Breakaway Adventures Offers Walking and Cycling Tours this Winter on Three Continents

U.S.-based tour company's schedule includes Spain, Morocco, Italy, Costa Rica, South Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; more into at www.breakaway-adventures.com

Breakaway Adventures, a U.S. based tour company that specializes in cycling and walking tours around the globe, has announced a winter schedule that includes tours in Spain, Morocco, Italy, Costa Rica, South Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Getting out into the countryside on foot or by bike is a great way to really take in your surroundings, “said Carol Keskitalo, co-owner of the firm. “You see and experience so much more of the beauty and the culture around you than you ever would on an ordinary tour. “

Keskitalo said the winter months are among the best times to enjoy a walking or cycling holiday in the Mediterranean and North Africa. They offer tours that wind through lemon groves in southern Spain or sleepy villages on Mallorca.

“Some of our destinations, such as Tenerife and La Gomera, lie on the great migration routes and are a paradise for ornithologists,” she added. “Others, such as Madeira, are decked with freesias, jacaranda, jasmine, begonias and camellias while Gozo's olives, figs and peaches flourish in the mild temperate climate.”

Specifically, the tours featured have departures from October of this year until June of 2008 to destinations in Bermuda, the French Caribbean, Gozo, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Ecuador, Kenya, Costa Rica, Chile, Galapagos, St. Lucia, the Canary Islands, Madeira, Mallorca, Menorca and Cyprus.

“Between October and May is also perfect for exploring South Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean,” Keskitalo said. “These tropical destinations enjoy all-year-round balmy climates, so are ideal for active outdoor adventure.”

Known in the travel industry as one of the leaders in off-the-beaten-track walking and cycling tours, Breakaway Adventures offers more than 200 cycling and walking tours each year to 30 countries. The tour company keeps groups small and personal (rarely more than eight people), so space is limited and early bookings are strongly recommended. For more detailed itineraries and information, call (800) 567-6286 or visit www.breakaway-adventures.com.

Highlights of the winter tours include:

The Imperial Cities, Morocco, North Africa. Relatively easy “1 boot level” guided walking and sightseeing holiday combining the must-see sights of Rabat, Fez. Volubilis, Mekenes and Casablanca with off-the-beaten-track Berber villages. Eight days and seven nights in five-star hotels throughout. Prices starting at $2,223 per person, based on double occupancy, and include all meals.

Secrets of Andalucia, Spain – Breakaway Adventures’ most successful guided holiday where clients feel more like house guests than paying customers. Combines “2 boot level” guided walking in traditional Andalucian countryside with a day trip to Granada and an opportunity to walk around the famous Alhambra. Eight days and seven nights in a four-star restored 200-year-old olive mill with pool. Prices starting at $2,221 per person, double occupancy, with all meals (including wine) included.

Highlights of Gozo Cycling, Gozo, Malta – Gozo is a hidden jewel in the Mediterranean, known mostly only to celebrities. Clients embark on a “lower 1 bike” independent cycling tour past beautifully secluded bays and stunning turquoise seas, with magnificent views of Sicily. They cycle by “Calypso’s Cave”, where it is said the nymph Calypso keep Odysseus captive for seven years. Seven days and six nights in fabulous four- and five-star hotels, all with pools. (The hotel in San Lawrenz has one of Europe’s best spas). Prices starting from $2,011 per person, double occupancy, and includes the bike rental, buffet breakfast and all evening meals.

Walks in the Floating Gardens, Madeira/Portugal – The “1 boot level” guided walking tour is perfect for a winter holiday due to its micro-climate. Clients walk along the famous levadas and see the wonderful array of exotic flowers, visit the traditional fishing ports where fishermen lay out their catch to dry in the sun, explore the bustling harbor of Funchal with its colorful market, and taste fine port at the famous Blandy wine lodge. Eight days and seven nights at the four-star Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most exclusive hotels on the island of Madeira, with buffet breakfasts, five lunches and all evening meals included. Prices starting from $2,727 per person based on double occupancy.

All tours include pick up and drop off at airport/train station (as outlined in the tour description), breakfast and dinner each day, and fully researched walking and cycling route notes and maps. Also included are the services of the on-site representative who moves luggage from inn to inn and is available on call for special assistance, including pick up of wine purchases.

All hotels are researched and inspected on-site by Breakaway Adventures and are mostly three- and four-star, many featuring swimming pools and fine food made with fresh, local produce.

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