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