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Our new Tuscany holiday takes place in the magnificent, wooded Garfagnana valley, set between the green, rolling Apennine mountains and the more rugged "marble mountains" of the Alpi Apuane. Our walks will be through woods to attractive hillside villages, and on rough mountain tracks where the 'ups' will be rewarded by extensive views as far as the Ligurian coast. We will also have a day off from walking to visit the beautiful walled city of Lucca with its marble clad churches and winding streets, or to take time out and relax by the pool back at Casine Di Bracciacorti where we stay. The Casine comprises of several small chalets/villas converted from the original farm buildings plus a larger central villa where we will have our meals. The food will be traditional Tuscan fare prepared by our hosts - a real treat not to be missed! There are plenty ensuite or standard singles available (Single supplements a night: £15 Ensuite, £10 Standard). The grounds are extensive with space to wander, a large swimming pool, and even a 6-hole golf course! Transport to the walks will be by private minibus. The day out in Lucca will be by train taking in the stunning scenery along the Serchio river. All meals are included except on the free day when there are plenty of cafes to choose from in Lucca and a trip to the local pizzeria in the evening is a must!

Flight to Pisa is not included. Airport transfer IS included!
You can fly from Gatwick, Bristol, Manchester & Newcastle to Pisa, all arriving between 10.30-12.10. We will have 2 minibus transfers to cover this spread of flights.
(On 12th Jun, return transfers will suit flights leaving 11.00-13.00).

Easyjet fly from Gatwick & Bristol, and Jet2 from Newcastle & Manchester. (Thomsons also flies from Manchester). We are happy to book your flight for you if you wish. WW flight booking fee is £10. Book early for the best flight prices (flights are available now)!

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, 6 evening meals; transfers meeting certain flights; all transport to walks, + guided walks.

Not included: Flight to Pisa & 1 snack lunch in Lucca, & 1 inexpensive pizzeria evening meal.

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

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This lovely holiday with Diana & Lorraine is based near Lake Bohinj in the Julian Alps and offers a rich choice of Low Intermediate and Intermediate walks from our base at friendly Penzion Bohinj. There are wonderful low walks beside the lake and through the Bohinj valley with its low hills and hay meadows full of flowers. Here the Bohinj River flows emerald with snowmelt, while one of its tributaries has carved a dramatic limestone gorge that we can walk through. Higher up, there are beautiful hillside pastures and more waterfalls, refuges, and views of the Julian Alps to tempt us beyond the Vogel cable car. On one day we will visit Bled to walk the famous Vintgar Gorge and relax in cafes by this other jewel of a lake. Penzion Bohinj offers ensuite single rooms - enough for everyone to have a single (and we only charge a supplement for rooms with a balcony!)! The rooms are not large and are simply furnished in a clean modern style, each with a small shower room. Downstairs is the large dining room that opens onto the garden, and we'll eat here on 4 nights - simple but tasty home-cooked meals, and go out to eat on the remaining 3 nights (restaurant meals not included - from £10).

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Travel - flight to Ljubljana not included: Easyjet direct flight from Stansted or Adria Airways flight from Manchester is not included - but we can happily book it for you. Transfer will meet both flights. Book early for the best prices (flights are available now)!

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, 4 evening meals, transfer (meeting Easyjet Stansted or Adria Airways Manchester flights); all transport to walks, Bohinj boat trip, & entrance fees + guided walks.

Not included: Flight, 3 evening meals from £10, Vogel cable car - approx £8.

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

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Exmoor offers a wonderful variety of Intermediate walks with its changing landscapes from dramatic coastline to open moorland, wooded combes and hidden valleys. In June the moors will be vibrant with flowers and the sound of birds and insects, while autumn brings wonderful golden colour to Exmoor's oak woodlands, and you might hear the sound of rutting stags locking antlers. These two holidays with Chrissie are based at the friendly Lorna Doone Hotel In Porlock - a family-run hotel with ensuite twin rooms and plenty of ensuite singles, each named from the Lorna Doone story. Porlock traces its origins back to the 12th Century - a charming village with narrow streets, many interesting shops, an ancient parish church, and some lovely thatched buildings. From here we can walk across Porlock Bay and up onto the moors towards Minehead, taking the SW Coast Path to the top of Bossington Hill, or following the coast more closely to look down over wooded combes to the sea. In the other direction we can walk to tiny Culbone Church and beyond, or there are several circular walks - up steep sided Dunkery Hill for fabulous views from Dunkery Beacon, or via Horner Wood up to Nutscale reservoir. In the evening we'll eat in the hote's excellent dining room. Taunton is the nearest station with frequent fast direct trains from London & Birmingham at good advance prices. We will arrange a 4pm shared taxi from the station (or a lift by Chrissie depending on numbers).

Travel - nearest train station: Taunton with fast direct trains from London & Birmingham.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, local bus if needed, + guided walks.

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

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Here is a great new venue allowing us to explore the stunning North Yorkshire coast and nearby Yorkshire Moors. Sneaton Castle centre is situated in extensive grounds above the picturesque seaside resort and ancient harbour of Whitby. This refurbished 19th century castle offers plenty of comfortable ensuite single rooms and good home-cooked food. From here we can explore the fabulous Cleveland coast - heading south past the beautiful ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey to Robin Hoods Bay, or north to Runswick Bay and the attractive old fishing port of Staithes. Inland we can reach the heather-clad North York Moors - Heartbeat country - to enjoy a fab circuit on Fylingdales Moor, or the 'Glaisdale Round' if we feel up for it! On the last morning we can even take the steam train to Goathland station (used to film Harry Potter's 'Hogsmead') and walk to Mallyan Spout waterfall. Some of these walks may be up to 10 miles in length to give you the best walks of the area. Guided by Helen.

Travel - nearest train station: Scarborough, then a bus to Whitby & taxi up the hill to Sneaton Castle 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 meadow flowers will be at their best for this July Rhodopi Mountains holiday! The 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 (Single supplement £10 a night). Last year's group really loved their stay here! 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 Helen 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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An opportunity to spend a week in the splendour of the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy's Western Alps - with breathtaking views all around, alpine flowers, marmots, ibex and chamoix! There will be 2 guides to offer an Intermediate and a High Alpine choice each day (walking with a day pack only - your luggage is transported for you). We start from Albergo Gran Paradiso, Noasca, in the Valle del Orca, making our way over 2 days past beautiful lakes to Col del Nivolet and spending a night on the way at valley refuge Le Fonti. At Col del Nivolet we stop for 3 nights at Rifugio Citta di Chivasso which is perched spectacularly above the lakes of Piano del Nivolet and a whole new alpine valley. This wonderful traditional refuge has dormitory beds, cold water washing, and excellent food in true Italian style. Here there are walks at both levels, with stunning views of glaciers and distant ranges including Gran Paradiso itself, or less rugged paths through flower filled Piano del Nivolet. On the 5th day we return to Rifugio Le Fonti via an old royal game trail - perhaps the best day of all, then back past quaint deserted villages with frescoes to Noasca for our last night. The high walks are 'High Alpine' on 2 days when there is more descent than usual.

The 3 nights of high refuge life are a wonderful experience, but resources at altitude are limited, and taking account of this is a necessary part of the holiday: use water sparingly, hand wash rather than shower; solar power only - no power sockets available; bottled drinking water.

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Flight to Turin not included - however the transfer IS included!: Our transfer meets the Ryan Air flight from London Stansted to Turin. This is easy to book yourself, or we can happily buy your ticket for you on the Internet (WW flight booking fee: £10). Book early for the best prices - flights are available now!

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, a choice of 2 guided walks each day, transfer from/to Turin airport meeting Ryan Air flight, all luggage transport on trek.

Not included: Flight; bottled water at highest refuge, & any dried fruit, nuts or chocolate you might wish to bring with you to supplement your refuge packed lunches.

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

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Grasmere is one of the most central yet easily reached villages in the Lake District - with stunning scenery that has inspired poets and artists alike. We'll be staying at Glenthorne Guest House not far from the village centre, with wonderful views in three directions, comfortable bedrooms, and excellent food! From here there are plenty of superb Intermediate walks to explore in the surrounding Grasmere fells. Wild Blea Rigg is always wonderfully deserted despite its stunning views of Easedale Tarn on the way up, and of the Langdale Pikes from the top. The path up Helm Crag also offers its own rewards with great views over Grasmere and a lovely long ridge walk to follow. On other days, we might find ourselves climbing the hillside to Alcock Tarn and Heron Pike, stopping for a swim in deserted Codale Tarn, or stretching ourselves as far as High Raise for its fabulous views. If we don't mind driving around to Great Langdale, there can even be an exciting foray onto the Langdale Pikes!

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Travel - nearest train station: Windermere, then frequent bus from the station forecourt to Grasmere + 4 minutes walk to Glenthorne.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals + guided walks.

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

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Here's a chance for some fab Intermediate walks from Littletown Farm in the beautiful Newlands Valley beyond Keswick - a venue which has proved a great success since we started staying there last year. Littletown Farm nestles against the hillside close to the path up Cat Bells, and from here we can head up onto strikingly shaped Causey Pike across the valley, or over whale-backed Knott Rigg towards Buttermere, not forgetting the new vantage point we'll have to walk the stunning High Spy ridge and Cat Bells. Littletown farm, which was actually mentioned in Beatrix Potter's Mrs Tiggywinkle, has its own licensed bar, serves excellent home-cooked evening meals, and offers comfortable twin and single rooms (with ensuite or private facilities) each with its own stunning view looking directly onto the fells. Guided by Marian.

Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus to Keswick, & 5 mile taxi to Littletown Farm.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + guided walks.

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

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This Great Langdale holiday offers you a choice of walks each day so that you can stretch or take it easy according to how you feel. 'Slow High' walks are high level walks taken at a slower pace. The holiday is based at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale - a lovely old building with charm and character located beneath the Langdale Pikes. From here we will have Lingmoor Fell, Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell right on our doorstep. The Coniston Fells will also be within reach, and of course, the shapely Langdale Pikes will be a 'must' for both groups, offering magnificent views from their rocky tops. The ODG offers a good mix of shared and single rooms, some of which have ensuite facilities while others are standard with a washbasin and a bathroom nearby. Most of the bedrooms have good views of the valley and the surrounding fells. The inn has a popular Hikers Bar which we can enjoy after our walks, and dinner will be served in the dining room at 7pm. Well-behaved dogs are allowed. (Extra nights: £63.00 full board).

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Travel - nearest train station: Windermere (+ bus or shared lift/taxi from station to the hotel).

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals + guided walks.

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

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Built in AD 122 during the time of Emperor Hadrian to "separate the Romans from the barbarians", Hadrian's Wall is Europe's largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO world heritage site. This year we are offering 2 holidays of different grades based at the Twice Brewed Inn with ensuite twin rooms and standard doubles and twins that we can take as singles. The inn has a prime location for exploring some of the most spectacular Intermediate sections of the Wall as well as the beautiful Northumbrian countryside beyond. There will be milecastles, turrets, Robin Hood's tree, fascinating Roman forts, and dramatic stretches of the Wall. On the last day we can walk from Vindolanda Fort onto Barcombe Fell for a last view of the wall receeding into the west. In the evenings we will eat together at the inn (not included - from £12.00). Bardon Mill station is 2.5 miles away by taxi.

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Travel - nearest train station: Bardon Mill station - 2.5 miles away by taxi.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, transport by local bus along the wall if needed, + guided walks.

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

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Away from the crowds, this August break has exclusive use of High Trenhouse near tranquil Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales - a beautifully converted farm and outbuildings on the edge of the moors above Malham Cove and Gordale. The Pennine Way from Malham Cove passes close by on its way to Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent, and across the moors are interesting paths to the pretty village of Arncliffe and the lively town of Settle with its tearooms and small shops. High Trenhouse offers a large number of single rooms - a boon for WW groups - and most have ensuite facilities. There are comfortable spaces for relaxing or making our own fun including a small honesty bar. The food is delicious, and there's even a sauna and Jacuzzi - so bring your swimsuit! A choice of Gentle and Intermediate walks each day will allow you to move between the grades to take it easy or stretch according to mood. We will also arrange an inexpensive shared lift from nearby Settle station at approx 4pm.

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Travel - nearest train stations: Settle (or Skipton). There will be an inexpensive shared lift from Settle station at 4pm.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + guided walks.

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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This 4-night holiday with Lorraine & Sally stays at Glaramara Centre in Borrowdale and offers a choice of Intermediate and Slow High walks each day. You can choose which grade you prefer and swap the next day if need be. Slow High walks are high level walks taken at a slower, more intermediate, pace. For Intermediate walks we might warm up on a walk to Watendlath Tarn via Rosthwaite with fabulous views back to the valley. We will also include the fabulous High Spy ridge where our efforts will be rewarded with views in all directions and a lovely descent overlooking Derwent Water. On other days we might be tempted by Haystacks near Buttermere - Wainwrights's favourite fell, or rocky Glaramara - the fell across the valley where we'll pass waterfalls on our way to the summit. Slow High walks could start with rocky Glaramara across the valley, perhaps continuing beyond over Allen Crags, to descend next to a tumbling beck. On another day we might climb steadily to Dale Head for views of all the Central Fells, then return via Honister Pass to finish along an old miners track. Great Gable will also be within our range, leaving something shorter and lower for our last day... For this holiday we are staying at the Glaramara Centre near Seatoller. Though its decor is simple and like a hostel in some respects, Glaramara has plenty of single rooms without a supplement, serves delicious food, and is fantastic value in every way. It has a bar and a large comfy lounge, and the general atmosphere is warm and friendly.

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Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus from the station to Keswick, and bus up the valley.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, & evening meals, & a choice of guided walks each day.

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

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This summer Clare & Yvonne offer you a choice of Gentle and Intermediate walks from comfortable Losehill Hall near Castleton where the landscapes of the White and the Dark Peak meet. You can choose the grade you prefer: Gentle walks include the Hope Valley and fascinating Cavedale nearby; a visit to the Blue John Cavern, a gentle walk in Edale, or we might want to stretch ourselves for fabulous views from Mam Tor by taking a gently ascending route onto this stunning broad ridge. Intermediate walks will include more ridges and moors - the Great Ridge of Rushup Edge, Mam Tor and Losehill; the striking Kinder Edges from Edale; Win Hill ridge with its fab views over Ladybower reservoir; or the circuit of Abney Moor from Brough or Bradwell. Losehill Hall is a lovely old Victorian mansion set in its own extensive grounds 10 mins walk from Castleton village, and we've reserved all ensuite singles without a supplement. Losehill Hall is the National Peak Park Study Centre, run on eco-centre lines (everything is recycled, ensuite showers instead of baths, communal tea/coffee facilities…). The Hall has a good bar, a comfortable lounge, and the food served in the dining room is excellent.

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Travel - nearest train station: Hope Station, then 2 mile taxi ride to Losehill Hall.

Also includes: breakfasts, packed lunches, evening meals, any transport to walks, + a choice of guided walks.

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

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This 3-night holiday with Sarah is a wonderful introduction to stunning intermediate fells of Borrowdale. We might warm up on the path to Watendlath Tarn - via Rosthwaite or Dock Tarn depending on our inclination - then circle down the Watendlath Valley to as far as the Lodore Falls if we wish. We can also include the fabulous High Spy ridge where our efforts will be rewarded with views in all directions and a lovely descent overlooking Derwent Water. On our last day we might be tempted by a shorter foray onto rocky Glaramara - the fell across the valley where we'll pass waterfalls on the way to the summit. If the weather keeps us low, there will be plenty of lovely low rambles through Borrowdale to enjoy. Glaramara Centre, though like a hostel in some respects, has mainly single rooms without a supplement, serves delicious food, and is fantastic value in every way. Its bar and large comfy lounge both have open log fires if needed, and the general atmosphere is warm and friendly.

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Travel - nearest train station: Penrith Station, then bus from the station to Keswick, and bus up the valley.

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

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