Self-guided summer walks with On Foot Holidays

July 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Walk without wilting in these carefully-chosen cooler European destinations, says specialist operator On Foot Holidays:

Fresh mountain air and wonderful wildflowers in Chamonix

On Foot’s toughest summer walk presents a different, less well-known side of the skiing area around Mont Blanc. Taking in glaciers, gorges and the Bionnassay summer suspension bridge, the route starts in flower-filled meadows and Belle Epoque towns, before climbing up to join the Tour de Mont Blanc on the Roman legions' original route, and then a final (optional) day climbing up to 3,840m via cable-car, to trek along the incredibly scenic Grand Balcon Nord, before a cog-railway return. Additional alpine flora walks are available in the summer, led by On Foot’s local route advisor and botanist, Lizzy Ashley-Cooper, and costing from 80 euros (payable locally) for a half-day, subject to availability. Costs from £845 pp*, including seven nights’ B&B, four evening meals and four picnics. Graded hard.

Stroll and dip, stroll and dip…Keep your cool in the Elafiti Islands

Amble along the winding backstreets of the walled city of Dubrovnik before making tracks for the beguiling Elafiti islands, which stretch out like a string of pearls along the dramatic Adriatic coast. Explore the maze-like paths of car-free Lopud, dotted with impressive churches and forts, and swim at one of the few sandy bays in the Adriatic; skirt the cliffs of Kolocep in search of the lighthouse, and stride out on Sipan from its pretty little harbour to a scenic bay at the far end of the island. There’s ample time and opportunity to enjoy several well-deserved dips in the inviting sea along the way, plus the freshest of fish for lunch. Costs from £720 pp* including five nights’ B&B, two nights’ accommodation only, port transfers and ferries. Graded easy.

Lakeside breezes and shady forests in the Bregenzerwald

Uncover Austria’s remote valleys, tranquil meadows, architecturally-rich villages and peaceful forests in the traditional Bregenzerwald region. Starting alongside the breezy shores of Lake Constance, this scenic route quickly meanders into the ‘Mittelgebirge’, a rural area of rolling foothills and colourful meadows where age-old farming methods are still used. Cable cars (free for On Foot clients) replace arduous climbs, although if tackled on foot, the final ascent to the ‘Hochgebirge’ of the Damuls bowl, with its 2,000m+ peaks, is very rewarding, even for the spectacular views alone. Cheesemaking and hearty, locally-produced cuisine are also on the agenda, and accommodation is in authentic family-run inns. Costs from £765 pp* including seven nights’ B&B and six evening meals. Graded medium.

*All walks are self-guided and prices are based on two sharing, and include luggage transfers and detailed route information. Local back-up assistance is available when required. Flights and transfers are excluded unless otherwise stated.

For further information, for expert advice from someone who’s walked the route, and to book, call On Foot Holidays on 01722 322 652 (www.onfootholidays.co.uk).

ENDS – 4 July 2014

Note to editors: On Foot Holidays features predominantly linear, self-guided walking holidays in France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia and the UK’s south-west. Each walk has been designed by a ‘route advisor’ – a person who lives locally and has painstakingly developed an itinerary through varied countryside, packing in as much culture as possible en route and seeking out the most welcoming small hotels, farmhouses and village rooms.

The emphasis is very much on good food and wine after a day’s walking.

On Foot Holidays is a member of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators, www.aito.com).

For press enquiries, press trips or photography, please contact Sarah Belcher at Travel PR (http://www.travelpr.co.uk/), tel: 020 8891 4440, email: s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk.