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Discovery Walks

Comfortable and full of character, our chosen hotels and self-catering properties make great bases for exploring. With the freedom a hire car brings (in Mallorca, Austria and Switzerland you can use the excellent network of public transport), you can spend your days walking or sightseeing as the mood takes you – we provide full route notes for several walks in the surrounding area, along with suggestions for cultural visits to give you a fascinating insight into the region.

• Italy • Spain • Spanish Islands • Portugal • Morocco • Switzerland • Austria

Italy

Tranquil Coast, Temples & Islands (grade 2) Experience for yourself the unique character of western Sicily with a combination of walking and sightseeing. Based in picturesque Scopello, which perches above a secluded cove, you can discover Greek and Roman monuments, medieval towns and tempting trails.

Western Sicily's Highlights (grade 2) In the enchanting north-west corner of Sicily, enjoy wonderful contrasts – Baroque cathedrals and glittering mosaics in vibrant Palermo, ancient temples set amid quiet hills and valleys, and the rugged, beautiful coastline, carved into rocky outcrops and white-pebbled coves by an azure sea.

Cogne & the Gran Paradiso (grade 2-3) The Gran Paradiso National Park, in the heart of the Italian Alps, is a mountainous area of outstanding beauty. Discover magnificent scenery and breathtaking viewpoints from your base, the Michelin-starred Hotel Bellevue in Cogne.

Spain

The Grazalema Sierra (grades 2 & 3) An exceptional village in a wonderful location, Grazalema is one of Andalucia's prettiest 'white towns' and a perfect choice for a week of walking and discovery. The variety of routes we provide is matched only by the astonishing array of flora and fauna. We offer special flower walks in April and May.

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims (grades 1 & 2) In the far north-west corner of Spain you find a vivid green landscape fringed by deep rías (fjords) and broad, sandy beaches. The walks from our two hotels reveal mysterious stone settlements, dolmens and an insight into Galicia's Celtic culture.

The Costa Verde (grades 1, 2 & 3) Spend a week or two on Spain's north coast and you will understand why it is known as the Costa Verde ('Green Coast'). A string of timeless fishing villages runs along the Atlantic shoreline, perfect for short strolls, while inland, green hills and rugged mountains invite more adventurous walks.

Mountains & Valleys of Murcia (grade 2) Sunny and verdant, the Sierra de Espuña Natural Park is networked with delightful walking trails. You stay at three individually styled hotels in different corners of the Sierra to enjoy walks that reveal the full range of landscapes within the region.

Timeless Aracena (grades 1 & 2) Andalucia's Aracena Sierra is a land of glorious woodland and far-reaching views, of soft, rounded hills and crystal-clear streams. The Sierra is criss-crossed with paths that beckon you to explore and is dotted with friendly, workaday villages full of southern spirit and architectural gems. Our exquisite self-catering cottages make the perfect base.

Silent Coves & Hidden Valleys (grades 1 & 2) The coast of Almería, one of the most remote stretches of the Mediterranean, is striking in its contrasts. Bare red hills contrast with the coastline of sand dunes and near-deserted beaches. Stay in stylish self-catering apartments and discover these very different landscapes for yourselves on gentle walks.

Spanish Islands

Citrus Groves & Dramatic Coast (grades 1 & 2) Within easy reach of the capital, Palma, the attractive town of Sóller makes a great base for exploring Mallorca's magnificent mountain range and the idyllic villages which nestle on its slopes.

Gran Canaria's Scented Slopes & Mountain Lakes (grades 2 & 3) On Gran Canaria you can almost choose a different landscape to explore each day, so varied is the terrain. Staying in two rural hotels of character, discover bubbling streams, emerald pine and chestnut groves, swathes of aromatic shrubs and breathtaking views over the ocean.

Tenerife & El Teide (grade 2-3) With expanses of black sand, green pine forests, red rock formations, charcoal-grey lava fields and white clouds which sometimes billow like a skirt around the waist of El Teide, Spain’s highest peak, Tenerife is an island of many different colours. It is also an island of stark contrasts, and walking here is immensely rewarding.

La Palma Cottages (grades 1, 2 & 3) The beautiful island of La Palma, land of dramatic volcanoes, tropical forests and beaches of fine black sand, is one to be discovered at leisure. With a week in a self-catering cottage, you can do just this, following paths that explore the huge crater of La Caldera de Taburiente, surprisingly lush valleys, and rocky inlets on the coast.

Portugal

The Azores (grade 2) Choose a one-week holiday exploring magnificent São Miguel, the largest of these fascinating islands, or a fortnight-long holiday featuring neighbouring São Jorge, Faial and Pico too. We suggest some memorable and contrasting walks on all four islands.

Algarve's Coast & Hills (grades 1 & 2) This wild and beautiful side of Algarve reveals itself to be a land of orange tree groves and fascinating history. The delightful Quinta das Achadas is well positioned for exploring both westwards along the unspoiled coastline and into the little-known interior. We offer special flower walks in March and April.

Morocco

Through the Foothills (grade 1-2) The holiday begins with three nights in colourful and vibrant Marrakesh, after which you head into the foothills of the High Atlas, where you enjoy three walks amid surprisingly lush landscapes led by your own Berber guide.

Beneath Djebel Toubkal (grade 3) You start with three nights in bustling Marrakesh, then spend the rest of your holiday in the High Atlas, at the truly authentic Douar Samra, from where you head out on three thrilling walks amid the high mountains led by your own Berber guide.

Switzerland

Lake Oeschinensee & Beyond (grade 2-3) Emerald Oeschinensee is one of the jewels of the Bernese Oberland, set in an amphitheatre of mountains. In the valley below nestles Kandersteg and the charming Hotel Victoria, your base, whose inspirational views will tempt you onto the many waymarked paths.

Austria

Lake Achensee & its Mountains (grade 2) The Tyrol is a paradise for walkers, and the area around Lake Achensee is no exception. With paths both close to the water and in the mountains above, you can gain different perspectives of this Tyrolean jewel during your week at the 4-star Hotel Wiesenhof.

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