ATG Oxford 2018 News

Quality : Value : Service 2018 COMPANY NEWS

In 2016, following the UK ‘Brexit’ vote to leave the European Union (EU), ATG contingency planning exposed unrealised advantages of moving much of its business to the EU. Savings could be made, efficiencies and productivity increased, and prices reduced.

Moving the independent Footloose programme to the EU proved highly successful: client assessment of excellent/good ‘Overall Enjoyment’ and ‘Value for Money’ rose to 99% and 94% respectively and the highest percentage of increased bookings since …1987!

To remain competitive, irrespective of political shenanigans, and compliant with EU legislation and licensing regulations, ATG has invested in powerful new integrated software, programmed so the Company can operate from the UK, EU …or beyond.

Climate Change: Winter Walking

• Back page NEW: Unknown Abruzzo

• Pages 10-11

Onward and upward! Book now with confidence…!

ENVIRONMENT

ATG’s founding (1979) Principles of Environmental Best Practice, thought to be a ‘bit quirky’ at the time, now seem to have acquired increased relevance.

The Company has become a leader in the field, recognised with a long succession of prestigious international awards and accreditations, from the National Geographic and Conservation International World Legacy Award, to ISO14001; whilst the ATG Trust supports sustainable development projects in areas visited: ‘Giving Something Back’!

What more is ATG doing?

• Electric mini-buses: awaiting manufacture!

• Solar energy: permission to install this at Pieve a Castello has finally materialised, comes with a partial grant (!) and will be installed before the end of 2017.

• New fundraising: Following clients’ suggestions, the weekly concerts in the acoustically perfected church at Pieve a Castello have been given limited public access – a festival of music, gastronomy and heritage every Saturday during the season.

• New IT system offers even more trip information.

• Quality questionnaires online: less paper use etc.

• Our objective is continual improvement: Suggestions please!

NEW: Barolo & the Langhe Hills

• Pages 12-13 NEW: High Paths to Assisi

• Pages 14-15 NEW: Itineraries at Pieve a Castello

• Pages 16-26

Ophrys Sipontensis: Europe’s most beautiful wild orchid, found only in the Gargano Peninsula.

Escorted Flowers of the Gargano – 14th April.

Who was Pietro da Morrone? Master violinmaker and mentor of Stradavarius? Medieval mathematician and author of De Perspectiva 1347? A Pope who abdicated after 107 days? Answer page 11.

Sicily: Centre to Sea: High pastures and forests of the Madonie Mountains with their isolated villages and simple but welcoming hotels. The Footloose – superior option now has 2 nights in Cefalù at 5-star Hotel Le Calette.

Historic Routes: ATG routes include Phoenician, Etruscan, Roman and early medieval routes, including 225 miles along the ancient Via Francigena, to Rome.

ATG Escorted Europe: Highest quality walking trips – the very best of every area; from walking, hotels, restaurants; to excursions, flowers and birds; with ATG-trained Leader and Manager to ‘make it all happen’....

Highly trained ATG Footloose Route Managers take care of all the practicalities on route and ensure the success of your holiday.

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HOTEL SURVIVAL: PLEASE HELP! The closure of increasing numbers of small, family-run hotels is being hastened by interactive media. A few adverse (possibly unwarranted) reviews can take a hotel from number 3 in a town or area to number 23 causing devastating financial consequences.

Many of these small hotels are marginal businesses, unable to compete on price with the economies of scale enjoyed by larger establishments, especially MassTourism ‘bus’ hotels, and only survive because family members take minimal wages.

Awareness of how easily ratings can be manipulated seems not to affect the credibility of interactive travel sites. Are negative reviews bona fide, from competitors, potential acquisitors, or from someone having a ‘bad hair day’? ATG Route Managers are assessed on ‘hotel management’, visit the hotels daily, and know the proprietors and staff well.

ATG respectfully asks its clients, should they wish to comment negatively on any hotel on an ATG trip, not to share their views online before telling ATG about the perceived issues. ATG will respond immediately, find out the facts, let you know the response of the hotel owners and the action being taken.

To be able to make continuous journeys on foot, we need to ensure that any and every perceived issue is resolved and that these small, family-run hotels not only survive but are continually improving.

UNKNOWN UMBRIA Following the 2016 earthquakes, evidence of significant damage still remains – and although limited mostly to some small villages and churches at the start of the trip, and re-building work is progressing, the damage in this outstandingly beautiful area of Italy may be distressing to see.

ATG ‘discovered’ the area 30 years ago and is credited with introducing tourism that so richly sustained the local economy. The ATG Trust is currently considering several projects in the area. After 30 years ATG knows the area intimately.

For anyone wishing to walk Unknown Umbria & Spoleto, the Independent 5-day walk from Norcia to Spoleto is ‘open’, and we are offering departures for the Escorted Unknown Umbria and Flowers of Umbria, but walks may be modified according to progress in restoration of roads and villages over the coming months.

ELECTRIC BIKES As range and reliability increase, these offer an ideal way to explore the countryside, and ATG ‘Freewheeling’ itineraries guide you to the best traffic-free routes.

However, electric bikes are expensive; nevertheless, if you are interested in this option we will be pleased to quote.

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

NEW TRIPS Unknown Abruzzo This new Escorted itinerary encompasses high mountain meadows (flower-filled in spring) with panoramic views; spectacular gorges with rock churches and historic hermitages; outstanding frescoes, Roman sites; 4 & 5 * hotels. Walking options approx. 2 hours AM and PM, with one ‘big’ walk. Flights to Rome Fiumicino.

See pages 10-11.

Barolo & the Langhe Hills Characterised by forest producing the world-renowned white truffles of Alba, vineyards producing the famous red wines of Barolo and views of the Alps’ snow-capped peaks. There are both Escorted and Independent 5 & 8day options (standard 5-day: £445), interesting paths, good hotels and restaurants, and easy access.

See pages 12-13.

High Paths to Assisi This inspiring, Escorted variation to the popular, longestablished ‘Way to Assisi’ route, starts in Spoleto, then instead of crossing the valley, stays high, amongst olive groves of Monte Serano, to the hilltop town of Trevi, with its panoramic views and fine frescoed churches; before continuing to Spello, and across Monte Subasio to Assisi.

See pages 14-15.

PIEVE A CASTELLO New Itineraries 2018 When selecting a new As you Like It itinerary for 2018, the area’s incomparable wealth of possibilities enabled us to choose the best three! Each itinerary has great art cities, world-renowned abbeys, gardens, wine estates, iconic hill towns and villages; historic paths, tracks and some wonderful walking. We also have a new Great Walks tour for those who want 10-15 miles of walking per day.

See pages 16-26.

Concert Festival Many clients have suggested that the regular weekly concerts at Pieve a Castello should be open to the public – so in 2018 they will be. A celebration of heritage, music and gastronomy to raise funds for ATG Trust conservation projects in Italy: ‘Giving something back’.

Flights and mid-week departures ATG has moved the start dates of Pieve a Castello trips to mid-week departures, when flight times are often far more convenient, prices often cheaper, airports less congested, and public transport schedules less restricted than at weekends.

Elderflower orchids, found in abundance on the new Unknown Abruzzo trip (June dates); Flowers of the Gargano and Flowers of the Brenta Dolomites.

The Langhe Hills: Characterised by vineyards producing the famous red wines of Barolo, long atmospheric views with wonderful colours; and renowned cuisine.

Fine, challenging walking following high paths along the ancient olive grove route, and over Monte Subasio, to Assisi, birthplace of St Francis.

Pieve a Castello: three new As You Like It itineraries; and a new Great Walks itinerary, with longer, daily walks along pilgrim paths to iconic destinations.

A new, weekly concert festival is planned for Saturday nights at Pieve a Castello – open to the public and offering superb music, food and wine. All proceeds to the ATG Trust.

Midweek departures: Trips at Pieve a Castello will run from Tuesday-Tuesday, to take advantage of better flight times and prices, and less stressful travel conditions!

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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ATG Escorted: What is 'the best'?

Everything included

Quality

ATG is almost alone in the travel industry in offering Escorted trips on which, from the moment you meet our Tour Consultants to the moment you leave for home, everything except your own private expenditure (drinks between meals, postcards, gifts) is included.

ATG never compromises on quality to sell on price ATG provides the best that each area of the world has to offer. Itineraries are created with this sole purpose, irrespective of price.

This has been the basis of all ATG Escorted trips for 39 years.

Quality & Value The ‘best’ is what, for over 39 years, tens of thousands of clients have told us is ‘the best’ – what they really want: The best picnic lunches

Celebrated ATG picnic lunches on all European trips! They’re even showing up on some Discovering Worldwide trips.

ATG’s transformation of the picnic into an art form is starting to have an influence!

The best available accommodation

The best available restaurants

Discovering local cuisine is another of the delights of travel. ATG trips include many restaurants with Michelin stars and other accolades, as well as family-run restaurants serving traditional home cooking.

PHOTO: MYA PADGET

PHOTO: FRANCIS ORAVETZ

The best that each area of the world has to offer. The best views, flowers and wildlife, interaction with local people and their way of life, cultural heritage – monuments, art and music.

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

The best itineraries

Exclusive features

The best Tour Leaders and Managers

You might stay in one of the best hotels in the world, e.g. in Palermo (below), on the Best of Western Sicily trip, or in a simple mountain hotel with wide views.

On Original Journeys trips your daily destination on foot is where you stay overnight. One of the joys of travelling is discovering hotels with a range of character and charm.

Treat yourself to the best... exclusive entrance to private palaces; a private visit to St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice (below); private classical music concert in the church of Pieve a Castello; a flight in a private light aircraft over Cape Horn and sailing down the Beagle Channel; or a superlative view of the Palio horse race in Siena.

The best transport arrangements

The best environmentally

And finally...

...to minimise ‘down-time’ and maximise enjoyment of the best that the area has to offer. ATG has its own modern fleet of deluxe Mercedes minibuses, enabling people to walk as much or as little as they like.

ATG is run within an accredited Environmental Management System (EMS) – ISO 14001.

The Company is ‘Carbon Neutral’.

ATG has one of the highest repeatbooking rates in the travel industry. 97% of new clients come through referrals from other ATG travellers!

PHOTO: BRETT COURTENAY

ATG Leaders and Managers are trained to work to the very highest standards, and they know that it’s not where you travel, but decisions on priorities and focus on excellence, together with preparation and planning, that determine the quality of a trip.

ATG clients are people who want the best possible travel experience and know that value is what matters.

All transport is ‘Carbon-Offset’.

Certificate Number 5739 ISO 14001: 2004

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Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

ATG Hotels ATG hotels are carefully selected for their quality, their value and convenient location for travellers on foot.

Many have been welcoming ATG clients for years, for a generation or more, and frequent visits (sometimes daily!) by ATG Managers ensure warm, on-going professional relations....

‘‘

ATG selects only the best and most characteristic hotels, conveniently situated for travellers on foot.

’’

Style

Hotels range from 5* palace hotels to converted village houses; from refurbished monasteries to spa hotels; and from quaint B+B’s to long-established, family-run ‘boutique-style’ hotels....

ATG is renowned for providing ‘best-quality and value’ hotels. All offer an enjoyable night’s stay, with the degree of luxury directly reflected in the price of your trip.

Information

ATG provides total transparency with regard to hotels used. Publishing hotel names, locations, star ratings and pictures along with the ATG itineraries, gives them integrity. It also enables clients who require more information to check hotels on the internet.

Italy • Igliano Le Piemontesine HHHH Barolo & the Langhe Hills Escorted and Footloose

Portugal • Sintra Palácio de Seteais HHHHH Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Escorted and Superior Footloose

France • St Hippolyte Hôtel Le Parc HHHH Classic Alsace Escorted and Superior Footloose

Spain • Deia La Residencia HHHHH Mallorca: Mountains & Sea Escorted

Italy • Monteriggioni Pieve a Castello Residenza d’Epoca

Italy • Sovana Sovana Hotel & Resort HHHH Unknown Tuscany Escorted and Footloose

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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Who goes on Footloose Trips?

Footloose trips are for those who enjoy genuine travel experiences, the satisfaction of making a journey on foot, and have at least 5 days and £445 to spare….

Will you enjoy a Footloose trip?

If you are active, have an inquiring mind and enjoy a wide spectrum of interests, you have a taste for (mild) adventure, and want to return from your trip feeling fitter and healthier – the answer is YES! Footloose will provide all this and more – glorious countryside, days filled with a range of interests – flowers, birds, historic villages, art and architecture. Add to this comfortable accommodation (standard and superior options), with your luggage waiting for you in your room, good food and wine... and you will join the 99% of ATG travellers who rate their overall enjoyment as ’excellent/good’.

Will you meet other walkers on the route?

Do you have to walk all the way?

Most people do, but if you feel like an easy day – just phone the Route Manager, and he or she will advise you on the local transport options available, which may include a lift to the next hotel.

6

PHOTO: MYA PADGET

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

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

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

PHOTO: JIM SCOTT

People of all ages, from babies in backpacks to 80-year-olds, couples, small groups of friends, and families from all over the world enjoy Footloose trips...

What about bringing children?

Footloose is a popular holiday for parents with small, ‘portable’ children, or children over 10 – who can manage the distances and enjoy being entrusted with the Route Booklet – to find the way! The idea of a journey and the sense of achievement, together with the wide variety of interests everywhere en route, provide the recipe for a great family holiday.

How many days should you go for?

Itineraries vary from 5 to 8 days, with 8 days being the most popular.

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

7–8 day itineraries: These include 4–6 different hotels, and 1 or 2 rest days at places of outstanding interest en route. The itineraries are designed as ideal week-long holidays. ...or link 3 trips together and walk for 22 days to Rome!

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

What about bringing a group of friends?

Footloose is an excellent and popular way to enjoy a holiday with a group of friends. Some routes can accommodate groups of up to 10.

Please contact the office for details.

When can you start?

You can start any day during months when the routes are open, subject to availability.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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How will you find your way?

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

The ATG Route Booklet is the key to the success of a Footloose holiday. With it you will have an excellent holiday. Without it you will be – literally – lost!

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

ATG footloose HUNGARY: THE DANUBE BEND OXFORD

ROUTE BOOKLET

p

p

p

p

The booklet anticipates your needs…

PHOTO: SARAH DOMONEY

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

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•

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

•

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

•

Town plans marked with walking route and location of hotels

•

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

•

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

• •

Restaurants, etc., with notes and price guides

•

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

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

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

ATG Route Managers What about the practicalities en route?

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

‘You will be welcomed...’

Michela Thomann Route Manager, Dordogne

What will your Route Manager do?

•

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

• •

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

• • • • • • •

Provide you with up-to-date information about events in the area, such as festivals or exhibitions Make reservations for you at restaurants en route, if required Advise you on local transport services, as required Answer any questions you may have Transport your luggage on the route Give you telephone numbers where they can be contacted 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency Contact you at the end of your trip for any feedback you may have Do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday

BRIEFING AT FIRST HOTEL TO CONFIRM ALL ARRANGEMENTS

RECOMMENDED MARKETS TO BUY...

...PICNIC LUNCH

YOUR LUGGAGE TRANSPORTED ALONG THE ROUTE

ENJOY EACH AREA IN YOUR OWN TIME

A CHANCE FOR FEEDBACK AT THE END OF THE TRIP

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

9

Unknown Abruzzo

new trip

Discover the wild landscapes – and rich history – of one of Italy’s more remote regions. 13C castles, hermitages and frescoes; walking in national parks, gorges and flower-filled meadows, and excellent hotels!

ITINERARY Santo Spirito, carved out of a vertical limestone cliff on the edge of a gorge, and retreat of Pietro da Morrone. We descend the gorge to discover another of Pietro’s hermitages – San Bartolomeo, built into a natural rock overhang (2 miles, 2 hrs).

Transfer to the little spa town of Caramanico Terme (45 mins).

Day 1 From Rome Fiumicino we drive (2 hrs) to the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1,250m) in the mountains of Abruzzo’s Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park.

Day 2 We walk up, enjoying panoramic mountain views, to the 10th-13th century castle of Rocca Calascio (1,460m), the highest fortress in the Apennines (4.5 miles, 2.5 hrs).

We then visit Bominaco and the tiny Oratorio of San Pellegrino, with its remarkable 13C frescoes, and walk up to the 15C ruins of Bominaco Castle (2 miles, 1 hr).

Day 5 We climb past stations of the cross to a viewpoint high above the town. We then skirt fields and meadows on the plateau of San Nicolao before descending back to the lip of the Orfento Gorge and another spectacular viewpoint (4.5 miles, 2.5 hrs). Optional afternoon walk, dropping steeply into the bottom of the gorge, before climbing back up to the town (1.5 miles, 1 hr).

Day 3 We drive (25 mins) to the village of Castel del Monte, for centuries a stop on the transhumance route between the winter lowlands of Puglia and the summer pastures of the Gran Sasso. We ascend to a ridge with wonderful views over the Gran Sasso, then descend to the wide, open plains of the Campo Imperatore (1,600m), encircled by the highest peaks of the Apennines (4 miles, 2 hrs).

Optional descent (steep!) to the hotel on foot (2 miles, 1 hr).

Day 6 We drive (35 mins) to Passo San Leonardo, at 1,280m, from where we climb through beech forests and open meadows, with enormous views, to reach the summit of Monte Mileto, at 1,920m. (Packed lunch). We continue across high, upland pastures, before a long and steady descent through beech woods (8 miles, 6 hrs).

We transfer to the medieval town of Sulmona (1 hr).

Day 4 We drive to the Majella National Park (1.5 hrs) to visit the secluded, 13C Hermitage of Santo Castel Feet Stefano del Monte Calascio 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 AM

Day 2 Miles 0

10

PM

5

AM

Santo Caramanico Stefano San Bartolomeo Terme Orfento Gorge

PM

Day 3

10

PM

Day 4 15

AM

Day 5

PM

20

Passo San Leonardo

Day 6

Metres 1830 1535 1220 915 610 305 0

8 DAY TRIP, ITALY u

Destination airport: Rome Fiumicino

u

Fitness: Grade 3 (+ 1 level 4) (see page 29)

u

Days of walking: 6

u

Shortest/longest walk: 1/6 hrs

ACCOMMODATION NIGHTS 1-3 Santo Stefano di Sessanio

NIGHTS 4 & 5 Caramanico Terme

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

La Reserve Thermal Spa Hotel

HHHH

HHHHH

NIGHTS 6 & 7 Sulmona

Hotel Rojan

HHHH

Day 7 We visit the Hermitage of Sant’Onofrio, perched on a cliff high on the flanks of Monte Morrone (1 mile, 1 hr). Here in 1294, hermit Pietro da Morrone was told that he had been elected Pope Celestine V. We visit the 4C BC ruins of the Roman temple of Hercules Curinus; then explore historic Sulmona, birthplace of Roman poet Ovid.

Day 8 Transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport (2 hrs).

2018 DATES & PRICES 2 Jun - 9 Jun 23 Jun - 30 Jun 8 Sep - 15 Sep

25

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

£3,140 Double-for-single supplement

£371

hermitages, mountains and gorges ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

9

Restaurants 8

Wildlife

7

Geology

10

Cultural

9

Wine area

6

Scenery

10 History

9

Walking

9

Art

7

Flowers

9

Architecture 8

Birds

8

Environment 9

10: World-Class 9: Outstanding 8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good

PHOTO: LAURA WHINNEY

FOOD & WINE

High, upland pastures, flower-filled in late spring and summer.

Gran Sasso National Park

0

5

10

15

20 miles

104 40

Average daily temperature max min

95 35

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Caramanico Terme Majella National Park

400

Hours of bright sunshine Rain in mm

350

86 30

300

77 25

250

68 20

200

58 15

150

50 10

100 mm 150 100 50 0

41

5

32

0

Sulmona J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Delicious game-based pasta dishes, cured meats (venison and boar) and fresh sheep cheeses dominate menus. Locally grown pasta, lentils, and spelt are amongst the best in Italy. Specialities include arrosticini – skewers of succulent lamb, pizzelle (sweet waffles) and confetti – sugared almonds. Local tipples: Cerasuolo (rose) wine, bitter genziana (made from gentian root) and rattafia, made from wild cherries.

TERRAIN Mountainous – and moderately strenuous. Good (sometimes rocky) tracks, mule paths, forestry roads and ways across open pastures. Some steep ascents/ descents. Boots with strong ankle support are essential, and walking poles recommended.

©

Footnotes Pietro Angelerio

(1207-1296), known as Pietro da Morrone, and briefly Pope Celestine V, became a Benedictine monk at age 17. His devotion to a life of asceticism led him to ‘retire’ as a young man to a solitary cave on Monte Morrone (Day 7); and later to even more remote hermitages (Day 4). While living like this he founded, in 1244, the order of the Celestines, a branch of the Benedictines, but adopting an ascetic lifestyle, characterised by abstinence, self-discipline and intense focus on spiritual matters.

Pietro’s Celestine order was approved by Pope Gregory X. Whilst he did not seek power, the Order’s proliferation meant Pietro ruled over 36 monasteries and more than 600 monks. He was appointed (in his absence) Pope Celestine V in July 1294, aged 87, but resigned after 107 days, the first Pope ever to do so, wishing to return to his reclusive life. His legacy as Pope was to confirm the right of the pope to abdicate, as nearly all of his other official acts were annulled by his successor. He was subsequently imprisoned in order

to prevent his potential installation as antipope, where he died in 1296 aged 89. He was canonised in 1313

by Pope Clement V.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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Escorted & Independent

new trip Barolo & the Langhe Hills Walk through the wooded Langhe hills and Barolo vineyards: a picturesque patchwork interspersed with woods, hilltop villages and castles. The area is famed as much for its food as its renowned wines.

ITINERARY Day 1 Transfer from Turin airport (1.5 hrs) to the picturesque, hilltop town of Mondovì, founded in 1198, overlooking the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, the Langhe Hills and the fertile plains stretching all the way to Turin.

Footloose: Reach first hotel independently.

Day 2 After a short transfer to Ceva, walk up to a ridge affording superb views of both the Maritime and Ligurian Alps.

Pass farmland, mixed woods, and fields of lavender, before descending into a valley. Ascend along forest tracks to another ridge, the site of an important battle during the French Revolutionary Wars led by Napoleon. Pass through fertile fields then descend to a secluded valley before another brief ascent to the small hamlet of San Luigi (11.1 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 3 Walk through a remote valley and then ascend along forest tracks to a ridge and continue on to the charming medieval village of Murazzano.

After exploring the town, continue along another ridge, via hazelnut groves and mixed woods, enjoying superb views of the Alte Langhe, before reaching the ‘Pearl of Le Langhe’, Bossolasco (11.7 miles, 6.5 hrs).

Day 4 Follow paths across hills, through woodland and meadows (flower-filled in spring and early summer), and emerge amongst vineyards of Nebbiolo (grape variety used for producing Barolo), before arriving at the small, bustling ‘wine town’ of Monforte d’Alba (10.5 miles, 6 hrs).

Footloose: 9 miles, 5 hrs.

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Day 5 Circular walk: An optional walk along the crest of the hills behind Monforte, affording wide views of the Barolo vineyards, to Castiglione Falletto (4.3 miles, 2.5 hrs).

Continue via a scenic valley up to Serralunga d’Alba, with its remarkably well-preserved medieval castle (2.9 miles, 2 hrs), before returning to Monforte (3.2 miles, 2 hrs).

Day 6 A ridge route leads down into a wide ‘bowl’ in the hills – covered with some of the area’s most renowned vineyards – to the small town of Barolo, with its wine museum and renowned enoteca. Continue through vineyards up to La Morra, overlooking much of the area, and noted for its fine Baroque churches and palaces (5.5 miles, 4 hrs).

Day 7 Walk down through vineyards to picturesque Verduno, and then continue along a ridge to Roddi. Follow a path along the River Tanaro, and through fields, to the medieval town of Alba, ‘the white truffle capital of Europe’ (9.5 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 8 Transfer to Turin airport (1.5 hrs). Footloose: Departure day.

8 DAY TRIP, ITALY u

Destination airport (Escorted*): Turin

u

Continuous route

u

Fitness: Grade 3 (see page 29)

u

Days of walking: 6

u

Shortest/longest walk: 4/6.5 hrs

ACCOMMODATION Note: The standard Footloose route stays at alternative hotels for nights 4-7. See below.

NIGHT 1 Mondovì

NIGHT 2 Igliano

Albergo dell’Academia

Le Piemontesine

NIGHT 3 Bossolasco

NIGHTS 4 & 5 Monforte d’Alba

Hotel Bella Vista

Villa Beccaris

NIGHT 6 La Morra

NIGHT 7 Alba

Corte Gondina Boutique Hotel

Palazzo Finati Boutique Hotel

HHH

HHH

HHHH

HHHH

Standard FOOtLOOSE NIGHTS 4 & 5 Monforte d’Alba

NIGHT 6 La Morra

Grappolo d’Oro

Blueberry Rooms Guesthouse

5-day Footloose: Bossolasco-Alba

*Getting there – Independent route The route is very easy to reach by public transport. From Turin and Milan airports there are regular train/bus shuttles to the cities' central train stations. From Turin there are hourly trains to Mondovì ( journey time 1 hour, €7); and from Milan ( journey time 2.5-3.5 hours, €16-€34).

Returning: Alba is on the main train line and return times/costs are similar.

HHH

NIGHT 7 Alba

Albergo San Lorenzo

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

HH

Meals included: Footloose: breakfasts (except for La Morra standard: room only) Escorted: all meals included

vineyards, castles & wine ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

8

Restaurants 8

Wildlife

5

Geology

6

Wine area

10 Cultural

6

Scenery

8

History

6

Walking

8

Art

5

Flowers

6

Architecture 6

Birds

6

Environment 7

10: World-Class 9: Outstanding 8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good

FOOD & WINE

Vine-covered hills of the Langhe ˚F ˚C 104 40

Turin

95 35

0

5

10 miles

Asti

Alba La Morra Barolo Monforte d’Alba

Serravalle Langhe

Hours 400

Hours of bright sunshine Rain in mm

Average daily temperature max min

350

86 30

300

77 25

250

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Footnotes As a producer of

fine red wines, this region of Italy is possibly unequalled. The 1,600 foot Langhe hills, through which we walk, provide the slopes, shelter, soil, sunshine and humidity that bring the Nebbiolo grape – from which derives three of Piedmont’s most important wines – to perfection in Barolo.

The Nebbiolo takes its name from the fog (nebbia) that characterises the area in the autumn, producing wonderful, mellow views.

‘Overwhelming’ and

Monforte La Morra d’Alba

Monforte d’Alba

Day 5 30

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Day 6 40

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Alba Metres 915 610 305 0

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© ‘uncompromising’ are terms often used to describe Barolo. After fleeting scents of fruits or flowers, the aroma turns to powerful tar, liquorice, coffee, leather etc. For the uninitiated, the palate can be a real struggle! Off-putting though the high level of tannins and acidity can be, they promote Barolo’s prized feature: its expansive and velvety texture, the result of a lengthy aging process: 5 years minimum for a Riserva, ideally 10 years. Barolo excels in the context of the region’s cuisine

Piedmont is renowned for its gastronomy, offering refined country cooking which follows the seasons. Its most prized ingredient is the white truffle (in season), but you can also expect game cooked in wine, delicate risottos and innovative desserts. We walk through vineyards producing some of Italy’s most outstanding wines, including the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco, and the lesserknown Dolcetto, Barbera and Moscato d’Asti.

TERRAIN Gentle, rolling hills following well-made dirt roads, farm and woodland tracks.

DATES & PRICES See pages 28-29 (Escorted) and 30-31 (Independent) – among the best in Italy – as the perfect complement to game, roast and red meats, rich casseroles and pungent cheeses.

With every mouthful there is something new to be discovered – one of the hallmarks of a great wine.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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High Paths to Assisi

new trip

Fine walking along the ancient olive grove route, famed medieval towns on Roman foundations, outstanding art, excellent hotels, good food and Sagrantino wine, and following in St Francis’ footsteps.

8 DAY TRIP, ITALY

ITINERARY Day 1 From Rome Fiumicino airport we travel by road to the medieval hill town of Spoleto where we stay at a wonderfully restored ancient 4* palazzo in the heart of the medieval city (1 hr, 40 mins).

impressive ‘keep’ before descending to our family-run agriturismo with (pool) on the edge of the small village of Carpello (9.2 miles, 5 hrs).

Day 3 From Poreta we follow tracks through olive groves, climbing high up to Campello Alto, a delightful medieval village, with wonderful views, and then on to the village of Pissignano, with its majestic 11C castle. Ancient olive grove terraces lead us via spectacular scenery and a Roman aqueduct to Trevi, with its excellent churches and museums housing numerous art treasures (8.1 miles, 5.5 hrs).

Day 6 We set off early to climb the high flower-filled pastures of Monte Subasio (1,290m/4,232ft), or take a ride to near the top – to enjoy astonishing views. We descend along the path walked

by St Francis into the heart of Assisi and the city's best hotel (5*) (11 miles, 2.5 + 4 hrs).

Spoleto

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NIGHT 1 Spoleto

NIGHT 2 Poreta

Palazzo Dragoni

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Borgo della Marmotta Agriturismo

NIGHT 3 Trevi

NIGHT 4 Carpello

Antica Dimorra alla Rocca

La Maestà Agriturismo

HHHH NIGHT 5 Spello

Nun Assisi

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2018 DATES & PRICES 6 May - 13 May

Day 8 Return to Rome Fiumicino airport by road (2.5 hrs).

Poreta

22 Sep - 29 Sep

Assisi

Spello

Carpello

Trevi

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Palazzo Bocci

Day 7 Free day to explore Assisi, or visit the nearby Carceri hermitage, San Damiano or Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Day 4 We continue along the slope of Monte Serano, offering spectacular views over the valley. We walk via a series of tiny, remote hilltop villages, Roman settlements and an

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Day 5 Paths lead gently up through oak forests and olive groves to the impressively situated 11th century Benedictine Abbey of Santa Croce in Sassovivo, with important artistic and architectural features. We then descend gradually, through juniper and pine forest, via waterfalls and ancient hamlets, across the Topino Valley, up and on to the splendid Roman, medieval town of Spello (13.4 miles, 7 hrs).

Day 2 From Spoleto we follow farm tracks through olive groves and a succession of small, picturesque medieval villages with long views across the wide Umbra Valley. Our destination is the village of Poreta, with its castle and extensive medieval walled defences (11.5 miles, 6.5 hrs).

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Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

Metres 1220 915 610 305 0

£2,960 Double-for-single supplement

£252

medieval hill towns, art & landscape ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

9

Restaurants 8

Wildlife

5

Geology

7

Wine area

8

Cultural

6

Scenery

9

History

8

Walking

9

Art

10

Flowers

8

Architecture 10

Birds

7

Environment 8

10: World-Class 9: Outstanding 8: Excellent 7: Very good 6: Good

FOOD & WINE Restaurants of distinction and a wide range of hearty Umbrian dishes. Original seasonal recipes with game, mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes and black truffles.

The ancient olive grove route – to medieval, hilltop Trevi

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Nearby Montefalco is renowned for being one of Italy’s most innovative wine-making areas, especially Rosso di Montefalco and Sagrantino DOCG, with its incomparable passito variety.

Assisi Spello Bevagna Montefalco San Luca Poreta Spoleto

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TERRAIN Ancient olive grove and mule tracks, woodland paths, grassy meadows, forest paths, stony tracks. Some steep ascents and descents.

©

Footnotes Assisi is, of course,

the birthplace and shrine of one of history’s most famous saints – St Francis (San Francesco), and as such is full of important monuments and works of art.

Assisi’s first saint was not St Francis, however, but St Rufino, an evangelist of the Roman town Asisium, who was martyred here in 238 AD. Although a fine Romanesque church dedicated to St Rufino exists, it is St Francis and his disciple St Clare (Santa Chiara)

who have inspired the most famous of Assisi’s monuments.

The vast Basilica di San Francesco attracted many of the finest artists of the age to decorate its expanse of walls with frescoes, including Giotto, whose fresco cycle showing the life of St

Francis is famed throughout the world.

One of the many astounding Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St Francis

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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5th century BC alabaster bust of a goddess excavated during building works. The site is believed to have been an Etruscan temple.

The large, isolated ecclesiastical buildings, an Augustinian canonry, were constructed to accommodate the high volume of early medieval pilgrims and other travellers on their way to and from Rome.

Manuscript of the route of the Via Francigena, recorded in 990 AD by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, during his return journey from Rome.

Nicholas Breakspear, an Augustinian Canon and the only English Pope (Adrian IV 1154-1159), was among the canonry’s benefactors.

PIEVE

A

RELAX & ENJOY... …staying as a ‘house guest’ at a fully restored 8th century Augustinian canonry in idyllic country between Siena and Florence. …having everything included – services of friendly, professional staff, all meals, wines, drinks, snacks etc.

Before 20 years of restoration….

Christopher Whinney receiving the Conservation International and National Geographic ‘World Legacy Award’ for Heritage Tourism from Queen Noor of Jordan, at National Geographic, Washington DC.

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…your room. The 10 bedrooms, each one different (in a 1,300 year old building!), have views of the central courtyard and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. All have en-suite facilities, sofa, fridge-bar, writing table, cupboard with drawers and safe, TV, Wi-Fi. …comfortable areas for sitting including shaded terraces. There is a well-stocked library. The large proto-Romanesque church has a Bosendorfer concert grand piano and perfected acoustics for weekly concerts and the arcaded octagonal former baptistery offers dining in style. …the travertine-lined pool (50x26 ft), which has salt filtration. …gourmet dinners of classic Tuscan and traditional regional cuisine, prepared by the chef, using organic produce fresh from Pieve a Castello’s

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

The buildings, on an ancient fortified site, were, for 700 years, home to an Augustinian canonry, that provided hospitality to countless travellers on the ‘main road to Rome’.

Besieged by a Guelf army in 1400AD, the canons fled. The buildings gradually became derelict – although their ancient structure, 8th century church and baptistery remained intact.

CASTELLO gardens, and local farms, with game, funghi including truffles from the forests. …fine wines from some of Italy’s most prestigious and interesting vineyards (some weeks include visits to wine estates and tastings). …excellent walking – through vineyards, olive groves, meadows and forest – along ancient paths and tracks fanning out from Pieve a Castello, to picturesque medieval villages, San Gimignano and Siena. There are daily guided walks, and also over 200 miles of self-guided walks in a high-quality ATG route book. …cycling – to a range of iconic local destinations, with long stretches along quiet gravel country roads and ancient tracks. …themed weeks – with daily excursions, by road and on foot, to places of outstanding interest, with introductory evening presentations, so that you can discover more about the area’s ‘World Class’ features – and whether you would like to join the next day’s options.

Today, fully restored, there are 10 en-suite bedrooms, rooms and shaded terraces to sit and relax, a library, church for weekly concerts, spectacular dining area, and idyllic pool.

Guests are welcomed by experienced staff.

Gourmet meals, served with fine wines, are prepared by the chef, using fresh produce from organic gardens.

This idyllic location, between Florence and Siena, is ‘perfect’ for discovering Tuscany’s legacy to Western Civilisation – from prehistory to Renaissance, Art to cuisine….

‘Pieve a Castello’ cannot be found on hotel marketing sites. It remains exclusive – a totally unique, high quality travel experience…and people tell their friends…!

For 2018 itineraries, dates and prices, see pages 18-26.

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

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Pieve a Castello, situated in idyllic countryside between Florence and Siena, is a former Augustinian canonry that, from 7001400AD, provided hospitality to travellers on the Via Francigena, the ‘main road to Rome’.

PIEVE: AS YOu LIkE It ItINERARY 1 new Stay at one of the oldest, most perfectly preserved, early medieval buildings in Europe, surrounded by idyllic countryside, with the

Idyllic countryside of meadows, olive groves, vineyards and south towards Siena; extensively forested hills, the Montagnola, where the tracks and paths display clear evidence of their origins as ancient roads.

Monteriggioni, with its 84 inhabitants, high walls and 14 watchtowers – described in the ‘Divine Comedy’ by Dante, who arrived on a foggy morning in 1300, as appearing like ‘giants in the mist’.

Medieval Siena, still wonderfully preserved, was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, and its heritage includes works by outstanding artists of the period, now icons of Western Art…

Artefacts include evidence of Etruscan occupation (possibly as a temple) and links with the great Etruscan city of Volterra, where there are fascinating insights into the ancient civilisation.

For those who want to relax and enjoy being at Pieve a Castello there is a library, music system, an excellent pool and over 200 miles of Footloosestyle walking.

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leisure to explore the area’s incomparably rich cultural Heritage. (Grade 1-3)

Day 1 From Pisa airport we drive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello where, after time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings.

Evening presentation: Tuscan heritage.

Day 2 We walk through idyllic countryside to discover some of the ancient major and minor routes of the area.

We return for lunch and a late afternoon cookery demonstration. Evening presentation: Dante Alighieri, Guelfs and Ghibellines.

Day 3 We walk through forests of the Montagnola – following early medieval paths, to the fortified hill village of Monteriggioni, described in Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’.

Evening presentation: Good & Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

Day 4 We spend the morning in Siena, enjoying iconic, early Renaissance works of art. After lunch, an optional walk follows the ancient Via Francigena back to Pieve a Castello. A leisurely evening stroll ('la passeggiata') leads to a renowned restaurant in medieval San Gimignano.

Day 5 We drive (45 mins) across scenic hills to Volterra, where we visit the Etruscan tombs and walk to explore this great ancient city with its three miles of walls and fine Etruscan museum. We return for a Pieve a Castello festival evening with concert.

Day 6 We drive (1 hour 10) to Montalcino, south of Siena, then walk through famous Brunello vineyards, to the exquisite Abbey church of Sant’ Antimo, built of alabaster and onyx. Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti!

Day 7 We drive (1 hour) to Badia Coltibuono, set high on a ridge of the Chianti hills. We visit the abbey, its Italianate garden, its wine cellars, and taste its renowned wines, then walk through vineyards with long views.

Evening: Gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

PIEVE: AS YOu LIkE It ItINERARY 2 new Whilst the diversity of sightseeing opportunities, based at Pieve a Castello, is of

Colle di Val d’Elsa, the lower town with a network of ancient water channels providing power for dozens of old mills… and medieval Colle Alta, with its space-saving tunnel streets.

an incomparably high standard – so, too, are the opportunities for exploring the area on foot. (Grade 1-3)

Day 1 From Pisa airport we drive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello where, after time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings.

Evening presentation: The Augustinian canonry.

Day 2 We walk, following routes used by early medieval travellers between Pieve a Castello’s 22 small, dependent canonries. We return to Pieve a Castello for lunch and a late afternoon cookery demonstration. Evening presentation: Renewable, medieval energy.

Day 3 In nearby Colle Val d’Elsa we trace ‘le gore’, the ancient water system powering this ‘town of mills’. We then walk up to explore medieval Colle Alta, its tunnel streets and try out a recent ATG Trust project. Optional return to Pieve a Castello on foot. Evening presentation: The Palio: a living heritage.

Day 4 We spend the morning in Siena, exploring fascinating, ‘off-beat’ features of the medieval city and its heritage. After lunch, an optional walk follows the ancient Via Francigena back to Pieve a Castello. A leisurely evening stroll ('la passeggiata') takes us up to iconic Monteriggioni, with its high walls, 14 watch towers and 85 inhabitants, and to a renowned restaurant for dinner.

Day 5 We drive (50 mins) to the Belvedere Fortress, overlooking Florence, and walk down through the Bardini and Boboli Gardens to the galleries of the Pitti Palace. We return for a Pieve a Castello festival evening with concert.

Day 6 We drive (1 hour) to visit the great Benedictine abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, with its cloister of frescoes by Signorelli and Sodoma. We walk through the surrounding landscape of picturesquely eroded hills.

Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti!

Day 7 We drive (1 hour) to Chianti, where we walk to the Castello di Brolio, a Renaissance palace with a charming 16C garden in a medieval fortress; and enjoy a wine tasting. Evening: Gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

We walk to explore the 'green lungs' of Florence – the renowned Boboli, and lesser-known Bardini Gardens, offering wonderful views across the city.

Excursions? Pieve a Castello: A rare survival from the 8th century in idyllic surroundings.

Historically and architecturally unique; fascinating, amazing to be staying there!

The 14th century Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, its cloister decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St Benedict by Signorelli and Sodoma.

Pieve a Castello Festival: A celebration of music, gastronomy and heritage.

Limited public ticket sales to fund conservation projects in Italy – ‘giving something back’. Invite your friends!

Castello di Brolio, ancestral home of Bettino Ricasoli, who after retiring from politics as Italy’s second Prime Minister (1861-67) created the ‘standard’ for Chianti wine using 4 grape varieties.

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Pieve a Castello Festival: A celebration of music, gastronomy and heritage (unique 8th century survival). Limited public ticket sales to fund conservation projects in Italy – ‘giving something back’. Invite your friends!

PIEVE: AS YOu LIkE It ItINERARY 3 new Stay at an exclusive, private residence – an award-winning conservation project – hidden away in unspoilt countryside. Each day

Certaldo, where Boccaccio was born, wrote the ‘Decameron’, and with his friend Petrarch developed Dante’s use of the vernacular – to form what is effectively the modern Italian language.

landscape. (Grade 1-3)

Siena, ‘the best-preserved, great medieval city in Europe’ – retains a rich and evocative legacy. Here, the Fontebranda, where St Catherine of Siena collected water for her parents.

Day 2 We walk, following routes of the Via Francigena, the early medieval ‘main Road to Rome’. We return to Pieve a Castello for lunch and a late afternoon cookery demonstration. Evening presentation: Birth of a language.

Excursions? Or enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the 8th century courtyard, swim in the travertine pool, lunch on a shaded terrace, an evening stroll with idyllic views.

For the May departures there is also the opportunity to visit the celebrated Giardino dell’Iris in Florence: a fabulous display of blue, purple and yellow…with wonderful views over the city.

Tuscan treasures: We visit the unassuming, yet atmospheric, roofless Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano, and its small church housing the original 'Sword in the Stone'.

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explores a different aspect of tuscany’s fascinating history, art, architecture and

Day 1 From Pisa airport we drive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello where, after time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings.

Evening presentation: The Via Francigena.

Day 3 We drive (40 mins), following the Elsa Valley, to the small fortress town of Certaldo, and visit Boccaccio’s house. We picnic at the church of Cellole, then walk to the iconic San Gimignano. Evening presentation: The ‘Anti-chamber of Paradise’.

Day 4 We spend the morning in Siena – to discover ‘hidden gems’ that evoke the city’s enlightened 14th century culture. After a picnic lunch, an optional walk follows the ancient Via Francigena back to Pieve a Castello. A leisurely evening stroll ('la passeggiata') takes us around Colle Alta, through its tunnel streets, to dinner.

Day 5 We drive (50 mins), then walk to the magnificent, Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte, overlooking Florence, before descending to visit the green oasis that is one of the city’s hidden gems – its Rose Garden, with wonderful views. We return for a Pieve a Castello festival evening with concert.

Day 6 We drive (40 mins) to the magnificent, ruined Cistercian abbey and nearby small, domed Romanesque church of San Galgano, still with the ‘Sword in the Stone’, from which the fable originates. Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti!

Day 7 We drive (35 mins) to where famous vineyards give way to the forested Monti del Chianti, where we walk, and visit the splendid abbey of Pontignano, its impressive cloisters and unique gardens, with views to Siena.

Evening: Gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

tuSCAN GARDENS three great centres of Italian gardens – Lucca, Florence and Siena, with outstanding

Delightful Lucca, a perfectly preserved jewel of medieval architecture, renowned for its historic centre encircled by Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, wonderful churches and piazzas.

tuscan gardens representing their development from the early Renaissance through to modern times. (Grade 1) Day 1 From Pisa we travel by road (30 mins) to Lucca.

Afternoon free to explore this delightful city, including a beautiful garden within the city walls.

Day 2 This morning we visit two historic properties: Villa Reale di Marlia, an historic garden that once belonged to Elisa Bonaparte; and Villa Torrigiani, an elaborate villa set in a simple, formal garden. After lunch, a scenic drive (30 mins) brings us to the garden of Villa Garzoni, renowned for its impressive cascade.

Day 3 We drive (1.5 hours) to Florence and visit (subject to opening) one of the historic Medici properties to the north of the city, Villa di Castello or Villa Petraia. After lunch we visit the delightful garden of Villa Gamberaia, much appreciated by Edith Wharton, before continuing to Pieve a Castello (1 hour, 15 mins).

Day 4 We drive (35 mins) to visit Villa Geggiano, just outside Siena, with its elegant gardens, theatre and wonderful views over the city. Optional free afternoon in Siena, or return to Pieve.

Day 5 We follow scenic roads south to the villages of San Quirico (1.5 hours) and Pienza (25 mins), pausing in each to visit small, historic gardens. After lunch we continue (30 mins) to the superbly designed gardens of La Foce, creation and former home of writer Iris Origo. Return to Pieve (1 hour, 45 mins), for a festival evening with concert.

Day 6 We drive eastwards, to where famous vineyards give way to the forested Monti del Chianti, and visit the splendid abbey of Pontignano, its impressive cloisters and unique gardens, with views to Siena, before continuing to Castello di Brolio, a Renaissance palace with a charming 16C garden in a medieval fortress.

Day 7 We drive (30 mins) into the wooded hills behind Pieve to visit the ‘Peruzzi’ gardens of the Castello di Celsa.

From here, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Montagnola, with an optional walk back to Pieve (1.5 hours). Afternoon free to enjoy Pieve a Castello, before a gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

The lemon garden at Villa Reale di Marlia has over 200 vases of citrus fruit, and a fish pond with two lounging statues representing the Arno and Serchio Rivers.

Edith Wharton described Villa Gamberaia – with wide views over Florence – as ‘probably the most perfect example of the art of producing a great effect on a small scale’.

Excursions? If you feel like opting out, Pieve a Castello is the perfect place to relax, with a library and music room; and terraces, a loggia and gardens to sit and enjoy the views.

The superbly structured gardens of Villa La Foce, situated on the Via Francigena, with sweeping views over southern Tuscany towards Monte Amiata.

Castello di Celsa, a fairytale castle restored by architect Peruzzi in the 16th century, surrounded by enchanting gardens, with wonderful views over the Tuscan countryside.

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We visit iconic, hilltop Monteriggioni, and walk along its ancient walls; with the option to return on foot via archetypal Tuscan countryside.

WALkING, LANGuAGE AND LIBREttO there is no language more beautiful than Italian. And we have yet to find a teacher more delightful or inspirational than

San Gimignano – ‘Castello di Bosco’ in the 8th century, when it, and Pieve a Castello (then ‘Santa Maria a Castello’), were successive overnight stops on the main Via Francigena.

Giancarla Bindi, who has been leading our language and Palio trips for many years. Her belief is that the enjoyment in learning a language lies in being able to immediately use what has been learned – providing insights into Italian culture and way of life:

Siena’s Santa Maria della Scala, Europe’s first hospital (est. 10C) cared for pilgrims, the poor and orphans. It is now a museum hosting centuries of astonishing art.

Excursions? To supplement the language lessons we enjoy visits to local attractions and local walks – all optional. Or you can stay at Pieve a Castello and simply enjoy...

To supplement the various local wines we enjoy at dinner, we visit a nearby winery and enjoy a tasting while enjoying views over classic Tuscan landscapes.

Medieval Colle di Val d’Elsa, with its network of ancient, picturesque tunnel streets and impressive walls – which we follow via a path restored by the ATG Trust.

Immersion! Divided into groups according to knowledge of Italian, whether ‘none’, ‘a few words’ or ‘conversational’ – you will soon be speaking Italian! (Grade 2-3) Day 1 Transfer from Pisa airport to Pieve a Castello (1.5 hours). Pre-dinner presentation of Giancarla’s approach to the week.

Day 2 Morning Italian lessons with coffee break (3 hours).

After lunch at Pieve a Castello, an optional afternoon walk explores the surrounding countryside (2 hours), before returning for afternoon tea. Time to relax before dinner.

Day 3 Morning Italian lessons (3 hours). After lunch we visit the nearby iconic, hilltop village of Monteriggioni, with an optional walk (3.5 hours) back to Pieve a Castello.

Day 4 Morning Italian lessons (3 hours). Afternoon visit and walk with spectacular views of San Gimignano and its famous towers. Evening out at a Michelin* restaurant to practice our language skills.

Day 5 Morning visit to Siena, visiting the astonishing 15th century frescoes in the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, followed by a guided tour (in Italian!) of the Duomo (cathedral) crypt. Free afternoon in Siena, or an optional walk, following the route of the early medieval Via Francigena (3 hours), back to Pieve a Castello. We later enjoy a festival evening with concert.

Day 6 Morning Italian lessons (3 hours). Afternoon visit to a well-known Chianti wine estate for a tasting of its interesting range of wines, with the option to walk part of the return journey (1 hour).

Day 7 Morning Italian lessons (2 hours). Late morning visit to the local market in Colle di Val d’Elsa, and exploration of the ancient town’s fascinating, medieval tunnel streets. Afternoon free before a gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

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LAND OF AMBROGIO Enjoy some wonderful landscapes, art, architecture, and walking – from the world of

Relaxed, evening presentations with prosecco and aperitivi provide you with insight into Lorenzetti’s life, work and influences; and provide a context for the following day’s events.

Ambrogio Lorenzetti (c.1290-1348). the early Renaissance painter credited with the first paintings in European art to give prominence to landscape; as well as the first major secular

We visit Siena, the bestpreserved, great medieval city in Europe, also home to Lorenzetti…

work, lived in the Republic of Siena at a time when the city-state, in which Pieve a Castello was situated, was at the height of its power and influence. (Grade 2-3) Day 1 Transfer from Pisa airport (1.5 hours). Evening presentation: Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

Day 2 We walk to iconic, medieval Monteriggioni (3.5 hours). Afternoon excursion to the small hilltown of San Casciano Val di Pesa to see the earliest authenticated painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Evening presentation: Early 14th century Siena: the height of power and influence.

Day 3 We visit Siena, and walk to explore some of its ‘hidden gems’, including works by Lorenzetti. After lunch at Pieve a Castello, an optional walk takes us to medieval Colle di Val d’Elsa (2.5 - 3 hours). Evening presentation: Lorenzetti & Landscape.

Day 4 We drive (1 hour) to Massa Marittima, where we see Ambrogio’s Maesta (1335-1337). We return via the Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano and the Romanesque church at Montesiepi – where we find the original ‘Sword in the Stone’ and the Ambrogio Lorenzetti fresco: Annunciazione (c.1340). Evening presentation: Allegory of Good & Bad Government (1338-39).

Day 5 We drive to Siena to see Ambrogio’s iconic masterpiece. An optional walk follows the medieval Via Francigena back to Pieve (3 hours); followed by a festival evening with concert.

Day 6 Morning walk (30 mins) enjoying spectacular views of San Gimignano, where we see fine frescoes providing context for Lorenzetti’s influence, then walk through a landscape that has changed little in 700 years. Evening presentation: Emerging Humanism.

Day 7 We drive, then walk to San Miniato al Monte, with its panoramic views across Florence … then walk down to enter the city wall, and visit the Uffizi Gallery. We return to Pieve for a free afternoon and gala dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport (1.5 hours).

…to view some of his most celebrated works, including the Allegory of Good & Bad Government, and the 14th century Madonna del Latte.

We walk through timeless, archetypal Tuscan landscapes – reminiscent of those surrounding Pieve a Castello – that inspired Lorenzetti.

The tiny chapel in the Montesiepi hermitage at the abandoned Cistercian abbey of San Galgano houses an artistic jewel: Annunciazione by Lorenzetti (c.1340), discovered in 1966.

Excursions? Pieve a Castello: A rare survival from the 8th century in idyllic surroundings.

Historically and architecturally unique; fascinating, interesting to visit; amazing to be staying there!

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The splendid Piazza del Campo, renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity, provides the dramatic backdrop for the magnificent race.

SIENA & tHE PALIO this exclusive ‘immersion’ experience of one of the world’s greatest and most historic festivals provides unique insights into

Morning language lessons are in a relaxed, informal setting, taken in the library or other communal area.

Italian culture and enduring traditions of the medieval life and times. two hours of each morning (days 2-7) are spent in ‘immersion’ Italian language sessions, tailored to all levels of ability. Included, too, is one of the best views of the race from a private

Dinners at Pieve a Castello are enjoyed in its early 8th century, arcaded, octagonal baptistery, the largest and finest of only three buildings of this style and period remaining.

One of the world’s great spectacles: colourful, dramatic and steeped in tradition. A jockey wearing traditional dress representing one of the city’s 17 ancient contrade (districts).

We walk in picturesque country with forested hills giving way to vineyards, olive groves and walled villages amongst clustered cypress trees.

We enjoy the race itself from the window of a private room in a palazzo overlooking the Campo, whilst enjoying Prosecco and canapes.

24

window on the Piazza del Campo. (Grade 1-2) Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport we travel by road (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello. After time to relax there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings.

Day 2 After language session, a presentation on the history, celebrations and traditions of the Palio. After lunch, enjoy a two-hour walk through the Tuscan countryside.

Day 3 After a relaxed morning at Pieve a Castello, we travel to Siena for the Tratta – drawing lots to select the horses for the Palio and allotment of these horses to the contrade. Lunch in Siena and time to explore.

Day 4 Morning and lunch at Pieve a Castello, followed by a walk to Monteriggioni (3 - 4 hours). Optional: Siena – early evening procession of the Votive Choir of the contrade.

Day 5 In the afternoon we visit Siena for the Prova Generale (fifth and final race trials) and we are privileged to join the ‘Cena Propriziatoria/Cena della Prova Generale’ (a very special dinner) – at a contrada.

Day 6 The day of the Palio! In the afternoon we depart for Siena.

Day 7 Morning review of the previous day’s unforgettable events! Afternoon walk through the Montagnola Senese, followed by private concert and gala farewell dinner.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

GREAt WALkS!

new

A legacy of centuries when the bustling Via Francigena carried thousands of travellers

Whilst the diversity of sightseeing opportunities in the area is of an incomparably high standard, so too are the opportunities for exploring the area on foot.

daily to and from Rome, is a network of ancient routes that fan out from Pieve a Castello. these routes are now paths and tracks, ideal for walking! (Grade 3) Day 1 From Pisa airport we drive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello where, after time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings.

Day 2 We walk through idyllic countryside, climbing to the top of the Monte Maggio, the highest point in the area (671m), crowned with an Etruscan beacon and medieval watchtower (10 miles, 5 hours). After returning to Pieve, optional afternoon walk in the surrounding countryside (3.4 miles, 1.5 hours).

Day 3 We walk through forests of the Montagnola – the forested hills around Pieve – to the medieval hilltop village of Monteriggioni (7.6 miles, 3.5 hours). Return on foot (8 miles, 4 hours), or by minibus (20 minutes!), stopping to visit the 10C Benedictine monastery Abbadia Isola.

Day 4 We follow picturesque farmland, rising onto a ridge with wonderful views, and continue across undulating country, climbing to Casole d’Elsa, the village you see in the distance from Pieve a Castello (9.8 miles, 4 hours). Optional afternoon walk to Roman baths used by travellers on the Via Francigena (4.2 miles, 2.5 hours.) We return to Casole in the evening for a leisurely evening stroll (‘la passegiata’), and dinner at a Michelin* restaurant.

Day 5 We follow the Via Francigena to Siena, the ‘bestpreserved great medieval city in Europe’ (14.9 miles, 7.5 hours). At the half-way point, there is the option to continue by minibus to allow more time to explore the city. We return for a Pieve a Castello festival evening with concert.

Day 6 We follow the route of the early medieval Via Francigena, passing several pilgrim ‘stations’, to ‘Castello del Bosco’ – now San Gimignano – with its famous towers (15 miles, 8 hours). Time to explore (or shop!) before returning by minibus.

Day 7 A varied walk across farmland, through vineyards, olive groves and woods takes us to the hilltop town of Colle di Val d’Elsa, with its fascinating tunnel streets (6.6 miles, 3 hours). Return on foot, or by minibus to enjoy more time at Pieve a Castello. Evening: Gala dinner.

This trip is for those who consider plenty of (moderately challenging) walking through wonderful countryside to be a key factor in the enjoyment of their holiday.

In the surrounding countryside, there is much interesting wildlife, including deer (shy!), wild boar, porcupines, hares, polecats and tortoises; and over 60 species of birds.

Pieve a Castello carries a carefully selected stock of the area’s best wines – among the best in Europe – with at least three different wines served each evening.

The 10 (different) bedrooms were originally used for multiple occupancy by early medieval travellers. Today they provide a high standard of comfort, all with private facilities.

If you feel like taking a rest from the itinerary, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere – an ideal place to relax.

Day 8 Return to Pisa airport by road (1.5 hours).

25

Dates & Prices 2018 All trips run tuesday-tuesday, except Siena & the Palio.

August 11 Siena & the Palio (Sat-Sat) 21 As You Like It - 3 28 As You Like It - 1

March 27 Great Walks!

April 3 Walking, Language & Libretto 10 Land of Ambrogio 17 Walking, Language & Libretto 24 Tuscan Gardens

September 4 As You Like It - 2 11 As You Like It - 3 18 As You Like It - 1 25 As You Like It - 2

May 1 As You Like It - 3 8 As You Like It - 3 15 As You Like It - 2 22 As You Like It - 1 29 As You Like It - 1

Feedback: ‘We would love to return’…

Ms L Wilson, Texas, USA I have travelled pretty extensively with some pretty nice tour groups, but I have to admit I fell in love with ATG-Oxford. I love the size of groups, the themes of the trips, your wonderful guides, the food and wine, the tours, the Pieve a Castello residency which

was a total WOW. Special thanks to you for rescuing this ruin and restoring it to such “homeyness”. It is definitely a happy vibes dwelling. We were totally spoiled and cosseted…

I thank you most completely for having such a truly outstanding tour company.

October 2 Tuscan Gardens 16 As You Like It - 3 23 As You Like It - 1 30 Land of Ambrogio November 6 Walking, Language & Libretto 13 Great Walks!

June 5 As You Like It - 2 12 Tuscan Gardens 19 As You Like It - 3 27 Siena & the Palio (Wed-Wed) July 10 As You Like It - 2 17 As You Like It - 3 24 As You Like It - 1 31 As You Like It - 2

PHOTO: CHRIS BARTLE

Note: Departures can be booked for private groups with any of the above itineraries.

For information on Grades see page 29.

Prices 2018 > tuscan Gardens: £2,695

> Language/Libretto: £2,545

> Siena & the Palio: £3,450

> All other tours:

Double-room-for-single supplement:

£2,375

‘Definitely a happy vibes dwelling’.

£308

Ms R Roberts, South Oxfordshire, UK

Sarah [tour leader] and Valeria [tour manager] were…a joy to spend the week with. Pieve is a perfect place to visit interesting places and the walks were lovely. We also took advantage of the lovely pool in a perfect setting. The Gala evening was a lovely end to our stay. The pianist and soprano were excellent. The picnic lunches and dinners were all superb. Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely home. It is in a beautiful part of Italy. We would love to return.

‘One of the best holidays I have ever had’.

Mr D Harwin, Surrey, UK

Prize Winners Thank You to all our clients who return their Quality Questionnaires after trips.

Your invaluable feedback allows us to continually monitor and improve our trips. Congratulations to the winners of our Questionnaire draw for 2017 trips:

26

1st prize – an 8-day ATG holiday: Mr David Renney, Cheltenham, UK 2nd prize – a magnum of Champagne: Mrs Anna Hooper, Worcester, UK 3rd prize – a bottle of vintage Champagne: Ms Karen Jones, Henley-on-Thames, UK

Staying at Pieve is a wonderful experience and it was one of the best holidays I have ever had. In fact, all the 6 or so holidays I have had with ATG have been exceptional. The attention to detail, the food, organisation, leaders,

accommodation and general ambience have been outstanding. I only hope that the company continues with such high standards and my hat goes off to Christopher Whinney for setting up ATG with his insistence on the very best quality.

ATG Trust Update – Autumn 2017 The ATG (Ad Terrae Gloriam) Trust is a registered charity no. 1082542.

Trustees: Hilary Daniels (Chairman), Catherine MacRae, Judith Kilby Hunt and Mike McCart Trustee and Administrator: Jessica Jenkins President: Sir Geoffrey Bindman We are delighted that two ATG clients, Judith Kilby Hunt and Mike McCart, both with a background in the Arts, joined the ATG Trust at the end of 2016.

The Trust would be delighted to hear from any clients who may have ideas for future ATG Trust projects.

Please contact Jessica Jenkins on 01865 315 613 or jessicaj@atg-oxford.com

The Trust supports projects that aim to: • Protect the integrity of the environment and the beauty of its landscapes.

• Preserve the habitats of rare and interesting flora and fauna.

• Conserve works of art and architecture.

All projects must be: • Co-funded by local organisations and implemented by the beneficiaries, thereby forging the commitment that helps ensure the long-term maintenance of the project.

• Part of an integrated, long-term plan to bring sustainable tourism development. This may require securing funding for the development of tourism services around the project.

• Accessible to ATG clients.

The Trust is very pleased to be involved in two projects in Italy and the UK, both of which are nearing completion. The Trust is also keen to support a project in Umbria, Italy following the devastating earthquakes in 2016 and is in communication with ATG regarding possible projects that the Trust could support.

PHOTO: SOFIA TAYLOR

The project has meant clearing all the rubbish and overgrowth on the walls and on the paths,

making the impressive, medieval walls, which are an important part of the town’s heritage, visible again from the surrounding area. The paths will be structurally safe, with wooden railings, making them safe for locals and visitors to walk and enjoy the town’s historic surroundings. All that now remains is for the top layer to be laid along the length of the path. The images show a small section of pathway before and midway through the works.

PHOTO: SOFIA TAYLOR

Turner’s House, Sandycombe Lodge, in Twickenham was in poor condition and had been placed on English Heritage’s ‘At-Risk Register’. The restoration of the house is now complete and it is open to the public.

This project, which is nearing completion, involves the clearing and reopening of the north city wall paths around the hilltop town of Colle di Val d’Elsa, Tuscany.

We visit Colle di Val d’Elsa on the following trips: Tuscan Trail (Escorted); Tuscany & Siena and Tuscan Hills (Footloose) and all those based at Pieve a Castello.

The ATG Trust committed to supporting the Turner’s House Trust by contributing to the production of a film about Turner and the restoration work being undertaken at Turner’s House; and by organising two very successful charity walks before the work began. The documentary, which is soon to be completed, will enhance the learning experience for visitors to the site.

Further details of the general restoration project can be found at: www.turnerintwickenham.org.uk

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

CURRENT PROJECT: Turner’s House Trust

CURRENT PROJECT: Colle di Val d’Elsa, Tuscany

27

28

Days

Original Journeys

Discovering Europe

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com

8 8 8 8

Flowers of the Cévennes Classic Provence Vintage Ways to Porto Unknown Catalunya

5

6

S 7

S

9

2

F 4

S

10 11

3

S

JANUARY FEBRUARY

26 27 28

8

1

T

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

7

W

29 30 31

6

T

FEBRUARY

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

5

M

6

T

7

W

8

1

T

9

2

F 4

S

10 11

3

S

MARCH

2

MARCH

26 27 28 29 30 31

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5

M

4

W

5

T

6

F

APRIL 7

S

8

1

S

10 11 12 13 14 15

3

T

30

22 22

14

16

APRIL

14

7

21 7 29

28

17

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

9

2

M

8

1

T 2 9

4

F 5

S 6

S

10 11 12 13

3

T

MAY W

12

27

20

12 6 19

MAY

19 12 6

5

27 12

5

20

28 29 30 31

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

7

M

5

T

6

W

7

T

8

1

F

JUNE 9

2

S

10

3

S

4

5

T

6

F

JULY W

7

S

8

1

S

10 11 12 13 14 15

3

T 1 8

9

2

T 4

S 5

S

10 11 12

3

F

5

6

T

24

7

F

8

1

S

9

2

S

16

30

SEPTEMBER

29

23

8

1

22

30

15 29

26

1

10 1

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

9

1

AUGUST

27 28 29 30 31

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

4

W

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3

T

SEPTEMBER M

10 1

JULY

10

7

W

AUGUST T

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

6

M

8 8

30 31

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

9

2

M

2, 23

JUNE

2

2

3

16

4

25 26 27 28 29 30

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

4

M

For information on trips based at Pieve a Castello, ATG's retreat in Tuscany, see pages 18-26

5 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8 8

Days

Secret Venice Best of Western Sicily Best of Eastern Sicily The Aeolian Isles Unknown Sardinia Land of Piero della Francesca Unknown Abruzzo NEW TRIP Padula & Northern Calabria Unknown Basilicata Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of Umbria Flowers of the Gargano

Trip

Classic Alsace 8 Across the Cévennes 8 Across the Alps 5 Hungary: the Danube Bend 8 Cortina & the Dolomites 8 Barolo & the Langhe Hills NEW TRIP 8 Paths to Urbino 8 Unknown Tuscany 8 Southern Lakes 8 Trails to Tarquinia 8 Siena, Chianti & Florence 8 Tuscan Trail 8 Southern Tuscan Trail 8 High Paths to Assisi NEW TRIP 8 Assisi Christmas 6 Unknown Umbria 8 Amalfi Coast 8 Gargano Peninsula 8 Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea 8 Camino de Santiago 15 Mallorca: Mountains & Sea 8 Sintra & the Portuguese Coast 8 Western Crete 11

Trip

4

F

10 11 12 13 14

3

T

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2

9

1

8

W

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

T

JANUARY

M

9

2

T 4

T 5

F 6

S 7

S

10 11 12 13 14

3

W

OCTOBER

16

13

21

14

7

7

14

6

OCTOBER

29 30 31

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

8

1

M

6

7

W

8

1

T

9

2

F 4

S

10 11

3

S

9

NOVEMBER

26 27 28 29 30

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5

T

NOVEMBER M

4

5

W

6

T

7

F

8

1

S

9

2

S

21

DECEMBER

31

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3

T

DECEMBER M

Escorted Trip Dates 2018

Original Journeys

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

8 8 8 8

Flowers of the Cévennes Classic Provence Vintage Ways to Porto Unknown Catalunya

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement

£740 £612 £364 £708 £189 £287 £287 £266 £147 £231 £434 £90 £224 £140 £434 £637 £336 £238

£3,455 £3,245 £3,495 £3,500 £2,835 £3,435 £2,945 £3,160 £2,395 £2,620 £3,380 £2,335 £2,755 £2,345 £2,995 £4,280 £2,855 £2,550

5 5 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 8 8

Secret Venice (March) Secret Venice (November) Best of Western Sicily Best of Eastern Sicily The Aeolian Isles Unknown Sardinia Land of Piero della Francesca Unknown Abruzzo NEW TRIP Padula & Northern Calabria Unknown Basilicata Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of Umbria Flowers of the Gargano

£322 £224 £100 £238 £210 £371 £203 £182 £231 £266 £420 £539 £518 £252 £145 £182 £917 £189 £112 £490 £812 £546 £170 DFS

£3,295 £2,535 £1,490 £2,585 £2,895 £3,140 £2,565 £2,595 £2,695 £2,685 £3,295 £3,120 £2,995 £2,970 £2,135 £2,695 £3,550 £2,470 £2,495 £5,560 £3,595 £3,375 £3,245

DFS

Days

8 8 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 15 8 8 11

Days

13

5 Jan-17 Jan 2 Nov-14 Nov 4 Jan-16 Jan 8 Nov-20 Nov 20 Nov-5 Dec

Discovering Oman Discovering Chile * Dates in red are for 2019

14

3 Feb-16 Feb 2 Feb-15 Feb

Discovering Sri Lanka

DFS

£1,200 £1,530

£10,350

£1,455

£260

£1,665 £730

£5,740

£4,890

£3,995

£5,830 £5,380

n Grade 5: Challenging walking with a variety of terrain, some long days, and/or long ascents and descents.

n Grade 4: Walking along a variety of paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2 - 3 hours.

n Grade 3: Walking along a variety of paths, some stony in places, with ascents/descents of 1 to 2 hours.

n Grade 2: Walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces, and open meadows. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour.

n Grade 1: Gentle terrain, walking along good paths, tracks and quiet lanes, with a few short, usually gentle, ascents/descents.

In addition you always have the option to ‘walk as much or as little as you like’.

On Escorted trips the Tour Leader will tell you every evening about the following day’s walking. You can then discuss this further with him/her if you wish – and decide what you would like to do.

On Independent Footloose these options are clearly identified: you simply select the option of your choice – easier or tougher – and follow the appropriate route in the Route Book.

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

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

Trips are allocated Grades 1 - 5 according to terrain and length of walks.

16

11

10 Mar-20 Mar 1 Sep-11 Sep

Discovering Bhutan

Days

16 14

Date

Discovering The Hills of Southwest India 16 Jan-31 Jan* 1 Sep-14 Sep Discovering Ladakh

Trip

Trip Grades: (indicated on trip pages)

Discovering Worldwide

Trip

Classic Alsace Across the Cévennes Across the Alps Hungary: the Danube Bend Cortina & the Dolomites Barolo & the Langhe Hills NEW TRIP Paths to Urbino Unknown Tuscany Southern Lakes Trails to Tarquinia Siena, Chianti & Florence Tuscan Trail Southern Tuscan Trail High Paths to Assisi NEW TRIP Assisi Christmas Unknown Umbria Amalfi Coast Gargano Peninsula Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea Camino de Santiago Mallorca: Mountains & Sea Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Western Crete

Trip

Escorted Trip Prices

Discovering Europe

29

30

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com £280 £273

£343 £343

£1,265 £970

£1,320 £945 £895 £795

£1,195 £1,170 £990 £1,395

£364 £217 £441 £329 £140 £280 £133 £413 £294 £343 £224 £238 £182 £252 £161 £168 £161 £91 £392 £168

£795

£930

£790

£995

£935

£795

£890

£845

£995

*£795

£925

£830

£770

£705

£785

£825

£875

£860

£835

£985

£865

£895

£895

Hills of Girona

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

Barolo & the Langhe Hills NEW

~Riviera & Portofino

Cinque Terre

Montefeltro & Urbino

Tuscan Hills

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

Approach to Rome

*Tuscany & Siena

Siena to Florence

Southern Tuscany

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Southern Lakes

Trails to Tarquinia

Umbria & Assisi

High Paths to Assisi

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

Amalfi Coast

Gargano Peninsula

High Gargano

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea

•

£504

£1,640

£203

£765

Alto Teruel

•

£445

£413

£1,060

£126

£760

Hungary: the Danube Bend

*On this trip the longer route is 7 days

£490

£602

£1,285

£147

*£995

*Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

£1,095

~ On this trip the shorter route is 6 days

£168

£119

£1,040

£880

*£1,075

£995

*£1,295

£1,090

£245

£795

Lot & Dordogne Valley £432

£1,275

£266

£935

Classic Dordogne

£595

£465

£445

£415

£264

£48

£795

£545

£625

£465

£100

£104

£520

£535

£690

£695

~£1,095

£625

£575

£895

£750

£625

5-day Superior

£132

£120

£192

£184

£325

£136

£108

£280

£132

£160

£156

DFS

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement

£217

£770

£238

£238

£266

£196

£504

£535

£535

£686 £273

~£695

£445

£475

£695

£819

£301

£660

£294

£476 £545

£495

£1,190

£231

£895

Classic Alsace

£350

£550

£252

5-day Standard

£785

DFS

The Scottish Borders

8-day Superior

DFS

8-day Standard

£388

£100

£232

£112

£148

£132

£296

£364

£550

£272

£152

£408

£228

£208

DFS

Independent Footloose...

£1,125 £1,065 £1,405

£238 £182 £168

£995

£975

£1,085

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Umbria & Assisi

•

3

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

01 Apr - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct

Cinque Terre

01 Mar - 30 Nov 01 Mar - 30 Nov 01 Mar - 30 Nov 13 Apr - 15 Nov 13 Apr - 15 Nov 01 May - 15 Oct

Roman Roads to Orvieto Southern Lakes Trails to Tarquinia Umbria & Assisi High Paths to Assisi Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

G = Grade

M = Max. miles

8 8 8

3-4 3-4

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

7

56

58

42

35

54

55

50

64

59

53

53

69

71

37

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

15

38

24

34

39

40

32

D M D M 8 68

3

3

3-4

3-4

3

3-4

2+ - 3

2

2-3

3

3 - 3+

2+

G 3s

£232

£112

£148

£132

£296

£408

£228

£208

DFS

s Grade 5 for full 225 miles

20 Apr - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 15 Oct

01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 30 Nov

D = Trip length (days)

Sicily

90 8

3 - 4s

01 Apr - 31 Oct

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

**See page 29 for information on grades.

High Gargano

72 8 3s

01 Apr - 31 Oct

Tuscan Hills

– Freewheeling (cycling) itinerary available

Gargano Peninsula

01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 30 Nov

15 Mar - 07 Nov

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

15 Apr - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct

01 Apr - 31 Oct

Southern Tuscany

Amalfi Coast

01 Apr - 31 Oct

Siena to Florence

55

33

37

26

33

41

15 Mar - 15 Nov

Tuscany & Siena

8

5

6

5

5

5

01 Apr - 31 Oct

2-3

52

51

57

45

56

62

57

52

62

40

5

77

£755

£715

£100 £104

£730

£680

£790

£970

£132

£120

£192

£280

Approach to Rome

13 Apr - 15 Oct

8

8

8

8

8

8

8

7

8

57

5

93

£575

£665

£655

£635

£635

£770

£905

£745

5-day Superior

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement

£343

£196

£273

£280

£504

£504

£273

£660

Montefeltro & Urbino

2-4

01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct 3 - 3+

3

Riviera & Portofino

01 Apr - 30 Nov

2-3

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast 01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct

Barolo & the Langhe Hills NEW

2-3

01 May - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct 3 - 4

20 Apr - 17 Oct

01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 31 Oct

Hills of Girona

Alto Teruel

Hungary: the Danube Bend

01 Mar - 30 Jun; 01 Sep - 30 Nov 2 - 3

Provence

2-3

15 Mar - 31 Jul; 01 Sep - 31 Oct

8

23 Mar - 31 Jul; 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2 - 2+

Lot & Dordogne Valley

Classic Dordogne

•

D M D M 8 65 5 30 8

13 Apr - 15 Oct

Classic Alsace

G 3

2+ - 4

27 Apr - 30 Sep

Scottish Borders

Footloose: Dates, Grades** & Mileages

*On this trip the longer route is 7 days

~ On this trip the shorter route is 6 days

£1,135

£224

£1,020

Southern Tuscany

Siena to Florence £1,490

*£930

*Tuscany & Siena £343

£1,125

£140

£1,095

*£1,400

£432

*£1,210

£950

*£1,095

£294

Montefeltro & Urbino

*Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron

£294

£1,275

£132

£245

£980

Lot & Dordogne Valley

£700

£476

£1,465

£266

£1,125

Classic Dordogne

£160

£615

£350

£1,330

£231

£1,035

Classic Alsace

DFS

5-day Standard

DFS

8-day Superior

DFS

8-day Standard

& Freewheeling

31

Climate: all CHange?

As levels of CO2 in the atmosphere increase, summers become hotter, ocean temperatures and levels rise, and weather patterns become more extreme, we all have to adapt.

Winter Walking:

Plan it & book now! How about: Tuscany & Siena: Flight to Florence, train/bus (or taxi) to San Gimignano (free from summer crowds); then walk via Colle Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni to Siena (visit) – and bus/train back to Florence.

During occasional heatwaves ATG has always offered earlier hotel breakfasts, earlier starts, but are ‘traditional’ holiday times destined to change?

At ATG we do most of our research and development ‘out of season’ between november and March – idyllic times for walking ATG’s predominantly ‘all-weather’ limestone paths, and getting better.

Roman Roads to Orvieto: Flight to Rome, train to Viterbo, then walk following tracks, once Roman roads via the Roman baths at Bagnaccio, to Montefiascone, Bolsena (Lake), crag-top Orvieto – and fast train to Rome.

We use every hour of daylight, from dawn to dusk, seeing the sun rise… and set, lights twinkling across ancient landscapes, and the stars appear.

Sometimes the country is sparkling-white with frost or a dusting of snow… and in evenings we walk down deserted medieval streets, longabandoned by summer bus-borne hordes, to hotels that, as the winter nights close in, seem even more welcoming, warm and comfortable, and restaurants even cosier and more atmospheric!

Barolo & the Langhe Hills: Flight to Turin, train & taxi to Bossolasco (high in the Langhe Hills); then walk through the Barolo vineyards to Monforte d’Alba, La Morra and Alba – and train to Turin. (World-renowned cuisine and wines!).

This is a ‘world’ reminiscent of the one into which ATG launched its pioneering walking trips 40 years ago, before the explosion of mass tourism, when discerning ATG clients were the only travellers on foot....

‘Out-of-season’ may not be conducive to masstourism sight-seeing, but for active walkers, cooler, ‘bracing’ weather is ideal. The devastating effects of climate change notwithstanding, opportunities for enjoyable winter walking increase as the planet warms. Added incentives are the availability of cheaper flights, ‘low-season’ rates and sustained viability of small, family-run hotels (possibly losing summer business); and the ideal time to extend for a day or two in an uncrowded winter city.

High Paths to Assisi: Flight to Rome, train to hilltop Trevi; then walk to Spello and Assisi (possible dusting of snow but there are alternative routes) – and train to Rome.

Southern Tuscany: Flight to Florence, train to Buonconvento; then walk via Montalcino (Brunello wine), the exquisite Romanesque abbey of Sant’ Antimo, Bagno Vignoni (thermal baths) to Pienza – and train to Florence or Rome.

‘Adapting to change’, ATG has: • Extended the opening times of many of its

Footloose routes… to include november and March, and:

• For late autumn & winter 2018 and early spring

2019 ATG will be offering a full programme of ‘Winter Walking’.

Certificate Number 5739 ISO 14001: 2004

5181

Alternative Travel Group Ltd., T/A ATG Oxford, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Fax: +44 (0)1865 315697 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com REGiSTERED in EnGLAnD nUMBER 1449375 • VAT nUMBER 348 2372 47