Walkabout Gourmet Adventures

 

Travel Update Walking Tours

Walkabout Gourmet News From hibernation to exciting season

Dear walkers and friends,

In Europe, Walkabout is slowly rising up from its long Pandemic hibernation. We didn't like to be forced to minimise our operations but loved to have loads of time to re-evaluate our priorities and reflect on our values. So it was an exciting moment when we finally could welcome our first guests from Australia and New Zealand again. Despite the prolonged heat wave we have had in Europe this year, we managed to adapt the walks and benefitted from those things which come with "only good" weather… sunshine, swimming, balmy nights and al fresco dining on outdoor terraces.

walking tour dates

Lake Maurici Aiguestortes National Park Pyrenees Spain

French Pyrenees & Ligurian Coast

 


Coastal and hinterland: A Walk to the Stars

Finally we made it and our Walk to the Stars proved to be a wonderful balance of coastal and hinterland walking along the Ligurian Coast. Some of the walks, although slightly on the challenging side, are truly magnificent and let us discover what this region has to offer. There is certainly so much more to explore then just the Cinque Terre!

We leave it as an option on our free day to visit or walk a section of the famous trail between Monterosso and Riomaggiore. During our time in Sestri Levante we walk to Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, San Fruttuoso and Camoglie, one of our favourite places along the Ligurian Coast. In Borgomaro, only a very small village in the hinterland of Imperia, we found fantastic walks and one of the best examples of hospitality I have experienced anywhere!

Congratulations to Elena and her team for making us feel at home. The two walks on the "Littoral" coastal trail in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat at the Cote d'Azur and in St Tropez were splendid and competitive with other grand coastal trails in other parts of the world.

Our new Hotel right in the centre of St Tropez deserves a special mention - small and not over the top, like so many other things in this town; it was very cosy with tables in the garden and an excellent breakfast. We have booked in early not to miss out
.

Guided Walking HolidaysLiguria boasts some of the best food in Italy - including pesto Genovese, minestrone and focaccia. Because Liguria is on the coast, seafood and fish are a big part of the diet. Provence-Cote d'Azur has a rich blue Mediterranean coastline and delicious sunshine food like tapenade, omelette aux truffes, Ratatouille, Aioli, Tarte Tropezienne or Fromage de Chevre."
Angela, Carlton, VIC, Australia
Walk to the Stars Walk to the stars    Walking Tour France   Walking Tour Italy14-day Walking tour through Italian & French Riviera
2023   29 August | Aix-en-Provence, France


Return to the magnificent Pyrenees

After more then 10 years, Gabriela really enjoyed returning with a small group to the Pyrenees as she has always been an avid fan of this magnificent region with its wonderful walks. Although one of our first walks in Europe and hardly any changes in the program, we can't recommend it enough. Bookings for 2023 are going well, so please let us know early!

Guided Walking HolidaysOnce again we enjoyed a terrific Walkabout tour that took us to beautiful towns and villages along with some great walking in the amazing Pyrenees. Food, company and accommodation up to the usual delightful standards. Many thanks to Pascal and Callum for all their assistance and ensuring we had a great time."
Geoff from Melbourne VIC, Australia

Pyrenees Discover the Pyrenees   Walking Tour France   Walking Tour Spain14-day Walking tour in France and Spain, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
2023   10 July | Montpellier, France

Portofino Italy

gourmet Portofino Italy

St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

gourmet St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

 

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France

gourmet Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, France


Vallee Ossau Pyrenees Spain

gourmet Vallée Ossau, Pyrenees

 

Cirque de Gavarnie France

gourmet Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Enjoying Sea food in Collioure!

gourmet Enjoying sea food in Collioure!

Hallstatt Austria

Dolomites & Scottish Highlands 

 


Austrian Lakes & Italian Dolomites

Gilles loved to return to the Dolomites, another region that is overwhelmingly beautiful with stunning walks, a fantastic hotel and great food. The two regions in Austria in the Austrian Lakes District and in the Leutasch Valley are equally beautiful - great hospitality and dreamlike landscapes.

Guided Walking HolidaysA totally fabulous experience - the itinerary, the comfortable hotels, fine food, spectacular scenery and the company of our fellow walkers. From the first time I saw photos of The Romantic Path tour, it was on my "to do" list. Our walking destinations included beautiful alpine countryside and lakes in Altaussee and the Leutasch Valley, a challenging walk on the Loser Circuit, spectacular rock formations in the Dachstein..." Read more
Cheryl from Brisbane QLD, Australia
Dolomites The Romantic Path    Walking Tour Germany   Walking Tour Germany   Walking Tour Italy14-day Walking through the Austrian Lakes District, the Leutasch Valley and the Dolomites in Italy
2023   14 September | Munich, Germany


Scotland: Extra day on the Isle of Skye

Our first tour in Scotland was not without challenges... changing and adapting quickly to our initial program from 2019. After finally losing the "little troll" who had crept into our tour during the first few days, all went well. In future we will not return to Inverness but have added on an extra day to the Isle of Skye where we will stay near Portree. This will reduce the driving and we can spend more time walking in this spectacular location.

Very welcomed is also the extra night in the Orkneys, which will allow for more walking and perhaps even a visit and degustation at the Highlander's Distillery. The tour will start and end in Edinburgh. Perri, our new excellent Scottish guide, together with her husband Lee proved to be so valuable in every aspect of the tour and brought in the local knowledge, which just makes all the difference. Perri and Lee have agreed to work with us and we are looking forward to another season together. Please note that the tour starts now one day earlier.

Scotland The Highlander's Trail   Walking Tour Scotland 16-day Walking holiday in Scotland through Cairngorms, Orkney Islands, Wester Ross, Isle of Skye and Loch Lomond
2023   13 September | Edinburgh, Scotland


Stay in the most beautiful villages in France

Gilles has finished our season in Europe with the Gastronomic walk through hidden France, a perfect autumn walk starting in the Pays Basque, the lower hills of the Pyrenees, then moving onto the Cathar Country with mediaeval castles, villages and Romanesque abbeys. The last five nights were spent in Grignan in the Drôme Provencale between the Rhone River and the Alps north of the Vaucluse. It is listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". This tour is scheduled again for 2024.

 

Guided Walking HolidaysWe had a wonderful tour, small group led by fun, caring and patient Gilles. Excellent accommodations in quiet villages, friendly hosts serving fabulous food and wine. Walks were varied and enjoyable, with options for those who wanted a slower day. Perfect weather, autumn colours, few tourists - but we were in hidden France."
Liz from Adelaide, Australia
France Gastronomic trail through hidden France    Walking Tour France14-day Walking tour in France through the Pays Basque, the Corbiere and the Drome

2024

  02 October | Biarritz, France

Val Gardena Dolomites Italy

gourmet Val Gardena Dolomites, Italy

Italy walking

gourmet Italian walker

Portree Isle of Skye Scotland

gourmet Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

 

The West Highland Way Scotland

gourmet The West Highland Way, Scotland


Dentelles de Montmirail, France

gourmet Dentelles de Montmirail, France

Cathar Castle France

gourmet Cathar Castle, Las Tours, France

Provence vineyards in Autumn

gourmet Provence vineyards in Autumn

Sicily

Exciting 2023 Season!

 


We are now preparing and looking forward to next year. Due to a very busy season in Europe, we had to take Byron and Beyond out of our 2023 program but hope to welcome you there in 2024 again.

India: Nature, Culture and Cooking!

For those of you interested in this tour concept we highly recommend our Flavours of South India tour. Lovely walks in stunning nature, interesting culture and some delicious cooking classes are some of the highlights on this tour. Sreejith, our master will start and end the days with a yoga and meditation practice (not compulsory). Reflexology is one of his specialities.

Guided Walking HolidaysMy cousin and I had an absolutely wonderful time touring South India. We loved the adventure walks and really enjoyed the cooking classes - they were a highlight. Accommodation was first class and the Aleppy houseboat trip was fantastic. Such a brilliant way to see life in Kerala up close and personal. We were so lucky to enjoy the company of the other tour guests - such a great bunch of people and so much fun...."
Victoria from Sydney, NSW, Australia
India Flavours of South India    Walking Tour India 12-day A Journey to the Soul - Walking, Cooking, Tasting, Meditation and Yoga in Kerala

2023

  15 November | Cochin, Kerala, India


Spain & Portugal: Highlight after highlight!


In Europe we are happy to start in beautiful Granada where we have the opportunity to visit the magical Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. The mountain villages of the Alpujarras provide the perfect terrain for our stunning walks.

As usual we move on to stay in the Parador in Ronda and spend two nights in Sevilla before moving onto Portugal. Here we explore the Algarve region right in the south, stop for 2 nights in Lisbon and walk in the beautiful Duoro Valley. This tour has highlight after highlight, right to the end when we finish in the beautiful city of Porto.

Guided Walking HolidaysThe Pilgrim's Way is a completely different way to see and understand northern Spain. Apart from the magnificent scenery and fantastic location - the Paradors of Spain have to be experienced to be believed! - walking the Pilgrim's Way and having the opportunity to visit places like Leon, Burgos and Santiago de Compostela, as well as the villages along the way, gave me a whole new insight into part of Spain's history..." Read more
Lorne, Orange NSW, Australia
Spain Portugal A Journey back in Time    Walking Tour Spain   Walking Tour Portugal18-day Walking Tour in Portugal and Spain, through the Douro Valley, Algarve and Andalusia

2023

  01 April | Granada, Spain


 

Sicily: History, Culture, Food and Mount Etna!

One of her favourite tours, Gabriela is very excited to finally return to Sicily. It has just the perfect balance between history, culture, beautiful sea and mountain walks, delicious food and great accommodation. The 15-day tour begins and ends in Palermo, travels to the northernmost tip of Sicily, the Madonie mountains and the Eolian islands. Another real highlight is the walk up to Mount Etna and beautiful Ortigia in Syracuse.


Guided Walking HolidaysIf I start by telling you that while in Sicily, Bob took about 1900 photos, I don't want you to become alarmed that this letter with photos will cause your server to go into meltdown. We have chosen photos judiciously, and written some words, in the hope that you will be inspired to think about taking a trip to that island or if you already have, to think about returning. And Spring is in our view THE time to be there..." Read more
Bob and Margaret, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sicily La Dolce Vita    Walking Tour Italy15-day Walking tour in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
2023   25 April | Palermo, Sicily, Italy


Japan: Ancient traditions & Culinary delights

We have received the green light from Japan and are very excited to finally take you on our Spirit of Japan tour in May and October next year. This volcanic archipelago shows off with scenic landscapes and superb food. Here ancient traditions seem to merge wonderfully with modern life and beneath the surface of this seemingly futuristic and modern country is an intriguing traditional culture where Buddhist temples, ryokans and Geishas still exist.

Our comprehensive 16-day tour takes us from the bustling capital of Tokyo all the way to Hiroshima in the west of the country. In between we experience the beauty of the Japanese Alps with their pristine rivers and forests. We walk a section of the famous Nakasendo Trail, discover the history of the ancient capital Kyoto, visit the beautiful island of Myajima, enjoy the amazing culinary delights of Osaka and explore the historical city of Hiroshima where we conclude our tour. We stay in a combination of both Western and Japanese style hotels – all with ensuite facilities. 

Japan The Spritit of Japan    Walking Tour Japan16-day Walking Tour of discovery from Tokyo to Hiroshima

2023

  17 May | Tokyo, Japan
    26 October | Tokyo, Japan


Walk with Graeme in Norway, France & Africa

Graeme has been very happy about his busy season in Australia and to be able to work closer "from home". It has certainly helped us a lot that we had so much support from our loyal Aussie guests during the pandemic and we will forever be grateful. While Graeme managed to finally get back to France for a short visit in Summer, you can walk with him again in 2023:

walking  The Peer Gynt Trail | 12 July 2023 | Bergen, Norway    Walking Tour Norway
walking  A Taste of Europe | 08 Sept. 2023 | Lyon, France   Walking Tour France
walking  From the Sea to the Summit | 23 Sept. 2023 | Luzern, Switzerland   Walking Tour Switzerland
walking  African Walkabout | 14 October 2023 | Windhoek, Namibia   Walking Tour Africa



Twinkly turquoise warm seas in Turkey

 

Being unable to sail into Greece is not the only change Covid brought with it, but certainly a very annoying one. This new piece of Greek bureaucracy changed the rules and commercial Turkish gullets are no longer allowed to enter from Turkey into Greece.

So it is with great sadness to let the beautiful Dodecanese Islands go, but we won’t miss out on our sailing experience and found an excellent alternative in sailing with our Princess Selin along Turkey’s stunning turquoise coast.

Stretching from bustling Fethiye to the resort town of Antalya, this coastline is famous for its twinkly blue warm seas. Backed by mountain ranges for almost its entire length, their slopes drop precipitously down to quaint fishing villages. Lush pine forest, sandy beaches and sheer cliffs add drama, and the hundreds of tiny secluded coves and bays are tucked away, only accessible by water.

Guided Walking HolidaysThe warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people everywhere made this such a memorable walk. Knowledgeable guides, cooks providing hands on help, head-scarfed farmer's wives scurrying across the fields to sell us their handicrafts, gifts of home-made marmalade and even the iman's ever present calls to prayer were all welcomed as part of the enriching blend of rural Antolian culture. Dramatic olive covered rocky crags..." Read more
Euan, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Turkey Greece A Mediterranean Odyssey    Walking Tour Turkey 17-day Walking and Sailing tour in Turkey from Istanbul to Antalya

2023

  30 September | Istanbul, Turkey

 


Upper Provence & the French Riviera


In 2023 we look forward to returning to our favourite hotel in Provence, Auberge Charembeau near Forcalquier.

Our Secrets of Provence tour starts on the 29th September 2023 and ends on the 12th October in Aix-en-Provence. On this walk Gilles will show you the diversity and amazing landscapes of Provence - from the famous “Cote d’Azur” to steep hilltop villages and Alpine Mountains. Learn about the region’s rich culture and history while tasting delicious food accompanied by excellent wines.

Guided Walking HolidaysWhat a holiday!! Secrets of Provence was everything and more than we expected, it suited us perfectly. The walks were varied, beautiful, although in some cases challenged us. We will know next time what to expect and give a little more thought to preparation. Complementing the daily physical side of things was the delightful accommodation, culinary delights (especially), and the company we shared the tour with..." Read more
Colin and Helen, Glenlyon, Australia

 

Guided Walking HolidaysWhat a holiday!! Secrets of Provence was everything and more than we expected, it suited us perfectly. The walks were varied, beautiful, although in some cases challenged us. We will know next time what to expect and give a little more thought to preparation. Complementing the daily physical side of things was the delightful accommodation, culinary delights (especially), and the company we shared the tour with..." Read more
Colin and Helen, Glenlyon, Australia
France Secrets of Provence    Walking Tour France14-day Walking tour in France though les Iles d'hyeres, upper Provence and the French Alps
2023   29 September | Aix-en-Provence, France

Yoga and Meditation Master Kerala India

gourmet Our Yoga and Meditation Master

Alleppey Boathouse Kerala Backwaters India

gourmet Alleppey Boathouse, Kerala

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

gourmet Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Sevilla Spain

gourmet Sevilla Spain

 

Alhambra Granada Spain

gourmet Alhambra Granada, Spain


Market in Ortigia Sicily

gourmet Market in Ortigia, Sicily

 

Selinunte Sicily Italy

gourmet Selinunte Sicily, Italy

 

Cooking Japan

gourmet Cooking demonstration, Japan!

Snow Monkey Park Japan

gourmet Snow Monkey Park, Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan

gourmet Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Dovrefjell Musk Oxen Norway

gourmet Dovrefjell Musk Oxen, Norway


Gulet Selin Turkey

gourmet Gulet Selin, Turkey

 

Ruins Turkey

gourmet Ancient ruins, Turkey

 

Carpet Bazar, Turkey

gourmet Carpet Bazar, Turkey

 

Port Cros Island Southern France

gourmet Port Cros, Hyères Islands, France

 

Colours of Provence, France

gourmet Colours of Provence, France

 

Ubaye Valley Alps France

gourmet Ubaye Valley, French Alps

Canary Islands

Rugged Canary Islands

 


Amongst a few private journeys this year was also Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. Although there are no tours in the planning at present, we can highly recommend a short stay on this volcanic island. White washed houses and no tall buildings, vineyards flourish in craters, and everything is full of a strange beauty.

Arrecife is easy to reach from many airports in Europe and Ryanair is one of the carriers who have regular flights there. The island has a great network of marked walking tracks but we were in particular drawn to the art and architecture of César Manrique. Nobody but him could have captured the essence of this unique island better and produced a dialogue between nature and art. César Manrique was born in the Canary Islands and was the main creator of most of the art, culture and tourism centres that now exist on Lanzarote.

Eight fascinating places based on sustainability are all worth taking your time to experience. His intervention based on the fundamentals of sustainability that sought to safeguard the island’s natural heritage and culture proved to be the determining factor in the declaration of Lanzarote as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. Trails in Canary Islands.

El Diablo Restaurant on top of a Vulcano Lanzarote Spain

gourmet El Diablo Restaurant, Spain

Playa de Famara

gourmet Playa de Famara, Spain

Winter Provence

A snowy winter in Provence

 

 

 

By the time you are reading this it won't be long until another year is coming to a close. While Gabriela, Nastassja and Serjosha will spend Christmas in their home in Provence, Graeme will have another Christmas with his Australian family.

Our apartments in Residence St Mary are fully booked during the festive season and our long-term tenant from Hawaii has extended her rental for another year. After a truly fantastic sunny year, I am signing off in a very Christmassy atmosphere today… cold, foggy and raining outside… wooden fire, candles and warm inside. We are all looking forward to this quieter season in the year with long evenings and time for family and friends.


We wish you all a peaceful Christmas period and a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year.


Gabriela, Graeme and the Walkabout Team

 


Citadelle of Forcalquier

gourmet Snowy Citadelle of Forcalquier

 

Forcalquier Apartments Courtyard

gourmet Residence St Mary courtyard

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