Five new walking adventures fill the calendar for Country Walkers plus free local wine and beer, guaranteed departures, and added savings

Waterbury, VT (September 2009) – In a travel industry gone cautious, Country Walkers is moving forward in 2010. The world leader in small group walking adventures, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, is pulling out significant stops with 5 new tours across 4 continents as well as a renewed emphasis on value for new and returning guests. New destinations include Northern Ireland, the Piedmont region of Italy, Brazil’s Pantanal, Tablelands, & Amazon, Turkey’s Lycian Way & Ephesus, Yosemite & Lake Tahoe in California.

What else can guests look forward to from Country Walkers in 2010? Start with authentic local flavor by the mug and the glass, with complimentary artisanal beer and wine to accompany all dinners on every trip. Continue on to guaranteed departures – long a staple of Country Walkers, but now newly significant in light of the fact that many travel providers have discontinued guaranteed departures to cover their bottom lines. Country Walkers has also held most of its tour prices where they were during 2009.

Every 2010 Country Walkers trip reservation made prior to December 15, 2009 receives a 5% savings. Returning guests can combine that savings with the 5% they already receive for a total savings of 10%.

Here’s a closer look at what is NEW on the map from Country Walkers for 2010:

Northern Ireland: Trip lively for 7 days on this all-new adventure along the stunning coast of Northern Ireland. Highlights include kayaking on the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail; a visit to the Tollymore Forest; and the bizarre basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway. A stay at Bushmill’s Inn and a private whiskey tasting from the world’s oldest legal distillery, kick things up a notch. Country Walkers is one of very few tour operators that travel to Northern Ireland, and the only one with walks in the Mournes. $3,798. Departures in 2010: July 5, August 9 and August 30.

Italy: Piedmont: Country Walkers has been in Italy for years, yet this is the company’s first foray into Piedmont, the birthplace of the “slow food movement.” Kick off your walking shoes and refuel with truffles from Alba; world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines; honey and cheese from local artisans; and a picnic in the shadows of Monviso. The 7-day tour also follows the ancient Salt Road through hazelnut groves and fruit orchards. $4,298. Departures in 2010: September 11 and October 2.

Brazil: Pantanal, Tablelands & Amazon: Three distinct ecosystems welcome guests on this adventurous amble across the state of Mato Grosso in Western Brazil. The 10-day trip of walking, horseback riding and boating takes in the Pantanal Wetlands, the Cerrado (savannah) and the ever-amazing Amazon rain forest, with exotic flora and fauna on wide-eyed view. $3,589. Departures in 2010: June 19, July 17, August 17, with a special departure September 11 with renowned photographer, Richard Koegl.

Turkey: The Lycian Way & Ephesus: Starting and ending in Istanbul, the 9-day adventure takes in the Antalyan Peninsula and the stunning Mediterranean coast, replete with Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains; as well as Ephesus, the Greco-Roman archeological marvel. Country Walkers puts the emphasis back on walking on this adventure along the Turquoise Coast. $4,698. Departures in 2010: September 23, October 14.

California: Yosemite & Tahoe: This 6-day adventure covers two of California’s most renowned destinations: Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Enjoy backcountry explorations of Tioga Pass, Gaylor Lakes, Mount Dana, and the Tuolumne Meadows. In Tahoe, stride trails through fragrant forests, along the rim of the lake, and Emerald Bay – a National Natural Landmark and site of Vikingsholm, one of the area’s most extravagant mansions. Enjoy 3 nights at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, a National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s most distinct resort hotels. $3,598. Departures in 2010: May 16 and September 5.

For more information on Country Walkers’ 2010 catalog, or to make reservations, please contact (800) 464-9255, or visit www.countrywalkers.com.

ABOUT COUNTRY WALKERS

Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vermont (www.countrywalkers.com) was established in 1979 and is the world’s premier small group walking tour provider. Country Walkers offers well-crafted itineraries for Walking à la Carte, Classic Walking, Hiking and Private vacations. All trips highlight superb cuisine, outstanding tour guides, and authentic accommodations.

TUI Travel PLC is a collection of extraordinary travel companies. It operates from 17 major source markets, has 8 million customers and 72 brands. For more information visit tuitravelplc.com.

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