For Immediate Release
March 05, 2007

Contact:
Carol Keskitalo
(800) 567-6286
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 883-6083
E-mail: carol@breakaway-adventures.com
Web Site: http://www.breakaway-adventures.com

UMBRIA, Italy - A U.S.-based tour company that specializes in walking and cycling tours in Europe is offering two tours to coincide with this year’s Bella Umbria Chocolate Festival Oct. 13 – 21.

Entitled “Perugia to Assisi Cycling” and “Undiscovered Umbria Walk,” the independent tours offered by Breakaway Adventures (www.breakaway-adventures.com) include an on-site English-speaking representative, hotels, continental breakfast and evening meals, and for an additional cost, flights as well.

Offered every two days from May 3 to October 14 in 2007, travelers can begin either of the tours in early October to coincide with the popular chocolate festival.

Known in the travel industry as one of the leaders in walking and cycling tours, Breakaway Adventures is based in South Carolina and offers more than 200 cycling and walking tours each year. For additional information, call Carol Keskitalo at (800) 567-6286 or visit the company online at www.breakaway-adventures.com.

The 88-mile cycling tour begins in Ponte Valleceppi just outside Perugia and travels through Assisi, Spoleto and Bevagna before circling back to Ponte Valleceppi. The “2 bike” or moderate-rated tour includes the use of a good quality 21-speed hybrid bike with straight handle bars and panniers.

The 39-mile walking tour begins in Campello and overnights in Cerreto, Scheggino, and Monteluco before returning to spend a last night in Campello. This high-level walking route is rated “Upper 2 boots” or moderate plus, with some challenging ascents and descents on mountain paths.

Both tours include a pick up and drop off at the Foligno railway station – easily accessible from Rome – and transfer to the first hotel. Also included are the services of the on-site representative, who is available on call for special assistance, including wine purchases en route.

“The Umbria Chocolate Festival is a great event so it’s exciting that our tours will be offered so that travelers can see the countryside of Umbria and also be there for the festival,” said Carol Keskitalo, a co-owner of the firm. “We have been offering tours in Umbria for more than 10 years. It’s a beautiful area of Italy – not as well known as other regions so there’s lots to discover.”

The festival, which winds through the historic old town area of Perugia, invites visitors to tastings, demonstrations and shows. In addition, the festival will feature chocolate sculptures, including a three-ton chocolate igloo, free samples, chocolate beauty products and even a “PetChoc” corner for visitors with pets.

Traveling with a Breakaway tour enables visitors to focus on the sights and activities since all details – from the mapping out of routes to the moving of luggage – are managed by the company.

“Going with a Breakaway tour means you don’t have to worry about the hotel or what to do and see along the way as it is all carefully researched for you. Instead, travelers can focus on the beautiful Umbria countryside with its olive trees, sunflowers, vineyards and soft terracotta colors,” added Keskitalo.

All hotels are researched and inspected on-site and selected for their charm and interesting location. Mostly three-star, they range from a country house hotel at the foot of Assisi to the aptly named Hotel Panorama in Cerreto. All of the accommodations along both the walking and cycling tours feature swimming pools, and fine food based on fresh, local produce is guaranteed as part of the packages. The nine-day, eight-night tours range from $1,599 to $2,141 per person.

Founded in 1997, Breakaway Adventures specializes in relaxed, overseas getaways where guests can walk, cycle, trek or barge through the back roads of 30 countries, including Italy, France, Greece and Great Britain. For more detailed itineraries or to book a tour, visit www.breakaway-adventures.com or call 800-567-6286.

For additional information on the tours and the Bella Umbria Chocolate Festival, visit these websites:
www.breakaway-adventures.com
www.eurochocolate.com/en/home.html
www.bellaumbria.net/Perugia/eurochocolate_eng.htm.

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