ATG Oxford Late Summer News 2020

Page 1

ATG NEWS LATE SUMMER NEWS 2020 Dear ATG Clients, We hope you, your family and friends are staying well. This newsletter comes with our best wishes and also our thanks for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. The new 2021 ATG programmes (pages 10-15) include fewer departures than usual, as, although some trips are already well-booked, many of these are reservations transferred from 2020 to 2021. Provision of new trips has been hampered by travel restrictions. There are, however, two new walks in France, and a luxury trip in italy – to celebrate release from ‘Lockdowns’! (pages 8 & 9). A significant number of clients were determined not to miss their ATG trips in 2020. We must thank them – on behalf of the staff, hoteliers and restaurateurs on ATG routes, for braving the uncertainty. How was the experience…? see ‘Feedback’ – and a note on ‘Travel Future’ on page 16. The success of controlling the spread of the virus at community level ensured that millions of people and vast beautiful areas (including those of ATG trips) remained ‘Covid-free’. it is unfortunate that this Good news has been obscured by centralist focus on dramas of ‘the bigger picture’. We have all been finding it ‘tough on the front line of life’… and hoping for a break. But if you feel it’s too late to book your ATG trip for 2020 – it’s not too early to book for 2021 and secure your 2021 trip at 2020 prices*. We very much look forward to welcoming you… From All at ATG.

COMMENT

• Greetings!.........2 • Contract Note..2 • Three Words....2 BOOK & WIN–WIN

• BOOK NOW!*...3 Your ATG • Manager...............3 New • Brexit Year.......................3 COVID-FREE...

• Covid-Free Analysis........4 7 –

NEW TRIPS

• Preview: Dordogne.........8 Italy: • Ligurian Coast...9 2021 PROGRAMMES

Footloose • 2021 ......................10 11 Escorted • 2021 ......................12 13 2021 Pieve a • Castello....14 15 – –

* Bookings for 2021 tours received by 1st December 2020 will be invoiced at 2020 prices


Greetings! Below is an excerpt from ‘ATG TRAINING 2020’, as we thought you might like to know what to expect! How will we greet you? Now that shaking hands is considered anti-social (‘share my virus’) and social distancing is expected... Handshaking, although ancient in origin, has never been a ‘universal’ salutation or greeting. In some countries it is ‘not done’, whilst in others it is subject to significant cultural variations – firm or soft, long or short, to pump or not to pump, one hand or two, whether to bow as well, and whether it is appropriate between people of different genders. Alternatives such as knuckle bumping, elbow bumping, sleeve-clutching (the ancient Roman greeting – to check for concealed daggers) all involve the ‘threat’ of proximity. A positive result of the pandemic, however, has been to liberate us from the handshake into a world encompassing an almost infinite range of expressiveness.

New Wave The ‘wave’ is, basically, how travellers on foot have always greeted each other, how walkers already greet or salute each other when meeting on the trail. It is not only the most ancient and universal, but one that offers the greatest range of expression from the very formal to the wildly informal: Formal: ‘The Oath’ – hand raised to shoulder height, palm facing forwards (‘open-handed’ – nothing concealed – ‘you come in peace’), fingers together, elbow tucked into the side. Message: Respectful, sincere and responsible. Making the message your own: The body language ‘says it all’. Distance: 2-3m – ‘a respectful distance’, neither intrusive nor threatening, whilst at a greater distance it might seem defensive or unclear who the greeting is intended for... the person behind you? Then by raising the elbow, moving the hand closer to the face, relaxing the fingers slightly, making eye contact and smiling, saying ‘Hi’, ‘Hello’, or the ancient, still used, greeting ‘Salve’, the message can be transformed into a friendly and welcoming salutation or ‘wave’ – or any other message to express your feelings and personality. And you can practise – greet yourself each morning in the bathroom mirror! 2

‘You will be welcomed….’ Contract Note At the start of the Covid-19 crisis, we (at ATG) quickly realised that our standard contract with clients (Booking Conditions) was not ‘fit for purpose’ in addressing the issues of a worldwide pandemic. For clients, it seemed that there were countless potential circumstances in which, although contractually obliged to travel or pay cancellation charges, they might not feel comfortable about travelling. Furthermore, the situation remained sufficiently volatile that the ‘standard’ timeframe of ‘60 days prior to departure’, after which cancellation penalties became applicable, seemed to have become an anachronism. Similarly for ATG – having undertaken all arrangements involved in a booking, including entering into ‘third party’ contracts (with hotels etc.) – it seemed ‘unsustainable’ that ATG should be left with significant unrecoverable costs incurred on behalf of clients. Contract 2021 ATG’s current Booking Conditions will remain the basis of the contract. However, regarding cancellation terms and conditions, postponement, or transfer of bookings – ATG will continue to offer clients an equitable ‘win-win’ outcome. Three Words ‘Essential Travel Only’ on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website will invalidate Travel Insurance, eliminate tourism and most travel to countries listed, effectively imposing economic sanctions and devastating businesses, whether airlines or SMEs. Is use of this ‘political power tool’, and its ramifications, in need of regulatory review?

Find out more: www.atg-oxford.com


BOOK NOW: 2021 Trips at 2020 Prices! The ATG offer of 2021 trips at 2020 prices ends on 1st December 2020

Your ATG Route Manager will:

Win-Win No one knows what may happen with controlling Covid-19, but meanwhile whatever transpires ATG is offering its clients a ‘Win-Win’ outcome:

Advise you of local conditions The ATG Manager will advise you of any salient local issues, requirements – including, of course, any occurrence of Covid-19, the possibility of crowds gathering (e.g. festivals).

What if...? Booking Offer If, having booked, you change your mind about travelling, • ATG offers you the possibility, without charge, of simply transferring your booking and carrying forward any monies paid, to a future trip. Notice of this must be received at least 14 days before departure for Footloose tours (30 days for Amalfi Coast); or 30 days before departure for Escorted tours, after which cancellation charges – in line with our booking conditions – will apply. If travel restrictions are imposed or ’essential travel only’ cited *, you can either: • Carry forward your booking, at no extra cost, to a future trip (no time limit) • Receive a refund in line with ATG booking conditions *By the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office If you need to cancel for any reason covered by your travel insurance: • ATG will issue you with a cancellation invoice

ATG Itineraries When out walking on ATG Routes you are unlikely to come into the proximity of anyone else, and the remoteness of the areas, together with strict adherence to restrictions procedures, have ensured that vast tracts of the country have remained unaffected by the pandemic. Check the ATG website There is a regularly updated list of all places visited with current Covid-19 infections (lines of ‘0’s!). 2021 Trips On 31 December 2020 the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU will end. Whether with or without a negotiated Trade Deal, current predictions are for a weak GB£ and ensuing price rises.

Check Hotels Check that the hotels where you stay are following the strict prescribed procedures, and that your room is fully compliant with the standards. Check Restaurants The Route Manager will check that all the prescribed protocols are in place – and (with restricted seating numbers) book a table for you! Health & Safety (‘Bugs’) Besides maintaining all prescribed procedures for those working in hospitality and tourism sectors, the award-winning ATG Training further ensures that all those who work on ATG trips have the confidence to deal with every eventuality. This training includes First Aid certification (renewable every three years) and a Food Hygiene course (mandatory annual attendance). This hygiene course is important, as we share the planet with an estimated one billion different species of bacteria, over eight million different species of virus, not to mention how many species of protozoa, yeasts/fungi, and parasitic worms! Awareness of Best Practice in preventing infection, to ensure the health and wellbeing of all clients, is familiar practice for all members of the ATG Team! * *Over the past 40 years ATG Managers have produced hundreds of thousands of celebrated ATG picnic lunches without incident. Best Practice is Best Practice whether in a *** Michelin restaurant or out of the back of an ATG van! It’s not what you do or where you do it – but how you do it that matters.

Pre-trip Information Pre-trip information now includes specific advice on precautions to take, what to bring etc. If there are any subsequent changes or additions we will endeavour to advise you prior to departure. We look forward to welcoming you!

+ (44) 01865 315 678: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com

3


Covid-free...? Global, national and regional statistics recording the progression and scale of the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst providing a focus for sensationalist ‘news’ stories, do not tell us where, or even whether, there is anywhere on the 57 million square miles of the earth’s land surface, we can find people and areas that are ‘Covid-free’.

Scottish Borders Town Edinburgh

Selkirk Denholm 0

5

..... 5-day route

Classic Alsace

We asked the ATG Route Managers, resident in the areas visited by ATG, to provide us with regularly updated information about Covid-19 cases – specific to their areas...

The answer is Yes! There are very extensive areas that we know to be ‘Covid-free’ – and are likely to remain ‘Covid-free’ due to their remoteness or the commitment of local communities adhering to regulations that have prevented the spread of the virus.

The best way to see a country is on foot!

Jedburgh

10 miles

What are the facts?

The Answer

Kelso Melrose Dryburgh

Galashiels

Obernai Ottrott Mont Sainte-Odile Barr Itterswiller

0

5

Scherwiller

10 miles

St. Hippolyte Ribeauvillé Riquewihr Kaysersberg

Le Bonhomme

Lapoutroie Orbey

Check the ATG website for regularly updated information. 4

Classic Alsace is located in the Bas-Rhin region of France, where there are currently 4.7 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people.

Colmar

Turckheim

..... 5-day route

Classic Dordogne 0

5

10

The Dordogne region

15 miles

currently has only 1.5 cases

Montignac

of Covid-19 per 100,000 people.

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac

NOTE: We thought it was worth publishing this information – that is also available and regularly updated on the ATG website – to confirm the GOOD NEWS that there are many wonderful areas and places to visit, with delightful people – all remaining Covid-free!

Kelso Jedburgh Denholm St Boswells Melrose Selkirk Galashiels

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Meyrals Sarlat-la-Canéda Beynac Carsac Domme

..... 5-day route

Lot & Dordogne Valley In the Lot-et-Garonne region, there are 2.2 0

incidents of Covid-19 per

5 10 15 miles

Meyronne Lacave Rocamadour

Carennac Loubressac Gouffre de Padirac

Gramat

St Céré

100,000 people. The Dordogne region has only 1.5 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 cases.


Barolo & the Langhe Hills

Provence: Vaucluse & the Luberon The Luberon region, where this route is based, currently

Fontainede-Vaucluse

has 7.8 cases of Covid-19

Gordes Roussillon Bonnieux

per 100,000 people.

Lourmarin 0

5

10 miles

..... 5-day route

Town Mondovì Igliano Bossolasco

Covid-19 cases 2 0 0

Monforte d’Alba

0

La Morra Alba

1 2

Riviera & Portofino

Cinque Terre is located in

cases of Covid-19 in the La

the province of Genoa,

Riviera & Portofino route is located.

which currently has 9.9 cases

Recco Rapallo Zoagli Camogli Santa Margherita San Fruttuoso Paraggi Chiavari Lavagna Portofino

0

5

10 miles

Asti

Alba Barolo Monforte d’Alba

Levanto Monterosso Vernazza Corniglia Manarola Riomaggiore

of Covid-19 per 100,000 people.

Portovenere

Colle di Val d’Elsa

0

Monteriggioni Siena

0 0

Town Certaldo San Gimignano

optional pre-extension

Colle Val d’Elsa

Monteriggioni Siena 0

5

Siena Lucignano Buonconvento Montalcino

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 0

Bagno Vignoni

0

Pienza

0

10 miles

PALMARIA

Pitigliano Sovana San Quirico Bolsena Orvieto

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 2 1

0

5

10 15 miles

Acquapendente Sorano Sovana

Orvieto San Quirico Bolsena

Pitigliano

10 miles

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto

Southern Tuscany Town

5

0

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto

Tuscany & Siena San Gimignano

Bossolasco

..... 5-day route

Moneglia

Covid-19 cases 0

Serravalle Langhe

Igliano Ceva

Sestri Levante

Town

Extension walk

La Morra

Cinque Terre

There are currently only 26 Spezia region, where our

Turin

Town

Siena

Lucignano

Buonconvento 0

5

10 miles

Montefollonico Montalcino Pienza Bagno optional extensions Vignoni Sant’Antimo Montepulciano

..... 5-day route

Norcia Roccaporena Scheggiano Spoleto

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 2

0

5

10 miles

Monti Sibillini

Norcia Spoleto Scheggino

Castelluccio

Roccaporena

Ferentillo

..... 5-day route 5


High Paths to Assisi

Umbria & Assisi Town 0

5

10 miles

Assisi Spello

Bevagna Montefalco

San Luca

Poreta

Spoleto

..... 5-day route

Spoleto Poreta San Luca Bevagna Spello Assisi

Covid-19 cases 2 0 0 0 0 0

Town 0

5

10 miles

Assisi Spello Carpello Trevi Poreta Spoleto

Roman Roads to Orvieto

Montefeltro & Urbino 0

5

In the La Marche region of

10 miles

SAN MARINO

Italy (where our Montefeltro

San Leo

& Urbino route is based)

Villagrande

there are currently 10 cases of coronavirus per 100,000

Frontino

Urbino Piandimeleto Urbania

0

5

Orvieto Lake Bolsena

Acquapendente

Bolsena Bagnoregio Lake Bolsena Isola Bisentina

Montefiascone

Isola Bisentina

Montefiascone Ferentum

Tuscania

Viterbo

Bagnaia

Lake Vico

0

5

10 miles

Ronciglione

Trevignano Romano Lake Bracciano

Amalfi Coast

Trevignano Romano

0

Ronciglione Viterbo Montefiascone Bolsena Orvieto

0 0 8 2 1

0

5

Town Manfredonia Vieste San Salvatore Monte Baia Fontana Sant’Angelo delle Rose Mattinata Manfredonia

6

Town

10 miles

Ravello Amalfi

S.ta Maria del Castello Montepertuso Positano

Scala

Ravello Atrani Amalfi

Vettica Conca dei Marini Maggiore

..... 5-day route

Gargano Peninsula Peschici

Bagnaia

Viterbo

Covid-19 cases

Covid-19 cases 0 8 2 1

Ferentum

Tuscania

Town

Viterbo Montefiascone Bolsena Orvieto

Orvieto

people.

Bagnoregio

Town

10 miles

Southern Lakes Bolsena

Spoleto Poreta Trevi Bevagna Spello Assisi

Covid-19 cases 2 0 2 0 0 0

Covid-19 cases 0 0

Conca dei Marini

0

Vettica Maggiore

0

Positano

0

High Gargano Town

Covid-19 cases 0

Monte Sant’Angelo

0

Mattinata Vieste

0 0

Manfredonia Peschici Rifugio Sfilzi San Salvatore Monte Sant’Angelo

Baia Fontana delle Rose Mattinata Manfredonia

Covid-19 cases 0

Monte Sant’Angelo

0

Mattinata Vieste

0 0


Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea Town Enna Gangi Geraci Siculo

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0

Madonie Mountains

0

Isnello Cefalù

0 6

Tuscan Hills

Cefalù

Town

Isnello

San Gimignano Colle Val d’Elsa Monteriggioni Siena Lucignano Buonconvento Montalcino

Madonie Mountains Pomieri

Geraci Siculo Gangi Villadoro

0

5

10 miles

Calascibetta Enna

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes Town Montalcino Pescina Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Bolsena Montefiascone Viterbo

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 0 2 8 0

Iglesuela del Cid

San ColleGimignano Val d’Elsa Siena Monteriggioni Lucignano Buonconvento

Town Viterbo Lake Vico Sutri

Montalcino Monte Pescina Amiata Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Bolsena Montefiascone Viterbo Lake Vico

0 5 10 15 miles

Sutri Campagnano di Roma Isola Farnese Rome

Cantavieja Mirambel Cinctorres Morella

0 0 0 10

Campagnano di Roma Rome

Town 0

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 0

0 5 10 15 miles

Sutri Campagnano di Roma Isola Farnese Rome

San ColleGimignano Val d’Elsa Siena Monteriggioni Lucignano Buonconvento

Montalcino Monte Pescina Amiata Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Bolsena Montefiascone Viterbo Lake Vico

0 5 10 15 miles

Sutri Campagnano di Roma Isola Farnese Rome

98

Covid-19 cases

10 miles

Arcos de Valdevez

0

Morella

Soajo Peneda

0 0

Castro Laboreiro

0

Melgaço

0

5

Forcall Cantavieja

Montalcino Monte Pescina Amiata Piancastagnaio Acquapendente Bolsena Montefiascone Viterbo Lake Vico

Paths of Peneda

Covid-19 cases 0

San ColleGimignano Val d’Elsa Monteriggioni Siena Lucignano Buonconvento

Approach to Rome

Alto Teruel Town

Covid-19 cases 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mirambel

Iglesuela del Cid

Melgaço

0

PORTUGAL Castro Laboreiro

5

10 miles

SPAIN

Peneda PENEDA NATIONAL PARK Mezio Arcos de Valdevez

Soajo

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast Town Cascais Guincho Azoia Praia Grande Colares Sintra

Covid-19 cases 80 0 0 0 4 219

Sintra Praia Grande Colares Sintra Azóia PORTUGAL Guincho Lisbon Cascais

'Path of the Gods' – Amalfi Coast

7


DORDOGnE 2021 Preview: New trips in the Dordogne Valley link with existing ATG Footloose routes in the area, offering a new range of walking opportunities. Beynac

NEW Paths to Rocamadour Day 6 • A delightful circular walk leading up and along a limestone plateau, with wonderful valley views (9 miles).

Day 1 • Arrive at the market town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. HHH Le Renoir (std) HHHH La Madelaine (sup) Day 2 • Paths across hills bring us to Rouffillac on the River Dordogne (11.5 miles). HHH Hôtel Rouffillac

Day 7 • Departure or extension to Gramat (8.8 miles).

Day 3 • Paths cross hills overlooking the Valley to Souillac (10.8 miles). HHH Pavillon de St Martin Start of 5/6 day route.

NEW Grande Dordogne (8 Days)

Rocamadour

Starting from Souillac, a small market town on the River Dordogne, that has a medieval centre, wide market square and fine, domed Benedictine Abbey church.

Day 4 • Paths through farmland and woods bring us to the river (8.5 miles) HH Hôtel Lacave (std) HHHH Château de la Treyne/Pont d’Ouysse (sup – both with HMichelin restaurants).

The route follows the river west from Souillac to Rouffillac and joins the ATG ‘Classic’ route at Carsac-Aillac – to enjoy the splendid castles, prehistoric cave paintings and other delights.

Day 5 • Through gorges of the Causses de Quercy to Rocamadour (8.4 miles, 4 hours). HHH Le Terminus des Pellerins (std) HHHH Le Beau Site (sup)

Château de la Treyne

Getting there: Souillac is on the main rail line from Paris to Toulouse (regular trains 4 hours 45) and is 13 miles south of Brive-Souillac ‘Dordogne Valley’ airport (flights from Paris Orly and London Stansted). Disembark at Brive-laGaillarde (the stop before Souillac) for onward travel to Sarlat-la-Canéda, where the ATG ‘Classic Dordogne’ and ‘Paths to Rocamadour’ trips begin.

Montignac

0

5

10

15 miles

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

Beynac

MARQUEYSSAC

CASTELNAUD

Rouffillac

Carennac

Meyronne Lacave LACAVE Carsac-Aillac

Domme Red/RED – of outstanding interest 8

Souillac

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Meyrals

souillac Abbey church

Rocamadour

Loubressac St Céré Gramat marqueyssac gardens 9


2021 Preview

LiGURiAn COAsT Walk the best of Italy’s famously beautiful Ligurian Coast – with its colourful villages clustered around small ancient harbours – from where picturesque alleys lead up to historic pilgrim paths, tracks through terraced vineyards and aromatic scrub to high forested hills with spectacular views. 4H hotels, characteristic restaurants serving fresh seafood and delicious, local DOC wines! Footloose and Escorted Day 1 • Arrive in Camogli Night at HHHH Cenobio dei Dogi Day 2 • Camogli to Rapallo Paths lead up through terraces and woods before descending to visit the 11C Monastery of San Fruttuoso – accessible only on foot or by boat. Opportunities to swim and see the famous underwater statue ‘Cristo degli Abyssi’ before walking on through pine woods to Portofino. From here we take a ferry to Rapallo and enjoy views of the Riviera (7.2 miles, 5.6 hrs). HHHH Tigullio Royal Day 3 • Rapallo to Chiavari & Sestri Levante A cable car from Rapallo to Montallegro offers extensive views – and a path leading south through remote country (9.4 miles, 5.5 hrs). Or: Follow stonepaved paths through olive groves and past small farms and two fine churches to Chiavari (8.3 miles, 4.5 hrs). From here a brief train ride takes us to Sestri Levante for 2 nights. The ESCORTED trip includes a private visit (a.m.) to the superb gardens at the former Benedictine Abbey of ‘La Cervara’ near Santa Margherita. HHHH Hotel Miramare (Nights 3 & 4) Day 4 • Free day in Sestri Levante We walk to explore Sestri Levante, its tranquil bay, fine churches and paths to the south. Day 5 • Sestri Levante to Monterosso A 15-minute train ride ‘under the mountain’ to Levanto offers a coastal walk or mule path to the ancient trade route (a track) and descent to Monterosso from the pilgrim church of San Soviore – with spectacular views. HHHH Porta Rocca (Nights 5 & 6) Day 6 • Free day in Monterosso A short walk along the coast brings us to Vernazza, from where we follow a pilgrim path up to a ridge, with panoramic views, before descending (reluctantly?) to Riomaggiore, for a 5-minute train ride and optional walk (1 hr. 15) from Corniglia back to our hotel. Day 7 • Monterosso to Portovenere After a brief train ride to Riomaggiore, we follow a pilgrimage track to Montenero, then on to the village of Campiglia, before descending to Portovenere. HHHHH Grand Hotel Portovenere

Colourful villages

san Fruttuoso

Ligurian Coast

10

0

20 miles

MONTALLEGRO

Camogli Rapallo Chiavari Portofino

Sestri Levante

Rapallo

Camogli

SAN FRUTTUOSO CRISTO DEGLI ABYSSI

Santa Margherita LA CERVARA

Portofino

Levanto

Monterosso

SAN SOVIORE

Vernazza MONTENERO Manarola Riomaggiore

Portovenere

Day 8 • Departure day 9


ATG OXFORD

I N D E P E N D E N T

F O O T L O O S E


2 – 2+ 2–3 2–3

12 Mar to 31 Jul; 01 Sep to 29 Oct

01 Apr to 31 Jul; 01 Sep to 14 Nov

02 Mar to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 16 Nov

01 May to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct 01 Mar to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct 01 Mar to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct 01 May to 31 Jul; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

Classic Dordogne (8/5 days)

Lot & Dordogne Valley (8 days)

*Provence: Vaucluse & the Luberon (7/5 days)

Alto Teruel (8 days)

Hills of Girona (8/5 days)

Sintra & the Portuguese Coast (8 days)

Paths of Peneda (8/5 days)

20 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 15 Oct

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea (8 days)

• *£1,135

£427 £288

£865

3

3–4

£875

£895

£1,285

3 – 3+

3–4

£890

3–4

£875

£880

3 3–4

£259

£790

2–3

£133

£1,165

£238

• £168

£1,815

£763

£112

£1,281

£1,015 £196

£252

£441

£1,190 £161

£825

£495

£554

£104

£885

£555

£660 £445

£100 £413 £1,265

• •

• £273

£495

£104 £420

£580

£152

£555

£136

£564

£104

£272

£128

£204

£148

• •

• £364

£375

£615

£264

£144

£725

£188

£231

£161

£910

£865

£182 £715

£470

£371 £995

£510 £400

£1,035 £210

£567 £1,390

£364

£545

• £636

£725

~£1,165

£645

£595

£452

£276

£212

DFS

*On this trip the longer route is 7 days

• ~ On this trip the shorter route is 6 days • DFS = Double room for single traveller supplement • * G = Trip grade (see p.13 for info) – Freewheeling (cycling) itinerary available. See website for itineraries and prices.

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 30 Nov

High Gargano (8 days)

01 May to 15 Oct

Unknown Umbria & Spoleto (8/5 days)

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 30 Nov

13 Apr to 15 Nov

High Paths to Assisi (8 days)

Gargano Peninsula (8 days)

13 Apr to 15 Nov

Umbria & Assisi (8/5 days)

21 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 05 Oct

01 Apr to 30 Nov

Southern Lakes (8 days)

Amalfi Coast (8/5 days)

01 Apr to 31 Oct

Roman Roads to Orvieto (8/5 days)

£154

• •

£280

£280

£985

£185

£540

£710

£365

£124

£104

~£770

£450

£425

£495

£301 £104

£940

£360

£775

£825

£140

£635

5-day Superior

£545

£124

£192

DFS

£525

£520

£545

5-day Standard

£903

£252

2

01 Apr to 31 Oct

Unknown Tuscany & Orvieto (8/5 days)

£795

18 Apr to 31 Oct

Southern Tuscany (8/5 days) 2–3

£970

3 – 3+

16 Apr to 31 Oct

Siena to Florence (8 days) £830

*£795

2+

15 Mar to 31 Oct

*Tuscany & Siena (7/5 days)

3

£1,035

£895

3

3

£126

£765

2–3

01 Apr to 31 Oct

£340

£935

2–4

Approach to Rome (8 days)

£1,295

£490

£1,050

3 – 3+

£825

£1,725

£203

£790

3

3–4

£1,095

£175

£685

2+ – 4

01 Apr to 31 Oct

£385

£950

2–3

Ancient Volcanic Landscapes (8 days)

£413

£1,345

£203

£835

2–3

01 Apr to 31 Oct

£133

£775

3–4

Tuscan Hills (8 days)

£658

*£1,365

£522

*£1,150

13 Apr to 15 Oct

10 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

Cinque Terre (8/5 days)

£714

£1,155

£286

£865

£1,035

£356

£1,290

£280

£925

£371

£1,220

DFS

£196

Montefeltro & Urbino (8 days)

01 Apr to 30 Jun; 01 Sep to 31 Oct

~Riviera & Portofino (8/6 days)

Barolo & the Langhe Hills (8/5 days) 01 Apr to 30 Nov

£935

2+ – 4

01 Apr to 14 Oct

Classic Alsace (8/5 days)

8-day Superior

DFS

£322

£845

3

01 Apr to 31 Oct

The Scottish Borders (8/5 days)

8-day Standard

G*

Route Dates 2021

Route

Footloose & Freewheeling: Dates, Grades & Prices

BOOK NOW! * Bookings for 2021 tours received by 1st December 2020 will be invoiced at 2020 prices

11


ATG ESCORTED 2021 Spain • Via Nova & the Camino Real Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos HHHHH

Via nova & Camino Real

12

ATG Escorted!

Italy • Unknown Umbria, Flowers of Umbria Palazzo Seneca HHHH HMichelin

siena to Florence

Beach picnic

Levanzo: Western sicily

southern Lakes

Gargano Peninsula

ATG picnic

Ligurian Coast

Garda & the Dolomites

Italy • High Paths to Assisi, Unknown Umbria Palazzo Dragoni HHHH

sicily: Centre to the sea

Unknown Umbria

Italy • Lake Garda & Brenta Dolomites Locanda San Verolo HHHH


Trip

Dates 2021

Days

Grade

Price

DFS

Secret Venice

March 5-9

5

1

£3,559

£804

Flowers of the Gargano

April 21-28

8

1–2

£2,355

£140

Vintage Ways to Porto

April 21-28

8

2–3

£2,895

£399

Via Nova & the Camino Real

April 28-May 5

8

2 + – 3+

£2,795

£357

Barolo & the Langhe Hills

April 28-May 5

8

3

£3,165

£400

Unknown Catalunya

May 8-15

8

2–3

£2,650

£258

Via Francigena 990

May 14-21

8

3

£2,645

£375

Southern Lakes

May 15-22

8

2–3

£2,745

£231

High Paths to Assisi

May 22-29

8

3–4

£3,195

£329

Camino de Santiago

May 30-June 13

15

3–4

£5,875

£674

Flowers of Umbria

May 30-June 6

8

1–2

£2,855

£224

Unknown Umbria

June 6-13

8

3–4

£2,725

£175

Via Nova & the Camino Real

June 16-23

8

2+ – 3+

£2,795

£357

Lake Garda & the Brenta Dolomites

June 27-July 4

8

2–3

£3,495

£511

Discovering Ladakh

September 4-17

14

3–4

£5,780

£860

High Tiber & Lake Trasimeno

September 5-12

8

2–3

£2,965

£301

Unknown Sardinia

September 9-16

8

3

£3,545

£420

Sicily: From the Centre to the Sea

September 12-19

8

3–4

£2,745

£260

Via Francigena 990

September 17-24

8

3

£2,645

£375

Best of Western Sicily

September 19-26

8

2

£3,475

£224

Siena, Chianti & Florence

September 25-Oct 2

8

3 – 3+

£3,295

£576

Best of Eastern Sicily

September 26-Oct 2

7

1–2

£4,095

£1,074

Barolo & the Langhe Hills

October 5-12

8

3

£3,165

£400

Gargano Peninsula

October 5-12

8

3

£2,545

£189

Mallorca: Mountains & Sea

October 15-22

8

4 – 4+

£3,650

£840

Discovering Oman

November 5-17

13

2–3

£6,595

£1,580

Discovering Chile

November 16-Dec 1

16

2–3

£11,550

£2,920

Discovering Hills of Southwest India

January 12-27 (2022)

16

3

£6,895

£1,910

Grades

n

Trips are allocated Grades 1-4 according to terrain and length of walk. The Fitness Quiz (right) may help you determine which Grade of trip is right for you.

Grade 1: Gentle terrain, walking along good paths, tracks and quiet lanes, with a few short, usually gentle, ascents/descents.

n

Grade 2: Walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces, and open meadows. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour.

Grades ‘+’: A grade followed by a ‘+’ sign indicates that it is a slightly higher grade than – say 2, but not as tough as 3.

n

Grade 3: Walking along a variety of paths, some stony in places, with ascents/descents of 1 to 2 hours.

Grades ‘range’: Grades indicated as – say 2-3 – mean predominantly Grade 2 walks, with the option of Grade 3 walks on one or more days.

n

Grade 4: Walking along a variety of paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours.

BOOK NOW! * Bookings for 2021 tours received by 1st December 2020 will be invoiced at 2020 prices

DFS = Double-room-for-single-traveller supplement

Escorted Trip Dates, Grades & Prices

13


14

Pool view

Aerial view

Loggia view

ATG Tour manager

Terrace lunch

Organic garden

8th Century Baptistry

Courtyard breakfast

Accomplished chef

Weekly concert

Cake for tea

Library terrace

Travertine pool

Regular visitor

san Gimignano

Tuscan gardens

Archetypal Tuscany

monastery visit

siena Palio horse

Painting Tuscany


Room with a view

‘The perfect place’

Pieve a Castello: Dates 2021

Remote location: isolated with views across the unspoilt upper Elsa Valley and extensive forested montagnola hills, Pieve a Castello offers a perfect location…both for walking and visiting the area.

April 20 - 27

Control: Owned and run by ATG to the highest standards… • Bedrooms – all with individual (nonrecirculated) air conditioning units • Breakfast, formerly a buffet, will now be served… • Lunches – ATG picnics…also served • spacious open air seating/dining in the courtyard and paved terraces… Itineraries: There are currently no cases of Covid-19 in any villages of the immediate area. itineraries will, of course, be adapted if any significant changes are noted. Atmosphere: Our aim, as always, through a high level of unobtrusive organisation and service, is to provide a truly relaxing and memorable time in this unique and ‘magical’ place.

27 - 4 May May 4 - 11 11 - 18 14 - 21 18 - 25 25 - 1 Jun June 1-8 8 - 15 15 - 22 27 - 4 Jul July 4 - 11 11 - 18 September 31 Aug - 7 7 - 14 14 - 21 17 - 24 21 - 28 28 - 5 Oct October 5 - 12 12 - 19 19 - 26

Walking, Language & Libretto Tuscan Gardens

£2,695* £2,795

As You Like It - 1 As You Like It - 1 Via Francigena 990 Italian Gardens Painting Tuscany

£2,645 £2,645 £2,645 £2,795 £2,645

Painting Tuscany As You Like It - 1 As You Like It - 2 Siena and the Palio

£2,645 £2,645 £2,645 £3,775

As You Like It - 2 As You Like It - 3

£2,645 £2,645

As You Like It - 3 As You Like It - 2 Tuscan Gardens Via Francigena 990 Italian Gardens As You Like It - 1

£2,645 £2,645 £2,795 £2,645 £2,795 £2,645

Painting Tuscany As You Like It - 3 Walking, Language & Libretto

£2,645 £2,495 £2,695

* Double-for-single supplement: £375 15


Travel Future

‘The danger is less from the pandemic than the policy-makers’ The year 2003 sounded a ‘wake-up call’ – (‘drownedout’ by news from the Gulf War…?): in the spring the sARs-CoV-1 (Coronavirus) epidemic in Asia reached Europe, reminding everyone that viral epidemics posed an inherent threat, and that ‘risk assessments’, whether at global, government or small enterprise level, must include contingency preparation, planning and have resources in place for such an inevitable eventuality. Then in the summer of 2003 the heatwave that killed 37,000 people in Europe was a reminder that the planet’s climate was warming. When sARs-CoV-2 (Coronavirus CoViD 19) appeared in 2019, it became evident that policy-makers had neither the preparation, planning nor resources in place. People wondered what ‘Emergency Budgets’ had been spent on, and why, as thousands were dying and global collaboration and consensus were urgently needed, this was obstructed by ‘political shenanigans’, conceptually archaic practices and procedures; specious, divisive and narrow, nationalistic agendas; factitious excuses and ‘blame games’.

Economic impact Can we, the Human Race, afford pandemics – with their legacy of death, destruction and debt? Can we afford the demise of Travel and Tourism – that comprises 10% of Global GDP and employment for 300m people? Above all can we afford policymakers who blatantly ignore warnings of inevitable dangers to everyone on the planet? The cost of contingency arrangements can be daunting at every level (30% of ATG trip costs) – for emergencies that ‘may never happen’ but if they do the potential damage can be incalculable: QED. ‘Freedom to travel …’ We already live with viral infections such as seasonal flu; and successful development of vaccines or treatments, whilst safeguarding individuals, may not control viral recurrence. The ‘inalienable freedom to travel’ has, historically, always been subject to constrictions and ‘windows of opportunity’. Current economic pressures may persuade policymakers to embrace the global collaboration and consensus …required for addressing world-wide issues with actions (not just words). meanwhile, despite ‘prevailing circumstances’, it is salutary (if sometimes difficult) to remember that – ‘the purpose of life is to live it’ – and that ‘seizing the moment’ offers freedom to travel, discover and enjoy wonderful ‘Covid-free’ areas: The best way to see a country is on foot!

Feedback...

…‘to some sort of normal…’

Being abroad/on holiday is all safe and enjoyable, especially if walking. Life in Italy is back to some sort of normal. There are still compulsory masks and hand gel for all shops and some limits on numbers of people in smaller shops, but bars are open and people are circulating, following distancing guidelines. Eating in a restaurant feels like a normal and nice thing to do – one wears a mask to enter but once seated the mask comes off and one can concentrate on delicious food. Most hotels are still very quiet. We had a passeggiata through Orvieto and all the little shops were open, the bars and ice-creameries, the Duomo, and most Italians in the streets were wearing their masks as chins! The atmosphere felt nice – ready to welcome Footloose clients…! On hold ATG’s 40th Anniversary celebration events (!) …are ‘on hold’ together with the Pieve a Castello music Festival ... and some promising new R&D.

Environmental note The ‘poly-wrap’ in which ‘ATG nEWs’ has been dispatched is made from potato starch. it is fully compostable and can be disposed of with food waste. Yes – it is slightly more expensive…but a welcome solution to the environmental nightmare of ‘single-use’ plastic waste.

2020 Brochures are still available. . . . Please let us know if you would like a set.

Wonderful ‘Covid-free’ areas

Certificate Number 5739 ISO 14001

Alternative Travel Group Ltd., T/A ATG Oxford, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1865 315678 • Fax: +44 (0)1865 315697 • Email: trip-enquiry@atg-oxford.com • Web: www.atg-oxford.com REGisTERED in EnGLAnD nUmBER 1449375 • VAT nUmBER 348 2372 47


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