Walking Holiday on the Italian Island of Elba

Walking Holiday on the Italian Island of Elba - 8 days from £672

The island of Elba is perfect walking country and we are delighted to offer a seven-night holiday staying at the Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro on a bed and breakfast basis and including three guided walks.

Highlights
- An undiscovered island
- Relax or explore
- Dine as you wish
- Three guided walks

Meal arrangements
- 7 nights bed and breakfast

Also included
- The services of an experienced Page & Moy Tour Guide
- Hotel porterage

Maximum Group Size
All departures on this tour are limited to a maximum group size of 30.

Your Accommodation
Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro I (3-star), 7 nights bed and breakfast.


This attractive family-run modern hotel is situated just ten minutes’ walk from the waterfront of the colourful fishing village of Marciana Marina, with its pretty harbour, shops, cafes, restaurants and pebble beach. The hotel has a breakfast room, bar, lounge, secluded garden, swimming pool and sun terraces. The air-conditioned guest rooms are on two floors and have a telephone, TV and fridge. The hotel does not have a lift.

Your Itinerary
This holiday includes three guided walks:

North & South
Starting outside Poggio, we take a gentle walk to the National Park of Monte Perone. We cross to the south of the island and follow a tiny road down to the mediaeval town of Saint Ilario. Our path then curls past vineyards and ends with a wonderful view of Marciana Marina.

Easy / moderate walking – 4 hours. Distance – 7½ miles.

Legend, Mystery & Intrigue
Starting in the mediaeval mountain hamlet of Poggio, we walk along a chestnut-flanked road towards the Napoleonic Spa before taking the woodland path up to San Cerbone Chapel. Passing the Pisan fortress, we climb to the intriguing 11th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. Descending, we call at the ancient village of Marciana Alta.

Easy /moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 7½ miles.

Mare e Macchia
Public transport takes us to the panoramic heights of Zanca, from where we walk down through semi-tropical vegetation to Sant’Andrea. Here we explore the waterfront before continuing to the tiny village of Maciarello. Our steep path then sweeps down through vineyards onto the cove of La Cala. After a brief climb through orchards and vineyards, our wonderful walk culminates with breathtaking views of Corsica.

Easy / moderate walking – 3½ hours. Distance – 6½ miles

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: EEITWE
02/06/2010 £752
15/09/2010 £672

Deposit £100 per person
Prices are based on the shared occupancy of twin or double rooms with private facilities.

Visit the Page & Moy Website or telephone 0845 358 2639 to find out more

Treasures of Tuscany Walking Holiday

Treasures of Tuscany Walking Holiday with Sherpa Expeditions

Sherpa Expeditions walks through the gentle landscape of Tuscany take you through a countryside that is timeless. Tuscany is a region well suited to a walking pace and there is much to absorb. Here are some of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe with their Romanesque and gothic churches and buildings. We walk through a varied countryside of rolling hillsides, vineyards, olive groves and forests alive with colour. Tuscany offers many gastronomic delights: pecorino cheese, wild boar and porcini mushrooms to name but a few. It is also Chianti wine country with several wine tasting opportunities.

Linking some of the Tuscan hilltop towns, we start in the old Etruscan town of Volterra, where you can see the Roman Theatre and Pallaza Priori and enjoy a warm up walk from the village of Pignano. We spend two nights in Volterra and then our trail leads off through forested hills, occasionally crowned with stone farmhouses, olive groves and vineyards.

We visit San Gimignano noted for its famous towers and often called Tuscany’s Manhattan but it is perhaps the best preserved medieval town in Italy, We wend our way from here through intensive farmland and quiet woods to Colle Val D’Elsa.

From Colle, we take farm tracks and white roads, ‘Strada Bianca’, which lead us on to Monteriggioni, a medieval fortress town. From there we pass through thick holm oak forest to the village of San Columba and then by local bus on to Siena, the archetypal Tuscan city.

You can extend your stay by taking the 11 day tour which takes you through the heart of the Chianti vineyards and a landscape that will be familiar from the old paintings you have already seen along your route. It hasn’t changed very much. Finishing in Panzano, we transfer by bus to Florence for a final night in the Tuscan capital, a great place for art lovers and romantics of all ages.

Inn to Inn 7 or 11 days
Duration: 6 nights/7 days or 10 nights/11 days

Tour Code: JTT

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Day Stages: Minimum 8km, max 20km.

SELF-GUIDED Dates 2010
Start any day April - November

7 Day ESCORTED Dates 2010
Group Size: Min 4, max 15, plus trek leader
EJTT19 Wed 19 May - Tue 25 May
EJTT04 Mon 4 Oct - Sun 10 Oct

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more information

Late Availability on Italian Walking Holidays

Tour specialists, Travelsphere, have just released details of some late availability on walking holidays in Italy. If you want to experience the stunning coastlines, hillsides, mountains & vineyards of this amazing country then take a look at the following holidays.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for details of any of these holidays

Walking in the Cinque Terre - 7 days from GBP739
Discover the captivating resorts and stunning scenery of wild and beautiful northern Italian Ligurian coast. Our superb walks take you through lemon groves, wooded hillsides and vineyards as you explore the picturesque Cinque Terre, Portofino, Portovenere and the island of Palmaria.
Dates available: 11/05/2009

Walking in Tuscany - 8 days from £754
Our programme of scenic walks will introduce you to this unspoilt region with its enchanting hilltop towns, wine estates and historic architecture.
Dates available: 13/05/2009

Walking in Umbria - 8 days from £779
A lakeside resort and a wonderful programme of included walks and excursions await you on this holiday to Italy’s attractive Umbria region.
Dates available: 17/05/2009

Walking in the Italian Lakes - 8 days from £799
The Italian lakes of Maggiore, Garda and Ledro are among the most beautiful regions in Europe. Set against towering mountain peaks, these sparkling lakes are dotted with charming village resorts, perfectly situated for exploring the truly awe inspiring scenery on this superb two-centre holiday.
Dates available: 20/05/2009 & 27/05/2009

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 for details of any of these holidays

Italy - Lake Como Holiday with Hooked on Walking.

Italy - Lake Como Holiday with Hooked on Walking.

This tour leads you through one of the most panoramic areas of the Lake Como region.

Tours start and finish near Como, a beautiful city with a rich history. The walled centre, with its narrow alleys, fine squares and impressive dome, reaches right to the shore of the lake. The tour leads over the summits of the Triangolo Lariano, the triangular piece of land surrounded on two sides by the lake and on the third by the plains of the river Po. This situation guarantees splendid views all around; the snow-topped Alps in the north, the steep Grigna in the east and at sunset the Mon Viso in the west on the French border! Closer by, just beneath, is the lake with its characteristic villages, showing, in sight and sound, the fine examples of Romanic church towers.

The walk goes through ancient chestnut forests, over gentle summits and mountain meadows. ‘Rifugi’, small local inns and resting places, will offer you a sumptuous selection of local specialities, tempting you to a tasty break with an inevitable glass of wine. If you wish you can choose to walk over the highest summit of the area, the San Primo. From here the entire lake with its quaint shore side towns can be seen, including Bellagio, the so-called ‘Pearl of the Lake’’, from where you will take a scenic boat ride back to Como at the end of your tour. From the boat you will have a constant view on the mountain ridge you walked over on the previous days and you will get a close-up glimpse of the lakeside towns.

Day 1 Arrival in Como.
Immediately after the Swiss-Italian border lays Como. Your first accommodation is in Brunate, a small village in Art-Deco style up the mountain above Como. A small road winds up from the city, but the place can also be reached by a little cable-train running up from Como.

Day 2 From Brunate to Alpe del Viceré.
Thanks to the fact that the first lodging is high up, walking upwards is reduced and the view is splendid; on a clear day this first hike offers views on the snow-topped Alps in the north, the flatlands of the river Po in the south and the lake beneath. Walking through beech forests and mountain meadows the track leads to Alpe del Viceré, the meadows where the vice king, (sun of Napoleon) once kept his horses during summer. Walking time from 2.5 to 4 hours. Differences in altitude: up 320m. down 300m.

Day 3 From Alpe Viceré to Pian di Nesso.
Almost every day a choice can be made between day trips of different length or difficulty; today the choice is to go over or around the Monte Palanzone after which it goes downhill to the quiet Piano di Nesso. A varied hike through fields and forests with , of course beautiful views all around. Walking time from 3 to 4 hours. Differences in altitude: up 530m. down 450m.

Day 4 Piano di Nesso.
This little valley is like a kept secret; water is bubbling up from wells, cowbells clink and Giovanni, your host, is making his cheese. A nice spot for a day of rest but if you cannot sit still you can make a roundtrip down to the lakeside or in the mountains around.

Day 5 From Piano di Nesso to Piano Rancio.
Also on this day is a choice which can be made between going over or around the mountain. The mountain San Primo is the highest of the area (1700) so if the whether collaborates , good views are guaranteed. Especially during spring it’s a tour through the seasons, while in summer at the lakeside but near the summit of the San Primo flowers like Helleboris and Crocus are still celebrating the end of wintertime. Walking time from 3 to 5 hours. Differences in altitude: max. up 550m. down 700m.

Day 6 From Piano Rancio to Bellagio / Como / Brunate.
This day the trip goes downhill to the ‘civilised world’. Hiking along meadows, the edge of woods, hamlets and villages, it goes to the village of Bellagio, beautifully situated on the tip of the Triangolo Lariano and therefore called the ‘Pearl of the Lake’. From here a two hours scenic cruise southward brings you back to Como. Walking time 3 +1 hour. Differences in altitude: down 750m.

Day 7 Brunate
Once back in the first lodging you can spend the day in the city; Como has a charming walled centre and is famous for its silk production. Otherwise a last trip by foot can be made, downhill to the lakeside; in the woods enormous stones can be found, caved into mysterious tombs, unknown when made and unknown for whom, Fascinating!

Day 8 Departure
Departure after breakfast on the terrace with a last glimpse on the lake.

For more information visit www.inspiringholidays.com

Walking on the Island of Elba - 8 days from £599

Walking on the Island of Elba with Travelsphere - 8 days from £599

The beautiful island of Elba has lofty mountains, a rugged coastline and pretty villages. Take in the fantastic scenery all around as you walk along coastal paths and over mountains, through woodlands, vineyards and orchards.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

What's Included
* Return scheduled flights to Pisa
* Transfers between airport and hotel
* Seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation
* Services of a Get Up & Go Tour Manager
* Three walks with a local guide as detailed
* All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Accommodation
You will stay in the Hotel Gabbiano Azzurro I, just ten minutes’ walk from the colourful harbour town of Marciana Marina. Hotel amenities include a breakfast room, bar, lounge, secluded garden, swimming pool and sun terraces. All bedrooms have private facilities, telephone, TV, fridge and air-conditioning.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – UK/ITALY
Depart on your scheduled flight to pisa. On arrival transfer by coach then ferry from Piombino to the island of Elba, and your hotel in Marciana Marina, for a seven night stay.

DAY 2 – MONTE PERONE
Today we walk to the National Park of Monte Perone, populated by a great variety of birds, cross to the south of the island and descend via the medieval town of Saint Ilario. Our path winds past vineyards and ends with a wonderful view of Marciana Marina (approx. 4 hours’ walk).

DAY 3 – MARCIANA MARINA
Today you are free to relax, or perhaps visit portoferraio, the island’s capital, main port and one of the oldest towns. After exploring, you can walk through the Medici Fortress to Napoleon’s Winter palace.

DAY 4 – POGGIO
Today’s included walk takes us from medieval Poggio past the Napoleonic Spa and Pisan fortress, up to the intriguing San Cerborne Chapel descending via Marciana Alta (approx. 3½ hours’ walk).

DAY 5 – MARCIANA MARINA
Free to enjoy a boat trip around Elba, or venture further to one of the other Tuscan islands. Why not take a cable car ride up to Monte Capanne for the spectacular views of the Italian coastline?

DAY 6 – ZANCA
Our walk today takes us from Zanca to the villages of Sant’Andrea and Maciarello and the pebbly cove of La Cala. You will then climb through orchards and vineyards for breathtaking views of Corsica (approx. 3½ hours’ walk).

DAY 7 – MARCIANA MARINA
Today is at leisure for you to discover more of this beautiful island. Why not shop for souvenirs at the colourful and bustling village market or visit the south of the island, where you will discover Roman granite quarries, sleepy fishing villages and unspoilt sandy beaches.

DAY 8 – ITALY/UK
Transfer to the airport via ferry from Portoferraio then by coach to Pisa for your return flight to the UK.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEIWE
06/05/2009 £599
14/10/2009 £599

Deposit £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities.

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
* Single room supplement £95
* Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways Departing London Gatwick 1155 hrs Return arr. 1315 hrs All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Fly From Your Local Airport
You can fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person).
Luton £NIL
Bristol £29

Transfers Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 3 hours.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

STOP PRESS
Book any Travelsphere Holiday before 16th February 2009 and you could be one of five lucky winners of a GBP2,000 Travelsphere holiday voucher! Terms & Conditions apply

Italy - Chianti Trek holiday with Hooked on Walking

Italy - Chianti Trek holiday with Hooked on Walking.

Welcome to Hooked on Walking holidays and our walking holiday in the Chianti region of Tuscany.

Needless to say this walking holiday takes you through some great scenery, a major wine region of Chianti and also through some of Tuscany’s very historic towns and cities in particular Florence and Siena.

This walking holiday is available as a four and seven night self led walking tour.

This hiking vacation in Tuscany really is what you imagined Tuscany to be Between the artistic masterpieces of Florence and Siena we find the “Chianti Classico” hills, covered with vineyards producing world famous wines, as well as excellent olive oil. Walking along the Chianti’s footpaths, cypress lined roads and strade bianche that cross forest of oak, beech and chestnut you will feel as if you have just walked in to a renaissance painting, dotted with well preserved towns and villages, imposing Renaissance villas and picturesque stone farmhouses where the locals maintain age-long traditions.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Florence.
Arrival in Florence. If you arrive in the morning, you can make a city walk. The city walk passes by the most beautiful streets and squares and the most important sights. The walk starts and ends at the Piazza della Signoria, it is 8 kilometres long and takes about 3,5 hours

Day 2 Settignano to Fiesole
A 25 minute city bus ride takes you to Settignanoe where the walk starts. The walk leads you through the characteristic Tuscan countryside to the remarkable town of Fiesole, walking through cypress forests and olive groves that offer magnificent views of the city and the Duomo. In Fiesole, this beautiful Etruscan-come-Roman town there are many things to visit: the Roman Theatre and Baths, a Romanic church, the Franciscan monastery, as well as the remains of the Etruscan civilisation. Return to Florence with the local city bus. 9 km, up 300m, down 100m, 4 hours

Day 3 Hills and vineyards north of Greve in Chianti
After breakfast take the local bus to Greve in Chianti and check into the hotel where you will spend 2 nights. Visit Greve, capital of the Chianti wine producing region, discovering this unique and charming market village. Then walk along a ridge overlooking a quintessential Tuscan view of Renaissance villas, charming farmhouses and cascading vineyards to the fortified ancient village of Montefioralle, the birthplace of Amerigo Vespucci, who gave America its name 8 km, up 250 m, down 250 m, 3 hours

Day 4 Greve Circular walk
Todays walk takes you to Panzano , a small village a few kilometres south of Greve. Walk along a ridge over looking the Val di Greve and Val di Pesa valleys you will have a great Tuscan view of the Renaissance villas , charming farmhouses and cascading vineyards . 9 km up 350 m, down 450 m, 4 hours.

Day 5 San Michele to Radda in Chianti
First a transfer to San Michelle and the highest hills of the Chianti region. Walking to Radda in Chianti you descend through a forested valley full of century old chestnut trees till you reach the vineyards surrounding the hamlet of Volpaia, one of the most beautiful and nicest situated villages of the Chianti. A fine ‘enoteca’ will make you pause here. The last part of today is through the typical Chianti landscape woods and vineyards, passing by the church of Santa Maria Novella, on the other side of the valley you can already see Radda. 13.6 km, up 450 m, down 450 m, 5.5 hours.

Day 6 Circular walk
Today is an easy, relaxing day. A short circular walk in the neighbourhood of Radda in Chianti leaves you plenty of time to explore the town that has remained practically unchanged since the Middle Ages. You can also stop the wine cellars and try some Chianti wine 8.6 km, up 250 m, down 250 m, 4 hours.

Day 7 Siena
After breakfast, take the local bus to Siena and spend the day discovering this town famous for its “Palio” horse race held twice yearly in one of the most beautiful squares of Europe (judges say). Don’t’ miss and the black and white marbled Duomo and meandering through the narrow streets and alleys. In short this is one of the most perfectly preserved middle age cities in Italy.

Day 8
Tour complete after breakfast. The day is at your leisure to explore this beautiful city more with its innumerable masterpieces.

For more information visit www.inspiringholidays.com

Walking in the Cinque Terre - 7 days from £739

Walking in the Cinque Terre with Travelsphere - 7 days from £739.

Discover the captivating resorts and stunning scenery of northern Italy’s wild and beautiful Ligurian coast. Our superb walks take you through lemon groves, wooded hillsides and vineyards as you explore the picturesque Cinque Terre, Portofino, Portovenere and the island of Palmaria.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

What's Included
* Scheduled flights to Genoa
* Transfers between airport and hotel
* Services of an air-conditioned executive coach
* Six nights’ half board accommodation
* Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and local guides
* Three walks as detailed
* Boat trip to Portofino
* Train ride and boat trip to Palmaria
* All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Highlights Include
* Three walks
* Cinque Terre National Park
* Rapallo & Portofino
* Portovenere & Palmaria

Optional Excursions
* The Sanctuary of Montallegro
* Genoa

Walking Information
Our walks require a reasonable level of fitness and ideally some previous walking experience. You will need comfortable walking boots, a small rucksack, waterproofs, a hat and sunglasses. A local guide will also accompany you on your walks.

Grade 2 Walks
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day.

Grade 3 Walks
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of trekking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Accommodation
You will stay in the welcoming Hotel Ferrari just a short walk from the sea and the centre of Chiavari. Amenities include a bar and restaurant. All bedrooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and telephone.

Itinerary

YOUR RESORT
The pretty resort of Chiavari near the mouth of the Entella River on the Italian Riviera is surrounded by dramatic mountains as they sweep down to the sparkling, deep blue sea. This delightful seaside town is a fabulous base from which to set out on our guided walks to discover the scenic charms, stunning coastlines and lovely villages of the Cinque Terre. Then you can stroll into the centre to browse through the shops and relax and watch the world go by from one of the welcoming bars and restaurants.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES & WALKS:

Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre refers to five picturesque villages which perch on the cliffs high above the Mediterranean – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglio, Manarola and Riomaggiore. We travel by train from Chiavari via Manarola to Riomaggiore, from where we follow the cliff path through the villages (approx. 6 hours’ walk). The scenery is truly inspiring and there are spectacular views all around. You can return by train from any of the five villages if you wish.

Rapallo & Portofino
Travel by train to Rapallo, then by bus to Ruta di Camogli, from where we begin an exhilarating walk through wooded hills (approx. 4 hours’ walk). We then enjoy a boat trip to the famous and quite beautiful town of Portofino. The view of the colourful houses overlooking the tiny harbour is the archetypal Italian Riviera vista. We continue to the attractive town of Santa Margherita Ligure for a stroll before returning by train to Chiavari.

Portovenere & Palmaria
A full day excursion by train and boat featuring a visit to the lovely fishing village of Portovenere and a sightseeing walk on the island of Palmaria (approx. 1 hour’s walk). Portovenere has a long and proud history, which has bequeathed the town a superb collection of ancient monuments, such as the Doria Castle and the Church of St. Peter.

CHOICE OF OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The Sanctuary of Montallegro
This half day excursion starts with a train journey to the pretty resort town of Rapallo, then a cable car ride up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, perched high above the town with wonderful views across the surrounding area. You will walk back down the hill through the woods to the coast, where there’s the chance to do a little exploring in Rapallo. You will return to Chiavari this afternoon.

Genoa
This fascinating city combines a great history with its role as Italy’s most important port. Throughout the Middle Ages, Genoa was a great power, its success built upon its fleet. It is today a bustling centre, filled with historic gems in the old town.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEICT
05/05/2009 £739
15/09/2009 £769

Deposit £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
* Single room supplement £100
* Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways Departing London Gatwick 0950 hrs Return arr. 1445 hrs All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Regional Connecting Flights
If you can’t fly direct to your destination from your local airport we offer the choice to take a regional connecting flight to Heathrow or Gatwick from as little as £29 per person return. Fly from Aberdeen, Belfast, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle or Newquay. (From £29 for Worldwide holidays and from £69 for European holidays.)

Transfers
Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 2 hours.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

STOP PRESS
Book any Travelsphere Holiday before 16th February 2009 and you could be one of five lucky winners of a £2,000 Travelsphere holiday voucher! Terms & Conditions apply

Walking in the Sorrento Hills - 8 days from £699

Walking in the Sorrento Hills with Travelsphere- 8 days from £699.

Explore the glorious Sorrento Peninsula with its winding roads and dramatic cliffs. Discover the beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, venture up majestic Mount Vesuvius, and join our fabulous optional excursions to Pompeii and the island of Capri. Take time to wander through the cobbled streets of this historic area or stroll down to the picturesque harbours.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

What's Included
* Return scheduled flights to Naples
* Transfers between airport and hotel
* Services of an air-conditioned executive coach
* Seven nights’ half board accommodation
* Services of a Get Up & Go Tour Manager
* Welcome drink * Three walks with a local guide as detailed
* Excursion to Naples
* All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges
* Insurance and cancellation cover

Walking Information
Our walks require a reasonable level of fitness and ideally some previous walking experience. You will need comfortable walking boots, a small rucksack, waterproofs, a hat and sunglasses. A local guide will also accompany you on your walks.

Grade 1 Walks
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day.

Grade 2 Walks
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day.

Accommodation
You will stay in the comfortable medium grade Hotel Delle Palme in the village of Sant’ Agata 2½ miles from Sorrento. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and garden, bar, restaurant, terrace and lift. All bedrooms feature private facilities, TV, telephone and air-conditioning.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Itinerary

DAY 1 - UK/ITALY
Depart on your scheduled flight to Naples. On arrival transfer to your hotel in the Sorrento area for a seven night stay.

DAYS 2 TO 7
Free to relax and enjoy our excursion programme. The following walks and activities are included:

Sorrento Hills
Offering wonderful panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, your walk starts from Sant’ Agata village and finishes down in Sorrento town where you will have free time for shopping and sightseeing (approx. 1½ hours’ walk).

Mount Vesuvius
An exciting three-quarter day tour to this famous volcano, including a local volcanologist guide. Enjoy a walk up the mountain path overlooking the lava fields before continuing to the crater itself for a walk around the rim (approx. 2 hours’ walk).

Amalfi Coast
This coastline is simply stunning. We start above the fashionable resort of Positano, which clings precariously to the cliffside and walk up through olive groves and vineyards to the village of Montepertuso. Continue to Nocelle and take the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ with its many steps, back down to Praiano and our waiting coach (approx. 3 hours’ walk).

Naples
A superb full day excursion visiting firstly the National Archaeological Museum, housing the finest artefacts from Campania’s ancient sites, followed by a walking tour of this vibrant and chaotic city, birthplace of the pizza and Sophia Loren.

The following excursions are optional:

Pompeii
A three-quarter day trip including a guided walking tour of this ancient ruined city of the roman Empire, frozen in time when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried the entire area under a layer of hot ash.

Capri
A full day excursion visiting the villages of Capri and Ana Capri, the Gardens of Caesar Augustus and see the Faraglioni Rocks.

DAY 8 - UK/ITALY
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEISF
28/04/2009 - £714
11/05/2009 - £749
21/09/2009 - £759
05/10/2009 - £699

Deposit £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
* Single room £105
* Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways Deaprting London Gatwick 1055 hrs Return arr. 1410 hrs All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Fly From Your Local Airport
You can fly to your destination from the following airports at the supplement shown below (per person).
Heathrow £NIL
Manchester £NIL
Stansted £NIL

Regional Connecting Flights
If you can’t fly direct to your destination from your local airport we offer the choice to take a regional connecting flight to Heathrow or Gatwick from as little as £29 per person return. Fly from Aberdeen, Belfast, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle or Newquay. (From £29 for Worldwide holidays and from £69 for European holidays.)

Transfers
Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 1 hour 15 mins

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

STOP PRESS
Book any Travelsphere Holiday before 16th February 2009 and you could be one of five lucky winners of a GBP2,000 Travelsphere holiday voucher! Terms & Conditions apply