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Bavaria is one of the most beautiful regions of Germany, especially around Berchtesgaden on the German-Austrian border not far from Salzburg (where the Sound of Music was filmed). Cow bells, alpenhorns, lederhosen, true Bavarian beer... and women having a fabulous introduction to walking in the Alps! You'll be surrounded by high mountain scenery, forests and gorges to walk through, and alpine pastures where farms sell milk and homemade bread and butter. There is also beautiful fiord-like Konigsee Lake, which we can cross by electric ferry to reach a lovely walk to Obersee and the 'ice chapel'. In addition, there are old baroque churches like the Maria Gern, or our path might return via an open-air swimming pool where we can stop for a dip. Since we're in Bavaria, we will of course never be far from a Gaststaette in the afternoon - for wonderful cake and coffee! There will be a choice of gentle and low intermediate walks each day, so this is an excellent opportunity to find out how much you can do if you're not sure. We will be climbing some hills, but at a slow and steady pace well within WalkingWomen grades. The paths are good, and since we're in the Alps, the air should be cooler for walking. On one day we will have a day off from walking to enjoy the local spa complex of swimming pools, steam rooms, and brine baths, or to visit Salzburg for a Mozart or Sound of Music tour (Salzburg is 40 minutes by bus). We'll be staying at the very comfortable and friendly Hotel Wittelsbach in the centre of Berchtesgaden where all the rooms have ensuite facilities, and women rave about the breakfasts! In the evening we will explore the good range of restaurants in town (not included - from £15). Single supplement: £10 a night. Guided by Yvonne & Heidi.

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Flight to Salzburg is not included. Transfer to Berchtesgaden IS included!
You can fly from Gatwick or Manchester to Salzburg with Thomsons. You can buy this flight through Charterflights.co.uk, or we are happy to book it for you (for a WW flight booking fee of £10).

The Gatwick & Manchester flights arrive at different times, and there will be 2 separate transfers to Berchtesgaden. These transfers are included in the cost of the holiday, and will take just under an hour.

Also includes: breakfast & packed lunches, transfer from Salzburg meeting BA flight, & all transport to walks - including ferry trip, + guided walks.

Not included: flight to Salzburg; evening meals out in local restaurants.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This fabulous South African holiday combines 6 days and nights in the Kruger National Park with 5 day walks in the scenically very beautiful and culturally interesting Panorama region of Mpumalanga. Here, to the east of Pretoria and Johannesburg, the Drakensburg escarpment continues northwards, paralleling the Kruger National Park, and during the Gold Rush years white settlers built small towns like Graskop, Pilgrim's Rest, and Sabie. Our walks will take us through beautiful indigenous forests or scented pinewoods to some of the striking waterfalls of the area, and across shining grasslands to the edge of the escarpment for breathtaking views over the Lowveld. On one day we will also drive north to see Bourkes Luck Potholes and walk the Leopard Trail for incredible views of the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world). Our base at Graskop will be in twin and single rooms at Panorama View cabins right on the edge of the Escarpment, eating out in Graskop restaurants in the evenings. After 4 nights here we drive to Kruger National Park famous for the 'big 5' (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, & rhino), staying for our first 3 nights at Talamati Camp - a small luxurious private camp overlooking a lush valley frequented by many grazers - and their predators… In the morning and late afternoon we will take game viewing drives in our two vehicles - resting up in the middle of the day, enjoying the view from our verandahs overlooking the bush or from the camp hide overlooking a waterhole. You can also join a ranger led bush walk early one morning, or a ranger night drive one evening (costing approx £20 each). We then drive to Skukusa Camp for 3 nights where we all stay in ensuite single cabins, most of them overlooking the beautiful Sabie River - an area with elephants, cheetah, lions, hippos, buffalo and many exotic birds. After this rich experience we'll drive back towards Johannesburg, staying for the last 2 nights in ensuite twin and single rooms at comfortable Bergwaters Eco Lodge near Waterval Onder to allow a last walk in another striking region of the high veld before we travel home.

Flight to Johannesburg is not included. Transfer from Jo'burg IS included!
The direct SAA (South African Airways) flight from Heathrow to Johannesburg is currently cheaper than the lowest priced indirect flights to Johannesburg! Book early for the best price. (Diana is flying on this SAA flight - please ask us for the details & flight numbers).

You can book this flight yourself on the Internet (SAA website, Expedia et) or we are happy to book it for you on our agent's ATOL license (costing £10 WW flight booking fee). If you book a different flight from this one please make sure it arrives no later than 09.00 on 8th August.

• 4 nights: Panorama View Chalets, Graskop (Twins or singles - some ensuite, or sharing bathroom)
• 3 nights: Talamati Camp, Kruger (1 twin & 1 single per cabin sharing bathroom)
• 3 nights: Skukusa Camp, Kruger (Everyone has an ensuite single. Single suppl. only for riverview chalets)
• 2 nights: Bergwaters Eco Lodge (Ensuite twins or Ensuite singles)

Not included: drinks, 5 evening meals in Graskop or Kruger restaurants - from £12.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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The lovely Bulgarian holiday starts with a first night in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's beautiful second city, from where we will travel via one of the largest and most atmopheric monasteries in Bulgaria - the Bachkovo Monastery - to the lush Rhodopi mountains in the south of Bulgaria. Though not as high as the Rila and Pirin massifs, the Rondopi are none-the-less striking with their rocky tops and outcrops, deep limestone gorges, fascinating caves, and beautiful flower-filled meadows. Here we will be based in the remote village of Yagodina, staying in ensuite twin rooms at the excellent Yagodina Hotel run by two sisters (Ens. Single supplement £10 a night). Women loved staying here in 2009! From here our walks will take us up through ancient forests and nature reserves that are home to roe deer, wild boar, and brown bears, and through lovely meadows full of flowers and butterflies. We will reach panorami viewpoints such as Mt Sveti Iliya, and explore stunning gorges such as the Trigrad Gorge with a cave where local legend says Orpheus emerged from the Underworld. Another cave, the Yagodina Cave not far from the village, is one of the most beautiful and interesting caves in Bulgaria with stalactites, stalagmites and a fascinating prehistoric dwelling… The last night of the holiday will be spent in the capital, Sofia, before flying home the next day. Guided by Beryl with local Bulgarian guide Svetoslava.

Flight from Gatwick or Manchester to Sofia is not included. However the transfers ARE included!
Our transfers meet the Easyjet flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Sofia. The flight is easy to book yourself on the Easyjet website, or we can happily book it for you if you wish (WW flight booking fee: £10). Book early for the best prices (flights are available now)!

Also includes: all breakfasts, packed lunches, & evening meals except for last snack lunch in Sofia; all transfers & transport; & guided walks including with local Bulgarian guide.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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The Tour of the Jungfrau region (TJR) is a horseshoe trek among some of the most spectacular scenery in all the Alps. It is a journey into the Bernese Oberland that will leave you awestruck: ridges, summits and passes, glaciers, waterfalls, gorges, beautiful mountain lakes, and always the extraordinary backdrop of the Eiger, Wetterhorn, Silberhorn, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Most of the places you stay are in atmospheric locations with breathtaking views, ranging from Alpine refuges with bunk beds and mattress platforms to comfortable small hotels with twin rooms. At certain points the trek includes short sections of fixed cables and some exposed sections that will stretch your comfort zone. No luggage transport is feasible, so you carry the extra clothes you need in your pack. At the mid point of the trek you'll walk the famous Eiger trail to the foot of the Eiger's north face where the summit will feel within arms' reach. Yet while this trek is strenuous, none of it is technical or at altitude. All bedding is provided so you'll only need a sheet liner. Spare gear can be kept to a minimum, and any unwanted travel gear can be left at the hotel in Interlaken where the holiday starts and finishes. You can catch the train there from either Geneva or Zurich airport, buying your ticket at the airport station for approximately £54 return. Alternatively you can do the whole journey by train from the UK, leaving in the morning and arriving in Interlaken at 19.35 for approximately £123 return. Whether you fly/train or train/train, we can help you book your tickets. The amazing mountain train from Interlaken to the start and end of the trek is included in the price. Guided by Sara B who will meet you in Interlaken station. Group size 8 max.

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Travel - flight or train to Interlaken is not included: You can fly to Geneva or Zurich from several UK airports & take the train from the airport to Interlaken. Alternatively you can take the train from the UK to Interlaken (from £123 return, taking all day).

Includes: breakfasts & 6 evening meals; mountain train & mountain bus beyond Interlaken to reach start of trek.
Not included: flight or train to Interlaken; lunches - for lunch we will stop at huts & refuges along the way - from £6-£9; 2 evening meals.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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This 6 night holiday to Glencoe will stay in chalet accomodation at Inchree Centre overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Corran Ferry. You will have seen post card photos of the magnificent scenery of this famous glen - with its 3 huge buttresses looking stunning in the sunshine, or moody and threatening in dark weather. Our choice of walks will depend on weather and local conditions and could include: the Ballachulish Horseshoe Beinn a Bheithir - a lovely ridgewalk with coastal views; Buachaille Etive Mor via Coire Tulaich; Buchaille Etive Beag; up to Sron Gharbh and back along the West Highland Way for views across to the Mamores and start of the Aonach Eagach ridge. If our legs are up to it, Bidean nam Bian, the biggest of the Glencoe hills at 1150m or even one of the Mamores from Kinlochleven will also be within our reach. When the forecast is good we'll have transport around to Glen Nevis via Fort William to 'do the Ben' - at 1343, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. For off days there are lovely valley walks and lower hills, Fort William is 10 miles away by bus, and Ballachulish and Glencoe villages have small shops and pubs. The chalets at Inchree Centre have 2-3 bedrooms each, and everyone can have a single room. This holiday is easy to reach by car, by train to Fort William, or by flight to Glasgow then train. We will arrange a 4pm shared taxi from Fort William station to Inchree. Breakfasts & packed lunches are included in the price. Evening meals are not included - from £12. We will take our meals in the Centre's diningroom. Guided by Anita.

Travel - nearest train station: Fort William, then 4pm shared taxi for the 10 miles to Inchree Centre.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, all transport to walks, & guided walks.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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The Dalmatian island of Brac lies off the coast from Split, threaded by lovely old mule tracks through olive groves and pinewoods. Ancient chapels and monasteries dot the island while along the rocky coast there are pebbly coves that invite a swim and small picturesque fishing resorts. Sutivan is one of these - built of famous Brac stone, and at night you can see the lights of Split across the water. Sutivan has no hotels so we do as Croatians do and stay in small apartments, all within walking distance of Pension Dora whose vine covered courtyard and restaurant/bar we will use as our focal point. Here we will share breakfasts, and meals on 4 evenings. On 3 evenings we'll eat out at seafront restaurants in smaller groups (not included - from £8). The apartments are simple and typically Croatian, some with ensuite rooms, others with 2 single rooms sharing a bathroom and small kitchen. Some have a terrace for relaxing after walking, others have sea views. At Pension Dora there are ensuite twins and singles. Besides a choice of Gentle & Low Intermediate walks, we will also take a day off to enjoy the sea, hire a bike or sea kayak, visit Diocletian's Palace, or simply relax with a book! Guided by Lorraine & Madeline.

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Flight to Split is not included - travel beyond Split IS included!: You can fly to Split with Easyjet from Gatwick & Bristol, and with Thomas Cook from Manchester - all landing in the morning.

Depending on the 2010 schedule, you may also be able to fly from Birmingham & Southampton. Please check with us before you buy your flight - or we are happy to buy it for you if you prefer (WW flight booking fee £10). Book early for the best prices - Easyjet flights are available now!

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, 4 evening meals, airport transfers, ferry to Brac, transport to walks, + a choice of guided walks each day.

Not included: Flight to Split; 3 evening meals; & any activity you do on the day off.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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Mull is one of the largest of the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland. It has a long and strikingly beautiful coastline of high cliffs and bays, with caves and rock arches, and views out to the many smaller islands that surround it. Most notable of these is the 'Holy Isle' of Iona where we will walk on one day. Another rewarding visit might be to cathedral-like Fingle's Cave on the island of Staffa, whose geometrical basalt pillars have even inspired a Mendelssohn overture! On other days we will take beautiful walks along Mull's coastline, stopping at sandy bays, or walking to other famous caves and rock features. The walks will Gentle in grade. We will be staying at women-run Ardachy House Hotel on the south coast, overlooking the deserted sands of Ardalanish Bay and the islands of Jura, Colonsay, and Islay. Iona is only 7 miles away; seals, otters and the elusive Corncrake are regular visitors to the area, and there is a standing stone and Iron Age fort close by. The hotel offers ensuite twin rooms, and plenty of ensuite or standard singles. Some of the bedrooms and the residents' lounge have a lovely view towards the sea. Mull is reached by train from Glasgow to Oban, then a magical ferry to Craignure on Mull, & local bus from the ferry to Bunassen where Maggie & Cathy will collect you. Guided by Fran. (Staffa Island boat trip £15 not included in the price as it depends on the weather).

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Travel to Mull: Mull is reached by a magical ferry trip from Oban on Scottish mainland. Oban is served in turn by a regular rail service from Glasgow, the overnight sleeper from London, and is also easily accessible by road (2.5 hours from Glasgow). Alternatively you can fly to Glasgow then take the train to Oban.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, all transport to walks, ferry to Iona + guided walks.

Not included: Staffa Island boat trip not included as it depends on weather conditions: £15. Bus from the ferry at Craignure to Bunassen £6 (collected from bus stop by Maggie or Cathy).

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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For this very popular De Hoope Whale Trail trip we fly to Cape Town where we'll have 5 days enjoying this extraordinary city and beautiful walks like the Lion's Head, the Contour Path, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and maybe Table Mountain by cable car. We then drive to the stunning De Hoope Whale Trail above the Indian Ocean - a 5-day intermediate trek where you carry a day pack only and walk through the wild scenery and flowers of the De Hoope Nature Reserve to a stretch of coast where the Southern Right whales come inshore to mate or give birth. Sometimes up to 50 of these sea giants can be seen at one time from the cliff path where we'll be walking. We can also dip down to swim in rock pools and walk along beautiful stretches of beach before climbing to our next 'cottage' on the cliffs. These cottages are relatively comfortable in that each has a kitchen, shared rooms with bunk beds, solar power and warm water (usually!). After the trek, we stay at the Windsor Hotel in the small resort town of Hermanus for 2 nights - walking in a nature reserve, eating out overlooking the sea and whales, or taking a whale watching boat trip. We will then detour to Cape Point - the very tip of Africa - on our way back to our Cape Town B&B for the last night. In Cape Town before and after the trek there'll be time to visit Robben Island, the townships, the market, the Waterfront, and to eat out in great restaurants (eve. meals in Cape Town & Hermanus not included - from £10).

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Flight to Cape Town is not included. Transfer from Cape Town airport IS included!
The SAA flight from London Heathrow direct to Cape Town is currently cheaper than the lowest priced indirect flight! Book early for the best prices! (Please ask us for the details and flight times)

You can book this flight yourself on the Internet (SAA website, Expedia et) or we are happy to book it for you on Expedia or with our agents on their ATOL license (costing £10 WW flight booking fee). If you book a different flight from this one please you may need to pay your own transfer from Cape Town airport to the B&B in Cape Town.

Also includes: breakfasts & packed lunches; evening meals on trek: transfers & transport to walks & trek; luggage portage on trek; NP Conservation fees; Cape Point entrance fees.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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White dolomite mountains, crystal clear lakes, hayracks and traditional villages, river gorges and tumbling waterfalls… Slovenia is surely one of the most beautiful and friendly places to visit in Europe! For this holiday we will be based in Bled on the edges of the Julian Alps - a small resort town beside a jewel of a lake. Bled is surrounded by meadows and beech woods. We can walk on good paths around the lake and into the surrounding countryside - to pretty villages with their wooden barns and ornate church spires, and to dramatic Vintgar Gorge. This year there will be a choice of Gentle and Low Intermediate walks each day - and you can swap grades if need be to stretch or take it easy. After walking, we can sit in cafés by the lake, visit the castle, and row to the island (or get a boatman to take us there!) On one day we will visit lovely Lake Bohinj to walk along its shore. Here we can also take the Vogel cable car to reach views of the Julian Alps, then catch the ferry back along the lake (Cable car optional - £8). For this holiday we have reserved all the rooms at Penzion Vila Kolinska in a quiet residential part of Bled - ensuite twin rooms and a good number of ensuite singles (Single supplement £10 a night). In the evening we'll walk back into the centre to explore Bled's good places (evening meals not included - from £15). Guided by Madeline & Helen.

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Flight to Ljubljana not included. Transfer to meeting Easyjet flight is included!:
For this holiday you can fly to Ljubljana with Easyjet from London Stansted. (No Adria flights from Manchester on these dates). Or you can take an indirect flight from Manchester with Air France.

You can book the Easyjet flight yourself - or we can book it for you (WW flight booking fee £10). The transfer meets the Easyjet flight and is included in the price.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, airport transfer meeting Easyjet flight, all transport to walks, ferry on Lake Bohinj, gorge entrance fees + a choice of guided walks.

Not included: Flight to Ljubljana; evening meals - from £12; cable car (optional) - £8.

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335

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Over this Turkish holiday we will journey from Marmaris to Fethiye, sometimes cruising, but usually walking to the next rendezvous point along forested tracks and quiet lanes with views to the mountains, the woods, or out over the islands along this lovely coast. The walks vary to suit the terrain, averaging low intermediate in grade with one steeper ascent. Walking to Dalyan village we will catch a river boat to the mud baths and ruins at Caunos, while on other days there may be 2-3 shorter walks with sailing in between - to take in Cleopatra's Bath, other Roman ruins and tombs, or the sunset from Yassica Island. On the last day there will be an optional excursion to view the amazing Saklikent Gorge and the ruins of Tlos - or you might prefer a relaxing day on the boat, swimming from a nearby beach. The holiday is priced on a full board basis with delicious meals served on deck in the evening by our friendly crew.

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Flight to Dalaman is not included. Transfer meeting IS included.
There are Easyjet flights from Gatwick & Manchester to Dalaman arriving at approximately the same time. The transfer will meet these flight and is included in the price.

You can book your flight online, or we can book it for you (WW flight booking fee £10). Please talk to us before you book any other flight. Currently on the outgoing flight is available (best to buy it now, then the return leg later).

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, all transport in Turkey, excursion to Caunos ruins & mud baths, + guided walks.

Not included: Drinks; optional excursion to Saklikent gorge & Tlos ruins (£40); tips (allow £15-£20).

You can book online - or phone us on: 08456 445335