The Breakaway Travel Blog
'Pour de France' - The ultimate way to discover France on a bike!
It's 100 days to go to the 100th Tour De France so we've put
together our own version based on Breakaways' tours around the best wine
regions of France. Rather than hurtling up Alpine peaks like Messrs Wiggins and
Cavendish, we'd prefer something a little more leisurely with plenty of
opportunities for meandering through French vineyards sampling outstanding
wines, ensuring there are plenty of cafe pit-stops and photo breaks (lycra
clothing isn't necessary either!).
From Burgundy to Brittany, why not choose your own Pour De France stage, OR
if you really love French wine and cycling amidst world famous vineyards then
you can follow our 50-night route on either June 6th (costing $17,577 per person)
or September 14th ($17,025per person).
BurgundyFrom
the fertile basin around Auxerre, in the north west, and the ancient massifs of
Morvan and Charollais in the south, Burgundy is a wonderfully diverse region.
It’s been synonymous with 'gastronomy and good living' since Roman times and, in
the limestone plateaux of La Cote, some of the world's most expensive wines are
still produced. Your route here follows our gentle Chablis Vineyards Cycling
route, featuring world-famous wines (lots of tasting opportunities!), forgotten
country villages and superb local cuisine.
AlsaceThis
is one of France's best-kept secrets and the tiny region has its own distinct
character. Much of its charm lies in its fairytale towns and villages - narrow
cobbled streets, Gothic churches, cool fountains and bright flowers. Almost
everywhere has its cave and some villages have their own vintages that aren’t
produced anywhere else. You follow the route of our Rivers and Vineyards Cycling
through vineyards, orchards and flower-festooned beautiful villages. This
off-beat holiday is rich in historic and gastronomic treasures!
Franche
ComteHere you'll find France profonde - unchanged over the years, with
charming village squares decked with pavement cafés, geranium-filled balconies
and traffic-free country lanes. It’s also famous for its gastronomy - chef
Raymond Blanc comes from here - and chocolates, cheeses, cherries and wines are
plentiful. Follow the Two Rivers Cycling circuit to explore the rich cultural
heritage and beautifully unspoilt countryside of the high Jura. UNESCO-listed
sites, onion-domed churches and cherry-carpeted hills await.
ProvenceA
magical place filled to the brim with interest and graced with more than 300
days of sunshine a year. It’s a rich mix of pretty villages, colourful markets,
beautiful scenery and fascinating historic sites. All this plus the world-famous
Côtes du Rhône vineyards too! Here the Vaucluse Vineyards Cycling route circles
the famous Côtes du Rhône vineyards, and includes 2 nights in Vaison la Romaine
- France's most extensive Roman site.
The
DordogneHere a wealth of prehistoric and mediaeval influences, dramatic
landscapes and rich cuisines distinguish the region from everywhere else in
France. Try the gourmet fare of foie gras, truffles and confits d'oie - washed
down with the fine Cahors or Bergerac wines. Follow our Dordogne Gastronomic
Cycling - wonderful gastronomic meals, world-famous wines, fabulous historic
sites and postcard-pretty villages are just a few of the highlights of this
popular tour.
The
LoireThis region has a special place in the affections of visitors to
France. It has one of Europe's most congenial climates, world-famous Chateaux
and wonderful cuisine. And, of course, its vineyards produce a bigger variety of
wines than any other wine region in the world, always delicious and in good
years, amongst France's greatest vintages. Here you'll experience the Loire
Gastronomic Cycling - a gentle introduction to the very essence of the Loire
Valley: majestic chateaux, wide rivers, world-famous wines and some of the
finest food we've ever eaten!
BrittanyVisitors
here have long since been seduced by wonderful scenery, fantastic food and
majestic coastline. The vividly contrasting landscapes have made it an artists'
haven over the years yet, despite its popularity, you can still get away from it
all and find your own hidden delights. No great wines from here... but lots of
excellent ciders to choose from! Follow the Emerald Coast Cycling route to
explore this largely unspoiled region of traditional fishing ports, colourful
country hamlets and beautifully preserved walled towns unchanged since the
Middle Ages.
Enjoy a FREE night's stay in one of our city stopover hotels when you book one of these special Spring departures.
The beautiful cities of Europe are known for their outdoor markets, restaurants, shops and museums and are a fantastic way to experience
the urban life before heading out to the countryside for a completely different
pace on one of our walking or cycling tours.
The stopover hotels we've chosen are pretty special, and include ****
boutique hotel in Lisbon just off the famous Avenida da Liberade, a beautiful
traditional hotel in the heart of Granada and a cozy port hotel in the vibrant
city of Marseille.
Offer applies to these tours only on dates specified with one extra night at
our recommended hotel (subject to availability). Booking deposit must be
received by March 26, 2013.
Classical Spain Walking & Sightseeing
This exceptional guided tour combines
discovering Andalucia's "must see" sights with going further afield to find
hidden white-washed hamlets and flower filled country paths. Highlights are
Ronda's world-famous bull ring, Seville wth its stunning Alcazar and streets
crammed with lively
tapas bars , the
famous cathedrals and palaces of Cordoba and the grande finale of Granada's
Alhmabra - one of the most famous building in the world. Prices starting from
$3,864 per person. Offer applies to Apr 12, Apr 26 & May 12 departures
only.
Extend your holiday in Granada with a FREE night at the 3 star
Hotel Dauro II boasting a central location in the heart of the city, just feet
from the Cathedral.
Provence Cote d'Azur Walk
This 7 night guided tour features some of the most
spectacular walks in Provence through medieval villages, bustling fishing
harbors and along magnificent coastal stretches of the famous Cote d'Azur.
We'll visit the Provencal market at Le Lavandou and enjoy a champagne lunch on a
private sailing yacht! From $3,319 per person
fully inclusive with breakfast, 6 lunches and
all evening meals. Offer applies to May 5, May 12, May 19 departures
only.
Extend your holiday with a FREE night in Marseille at the 3 star Hotel
Carre Vieux Port, situated by the well-known old port - the perfect location to
make the most of this vibrant city.
Heart of Portugal Walk
Portugal is a compact land whose historical and cultural
influences are as rich as her national landscape is diverse. Our unspoiled walks
led by experienced guide, take in lush valleys, turquoise lakes, Bronze Age
remains and Moorish settlements. Your base for the week is the wonderfully
peaceful and hugely charming 4 star Convento de Belmonte - oozing with the feel
of luxury and exclusivity. This
full
inclusive tour is priced from $2,848 per person and includes continental
breakfast, 5 lunches and all evening meals (with wine). Offer applies to May 25
& Jun 1 departures only.
Extend your holiday with a FREE night in
Lisbon at the lovely 4 star Hotel Lisboa Plaza Hotel. Owned by the same family
since 1952, this imaginatively designed hotel is situated just off the famous
Avenida da Liberdade.
NEW independent walking tour in Croatia
Regular Breakaway guests often ask us to come up with an independent
walking tour in Croatia, so we're delighted to be introducing Castles to Coast Walk into our 2013
portfolio.
This new walking holiday opens up a
timeless world that in the oldest towns takes you back 2000 years. The Croatian
provice of Istria lies at the very northern tip of the Adriatic.
Istria was part of the Venetian empire for 300 years, and is
a fusion of Croatian and Italian influences in cuisine, architecture and
language - so much so that it is often referred to as Croatia's Tuscany.
You begin with three nights in a converted C17 palace with a
stunning spa in hilltop Motovun. Here, walks follow high ridges and an abandoned
railway offers panoramic views over truffle-rich valleys of oak, fruit orchards,
and emerald ranks of vines.
From Motovun you walk above the Mrna River valley to the
fortified hill town of Buzet, for two nights in a beautiful converted townhouse,
set within the original C18 Venetian battlements. You then head east to the
bright lights of the Adriatic Riviera, summiting Istria's highest peak - Mt
Vojak (1401m) - along the way for incredible views as far as the Dolomites and
Switzerland.
The final two nights are spent in Lovran, once the
playground of the wealthy classes in the C19. Impressive villas line the shore,
shops and cafes cluster around C17 churches, and fishermen land their catch just
outside bustling local restaurants on crowded marinas.
Home in Lovran is a converted villa
just 50m from the waterfront with sea view balcony rooms. Dining options are
excellent and varied, so we have included two dinners, with five nights free to
enjoy local restaurants.
Departs on Tuesdays from May 7 to Sep 24 with
prices
starting from $2,759 per person, per night based on two people sharing a double
room.
Places are limited, so early booking is advised.
Labels: Croatia walking tours, Europe, Istria, self guided walking
Breakaway's A to Z of winter snow adventure.
Anyone can do it! Breakaway's winter cross country skiing,
walking and snow shoeing tours are very much tailored towards people who have
never tried this sort of holiday before. You don't need any special skills or
previous experience and, best of all, you don't need to be an athlete or overly
agile to have a great time!
Beginners are by far our biggest customers, so we make sure
some initial tuition (as a minimum) is included virtually everywhere. Within a
couple of hours, you'll master the basics and know how to stop, start and feel
in control. You'll learn how to land comfortably (should you fall!) and soon
you'll be cruising confidently down gentle slopes practising your "gliding"
stride!
Cross country is offered in all our snow villages. It
involves no special clothing (your walking gear is fine) or expensive equipment,
and it allows you to be very much in touch with nature and the local
environment.
Downhill skiing is also an option in selected regions
popular with families. If you have teenagers, we'd steer you towards the larger
ski towns like
Davos or
Lautasch where, in addition to cross country and
downhill skiing, you'll also find snow boarding, ice skating and lots of things
going on in the evening.
Easy-to-follow trails criss-cross the valleys and link
villages in all areas where we offer cross country skiing tours.
Austria,
Switzerland and
Finland, in particular, offer mile after mile of
immaculately maintained, and impeccably signed, routes.
Freedom, Fun & flexibility! Nothing will make you feel
young and healthy like a day in the mountains. As adults, we rarely "play" in
the snow, yet children seize every opportunity! There is a lesson there
somewhere!
Great regional cuisine is essential after a day outdoors in
the mountains, and we always encourage chefs to include regional specialities,
based on fresh local produce and traditional recipes.
Swiss Goms and
Dobbiaco in the Italian Dolomites are
particularly renowned for their gastronomic cuisines.
Local reps are on hand in selected villages where we offer
fully accompanied ski, and winter walking, weeks. In places where we don't have
resident staff, the hoteliers and hand-picked local partners look after our
guests. And, wherever you choose for your holiday, you have the reassurance of
our 24-hour emergency service at all times.
Independent holidays (where you explore on your own after
some initial tuition to get you started) are popular with more confident
beginners, and returning guests.
Kandersteg and
Dobbiaco are popular choices.
Join a group is our advice if you're travelling on your own,
or you enjoy meeting new people when travelling. We keep our groups very small,
typically 6-10 like-minded people who enjoy the sociability that this sort of
holiday can provide.
Venabu is a perfect choice for solo
travellers.
Keeps you healthy! Simply breathing in the clean, crisp air
feels good!
Learn a new skill. From trailing reindeer tracks in
Finland, to gliding across snowy
uplands in
Austria, to snow-shoeing in the
Swiss Alps - every holiday offers you
the chance to try something different, or improve skills in something you
already enjoy.
Multi-activity walking choices are offered in Switzerland's
Bernese
Oberland where, in addition to a fully guided winter walk and a
guided snow shoe tour, you'll take a Nordic walking course and enjoy a
traditional folklore evening.
No hidden extras. Every holiday includes a specific ski
package - typically lessons, passes, boots, poles and ski rental - so you don't
need to worry about expensive extras adding to your holiday cost.
Only do what you want to do. Whether you choose an
independent, or a small group guided holiday, there is no pressure to conform or
"keep up". If you prefer a day off - maybe to take advantage of many of the spa
facilities on offer - then that's absolutely fine with us. It's your vacation,
so your choice!
Panoramic sun terraces - with picture-postcard backdrops on
all sides - make leisurely lunches a memorable part of any snow holiday.
Quiet mountain villages are key to Breakaway and, in many
places, life has hardly changed over the centuries: tiny hamlets in Lapland
where reindeer wander freely across country tracks; "chocolate box" Swiss
villages where farmers ride the snowy roads on sleighs; snow-sure Tyrolean
mountain retreats where elegant C16 mansions reflect the region's history as
Seat of the upper classes.
Roaring log fires, intimate lounges, candle-lit dining -
that's apres ski the Breakaway way!
Snow-shoeing is hugely popular in Europe, yet hardly known
in North America. Simply strap the tennis racket style "shoe" over your own
boots and off you go! Look out for lynx, fox and hare trails as you pad gently
through the snowy woods!
Kandersteg offers exclusive snowshoeing holidays.
Tailor-made travel is possible for all our holidays. So, if
you want to fly and stopover in a particular city, or you want to extend, or
shorten, your stay, just tell us. We'll work to fit around your schedule
wherever we can.
Unique hotels, full of character - often with heated pools,
saunas, gyms and spa facilities - ensure you are offered a touch of pampering at
the end of the day! We recommend
Dobbiaco for unashamed luxury!
Value for money has never been more important than it is
today. Our tours will never be the cheapest on the market but, in terms of
what's included, we don't believe you could find a comparable tour cheaper
elsewhere.
Winter walking has become more popular over the last couple
of years. For winter 2012/13, we have dedicated winter walking weeks in
Austria's
Leutasch and in
Kandersteg, Switzerland.
Xmas and New Year are special at all our hotels and, in
order that you can relax and fully enjoy the celebrations, we've included any
supplements (eg gala dinners) in the tour price. Again, no hidden extras!
Young members of the family are welcome on all our holidays
however facilities and amenities do vary from village to village. For very young
children, we'd recommend
Venabu in Norway, whereas
Leutasch and
Davos hold more appeal to older
children and teenagers.
Zzzzz . Outdoors in the mountains is both exhilarating and
nicely exhausting! After a well-earned gourmet dinner, and coffees by a
crackling log fire, we reckon a good nights' sleep is pretty much a given!
Fall in Spain: Fruit, Fish, Feathers and Faith!
It is said that, if you walk a mile in another man's shoes, you know how they
feel. This is true of both our walking and cycling holidays - when you travel
slowly, with the express purpose of exploring your surrounds on foot or by bike,
you discover every inch of the place.
Breakaway's Spain offers some fantastic walking and cycling - largely
due to its diverse natural beauty, cultural heritage, temperate climate and
friendly people who welcome visitors as they would long lost family.
Here are just some reasons to consider a holiday in Spain this
year:
Awesome architecture
The great Moorish cities of Andalucia need little introduction, and our
Highlights
of Andalucia tour combines these "must see" sights with off-the-beaten-track
white villages, hidden hamlets and abandoned
cortijos. You'll visit
Seville's stunning Alcazar, Cordoba's Mezquita and the world-famous Alhambra
palace in Granada, arguably the most beautiful city in Europe.
Sensational citrus
Southern Spain is well known for its lemon groves and orange orchards - some
of the world's finest oranges come from Valencia. Top walking choices here
include
Secrets
of Andalucia,
Vistas
of Valencia and
Hidden
Valleys of Cordoba.
Tempting trout
In the
Sierra
de Grazalema Natural Park, you'll find eagles, hoopoes, griffon vultures -
and some of the largest trout in southern Europe! There are wonderful views too
from the shattered limestone peaks - even out to Gibraltar and as far as
northern Africa on a clear day.
Beautiful
birds
With over 200 species of birds, the
Canary
Islands are an ornithologist's paradise! You'll spot Barbary falcons,
ravens, buzzards, sweet-singing yellow canaries and Berthelot's Pipits - endemic
to these islands.
Introducing Breakaway's Luxury Collection
Everyone's idea of "luxury" is different: for some, it's splashing out on a luxury 5-star hotel, offering state-of-the-art facilities; for others, it's forgetting about domestic chores, and enjoying fine dining in the evenings; for many, it's simply spending quality time with loved ones, trying out new experiences, and re-discovering things you value most in life. Whatever your idea of "luxury", you can find it in
Breakaway's 2012 program.
Walking in Davos
In the fashionable Swiss resort of Davos, Headwater walkers stay at the elegant C19 Hotel Meierhof. Highlights include an indoor swimming pool and wellness centre (saunas, steam bath, whirlpool and mini gym) as well as exquisite cuisine, fine wines and complimentary wine tasting.
Gastronomic Barolo CyclingThis scenic cyclin
g holiday explores the sun-drenched, highly sophisticated northern Italian region of Piedmont. Here, you'll stay in a fabulous range of hotels, including a country house and a beautifully restored C19 family villa, complete with its own frescoed chapel. Gastronomic menus are included throughout.
Heart of Portugal WalkEver thought about exploring the Portuguese Beira – an outstandingly beautiful, and totally undiscovered, region of magnificent mountains, lush gorges, turquoise lakes and pretty white villages unchanged over the years? Our base for the week, the 24-room exclusive **** Convento de Belmonte is pretty special too and offers sweeping valley views from the candle-lit dining room.
Walking in the Italian Dolomites
The **** Park Hotel Bellevue in the beautiful Italian Alpine village of Dobbiaco offers fabulous walking by day and luxurious accommodation by night. With over 1000kms of well-marked trails, the Dolomites are a Mecca for high level walkers – and, with a 7-day travel card included, you can use the excellent network of local buses and trains to really explore the surrounding area in depth.
Connoisseurs Tuscany Walk
Nestled between the olive-studded trees and vineyards of south-west Tuscany, the luxurious Agriturismo Acquaviva offers panoramic pool, tennis, exquisite cuisine and wine from its private vineyard. Many of the walks follow the ancient Etruscan pathways that link immaculately preserved mediaeval villages with fortified towns and ancient woodlands. The great art cities of Orvieto and Siena are easy day trips.
Contrasts of Catalunya CyclingRe-designed for summer 2012, this gentle 6-night holiday explores Catalunya's beautiful unspoilt coast, taking in olive groves, citrus orchards, pretty villages and colourful fishing ports. Accommodation highlights include a C14 gothic castle - now a gastronomic boutique hotel - overlooking the Emporda plain. An 8-night version of this holiday, which includes 2 nights in seafront Palamos, is also an option.
Aspects of Avila WalkJust west of Madrid, the Sierra de Gredos offers spectacularly varied walking with exceptional bird spotting opportunities. Your base for the week is the gastronomic Hotel Milano Real (translates as "Red Kite"!) situated in the tiny Spanish village of Hoyos del Espino. With over 500 wines and outstanding gourmet menus, a stay here is a fabulous choice for those looking to combine fabulous walking by day with fine dining every evening.
Walking in the Floating Garden of Madeira
Surging from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is like a giant botanical garden with tropical flowers, plants and birds from all over the world. Headwater guests stay for 7 nights at the luxurious ***** Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the mot exclusive hotels on the island, offering heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, tennis and established gardens. There are two fine dining restaurants, and a complimentary shuttle service (8 mins) is provided to and from Funchal.
Heart of Sardinia Walk
Best known for its millionaire yachts and stunning Mediterranean coast, Sardinia's wild and beautiful interior is just as spectacular. This twin centre walking week starts in the heart of the island's countryside, exploring the shepherds' huts, traditional villages and tranquil valleys, before heading down to the deserted white beaches of the Gulf of Orosei. Throughout you'll stay in **** hotels, with high comfort levels, and great regional cuisine.
Islands of Bermuda WalkThere can be few places in the world as romantic as the sub-tropical unspoilt island paradise of Bermuda! Famed for its crystal-clear waters, sugar-pink sands and stunning quality of hotels, it also offers superb gentle walking on traffic-free trails taking in sea grottoes, crumbling forts and pastel villages. The kaleidoscope of colour is unforgettable and the diversity of flora and fauna amongst the best in the world.
Walking in the South of France
Most tourists heading south to the Cote d'Azur will make for the known hotspots of Nice, Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez. But head a little further west, and you'll find the less glitzy but equally stunning landscapes surrounding Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, coastal
Cassis and her famous Calanques.
New for summer 2012, Breakaway's 7-night
Cassis and Les Calanques independent walking holiday starts in the beautiful university town of Aix-en-Provence. From here, you'll ascend its emblematic Montagne Sainte-Victoire before heading south to the bustling seaport of Marseilles.
A stunning boat ride takes you out from the Vieux Port and on to the Frioul Archipelago where you've a choice of several stunning walks: the views back over Marseille are remarkable. The final section of your holiday follows the coast through the Calanques National Park, and down to the postcard-pretty fishing port of Cassis where you'll spend your final 3 nights.
The hotels on this trip are modern and stylish and have been specially chosen for their wonderfully central locations. Evening meals are included in Marseilles, but in Aix and Cassis we've left you free to choose from the multitude of restaurants on your doorstep.
Tour departs on selected Sundays from March 4 to October 28, 2012 with
prices starting from $2,739 per person, based on 2 people sharing a double room.
