ATG Oxford Summer 2015 Newsletter

JULY 2015

ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL GROUP LTD., T/A ATG Oxford • 274 Banbury Road, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com REGISTERED IN ENGLAND, COMPANY NUMBER 1449375

Boyookur late 2015 trip

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See inside foty late availabili Aug-Dec

. . .

6 1 0 2 r o f New

2016 Trip dates

Book NOW for 2016 trips at 2015 prices Bookings (with 10% deposit) received before 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at the current published 2015 prices

Note from Christopher Whinney, Managing Director

What do they have in common?... Answer on page 7

Communicating…

It was very good to meet so many of you (the best form of communication – we should do it more often!) at the ATG 35th Anniversary and ATG Trust fundraising event in London in November. The event raised over £7,000 for Sustainable Development projects in areas visited by ATG.

Footloose & Freewheeling route books are continually updated and printed in small batches, so books arrive ‘hot off the press’ … and the Route Manager will advise you of any ‘last minute’ information.

Newsletters are designed to remind you that ATG is still here – waiting to provide your next excellent holiday, and to provide information on new trips, together with dates and prices.

So ‘is that it?’ No. Because brochures are still really valuable, as are clients who prefer a printed format to an electronic one. With a brochure, together with the latest ATG Newsletters, you can source 98% of the information you need.

Changes of actual information content amount to no more than 1% year-on-year. For this reason, rather than distributing tens of thousands of brochures world-wide …to dedicated internet users (!), ATG brochures are sent ‘on request’. If you would like an Escorted or Independent (Footloose) brochure at any time please contact the office.

And an apology…

We apologize for the late arrival of the ‘ATG Escorted’ brochure. This brochure is in an advanced stage of production, and copies with the 2016 trips will be available in the autumn.

Despite the absence of a brochure, the ATG website seems to be functioning well: 2015 has seen the largest increase in both Escorted and Independent bookings on European trips for 10 years.

We look forward to welcoming you…

Nicholas Breakspear (1100-1159)

Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)

Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)

PROVENCE NEWS n Footloose: Upgrade It was ‘no problem’ when, on the Provence Footloose route, a hotel with a restaurant, and no others nearby, closed just before the first clients started walking…

The Footloose route books offer a choice of walking routes on many days (easier and more challenging), so by using one of these (easier) alternative routes, it was possible to divert…and stay at a picturesque village with panoramic views and excellent (upgraded) accommodation!

Domaine de Capelongue, Bonnieux

Those taking the ‘standard’ route have a comfortable 3* hotel in the centre of the charming village of Bonnieux, with views and good restaurant. The ‘superior’ route has been upgraded to a 4* hotel (see above), which happens to be one of the best in Provence, and its **Michelin restaurant, one of the best in France.

A three-course evening meal at the hotel's excellent 'La Bergerie' restaurant is included, however you may upgrade to a meal in the **Michelin Restaurant Edouard Loubet for only 53 Euros.

PHOTO: FRANCIS ORAVETZ

The primary source of communication about ATG, its trips and news is the ATG website. This provides far more easily accessible up-dated information than printed materials.

Long views over the Lubéron

n Escorted: New trip for 2016 The new itinerary of Classic Provence includes: walking in Les Alpilles, hills to the south of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, celebrated in the iconic paintings of Van Gogh. It also includes walking through picturesque medieval streets punctuated with ancient Roman monuments; paths through characteristic scented scrub with views to the sea, through lavender fields, vineyards and olive groves, and along the southern edge of the Vaucluse, and the Lubéron. All this, wonderful varied walking, some excellent hotels, and a range of some of the best Provençal cuisine. See pages 12-13.

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 2014 trips: 1st prize – an 8-day ATG holiday Mr R Langford, Stockton-on-Tees 2nd prize – a magnum of Champagne Mrs J Duncan, Aberdeen 3rd prize – a bottle of Champagne Dr G Pasvol, London

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

ESCORTED TRIP NEWS n Unknown Basilicata NEW TRIP Almost unvisited when ATG started running trips there 20 years ago, Basilicata, from coast to coast, remains wild and ‘unimaginable’. Dolomites (!), Greek temples, vast, high flower-filled pastures, fine ancient pilgrim paths, wonderful southern hospitality.

The itinerary includes three of the best walks from an earlier trip, but now, with the opening of new hotels and restaurants, the trip we have long wanted to offer has become practicable. For keen walkers there is a ‘feast’, and for those who prefer half-days, the minibus meets walkers each day – for an ATG picnic! See pages 18-19.

Castelmezzano: one of Italy's most beautiful villages

n The Hills of South West India NEW TRIP This new 14-day itinerary in south west India takes us through the high hills and most spectacular scenery of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Travelling on foot, by jeep, boat, narrow gauge railway and by road, our journey takes us from the forests and long views of the Western Ghats, to spice gardens, tea plantations, national parks with an abundance of wildlife, especially birds, and from the highlands surrounding the legendary colonial hill-station of Ooty (2,240m/7,350ft), to idyllic lakes …and the sea. The best, most characteristic hotels and delicious southern Indian cuisine. See pages 20-21.

Tranquil Kerala backwaters

n Tuscan Trail BACK FOR 2016

n Srinagar & Ladakh NEW TRIP

This trip, established in 1979 and affectionately known to thousands of ATG clients as the ‘Tuscan Trial’ (!), was their introduction to ATG, and to discovering that ‘the best way to see a country is on foot’.

Starting in Srinagar (recovered from 2014 floods) we enjoy the experience of staying in a houseboat on lakes surrounded by water-lilies, with views of snow-capped mountains. We then fly direct to Leh in Ladakh. Ladakh, with its rich culture and traditions, many fine Buddhist monasteries, delightful people, and not least, superb Himalayan mountain scenery, offers a glimpse of a timeless world.

There is comfortable accommodation (no camping!), good local cuisine and some excellent walking.

Go Now! See pages 22-23.

PHOTO: D PATERSON

Today the hotels and restaurants are better, but the countryside and walking route remain timelessly unchanged, and from San Gimignano to Siena, the ATG-researched paths were once part of the Via Francigena, the medieval ‘main road to Rome’…. It’s back and better than ever! See pages 16-17.

Ladakh: ‘Land of High Passes’

n Across the Cévennes

PHOTO: KATE WHINNEY

BACK FOR 2016

Exploring medieval towns

A wonderful walk with some excellent hotels, it includes the Causse de Mejean (also in Flowers of the Cévennes) and the area of the Lozère & Tarn Gorge Footloose route, on which the feedback has been consistently outstanding.

See pages 14-15.

Cévennes National Park

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

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Late Availability Trip Grades – see page 25

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29 Aug-5 Sep: Pieve As You Like It!

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8 Days, Italy

5-12 Sep: Classic Alsace

8 Days, France

Exclusive Tuscany: A flexible itinerary including varied walk options, excursions, time to relax, superb food and wine, and a concert and gala dinner on the last night.

The most picturesque villages in France set in vineyards with the forested Vosges hills as a backdrop.

Great walking, hotels, food and wine.

Hotel nights: 7 at Pieve a Castello £2,195 / $3,625 (+DFS £308 / $510)

Hotel nights: 3 at 4*, 4 at 3* £2,995 / $4,945 (+DFS £329 / $545)

Grade: 2 - 4

PHOTO: CHRIS BARTLE

Grade: 1 - 2

Classic Alsace Independent: 5 or 8 days

See page 10 for all dates 2015-2016.

8 Days, Italy

A World Class walk, from meadows of the Monti Sibillini to Spoleto – wonderful country and views; picturesque villages, fine frescoed churches, some excellent hotels and cuisine.

8 Days, Italy

ATG’s most unusual trip! Crag-top towns approached by ancient Via di Cava, then lakes and plateaux, and finally Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral.

Hotel nights: 5 at 4*, 1 at *3, 1 at 2* £2,495 / $4,120 (+DFS £182 / $305)

Grade: 2 - 3

PHOTO: SARAH WELLBURN

Hotel nights: 3 at 4*, 3 at Residenza d'Epoca, 1 at 2* pilgrim hotel Grade: 3 - 4 £2,435 / $4,020 (+DFS £161 / $270)

5-12 Sep: Unknown Tuscany

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

29 Aug-5 Sep: Unknown Umbria

Route open until October 18: From £620 / $1,025

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto Independent: 5 or 8 days

Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto Independent: 5 or 8 days

Route open until October 18: From £495 / $820

Route open until October 31: From £465 / $770

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* Most independent routes remain open through October. See page 27 for an overview.

12-19 Sep: Hungary: the Danube Bend 8 Days, Hungary

13-20 September: Unknown Catalunya 8 Days, Spain

Some of the country’s finest scenery, historic towns, castles and Renaissance palaces; fascinating open-air ethnographic museum, delightful Hungarian people.

Discovering easy paths through the historic heart of Catalunya, its deserted hills, Romanesque churches, exciting variety of birds and flowers, geological formations and wonderful cuisine!

Hotel nights: 1 at 5*, 5 at 4*, 1 at 3* £2,295 / $3,790 (+DFS £203 / $335)

Grade: 3

Hotel nights: 7 at 4* hotel in lovely setting £2,395 / $3,955 (+DFS £231 / $385)

19-26 September: Classic Dordogne

Grade: 2 - 2+

8 Days, France

Easy paths from cliff-side, medieval Rocamadour, to the imposing castles overlooking the Dordogne River, to prehistoric dwellings and paintings around Les Eyzies.

Great Périgord cuisine.

Hotel nights: 2 at 4*, 5 at very comfortable 3* £3,115 / $5,145 (+DFS £210 / $350)

Grade: 2

Hungary: Danube Bend Independent: 8 days

Route open until October 18: £795 / $1,315 12-19 Sep: Land of Piero della Francesca 8 Days, Italy Idyllic scenery with long views and delightful medieval towns containing fabulous works of Art – including those by Piero, still where he lived and painted.

Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 5 at 4* Grade: 2 - 3 £2,895 / $4,780 (+DFS £231 / $385)

20-27 Sep: The Aeolian Isles

Classic Dordogne Independent: 5 or 8 days

Route open until October 31: From £615 / $1,015 8 Days, Italy

19-26 September: Way to Assisi

8 Days, Italy

These picturesque volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily provide walking with spectacular views, a fascinating historic heritage, comfortable hotels and delicious seafood.

The trip that has everything! Fine walking, famed medieval towns on Roman foundations, outstanding art, excellent hotels, good food and Sagrantino wine, and following in St Francis’ footsteps.

Hotel nights: 4 at 4*, 3 at very comfortable 3* £2,695 / $4,450 (+DFS £189 / $315)

Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 4 at 4*, 1 at 3* £2,895 / $4,780 (+DFS £329 / $545)

PHOTO: FRANCIS ORAVETZ

Grade: 2 - 3

Grade: 3

Umbria & Assisi Independent: 5 or 8 days

Route open until October 18: From £490 / $810

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

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4-11 Oct: Sintra & the Portuguese Coast 8 Days, Portugal

Wonderful walking and scenery! Extensive sierras, gorges and ravines punctuated by picturesque villages; ridge walks, pilgrim paths and magnificently situated castles.

Portugal’s wild west coast with some of Europe’s largest waves, the protected Serra da Sintra, and UNESCO Heritage site of Sintra itself, with its castles, palaces and gardens.

Hotel nights: A range of characteristic hotels, all very friendly Grade: 3 - 4 £2,090 / $3,450 (+DFS £70 / $120)

Hotel nights: 5 at 5*, 2 at 3* (2 at Michelin* restaurant) £2,970 / $4,905 (+DFS £504 / $835)

20-27 September: Alto Teruel

Grade: 2 - 3

Route open until September 30: £780/ $1,290 3-10 Oct: Padula & Northern Calabria

8 Days, Italy

Two little-known areas south of Naples – medieval Padula, its rich heritage dating back 3,000 years, and Northern Calabria, its high grassy hills offering inspiring walking.

Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 5 at 4* £2,295 / $3,790 (+DFS £140 / $235)

Grade: 3 - 4

PHOTO: NAOMI MOGIL & JAMES KEANE

Alto Teruel Independent: 8 days

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Independent: 8 days

Route open until October 31: From £995 / $1,645 4-11 October: Southern Tuscan Trail

8 Days, Italy

Two great wine areas, two of Italy’s finest abbeys, medieval hill towns and Renaissance Pienza. WorldClass art. Inspiring walking, flowers, birds – and fabulous Siena.

Hotel nights: 5 at very comfortable 3*, 1 at 4* and 5* £2,660 / $4,390 (+DFS £294 / $490)

Grade: 3

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he Baroque, Carthusian Certosa di San Lorenzo di Padula (or Padula Charterhouse) is the largest monastery in Italy (12.7 acres), and has the largest cloister in the world (2.97 acres), surrounded by 84 columns.

Begun in 1306 and completed more than 400 years later, its design emulates a gridiron – a metal grate with parallel bars – evoking the live burning of a saint. Its museum houses finds from excavations from two important necropoli discovered in the environs, representing the period from protohistory to the Hellenistic Age. Also notable are the cloister’s 16th century choir stalls with fine intarsia decoration, high altar and main door dating back to 1374, and the magnificent grand, white marble staircase leading to the library.

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Southern Tuscany Independent: 5 or 8 days

Route open until October 31: From £540 / $895

* Most independent routes remain open through October. See page 27 for an overview.

20-27 October: Paths to Barolo

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Walk through the wooded Langhe hills and Barolo vineyards: a picturesque patchwork interspersed with woods, hill-top villages and castles. The area is famed as much for its food as its renowned wines.

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10-19 October: Ephesus & the Dodecanese

8 Days, Italy

Hotel nights: 4 at 4*, 3 at very comfortable 3* £3,095 / $5,110 (+DFS £385 / $640) 10 Days,Turkey & Greece

Grade: 2 - 3

6- 18 November: Discovering Oman

13 Days

Sail the Aegean, anchoring to explore the islands on foot. Nights in picturesque harbours, and finally dinner with classical music in the floodlit site of Ephesus.

Discover Oman’s subtropical coast, deserts, mountain villages, spectacular wadis, luxury desert camping, and Muscat’s best hotel. All this and plenty of walking.

Hotel nights: 7 on a luxury yacht, 2 in cottages £3,995 / $6,595 (+DFS £882 / $1,460)

Hotel nights: 3 at 5*, 3 at 4*, 2 at 3 *, 2 at Eco lodge, 2 camping Grade: 2+ - 3 £4,995 / $8,245 (+DFS £1,015 / $1,675)

11-18 October: Amalfi Coast

Grade: 1 - 2

8 Days, Italy

Some of Italy’s most idyllic coastal scenery and impressive picturesque towns and fishing villages.

Walk along ancient stepped paths between villages, farms, churches and monasteries: the “Path of the Gods” high above the sea.

Hotel nights: 7 at 4* £3,195 / $5,275 (+DFS £672 / $1,110)

6-10 November: Secret Venice

5 Days, Italy

Venetians’ Venice – lunch at private palazzo on the Grand Canal, a private visit to the cathedral of San Marco in an exclusive itinerary, staying at the 5* Danieli.

Hotel nights: 4 at 5* Danieli £2,920 / $4,820 (+DFS £432 / $715)

Grade: 1

Grade: 3

Amalfi Coast Independent: 5 or 8 days

Route open until October 31: From £675 / $1,115 13-23 October: Western Crete

11 Days, Greece

Walk across the island twice! Fine, rugged scenery with immense views, dramatic gorges, mountains and sea. Picturesque hill villages and delightful people.

Comfortable mountain/village hotels throughout (B+C grade) Grade: 3 - 4 £2,950 / $4,870 (+DFS £160 / $265)

17-24 Oct: Mallorca: Mountains & Sea

8 Days, Spain

10-25 November: Discovering Chile

16 Days

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure: desert, hot springs, lakes, fjords, glaciers and peaks; fabulous walking, unforgettable scenery – all in style.

Hotel nights: 9 at 5*, 3 at 4*, 3 at 3* £9,325 / $15,390 (+DFS £1,790 / $2,955)

Grade: 2 - 3+

21-26 December: Assisi Christmas

6 Days, Italy

Inspiring mountain walking, fine monasteries, picturesque mountain villages and spectacular views across the island and sea.

Medieval hill towns, art and landscape.

Walk down from Monte Subasio on Christmas Eve – to spend Christmas Eve, day and night in Assisi.

Hotel nights: 2 at 5*, 4 at 4*, 1 at simple sanctuary £3,095 / $5,110 (+DFS £623 / $1,030)

Hotel nights: 5 at 4* £1,995 / $3,295 (+DFS: £195 / $325)

Grade: 4

Grade: 2 - 3

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

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What’s so special?

CW

Pieve a Castello is distinguished by its fine, historically important architecture from the 8th century, situated in idyllic Tuscan countryside.

It has a timeless, peaceful atmosphere that makes it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy.

It is also the perfect location from which to explore one of the world’s richest and most influential areas of cultural heritage, with some of Europe’s finest and best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns and villages, and over 60% of the greatest works of Art in the Western World within 35 miles.

CW

Where is it?

Pieve a Castello is located between Florence (35 miles/50 minutes) and Siena (15 miles/25 minutes) in central Tuscany, with quick, easy access by superstrada-autostrada to airports and the rest of Italy.

What is it?

Pieve a Castello is a complex of buildings, on a fortified site dating (excavations indicate) from the 5th century BC. Today’s buildings date from 600-750 AD, when, using some of the ancient foundations, the site was extended to provide overnight accommodation for the increasing number of travellers on the Via Francigena, ‘the main road to Rome’.

As a thriving Augustinian canonry, with extensive lands and 33 smaller dependent canonries, it welcomed (literally) millions of travellers, including recorded visits by Popes and Emperors, on their way to and from Rome.

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Images: CW = Christopher Whinney; CB = Chris Bartle

PIEVE A

Footnotes

CW

Common Order What do Nicholas Breakspear (1100-1159, the only English Pope – Adrian IV – from 1154-59), the mystic Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471), and the Christian Humanist and scholar Desiderius Erasmus (14661536) have in common?

CB

CB

Answer: all were Augustinian Canons Regular. This was the Order of Canons that, for seven centuries, ran the canonry of Santa Maria (now Pieve) a Castello, the overnight stopping place on the Via Francigena, the early medieval ‘main road to Rome’.

This fortified complex of early 8th Century buildings played host to countless travellers, including recorded visits by Emperors and Popes – on their way to or from Rome. Nicholas Breakspear is known to have travelled down the Via Francigena from France in 1149 prior to his appointment as Cardinal Bishop of Albano, and later as Papal Legate to Scandinavia – from where he returned in 1154.

CW

In 1156, in an attempt to quell conflict in Rome, Pope Adrian IV issued an interdict, suspending administration of most religious rites in the city. This decimated lucrative pilgrim traffic to the city, and on all roads to Rome.

CASTELLO

In the same year Pope Adrian IV issued a document granting privileges to Santa Maria (now Pieve) a Castello…

Was this a coincidence? Or help for his fellow Canons Regular, at a place where he had almost certainly stayed on several occasions, to secure it against fluctuations in the number of pilgrims travelling the Via Francigena – upon which the canonry depended for its income and survival …?

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hoW does it Work?

The canonry was abandoned in 1400 AD, but remained in an outstanding state of preservation, with all its architecturally important buildings still intact. Its proto-Romanesque basilica-style church is a rare survival, whilst its early 8th century arcaded octagonal baptistery, is the finest, and almost only such building remaining from the period.

Your stay at Pieve a Castello will be on an all-inclusive ‘house-guest’ basis. Everything is included – all meals, wines, drinks and snacks between meals, all transfers, all scheduled visits and excursions, for guests wishing to participate in the escorted programme offered.

Today, following 20 years of restoration works, ‘Pieve a Castello’ – some of the oldest stillinhabited structures in Europe, again welcomes travellers. Winner of a ‘World Legacy Award’ for Heritage tourism, it operates as a Residenza d’Epoca (historic building converted to accommodate guests).

CW

CW

What is there?

There are 10 bedrooms, originally built for multiple occupancy by early medieval travellers. All now have private en-suite facilities and views of the central courtyard and open countryside.

The church and one chapel offer recording-quality acoustics and sound systems, and music, including some recorded at Pieve a Castello. There is a fine concert grand piano, and classical concerts every Friday evening, followed by a gala dinner.

CB

The arcaded octagonal baptistery, that in medieval times, like the church, had general daily use – for travellers to meet, eat and sleep, as well as for baptisms, is now used for dining.

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Images: CW = Christopher Whinney; CB = Chris Bartle

There is a well-stocked library with many books about the area, and several comfortable sitting areas, as well as seating in the courtyard and on shaded terraces.

Mornings at Pieve a Castello are relaxed. Breakfast, from 7.45 to 11.00, is served in the courtyard when the weather is fine – an extensive buffet, with cooked breakfast available between 8.00 and 9.00.

Lunch is available on the lower (covered) terrace between 1.00 and 2.00pm each day, whilst those out on a scheduled excursion will enjoy a celebrated ATG picnic.

Snacks and drinks…between meals: Each room has a fridge-bar re-stocked once a day with complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, beer and light snacks.

There is also a guest kitchen with coffee, tea and a selection of fruit and a home-made cake or biscuits. In the library a selection of alcoholic drinks is also available.

Pre-dinner drinks are served in the library or on the library terrace from 7.00pm. These are accompanied by freshly made appetizers from the chef.

Dinner is served in the arcaded octagonal former baptistery, or in the courtyard ‘under the stars’. It comprises three courses and fine wines. After dinner coffee and drinks are then served in the library or on the library terrace.

CW

CW

perfectly preserved

Itineraries in brief...

What is there to do and see…?

Which Week to choose?

The location, between Florence and Siena provides enough places of outstanding historic and cultural interest to last a lifetime of exploration, with almost unlimited opportunities to access, not only the wealth of world-renowned Heritage sites, but also the many other outstanding, but little-known, sites, in this area burgeoning with places of unsurpassed cultural interest: ‘Secret Tuscany’.

Whichever week you choose will give you a unique insight into the area, its culture and heritage. As one client wrote:

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

A legacy of centuries when the bustling Via Francigena carried millions of travellers annually to and from Rome, is a network of major and minor, supply and access routes, over 200 miles of which fan out from Pieve a Castello. These ancient routes, now paths and tracks, ideal for walking, lead through vineyards, olive groves, meadows and forest to iconic destinations such as Siena, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano.

These destinations can also be reached by bicycle along quiet country gravel roads and tracks.

A substantial booklet with a variety of self-guided walks (from 1 to 7 hours) is part of the information pack provided to each guest.

SIENA & THE PALIO A fascinating immersion experience…

This unique, ‘’insider’s experience’’, includes two hours of each morning (days 2–7) spent in ‘immersion’ Italian language sessions, tailored to all levels of ability. Included, too, is a view of the race from one of the best-situated windows on the piazza…

Our week at wonderful, ancient Pieve a Castello took us far beyond the restless superficiality of ‘tourism’. It made us feel from the outset that we were privileged insiders who genuinely belonged.

As an authentic travel experience this is as good as it gets.

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. Evening presentation: The Palio, its History, Celebrations and Traditions

Pieve a Castello offers different itineraries that explore the area’s wide range of outstanding World-Class interests. Each week is accompanied by a renowned ATG Tour Leader and Tour Manager.

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.

making it happen To ‘make it happen’ – each evening before dinner there is a presentation of the next day’s ‘theme’, or focus of interest, and related programme of activities and excursions. If there is an escorted walk, a wine tasting, cookery demonstration, concert or excursion to explore – e.g. – ‘legacy of the Etruscans’, and you would prefer to swim, read, listen to music, go for an independent walk or bicycle ride, or just enjoy being in this ‘very special place on the planet’, Pieve a Castello is there for you to enjoy ‘as you like it’.

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.

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.

THE pool

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 (2-3 hours), before a ‘gala’ dinner.

CW

Whether to cool off after a walk or activity, to swim for exercise, or to simply enjoy its ambience, the 50-foot pool (open MayOctober) guarantees to delight!

It has salt filtration and is lined with travertine (marble) – the water surface giving soft reflections of the ancient buildings and organic vegetable gardens which supply the kitchens.

Day 8 Transfer to Pisa airport.

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Dates & Prices Remaining Dates 2015 Pieve: As You Like It August 29 September 5 & 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Dates 2016

All trips run Saturday-Saturday, except Siena & the Palio (Monday-Monday).

April 2 Tuscan Legacy Medieval Traveller 9 16 Tuscan Legacy 23 Medieval Traveller 30 As You Like It May 7 14 21 28

Tuscan Gardens Tuscan Legacy Medieval Traveller As You Like It

June 4 11 18 27

Tuscan Gardens Tuscan Gardens As You Like It Siena & the Palio (Mon-Mon)

July 2 9 16 23 30

Tuscan Gardens As You Like It As You Like It Medieval Traveller Medieval Traveller

August 6 13 20 27

As You Like It Tuscan Legacy Medieval Traveller As You Like It

September 3 As You Like It 10 Medieval Traveller 17 As You Like It 24 Tuscan Legacy October 1 Tuscan Gardens 8 As You Like It 15 Medieval Traveller 22 Tuscan Legacy 29 Tuscan Legacy Note: Departures can be booked for private groups (subject to availability), with any of the above itineraries.

Prices Medieval Traveller Grade 2-3* £2,195 / US$3,625 DFS: £308 / US$510 Tuscan Legacy Grade 2-3 £2,195 / US$3,625 DFS: £308 / US$510 As You Like It Grade 1-2 £2,195 / US$3,625 DFS: £308 / US$510 Tuscan Gardens Grade 1 £2,295 / US$3,790 DFS: £308 / US$510 Siena & the Palio Grade 1-2 £3,450 / US$5,695 DFS: £308 / US$510 *See page 25 for Grades information.

10

Itineraries in brief...

MEDIEVAL TRAVELLER For over 700 years travellers on the Via Francigena, the ‘main road to Rome’, stayed overnight at Pieve a Castello. This itinerary explores the early medieval ‘road’ (today tracks and paths) and fascinating world of the medieval traveller.

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 the 8th century complex.

Evening presentation: Pieve a Castello & the Medieval Traveller Day 2 We walk through idyllic countryside to discover some of the ancient major and minor routes of the area, and what influenced developments and changes (5 miles/ 2.5 hours). Evening presentation: The Via Francigena Day 3 We walk through forests of the Montagnola to an iconic medieval village – one of the dependent canonries (6 miles/3 hours). Evening presentation: Medieval Enterprise & Travel Day 4 We drive for 15 minutes, then walk following the route of the early medieval Via Francigena to ‘Castello del Bosco’ – now San Gimignano – with its famous towers. (8 miles/4 hours).

Evening presentation: Medieval Travellers – What they Wore, Carried & Ate Day 5 We follow the Via Francigena southwards through forest to a frescoed church (8 miles, 4 hours) and return to Pieve a Castello for lunch.

Evening presentation: Medieval Pilgrims Day 6 We drive (30 mins), then walk following the Via Francigena to Siena, with time to explore the ‘best-preserved great medieval city in Europe’. Evening presentation: Age of Miracles

PIEVE: AS YOU LIKE IT Day 1 After arrival at 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: Mills & Tunnels Day 2 We drive to nearby Colle di Val d’Elsa and explore the network of ancient mill-races and tunnel streets.

Afternoon walk, following the Via Francigena from Colle to Pieve a Castello (6.6 miles/3.5 hours). Evening presentation: Life on the Via Francigena Day 3 We drive (25 mins), then walk, enjoying spectacular views of San Gimignano. After a visit and lunch, an excursion to the nearly iconic village of Monteriggioni offers the opportunity to walk back to Pieve a Castello (8.5 miles/4 hours). Evening presentation: The Sword in the Stone Day 4 We drive (45 mins) to visit the huge, roofless Abbey of San Galgano, and small domed church containing the ‘Sword in the Stone’. After visiting a frescoed hermitage and a church on the ancient Via Francigena, paths lead back to Pieve a Castello (7.5 miles/3.54 hours). Evening presentation: Volterra Day 5 We drive (50 mins) to Volterra, and visit the excellent Etruscan museum, cathedral, fine public buildings, and works of Art…. Optional afternoon walk (5 miles/2.5 hours), following the 10th Century Via Francigena back to Pieve a Castello. Evening presentation: Monte Oliveto Maggiore Day 6 We drive (1 hour) to visit the great Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, with its frescoed cloister.

After a private tour of the abbey we walk through scenery of the crete down to the Asso Valley (5 miles/2.5-3 hours).

Evening presentation and tasting: Chianti!

Day 7 We drive (10 mins) to a nearby abbey, which we visit before exploring some impressive variants to the Via Francigena, returning to Pieve a Castello on foot (6 miles/3 hours).

Evening concert and gala dinner at Pieve a Castello.

Day 7 We drive (25 mins) into the Chianti hills to visit a renowned wine estate for a tasting. Afternoon free, before a concert and gala dinner at Pieve a Castello

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

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

Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport we drive (30 mins) to Lucca. Time to explore this delightful city before dinner.

Day 2 We visit the Villa Reale, an historic garden noted for its magnificent trees; and Villa Torrigiani – an elaborate villa, which we can normally visit, set in a formal garden.

Day 3 We drive (1 hour, 15 mins) to Florence, where we visit the house and gardens of the Villa della Petraia and gardens of the Villa Reale at Castello, designed for Cosimo di Medici. After lunch we cross Florence to visit the delightful Villa Gamberaia, much appreciated by Edith Wharton. We then continue on to Pieve a Castello (1 hour).

Day 4 Free day with optional visit to Siena and afternoon walk in the countryside around Pieve a Castello (2-3 hours).

Day 5 We drive into southern Tuscany (1.5 hours), visiting small historic formal gardens in San Quirico d’Orcia and Pienza, en route to visiting the superbly situated Renaissance-style gardens of La Foce, creation and former home of Iris Origo. Return to Pieve a Castello (1.5 hours).

Day 6 We drive (25 mins) through the wooded Montagnola behind Pieve a Castello, to visit a ‘Peruzzi’ garden: the Castello di Celsa. We then walk (30 mins each way) to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Villa Cetinale gardens, which we visit. After a picnic lunch, there is the option of a walk back to Pieve a Castello from the hamlet of San Chimento (1.5-2.5 hours depending on route).

Pieve a Castello is an ideal base from which explore Tuscany’s profound Legacy – that has done so much to fashion Western Civilization today.

Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport we drive (1.5 hours) to Pieve a Castello.

After time to relax there will be an (optional) guided tour of the 8th century complex. Evening presentation: Etruscan Legacy Day 2 We drive (45 mins) to the great Etruscan city of Volterra where we visit impressive Etruscan tombs, extensive walls and the excellent Etruscan museum. We return via Roman baths and walk back (45 mins). Evening presentation: Siena: the Legacy Day 3 We drive (25 mins) to Siena, and walk to enjoy iconic paintings by Duccio, Lorenzetti and others.

Opportunity to walk part way back to Pieve a Castello along the Via Francigena (6 miles/3 hours). Evening presentation: Language Legacy – Dante, Petrarch & Boccaccio Day 4 We visit nearby iconic locations that proudly feature associations with local writers on whose works the Italian language was modelled: San Gimignano, Certaldo and – on foot from Pieve a Castello – Monteriggioni (4 hours). Evening presentation: The Renaissance

CW

Three great centres of Italian gardens – Lucca, Florence and Siena, with outstanding Tuscan gardens representing their development from the early Renaissance through to modern times.

TUSCAN LEGACY

Day 5 We drive (45 mins) towards Florence, which we approach on foot along quiet lanes to San Miniato al Monte, from where a path descends to an arched gate in the city walls. We cross the Ponte Vecchio to visit the Uffizi Gallery. Evening presentation: Leonardo: the Legacy Day 6 We look at the legacy of Tuscan, world-renowned cuisine and wine. We drive (25 mins) to visit a renowned wine estate for a tasting.

Optional walk and late afternoon Cookery Demonstration.

Day 7 Visit to local market at Colle di Val d'Elsa, and optional walk back towards Pieve a Castello (1.5 hours).

After lunch we drive (40 mins) to enjoy a private tour of the fascinating Villa Geggiano, near Siena.

Day 7 Free day with visit to the local market, and walk (6 miles/3 hours) to nearby Etruscan beacon. Evening Presentation: Tuscan Legacy, followed by a concert and gala dinner at Pieve a Castello.

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

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

CW

TUSCAN GARDENS

Images: CW = Christopher Whinney

11

new trip

Classic Provence

The best of Provence: walking in tiny mountains with long views, landscapes of Van Gogh, Roman towns, picturesque medieval villages, vineyards and lavender fields. Excellent hotels and four dinners in MichelinH/HH restaurants!

ITINERARY Day 1 After arrival at Marseille airport we travel by road (1 hour) to St. Rémyde-Provence, where we stay for two nights. Early evening exploration of the walled medieval town.

restaurant) realised from bories – ancient dry-stone dwellings – near the village of Gordes, with views to the Lubéron massif. (Walking 6 miles/4 hours).

Day 2 A short walk brings us to the site of Glanum, the Greek/Roman town, once the home of Julia, daughter of the Emperor Augustus (31BC-14AD).

We then drive (30 mins) through countryside that so inspired Van Gogh, to Arles. Here we visit the Arletan Museum of Provençal Life, and stroll through ancient streets, past high Roman and medieval walls, the Roman amphitheatre, theatre, forum, temples and baths, as well as the Romanesque church of St Trophime. After lunch we visit the fortified village of Les-Bauxde-Provence, from where we walk, following a ridge with views across scented scrub-covered hills, isolated farms, olive groves, vineyards and pine woods – back to St Rémy (5 miles/2.5 hours). Time to relax and enjoy the gardens and pool of our hotel before dinner at its renowned restaurant.

Day 4 We drive (15 mins) to Fontainede-Vaucluse, where we visit the source of the river Sorgue, the world’s fifth largest spring, that gushes from beneath the Vaucluse at 500 million cubic metres annually. We see the house where Petrarch wrote his ‘Canzoniere’ (Song Book) of 360 poems to ‘Laura’ (see Footnotes page 13). We then set off on foot through impressive scenery, flower-filled and scrub and forest, to the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque (founded 1148), idyllically situated amongst lavender fields in a deep secluded valley, from where an ancient path takes us back to our hotel (9.1 miles/5 hours).

Day 5 From the village of Gordes, dominated by its château, we walk down ancient streets to the Coulon Valley, and through fields of wheat, lavender – and poppies (!) to the village of Roussillon, situated on an outcrop of ochre rock. We walk through the famous ochre quarries and down the picturesque main street of the village, with its houses built of variously coloured ochre rock (7.2 miles/3.5 hours). Our hotel, with its quiet central location, offers views across the valley to hills of the Vaucluse and Lubéron.

Day 3 We walk past the monastery of St-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh stayed (May 1889-May 1890) and painted ‘A Wheatfield, with Cypresses’, ‘Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background’ and, one of his bestknown paintings, ‘Starry Night’. We walk up through pine woods to the ridge of the Alpilles, enjoying panoramic views across southern Provence to the sea. After descending to the fertile plain, and a picnic lunch, we continue by road (40 mins) to our unique 5* hotel (with its Michelin* Saint Rémy Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Feet 3000 2000 1000 0 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Miles 0

12

5

10

15

Gordes

Day 6 We follow paths and farm tracks down to the valley to a Roman bridge (built 3BC), then through Roussillon

Day 5 20

25

Bonnieux

Day 6 30

Day 7 35

Metres 915 610 305 0

8 DAY TRIP, FRANCE u

Destination airport: Marseille

u

Fitness: Grade 2 - 3 ('Grade' info: see page 25)

u

Days of walking: 6

u

Shortest / longest walk: 2.5 / 5 hours

ACCOMMODATION NIGHTS 1 & 2

NIGHTS 3 & 4

Saint-Rémy

Gordes

Mas des Carassins

Les Bories

HHH

HHHHH

NIGHT 5

NIGHTS 6 & 7

Roussillon

Bonnieux

Le Clos de la Glycine

Domaine de Capelongue

HHH

HHHH

meadows and olive groves, up towards the col between the Grand Lubéron and Petit Lubéron ‘mountains’, and the village of Bonnieux, its ramparts still visible, its houses rising on terraces to its 12C parish church surrounded by cedar trees (9.3 miles/5 hours). Our hotel for two nights (4* with **Michelin restaurant) is a fine, converted manor house, with gardens and extensive views, in a quiet location a short walk from the village.

Day 7 Time to enjoy the hotel and its facilities, with an opportunity to walk, and picnic, in the ‘mountains’ of the Lubéron, to enjoy the wild scenery, relatively easy paths, and spectacular views (7 miles/3.5 hours).

Day 8 We return by road to Marseille airport (1 hour).

2016 DATES 22 Apr - 29 Apr 9 Oct - 16 Oct

40

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

2016 PRICES £3,795 / US$6,265 Double-for-single supplement £665 / US$1,100

VIbRANT COLOURS AND CONTRASTS ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

8

Restaurants 9

Wildlife

6

Geology

6

Wine area

9

Cultural

8

Scenery

9

History

9

Walking

8

Art

7

Flowers

8

Architecture

8

Birds

7

Environment 7

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

FOOD & WINE

Van Gogh's A Wheatfield, with Cypresses – a landscape through which we walk

Gordes Roussillon

Fontaine de Vaucluse Oppède les Vieux Saint-Rémy

Bonnieux

5

The cuisine is complemented by wines from the area, known for their delicate flavour, with wellbalanced reds, crisp whites and limpid rosés.

TERRAIN

Grand Lubéron Lourmarin

Arles 0

For four nights of this trip we dine at MichelinH/HH restaurants. The range of excellent local produce, and strong traditions of Provençal cuisine, make dining on successive nights at restaurants of this quality a truly worthwhile experience.

10 miles

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Paths over hills are stony and dry underfoot (even after rain). In the valleys – quiet asphalt lanes, woodland and farmland tracks, paths across open country.

©

Footnotes Francesco Petrarca

(1304 – 1374, anglicized: ‘Petrarch’), was born in Arezzo, Tuscany, and spent his early years at Incisa, near Florence. In 1309 his father, a lawyer, and friend of (exiled) Dante Alighieri (see Tuscan trail Footnotes on page 17), escaped the violent conflicts in Florence, and followed Clement V, the first ‘Avignon Pope’, to France.

The family lived in Avignon and nearby Carpentras. In 1316 he was sent to study Law at Montpellier, then Bologna, and after ‘seven wasted years’ he returned to Avignon, where he took Minor Holy Orders.

Then on 6 April 1327, the sight of a woman called ‘Laura’ in the church of

Sainte-Claire d’Avignon, awoke in Petrarch a lasting passion. At his house in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse he started to write what became the celebrated ‘Il Canzoniere’ (‘Song Book’): 360 poems to ‘Laura’ – whom he possibly never met!

Petrarch established a reputation as a poet, scholar, philosopher, prolific letterwriter, and adventurous traveller throughout Europe – ‘for pleasure’ (combined with occasional diplomatic missions).

His rediscovery of Cicero’s letters, together with his pioneering humanist views, are credited for initiating the 14th-century Renaissance. His sonnets were widely admired and adopted as a model for Renaissance lyrical poetry, and when, in the 16th century, Pietro Bembo created the model for the modern Italian Language, he based this on the works of Petrarch, Boccaccio, and to a lesser extent, Dante Alighieri.

In his will he left 50 florins to his friend Boccaccio ‘to buy a warm winter dressing gown’, and his house in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to the caretaker.

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

13

Across the Cévennes

back for 2016!

High forested hills, magnificent gorges and open rolling plateaux carpeted by flowers in early summer. Eagles and griffon vultures, plunging caverns, and excellent country cooking, everything that eluded R L Stevenson and his donkey!

ITINERARY Day 1 After arrival at Montpellier airport we travel by road to Ganges (1 hour) and our hotel in a peaceful setting next to the River Hérault.

to visit the beautiful, astonishing Aven Armand cave, 100 metres below the causse. (6.9 miles/3.5 hours). Afternoon free to enjoy the hotel or explore Meyrueis.

Day 2 From Ganges, we follow a ridge with fine views across low hills of the Cévenol countryside before descending through woods to Pont d’Hérault, picturesquely sited at the confluence of the Rivers Hérault and Arre (8.8 miles/4.5 hours).

Day 6 From Aven Armand we continue our walk across the inspiring landscapes of the vast, open moorland plateau of the Causse de Méjean, then descend into the splendid scenery of the Tarn Gorge, and Le Rozier (405m/1,328ft), which lies at the confluence of the Tarn and Jonte Rivers. (14 miles/7 hours).

Day 3 Enthusiastic walkers start early for a challenging day of walking. A steep (then steady) ascent through woods and pastures is rewarded with spectacular views across the Cévennes National Park.

After lunch we follow tracks through woods and meadows to the mountain village of L’Espérou (1,230m/4,035ft), at the foot of Mont Aigoual. The full walk is 15 miles/8 hours, but there are opportunities to shorten this significantly.

Day 7 We walk up through pine and oak forests to the plateau of the Causse Noir (929m/3,047ft). Easy paths then take us through forests, farmland and the extraordinary rock formations for which the Causse Noir is renowned. We then descend through cherry orchards into the fertile Tarn Valley, and on to our chateau hotel with excellent restaurant, just outside Millau (370m/1,214ft) (14.7 miles/8 hours).

Day 4 After a steep start on a rocky path, we climb gently through woods. We then follow paths through forests of beech trees, and grassy tracks lead us along a ridge with wonderful views, before descending on easy paths through woods and fields, to our 4* hotel in a peaceful setting just outside Meyrueis (710m/2,330ft), at the head of the Jonte Gorge. (10.4 miles/6 hours).

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

Day 5 We walk up from Meyrueis, via panoramic views over the Jonte River, onto the undulating, limestone Causse de Mejean (1,150m/3,773ft),

14

Feet Ganges Pont d'Hérault 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 Day 2

Day 3

Miles 0

15

5

10

L‘Espérou

25

Meyrueis

30

u

Destination airport: Montpellier

u

Continuous route

u

Fitness: Grade 3+ - 4 ('Grade' info: see page 25)

u

Days of walking: 6

u

Shortest / longest walk: 3.5 / 8 hours

ACCOMMODATION NIGHT 1

NIGHT 2

Ganges

Pont d'Hérault

Hôtel les Norias

Chez Maurice

HHH

HHH

NIGHT 3

NIGHTS 4 & 5

L’Espérou

Meyrueis

Hôtel Touring

Château d’Ayres

HH

HHHH

NIGHT 6

NIGHT 7

Le Rozier

Millau

Grand Hôtel de la Muse

Château de Creissels

HHH

HHH

Astonishing Aven Armand cave, deep below the Causse de Méjean

Aven Armand

35

Le Rozier

Millau

Day 6

Day 5

Day 4 20

8 DAY TRIP, FRANCE

40

45

Day 7 50

55

60

Metres 1830 1535 1220 915 610 305 0

2016 DATES 22 May - 29 May 9 Oct - 16 Oct

65

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

2016 PRICES £2,395 / US$3,955 Double-for-single supplement £145 / US$245

THE MOST ExHILARATING WALK IN FRANCE ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

6

Restaurants 7

Wildlife

7

Geology

10

Cultural

6

Wine area

7

Scenery

10 History

Walking

10 Art

Flowers

10 Architecture N/A

Birds

9

7 N/A

Environment 8

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

FOOD & WINE

Breathtaking views across the Cévennes National Park

GORGES DU TARN Le Rozier

Lamb from the causses, venison and wild mushrooms from the Cévennes, trout from streams and wide variety of cheeses including the famous Roquefort. Cuisine ranges from country cooking of a high standard to regional style with robust local dishes using aromatic herbs. Good wines from the Hérault Valley and Languedoc region like Faugères and St. Chinian; noteworthy wines from the Aveyron such as Marcillac.

Aven Armand

TERRAIN

Meyrueis GORGES DE LA JONTE L‘Espérou

Millau

Pont d’Hérault Ganges 0

5

10 miles

Footnotes Walking with (‘driving’)

donkeys – i.e. 'muleteering' – has a long history in the Cévennes. Until the late 19th century it was one of Meyrueis's main sources of income. It was also in 1878 that Robert Louis Stevenson published an account that made him a precursor of walking and camping holidays: as a therapy following the end of his relationship

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Forest, mule, sheep and farm tracks and quiet country lanes. Rocky paths on two days. High forested hills of the Cévennes and open rolling plateaux of the causses with sparse pastures and scrub intersected by dramatic gorges.

© with Fanny Vandegrift Osbourne (whom he would later marry), he walked 120 miles (his itinerary is now GR70, east of Mont Aigoual) in the company of stubborn donkey Modestine, an experience he retraced in one of his early works, ‘Travels With a Donkey in the Cévennes’. An extract: For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more clearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints. Alas, as we get up in life, and are more

preoccupied with our affairs, even a holiday is a thing that must be worked for. To hold a pack upon a pack-saddle against a gale out of the freezing north is no high industry, but it is one that serves to occupy and compose the mind. And when the present is so exacting who can annoy himself about the future?

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

15

back for 2016! Tuscan Trail Archetypal Tuscany! Walk from hill-top, Etruscan Volterra to Siena through vineyards, forests and olive groves – via classic, timeless countryside – and enjoy excellent Tuscan food and wines.

ITINERARY Day 1 After arrival at Pisa airport we travel by road (1 hour) to the ancient hill-top city of Volterra (531m/1,739ft) where we stay for two nights at a converted convent (4* with a pool), in the walled medieval centre.

Day 4 Morning to explore San Gimignano (before the day-visitors arrive) – its medieval tower houses built by rival families, of which there were once 72 – the tallest rising to over 70 metres (230ft) – and its fine frescoed churches. There are also good shopping opportunities! We then walk into the country for a picnic lunch, before continuing through archetypal Tuscan landscapes to enter the walled town of Colle di Val d’Elsa (262m/858ft) through a fine fortified gateway (8.7 miles/4.5 hours). We stay in ‘Colle Alta’, the high walled town, where in the Middle Ages, despite having 52 tower houses, increasing population led to building over the streets of the fortified town, creating Italy’s finest ‘tunnel streets’!

The pedestrian circuit of the medieval walls is an ATG Trust project.

Day 2 We walk through the medieval streets, through an arched gateway, and down to an olive grove beneath which lie extensive Etruscan tombs, excavations from which, in Volterra’s excellent Etruscan museum, provide much of our understanding of the city’s highly-developed ancient civilisation. After visiting the tombs and Etruscan museum, we walk to enjoy evidence of Volterra’s Etruscan, Roman, and medieval past (4.5 miles/3 hours). There is also time, ‘at leisure’ to discover the alabaster workshops for which the city is renowned.

Day 3 We walk down an ancient paved Etruscan path into the valley from where we follow farm tracks to a ridge, with panoramic views back to Volterra. After an ATG picnic, our way lies through forest from which we emerge to spectacular views of the walled hill town of San Gimignano (324m/1,061ft), ‘the medieval Manhattan’, with its famous tower houses, and walk up through olive groves and vineyards to an arched gate in the medieval walls (15.4 miles/ 8 hours). Our hotel on the central ‘Piazza Cisterna’ occupies one of the famous tower houses. We walk through the evening streets of this once bustling overnight stopping place on the Via Francigena, the medieval ‘main road to Rome’, and dine at one of the town’s best restaurants.

Miles 0

16

Day 6 Our walk takes us through forest and farmland, before our first view of Siena – Dante’s Antechamber of Paradise. We walk up into the city

San Gimignano Colle Val d'Elsa

Volterra Feet 2000 1000 0

Day 5 We walk across a plateau with small stone villages, vineyards, olive groves, meadows and woods. We pass some Roman baths, and visit a fine Romanesque abbey church before walking, in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri (see Footnotes page 17), who visited the village in 1300 as an ambassador for the Guelf League, up to the walls and 14 watchtowers of our destination – Monteriggioni (11.6 miles/6 hours). We stay in the heart of this tiny iconic village at a converted palazzo, with a pool in an olive grove and dine at a renowned restaurant ‘across the street’.

Day 2

Day 3 5

10

Day 4 15

20

25

Monteriggioni

Day 5 30

35

Day 6 40

45

Siena Metres 610 305 0

8 DAY TRIP, ITALY u

Destination airport: Pisa

u

Continuous route

u

Fitness: Grade 3 ('Grade' info: see page 25)

u

Days of walking: 6

u

Shortest / longest walk: 3 / 8 hours

ACCOMMODATION NIGHTS 1 & 2

NIGHT 3

Volterra

San Gimignano

San Lino

Leon Bianco

HHHH

HHH

NIGHT 4

NIGHT 5

Colle Val d’Elsa

Monteriggioni

Palazzo San Lorenzo

Hotel Monteriggioni

HHHH

HHHH NIGHTS 6 & 7

Siena

Hotel Continental

HHHHH

along a lane … before ascending along medieval streets to the famous Piazza del Campo and our hotel, a fine palazzo with painted ceilings, in the heart of the city (11.5 miles/6 hours).

Day 7 An optional walk takes us to the lesser known areas of Siena, before time ‘at leisure’ to explore the city, its fine cathedral, iconic works of art, and unique atmosphere.

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

2016 DATES 20 May - 27 May 17 Sep - 24 Sep

50

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

2016 PRICES £2,895 / US$4,780 Double-for-single supplement £360 / US$595

ROUTE ESTAbLISHED bY ATG IN 1979 ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

9

Restaurants 8

Wildlife

6

Geology

6

Wine area

9

Cultural

6

Scenery

8

History

10

Walking

8

Art

10

Flowers

8

Architecture 10

Birds

7

Environment 7

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

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

FOOD & WINE

Timeless countryside: hill-top Monteriggioni ˚F ˚C 104 40 95 35

Hours 400

Hours of bright sunshine Rain in mm

Average daily temperature max min

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

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

The restaurants at which we dine are renowned for their interpretations of Tuscan cuisine, whether refined and stylish or alla casalinga (traditional). You can expect game, wild mushrooms, beans and freshly made pasta – all local ingredients. We walk through vineyards producing Chianti of the Sienese hills: full, fruity reds and white Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Chianti Classico near Siena, and the delicious Vin Santo dessert wine.

TERRAIN Dirt and gravel roads, farm tracks, mule paths, woodland trails and tracks across the Tuscan hills.

©

Footnotes Dante Alighieri, poet

and moral philosopher, was born in Florence in about 1265. When told, aged 12, that he had been promised in marriage (to Emma Donati – they later married and had 3 children), Dante declared that he had already fallen in love. The girl was Beatrice Portinari, who was never more than a formal acquaintance, and died unexpectedly in 1290.

His love poems to Beatrice (Vita Nova, 1296) were in the tradition of ‘courtly love’, and significantly, written not in Latin, but in a literary language, based on the Tuscan dialect – that Dante called ‘Italian’.

Dante aspired to a political career,

held various public offices in Florence, and in 1301 travelled to Rome in a delegation seeking the intervention of Pope Boniface VIII in settling sectarian conflicts in Florence.

The Pope ‘suggested’ Dante remain in Rome. Meanwhile the ‘Black Guelph’ faction, supported by the Pope, destroyed much of Florence, and killed many of their enemies.

They seized Dante’s property, and condemned him to perpetual exile and death if he returned.

Boniface VIII! He finished the Purgatorio and Paradiso sections of the Divine Comedy shortly before his death in Ravenna in 1321.

His legacy – the Divine Comedy – is a corner-stone of Italian language and literature, and its use of the vernacular instead of Latin, a prelude to the Renaissance.

Freed from public office, Dante had more time for literary projects.

Between 1308 and 1312 he completed the Inferno, a vision of hell – unflatteringly portraying Pope

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

17

new trip

Unknown Basilicata

Almost unvisited when ATG started running trips there 20 years ago, Basilicata, from coast to coast, remains wild and ‘unimaginable’. Dolomites (!), Greek temples, vast high flower-filled pastures, fine ancient pilgrim paths, wonderful southern hospitality – and much more…

ITINERARY Day 1 After arrival at Naples airport we drive (2 hours 15 mins) to Castelmezzano (750m/2,456ft) – picturesquely situated amongst peaks and pinnacles of Dolomite. An afternoon walk explores the village, considered ‘one of the most beautiful (and geologically interesting) in Italy’ (2.5 miles/2 hours). We stay at a traditional family-run hotel with a renowned restaurant.

Day 2 We walk along a paved path, (now punctuated with unusual, ECfunded, thematic features), to the neighbouring village of Pietrapertosa, nestling amongst peaks of Dolomite (2.5 miles/1.5 hours). From here we drive (1 hour) to the coast and sites of Magna Graecia, where we visit the temple of Hera at Metapontum, before continuing (20 mins) to ancient Heraclea, and excellent museum with artefacts excavated from successive occupations. We then drive (1 hour) inland, before walking 2.6 miles into the Pollino National Park and the village of Terranova di Pollino (900m/2,947ft).

Day 3 We drive (15 mins) to the head of a wide valley (1,367m/4,485ft), from where we walk up through deciduous woods, to a forest track that contours round the mountain and through meadows. After lunch at the isolated pilgrim church of Madonna di Pollino, we walk down into the valley and to our 4* hotel – a delightfully converted mill (940m/3,078ft) (9.5 miles/6 hours).

Day 4 We drive (15 mins) then walk up a gorge that brings us up into inspiring mountain scenery of wide, flower-filled pastures, and spend the day enjoying the outstanding walking this area offers. There are opportunities to walk up the grassy, flower-rich slope of Serra di Crispo (2,053m/6,723ft), its ridge 18

8 DAY TRIP, ITALY u

Destination airport: Naples

u

Fitness: Grade 3 - 4 ('Grade' info: see page 25)

u

Days of walking: 7

u

Shortest / longest walk: 2 / 7 hours

ACCOMMODATION crowned with rare Loricato pines, some over 1,000 years old. We visit the aptly named ‘Garden of the Gods’ (747m/ 5,711ft), and the Grande Porta del Pollino (1,947m/6,376ft), from where a climb to Serra delle Ciavole (2,127m/ 6,965ft), offers spectacular views across open mountain meadows to other peaks of the Pollino range (see Footnotes page 19) and the Ionian Sea… before, reluctantly, leaving this delightful area and walking down to the Frido Valley (10.5 miles/7 hours).

Day 5 We drive (15 mins), then follow tracks through forest, before emerging into meadows and walking up to the pilgrim church of the Madonna dell’ Alto (970m/3,177ft), from where there are views of the entire Pollino range (3.6 miles, 2 hours). After a picnic lunch we walk along a ridge (c.900m/2,950ft), with woods and scrub, before descending through meadows to the characteristic small town of Castelluccio Superiore (c.550m/1,800ft) (8 miles/4 hours).

Day 6 Our walk takes us up a fine ancient pilgrim track to an isolated sanctuary church (1,103m/3,619ft) with extensive views across the area. Here we meet the ATG minibus (with those who preferred a ride…) and collect a snack, before walking up through pastures to a low pass (1,146m/ 3,753ft), from where we follow paths and farm tracks to a lake, a noted nature reserve, for a late lunch (9 miles/5 hours). From here we drive (40 mins) to Maratea (212m/694ft), where we stay for two nights at a converted convent (4*), with pool, and views across the town to the sea.

Day 7 Free day in Maratea, with an optional walk. After driving 15 minutes to the start (500m/1,637ft) of an

NIGHT 1

NIGHT 2

Castelmezzano

Terranova di Pollino

Albergo Locanda di Castromediano

Hotel Picchio Nero

HHH

HHH NIGHTS 3 & 4

NIGHT 5

Mezzana Salice

Castelluccio Superiore

Mulino Lannarelli

Hotel Sette e Mezzo

HHHH

HHH NIGHTS 6 & 7

Maratea

La Locanda delle Donne Monache

HHHH

impressive pilgrim path, we walk up through woods, then high pastures, to a sanctuary church (1,089m/3,566ft) with panoramic views of the coast. After a picnic lunch we walk down through meadows, then follow farm tracks. We cross a small plateau to the church of San Biagio (624m/2,045ft) overlooking Maratea, from where a woodland path winds down to just behind our hotel in Maratea (8.8 miles/5 hours). Dinner is at a notable sea-food restaurant on the coast.

Day 8 We return to Naples airport (2.5 hrs).

2016 DATES

2016 PRICES

11 Jun - 18 Jun

£2,395 / US$3,955

18 Jun - 25 Jun

Double-for-single supplement £95 / US$160

3 Sep - 10 Sep

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

bEST OF THE WILD SOUTH OF ITALY ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

7

Restaurants 7

Wildlife

7

Geology

10

N/A Cultural

7

Scenery

10 History

8

Walking

9

6

Flowers

10 Architecture

Birds

8

Wine area

Art

7

Environment 8

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

FOOD One of the most ancient and traditional of all Italian cuisines, Basilicata is an area where almost all pasta is still hand made, the vegetables are grown without chemicals and the animals are raised in a traditional manner providing a gastronomy that has not changed radically throughout the centuries. Interestingly, a certain Greek influence still pervades the cuisine of this area, as it does the food of much of the south. The dishes are not elaborate but full of aromas and always balanced, a cuisine that perfectly interprets the Mediterranean diet.

The wild and majestic Pollino National Park – and a signature Loricato pine Castelmezzano

0

5

10 miles

Metaponto

Mezzana Maratea Salice Terranova Castelluccio di Pollino POLLINO NATIONAL PARK Naples

TERRAIN

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Terranova Feet di Pollino 6000 5000 Castelmezzano 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 AM PM Day 1 Day 2 Miles 0

5

Mezzana Salice

Day 3 10

Castelluccio Superiore

Day 5

Day 4 15

Maratea Metres 1830 1535 1220 915 610 305 0 Day 7

20

25

30

35

Day 6 45

40

50

55

The terrain is mountainous and the walking is moderately strenuous. We follow mostly good mountain tracks with occasional mule paths, forestry roads and ways across open pastures.

©

Footnotes

The Pollino is Italy’s largest National Park.

Established in 1992, it covers 1,820 square kilometres in the Basilicata and Calabria regions. It takes its name from the wild Pollino Massif, which has many peaks over 2,000m/ 6,550ft (highest peak 2,267m/7,424ft). It includes natural, geological and archaeological interests, and is noted for its ancient Albanian-speaking communities. The park is one of the last refuges of the Bosnian pine (many over 1,000 years old) and has a rich flora with ‘carpets’ of orchids. Wildlife includes the Italian wolf, European otter, roe deer, golden eagle, black woodpecker, chough, peregrine falcon, lanner falcon, red kite and Egyptian vulture.

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

19

new trip

Discovering the Hills of South West India

Densely forested Western Ghats, hill stations and tea plantations, world-class national parks, the tranquil Kerala backwaters and Cochin. This trip covers the southwestern tip of the subcontinent – in style!

ITINERARY NOTE: We recommend you pre-extend in Kozhikode (Calicut), with time to acclimatise and explore the city.

Day 1 After arrival at Kozhikode

(Calicut) airport we drive (3 hours) up into the Western Ghats, through some of Kerala’s most picturesque scenery, to Vythiri (757m/2,483ft).

Our resort-style hotel is set in 150 acres of coffee and cardamom plantation and tropical rainforest.

Time to relax, with optional afternoon bird-watching walk.

Day 2 We walk (4 hours) above Vythiri, along forest paths of the Western Ghats, with fine views across the forested hills and tea plantations.

Afternoon free to relax, with optional walk.

Day 3 Morning drive (3 hours) into Karnataka to Nagarhole National Park (687m/2,254ft to 960m/3,150ft), where we stay for two nights at luxury eco-lodge Orange County Resort, with sweeping views over the Kabini River. Afternoon jeep safari.

Day 4 We explore the park by jeep and boat. Nagarhole is home to wild elephant, jungle bison, wild dog, jungle cat, hyena, gaur, crocodile, barking deer, sloth bear, giant flying squirrel, 250 species of birds and a few tigers and leopards.

Day 5 We drive (4.5 hours) from Nagarhole to Ooty (2,240m/7,350ft), the largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills (‘Blue Mountains’), in the province of Tamil Nadu, and enjoy lunch at the Taj Savoy, a colonial-style heritage hotel with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

We visit Ooty’s impressive botanical gardens, home to 1,000 species of

20

plants. A short drive (45 mins) takes us to the historic Gateway Hotel in the hill station of Coonoor (1,850m/6,069ft).

Day 6 A morning exploration of Coonoor, including a walk through a tea plantation, and gourmet tea tasting, sampling the many flavours and colours of tea grown in the high Nilgiri Hills, followed by a private lunch at a working estate. In the afternoon we enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge railway (‘Toy Train’) from Coonoor through spectacular mountain and forest scenery (2.5 hours) to Mettupalayam, from where we continue by road (1 hour) to Coimbatore (1,850m/6,070ft).

Day 7 We drive (back into Kerala) towards Munnar. En route we stop to visit the wonderfully preserved Shenbaga Vilaasam estate, with a private tour by a family member around this magnificent house built in its own unique blend of colonial and southern Indian architecture, decorated with family heirlooms, antiques and art. We enjoy a stroll around the family’s coconut plantations, paddy fields, vanilla farms and betel leaf plantations before a sumptuous lunch. We then continue by road to our ‘retreat’ high in the hills of Munnar (from 1,450m/4,760ft to 2,695m/8,842ft), surrounded by lush, hilly countryside and rolling tea plantations. (5 hours drive in total).

Day 8 Morning walk to explore the hills, forests and plantations surrounding our hotel (4 hours).

Optional afternoon visit to the Tata Tea Museum, or time to relax and enjoy the hotel and its peaceful setting.

14 DAY TRIP, INDIA Arrival / Departure airports: Calicut / Cochin u Fitness: Grade 2+ ('Grade' info: see page 25) u Days of walking: 10 u Shortest / longest walk: 1 / 4 hours u

Day 9 We drive (3.5 hours) to Thekkady (1,337m/4,386ft), situated high in the Cardamom Hills and home to Periyar National Park. Kerala is the spice capital of the world and Thekkady is its chief producer. Over twelve varieties of spices, including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea, clove and nutmeg are cultivated in Thekkady and its neighbouring villages. In the afternoon we tour a local spice plantation and walk to enjoy the fine scenery (2 hours).

Day 10 After an early start (wonderful birdsong!) we explore the Periyar National Park, one of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, on foot. The park is centred around a large artificial lake (reservoir dam built by the British in 1895), and attracts an impressively large and diverse population of birds and animals. (3-4 hours walking). After lunch we drive (3 hours) to Kumarakom (1m/3ft) and check in to our 5* hotel with magnificent views across Lake Vembanad.

Day 11 We walk to explore the village of Kumarakom with a local expert (34 hours). We transfer by private boat to a nearby backwater village and spend time with locals to gain a unique insight into their way of life. After lunch, optional visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, or free time to enjoy the hotel and its facilities.

Day 12 After a relaxed breakfast, we board a houseboat to enjoy a backwater cruise on the picturesque Vembanad Lake and surrounding wetlands (5 hours). On arrival at Alleppey, we continue by road to Kochi (Cochin) (2 hours).

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

THE bEST OF THE SOUTH WEST ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

8

Restaurants 8

8

Geology

7

N/A Cultural

8

Scenery

10 History

7

Walking

8

Art

6

Flowers

9

Architecture

7

Birds

8

Environment 8

Wine area

Tea plantation in the hills of Munnar

Wildlife

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

FOOD & WINE

Nagarhole National Park

Tranquil backwaters

ACCOMMODATION KARNATAKA Nagarhole Vythiri

NIGHTS 1 & 2

NIGHTS 3 & 4

Vythiri

Nagarhole National Park

Ooty Coonoor Coimbatore

Calicut

KERALA

TAMILNADU

Munnar Cochin Kumarakom Alleppey Thekkady

˚F ˚C 104 40 95 35

Vythiri Resort Orange County Resorts Jungle resort & spa HHHH

Average daily temperature max min

Hours of bright sunshine Rain in mm

NIGHT 5

NIGHT 6

Coonoor

Coimbatore

Hours 400 350

86 30

300

77 25

250

68 20

200

Taj Gateway Hotel

Vivanta by Taj

58 15

150

HHHH

HHHHH

50 10

100 mm 150 100 50 0

41

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0

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NIGHT 9

Munnar

Thekkady

Windermere Estate Plantation & retreat

Spice Village

NIGHTS 10 & 11

NIGHTS 12 & 13

Kumarakom

Fort Cochin

D

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

Day 13 Morning walking tour of Fort Cochin, with its giant fishing nets (from China), ancient mosques and architectural reminders of the British Raj; and St. Francis’ church, the oldest European church in India (1503). We take a private boat to neighbouring Mattancherry to visit the Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace, and adjacent market.

Afternoon ‘at leisure’.

Day 14 Transfer to Kochi airport.

HHHH

Indian food has a richly deserved reputation throughout the world for being aromatic and delicious.

Regional variety is vast. The South is renowned for its extensive and often surprisingly subtle use of fresh spices. Coconut in every guise forms the base for Keralan cuisine. Its long, tropical coastline means seafood and exotic vegetables and fruit abound. In Cochin Arab, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences are all present. For those used to the Mughalinspired Indian cuisine found in the UK this will be an exciting voyage of culinary discovery.

Excellent-quality beer is found everywhere and is the best accompaniment to Indian cooking with its strong spices and sugar, which together make the palate insensitive to the subtleties of fine wines. Refreshing, cold fruit or milk-based drinks mixed with ice and sugar (e.g. nimbu pani and lassi) are delicious, thirst-quenching alternatives.

TERRAIN Well-established farm, forest and mountain tracks, tea plantations.

Sightseeing in towns and cities.

2016 DATES Kumarakom Lake Resort

Brunton Boatyard*

HHHHH

*January departure = 5* Vivanta by Taj, Kochi

HHHH

21 Jan - 3 Feb 3 Dec - 16 Dec

2016 PRICES £4,895 / US$8,080 Double-for-single supplement £1,210 / US$2,000

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

21

new trip

Discovering Srinagar & Ladakh

Wonderful Himalayan walking in idyllic mountain scenery with flower-filled meadows, lakes & glaciers; picturesque villages with traditional ways of life, colourful Kashmiri and Ladakhi culture and history.

ITINERARY NOTE: We strongly recommend you preextend in Delhi, with time to acclimatise and explore the city.

Day 1 After arrival at Delhi airport

we take an afternoon flight (1 hour) to Srinagar (1,585m/5,200ft) in the Kashmir Valley. Early evening shikara (rowed gondola-style with one oar) ride to explore Nagin Lake.

Day 2 We walk through the old town of Srinagar, its ancient narrow streets, spice and copper markets, bazaars and traditional way of life.

We visit the fascinating Shah Hamadan and Jama Masjid Mosques, and the celebrated (UNESCO) Mughal Gardens, developed in the 16th century along the banks of Dal Lake (connected by a waterway to the Nagin Lake).

Day 3 We enjoy a shikara ride to the floating market – a riot of colours and noise, as farmers trade their vegetables and fruit – then return to the houseboat for breakfast. We visit Shankaracharya Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city and later transfer to our houseboat on Dal Lake.

Day 4 Excursion to the beautiful Dachigam National Park, with its dense forests and flower-filled meadows. The park was established to protect a number of rare plants and animals, including the Kashmiri stag (unique to this park), Tibetan wild ass, snow leopard and urial, and 145 species of birds.

Day 5 Morning flight to Leh (3,524m/11,562ft), with spectacular views of the Zanskar range.

Afternoon visit to the 15th century Tsemo Gomba, a hilltop stronghold that offers memorable views across the valley and the old town of Leh.

22

Day 6 We explore the lovely Saboo Valley and its rural landscape on foot (3 hours), learning about the Ladakhi way of life. After lunch we visit a traditional Ladakhi house where we have the opportunity to sample ‘butter tea’ and/or ‘chang’ (barley beer).

Day 7 Early morning visit to Thiksey Monastery, picturesquely situated on a small hill. We witness the monks’ morning prayer ceremony before exploring. We then drive (5 hours) to Hunder village (3,127m/10,259ft) in the Nubra Valley via the incredibly scenic Wari La Pass. Optional afternoon (1.5 hours) walk up to the 32 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha near Diskit Monastery.

Day 8 We drive (1.5 hours), then follow the Nubra River on foot all the way to the Ensa Monastery and its green oasis (2.5 hours). After lunch we drive to the Yarab Tso Lake – ‘Wishful Lake’ (3,300m/10,826ft) where we enjoy another pleasant walk (1 hour).

Day 9 We drive (1 hour by jeep) up to the top of the Hundar Gorge and to the tiny village of Hundar Dok, where we begin our walk (3-4 hours), following a glacier-melt stream past terraced farmland surrounded by the impressive Karakoram mountains.

Optional afternoon walk (3 hours) back down via a gorge.

Day 10 We drive (6 hours) to Uletokpo in the Sham Valley, stopping en route at the top of the Khardong Pass (18,330ft – the world’s highest ‘motorable’ pass!). After lunch in Leh, we stop en route to visit the stunning ruins of the fascinating town of Basgo, before continuing to our beautifully situated hotel overlooking the Indus at Uletokpo.

15 DAY TRIP, INDIA Destination airport: Delhi u Fitness: Grade 3 - 4 ('Grade' info: see page 25) u Days of walking: 11 u Shortest / longest walk: 1.5 / 7 hours u

Day 11 We drive (1 hour) to the small (2-house) village of Yangthang, from where we walk (2 hours), following paths beside the river and through a gorge to the isolated and spectacularly situated Rizong Monastery (3,401m/11,158ft), set in a natural amphitheatre. After visiting the gompa, we walk down to visit Chulichan (Chomoling) Nunnery (20 mins), before continuing on foot – (40 mins) to the Ule Ethnic Resort.

In the afternoon we drive to Alchi (25 min drive), the oldest Buddhist learning centre in Ladakh and an extraordinary National Heritage centre.

Day 12 We drive (35 mins) to Hemis Shukpachan (3,645m/11,958ft), from where we begin our walk (4 hours) to Tingmosgang – crossing a flat area to an ill-defined pass, marked with chortens (stupas). From here we traverse downhill before a steady climb towards the Mebtak La Pass (3,720m/12,183ft). After admiring the view, we walk down to the village of Ang, then follow a jeep road on to the village of Tingmosgang (3,222m/ 10,570ft), the 15th century capital of Ladakh, set in a fertile valley.

Optional afternoon walk up a spectacular gorge to a jewel of a village unknown even to most Ladakhis (3 hours).

Day 13 We drive to the oldest village in the region. Tia village (3,394m/ 11,135ft), located on a hill, comprises 200 families occupying medieval houses in a maze of alleys, tunnel streets, and courtyards. After exploring Tia on foot we walk up to the Bongbongla Pass, enjoying stunning views all the way before gently descending to the Indus River (3.5 hours). We drive to Lamayuru

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

IDYLLIC HIMALAYAN SCENERY ©

WORLD-CLASS INTERESTS Hotels

6

Restaurants 6

Wildlife

6

Geology

9

N/A Cultural

10

Scenery

10 History

9

Walking

8

Art

8

Flowers

8

Architecture

9

Birds

7

Environment 8

Wine area

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

TERRAIN The terrain is varied: farm tracks, lanes and mountain paths – some rough, stony and barren underfoot.

There are no precipitous drops.

We have kept the walking distances relatively modest as this allows us to acclimatise to the altitude and gives us time to experience the mountains. Please ensure you bring sturdy, wellbroken-in walking boots with firm ankle support.

Stark, captivating scenery: a picturesque village nestled in a valley

TTAJIKISTAN AJIKISTAN

CCHINA HINA

Diskit D iskit Srinagar Sr inagar

ALTITUDE

Leh

JAMMU AND KASHMIR LLADAKH ADAKH PPAKISTAN AKISTAN

HHIMACHAL IMACHAL PPRADESH RADESH

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL

ACCOMMODATION (3,504m/11,496ft), noted for its 11th century monastery perched picturesquely high on a spur of rock, and former shrine of the Bon-chos religion prior to the advent of Buddhism. We then return to Leh by road (3 hours).

Day 14 We drive (25 mins) to the mouth of a forgotten gorge, which becomes increasingly dramatic as we walk towards the Himalayan peaks whose waters have carved it over the years. We walk back to the Matho Monastery, where we enjoy unforgettable views of the Karakoram Mountains (4 hours with shorter options). Free afternoon.

Day 15 Transfer to Leh airport for a 1 hour flight to Delhi.

NIGHTS 1 & 2

NIGHTS 3 & 4

Nagin Lake

Dal Lake

Traditional Houseboat Traditional Houseboat NIGHTS 5, 6, 13 & 14

NIGHTS 7 - 9

Leh

Diskit

Saboo Resort Boutique resort

Hotel Sten-Del Family-run hotel

This trip involves a considerable increase in altitude, as it entails flying from Delhi (at sea level) to Leh (at 3,500m/11,500ft). Fitness has no bearing on acclimatisation to altitude. There is no way to predict your acclimatisation rate (they vary every time one goes to altitude), but what is known is that it depends largely on rest and hydration prior to the trip and for the first couple of days at altitude.

For this reason the itinerary has been structured to allow for a gradual acclimatisation, with gentle sightseeing and walking activities at the start of the trip.

Leh has excellent medical facilities (being also a military outpost) and should we have any problems with altitude we can manage these.

2016 DATE

NIGHTS 10 - 12

Uletokpo Ule Ethnic Resort Eco resort

2016 PRICES £4,995 / US$8,245

17 Sep - 1 Oct

Double-for-single supplement £710 / US$1,175

Prices include internal flights but not flights to/from the start/end of trip.

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices

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Discovering Europe

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com

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For information on trips based at Pieve a Castello, ATG's retreat in Tuscany, see pages 6-11

Trip Days 5 Secret Venice Best of Western Sicily 8 7 Best of Eastern Sicily The Aeolian Isles 8 Unknown Sardinia 8 Land of Piero della Francesca 8 Padula & Northern Calabria 8 Unknown Basilicata NEW TRIP 8 Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites 8 7 Flowers of the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of Umbria 8 Flowers of the Gargano 8 Flowers of the Cévennes 8 Vintage Ways to Porto 8 Unknown Catalunya 8 10 Ephesus & the Dodecanese

*New itinerary for 2016

8 8 8 11

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 15

8 8 8 8 5

Days

Classic Alsace Classic Dordogne Classic Provence NEW TRIP Across the Cévennes BACK FOR 2016 Across the Alps Hungary: the Danube Bend Cortina & the Dolomites Paths to Barolo Paths to Urbino Unknown Tuscany Southern Lakes Siena, Chianti & Florence Tuscan Trail BACK FOR 2016 Southern Tuscan Trail* Way to Assisi Assisi Christmas Unknown Umbria Amalfi Coast Gargano Peninsula Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea Camino de Santiago Alto Teruel Mallorca: Mountains & Sea Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Western Crete

Trip

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8

1

T

9

2

F 3

S 4

S

10 11

21

26 27 28 29 30 31

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5

T

DECEMBER M

Trip

Original Journeys

Days

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices $5,335 $4,820 $5,200 $4,945 $4,450 $4,780 $4,780 $3,790 $3,955 $4,945 $3,575 $4,085 $3,690 $4,615 $4,185 $3,955 $6,595

£2,995 £2,165 £2,475 £2,235 £2,795 £2,535 £2,395 £3,995

$4,945 $5,145 $6,265 $3,955 $2,140 $3,790 $4,450 $5,110 $3,920 $4,120 $4,185 $4,945 $4,780 $4,390 $4,780 $3,295 $4,020 $5,275 $3,875 $3,730 $8,830 $3,450 $5,110 $4,905 $4,870

£3,230 £2,920 £3,150 £2,995 £2,695 £2,895 £2,895 £2,295 £2,395

£2,995 £2,895 £2,660 £2,895 £1,995 £2,435 £3,195 £2,345 £2,260 £5,350 £2,090 £3,095 £2,970 £2,950

£2,995 £3,115 £3,795 £2,395 £1,295 £2,295 £2,695 £3,095 £2,375 £2,495 £2,535

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement • $ = US$

5 Secret Venice (March) 5 Secret Venice (November) Best of Western Sicily 8 7 Best of Eastern Sicily The Aeolian Isles 8 Unknown Sardinia 8 Land of Piero della Francesca 8 Padula & Northern Calabria 8 Unknown Basilicata NEW TRIP 8 Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites 8 7 Flowers of the Brenta Dolomites Flowers of Umbria 8 Flowers of the Gargano 8 Flowers of the Cévennes 8 Vintage Ways to Porto 8 Unknown Catalunya 8 Ephesus & the Dodecanese 10

Trip

8 8 8 11

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

Days

Classic Alsace Classic Dordogne Classic Provence NEW TRIP Across the Cévennes BACK FOR 2016 Across the Alps Hungary: the Danube Bend Cortina & the Dolomites Paths to Barolo Paths to Urbino Unknown Tuscany Southern Lakes Siena, Chianti & Florence Tuscan Trail BACK FOR 2016 Southern Tuscan Trail Way to Assisi Assisi Christmas Unknown Umbria Amalfi Coast Gargano Peninsula Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea Camino de Santiago Alto Teruel Mallorca: Mountains & Sea Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Western Crete

$1,020 $715 $455 $825 $315 $535 $385 $235 $160 $705 $150 $325 $225 $595 $525 $385 $1,460

£616 £432 £273 £498 £189 £322 £231 £140 £95 £420 £90 £196 £133 £357 £315 £231 £882

DFS

DFS

DFS $545 $350 $1,100 $245 $110 $335 $290 $640 $350 $305 $315 $605 $595 $490 $545 $325 $270 $1,110 $305 $245 $880 $120 $1,030 $835 $265

£329 £210 £665 £145 £64 £203 £175 £385 £210 £182 £189 £364 £360 £294 £329 £195 £161 £672 £182 £147 £532 £70 £623 £504 £160

DFS Date

£9,325

£4,995

$15,390

$8,245

$11,545

$11,100 $7,800

$6,595

£1,790

£1,015

£1,010

£360 £1,100

£240

£710

£1,210

DFS

$2,955

$1,675

$1,670

$595 $1,815

$400

$1,175

$2,000

DFS

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.

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

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

Trip Grades: (indicated on 'Late Availability' and trip pages)

v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

Bookings received before 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices (per this page).

*BOOK NOW for 2016!

v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

16

13

8 Jan-20 Jan 4 Nov-16 Nov

Discovering Oman 22 Nov-7 Dec

14

8 Sep-21 Sep

Discovering China: the Western Silk Road

Discovering Chile

£6,725 £4,725

16 14

5 Jul-20 Jul 6 Feb-19 Feb

Discovering Mongolia Discovering Sri Lanka £6,995

£3,995

11

Discovering Bhutan

$8,245

13 Mar-23 Mar 26 Oct-5 Nov

£4,995

15

17 Sep-1 Oct

$8,080

£4,895

14

Days

Discovering Srinagar & Ladakh

Discovering the Hills of 21 Jan-3 Feb South West India NEW TRIPS 3 Dec-16 Dec

Trip

Escorted Trip Prices* Discovering Worldwide

Discovering Europe

25

26

£460 £870

$1,900 £252 / $420 $2,295 £357 / $595 $2,445 £504 / $835

$1,455 £210 / $350 £1,150 $1,440 £154 / $255 £1,390 $2,000 £342 / $565 *£1,480

£880

£870

Lot & Dordogne Valley

Lozère & the Tarn Gorge

*Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron *£1,210

Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com $1,470 £175 / $290 $2,280 £336 / $555 $1,760 £182 / $305 $2,075 £385 / $640

£790 £890

$1,515 £203 / $335 $1,375 £182 / $305 $1,205 £161 / $270 $1,290 £168 / $280 $1,630 £140 / $235 £1,380 £1,065

$1,910 £364 / $605

$1,605 £217 / $360 £1,390

£925

$1,440 £119 / $200

$1,480 £228 / $380 *£1,195

£970

$1,585 £238 / $395

$1,515 £84 / $140

$1,810 £287 / $475 £1,255 $1,445 £126 / $210 $1,610 £91 / $155

£960

£870

£1,155

*£895

£970

£915

£830

£730

£780

£985

£915

£1,095

£875

£975

Tuscan Hills

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes

Approach to Rome

*Tuscany & Siena

Siena to Florence

Southern Tuscany

Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Southern Lakes

Umbria & Assisi

Umbria & Spoleto

Amalfi Coast

Gargano Peninsula

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea •

$1,605 £238 / $395

$1,535 £182 / $305 £1,070

£930

Montefeltro & Urbino

*On this trip the longer route is 7 days

$2,295 £357 / $595

$1,745 £266 / $440 £1,365

£1,055

Cinque Terre

•

$1,645 £98 / $165

$1,305 £175 / $290

$1,530 £210 / $350

~ On this trip the shorter route is 6 days

£995

$1,770 £252 / $420

$1,965 £406 / $675 £1,860

£1,190

~Riviera & Portofino

$1,975 £498 / $825

$2,255 £532 / $880

$1,645 £280 / $465 £1,295

£995

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast

£865

$1,015 £112 / $185

$1,645 £300 / $495

$1,090 £160 / $265

$1,430 £204 / $340

$1,215 £216 / $360

DFS

£152 / $255

£48 / $85

£84 / $140

£92 / $155

£92 / $155

£108 / $180

$1,115 £188 / $315

$820

$810

$685

$770

$895

$1,000 £152 / $255

$985

£750

£570

£725

£455

£530

£560

£760

£750

£96 / $156

£108 / $180

£100 / $165

£92 / $155

•

$ = US$

$1,240 £220 / $365

$945

$1,200 £244 / $405

$755

$875

$925

$1,255 £288 / $480

$1,240 £280 / $465

$1,415 £295 / $490 ~£1,225 $2,025 £430 / $715

£92 / $155

£995

$1,440 £232 / $385

$860

£660

£92 / $155

$760

£735

5-day Superior

$1,025 £168 / $280

$1,065 £96 / $160

DFS

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement

£675

£495

£490

£415

£465

£540

£605

£595

$3,070 £637/$1,055 ~£855

$1,480 £161 / $270

£895

Hills of Girona $2,140 £469 / $775

$1,290 £91 / $155

£780

Alto Teruel £520

$1,315 £112 / $185

£795

Hungary: the Danube Bend

£615

$2,345 £413 / $685

$1,760 £196 / $325 £1,420

£1,065

Classic Dordogne

£620

$2,055 £294 / $490

$1,635 £210 / $350 £1,245

£990

£645

5-day Standard

Classic Alsace

DFS

$1,750 £189 / $315

8-day Superior

£1,060

DFS

The Scottish Borders

8-day Standard

Footloose Prices

Book your 2016 trip by November 1st 2015 and pay 2015 prices (below)

£620 £545 £495 £570

$2,100 £252 / $420 $2,645 £504 / $835 $1,965 £252 / $420

$2,495 £357 / $595 $1,800 £238 / $395 $1,725 £210 / $350 $1,505 £175 / $290 $2,475 £336 / $555

$1,655 £210 / $350 £1,270 $2,195 £342 / $565 *£1,600 $1,735 £182 / $305 £1,190 $1,675 £228 / $380 *£1,315 $1,800 £217 / $360 £1,510 $1,710 £203 / $335 £1,090 $1,570 £182 / $305 £1,045 £910

$1,405 £161 / $270 $1,825 £140 / $235 £1,500

£1,000

*Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron *£1,330

£1,050

*£1,015

£1,090

£1,035

£950

£850

£1,105

Montefeltro & Urbino

*Tuscany & Siena

Siena to Florence

Southern Tuscany

Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Umbria & Assisi

£84 / $140

£92 / $155

£92 / $155

BOOK NOW! Bookings for 2016 trips received by 1st November 2015 will be invoiced at 2015 prices 15 Apr to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 16 Oct 01 Apr to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 31 Oct 01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 16 Oct 01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 16 Oct 01 May to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 30 Sep

Hills of Girona (8/5 days)

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast (8 days)

Riviera & Portofino (8/6 days)

Cinque Terre (8/5 days)

Montefeltro & Urbino (8 days)

– Freewheeling (cycling) itinerary available

01 May to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 30 Sep

15 Apr to 16 Oct

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

Alto Teruel (8 days)

Hungary: the Danube Bend (8 days)

Provence: Vaucluse & the Lubéron (7/5 days)

01 May to 30 Jun; 01 to 30 Sep

01 Apr to 31 Jul; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

Lot & Dordogne Valley (8 days)

Lozère and the Tarn Gorge (8/5 days)

01 Apr to 31 Jul; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

Classic Dordogne (8/5 days)

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea (8 days)

Gargano Peninsula (8 days)

Amalfi Coast (8/5 days)

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto (8/5 days)

Umbria & Assisi (8/5 days)

Southern Lakes (8 days)

Roman Roads to Orvieto (8/5 days)

Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto (8/5 days)

Southern Tuscany (8/5 days)

Siena to Florence (8 days)

Tuscany & Siena (7/5 days)

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Oct

22 Apr to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 16 Oct

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 16 Oct

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 16 Oct

01 May to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 16 Oct

15 Apr to 30 Jun; 26 Aug to 16 Oct

15 Apr to 16 Oct

Classic Alsace (8/5 days)

Approach to Rome (225 Miles to Rome) (8 days)

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes (225 Miles to Rome) (8 days)

22 Apr to 30 Sep

The Scottish Borders (7/5 days)

01 Apr to 31 Oct

$ = US$

$1,330 £244 / $405

£805

•

$885

£96 / $160

$1,010 £108 / $180

$1,060 £100 / $165

$1,390 £288 / $480

£535

£610

£640

£840

DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement

$945

$820

$905

$1,025 £108 / $180

$1,135 £152 / $255

Tuscan Hills (225 Miles to Rome) (8 days)

•

£685

$1,565 £204 / $340

£945

$1,775 £300 / $495

$1,345 £216 / $360

DFS

£815

5-day Superior

$1,570 £232 / $385 £1,075

$1,150 £112 / $185

$1,155 £168 / $280

DFS

Footloose & Freewheeling Route Dates 2016

*On this trip the longer route is 7 days

$2,175 £498 / $825

£950

£695

Lot & Dordogne Valley

$2,545 £413 / $685

$1,960 £196 / $325 £1,540

£1,185

£700

5-day Standard

Classic Dordogne

$2,255 £294 / $490

DFS

$1,835 £210 / $350 £1,365

8-day Superior

£1,110

DFS

Classic Alsace

8-day Standard

Freewheeling Prices

27

For many ATG clients, travelling with ATG is a regular part of their lives, an annual (or biannual!), happy interlude that refreshes, restores and inspires. Yet it’s clear from feedback that ATG trips aren’t just ‘holidays’, but experiences that shape and endure .... Some recent letters: From Jennifer and Stuart Watson, West Yorkshire, who were inspired by an article about ATG in The Times in 2001, and will take their 17th ATG trip this autumn: My husband and I would like to formally sincerely thank you for the magnificent golden thread you and ATG have woven in to our lives….We deeply appreciate the continuous journey, slow travel and the feeling of setting

From Jean and David Wildman, Surrey

off together ‘over the hills and far away’….Thank you again Christopher Whinney and your wonderful ATG Footloose holidays, which have led to so much enrichment in our lives.

My wife and I have just completed the Approach to Rome. This was our 15th ATG holiday. More importantly, this was the way we chose to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

We were not disappointed. Since our first trip in 1997 ATG changed our approach to holidays. You started our love affair both with walking and particularly with Italy.

We owe you a huge vote of thanks.

From Dr Eva Krug, Basel, Switzerland

Long-time clients Rob and Robin Whitten, from Portland, Maine, USA, have been inspired to capture their ATG Footloose holidays by sketches and journal entries, including those on the front and back covers. What a wonderful way to re-live the adventure!

I have been walking with ATG since the end of the ‘80s and have just completed what must be about my 14th hike. I am writing to complement the feedback form because I think the Lozère and Tarn Gorge hike is so outstanding it merits a few extra lines of appreciation. We already look forward to seeing what Footloose trips will tempt us in 2016.

You can see more of their ATG Footloose journals at: www.whittenarchitects.com Inspiring views across the Gorge de la Jonte

28

The ATG (Ad Terrae Gloriam) Trust is a Registered Charity (Number 1082542) Trustees: Edward Bernard (Chairman), Hilary Daniels, Dr Fiona Davidson and Catherine MacRae Trustee and Administrator: Jessica Jenkins; President: Sir Geoffrey Bindman

A T G T R U S T U P D A T E – J U LY 2 0 1 5 The Trust supports projects that aim to: The Trustees would like to thank all clients who have participated in ATG’s Saturday Charity Walks, bought • Protect the integrity of the environment and the beauty of its copies of the ATG salad book – proceeds of which landscapes. support the ATG Trust; and also those who have made • Preserve the habitats of rare and interesting flora and fauna. individual donations. The charity’s Trustees and President • Conserve works of art and architecture. are all ATG clients; and Jessica Jenkins, who looks after the Trust administration has worked for ATG for the last 18 years.

Two new project proposals have been put forward by ATG Tour Consultants. Both projects are in Italy and the Trust is keen to offer its support. The Trust would be delighted to hear from any clients who may have ideas for future ATG Trust projects. Contact Jessica Jenkins on 01865 315 613 or jessicaj@atg-oxford.com

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.

PHOTO: SOFIA HURTADO-TAYLOR

This project involves the clearing and reopening of the north city wall paths around Colle di Val d’Elsa, Tuscany. The project will involve clearing all the rubbish and overgrowth on the walls and on the paths, which will make the impressive walls, which are an important part of the town’s heritage, visible again from the surrounding area. As part of the project they will also make the paths structurally safe and put up wooden railings, so that people, both locals and tourists, can walk here and enjoy the town’s historic surroundings.

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WHINNEY

PROPOSED PROJECT Colle Val d’Elsa, Tuscany

Inset: A section of adjacent paths to be made safe

Colle Val d’Elsa is visited on the following ATG trips: Tuscan Trail (Escorted – see pages 16-17), Tuscany & Siena Footloose & Freewheeling, trips based at Pieve a Castello (see pages 6-11).

This project is the restoration of a fresco depicting the martyrdom of St Thomas Becket in the Church of SS Giovanni e Paolo, located in the heart of Spoleto, Umbria. The Trust has received a letter from the Mayor of Spoleto outlining the project plans and the importance of this project locally. This church was consecrated

in 1174 and the fresco dates back to the early 13C. The church is currently in a dilapidated state and for years has only been opened occasionally to the public. The restoration of this fresco would be part of a general restoration of the church as a whole and it is then proposed that the church can be opened permanently.

1. Haworth and the Brontës

UK Saturday Charity Walks

19th September 2015

PHOTO: IRENE MATURI

PROPOSED PROJECT Spoleto, Umbria

3. Bradford-on-Avon to Bath 14th November 2015

11.5 miles

12 miles

2. Tetbury and Westonbirt Arboretum

From Haworth, situated above the Worth Valley amid the bleak Pennine Moors, we walk past the famous Brontë parsonage and climb up Penistone Hill. We then join the Brontë Way to cross Haworth Moor above the picturesque reservoirs of Laithe and Ponder. We then turn to the heart of the moor and walk to Oxenhope for lunch. A short stroll above the Worth River brings us back to Haworth for tea.

24th October 2015

11 miles

From the Cotswold woollen town of Tetbury, we head along the edge of Highgrove House and then along the border of the Arboretum. We then pass through the Arboretum on public footpaths, before gentle country tracks take us to Shipton Moyne for lunch.

We return to Tetbury via Estcourt House.

From Bradford-on-Avon, our route follows the River Avon west to the remarkable aqueduct at Avoncliff. Tow paths, water meadows and woodland paths lead us through Freshford and on to Limpley Stoke. After lunch, the route climbs through woodland, and on to Claverton Down, with its wonderful views over Georgian Bath. We descend past Prior Park to the Avon, and follow the river to the heart of Bath for tea.

29

PHOTO: IRENE MATURI

The best way to see a country is on foot! ...

... and the best way to capture a holiday is by journal! The sketches on the front and back covers are of timeless Tuscan landscapes traversed on ATG's Etruscan Lanes to Orvieto Footloose route, courtesy of long-time clients Rob and Robin Whitten from Maine, USA. More of their journals can be seen on page 28, and at www.whittenarchitects.com