). From Rimini ataxi (30 mins, approx ~€65) will takeyou to San Leo via Pietracuta, wherethose wishing to walk up to San Leocan, by arrangement, ask the taxidriver to transport their luggageto their hotel.

TrainsFrom To PriceBologna Rimini ~€16 - €22Ancona Rimini ~€14 - €20

TaxisFrom To PriceBologna airport First hotel ~€240Ancona airport First hotel ~€220Rimini First hotel ~€ 65



SAN MARINO

San Leo

Villagrande

Frontino

Urbino

Piandimeleto

Urbania• • •• •• ••• ••

Getting There

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Restaurants, Food & WineLe Marche is renowned for itsinteresting and resourceful cuisine –robust handmade pastascomplemented by rich and variedsauces; seasonal truffles, both blackand white; a wide range ofmushrooms – some unique to thearea, such as rabbit roasted withmountain herbs and tender lamb.

Sample the local Sangiovese andlight white, Bianchello del Metauro,as well as some delicious Verdicchiowhites from the coast.



NIG

HT

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SAN LEO

Il CastelloHHFriendly, family-run hotel on

town squareSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

2

HB

VILLAGRANDE

Parco del LagoHHHLakeside, mountain hotel; pool

in summer & tennis courts

NIG

HT

3

HB

FRONTINO

Rocca dei MalatestaHHConverted ‘keep’ with

panoramic views

NIG

HT

4

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PIANDIMELETO

Hotel EsterHHSimple, friendly, family-run

hotel

NIG

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5

HB

URBANIA

La CaputaAGRITURISMO

Farmhouse with lovely

views

NIG

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5

HB

URBANIA

Il Mulino della RicavataAGRITURISMO

Small and intimate medieval

mill with restaurantN

IGH

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6 &

7

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URBINO

BonconteHHHHFriendly hotel with attic

rooms and garden

NIG

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& 7

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URBINO

San DomenicoHHHHRestored 15th century convent

opposite the Palazzo Ducale

EX

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BOLOGNA

Touring HotelHHHHospitable, modern hotel in

historic centre of town

EX

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BOLOGNA

Dei CommerciantiHHHHRestored medieval building,

retaining many features

San Leo

Villagrande

Mt. Carpegna

MarecchiaValley Frontino

PiandimeletoUrbania

UrbinoFeet Metres5000

4000

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2000

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1535

1220

915

610

305

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Day 2 Day 3 Day 5 Day 6Day 41

NUMBER OF NIGHTS HB (DINNER INCLUDED)

Standard: 3 / Superior: 3

STANDARD OPTION






SUPERIOR OPTION

In the century following the sack of Rome (in 410AD) byAlaric and his army of Goths, and disintegration of theRoman Empire, the Via Francigena was established throughterritory occupied by the Franks. It was a direct and secureroute with regular overnight stopping places, often in fortifiedgroups of houses (borgo). Many of these established duringthe reign of Theodoric (493–525AD) housed small religiouscommunities, which provided accommodation for travellers.

What happened after the Franks?After re-taking strongholds from the Franks and Ostrogoths inNorthern Italy, the Byzantines were assisted by theLongobardi (or Lombards), who were invited to stabilise therecaptured areas. In 569AD the entire Lombard tribe crossedthe Alps into Italy. They established a capital in Pavia, andmaintained the Via Francigena as the main route to whatbecame the Lombard Kingdom of Italy, extending toBenevento, south of Naples. The route and its infrastructurewas developed, often through endowments to religiouscommunities, particularly during the reign of the LombardKing Liutprand (713–742AD), a period of peace andprosperity.

How do we know the route of the early Via Francigena?In 990AD Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury travelled to Rometo receive his palium (a woollen cloak of office) from thePope. On his return journey he made a record of his route.

Was the Via Francigena a clearly defined road?Where the route crossed a pass or river, or entered a town,there was usually a single route. In many places, however, theroute fanned out, providing a range of options. Pack animals,flocks and herds were notorious for taking routes other thanthe hard stony main one, particularly if these offeredopportunities for grazing. Other routes might evolve becausethey led via springs, shrines, chapels or hermitages, or placeswhere travellers could obtain food and spend the night.Ultimately, all roads led to Rome.

Was there a ‘season’ for travel on the Via Francigenaeach year?The ‘season’ for travellers from north of the Alps dependedon snow conditions, but usually the passes were open byearly June and closed by late October. Many travellers wouldcross late and spend the winter in Italy. December to Marchtended to be quiet months on the Via Francigena, but duringspring, summer and autumn, the winter trickle of travellersturned into a flood.

How far did people travel in a day?Time taken on the route depended on hours of daylight. Inwinter travellers were confined to short stages (about 6–8hours of travel). In summer, 12–14 hours was possible,although few could sustain this over long distances. Theaverage day’s journey, allowing time to rest and findsomewhere before dusk to eat and spend the night, wasabout 8 hours. Walking in mixed groups the average speedwas about 2 miles in an hour.

How many people travelled the route each year?At the peak period in a busy ‘Jubilee’ year, over 20,000people a day were recorded passing through the gates ofSiena. The average number of people travelling the routeeach day was probably closer to 2–3,000, on their way toRome and back.

What was the economic impact of the Via Francigena?‘The Main Road of Europe’ was a source of wealth to theareas through which it passed. Providing not just shelter, butfood and drink for thousands of people each day, it createdemployment and an almost insatiable demand for localproduce, as well as opportunities for stall-holders and tradersin foodstuffs and livestock who came from far and wide. Manyof the ancient ‘service’ trade and drove roads remain today.

What sort of people travelled the Via Francigena?Those who met along the way would have ranged frompilgrims to merchants, farmers and drovers, teams of packhorses and mules carrying goods from all over Europe –whether wool from England, cloth from Flanders or ceramicsfrom Deruta – masons on their way to sites of greatcathedrals, artisans, students, clergy, the military,administrators, and entertainers. Some would have been onhorses; most would have travelled on foot. The wealthy wouldhave had an entourage with stewards sent ahead to prepare asuitable reception and accommodation along the route.

How did the Via Francigena cope with the stream oftravellers?The Via Francigena, like the Camino de Santiago and otherbusy routes, was highly organised. Communication up anddown the route was good. Approximate numbers of travellersin transit each day were reported so that those further downthe route could prepare and cater accordingly.

Via FrancigenaWalk up to 225 miles of the ancient

225225

MILES~ to ~

ROME The Via Francigena, or ‘Frankish Road’, was the main road fromRome via the Great St Bernard Pass to territories of the Franks northof the Alps. The route then continued, crossing the Jura mountainrange in northern France and ending in Canterbury, England.


What was it like travelling down the Via Francigena in1300, for example?It is unlikely that you would have travelled alone! Peopletended to travel in groups of 20 or more. This was partly forsafety in numbers against brigands, but also forcompanionship, and because groups could generally ensurebetter treatment along the way. Each group had its ownleadership and dynamic.

Where the route passed through villages there were stallsselling food, and inns or taverns – often simple affairs such asa room or cellar with benches and barrels. Organisation ofovernight accommodation was made easier because peopletravelled in groups. Those offering accommodation wouldposition someone on the route each afternoon and travellerswould look for a Canon, monk or innkeeper, depending onwhere they wanted to stay. Once capacity of one locationhad been filled, travellers were directed to another – andthere was usually a gaggle of children to act as guides if theway was unclear.

Medieval inns were often crowded, rough and rowdy. The‘better class’ of inn was relatively expensive, and a few hadprivate rooms for those who could afford them. Most,however, had innkeepers not noted for their integrity, foodthat was poor quality, and crowded conditions with peoplesleeping three or four to a bed, with assorted vermin, whilstrubbing shoulders with thieves and murderers.

A band of pilgrims would choose a canonry or a monastery atwhich to stay. After arrival they would be greeted and fed atlong tables with benches, or outside if the weather was fine.Feeding hundreds of people every evening required a large,well-organised staff. The census of 1200, for example, records180 people living and working at just one canonry on theroute, Pieve a Castello.

Via FrancigenaWalk up to 225 miles of the ancient

Canonries and monasteries usually had dormitories forvisitors, and also used the claustrum (courtyard or cloister),but the church itself was also an important resource. Churcheshad piles of straw mattresses ready for use each night. Manychurches also had additional floor-levels, galleries and lofts,where people could sleep. Outside there were loggias, barnsand lean-to shelters where people both ate and slept. Toiletfacilities were well-organised.

Bed-time, after an evening service, was at dusk. Candles werenot allowed in communal sleeping areas due to the risk offire. Food for late-comers was set aside in a high alcove, outof reach of dogs. Bakers would work through the night. Dawnwould be followed by another service and people would begiven a piece of bread and meat or cheese for their journey.They would make their offering of money to the monastery orcanonry, and then the group would assemble and set offagain. Travel was a well-organised, highly sociable activitywith a strong sense of purpose, and enjoyed by millions ofpeople every year.

What happened to the Via Francigena?The Via Francigena survived successive changes of power andinfluence, conflicts and invasions for nearly 1,000 years. In800AD Charlmagne travelled down the Via Francigena to becrowned Emperor in Rome. In the year 1000AD vast numbers ofpeople streamed from all over Europe to Rome, and travelincreased over successive centuries. After 1400, however,Florentine dominance led to the route being diverted viaFlorence. Meanwhile, the power of the Church had beenpermanently weakened and the fashion for pilgrimagedeclined. The old ‘Main Road of Europe’ that once throngedwith millions of travellers each year, degenerated into farm andforest tracks. Overnight stopping places on the old route losttheir raison d’être, but a few, like San Gimignano and Pieve aCastello, have survived as part of a remarkable historic heritage.

SECTION 1TUSCANHILLSSan Gimignano to Montalcino

Up to 72 milesSEE PAGES 40-41

SECTION 2ANCIENT VOLCANICLANDSCAPESMontalcino to Viterbo

Up to 89.7 milesSEE PAGES 42-43

SECTION 3APPROACHTO ROMEViterbo to Rome

Up to 67.5 milesSEE PAGES 44-45

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected] 39


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : T U S C A N Y

225 Miles to Rome (Section 1)

A walk through central and SouthernTuscany, characterised by paths throughvineyards, olive groves and forest, andlandscapes punctuated with cypress treesand walled hill towns and villages.

Day 1 • Arrive in San GimignanoThe ‘Medieval Manhattan' is irresistiblycharming and perfectly preserved. Ithouses a fine array of religious andsecular frescoes and monuments.

Day 2 • S. Gimignano-Colle Val d’ElsaWalk across low hills with vineyards andolive groves to the medieval hill town ofColle di Val d’Elsa, renowned for itstunnel streets (8.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Colle Val d’Elsa to MonteriggioniPaths across open farmland and throughwoods lead to the high village ofMonteriggioni, encircled by walls with14 watch-towers (11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 4 • Monteriggioni to SienaFollow paths through woods andmeadows to Siena, the best preservedgreat medieval city in Europe (11.8 miles,6.5 hrs).

Day 5 • Siena to LucignanoTracks across low open hills of the Creteregion lead to the village of Lucignano(15 miles, 7.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Lucignano to BuonconventoGravel lanes along the Arbia Valley leadto Buonconvento, with its interestingmuseum of medieval Masters (9.8 miles,5 hrs). Optional walk to the abbey ofMonte Oliveto Maggiore (magnificentfrescoed cloister) (5.8 miles, 3 hrs).

Day 7 • Buonconvento to MontalcinoPaths up through renowned vineyards ofBrunello (Italy’s most expensive red wine!)lead to hilltop Montalcino (10.9 or13.1miles, 5.5 or 6.5 hrs).

Day 8 • Departure day, or...Continue with Section 2 of the 225 Milesto Rome route: Ancient VolcanicLandscapes (following pages)...

Please note: The Romans rested ‘every fourdays’. If you plan to walk more than one sectionof ‘225 Miles’ we strongly urge you to booksome rest days into your itinerary. Pleasecontact the office for advice.

40

Itinerary

Features

• First section of ATG’s 225-mile independent walkingroute – one of the world’s most unique, classic walksfollowing the Via Francigena

• Timeless countryside, hills crowned with medieval citiesand villages – San Gimignano, Colle di Val d’Elsa andMonteriggioni

• Patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and ancient forests,fields of wheat and barley

• Landscapes punctuated with cypress trees, walled hill towns and villages

• Excellent Tuscan food and wine

PH

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PH

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Tuscan Hillsu Up to 72 miles

u 8 Days

u Grade 3

u Route open: April-October*

Landscapes punctuated with cypress trees


225225

MILES~ to ~

ROME

Finding Your Way

Strade bianche (small gravel roads); mule/farm/woodland tracks and paths, andsome asphalt near towns. In the autumn, be prepared to cross a few roughlyploughed fields. May be muddy in wet weather – sufficient ankle supportessential. The fitness rating for this trip is Grade 3. If you are completing all threesections of 225 Miles to Rome, the route is Grade 5 due to the amount of walking.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsPisa • FlorenceFrom Pisa airport take trains via PisaCentrale and Empoli to Certaldo(max 1hr 45mins) or if coming fromFlorence direct to Certaldo (1 hr),then a taxi to San Gimignano. Pleasenote, booking a taxi from Certaldo toSan Gimignano is recommended asthere are not usually taxis waiting atCertaldo station. Alternatively alightat Poggibonsi (approx. 12 mins afterCertaldo), then a bus (25 mins).

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Certaldo ~€7Florence Certaldo ~€6

TaxisFrom To PricePisa airport First hotel ~€100Florence airport First hotel ~€100Certaldo First hotel ~€ 30Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays. Taxiscan be booked via the ATG office.

Getting There



There are good (several outstanding)restaurants and trattorie everywhereon route: si mangia bene! TraditionalTuscan cooking with game, steak,beans, wild mushrooms, truffles andhomemade pasta. There are someespecially notable gelaterie with awide selection of home-made ice-creams.

During the trip you will be walkingthrough the vineyards of Italy’sfamous Chianti and superb Brunellodi Montalcino wines. Further south isVino Nobile di Montepulciano, all of


which perfectly complement the localTuscan cuisine.


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

41

Tuscan Hills Trip Information


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SAN GIMIGNANO

Leon BiancoHHHComfortable hotel in

medieval centre

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COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA

Palazzo San LorenzoHHHHElegant hotel in medieval

village with spa and

restaurant

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HT

4

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SIENA

AthenaHHHHModern hotel within the

city walls

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HT

5

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LUCIGNANO

Borgo AnticoHHHFamily-run hotel, converted

from traditional fattoria

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HT

7

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MONTALCINO

Dei CapitaniHHHComfortable; superb views

and small pool in summer

NIG

HT

6

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B

BUONCONVENTO

Fattoria Pieve a SaltiHHHAgriturismo in a lovely rural

setting with outdoor and

indoor pools

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

MONTERIGGIONIRomantik HotelMonteriggioni

HHHHWell-situated hotel with

pool and lovely garden

Monteriggioni Siena LucignanoColle di Val d’Elsa

San Gimignano

SECTION 1

Montalcino

Day 3Day 2

Feet Metres

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Seggiano Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Lake Bolsena Montefiascone

Montalcino

SECTION 2

Viterbo

Day 10Day 9

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Sutri Campagnano di Roma Isola FarneseRonciglione

Viterbo

SECTION 3

Rome

Day 17Day 16

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Buonconvento

Pieve a Salti

Buonconvento




Timeless countryside

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Through wild country to Monte Amiata


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : T U S C A N Y & L A Z I O

225 Miles to Rome (Section 2)South of Montalcino the countrybecomes wilder, with forests, lowplateaux and ancient volcanic landscapesdominated by Monte Amiata (1,753m /5,750ft) and the wide crater Lake ofBolsena.

Day 1 • Free day in MontalcinoCentre of Brunello wine production.Hotel with pool and panoramic views.

Day 2 • Montalcino to PescinaPaths through vineyards lead down to thesuperb Romanesque abbey church ofSant’Antimo. You then continue downthrough olive groves into the Orcia Valley,before walking up to the forested slopesof Monte Amiata (16.5 miles, 7.5-8 hrs).

Day 3 • Pescina to PiancastagnaioWalk through forest of chestnut andbeech, to the ancient volcanic peak ofMonte Amiata. Then continue downthrough forest, and a cleft in the volcaniccliffs, to Piancastagnaio, on the side ofthe mountain with panoramic views,where you stay at a converted monastery(12.8 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 4 • Piancastagnaio-AcquapendenteTracks along low ridges with long viewsbring us to the ancient town of Proceno,from where you descend to the SerlateValley before walking up to the town ofAcquapendente, with its fine square andwaterfalls (20.2 miles, 10 hrs).

Day 5 • Acquapendente to BolsenaForest tracks through the low MonteVolsinii lead to the edge of a wideancient volcanic crater, then down toLake Bolsena (12.4 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 • Bolsena to MontefiasconeAncient paths with lake views lead topanoramic Montefiascone, surmountedby a fortress. Amongst its fine churches isthat of San Floriano, which houses thetomb of the bishop whose visit to thetown is famously commemorated in thename of its wine: Est! Est!! Est!!!(11.1 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Montefiascone to ViterboFollowing one of the finest sections ofpaved Roman road in Italy we cross aplateau, pausing to enjoy Roman bathsand thermal springs on the ancient route,before continuing to the walled city ofViterbo (11.4 miles, 5-5.5 hours).

Day 8 • Departure day, or...Continue with Section 3 of the 225 Milesto Rome route: Approach to Rome(following pages)...Please note: The Romans rested ‘every fourdays’. If you plan to walk more than one sectionof ‘225 Miles’ we strongly urge you to booksome rest days in to your itinerary. Pleasecontact the office for advice.

42

Itinerary

Features

• Second section of ATG’s 225-mile independent walkingroute, one of the world’s most unique, classic walksfollowing the Via Francigena

• Open rolling hills with a wealth of different landscapes,remotely situated medieval villages and walled towns

• Thermal springs, lakeside beaches for swimming andopportunities for boat excursions on the lake

• Ancient ‘flattened’ volcanic landscapes punctuated by thewide crater containing Lake Bolsena with its islands,beaches and fertile farms

Ancient VolcanicLandscapes

u Grade 3 - 4u Route open: April-October*

225225

MILES~ to ~

ROME



Ancient Volcanic Landscapes Trip Information

Finding Your Way

Although much of the walking follows dirt roads, there are also farm tracks andsmaller wooded paths, broad gravel tracks and cart tracks. Some fieldcrossings, some thread-like grassy tracks. In the autumn, be prepared to crossa few roughly ploughed fields. May be muddy in wet weather – sufficient anklesupport essential. This trip is Grade 3 - 4. If you are completing all three sectionsof 225 Miles to Rome, the route is Grade 5 due to the amount of walking.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsPisa • Florence • RomeThere are buses and trains toBuonconvento from Pisa (2–3 hrs),Florence (2 hrs) and Rome (3 hrs).From Buonconvento it is a short taxiride to Montalcino.

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Buonconvento ~€12 - €16Florence Buonconvento ~€11Rome Buonconvento ~€18 - €26

TaxisFrom To PriceBuonconvento First hotel ~€ 30Pisa First hotel ~€250Florence First hotel ~€180Rome Fiumicino First hotel ~€320Rome Ciampino First hotel ~€320Prices may be significantly higher on Sundays and public holidays.


Getting There



Southern Tuscan food is simple anduses excellent quality, localingredients. You will enjoy fish fromLake Bolsena – corregone, perch andtrout, and vegetables from fertilevolcanic soil around the lake. Richand varied pastas, sauces withtomato and peperoncino.Specialities include lamb with wildherbs, ricotta, sheep’s cheeses(pecorino), wild boar and truffles.

The trip is a wine-lover’s treat! Thereare superb local red wines, notably


Brunello di Montalcino and VinoNobile di Montepulciano, as wellas the famous Orvieto Classico fromOrvieto and Est! Est!! Est!!! fromMontefiascone.


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

43


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Pescina Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Lake Bolsena Montefiascone

Montalcino Viterbo

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75 80


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MONTALCINO

Dei CapitaniHHHSuperb views and small

pool in summer

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HT

2

HB

SEGGIANO

Il SileneHHHInn surrounded by Monte

Amiata’s chestnut wood

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HT

3

HB

PIANCASTAGNAIO

Hotel Relais SanLorenzoHHHFriendly hotel within

private park

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HT

4

HB

ACQUAPENDENTE

Hotel ToscanaHHFriendly, refurbished hotel

with family-run restaurant

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HT

5

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BOLSENA

ColumbusHHHHComfortable hotel

near lake

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6

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MONTEFIASCONE

Urbano VHHHIn historic centre with

panoramic terrace

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7

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VITERBO

TusciaHHHModern hotel within

the medieval city




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ROME

CesariHHHQuietly situated near

Pantheon in central Rome

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ROME

D’InghilterraHHHHHCentral hotel in elegant

17th century palazzo


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : L A Z I O

225 Miles to Rome (Section 3)

Historic towns and villages nowinfluenced by the vortex of Rome, whilstin the ancient volcanic landscapes, areevocative reminders of the ViaFrancigena, its ancient origins, and themillions who have travelled the route.

Day 1 • Arrive in ViterboFree day in Viterbo, with its finechurches, papal palace and medievalquarter. Optional walk to the Villa Lantegardens (5.3 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 2 • Viterbo to Lake VicoPaths through oak and chestnut forestlead to a ridge, then down to an ancientcrater and Lake Vico, with its secondarycone, Monte Venere, surmounted by asmall temple to Venus. We walk throughhazel groves to our lake-side hotel(9.2 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Lake Vico to SutriTracks lead down beside a river flowingfrom the Lake, which powers over 20water mills, en route to the picturesqueancient citadel of Ronciglione. Lanesthen lead through hazelnut groves to theancient walled town of Sutri, birthplaceof Pontius Pilate, with its atmosphericamphitheatre, frescoed church of theMadonna del Parto, and Etruscan sites(9.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 4 • Sutri to CampagnanoFollow tracks across low hills, withfarmland and woods, before walking upto the gates of the walled town ofCampagnano di Roma (16.9 miles, 8 hrs).

Day 5 • Campagnano to Isola FarneseQuiet lanes and farm tracks lead via anisolated pilgrim church to the necropolisof Etruscan Veio, then, still in unspoiltcountry, to the hilltop village of IsolaFarnese, 11 miles from Rome (13.2miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Isola Farnese to RomeStart very early and you miss the worst ofthe traffic...to reach the relative calm ofthe walk-ways along the river Tiber,which you then follow before crossingthe river to the Castel Sant’ Angelo andcontinuing to the nearby Basilica of StPeter. Stay at a very well-situated hotel inthe centre of the old city (13.2 miles,5 hours).

Day 7 • Free day in Rome


44

Itinerary

Features

• Third section of ATG’s 225-mile independent walkingroute, one of the world’s most unique, classic walksfollowing the Via Francigena

• Through ancient landscapes and towns, most of whichremain largely as they were when the Via Francigenadeveloped

• Wide, rolling hills interspersed with small alluvial plainsand the occasional volcanic crater

• Classic, fortified hilltop villages

• Ending in Rome – great capital of the ancient world

Approach to Romeu Up to 67.5 miles

u 8 Days

u Grade 3


225225

MILES~ to ~

ROME

Along the Tiber, which leads to the basilica of St Peter


Finding Your Way

The paths are varied: Etruscan roads, Roman roads, mule paths, woodedpaths, cart tracks and dirt roads. On certain days the walk takes you into thehills where the paths cross a more rugged terrain that may be muddy in wetweather – please make sure that your foot-wear provides sufficient anklesupport. This trip is Grade 3. If you are completing all three sections of 225Miles to Rome, the route is Grade 5 due to the amount of walking.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsRome Fiumicino • Rome Ciampino

From both airports there are frequentconnections to central Rome. FromRome Ostiense and Rome Terministations there are regular trains toViterbo (approx 2 hours).

TrainsFrom To PriceRome Viterbo ~€5 - €8

TaxisFrom To PriceRome airports First hotel ~€180



Getting There



Lazio’s cuisine is strong, vigorous andhearty, with plenty of oil and garlic-flavoured meat and gamecombinations. Grilled meat – lots of it(and large cuts!) – features heavily onmenus. However, there are plenty ofinteresting vegetable dishes, many ofthem enhanced by herbs and spices.

If you have walked all the way fromSan Gimignano, re-live your tripthrough wines!


Savour the wines of Vernaccia diSan Gimignano, Chianti (Classicoand Colli Senesi), Vino Nobile diMontepulciano, Brunello diMontalcino and Est! Est!! Est!!! fromMontefiascone, and Orvieto Classico.


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

45

Approach to Rome Trip Information


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VITERBO

Hotel TusciaHHHModern hotel within

the medieval city

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LAKE VICO

Hotel La Bella VenereHHHModern hotel on lake

surrounded by Monti

Cimini

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3

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SUTRI

Albergo SutriumHHComfortable hotel in the

historic centre of Sutri

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CAMPAGNANO DI ROMA

Albergo da RighettoHHSimple, centrally located

hotel with restaurant serving

traditional Italian food

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B

ISOLA FARNESE

Albergo Tempio diApolloHHComfortable hotel in rural

setting

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

B&

B

ROME

Albergo CesariHHHQuietly situated near the

Pantheon in central

Rome

Monteriggioni Siena Lucignano BuonconventoColle di Val d’Elsa

San Gimignano

SECTION 1

Montalcino

Day 3Day 2

Feet Metres

600050004000300020001000

0

183015351220

915610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60Miles


Pescina(Seggiano) Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Lake Bolsena Montefiascone

Montalcino

SECTION 2

Viterbo

Day 3Day 2

Feet Metres

600050004000300020001000

0

183015351220

915610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60Miles 65 70


Sutri Campagnano di Roma Isola FarneseLake Vico

Viterbo

SECTION 3

Rome

Day 3Day 2

Feet Metres

600050004000300020001000

0

183015351220

915610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60Miles

Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

75 80 85






Optional pre-extension to start of itinerary:Certaldo to San Gimignano –Strade bianche lined with cypress treesand paths through vineyards, olivegroves and woods, lead to SanGimignano (9.7 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in San GimignanoThe ‘Medieval Manhattan' is irresistiblycharming and perfectly preserved. Ithouses a fine array of religious andsecular frescoes and monuments.

Day 2 • Free day in San GimignanoOpportunities to explore the walledmedieval town. Optional circular walkin the countryside around SanGimignano, offering superb views ofthe town (5.2 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 3 (2) • S. Gim. to Colle Val d’ElsaWalk across low hills with vines, woods,olive groves, and views of an almostunchanged medieval landscape...tothe ancient walled town of Colle di Vald’Elsa, renowned for its perfectlypreserved medieval ‘tunnel’ streets(also noted for its crystal glass and ice-creams!) (8.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 4 (3) • Colle to MonteriggioniFollow farm tracks and gravel lanesacross fertile farmland, with olive grovesand vineyards, to the Romanesqueabbey of Abbadia Isola, and on toMonteriggioni, a tiny medieval village,with 85 inhabitants, encircled by 13thcentury walls with 14 watchtowers(11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 5 (4) • Monteriggioni to SienaThrough forests, past a castle, openfarmland and wooded slopes. Wonderfulviews on the approach to Siena, thebest-preserved great medieval city inEurope (11.8 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 • Free day in SienaOpportunities for exploring themedieval city, with its abundance ofoutstanding 14th and 15th century artand architecture, from the famous Piazzadel Campo, scene of the Palio horse-race, to galleries filled with iconicmedieval masterpieces, and the greatcathedral. There are also many excellentshops, bars and restaurants! OptionalSiena city walk (3.5 hrs).


46

Features

• Walk from hill-top San Gimignano to Siena

• Timeless countryside, as seen in the background of medieval paintings

• Hills crowned with medieval cities and villages – San Gimignano, Colle di Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni

• Patchwork of vineyards and olive groves, ancient forests,fields of wheat and barley

• Ancient festivals and traditions preserved in the towns and villages

• Renowned Tuscan cuisine and wine

PH

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Tuscany & Sienau Up to 37.3 miles

u 7 or 5 Days

u Grade 2+


Hills crowned with medieval cities – San Gimignano


(47 miles with pre-extension)


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

47

Tuscany & Siena Trip Information


Day 2

San Gimignano Colle Val d'Elsa Monteriggioni Siena

Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Feet Metres20001000

0

610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35Miles 40 45

PRE-EXTENSION

Certaldo

Finding Your Way

Hilly countryside is crossed by strade bianche (small gravel roads), muletracks, farm and woodland tracks and paths, with some asphalt on theapproach to towns, notably Siena.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsPisa • Florence

From Pisa airport take trains via PisaCentrale and Empoli to Certaldo(max 1hr 45mins) or if coming fromFlorence direct to Certaldo (1 hr),then a taxi to San Gimignano. Pleasenote, booking a taxi from Certaldo toSan Gimignano is recommended asthere are not usually taxis waiting atCertaldo station. Alternatively alightat Poggibonsi (approx. 12 mins afterCertaldo), then a bus (25 mins).

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Certaldo ~€7Florence Certaldo ~€6

TaxisFrom To PricePisa airport San Gim. ~€100Florence airport San Gim. ~€100Certaldo San Gim. ~€ 30



0 5 10 miles

San Gimignano Colle Val d’Elsa

Monteriggioni

Siena

Certaldo

optional pre-extension

Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

Fitness: Grade 2+ See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineThere are good (several outstanding)restaurants and trattorie everywhereon route: si mangia bene! TraditionalTuscan cooking with game, steak,beans, wild mushrooms, truffles andhomemade pasta. There are someespecially notable gelaterie with awide selection of home-made ice-creams.

Renowned local Chianti wines, thewhite Vernaccia di San Gimignanoand the delicious dessert wine VinSanto.


NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

B&

B

SAN GIMIGNANO

Leon BiancoHHHComfortable hotel in

medieval centreSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

4

B&

B

MONTERIGGIONIRomantik HotelMonteriggioni

HHHHWell-situated hotel with

lovely garden and pool

NIG

HT

S 5

& 6

B&

B

SIENA


city walls

NIG

HT

S 5

& 6

B&

B

SIENA

Grand HotelContinentalHHHHHLuxurious, centrally

located, well-appointed

hotel

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA

Palazzo San LorenzoHHHHElegant hotel in medieval

village with spa and

restaurantUpgraded rooms for

Superior route




5-day itinerary:1 night in each hotel



STANDARD OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION


PR

E-E

XT

EN

SIO

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CERTALDO

Il CastelloHHFamily-run hotel in

medieval centre



Day 1 • Arrive in SienaThe best-preserved great medieval cityin Europe. Magnificent cathedral, thePiazza del Campo (scene of the Paliohorse-race), and an abundance ofoutstanding 14th and 15th century artand architecture.

Day 2 • Siena to DievoleFollow tracks across hills with stone-walled olive groves, oak forest, andworld-renowned Chianti Classicovineyards, to Dievole, set amongst itsown vineyards (12.4 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 3 • Dievole to Gaiole-in-ChiantiCross a valley to the fortifiedRomanesque church of San Polo inRosso, where paths lead to Gaiole-in-Chianti, a centre of Chianti wineproduction, overlooked by the Castellodi Spaltenna and its 11th centuryRomanesque church (7.9 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 4 • Gaiole-in-Chianti to PanzanoFarm roads (strade bianche) lead to aridge, from where a track descends tothe valley, continuing past stonefarmhouses and vineyards to a secondridge with extensive views, and thecharacteristic medieval hill town ofPanzano (13.2 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 5 • Free day in PanzanoShort optional walk to Greve-in-Chianti,a busy centre of the wine industry, withsome fine medieval buildings andarcaded central piazza (5.1 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Panzano to Strada-in-ChiantiUndulating paths across fertile valleys,with two fine castles built to protect therich wine estates, end with a climb toStrada-in-Chianti (15.2 miles, 8.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Strada-in-Chianti to FlorenceTracks and strade bianche lead throughfarmland to the outskirts of Florence,before minor roads and pathways forthe final two miles emerge at apanoramic view of the city and descentto the Ponte Vecchio (12.7 miles, 6.5 hrs).‘Birthplace of the Renaissance’ and withthe Uffizi, Pitti galleries, cathedral,churches and museums, Florence is theworld’s greatest ‘Art City’.


48

Itinerary

Features

• Walk from Siena, the best-preserved great medieval cityin Europe, to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance

• Picturesque Chianti hills, with vineyards, olive groves andforests, punctuated by hilltop castles, fortified stonevillages and cypress trees

• Traverse the Chianti Classico wine-growing area andsample the range of magnificent wines, with food tomatch!

• Enjoy two supreme art capitals – with over 60% of thegreatest works of art in the Western World

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Siena to Florenceu Up to 67.6 miles

u 8 Days

u Grade 3 - 3+


Picturesque Chianti hills and vineyards


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

49

Siena to Florence Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Paths through vineyards and olive groves; farm and forest paths/tracksrising to 2,925ft. Small gravel roads and some asphalt in and aroundtowns.

Terrain

0 5 10 miles Florence

Greve

Strada-in-Chianti

Panzano

Dievole Gaiole-in-Chianti

Siena

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

Fitness: Grade 2+ - 3+ See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineGood trattorie everywhere on routeand some very good restaurants,including a number in the GuideMichelin.

Traditional Tuscan cooking followingthe seasons with game, steak,beans, wild mushrooms, truffles,homemade pasta, sheep’s cheeses,wonderfully colourful fruits andvegetables. If you are interested iningredients (or not!) a visit toFlorence’s food market is highlyrecommended.

Superb red wines of the area,

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

SIENA


city walls

NIG

HT

2

B&

B

DIEVOLE

Villa DievoleHHHHVilla in working wine estate

with swimming pool

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

GAIOLE-IN-CHIANTI

Fonte del CiecoHHHRestored town house off

the main square

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

GAIOLE-IN-CHIANTI

Castello di SpaltennaHHHHMedieval castle with

swimming pools and

Romanesque church

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

B&

B

PANZANO

Fattoria ValleHHHConverted farmhouse

with outdoor pool

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

HB

PANZANO

Villa Le BaroneHHHHPatrician villa with pool,

gardens and tennis court

NIG

HT

6

B&

BSTRADA-IN-CHIANTI

Il LeccioRESIDENZA D’EPOCA

17th century villa with poolSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

FLORENCE

River HotelHHHH19th century palazzina

next to the River Arno

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

FLORENCE

Degli OrafiHHHHBreathtakingly central

location!


Standard: 0 / Superior: 2

Day 2

Siena Dievole FlorenceGaiole-

in-Chianti

Panzano

Strada-in-Chianti


Feet Metres2000 1000

0

610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Miles 40 45 50 55 60

Greve-in-Chianti Panzano

65

Day 5

Recommended Destination AirportsPisa • Florence • Rome

There are trains to Siena from Pisa(2 hrs) via Pisa Centrale and Empoli;from Florence (1.5 hrs); and fromRome (3–4 hrs) via Chiusi orGrosseto.

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Siena ~€10Florence Siena ~€ 9Rome Siena ~€16 - €28

(depending on type of train)

TaxisFrom To PricePisa airport First hotel ~€150Florence airport First hotel ~€130Rome airports First hotel ~€350



Getting There

especially Chianti Classico and thewhite Vernaccia from nearby SanGimignano.For further information on food &wine see page 9.






STANDARD OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION



Southern Tuscany


Day 1 • Arrive in SienaThe best-preserved great medieval cityin Europe.

Day 2 • Siena to LucignanoWalk south from Siena following theroute of the early medieval ViaFrancigena, across the open hills of thecrete, to Lucignano (14.5 miles, 7 hrs).

Day 3 • Lucignano to Buonconvento(Day 1 – Arrive Buonconvento)Walk through pastures, vineyards andolive groves overlooking the Arbia andOmbrone valleys, to walledBuonconvento, its small museumhousing 14th/15th century masterpieces(9.8 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 4 • ExcursionWalk to visit one of the finest abbeys inEurope – the Benedictine Monte OlivetoMaggiore, with its superb cloister ofmagnificent frescoes by Signorelli andSodoma (return journey 11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 5 (2) • Buonconvento toMontalcinoOver open hills and through the famousvineyards of Brunello to panoramicallysituated Montalcino, centre of theBrunello wine area and home to a 14thcentury castle and excellent museum(11.4 or 13.1 miles, 5.5 or 6.5 hrs).

Day 6 (3) • Montalcino to Bagno VignoniWalk through the vineyards of Brunelloto the superb Romanesque abbey-church of Sant’Antimo, built of alabasterand onyx. Then on to the Orcia valleyand Bagno Vignoni, with its Romanthermal baths in central piazza(11.2 or 14.1 miles, 5.5 or 7 hrs).

Day 7 (4) • Bagno Vignoni to PienzaWalk along the Orcia valley then acrossopen farmland to Pienza, birthplace ofAeneas Piccolomini. When elected PopePius II in 1458, he commissioned thearchitect Rossellino to convert hisbirthplace…into the first Renaissancecity. A five minute walk from end to end,Pienza has a delightful papal palace,‘cathedral’ and museum (5.8 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 8 (5) • Departure day, or...Optional extension to Montepulciano:Walk to the centre of the Vino Nobile diMontepulciano wine district via thechurch of San Biagio, and exploreMontepulciano’s fine palazzi, cathedral,frescoed churches and museum(8.3 miles, 4 hrs).

50

Features

• Walk from medieval Siena to Pienza, the first Renaissance ‘city’

• Enjoy the best of Southern Tuscany, with its superb art and architecture

• Open rolling countryside with extensive views and thepicturesquely eroded crete

• Some of the best wine-producing areas in Tuscany –Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile diMontepulciano – with food to match!

• Exquisite abbeys of Sant’ Antimo and Monte OlivetoMaggiore

PH

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u Up to 69.9 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 3

u Route open: April-October*(77.2 miles with extension)

The delightful Romanesque abbey church of Sant’ Antimo



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

51

Southern Tuscany Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Open rolling hills with spectacular views. Paths along farm tracks,ancient drove roads and gravel lanes.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsPisa • Florence • RomeThere are buses and trains to Sienafrom Pisa (2 hrs), Florence (1–1.5 hrs)and Rome (3 hrs). There are busesand trains to Buonconvento (5-dayroute) from Pisa (3 hrs), Florence(2–3 hrs) and Rome (3 hrs).

TrainsFrom To PricePisa Siena ~€10Florence Siena ~€ 9Rome Siena ~€16 - €28Pisa Buonconvento ~€11 - €16Florence Buonconvento ~€11Rome Buonconvento ~€18 - €34

TaxisFrom To PricePisa Siena ~€150Florence Siena ~€130Rome Siena ~€350Pisa Buonconvento ~€220Florence Buonconvento ~€180Rome Buonconvento ~€300 - €350Siena Buonconvento ~€ 80



Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm


Restaurants, Food & WineGood trattorie everywhere on routeand some very good restaurants.Traditional Tuscan cooking withgame, steak, beans, wildmushrooms, truffles and homemadepasta.

Superb red wines of the area,Brunello di Montalcino and VinoNobile di Montepulciano,complement the cuisine.



8 DAY • Standard: 1 / Superior: 1

5 DAY • Standard: 1 / Superior: 1

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

SIENA

Piccolo Hotel EtruriaHHSimple hotel in medieval

city centre

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

SIENA

Santa CaterinaHHH18th century villa, close to

the historic centre

NIG

HT

2

B&

B

LUCIGNANO

Borgo AnticoHHHFamily-run hotel converted

from traditional fattoria

Superior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

S 3

& 4

B&

B (

8 D

AY

)

BUONCONVENTO

Fattoria Pieve a SaltiHHHIn a beautiful setting, with

indoor and outdoor pools

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

MONTALCINO

Dei CapitaniHHHComfortable hotel with superb

views; small pool in summer

NIG

HT

6

HB

BAGNO VIGNONI

Le TermeHHHModern hotel overlooking

Roman baths

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

PIENZA

Residence San GregorioHHHConverted theatre close to

centre with swimming pool

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

PIENZA

Il ChiostroHHHHConverted monastery with

views and pool in summer

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

MONTEPULCIANO

Il MarzoccoHHHFamily-run 16th century

hotel with panoramic views

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

MONTEFOLLONICO

La ChiusaHHHConverted mill with

restaurant


..... 5-day route



5-day itinerary: Buonconvento to PienzaCycling itinerary also available:See pages 68-69 for details.

STANDARD OPTION


SUPERIOR OPTION

NIG

HT

S 3

& 4

B&

B (

5 D

AY

)

BUONCONVENTO

Il GhibellinoHHHFamily-run hotel in the

centre of town

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

MONTEPULCIANO

Albergo DuomoHHHFriendly hotel in excellent,

central location

Siena Lucignano

Buonconvento

Montalcino

Sant'Antimo

BagnoVignoni Pienza

Montepulciano/Montefollonico

Feet Metres

2000

1000

0

610

305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60Miles

Day 2 Day 5 Day 7Day 6Day 3

Pieve a Salti Pieve a Salti

Monte OlivetoMaggiore

65

ExtensionDay 4

70 75


Day 1 (1) • Arrive in PitiglianoDramatic approach to Pitigliano onfoot (1 mile) via 2,500-year-oldEtruscan lanes is stronglyrecommended. Alternatively this walkcan be done as an excursion afterarrival (2 miles).

Day 2 (2) • Pitigliano to SovanaFree morning to explore crag-topPitigliano, its Etruscan houses,medieval fortress and synagogue.Then follow an Etruscan lane to a smallplateau, with pastures and vines, to thecharming village of Sovana (4.9 miles,3 hrs).

Day 3 • Free day in SovanaVisit Sovana’s fine Romanesquechurches. Walk to see the outstandingEtruscan necropolis, including theTomba della Sirena, restored by theATG Trust (2.5 miles).

Day 4 (2) • Sovana to San QuiricoPaths across farmland lead to anisolated church and fine Etruscan lanethat descends into a gorge, from whichrises crag-top Sorano. After exploringSorano, paths along the gorge lead tothe troglodyte habitations at Vitozzaand the village of San Quirico(10.3 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 5 (3) • San Quirico to BolsenaCart tracks across farmland lead to anescarpment, where paths descendtowards the small town of Latera. Aclimb through chestnut woods to therim of a volcanic crater offers superbviews. Tracks lead down to LakeBolsena (10.4 miles, 5.5 hrs), fromwhere a private boat takes you acrossthe lake to Bolsena (town). Optionalexploration of Lake's unique features(weather permitting).

Day 6 • Free day in BolsenaExplore Bolsena, its ancient streets,castle, Etruscan temples and church,and catacombs of Santa Cristina, siteof the miracle of Corpus Christi.Swimming in the lake. Optional walkfrom Acquapendente through the lowMonti Volsinii (12.2 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 7 (4) • Bolsena to OrvietoAn old Etruscan lane leads up throughwoods to a plateau and acrossfarmland. The first view of Orvieto,situated high on its extinct volcano,is unforgettable (10.7 miles, 5.5 hrs).Don’t miss the magnificent cathedralwith frescoes.


52

A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : T U S C A N Y ,U M B R I A & L A Z I O

Features

• Walk from picturesque Pitigliano to the crag-top town ofOrvieto

• Important 2,500-year-old Etruscan sites and deep-hewnlanes, hidden in wooded valleys and ancient volcaniclandscapes

• Panoramic views along historic routes, gorges and lakeswith opportunities for swimming

• Private boat ride across Lake Bolsena, and – NEW –exploration of its unique features (weather permitting)

• Romanesque churches, castles, temples and troglodyte dwellings, and finally Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral

Unknown Tuscany& Orvieto

u Up to 53 milesu 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 2 - 3u Route open: April-October*

Fine views of the lake on the approach to Bolsena


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+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

53

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Dirt roads, farm tracks and mule paths across hills and plateaux, via vineyards,through gorges and narrow wooded valleys. A fascinating volcanic landscape.

Terrain

Orvieto

Sovana

Sorano

Pitigliano

San Quirico

Bolsena

5 10 15 miles 0 Acquapendente

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400


max min

DNOSAJJMAMF32

41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104

˚F ˚C Hours


mm

0

50

100

150

Rain in mm

J



NIG

HT

1

B&

B

PITIGLIANOGuastiniHHFamily-run hotel in historictown centre

NIG

HT

S 2

& 3

B&

B

SOVANASovana Hotel & ResortHHHHPalazzo in town centreUpgraded rooms forSuperior route

NIG

HT

4

B&

B

SAN QUIRICOAgnelli

HHHSimple hotel in town

centre

NIG

HT

S 5

& 6

B&

B

BOLSENAColumbusHHHHComfortable hotel near

lake

NIG

HT

S 5

& 6

B&

B

BOLSENARoyalHHHHModern hotel near lake,with pool in summer

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

ORVIETOCorsoHHHHistoric building in centre

of old city

NIG

HT

7

B&

B

ORVIETOPalazzo PiccolominiHHHH16th century hotel over-

looking medieval piazza

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

ROMECesariHHHQuietly situated near


Feet20001000

0

PitiglianoSovana

Sorano

San QuiricoLatera

Bolsena Acquapendente Orvieto

Metres6103050

by boatDay 4 Day 5 Day 7Day 6Day 2 Day 3

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 550 5

Bolsena

Recommended Destination AirportsRome Fiumicino • Rome CiampinoFrom both airports there are frequentconnections to central Rome, fromwhere there are trains to Orbetello(2hrs), then a bus (€3, 4-5 departuresdaily) or taxi (~€150) to Pitigliano.

TrainsFrom To PriceRome Orbetello ~€9 - €18

TaxisFrom To PriceRome airports First hotel ~€230Orbetello First hotel ~€150



Getting There

Local specialities include acquacotta(a rich tomato based soup), sweetMaremma lamb, wild boar and othergame; dishes influenced by anancient Jewish tradition in Pitigliano;and fresh fish, including theregionally unique corregone and eels,from Lake Bolsena.

Morellino di Scansano, a fruity full-bodied DOC red and Bianco diPitigliano DOC fragrant dry white,


often aged in Etruscan caves belowthe town. Orvieto Classico DOCneeds no introduction. Local winesincluding Est! Est!! Est!!! fromMontefiascone.




5-day itinerary: 1 night in Pitigliano, San Quirico, Bolsena or Orvieto




NIG

HT

1

RO

OM

ON

LY

PITIGLIANOLe Camere delCeccottinoGuest HouseStylish rooms in historical

centre; excellent restaurant

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

ROMED’InghilterraHHHHHCentral hotel in elegant



A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : U M B R I A & L A Z I O

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in ViterboWalled city with historic papal palace,cathedral, fine Romanesque churchesand medieval quarter.

Day 2 • Free day in ViterboOpportunities for city walk, exploringViterbo (2 miles, 1 hr). Walk (or bus) toBagnaia to visit the Villa Lante Gardens,Vignola’s Renaissance masterpiece,using the natural flow of water (closedMondays) (5.3 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 3 (2) • Viterbo to MontefiasconeGravel lanes lead across a plain, viaancient thermal pools (swim!) to a finesection of paved Roman Via Cassia…topanoramically situated Montefiascone(2,070ft), with its castle, and church ofSan Flaviano with a famously inscribedtomb of Bishop Fugger (11.6 miles,6 hrs).

Day 4 (3) • Montefiascone to BolsenaFollow the route of the ancient ViaCassia until it disappears into woods.Then paths and farm tracks with fineviews lead down along sand beachesbeside the lake (swim!)…to Bolsena(1,080ft) (11.1 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 5 • Free day in BolsenaExplore Bolsena, its ancient streets,castle, Etruscan temples, and ‘triple’church of Santa Cristina, site of themiracle of Corpus Christi (1263). Lakeexcursions and swimming. Optionalwalk from Acquapendente through thelow Monti Volsinii (12.2 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Bolsena to OrvietoFollow the old pilgrim route across ahigh plateau (2,000ft) with extensiveviews, towards Orvieto. The first view ofthe crag-top city is unforgettable(10.7 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in OrvietoOptional city walk (approx. 2 hrs),including Orvieto’s magnificentcathedral and Capella della Madonna diSan Brizio, with outstanding frescoes byFra Angelico and Signorelli, Etruscantombs, museums and remarkable well(completed in 1537 by AntonioSangallo) – ‘one of the second sevenwonders of the world’.


54

Features

• Walk from the papal city of Viterbo to magnificentlysituated Orvieto

• Ancient ‘flattened’ volcanic landscapes punctuated bythe wide crater containing Lake Bolsena with its islands,beaches and fertile farms

• Thermal springs, lakeside beaches for swimming, andopportunities for boat excursions on the lake

• Villa Lante Gardens – some of Italy’s finest

• Succession of lively towns with historic medieval centres –castles, cathedrals, palaces, Romanesque churches andpicturesque alleys

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Roman Roadsto Orvieto


u Grade 2u Route open: April-October*

Hill-top Montefiascone, with wonderful lake views



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

55

Roman Roads to Orvieto Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Roman/Etruscan roads. Volcanic ash paths, farm tracks, occasional mule andforest paths and (near towns) stretches of asphalt.

Terrain

0 5 10 miles

Acquapendente

Orvieto

Bolsena

Montefiascone

Viterbo

LakeBolsena

Bagnoregio

Bagnaia

Ferentum Tuscania

Isola Bisentina

Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min

D N O S A J J M A M F 32

41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

J


Restaurants, Food & WineVery interesting cuisine combininginfluences of robust Tuscan cookingwith strong flavours of Romancooking and the delicate cuisine ofUmbria, with truffles, fish from LakeBolsena, etc., (we visit this area justto eat!). Some notable trattorie enroute, and outstanding restaurants inViterbo and Orvieto.

Local white wines include OrvietoClassico and Est! Est!! Est!!!



NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

B&

B

VITERBOTusciaHHHModern hotel within the

medieval city

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

MONTEFIASCONEUrbano VHHHIn historic centre with

panoramic terrace

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

B&

B

BOLSENAColumbusHHHHModern hotel close to

lakeside

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

B&

B

BOLSENARoyalHHHHNear lakeside, with pool

in summer

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

B&

B

ORVIETOCorsoHHHHistoric building in city

centreN

IGH

TS

6 &

7

B&

B

ORVIETOPalazzo PiccolominiHHHH16th century hotel

overlooking medieval

Piazza Ranieri

EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

B

ROMECesariHHHQuietly situated near the


EX

TE

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B&

B






5-day itinerary: One night at each stopon route



Magnificent Orvieto Cathedral

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Recommended Destination AirportsRome Fiumicino • Rome CiampinoFrom both airports there are frequentconnections to central Rome. FromRome Ostiense and Rome Terministations there are regular trains toViterbo (approx 2 hours).

TrainsFrom To PriceRome Viterbo ~€5 - €8

TaxisFrom To PriceRome airports First hotel ~€180Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays. Taxiscan be booked via the ATG office.


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : S O U T H E R N L A K E S

Day 1 • Arrive in Trevignano......to stay at a fine, restored villa withviews across Lake Bracciano.

Day 2 • Trevignano to RonciglioneWalk through hazel groves and beechwoods; and along pleasant tracks andlanes with impressive views of LakeBracciano...en route to Sutri (9.5 miles,5 hours). After visiting Sutri with itsfamous frescoed pilgrim church of theMadonna del Parto and impressiveamphitheatre hewn from solid rock, theonward walk to Ronciglione is alongeasy paths (5.2 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Ronciglione to ViterboWalk to Lake Vico (1,600ft), then followa track up through oak forest to the rimof the ancient crater (2,935ft) and theMonti Cimini. From here, walk downthrough chestnut groves and forest tothe walled city of Viterbo (1,300ft),(12.3 miles, 6 hours). Or: Optional visit tothe splendid Villa Farnese at Caprarola,with a transfer afterwards to Lake Vicofor the walk (7.3 miles, 3.5 hrs) to Viterbo.

Day 4 • Viterbo to MontefiasconeOptional visit to the elegant 16thcentury garden of the Villa Lante, thenwalk across a plateau with long views,past thermal Roman baths and alongsuperbly preserved, paved Roman road(7.7 miles, 4 hours). Stay in the medievalcentre of Montefiascone. Or walk all theway from Viterbo to Montefiascone(11.6 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 5 • Montefiascone to BolsenaWalk along paths with panoramic viewsacross the wide waters of Lake Bolsena,following the route, with some originalpaved stretches, of the ancient Romanroad; before descending acrossmeadows and through woods to thelakeside, and on to the ancient townof Bolsena (11.1 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 6 • Bolsena to OrvietoWalk up to the castle through Etruscan,Roman and medieval levels of Bolsena,then follow Roman, Etruscan and medievalways across a plateau to the great crag-top city of Orvieto, where you stay in themedieval city (10.7 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day to explore Orvieto,with its magnificent cathedral, double-helix well of San Patrizio, Etruscannecropolis, museums, elegant cafes andbars, and good shopping. A city walk isincluded in the Route Book.


56

Itinerary

Features

• Three volcanic crater lakes: Bracciano, Vico, Bolsena – each very different

• Paths across low hills: Monti Sabatini, Cimini and Volsinii

• Two of Italy’s finest historic gardens: Villa Lante and Villa Farnese

• Places, works of art and buildings of world-class interest

• Interesting, excellent cuisine and local wines

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Southern Lakesu Up to 60.4 miles

u 8 Days

u Grade 2+ - 3


Magnificent views across Lake Bolsena


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

57

Southern Lakes Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Low volcanic hills with long views across lakes, established paths throughwoods and vineyards, farm tracks, occasional (near towns) stretches ofasphalt.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportsRome Fiumicino • Rome Ciampino

From Rome it is very easy to reachTrevignano Romano. From RomaSan Pietro station there are half-hourly trains to Anguillara (43 mins/€2-3), from where you can eithertake a bus (40 mins/€1.50) or a taxi(~€40) to Trevignano. A taxi fromRome airports will cost approx.€150, journey time 1 hour.

Taxi prices may be significantlyhigher on Sundays and publicholidays.


Orvieto

Bolsena

Montefiascone

Viterbo

LakeBolsena

Bagnaia

FerentumTuscania

IsolaBisentina

Ronciglione

LakeVico

LakeBracciano 0 5 10 miles

Bagnoregio

Trevignano Romano

Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400Hours of bright

sunshinemax min

D N O S A J J M A M F 32

41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

J

Fitness: Grade 2+ - 3 See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineVery interesting cuisine combininginfluences of very strong flavours ofRoman cooking – spicy pasta andhearty meat dishes; and the delicatecuisine of Umbria, with truffles, fishfrom the lakes (we visit this area justto eat!). Some notable trattorie enroute, and outstanding restaurants inViterbo and Orvieto. Local whitewines include Orvieto Classico andEst! Est!! Est!!!


NIG

HT

1

TREVIGNANO ROMANOAlbergo Borgo VistalagoHHHFriendly, boutique hotel with

wonderful views over Lake

Bracciano

NIG

HT

2

RONCIGLIONELa CanonicaCountry house in historical

centre of town

NIG

HT

3

VITERBOTusciaHHHStandard hotel in the heart

of Viterbo

NIG

HT

5

BOLSENAHotel ColumbusHHHHModern lakeside hotel


NIG

HT

5

BOLSENAHotel RoyalHHHHComfortable lakeside hotel

with pool





NIG

HT

4

MONTEFIASCONEUrbano VHHHCentrally located in the

medieval quarter

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

ORVIETOHotel CorsoHHHHistoric building in city

centre

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

ORVIETOPalazzo PiccolominiHHHH16th century hotel

overlooking medieval

piazza

Feet Metres

3000

2000

1000

0

915

610

305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35Miles

Viterbo

Day 4

Montefiascone

Day 5

Bolsena

Day 6

Orvieto

Sutri

TrevignanoRomano

Ronciglione

Day 2 Day 3

Bagnaccio

40 45 50 55 60

B&

BH

BB

&B

B&

BB

&B

B&

BB

&B

B&

B


Ancient Volcanic Crater: Lake Vico


A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : U M B R I A

Day 1 • Arrive in SpoletoElegant and medieval city withimportant Romanesque churches and a12th century cathedral with frescoes byFra Filippo Lippi.

Day 2 • Spoleto to PoretaFrom Spoleto, follow a scenic disusedrailway line with long views across theUmbra Valley, then paths that climb andfall between small villages, throughwoodland, olive groves and farmland,lead to the tiny hamlet of Poreta(11.5 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 3 • Poreta to San Luca From Poreta follow small lanes andtracks to Campello Alto, a delightfulmedieval hill-top village, with wonderfulviews. Then descend to the valleypassing the limpid waters of the RomanFonti di Clitunno, and follow farm tracksand lanes across the plain to San Luca(9.9 miles, 5 hrs). Stay at a fine villasurrounded by vineyards producingsome of Italy's finest, though littleknown, red wines made from theSagrantino grape.

Day 4 • San Luca to Bevagna (8-day) (Day 1 – Arrive Montefalco;Day 2 Montefalco to Bevagna)Walk up through the Sagrantinovineyards to hilltop Montefalco, ‘thebalcony of Umbria’. Visit the superblyfrescoed Church of San Francescobefore continuing on down throughrenowned vineyards to the little walledtown of Bevagna (9.4 miles, 5 hrs).(5-day itinerary: 5.4 miles, 2.5 hrs)

Day 5 (3) • Bevagna to SpelloAfter visiting Bevagna’s Roman theatreand baths, walk across the valley toSpello where there is time to explorethe Roman and Medieval town(7.2 miles, 3.5 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Spello to AssisiSet off early to climb the high flower-filled pastures of Monte Subasio(1,278m / 4,192ft), or take a ride tonear the top, enjoying fabulous views,before descending a mountain spur toenter Assisi on the stony pilgrim pathonce frequented by St Francis(11 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in AssisiFree day to explore Assisi, or visit thenearby Carceri hermitage, San Damianoor Santa Maria degli Angeli.


58

Features

• Walk from Spoleto to Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis

• Tranquil meadows, woods, vineyards and olive groves –Italy’s ‘green heart’

• Superlative frescoes

• Flower-filled outcrops of the Apennines

• Magnificent Sagrantino wines

• Delicious Umbrian cuisine

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Umbria & Assisiu Up to 49 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 3

u Route open: Apr-Jun; Aug-Oct*

Some of the finest Umbrian hill towns en route – Spello



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

59

Umbria & Assisi Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Strade bianche (small gravel roads), woodland paths, grassy meadows andforest paths/tracks.

Terrain

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm

Fitness: Grade 3 (2 days 3+) See page 10 for information on Grades

Restaurants, Food & WineGood food everywhere along theroute, and several very distinguishedrestaurants. The cuisine of the area isrenowned for its delicate and subtleflavours. Game, mushrooms,asparagus, artichokes, and bothblack and white truffles.

Superb wines of Montefalco usingthe unique Sagrantino grape. TrySagrantino Passito (possibly Italy’sfinest dessert wine).



Rome • PerugiaFrom central Rome and Perugiathere are regular trains and buses toSpoleto (1.5–2 hrs/1 hr).5-day route: There are trains toFoligno from Rome (1.5-2.5 hrs) orfrom Perugia (40 mins), then bus ortaxi to Montefalco.

TrainsFrom To PriceRome Spoleto ~€9-17Perugia Spoleto ~€5Rome Foligno ~€9-20Perugia Foligno ~€4

TaxisFrom To PriceRome Spoleto ~€200Perugia Spoleto ~€ 80Rome Montefalco ~€220Perugia Montefalco ~€ 80Foligno Montefalco ~€ 40



Getting There

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

SPOLETOAuroraHHHFriendly, comfortable hotel

in quiet medieval quarter

NIG

HT

1

B&

B

SPOLETOPalazzo DragoniHHHHElegant hotel in 15thcentury palazzo, situatedclose to the Cathedral

NIG

HT

2

HB

PORETABorgo della Marmotta

Agriturismo

An authentic, luxurious

farm resortSuperior rooms are larger

NIG

HT

3

HB

SAN LUCA (8-day)Villa ZuccariHHHHWell-appointed hotel in abeautiful setting, with poolUpgraded rooms for Superior route

NIG

HT

3

B&

B

MONTEFALCO (5-day)Villa PambuffettiHHHHCharming hotel in tranquilsetting with spectacular viewsUpgraded rooms for Superior route

NIG

HT

4

B&

B

BEVAGNAIl ChiostroHHCharming, family-run,

centrally located hotel

NIG

HT

4

B&

B

BEVAGNAOrto Degli AngeliResidenza d’Epoca

Very comfortable hotel in anarchitecturally unique,medieval building

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

SPELLOIl CacciatoreHHHFamily-run hotel with

terrace and views

NIG

HT

5

B&

B

SPELLOPalazzo BocciHHHHStylish hotel centrally

located in the old town

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

B&

B

ASSISIHotel Giotto and SpaHHHHCentrally located with

views over the valley

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

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ASSISINun AssisiHHHHHStunning new hotel in convertedmonastery in the old town;indoor pool and spa uniquelyhoused in its Roman foundations


SpelloAssisi

Monte SubasioBevagna

Day 5 Day 6

Metres1220

915610305

0Day 2

Poreta Montefalco

SpoletoSan Luca

Day 3 Day 4

Feet4000300020001000

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35Miles 40 45


..... 5-day route

STANDARD OPTIONSTANDARD & SUPERIOR OPTIONS

5-day itinerary: Montefalco to AssisiExtend Your Stay: To extend your stayanywhere on the route, please contactthe ATG office.


SUPERIOR OPTION




A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : U M B R I A

Day 1 (1) • Arrive in NorciaHistoric walled town, birthplace of StBenedict and renowned for its muchcherished gastronomic speciality –the truffle.

Day 2 • Free day around NorciaTravel by road to picturesqueCastelluccio (4,000ft) and walk across thePiano Grande, the most inspiringhighland plain in Europe, then backdown to Norcia (9.7 miles, 5 hrs).Alternatively explore Norcia, its centralpiazza with church of St Benedict(480–543 AD) and medieval town walls.

Day 3 (2) • Norcia to RoccaporenaFollow farm tracks across low hills to thesmall town of Cascia and churches with14th century frescoes. Then follow anancient pilgrim path along the gorge toRoccaporena, birthplace of St Rita,patron saint of desperate causes(12.9 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 4 (3) • Roccaporena to SchegginoCross hills with oak woods famous fortheir truffles to Gavelli, with fine frescoesrestored by the ATG Trust. Follow an old(dirt) road steeply down to Scheggino. Ifstaying at San Pietro in Valle, the RouteManager can arrange a taxi (10 mins)(12.9 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 5 • Valley WalkOptional walk along the Valnerina Valleyto the superb monastery of San Pietro inValle, founded in the 5th century, withfrescoes, Roman decorative fragmentsand sarcophagi of 8th century Lombarddukes (6.1 miles, 2.5 hrs one way). Thewalk is done in reverse if you are on thesuperior route.

Day 6 (4) • Scheggino to SpoletoFollow the route of a disused, but oncefamous railway – a remarkable exampleof 19th century engineering. Descendthrough chestnut woods and olive grovesto enter Spoleto across the Ponte delleTorri, the most elegant approach on footto any city in Europe (9.4 or 12.3 miles,4.5 or 6 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in SpoletoExplore the medieval city, its 12th centurycathedral with frescoes by Fra FilippoLippi, and important Romanesquechurches. The Spoleto festival takes placeduring the first two weeks of July.

Day 8 (5) • Departure day, or...Continue with a further 8 days (48.6miles) of walking from Spoleto to Assisi –see Umbria & Assisi (pages 58-59).

60

Features

• Walk from the medieval town of Norcia to the city of Spoleto

• Enjoy one of the least visited and most beautiful areas of Europe

• Rounded peaks of Monti Sibillini and Piano Grande –filled with flowers in spring

• Superb medieval towns, Romanesque monasteries,shrines and frescoed churches

• Elegant approach to the medieval city of Spoleto,via its arched 14th century bridge

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Unknown Umbria& Spoleto


u Grade 3 - 4u Route open: May-Jun; Aug-Oct*

The Piano Grande – filled with flowers in Spring



+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

61

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Woodland, sheep and mule tracks, dirt roads and ways over high opengrassland with wide views. In the Monti Sibillini the route includes grassyridges and well made tracks on most ascents and descents. Some steep,stony paths. Sticks/poles strongly recommended.

Terrain

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

050100150

Rain in mm



Truffle country! Noted for the superbTuber Melanosporum of Norcia andNorcineria (the superb hams andsalami of Norcia that have giventheir name to a generative term forcured meats used throughout Italy).Fresh trout from streams, game,lamb, sheep’s cheese and notedgreen lentils. Si mangia bene!

Famous wines from nearbyMontefalco and Orvieto, and some

Recommended Destination AirportsRome • Perugia

From Rome Tiburtina station thereare buses to Norcia (3.5 hours,€8.50). From Rome Termini stationand from Perugia there are regulartrains to Spoleto (1/5–2 hrs fromRome/1 hour from Perugia); andfrom Spoleto you can either take anonward bus (1 hour, €4.40) or a taxi(~€80) to reach Norcia.

TrainsFrom To PriceRome Spoleto ~€9 - €17Perugia Spoleto ~€5

TaxisFrom To PriceRome airport First hotel ~€250Perugia airport First hotel ~€160Spoleto First hotel ~€ 80



Getting There


NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

HB

NORCIAGrotta AzzurraHHHCharacteristic hotel with

renowned restaurant

NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

B&

B

NORCIAPalazzo SenecaHHHHElegantly restored palazzo

in town centre, with

*Michelin restaurant

NIG

HT

3

HB

ROCCAPORENARoccaporenaHH(H)Basic rooms in pilgrim hotel

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

HB

SCHEGGINODel PonteHHBeside medieval village and

river, with renowned restaurant

NIG

HT

S 4

& 5

B&

B

FERENTILLOAbbazia di San Pietroin ValleRESIDENZA D’EPOCABeautifully restoredRomanesque abbey8-DAY SUPERIOR ONLY

STANDARD & 5-DAY SUPERIOR

5

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

B&

B

SPOLETOAuroraHHHFriendly, comfortable hotel

in quiet medieval quarter

NIG

HT

S 6

& 7

B&

B

SPOLETOPalazzo DragoniHHHHRESIDENZA D’EPOCA

Elegant hotel with

wonderful views

EX

TE

NS

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B&

B

ROMECesariHHHQuietly situated near


EX

TE

NS

ION

B&

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Piano

Grande

Roccaporena Spoleto Feet Metres

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

1535

1220

915

610

305

0 Day 3 Day 2 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Norcia Castelluccio San Pietro

in Valle

Scheggino

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Miles


interesting ones from the Adriaticcoast.


..... 5-day route



5-day itinerary: One night in each hotelen route




A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : C A M P A N I A

Day 1 • Arrive in Ravello…with its splendid villas, gardens andart treasures in an incomparablesetting.

Day 2 • Ravello – excursionFollow ancient stairways down to thefishing village of Atrani, a maze ofwhitewashed alleys. Paths then leadthrough lemon groves to Scala, theoldest ‘little’ city of the coast, thenback to Ravello (6.5 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 3 • Ravello to Amalfi(Day 1 – Arrive Amalfi)

A high path leads to the famous naturereserve of Valle delle Ferriere, throughmeadows, chestnut groves and pastwaterfalls towards the village ofPogerola, and then down an ancientflight of steps towards the historic ‘city’of Amalfi (8.5 miles, 6 hrs).

Day 4 (2) • Amalfi to Conca dei MariniTime to visit Amalfi and its cathedral,with bronze door cast inConstantinople, mosaic façade and13th century cloister. A 1,000-year-oldfootpath leads through historic villagesto Conca dei Marini. Opportunities tovisit the Grotta dello Smeraldo(3.6 miles, 3 hrs).

Day 5 (3) • Conca - Vettica MaggioreA stepped footpath passes churcheswith panoramic views, and descendsinto the spectacular fjord of Furore.Then the Via dell’ Amore leads into thegreen Praia Valley, before descendingto the quiet village of Vettica Maggiore(5.3 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 6 (4) • Vettica Maggiore - PositanoClimb up to the monastery of SanDomenico and along the Sentierodegli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), ahigh open ridge walk with fine views,before descending through olivegroves to Positano (5.7 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Positano – excursionOriginally a small fishing village, nowan exclusive resort, Positano’s churchboasts a lovely majolica dome andByzantine Madonna. Scenic paths withpanoramic views lead fromMontepertuso to Santa Maria and backalong the fertile Pozzo Valley(5.4 miles, 4 hrs).


62

Features

• Walk from idyllically situated Ravello with its famousgardens, to the elegant resort of Positano

• Outstanding coastal scenery, which can only be appreciated on foot

• Picturesque towns and colourful fishing villages

• Ancient paths and steps linking villages, farms, churches, and monasteries

• Walk through the wild Lattari mountains, vineyards,woods and chestnut groves, high above the sea

Amalfi Coastu Up to 35 miles

u 8 or 5 Days

u Grade 3

u Route open:

The elegant resort of Positano


Apr-Jun; Sep-Oct*


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

63

Amalfi Coast Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Ancient paths with long flights of steps originally used to link the villages,which climb and descend through lemon groves. Small open footpaths(rocky in places) through the Valle delle Ferriere and on the Sentiero degliDei, which are not suitable for anyone suffering from vertigo.Steep ascents/descents; plenty of steps; sticks/poles advisable.

Terrain


NaplesFrom Naples there are buses toAmalfi (2 hrs, ~€4); or trains toSalerno (40 mins, ~€4–€13), thenbus (1 hr, 15 mins) to Amalfi. Or youcan take a ferry/hydrofoil (€12–€16)to Amalfi. From Amalfi there arelocal buses to Ravello (35 mins) oryou can take a taxi.

TrainsFrom To PriceNaples Salerno ~€4 - €13

TaxisFrom To PriceNaples airport Ravello ~€130Naples airport Amalfi ~€130Amalfi Ravello ~€ 40



Getting There

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

100

150

200

250

300

350

400 Hours of bright

sunshine max min


41

50

58

68

77

86

95

104 ˚F ˚C Hours


mm

Rain in mm

050100150

200

Fitness: Grade 3 (MANY STEPS) See page 10 for information on Grades


Campania is renowned for its pasta,mozzarella and pizza. Specialities aresea bream and fresh anchoviescooked in lemon and butter, frutti dimare – all types of shellfish,parmigiana di melanzane anddelicious pastries and ice creams.

Few Campania wines have officialcredentials; however there are somepleasant surprises among the tablewines: Ravello’s thriving red, whiteand rosé Vino Gran Caruso and


Ravello Ravello Amalfi Scala Conca dei

Marini

Vettica Maggiore Positano Montepertuso

Feet Metres2000 1000

0

610305

0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Miles


Vuilleumier, as well as Furore’s DivinaCostiera.For further information on food &wine see page 9.

..... 5-day route



5-day itinerary:Amalfi to Positano


NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

RAVELLOBonadiesHHHHRenovated, family-run hotel

in 13th century convent with

pool

NIG

HT

S 1

& 2

B&

B

RAVELLOGiordanoHHHHRestored villa in private

gardens with pool

NIG

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3

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AMALFILuna ConventoHHHHRestored convent with

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CONCA DEI MARINILe TerrazzeHHHBeautifully situated on

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the sea

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VETTICA MAGGIORETramonto d’OroHHHHComfortable family-run

hotel with poolSuperior rooms havesea view

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POSITANOSavoiaHHHFamily-run hotel with

traditional majolica tiled

floors

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NAPLESChiaja Hotel de CharmeHHHCentral location 20m from

the Piazza del Plebiscito

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NAPLESSan Francesco al MonteHHHHConverted monastery with

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Gargano Peninsula

A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : P U G L I A

Note: Some of the walking distancesare relatively short, allowing time forswimming, etc. There are alsoopportunities (subject to timetables) forseasonal scenic boat trips around thecoast, between Peschici, Vieste andManfredonia.

Day 1 • Arrive in ManfredoniaTime to explore the town with its port,castle, etc.

Day 2 • Manfredonia to Monte Sant’Angelo

Walk along the coast then across asmall plain before walking up an ancientpilgrim route, once used by crusaders,before embarking for the Holy Land.The route, now a grassy ravine withruined monasteries on either side, leadsto the ancient town of MonteSant’Angelo (2,755 ft), with itswhitewashed houses, steep narrowalleys and stairways, and views acrossthe bay of Manfredonia and coast tothe south (9.9 miles, 5 hrs/bus 20 mins!).

Day 3 • M. Sant'Angelo to MattinataTime to explore the town and visit thefamous cave church, venerated as beingthe last place St Michael appeared onEarth (491 AD), before setting off downa well-made pilgrim path to the smalltown of Mattinata (650ft) overlookingolive groves and the sea (9.2 miles,5 hrs).

Day 4 • Mattinata to Baia Fontana delle Rose

Follow paths along the coast and intohills overlooking the sea, beforedescending to the picturesque bay ofFontana delle Rose (7.1 miles, 3.5 hrs).

Day 5 • Baia Fontana to San SalvatoreTracks lead up through limestone hillsand aromatic scrub to a viewpoint(1,115ft) before continuing to theisolated Masseria Sgarazza, beautifullysituated on a ridge overlooking theGargano coast (7.7 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 6 • San Salvatore to ViestePaths lead along a ridge with sea viewsbefore descending to a long sandybeach and Vieste (7.7 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in Vieste

Day 8 • Departure day, or...Optional extension to Peschici(additional cost). Follow paths throughancient olive groves and farmland andthen small lanes across a series ofcoastal headlands to the whitewashedvillage of Peschici, perched on abuttress of rock (13.4 miles, 7 hours).

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Itinerary

Features

• Picturesque coastal scenery, with rocky headlands, smallcoves and sand beaches

• A wide variety of paths – along the coast and into hillswith scented scrub, pine woods, olive groves and seaviews

• Gargano National Park with its renowned flowers,including unique species of orchids and many birds

• Historic pilgrim routes

• Monte Sant’Angelo with its famous cave, venerated since491 AD as the last place St Michael appeared on Earth

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Flower-filled meadows descend to a picturesque coast


+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Accommodation

65

Gargano Peninsula Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Limestone hills rising to 2,700 ft with coastal paths, quiet lanes, farm andwoodland tracks and pilgrim routes leading up to Monte Sant’Angelo.Occasionally rough under foot. An abundance of flowers in spring, includingsome species unique to the area.

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MANFREDONIAHotel Panorama delGolfoHHHWelcoming, family-run

hotel

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MONTE SANT’ANGELOPalace Hotel SanMicheleHHHHSpectacularly positioned,

well-appointed hotel with

large pool spa

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MATTINATAResidence Il PortoHHHHIn lovely setting, with

sweeping sea views

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FONTANA DELLE ROSEVilla ScaponeHHHFabulous cliff-top setting

with outside pool, jacuzzi

and access to the sea

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SAN SALVATOREMasseria SgarrazzaAGRITURISMO

Working farm with

panoramic views

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refurbished in Art

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Recommended Destination AirportsBari • Pescara • NaplesAll airports have good connectionsto local train stations. There areregular trains to Manfredonia viaFoggia, from Bari (2–2.5 hrs) andPescara (3 hrs). From Bari airportthere is also a bus service (1 hr 40,~€20) to Manfredonia (+10-minuteonward taxi journey to hotel). Thereis an hourly coach from Naples toFoggia (2 hrs) which costsapproximately €11. From Foggiathere are train (40 mins) and bus (50mins) connections to Manfredonia.TrainsFrom To PriceBari Manfredonia ~€17 - €26Pescara Manfredonia ~€24 - €33TaxisFrom To PriceBari airport First hotel ~€150Pescara airport First hotel ~€250Foggia First hotel ~€ 40Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays. Taxiscan be booked via the ATG office.

Getting There


of Vermouth. More recently theemphasis has been placed onproducing wines of greater quality,and the region now has over 20 DOCs.For further information on food &wine see page 9.

Excellent local seafood, olive oil,interesting and original pasta dishes;delicious sheep’s cheese and lambfrom the high plateau. The area isfamous for its breads, biscuits andpastas, which are distributedthroughout the country, and morethan 50% of Italy’s output of olive oilcomes from Puglia and Calabria.

Puglia is one of Italy’s largest wineproducers (growing almost one fifth ofthe country’s wine), much of which isconsumed locally, or goes north toPiemonte to be used in the production





A T G F O O T L O O S E I T A L Y : S I C I L Y

Day 1 • Arrive in EnnaPanoramic views, historic fortress andcathedral.

Day 2 • Enna (Villadoro) to GangiThe Route Manager will take you eitherto the main square in the town ofVilladoro (where you can walk uphill onasphalt to the starting point of theroute), or directly to the beginning ofthe route, from where the path leads tothe dramatically situated town of Gangi.Ancient drove roads across gentlyrolling hills with views to Mt. Etna(9 or 11.7 miles, 5 or 6 hrs).

Day 3 • Gangi to Geraci SiculoTime for relaxing or a visit to Gangi (3.8 miles, 2 hrs), before walking on.Paths across farmland lead to the routeof an ancient road to the hill-top villageof Geraci Siculo, with its ruined Saracencastle, Saracen fountain andpicturesque alleys (7.2 or 8.3 miles,4.5 or 5 hrs).

Day 4 • Geraci Siculo to PomieriPaths through open mountain meadowswith extensive views lead into thewildness of the Madonie Mountains –a National Park (8.9 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 5 • Pomieri to IsnelloA choice of routes leads to a pass, whichthen descends through inspiring scenery,past a Nature Reserve with fallow deerand wild boar, through meadows andwoods to the hill village of Isnello(11.5 miles, 7 hrs – mostly downhill).

Day 6 • Isnello to CefalùAfter a short descent and stream-crossing, farm tracks lead up to a ridgeand pilgrim church with panoramicviews – the sea! An ancient pilgrim paththen leads down through woods andmeadows, olive groves and vineyards;and through scrub to lemon groves,Cefalù and the sea (11 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 7 • Free day in CefalùExplore the picturesque ancient streetsand fishing port of Cefalù, itsmagnificent Romanesque cathedral,and the massive buttress of rock abovethe town, with paths to prehistoric,Phoenician, Greek, Roman andmedieval sites and fortifications, andspectacular views (2 miles). Goodbeaches for swimming.


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Itinerary

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Features

• Walk from the centre of the island to the coast

• Ancient routes (now tracks) across high rolling pastureswith sheep bells, larks, eagles and extensive views

• Discover Old Sicily: unspoilt villages, timeless hospitalityand authentic Sicilian cooking!

• Frequent reminders of Sicily’s succession of glittering civilisations

• Last day descent through vineyards, olive and citrusgroves to Cefalù, with its picturesque streets and harbour,and superb Romanesque cathedral

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Splendid mountain scenery


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67

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea Trip Information


Finding Your Way

Drove roads, dirt roads, mule, mountain and rough animal paths acrossrolling hills and low mountains. Sticks/poles advisable.

Terrain

Recommended Destination AirportCatania

From Catania airport there are busconnections to Enna (1.5 hours,€8–€14), from where the first hotelis a brief taxi ride. NOTE: Palermoairport is not currently recommendedas 2015 landslides have meantdisruption to infrastructure.

TaxisFrom To PriceCatania airport First hotel ~€ 90Palermo airport First hotel ~€220Enna Bassa First hotel ~€ 15Enna Alta First hotel ~€ 10

Prices may be significantly higher onSundays and public holidays. Taxiscan be booked via the ATG office.

Cefalù

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Restaurants, Food & WineCuisine relies on what can beeasily grown or gathered. Speciesof Arabia lend sophistication.Mountain areas produce lamb andcheese; the plains, coast andvolcanic soils of Mount Etnaproduce superb vegetables andsub-tropical fruits. Great variety offish from the Mediterranean.



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ENNAGrand Albergo SiciliaHHHCharacteristic hotel inpiazzaSuperior rooms are larger

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GANGIMiramontiHSimple, friendly,family-run hotel

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GANGIVilla RainòAGRITURISMO

Converted baronialhouse in countryside

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GERACI SICULOCasa Maggio

Family-run, refurbishedvillage house

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MADONIE MOUNTAINSPomieriHHChalet-style hotel withmountain views

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PALERMOGrand Hotel et desPalmesHHHHMonumental building, dated1856, in the historic centre

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PALERMOVilla IgieaHHHHHWorld-class,seaside hotel

Sicily (with Puglia) is the largestproducer of wines in Italy, whichare improving: excellent Rosso delConte red and Nozze d’Oro white.




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Freewheeling

68

Do people enjoy ATG cycling as much as ATG walking trips?

The choice of easy and more challenging routes

ensures that it really is a holiday. Choice of

accommodation ensures that personal budgets are

met. Choice of bikes – whether Road bikes, Hybrid or

Mountain bikes – allows every sort of cyclist to enjoy

the experience in their own way.

Bikes – all bikes...even high-quality, newly serviced

bikes – may on occasions develop (usually minor)

mechanical problems. The Route Manager is always

on call ready to resolve these.

Ironically, for an organisation that made its reputation

with walking trips, Freewheeling cycling trips are

enjoyed at least as much as walking ones. All those

who took Freewheeling trips this year rated their overall

enjoyment ‘100% good/excellent’.

ATG approaches the quality of cycling itineraries with

the same meticulous research and attention to every

detail, as for its walking itineraries, ensuring they

comprise the best that every area has to offer.

On various independent routes there is a separate

cycling itinerary and bike hire available:

• Classic Alsace

• Classic Dordogne

• Lot & Dordogne

• Provence: Vaucluse &

the Lubéron

• Montefeltro & Urbino

• Tuscany & Siena

• Siena to Florence

• Southern Tuscany

• Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

• Roman Roads to Orvieto

• Umbria & Assisi

The ATG Route Booklet is the key to the success of the trip. With it you will have

an excellent holiday. Without it you will be – literally – lost!

You won’t get lost, but if you do...simply phone the Route Manager.

The ATG Route Bookletfor your chosen area haseasy-to-follow instructions,maps, plans and otherinformation that will guideyou to discover the bestthat the area has to offer.

The booklet anticipates your needs…

n Cycling route with measurements

n Town plans marked with cycling route and location of hotels

n Historical notes and notes on geology, flora and fauna, regional cuisine, etc.

n Places of interest (monuments and sights) with notes and opening/closingtimes

n Restaurants, etc., with notes and price guides

n Shops to buy picnic lunches, etc. – includes a substantial shopping guide

n Other information – locations and opening times for banks, post offices,pharmacies, etc.

n Your Route Manager will supply you with an area map at the briefing

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CONTENTSYour route 1

Notes on cycling in Italy 2

Your Route Manager 4

Introduction to Tuscany & Siena 5

San Gimignano 13

San Gimignano - Circular routes 20

San Gimignano to Colle Val D’Elsa 22

Colle Val d’Elsa 24

Colle Val d’Elsa to Monteriggioni 29

Monteriggioni 31

Monteriggioni to Siena 34

Siena 36

Siena city walk 43

Hotel addresses and directions 48

Sustainable Shopping 49

HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLETThis booklet is divided into sections: The first part of this bookgives an introduction to the area, its history, landscape, food etc.Next, the route you are cycling is described in detail. The routenotes are interspersed with descriptions of the towns you arevisiting, and information on what to see, where to eat and shop.For the larger towns there are also town plans (plans for thesmaller towns and villages are unnecessary).We would ask you to remember that the route described, andthe information contained within the booklet, are the result oforiginal research, and as such are BY LAW copyright material,and cannot be lent, hired or sold – whether for profit or not.

YOUR ROUTEEvery stage offers a choice of routes:

San Gimignano – Circular routesRoute 2A: 9.8 km/6 milesRoute 2B: 16.5 km/10 miles

San Gimignano to Colle Val d’ElsaRoute 3A: 41.8 km/26 milesRoute 3B: 13.7 km/8.5 miles

Colle Val d’Elsa to MonteriggioniRoute 4A: 21.5 km/13.3 milesRoute 4B: 41.5 km/25.8 miles

Monteriggioni to SienaRoute 5A: 34.9 km/21.7 milesRoute 5B: 17.7 km/10.9 miles

1ATG Oxford

San Gimignano

Height: 1061ft/324m. Population: 7,062.

An Etruscan settlement, its present name is that of theModenese bishop Geminianus whose aid was happily invokedwhen Attila’s Huns threatened attack in AD 450. Thisremarkable medieval town (not strictly a city any longer as thereis no bishop) grew up as an agricultural centre on the old ViaFrancigena, trading especially in wool and spices. Pilgrims tooused this route, particularly when the coast road was dangerous,which explains the large number of well-endowed religioushouses and hospices to cater for them. The city was anindependent commune from the early 1100s until 1353, whenit came under the control of Florence, and has essentiallyremained in a medieval time warp since then.

The 14C Manhattan only has 14 of the original 72 towers left –looking, as DH Lawrence said, ‘like an angry porcupine’. Theywere built primarily as fortresses and places of refuge for theadherents of the main two warring families, the GuelphArdinghelli and the Ghibelline Salvucci. Wooden walkwaysconnected adjoining towers so friends could visit each other.Other Italian cities had similar towers in this period, but localcommunes insisted that they were lowered.

PLACES OF INTERESTPalazzo del PopoloThis fine building in the Piazza del Duomo houses the following:

Museo Civico:Open 09.30–19.00 every day May to Oct, otherwise closed Monday. We suggest you buy a combined ticket here – several varietiesare available, including one for €7,50 (or €5,50 if over 65 yearsold) including the Museo Civico, the Torre Grossa, the MuseoArcheologico, the Spezieria di Santa Fina, the Galleria di ArteModerna, Collezione Ornitologica, or a ticket for €5,50 whichincludes the Collegiata and chapel of Santa Fina, and the Museod’Arte Sacra.

Entrance is through the arch up the stairs from a courtyardcontaining a fresco by Sodoma and coats of arms of FlorentineGovernors. The first floor contains the Sala di Dante, which isexactly as it was when the great poet, as an ambassador ofFlorence, spoke to the citizens in 1299 to urge them to join theGuelph Florence. Other treats include works of the finestquality by Gozzoli, a pair of Gondos by Filippo Lippi,Pinturicchio, Taddeo di Bartolo and a Maesta of Lippo Memmi.

Above this is the great tower with stunning views. Beware of thebell chiming at noon!

13ATG Oxford 19ATG Oxford

SAN GIMIGNANO MAP

San Gimignano to Colle Val d’Elsa

ROUTE 3A The long route is an exhilarating high-level anti-clockwise loop,with beautiful views over rolling fields and wooded hills. Youpass through three provinces en route.

Distance: 41.8 km/26 miles

Leave Piazza Cisterna along Via San Matteo.0.4 Go through Porta San Matteo and turn R. Follow main

road.2.0 Turn L (GAMBASSI). Uphill starts.3.4 Ignore R turn to PANCOLE – this is where route 1A joins

this route.6.4 Gradient eases.9.1 L at T-junction (VOLTERRA 15).12.1 Wind uphill through woods, as you leave Firenze

province and enter Pisa province.14.34 This is the highest point of the whole Certaldo-Siena

route at 607m – good views, as you would expect.19.8 L at T-junction (COLLE VAL D’ELSA).21.1 Turn R (PONSANO 5.5/CASOLE D’ELSA).23.7 Keep L (R = PONSANO).28.8 L at triple fork (COLLE) and enter Cavallano.

If you turn R and climb for a short distance through Il Murlo,you enter Casole d’Elsa, from where you can follow the mainroad N to Colle Val d’Elsa, rejoining the suggested route at theT-junction marked ‘31.9’.29.5 Keep L at fork (R leads to village centre).31.9 Turn L at roundabout onto largely flat main road. L again

at second roundabout.38.7 Pass COLLE VAL D’ELSA sign; keep straight.38.9 Keep R at junction (CENTRO STORICO).40.1 Follow main road to L.40.3 Turn R by car park onto Via della Porta Vecchia.40.7 Fork L for Hotel Arnolfo and Centro Storico.

ROUTE 3BA shorter but equally beautiful route, offering fine views back toSan Gimignano, and the option of three off-road sectionsfollowing wide footpaths and unused SB, if you so desire. Eitherway be prepared for a steep descent followed by a steep climbin the middle of the route.

Distance: 13.7 km/8.5 milesLeave Piazza Cisterna along Via San Matteo.0.4 Go through Porta San Matteo and turn R. Follow main

road.0.9 Turn sharp R (ULIGNANO) – this retraces Route 1B.1.8 Furthest R at triple fork onto SB (PIETRAFITTA; chapel

on RHS). You have now left Route 1B. Enjoy the viewsback to the towers of San Gimignano.

22ATG Oxford

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How will you find your way?

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com 69

Our Freewheeling routes use the same accommodation and have the same dedicated Route Managersas Footloose. For trip details please see the website.

••••

•••

•


All projects must be:• Co-funded by local organisationsand implemented by thebeneficiaries, thereby forging thecommitment that helps ensurethe maintenance of the projectover time.

• Part of an integrated plan tobring sustainable tourismdevelopment and selected fortheir long-term benefit to a localcommunity.

• Accessible to ATG’s clients andthe local people.

For a full list of projects past andpresent please visit our website:www.atg-oxford.com

Project ideasWe are always looking forworthwhile projects to invest in.Please let us know if you areinspired by something that couldbe a potential conservation and/orsustainable development project,in an area we visit and which mightbenefit from the Trust’s support.

Reputation

ATG has a reputation for being‘amongst the world’s best travelcompanies.’ How can this besubstantiated?

‘Never compromising on quality tosell on price’ enables ATG to offeroutstanding itineraries. TheCompany's 'best that each areavisited has to offer' policy; and theelite-trained Tour Consultants whomanage the holidays, all ensureconsistency of highest quality travelexperiences. Quality creates Value.

95% of all those who travel with ATGhave come through referrals fromthose who have taken trips.

But what about the environment? ‘Wetake care of the environment – ‘goeson behind the scenes’ – but in caseyou would like to know, this is how itworks…

Walking the Talk

From 1979, for many years, ATG wasalmost alone in running anorganisation on principles ofenvironmental best practice. Fiveyears ago, ATG became the firstorganisation to win both tourism’spremier environmental awards –‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ and the ‘WorldLegacy Award’ (still the only two tohave location inspections to verifywinners' performance).

ATG was also the first, and is possiblystill the only, travel company to havean accredited EnvironmentalManagement System (EMS). This EMS,ISO 14001, is used by the Company inconjunction with the ‘Investors inPeople’ Management Standard toensure environmental best practicethroughout the organisation world-

The Big Idea

The idea behind Sustainable TourismDevelopment is, of course, thattourism should ‘sustain’ its ownresource. This might be conservationof water, or the natural unspoiltbeauty of the country, beaches ofclean white sand, or the profusionand variety of flowers, plants, birdsand animals (biodiversity), traditionalways of life, and cultural heritage.Conserve these – the reasons forpeople to visit an area – and tourismcan ‘sustain’ the local community forcenturies. Degrade or destroy, andthe resource will be lost for ever, andoften with it the economic viability ofthe community.

Who pays?

Will your trip cost more? NO! ‘GivingSomething back’ means your trip willcost LESS. The vast amounts of goodwill and close, long-standingfriendships created within localcommunities mean that ATG and itsclients are warmly welcomed andalmost invariably receive the bestpossible value and service.

‘Giving Something Back’ –everyone wins!

wide. Accreditation for bothstandards is subject to regularexternal audits. ATG’s variousenvironmental projects world-wideare run through the ATG Trust – aregistered charity, with independentTrustees.

Today, 'Green credentials’ aresynonymous with ‘marketingadvantage’ and, ostensibly, almosteverybody’s doing it. This has led towide-spread scepticism about'environmental PR' and a proliferationof 'awards' judged on writtenapplications. Predictably, the bandwagon is looking over-loaded.

The fact is simply that people expecthigh-Quality products to incorporateenvironmental best practice, andQuality organisations to have anaccredited EMS. We ‘walk the talk.’

The ATG (Ad Terrae Gloriam) Trust is

a registered charity no. 1082542.

Edward Bernard (Chairman),

Hilary Daniels, Dr Fiona Davidson and

Catherine MacRae

Trustee & Administrator: Jessica Jenkins

The Trustees are responsible for

allocating Trust funds and determining

the feasibility and validity of projects.

ProjectsThe Trust supports projects thataim to:• Protect the integrity of theenvironment and the beauty ofits landscapes.

• Preserve the habitats of rare andinteresting flora and fauna.

• Conserve works of art andarchitecture.

Walking the Talk

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14th century fresco restored by the Trust

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Though holidays based at Pieve aCastello are part of our all-inclusive,Escorted programme, the 'As You LikeIt' weeks, as the name suggests, offer arange of options:

• Independent walking some of the200 miles in the route book

• Guided walks and excursions

• Independent excursions to Florence and Siena (transport provided)

• Enjoying the facilities of Pieve a Castello – its travertine-lined salt-filtered pool, library, music including use of a concert grand piano in an acoustically perfect environment with recording facilities; terraces, garden etc…and high quality cuisine and wines (all meals included).

What else does ATG offer?

Escorted TripsNote re hotels:Many travel organisations today, fearful that their chosenhotels will be ‘checked-out’ on interactive media sites, do notdisclose hotel names in itineraries.Some even go to the other extreme ofadvertising that they only use hotelsrated ‘No.1’ on these sites. But asanyone who knows an area well will tellyou, these ratings, whether good orbad, No.1 or No.26, are often utterlyludicrous, for a range of reasons.

ATG, by contrast, tells you the name ofeach hotel at which you will be staying –‘the best that every area has to offer’.

Why? Because ATG has checked everyhotel in the area, chosen the best andbest situated, visits many of the hotelsdaily, and has positive feedback fromhundreds, often thousands, of happyATG clients.

ATG offers a range of all-inclusive, Escorted tripsworldwide. Many of these provide access to areasless conducive to independent travel on foot, duethe remoteness of the areas.

• Details of all our Escorted trips, includingthose based at Pieve a Castello, can be found in our Escorted brochure and on our website.

As You Like It …A unique opportunity to stay at Pieve aCastello, the best preserved buildingfrom the early 8th Century on the earlymedieval main Road to Rome.

ATG’s Award-winning restoration ofthis, architecturally unique historicmonument, once a main overnightstopping place on the Via Francigena,has enabled travellers to follow in thefootsteps of millions of travellers beforethem – staying in stylish 4* comfort.

Ancient walking routes fan out fromPieve a Castello in all directions. It issituated mid-way between San

Gimignano, the ‘medieval Manhattan’with its famous towers; and Siena – thebest-preserved great medieval city inEurope. Paths of the early ViaFrancigena lead to both … whilstother ancient paths through vineyards,pastures and forest connect this 8thcentury canonry to surroundingmedieval villages, including iconic, hill-top Monteriggioni with its high wallsand 14 watchtowers.

The Footloose-style route bookcontains a total of over 200 miles ofday walks.

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Following ATG’s policy of ‘transparent’ pricing, and providing the best value for money, we do not include air travelas part of the holiday.

You can often buy air tickets cheaper than we can!

However, we are of course delighted to book flights on your behalf on scheduled airlines (e.g., British Airways,Alitalia). If you plan to book your own flights, we strongly advise you to wait until we have confirmed all elementsof your ATG holiday before doing so.

We make the appropriate CARBON-OFFSET contribution for all flights booked through ATG

AnconaMontefeltro & Urbino 36

AvignonProvence: Vaucluse & the 22Lubéron

BarcelonaAlto Teruel 26Hills of Girona 28

BariGargano Peninsula 64

Basel-MulhouseClassic Alsace 14

BergeracClassic Dordogne 16

BolognaMontefeltro & Urbino 36

BordeauxClassic Dordogne 16

Brive-Vallée de la DordogneClassic Dordogne 16Lot & Dordogne Valley 18

BudapestHungary: the Danube Bend 24

Castellon de la PlanaAlto Teruel 26

CataniaSicily: From the Centre to the Sea 66

EdinburghThe Scottish Borders 12

FlorenceAncient Volcanic Landscapes 42Siena to Florence 48Southern Tuscany 50Tuscan Hills 40Tuscany & Siena 46

GenoaCinque Terre 34Riviera & Portofino 32

GironaHills of Girona 28

LimogesLot & Dordogne Valley 18

LisbonSintra & the Portuguese Coast 30

MarseilleProvence: Vaucluse & the 22Lubéron

MilanRiviera & Portofino 32

MontpellierLozère & the Tarn Gorge 20

NaplesAmalfi Coast 62Gargano Peninsula 64

NimesLozère & the Tarn Gorge 20

Paris CDGClassic Alsace 14

PerugiaUmbria & Assisi 58Unknown Umbria & Spoleto 60

PescaraGargano Peninsula 64

PisaAncient Volcanic Landscapes 42Cinque Terre 34Riviera & Portofino 32Siena to Florence 48Southern Tuscany 50Tuscan Hills 40Tuscany & Siena 46

RodezLot & Dordogne Valley 18Lozère & the Tarn Gorge 20

Rome (Fiumicino & Ciampino)Ancient Volcanic Landscapes 42Approach to Rome 44Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto 52Roman Roads to Orvieto 54Siena to Florence 48Southern Lakes 56Southern Tuscany 50Umbria & Assisi 58Unknown Umbria & Spoleto 60

StrasbourgClassic Alsace 14

ToulouseLot & Dordogne Valley 18

ValenciaAlto Teruel 26

Destination Airports

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+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected] 73

Extension HotelsExtend your holiday...for more time to explore!

Italy

Italy

Bologna | DeiCommerciantiHHHH

Restored medievalbuilding, retaining manyfeatures.

Florence | River HHHH

19th century palazzina inquiet Santa Croce area,next to River Arno.

Florence | Degli Orafi HHHH

Breathtakinglycentral location!

Genoa | Hotel BristolPalace HHHH

Elegant, centrally locatedhotel.

Montepulciano | IlMarzoccoHHH

Family-run, 16th centuryhotel, with panoramicviews.

Montepulciano | AlbergoDuomoHHH

Friendly hotel in excellent,central location.

Montefollonico | LaChiusaHHH

Converted mill andrestaurant.

Naples | Chiaja Hotel deCharme HHH

Delightful hotel locatedat the heart of theNeapolitan city centre.

Naples | San Francescoal Monte HHHH

Converted monasterywith panoramic views,gardens and pool.

Orvieto | PalazzoPiccolominiHHHH

16th century hoteloverlooking the medievalPiazza Ranieri.

Orvieto | Corso HHH

Historic building in centreof old city.

Palermo | Villa Igiea HHHHH

Stunning, world-class,sea-side hotel.

Palermo | Grand Hotel etdes PalmesHHHH

Monumental building,dated 1856, in thehistoric centre.

Peschici | Locanda alCastello HHH

Friendly, family run hotelwith wonderful sea views.

Pisa | Relais dell’OrologioHHHHH

Award winning hotel with14th century tower.

Rome | D’Inghilterra HHHHH

Elegant hotel in thehistoric centre.

Rome | Cesari HHH

Quietly situated nearPantheon in central Rome.

Siena | Santa Caterina HHH

18th century villa, closeto medieval gates ofhistoric centre.

Siena | Grand HotelContinental HHHHH

Restored 17th centurypalazzo, with frescoes inmedieval city. Superior andDeluxe roomsalsoavailable

Siena | Athena HHHH

Large, modern hotelwithin the walls of themedieval city.

Aix-en-Provence | Hotel des Augustins HHH

Charming, centrally locatedhotel.

Barcelona | MesónCastilla HH

Traditional hotel in aquiet street. Excellentvalue.

Spain

France

Lisbon | Regency ChiadoHHHH

Innovative, modern hotelin the heart of Lisbon.Famous for its majestictradition.

Budapest | Kempinski HotelCorvinus HHHHH

Located in the heart ofBudapest, with wonderfulviews.

Hungary

Portugal

Below are the most popular hotelsused by ATG clients – selected fortheir location, character and service.In addition to these hotels we willbe pleased to book you additionalnights, before or after your ATG trip,at any of the other hotels that we use.

Italy

Florence | Hotel CellaiHHHH

Boutique hotel in theheart of the historiccentre.

Colmar | Hostellerie Le Marechal HHHH

16th century hotel inidyllic setting.

Montignac | La Roseraie HHH

Traditional, historic hotelwith lovely gardens.


Book onlinewww.atg-oxford.com

n Check availability

n Book your trip online

n Find out more....

CallFrom UK: 01865 315678From overseas: +44 1865 315678

n Talk to someone who knows the trip

n Find out about availability

n Make a booking

n Request a copy of this brochure forfriends. Copies will be despatched within24 hours, and usually take 3 days to arrivewithin the UK and 10–14 days worldwide.

n Our brochure request line is:From UK: 01865 315606From overseas: +44 1865 315606

[email protected]

n For all enquiries and information or torequest a booking form.

n We will reply within 24 hours

FaxFrom UK: 01865 315697From overseas: +44 1865 315697

We will reply within 24 hours.

Write to us274 Banbury RoadOxford OX2 7DY, England

Your letter will be answered promptly.

Come and see us in OxfordWe will be delighted to welcome you, andanswer any questions that you may have.

Further InformationPaymentPrices are shown in UK£ and US$. We acceptpayment in either currency, however you maynot switch between currencies for depositand final payment. Your booking will besecured on payment of a deposit of 10% ofthe trip price. The final balance is due 60days prior to departure. When a booking ismade within 60 days of departure, areservation is secured upon receipt of thetotal holiday cost.

ProtectionPlease note that ATG ‘buys forward’ itsanticipated foreign currency requirements ayear or more in advance, so that the price ofyour trip is guaranteed against normalcurrency fluctuations. If, subsequently, therates improve we don’t benefit, but if therates fall the price of your holiday isprotected.

InsurancePlease note that insurance is a condition ofbooking. We strongly recommend that youtake out insurance independently as soon asyour booking is confirmed. ATG does notprovide insurance cover.

Privacy PolicyATG regards its client data as confidentialand as such does not disclose informationabout its clients to third parties except tothose directly connected with ATG’s business.

The Perfect Gift?ATG Gift Vouchers are available now, andmake the perfect gift for your friends orfamily, to put towards an ATG holiday of theirchoice. Please contact our Reservations Teamfor more information.

11th Trip PolicyIn recognition of client loyalty, we aredelighted to offer the opportunity to takeyour 11th trip free. ATG’s contribution to your11th trip is determined by calculating thecurrent monetary land cost value of each ofthe 10 trips taken using the Retail Price Index,adding the totals together, and dividing by10 to find the average. This amount (averageexpenditure on 10 trips at current monetaryvalue) can be put towards any trip.Depending on which trip you choose, thismay give you a free trip. If you choose a lessexpensive trip, the balance will be carriedforward to your 12th trip. If you choose amore expensive one, you will be charged thedifference in price.

Please note that the 11th trip policy refers topublished itineraries only – any extras, suchas flights, extension hotels or Double ForSingle occupancy are not included.

Every year we are very pleased to welcomemany people on their 11th trip – severalclients have taken their 33rd trip!

Customer ServiceIf you have any concerns relating to theprocessing of your booking, please call oremail Liz Scrivener, Quality Manager. She willwelcome your call in confidence. Phone: +44 (0)1865 315615Email: [email protected]

ATG Oxford is a fully bonded tour operator, withtwo licences and two bonds.

The Association of Bonded Travel OrganisersTrust Limited (ABTOT) provides financialprotection under the Package Travel, PackageHolidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992for Alternative Travel Group Ltd. (ABTOT number5181), and in the event of their insolvency,protection is provided for the following:

1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;

2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and

3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customersoutside of the UK.

In the unlikely event of our insolvency the CAAwill ensure that you are not left stranded abroadand will arrange to refund any money you havepaid to us for an advance booking. The air-inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOLprotected providing either the person who paysfor the booking is present in the UK when thebooking is made; or if the first leg of any flight orflights we arrange for you commences in the UK.Please see our booking conditions for furtherinformation, or for more information aboutfinancial protection and the ATOL certificate, goto www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

5181

Making a Booking

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event youhave not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides forrepatriation. Please note that bookings madeoutside the UK are only protected by ABTOTwhen purchased directly with Alternative TravelGroup Ltd.

We also hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licenceissued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOLnumber 2618). All the flights and flights-inclusiveholidays booked through ATG Oxford arefinancially protected by the ATOL scheme.When you pay you will be supplied with anATOL certificate confirming your arrangementsand your protection under ATOL. Please checkit to ensure that everything you booked (flights,hotels and other services) is listed on it.

Financial Security

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••••

•

•

•

Tel: + (44) 01865 315 678 • Fax: +(44) 01865 315 697 • Email: [email protected] 75

Please book a taxi transfer for persons for: Outward flight (above)

Flights independently booked

Return taxi can be booked by Route Manager whilst on your trip

Airport Flight No. Flight arrival time

Outward

TAXIS

FLIGHTS (FROM UK ONLY)

Date

Outward

Return

ATG to book the following flights Business class Economy classFrom (airport) To (airport)

Date

Outward

Return

For those on escorted trips making independent travel arrangements:I will meet the group at: the destination airport the first hotelPlease provide details of your flight

From (airport) To (airport) Flight No.

PASSENGER INFORMATION If we already have your current passport details on file, please leave blank

For additional passengers please attach a separate sheet

Passport No. Place of Issue Date of Issue Date of Expiry Date of Birth

1

2

3

4

Nationality OccupationPlace of Birth

I would like to pay in*: c UK£ c US$

Depositc I enclose a cheque (UK £ only) for the deposit of 10% per person, payable to

ATG Oxford orc Please debit my credit/debit card for the deposit

Balance (payable 60 days before departure)c I will send the balance when due, either by bank transfer or cheque

(UK£ cheques only).c Please debit my credit/debit card for the balance when due**.** Please note – balance will be taken automatically from card on due date.

Visa/Mastercard/Amex (Amex – Sterling only)/Delta/Maestro

Card No. 3-digit code (others)

Valid from or issue No. Card expiry date:

Name on card: Date:

Signature

NAMES OF ALL TRAVELLERS Should each person travelling want a separate invoice and pre-trip information, separate booking forms are required.

Office use

Alternative Travel GroupT/A ATG Oxford274 Banbury Road,Oxford OX2 7DY, England

Reg. in England No 1449375

For additional passengers please attach a separate sheet

This booking form is subject to ATG Oxford’s Booking Conditions. Please write clearly andtick appropriate boxes. Please complete sections in the cream tint boxes if applicable.

PLEASE NOTE: Adequate insurance cover is a condition of booking.

Title First Name Surname Date of Birth Room Type Please indicate:(D) Double(T) Twin(DFS) Double for single occupancy

1

2

3

4

Name of Trip Start Date No. of people Accommodation* No. of days*c Standard c Superior c 5–6 c 7–8 c 15 c 22

EXTENSION ACCOMMODATION

Name:

Address:

Tel: Fax:

Email:

Information & Correspondence Please send confirmation of thisbooking, correspondence and pre-trip information:c Electronically (email + attachments) c By post

DOCUMENTS TO BE SENT TO

Diet & Health Please indicate any dietary restrictions or relevant medicalconditions (see Booking Conditions)

DIET AND HEALTH

INSURANCE

Emergency contact whilst travelling with ATG

Name: Tel:

Relationship:

EMERGENCY CONTACT

11th Trip If you are claiming your 11th trip, please provide a list of priortrips with dates taken.

PAYMENT

* You may not switch between currencies for deposit and final payment

Details of person travelling 1 2 3 4

Height

Inside leg lengthPreferred frame type (m/f)ROAD • MOUNTAIN • HYBRID

BICYCLE HIRE (FREEWHEELING ONLY)

The correct bicycle size cannot be guaranteed without your measurements

Booking Form

4-digit code (Amex)

Please tick to confirm you have adequate travel insurance:

* Footloose / Freewheeling only

Arrival Date Departure Date Hotel Name

(Note: 2% surcharge for Visa/Mastercard credit card; 3% surcharge for Amex)


Booking Conditions All bookings are made and accepted in accordance with theterms set out in these conditions. ATG Oxford is a tradingname for Alternative Travel Group Ltd.

Booking ConditionsUnless otherwise stated

In these booking conditions, “you” and “your” means allpersons named on your booking (including anyone who isadded or substituted at a later date) or any of them as thecontext requires. “We”, “us” and “our” means ATG Oxford.

Making your bookingPlease telephone or e-mail us or check our website toconfirm availability on your chosen trip. To secure areservation a deposit of 10% of the published trip price isrequired for each person travelling. A binding contractbetween us comes into existence on receipt of the deposit.Where a deposit is received by credit or debit card, the finalbalance, when due, will be charged to this card unless youotherwise notify us. The balance is due 60 days beforedeparture. When a booking is made within 60 days beforedeparture, the total holiday cost must be paid at the time ofbooking. If we do not receive all payments due in full and ontime, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel yourbooking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all depositspaid or payments due at that date.

Please check our confirmation invoice as soon as you receiveit. Contact us immediately if any information which appearson the invoice or any other document is incorrect orincomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notifiedof any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in anydocument within ten days of our sending it out (five days fortickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified tous outside these time limits but you must meet any costsinvolved in doing so.

If you alter your bookingIf you wish to make any alteration to your booking after it hasbeen confirmed by us, we will do our best to accommodateyour request, which must be specified in writing. Anamendment fee of £30/$60 per alteration per person will bemade to cover the necessary administration costs incurred.All changes are subject to availability, and if we are able tomake the change, you will be liable to pay any costs whichresult, for example any amendment or cancellation chargesimposed by any relevant supplier. Some suppliers, forexample, may treat a change of name as a cancellation andsubsequent rebooking. Airlines usually do so after ticketshave been issued. For any change of trip or trip date lessthan 61 days prior to departure, cancellation charges willapply (see If you cancel your booking).

We should emphasise that we cannot accept liability for anyloss, damage or additional expense incurred by you as aresult of choosing to make any change.

If you transfer your booking to another personIf you are unavoidably prevented from travelling, you maytransfer your place on the booking to another person,provided that this is done 28 days or more before departure.

The person to whom the trip place is transferred must meetany conditions which apply to it. The right to transfer issubject to payment of an administration fee of £30/$60 perperson, together with all additional charges of whatever sortimposed by suppliers providing the component parts of thetrip. Any overdue balance payment must also be received.For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the chargeslevied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do notpermit name changes after tickets have been issued for anyreason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flightat the then applicable price as the airline will treat the originalbooking as cancelled and levy 100% cancellation charges.

If you cancel your bookingCancellation of booking will become effective upon receiptof written notification from you, and the followingcancellation charges will be due:Up to 61 days before departure: deposit only.Cancellation 60-43 days before departure: 30% of the invoice total.Cancellation 42-29 days before departure: 45% of the invoice total.Cancellation 28-15 days before departure: 60% of the invoice total.Cancellation 14-8 days before departure: 80% of the invoice total.Cancellation 7 days or less before, or after departure: 100% of invoice total.

The above cancellation charges apply to the land cost only.If air tickets have been issued, you will have to pay the fullcost of those flights in addition. Any previously incurredamendment charges are non refundable. If the reason for thecancellation of your holiday falls within the terms of yourinsurance policy, then any such charges (less any applicableexcess) may be refunded to you by your insurance company.

If you cancel your booking no refund will be issued in theevent of the cancelled places subsequently being filled.Cancelled bookings do not count towards the ‘11th TripFree’.

If we alter or cancel your bookingWe start planning the holidays we offer long in advance.Occasionally, we have to update information in our brochuresand other publications both before and after bookings havebeen confirmed. Whilst we always endeavour to avoidchanges and cancellations, we must reserve the right to doso.

If we have to alter your trip before departure, any alterationwill either be significant or minor. Where an alteration isminor, we will, if practicable, advise you before departure,but we are not obliged to do so, pay you compensation orallow you to cancel or transfer to another holiday withoutpaying our normal charges. A minor alteration is anyalteration apart from a significant alteration. A significantchange is a change made before departure which, takingaccount of the information you give us at the time of

booking and which we can reasonably be expected to knowas a tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a majoreffect on your holiday. Significant changes are likely toinclude the following changes when made before departure:a rescheduling of more than 15% of a published itinerary, achange of accommodation to that of a lower officialclassification or standard for the whole or a major part of thetime you are away, a change of accommodation area for thewhole or a major part of the time you are away, a change ofoutward departure time of your arrangements of 12 or morehours or a change of UK departure point to one which ismore inconvenient for you.

If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tellyou as soon as reasonably possible. If there is time to do sobefore departure, we will offer you the choice of thefollowing options:- (a) Accepting the changed arrangements or (b) Purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar

standard to that originally booked if available. We willendeavour to offer you an alternative of equivalent orhigher standard for which you will not be asked to payany more than the price of the original holiday. If thisholiday is in fact of a lower price than the original one,we will refund the price difference. If you do not wishto accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you maychoose any of our other then available holidays. Youmust pay the applicable price of any such holiday. Thiswill mean your paying more if it is more expensive orreceiving a refund if it is lower priced or

(c) Cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which caseyou will receive a full and quick refund of all monies youhave paid to us (other than any previously incurredamendment or travel charges).

If we have to make a significant change or cancel afterdeparture we will, where appropriate, pay you reasonablecompensation depending on the nature and extent of thesignificant change and the circumstances, subject to thefollowing exceptions. Compensation will not be payable andno liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices canbe accepted where we are forced to make a change or cancelas a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstancesbeyond our control, the consequences of which we could nothave avoided even with all due care. No compensation willbe payable and the above options will not be available if wecancel your booking as a result of your failure to comply withany requirement of these booking conditions entitling us tocancel (such as paying on time).

When you have been advised of an alteration prior todeparture, and elect to continue with the trip, this will bedeemed to be acceptance of the change(s) and, apart fromany compensation offered prior to departure, no furthercompensation will be paid.

ATG reserves the right to change any aspect of any itineraryprior to or after departure in the interests of clients’ safety,wellbeing, comfort or the successful operation of the trip inaltered circumstances, or in the light of UK Foreign Officeor/and US State Department advice. Payment ofcompensation, if appropriate, will be limited to any overall costsaving to ATG Oxford, generated by necessary changes madein the interests of clients.

Very rarely, we may be forced by force majeure (see below)to change or terminate your holiday immediately prior to, orduring, your holiday/scheduled time away. This is extremelyunlikely but if this situation does occur, we regret we will beunable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refundsfrom our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet anycosts or expenses you incur as a result.

Guaranteed DeparturesThe departure of Escorted trips with six or more participantsis guaranteed, unless cancelled because of force majeure (seebelow). The maximum number of participants on a trip is 16,and the average number of people on an ATG Escorted tripis 12, but on occasion numbers will be lower. Bookings aremade, transferred and occasionally cancelled by clients up tothe day of a trip’s departure. If, at any time after 30 daysbefore the trip's departure, group numbers fall to less thansix, we will make every effort to contact you and offer you theoptions of either: transferring to another departure, andreceiving a refund for non-refundable flights and/or ATGextension hotel reservations directly related to the trip; orcancelling your booking and receiving a full refund of allmonies paid to ATG related to the trip.

Force MajeureExcept where otherwise expressly stated in these bookingconditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay anycompensation where the performance or promptperformance of our obligations under our contract with youis prevented or affected by force majeure or you otherwisesuffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a resultof force majeure. In these booking conditions, forcemajeure means any event which we or the supplier of theservice(s) in question could not, even with all due care,foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actualor threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity,industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, epidemics /pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire, UK ForeignOffice / US State Department advice against travel and allsimilar events outside our control / the control of thesupplier concerned.

AccommodationThe cost of each trip is based upon accommodation in twin-bedded or double rooms. No supplement will, however, becharged for those booking a single room, which clientsshould generally expect to be smaller and not located in thebest part of the hotel. Double rooms for single occupancy,booked on payment of a nominal fee, may sometimes besmaller than double rooms normally allocated to two people.All room types are subject to availability. The nature ofaccommodation on each trip is described in individualitineraries. Reservations are accepted on the understandingthat, whilst each hotel is usually one of the most characteristic

and comfortable available, you are fully aware that limitationsimposed by some itineraries make it inevitable that thecharacter, and sometimes the standard, of accommodationmay vary from place to place, and in some areas, hotels maybe of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘starratings’.

Suppliers’ ConditionsSuppliers such as accommodation and transport providershave their own booking conditions or conditions of carriageand you will be bound by these so far as the relevant supplieris concerned. Some of these conditions may limit or excludeliability on the part of the relevant supplier sometimes inaccordance with international convention. Where relevant,copies of such conditions may be available for inspection atthe offices of the relevant supplier.

FlightsIf purchasing flights independently we cannot make anyrefund in the event of the cancellation of a trip, or paycompensation for any additional costs involved as a result ofchanges in published flight times or routes. For those whohave requested reservations with ATG inclusive of returnscheduled flights from the UK, in the event of airlineschanging or withdrawing their schedules or services, we willmake every effort to arrange suitable alternative flights asclose as possible to those advertised. All flights we arrangeare subject to the airline’s conditions of carriage which limitand exclude the airline’s liabilities in accordance withinternational convention / EU regulation.

In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, weare required to bring to your attention the existence of a “list”which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operatingban within the EU. The list is available for inspection athttp://ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm.In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise youof the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, thelikely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking.Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at thetime of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actualcarrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to theoperating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will benotified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom youhave a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operatingban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offeryou a suitable alternative “If we alter or cancel your booking”above will apply.

We are not always in a position at the time of booking toconfirm the flight timings which will be used in connectionwith your flight. The flight timings shown in our pre-tripinformation are for guidance only and are subject toalteration and confirmation. Flight timings are outside ourcontrol. They are set by airlines and are subject to variousfactors including air traffic control restrictions, weatherconditions, potential technical problems and the ability ofpassengers to check in on time.

Specific instructions relating to departure and travelarrangements will be sent with your air or other travel ticketsapproximately 2 weeks before departure. You mustaccordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately onreceipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It ispossible that flight times may be changed even after ticketshave been despatched - we will contact you as soon aspossible if this occurs.

Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/oraircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel orchange to other arrangements without paying our normalcharges except where specified in these conditions.

Price of the tripWhilst the information in this brochure is correct to the bestof our knowledge at time of going to print, we reserve theright to change and correct errors in any of the prices,services or other particulars contained in this brochure at anytime before we enter into a contract with you. If there is anychange or error of which we are then aware, we will notifyyou before we enter into a contract with you.

Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed atthe time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in thefollowing circumstances. A surcharge or refund (as applicable)will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause,in the event of any change in our transportation costs or indues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxesor embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports orin the exchange rates which have been used to calculate thecost of your holiday.

Even in the above cases, only if the amount of any increasein our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday(excluding any amendment charges) will we levy a surcharge.If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of yourholiday (excluding any amendment charges), you will beentitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund ofall monies you have paid to us (except for any amendmentcharges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us asreferred to in “If we alter or cancel your booking”. Whereapplicable, you have 14 days from the issue date printed onthe surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel orpurchase another holiday. If you do not tell us that you wishto choose either of these options within this period of time,we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge.Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost ofthe holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on thesurcharge invoice, whichever is the later.

We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days ofdeparture. No refund will be payable during this period either.

Holiday costs are based on the rates at which ATG Oxfordhas bought forward currency to stabilise the cost of trips inthe event of fluctuations in exchange rates.

Details are available in conjunction with current publishedprices.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: [email protected]

Health and FitnessBookings are accepted on the understanding that all personstravelling are normally in good health and physically equalto the minimum demands of the chosen trip. If this is indoubt the Booking Form must be accompanied by adoctor's certificate stating that it is entirely safe for you to goon the particular holiday you have chosen. ATG reserves theright to decline to accept any persons not equal to theminimum demands of a trip where their continuedparticipation adversely affects the enjoyment of other clientson the holiday. In such a situation we will have no furtherresponsibility toward you including any return travelarrangements. No refunds will be made and we will not payany expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.

Special requests and medical conditions / disabilitiesIf you have any special request, you must advise us at thetime of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass anyreasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regretwe cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meetany special request will not be a breach of contract on ourpart. Confirmation that a special request has been noted orpassed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the specialrequest on your confirmation invoice or any otherdocumentation is not confirmation that the request will bemet. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all specialrequests are subject to availability. For your own protection,you should obtain confirmation in writing that a specialrequest will be complied with (where it is possible to givethis) where it is important to you.

We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e.any booking which is specified to be conditional on thefulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will betreated as “standard” bookings subject to the aboveprovisions on special requests.

If you have any medical condition or disability which may affectyour holiday or have any special requirements as a result of anymedical condition or disability (including any which affect thebooking process), please tell us before you confirm yourbooking so that we can assist you in considering the suitabilityof the arrangements and/or making the booking. In any event,you must give us full details in writing at the time of bookingand whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs.You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition ordisability which may affect your holiday develops after yourbooking has been confirmed.

Behaviour and damageWhen you book with us, you accept responsibility for anydamage or loss caused by you or any member of your party.Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonablyestimated if not precisely known) must be made direct to theaccommodation owner or manager or other supplier or tous as soon as possible. If the actual cost of the loss ordamage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, youmust pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is lessthan the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. Youwill also be responsible for meeting any claims subsequentlymade against us and all costs incurred by us (including ourown and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of youractions. You should ensure you have appropriate travelinsurance to protect you if this situation arises.

We expect all clients to have consideration for other people.If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion ofany other person in authority, you behave in such a way asto cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to anythird party or damage to property, we are entitled, withoutprior notice, to terminate your holiday. In this situation, youwill be required to leave the accommodation or otherservice. We will have no further responsibility toward youincluding any return travel arrangements. No refunds will bemade and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred asa result of the termination.

Insurance, Passport, Visa and Health Requirements Please note that adequate travel insurance for all personstravelling (including medical, personal accident andrepatriation in the event of illness, baggage, money andliability cover as well as loss of monies paid in the event ofcancellation) is a condition of booking. Please read yourpolicy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. Itis your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover youpurchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.

You are responsible for arranging, and being in possessionof, a valid, acceptable passport and any visas and vaccinationcertificates required for the duration of your holiday.Information regarding passport and visa requirements is sentwith our Confirmation of your booking. You are advised,however, that whilst the information is provided in goodfaith, requirements may change and it is your responsibilityto check, in good time before departure, the up to dateposition with regard to passport and visa requirements withthe embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or throughwhich you are intending to travel.

There are no compulsory health formalities for the countrieswe visit. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of allrecommended vaccinations and health precautions in goodtime before departure. Information on health is contained inthe Department of Health leaflet T7.1 (Health Advice forTravellers) available from the Department of Health via itswebsite www.dh.gov.uk and from most Post Offices. Forholidays in the EU / EEA, EU citizens should obtain an EHIC(European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure from theDepartment of Health (see leaflet T7.1 and the websitewww.dh.gov.uk). Health requirements and recommendationsmay change and you must check the up to date position ingood time before departure.

It is the responsibility of the person who makes the bookingto ensure that all persons travelling are in possession of allnecessary travel documents before departure. All costsincurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid byyou. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you arerefused entry onto any transport or into any country due tofailure on your part to carry all required documentation. Iffailure to have any necessary travel or other documentsresults in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty beingimposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing usaccordingly.

Liability(1) We promise to make sure that the specified holidayarrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provideas applicable as part of our contract with you are made,performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. Thismeans that, subject to these booking conditions, we willaccept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death orpersonal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements arenot provided as promised or prove deficient as a result ofthe failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliersto use reasonable skill and care in making, performing orproviding, as applicable, your contracted holidayarrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to showthat reasonable skill and care have not been used if youwish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only beresponsible for what our employees, agents and suppliersdo or do not do if they were at the time acting within thecourse of their employment (for employees) or carrying outwork we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers).

(2) We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death,loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, costor other sum or claim of any description whatsoever whichresults from any of the following: – – the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or

any member(s) of their party or – the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not

connected with the provision of your holiday and whichwere unforeseeable or unavoidable or

– force majeure as defined above

(3) Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for anyservices which do not form part of our contract. This includes,for example, any additional services or facilities which yourhotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you wherethe services or facilities are not advertised by us and we havenot agreed to arrange them as part of our contract Inaddition, regardless of any wording used by us on ourwebsite, in any advertising material or elsewhere, we onlypromise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above andwe do not have any greater or different liability to you.

(4) The promises we make to you about the services we haveagreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - andthe laws and regulations of the country in which your claimor complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for decidingwhether the services in question had been properlyprovided. If the particular services which gave rise to theclaim or complaint complied with local laws and regulationsapplicable to those services at the time, the services will betreated as having been properly provided. This will be thecase even if the services did not comply with the laws andregulations of the UK which would have applied had thoseservices been provided in the UK. The exception to this iswhere the claim or complaint concerns the absence of asafety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday-makerto refuse to take the holiday in question.

(5) Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage toany luggage or personal possessions (including money), themaximum amount we will have to pay you is £500 per personaffected unless a lower limitation applies to your claim underthis paragraph (5) or paragraph (6) below. You must ensureyou have appropriate travel insurance to protect yourpersonal belongings.

For all other claims which do not involve death or personalinjury, if we are found liable to you on any basis the maximumamount we will have to pay you is twice the price (excludinginsurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or onbehalf of the person(s) affected in total unless a lowerlimitation applies to your claim under paragraph (6) below.This maximum amount will only be payable where you havenot received any benefit from your holiday.

(6) Where any claim or part of a claim (including thoseinvolving death or personal injury) concerns or is based onany travel arrangements (including the process of getting onand/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea,rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximumamount of compensation we will have to pay you will belimited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim orthat part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basisis the most the carrier or hotelier concerned would have topay under the international convention or regulation whichapplies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question(for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended orunamended and the Montreal Convention for internationaltravel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licencegranted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air CarrierLiability No 889/2002 for national and international travel byair, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea andCOTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail).Please note: where a carrier or hotelier would not be obligedto make any payment to you under the applicableinternational convention or regulation in respect of a claimor part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make apayment to you for that claim or part of the claim. Whenmaking any payment, we are entitled to deduct any moneywhich you have received or are entitled to receive from thecarrier or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.Copies of the applicable international conventions andregulations are available from us on request.

(7) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage,loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which onthe basis of the information given to us by you concerning yourbooking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseenyou would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with youor (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or otherfault by ourselves or our employees or, where we areresponsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannotaccept liability for any business losses.

DelayWe regret we are not in a position to offer you any assistancein the event of delay at your outward or homeward point ofdeparture. Any airline concerned may however providerefreshments etc. We cannot accept liability for any delaywhich is due to force majeure (which includes the behaviourof any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails tocheck in or board on time). In addition, we will not be liablefor any delay unless it has a significant effect on your holidayarrangements.

Complaints and ArbitrationAny complaint should be communicated to ourrepresentative as soon as it arises. Any verbal complaintshould be put in writing as soon as possible if not resolvedstraight away. If you are not satisfied with the response of ourrepresentative or our representative cannot be contacted forany reason, please contact us in the UK during your holiday.If the issue is not resolved, then the complaint should bemade in writing to ATG Oxford in the UK within 28 days ofthe end of your trip. Failure to notify our representative orus direct at the time so as to provide us with an opportunityto rectify the cause of the complaint may result in your lossof any legal rights in respect of the particular matter. Shouldthe complaint still not be resolved, the AITO independentdispute service (for which application must be made withinsix months of the date of your return from holiday) will beavailable to EC residents. We both agree that English law(and no other) will apply to our contract and to any dispute,claim or other matter of any description which arisesbetween us (except as set out below). We both also agreethat any dispute, claim or other matter of any description(and whether or not involving any personal injury) whicharises between us which is not referred to the AITO disputeservice must be dealt with by the Courts of England andWales only.

Financial securityATG Oxford is a fully bonded tour operator, with two licencesand two bonds.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited(ABTOT) provides financial protection under the PackageTravel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992for Alternative Travel Group Ltd. (ABTOT number 5181), andin the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for thefollowing:

1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;

2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a countryother than the UK; and

3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK,which are sold to customers outside of the UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yettravelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note thatbookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOTwhen purchased directly with Alternative Travel Group Ltd.

We also hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by theCivil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 2618). All the flightsand flights-inclusive holidays booked through ATG Oxford arefinancially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay youwill be supplied with an ATOL certificate confirming yourarrangements and your protection under ATOL. Please checkit to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels andother services) is listed on it. In the unlikely event of ourinsolvency the CAA will ensure that you are not left strandedabroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paidto us for an advance booking. The air-inclusive holidays andflights we arrange are ATOL protected providing either theperson who pays for the booking is present in the UK whenthe booking is made; or if the first leg of any flight or flightswe arrange for you commences in the UK. Please see ourbooking conditions for further information, or for moreinformation about financial protection and the ATOLcertificate, go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

Foreign Office AdviceThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularlyupdated travel information on its website www.fco.gov.ukwhich you are recommended to consult before booking andin good time before departure.

Safety standardsPlease note, it is the requirements and standards of thecountry in which any services which make up your holidayare provided which apply to those services and not those ofthe UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standardswill not be the same as the UK and may sometimes be lower.

Brochure / website / advertising material accuracyThe information contained in our brochure, on our websiteand in our other advertising material is believed correct tothe best of our knowledge at the time of printing orpublication. However, errors may occasionally occur andinformation may subsequently change. You must thereforeensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (includingthe price) with us or your travel agent at the time of booking.

Activities and general area information We may provide you with information (before departureand/or when you are on holiday) about activities which areavailable in the area you are visiting. We have noinvolvement in any such activities which are neither run,supervised nor controlled in any way by us. They areprovided by local operators or other third parties who areentirely independent of us. They do not form any part of yourcontract with us even where we suggest particularoperators/other third parties and/or assist you in bookingsuch activities or excursions in any way. We cannot acceptany liability on any basis in relation to such activities. Wecannot guarantee accuracy at all times of information givenin relation to such activities or about the area you are visitinggenerally or that any particular activity which does not formpart of our contract will take place as these services are notunder our control.

All bookings are made and accepted in accordance with theterms set out in these conditions and on the understandingthat clients have read information relevant to the trip madeavailable to them by ATG Oxford. ATG Oxford is a tradingname for Alternative Travel Group Ltd. By asking us toconfirm your booking, we are entitled to assume that youhave had the opportunity to read and have read thesebooking conditions and agree to them.

These booking conditions only apply to the holidayarrangements which we agree to make, provide or perform(as applicable) as part of our contract with you. All referencesin these booking conditions to “holiday”, “booking”,“contract”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holidayarrangements unless otherwise stated.

Have you seen our other brochures?

ATG EscorTEd

Escorted, all-inclusive trips in Europe and WorldwideThe best that each area visited has to offer

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PIEVE A cAsTELLo

Escorted, all-inclusive trips based at ATG’s retreatlocated in idyllic Tuscan countryside between siena and Florence

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ATG oxford supports the Ad Terrae Gloriam (ATG) Trust: ‘conserving the world for future generations’

Certificate Number 5739

ISO 14001: 2004 5181

ATGOXFORD

Alternative Travel Group Ltd., T/A ATG Oxford, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Fax: +44 (0)1865 315697 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NUMBER 1449375 • VAT NUMBER 348 2372 47

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