Headwater

This is one of our most popular cross-country skiing vacations with Headwater guests returning year after year. It is based in central Norway, on the edge of the Rondane National Park and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, just north of Lillehammer. The landscape is dramatic and full of contrasts from spectacular gorges and snow-capped peaks to pretty fells and valleys that extend as far as the eye can see. It's far enough north to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights too, especially in December and January, and throughout the winter there are spectacular sunrises and sunsets. It has always been traditional to travel on skis here, so it's perfect for cross-country skiing, and the ...Read more >

A leisurely Jurassic Coast walking vacation in Dorset, staying at different places along the way, including a hotel with excellent leisure facilities and within walking distance of the Georgian Esplanade in Weymouth and a family-run property that looks out toward Swanage bay. Because this Jurassic Coast is one that, as the name suggests, oozes history and was, therefore, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cliffs and coastal landscapes that have rocks and fossils that date back 185 million years. It also boasts, quite simply, some of England’s most breathtaking walking terrain, with four full days of walking that include a lovely mix of chalk cliffs and dramatic sea views, ...Read more >

This Dordogne canoeing vacation in France is nine days of exploring the stunning river valley in the most peaceful way possible. After a lesson in river safety and handling your canoes, you set off on a leisurely paddle that takes you past some of the region’s most glorious natural heritage, such as the rose limestone river cliffs or ancient woodland and walnut groves. Chateaux appear as if by magic and one of your hotels is even in an 11th century castle, just one of several stunning family friendly hotels that you will stay in, all with their own swimming pools. This is a journey that is not only great fun, but also one that takes you through a delightful mix of medieval villages and ...Read more >

This self-guided, Piedmont walking vacation through the vineyards and exquisite valleys of Barolo, is a gentle and gastronomically gorgeous way to explore the tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, in the north-west of Italy. The Barolo vineyards of this region have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and the countryside that envelops these vineyards is award-winning too. With gently rippling hills, sunflower-filled meadows and ancient oak woods, the honey-coloured hamlets and historic castles that pepper your trails just add to the aesthetic beauty of it all. This walking vacation is a circular route, starting and ending in Benevello, a hamlet in the Alta Langa hills. From here you ...Read more >

You’re on your own for this cycling vacation to the Algarve – and it’s grand. Armed with GPS route directions, maps, top-quality hybrid bikes and luggage transfers, you’ll cycle 30-40km a day along some of the prettiest paths in Portugal. Leisurely does it. Wheel through rural pastureland where shepherds watch over their flocks, lunch in villages stocked with sun-splashed seafood restaurants, pedal through holm oak forests and skim along clifftops laced with head-turner views. Your maps will give you a choice between easy and trickier cycle routes, so you can tailor the trip to your ability. This Algarve self-guided cycling vacation isn’t all rural idyll, though. Your halfway rest day in ...Read more >

On this self-guided 10-night walking vacation, you explore the timeless countryside between picturesque Volterra and the soaring towers of San Gimignano. You'll feel as though you're strolling through history as you discover sleepy hilltop hamlets crowning sun-dappled hills, verdant vineyards and panoramic picnic spots in fields ablaze with sunflowers. There's the option too to visit the eternal cities of Siena and Florence - Tuscan favourites right on your doorstep! You start in Volterra, a real Etruscan gem with its tangle of alleys home to alabaster workshops and secret chapels, from where you walk through the verdant Berignone Forest and up to a fantastic panoramic ridge before a ...Read more >

This seven-night self-guided walking vacation uncovers the secrets of Sicily's western coast and favourite off-shore islands. Historically the poorest and most remote area of Sicily, the region maintains its purity: you'll feel as though you're the first to discover its clear sapphire waters, hidden sandy coves and unexplored islands. This is certainly the place to visit if you want peace and tranquillity and to escape from it all; there are hardly any roads on Marettimo. Highlights here include exploring the medieval hilltop town of Erice and hiking on Monte Cofano - enjoy stunning coastal vistas as far as Palermo. All your hotels are special in their own contrasting ways. In Scopello ...Read more >

The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges. Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney'. This circular coastal route follows the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, you'll pass lovely towns and villages - Waterville, a favoured fishing location for ...Read more >

Gozo is the second largest of the Maltese islands, yet at only 14km by 7km at its widest point, nowhere in Gozo is too far away, making it the ideal choice for a walking vacation. The slow pace of life along with the air of tranquillity also makes Gozo the perfect place to relax. Rich in history and culture you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Tombs at Xaghra, the oldest freestanding temples in the world dating back to 3500BC, and the Ta' Pinu sanctuary. The walks guide you around the island's impressive coastline and through the cobbled streets of the traditional towns and villages and you'll have plenty of time for exploring, swimming and just soaking up ...Read more >

The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, on this 4-night trip you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges. Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney', your walking begins at Caherdaniel along country roads with stunning beach views then to Waterville - a fishing spot loved by Charlie ...Read more >

The Salzkammergut area (Austria's Lake District) is one of the most impressive regions in the heart of the country. Boasting 76 lakes and with a beautiful mountain backdrop, it's a perfect place to relax and let the calming atmosphere envelop you. This 7-night self-guided walking vacation offers a selection of activities, where you'll enjoy a mix of spectacular scenic views, gentle shoreline routes, wooded forest trails and 'chocolate box' villages. There are also some great spots to stop off for a swim or dip your toes after a day's walking. The walks are relaxed, following mainly well-marked routes, and you can extend them on most days. You'll spend seven nights in the wonderful ...Read more >

This walking vacation opens up a timeless world that in the oldest towns takes you back 2000 years. The coastline sparkles with bays and inlets, while inland, castles and palaces in hilltop villages float in the early morning like stone battleships on a swirling sea of valley mist. You begin in Motovun where walks follow high ridges and an abandoned railway offers panoramic views over truffle-rich valleys of oak and fruit orchards, and emerald ranks of vines. From Motovun you walk above the Mirna River valley to the fortified hill town of Buzet. You then head east to the bright lights of the Adriatic Riviera, summiting Istria's highest peak Mt Vojak (1401m) for incredible 360?? views ...Read more >

Perigord is one of the largest and most picturesque areas in France. It is divided into two by the River Dordogne which founded the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Along its banks you'll find over a thousand castles steeped in legend and history, and witness to centuries of conquests and conflict. Today the rich and varied culture of this land is still here for you to discover. You will meander along paths that follow the twists and turns of the valley and you will climb through fields and shaded woodland to hilltop towns and fortified strongholds with impressive views. You're never far from the River Dordogne, the walks will take ...Read more >

This is not just a walking vacation it is a full immersion into local Tuscan life, from meeting local produce providers to wine-tasting, and a chance to bathe in sulphur-rich healing waters. You'll walk through ancient chestnut forests, vineyards and olive groves, passing lakes and freshwater ponds alive with the sounds of frog chorus. Visit medieval, Roman and Etruscan towns and villages, sample the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, rich Pecorino cheese in Pienza or take a bath in Roman Bagno Vignoni. Read more >

Our undiscovered corner of Veneto, just 60 minutes (but a world away) from bustling Venice, is the perfect setting for a relaxed cycling vacation. Nestled between the art cities of Padua, home to one of the oldest universities in the whole of Europe, and UNESCO-recognised Vicenza, the region is bursting with Patrician villas - built by Venetian nobles to escape the muggy heat of the city - and ancient castles, although it is surprisingly almost entirely untouched by tourism. Palladio was the most famous Renaissance architect and many of his buildings, including the Villa Rotonda, can be visited on day 7 of this interest-packed itinerary. We take you across the Venetian plain, past ...Read more >

On this self-guided walking vacation you'll explore the beautifully tranquil Langhe region of Piedmont, a gastronomic gem quietly tucked into Italy's north-western corner. Recently recognised by UNESCO, the countryside is a glorious mix of gently rippling, wave-shaped hills cloaked by layers of vines, sunflowers and oak forests, crowned with honey-hued hamlets and majestic Savoy castles. Your route starts and ends in Benevello, nestling in the hazelnut-clad Alta Langa hills, from where you follow the limpid Tanaro River before climbing through a string of hamlets to your hotel in Fontanafredda, a renowned wine estate that was once owned by the first king of Italy! It's then on to La ...Read more >

The Iveragh Peninsula is a stunning region of islands. With Killarney at its epicenter, it is the largest of the 'five fingers' of Ireland, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Mystical, beautiful and grand, the route is also a tourist hotspot, so can be a little unkind to cyclists. Our routes maintain the same beauty and splendour but take you off the path to enjoy a more leisurely and quieter mix of inland and coastal scenery. You'll pedal through lush countryside and lively, friendly towns, soaking up the charming Irish welcome, which is certainly as great as people talk about. Starting in the large town of Killarney, which offers an array of bars and restaurants where live Irish ...Read more >

In the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Alta Badia region boasts some of the most spectacular alpine scenery as well as a reputation for excellent cuisine. The village of San Cassiano is no stranger to either and sits just 15km, as the crow flies, due West of Cortina d'Ampezzo (or 30km by road and the Falzarego Pass). Around 500m in altitude above the village lies a large area of beautiful alpine meadow, dotted with traditional wooden mountain huts and the most amazing panoramic views. At some points you have a 360-degree vista that spans from the Austrian Alps to the North to the Marmolada range to the South (the highest peaks in the Dolomites), with the Fanes Natural Park to the ...Read more >

This Puglia cycling tour is an eight day idyllic journey around the Puglia, which is the exquisite, elegant heel of Italy’s boot. This is an independent tailor made trip, where you stay at a range of wonderful Puglia accommodations along the way, from a 12th century former courthouse in Conversano to authentic trullo houses in the UNESCO site of Alberobello. Puglia is pure prettiness, and as this is a relatively easy cycling vacation not requiring loads of Lycra or months of training, you will have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy it too. With four days of cycling between 34-50km, you also have leisure days in Alberobello and Pezze di Greco, where you can just laze by the pool if ...Read more >

This self-guided, ten-night cycling vacation explores Italy's beautiful, sun-drenched Puglia region with its vibrant fishing villages, sandy beaches and beautiful, rolling hills, all above the mesmerising blue of the Adriatic Sea. Puglia offers a wonderful contrast of landscapes, from the fertile farming hamlets, vineyards and orchards of its interior to its dramatic, rocky coastline. Your vacation begins in the picturesque coastal town of Monopoli, from where you follow the coast north, passing white sandy beaches and secluded coves with wonderful opportunities for seafood lunches along the way. Head inland and you'll be blown away by a rich landscape of vineyards, olive groves, fruit ...Read more >