Walking is the great adventure that brings us slowly around to our selves and delivers us into the lap of well-being. It slows, and simultaneously, stirs up the senses at a pace that allows for a perfect contemplation of the world around us. Pick on one of these walking holidays - guided or self-guided - this summer, and discover the beauty of mindful exploration at a pace of your own cho
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JAPAN. The Nakasendo WayfarerIn its heyday in the 17th Century, the Nakasendo way was crowded with travellers including feudal lords, samurai, itinerant merchants, pilgrims and villagers. Now largely forgotten and quiet, the old highway provides a delightful journey through the history of Japan, its society and rural life. Starting in Ena, the walk takes you into the mountainous region of
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At the end of a day&rsquos walk, relax and luxuriate in accommodation at traditional, way-side inns in an ambience reminiscent of the scenes found in the great artist Hiros-hige&rsquos woodblock prints, in distinctively Japanese surroundings of paper screens and straw mat tatami flooring and feasts of home-cooked, regional cuisine 5 days.
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4/18
FRANCE. Château to Château in the Loire ValleyTraversing resplendent vineyards and water courses, a trail of gentle walks take you through UNESCO&rsquos world heritage central Loire valley, passing many of the region&rsquos fairytale châteaux. The Loire and its many tributaries meander through the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park, an area of vineyards, rolling farmland, hunting forests
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Crowning these picturesque landscapes are some of the Loire&rsquos most splendid architecture and gardens, from Chinon, once home to the kings of France & England, to spectacular châteaus such as Chenonceau and Chambord, giving testimony to an intense and rich spiritual and cultural life, as well as an art de vivre that has continued throughout the centuries.6 days.
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INDIA. MARKHA VALLEY TREKThis popular trek in Ladakh takes you through an ethereal trans-himalayan landscape dotted with ladakhi villages. Because it isn't an easy trek, you are most likely to spot some high altitude wildlife as well as experience the life of nomadic families as they herd their yaks in these big and beautiful valleys. Apart from the striking contrast of trekking in a
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Experience some exciting waist-deep river crossing sections on Markha River to trails going across quaint Buddhist villages and rocky canyons. The charming Markha Village is a jewel in this cold semi-arid terrain of Ladakh. This being a &lsquotea house trek&rsquo, expect accommodation in parachute tents at most of the villages enroute. And witness an unforgettable way of life of the devot
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8/18
ITALY - TRAILS OF CINQUE TERRE Known as Italy&rsquos &ldquoFlower Riviera&rdquo the Ligurian Riviera is a delight for all the senses. Take in stunning views of rolling waves in an azure blue sea and terraced villages that cling to the steep hillsides as you walk along ancient walking trails that plunge dramatically to the sea. Marvel at the terraced vineyards and olive groves and savour t
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The walking takes you through five fishing villages nestled into the steep coastline of the Ligurian Riviera - celebrated for centuries in the arts - that make up the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Each of the Cinque Terre villages has its own unique character and flavour: Monterosso with its seaside promenade and sandy beaches, Vernazza with its old port and vineyards in stee
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10/18
PERU - THE COMMUNITY INCA TREKChoose this unique and pioneering trekking route to Machu Picchu and you&rsquoll be hiking unspoiled trails used only by the locals, avoiding the crowds that take the usual Classic route. Dragoman's Community Inca Trek takes you along a pristine mountain scenery, passing through Inca ruins and camping in remote villages as guests of the local communities
