January 2004…Headwater has just released its exciting new summer 2004 programme. With 112 great breaks to choose from spanning 47 different destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa, the selection of Headwater holidays has never been better. In addition to the twenty new holidays on offer, many of the old favourites have been improved with upgraded accommodation choices and more travel options than ever before, including many more flights from regional airports.
Slovenia has been introduced for the very first time with two NEW walking holidays.
The Azores is a brand NEW addition to the brochure and includes an exciting whale-watching experience.
NEW in France are walking holidays in southern Corsica and the Emerald Coast of Brittany, where there is also a NEW cycling tour. Another NEW cycling holiday has been introduced taking in the Rivers and Vineyards of the Alsace region.
Enjoy a taste of mediaeval Tuscany with the NEW walking tour that explores the unspoilt Manciano countryside.
See the Imperial Cities, a NEW walking holiday for summer 2004, which takes in the heart of the ‘real’ Morocco.
The growing popularity of ‘alternative’ Spain is well represented as Headwater introduces four NEW walking holidays in Andalucia this summer, as well as tours of La Gomera and Tenerife.
The Dalmatian Coast proved so popular in 2003, that a NEW walking holiday taking in the Contrasts of Croatia has been added for 2004.
Explore some of the most dramatic scenery in the Alps with the NEW Jungfrau Peaks and Glaciers Walk, or discover the Jura region of Switzerland with the NEW Lakes and Vineyards Walk or Three Lakes Cycling tour. Or for something completely different Headwater has found a jewel of a hotel in the Davos area, a centre for a NEW multi-activity holiday, a ‘Discovery’ concept that proved very popular in 2003, ideal for families.
Why not add something special to your Headwater holiday with a stay in a French château or Italian villa before or after your activity break. Headwater is offering a wide range of properties throughout France and Italy so you may sample the very best hospitality these countries have to offer quite independently. Whether you prefer a cultural break as that holiday ‘add-on’ or want to relax and be pampered, Headwater has introduced some perfect choices. The flexibility of Headwater’s programme means you can hire a car, change flight times, just let Headwater know what you want to do and it can be arranged for you.
For a copy of the NEW Headwater Summer 2004 brochure contact Headwater on: 01606 720 199 or visit the website www.headwater-holidays.com.
Headwater provides specialist walking, cycling, canoeing, cookery and multi-activity holidays throughout Europe and North Africa. Contact the experts on 01606 720 199. Headwater has the best holidays for walkers
There 85 walking holidays in the new brochure
NEW – The Emerald Coast Walk, Brittany, France. Two boots, independent, hotel to hotel
Dramatically stunning scenery, unspoilt countryside and awe-inspiring views
The wealth of colours and mediaeval influences distinguish this holiday from all others in the Headwater programme
Traditional Breton fishing villages, and Dinan, one of the finest mediaeval towns in France
Great for bird spotting opportunities
Pink granite boulders above stunning turquoise seas, magnificent coastal paths, shaded forest trails and deserted white beaches
NEW – Secret Tuscany Walk, Italy
One boot, independent, single centre
Explore the ‘real’ Tuscany, immaculately preserved, just how the whole region once was
The area was home to the Etruscans long before the Romans arrived and many of the walks follow their trails
Access is easy for days out to the least spoilt part of the Tuscan coast and the islands of Giglio and Elba, or to explore the cities of Siena and Pisa
Visit ancient villages, ruined fortresses, Roman thermal springs and secret cave dwellings
NEW – Best of Andalucia, Spain
One boot, guided, hotel-to-hotel
An exceptional holiday combining the ‘must-sees’ of Andalucia and whitewashed hamlets along flower-filled country paths
The Alcazar in Seville, the Alhambra in Granada and the Medina Azahara in Cordoba are all included – all jewels in the Spanish Crown
Ramble through olive groves and pine forests overlooking limestone gorges and azure lakes
Elegant hotels in the historic centres of the greatest Andalucian cities. Explore local restaurants, bodegas and tapas bars in the evening and soak up the local atmosphere
Included is a visit to the sherry capital of Jerez and to the best preserved Moorish fortress in Spain at Banos
NEW – Jungfrau Peaks and Glaciers, Switzerland
Three boot, independent, hotel-to-hotel
Explore some of the most dramatic scenery in the Alps, the Jungfrau region is a must for the avid walker
The sheer scale is breathtaking – from the 4000m peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the deepest U-shaped valley in the world lined with 73 gushing waterfalls
Top class dining with a Michelin starred restaurant in one hotel and another that was a favourite of the King of Norway
Some of the best high level walking trails in Europe, through meadows fragrant with flowers and close to rolling glaciers
Visit the James Bond revolving restaurant on the Schilthorn for views over Germany, Italy and Switzerland
Headwater has the best holidays for cyclists
There 24 cycling holidays in the new brochure
NEW – Rivers and Vineyards Cycling, Alsace, France Two bikes, independent, hotel-to-hotel
Varied cycling holiday combining the beauty of the Alsace Wine Road with the ‘Tuscany of Germany’ – from vineyards to riverside tracks affording stunning panoramas over the Rhine
Some of Alsace’ most beautiful villages such as Eguisheim, where wine making began, Rouffach, where the town centre is listed as a historic monument and Turckheim, where a night watchman still walks the streets of half-timbered houses
Breisach am Rhein with one of Germany’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals
Wine-tasting everyday with some villages producing their own vintages such as Ammerschwir and others grand crus – like Ribeauville
Special places to stay with two hotels having Michelin starred restaurants and another magnificent views over the terraces of the Kaiserstuhl vineyards.
NEW – Three Lakes Cycling, Jura, Switzerland
Two bikes, independent, hotel-to-hotel
Explore the beautiful countryside of the Swiss Jura in-between the lakes of Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel, with the chance to take a boat trip around all three (they are linked by canals)
Visit the Roman town of Avenches, the mediaeval Fribourg and Italianate Le Landeron, as well as the Gothic splendours of Erlach
Stay in a sixteenth century mansion in Fribourg, an elegant lake-side villa in Murten and a nineteenth century townhouse in Avenches
Cycle through vineyards stopping for a wine-tasting in Praz and then through the rolling dairy meadows of Fribourg, all with magnificent views over the Jura and Bernese Alps
Swimming opportunities every day. Headwater wine service available
FIRM FAVOURITE – Contrasts of Catalunya Cycling, Spain
Two bike, independent, hotel-to-hotel
Visit Figueras and the Salvador Dali Museum, especially as 2004 is Dali year when Catalunya will celebrate the centenary of his birth! Dali lived and worked in the Catalan coastal area and was born at nearby Rosas. Visit his house at Port Lligat
See too L’Escala port, famous for its anchovies, Palafrugell and the Cork Museum. (Cork is an extremely important product of Catalonia.) La Bisbal is renowned for antiques and local ceramics, and Empuries for its Roman ruins
Walk in the Natural Park of Aiguamolia with 329 different species of birds, visiting pretty medieval villages that give the area the name of Spain’s Tuscany
Local cuisine provides a host of flavours. Spanish sparkling wine comes from the region. Stay in a fourteenth century castle, a farmhouse and seaside hotels with pools
As well as cycling the holiday offers opportunities for windsurfing, swimming and golf
Headwater has the best special interest holidays
COOKERY - Flavours of Crete, Greece Guided, single centre
A truly gastronomic experience – learn all about Cretan cuisine through the carefully designed cookery programme at the prestigious Istron Bay Hotel, located on the spectacular north eastern coast of Crete, overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Mirabello
The course was specially designed by hotel owner-manager Andonis Panayototopoulous who incorporates authentic Cretan cuisine, often with a modern twist – his passion and enthusiasm are infectious!
Shop with the chef in the local market, pick fresh herbs and edible wild plants, choose fresh fish and meat, visit olive oil presses and wineries. Guests can also relax on the private beach, indulge in the local water sports and diving and enjoy romantic beachside meals
Four, four- hour hands on practical sessions with fully qualified English speaking chefs. The majority of the cooking will be done outdoors, on a covered open-air terrace just a few steps up from the beach
Reputed to be one of the healthiest diets in the world (with many islanders live to over 100!) the Cretan diet takes advantage of the islands natural resources – a plethora of exotic fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs, fish from the sea, goat, lamb and partridges from the mountain and fragrant olive oils from the hills
MULTI-ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS – Discovery at Davos
Independent, single centre
NEW holiday to the Hotel Meierhof with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and whirlpool, mini-gym; a Swiss chalet with all modern conveniences. All Headwater guests stay in superior rooms and there are no single supplements
Activities included are extensive – bike tour, full day guided walk, full day Nordic walk, two days mountain bike hire, wine-tasting and the Davos card allowing free bus and rail travel, free entrance to all museums in Davos and to the tennis courts plus the on glacier railway. The card is also valid in nearby Klosters
Other activities also available include summer sledging, ice-skating, golf, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits to a local dairy and to a wood sculptor, in-line skating, volleyball, windsurfing, sailing, squash, badminton, horse-riding and a Heritage Tour of Davos
There is a great children’s club in the hotel plus a local Children’s Alpine Zoo
Excellent cuisine with choice of restaurants and an extensive wine list with over 200 vintages in stock. Dining here is a real culinary experience
CANOEING – On the Dordogne
Independent, hotel-to-hotel
Canoeing on one of France’s most celebrated and ideal canoeing rivers – calm, peaceful and flat
Glide through glorious countryside – golden-pink limestone cliffs, walnut groves and truffle woods of the Périgord
Sightseeing opportunities the length of the river, from majestic chateaux to picturesque perched villages such as Souillac from where you can visit the prehistoric caves of Les Eyzies and Lascaux
Canadian canoes and kayaks are also available
Family friendly hotels serving superb meals
CULTURAL/HISTORICAL TOURS - Jewels of Jordan Discovery
One boot, guided, hotel-to-hotel
Jerash has one of the best-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy with 2000 year- old temples, theatres and columns. Madaba is known for its Byzantine mosaics and the Madaba Map, a 1500 year-old map of the Holy Land, which originally would have measured 15m x 5m
Mount Nebo is where Moses climbed just before his death to see the Promised Land. You will see the castle at Karak, one of a line of Crusader defences stretching from Aqaba to Turkey
Visit Petra with its exceptional monasteries and temples is a city lost for over 2000 years. Aqaba is renowned for the clear waters of the Red Sea, ideal for diving and the local bazaar. There is plenty of historical interest too. Queen Noor created the trade centre here and Aqaba also houses the Royal Jordanian Diving School
See the legacy of Lawrence of Arabia, his house, his Well and the Beau Geste Fort. The dramatic lunar landscape near Wadi Mousa, the Wadi Rum at sunset, the spectacular Nagb ash-Shtar, the Khazali Canyon – the scenery is amazing.
Local cusine includes mezze, medames (fava beans in oil) and khubz, the flat round loaves whose name literally means ‘life’. Arak is the local tipple – a drink made from aniseed. There is a chance to float in the mineral rich Dead Sea waters
Headwater has the best family holidays
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE – Discovery at Gstaad, Switzerland Multi-activity, independent, single centre
Stay at the superb four-star Hotel Steigenberger with stunning views over the Bernese Oberland and the villages of Gstaad and Saaanen
Activities included are guided walks, a mountain barbecue, guided mountain biking, river rafting, independent walks, use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, gym, billiards, sauna, solarium and steam room
The hotel has a great children’s club where everything from pony trekking to bread baking is included, as well as local visits, mini-golf, painting and pottery
Other activities available include ballooning, mountaineering, glacier hiking, and swimming in the outdoor pool
Great restaurants to choose from in the hotel. The holiday is on a half board basis and for children under twelve years, even the drinks are included too – nothing extra to pay. Amazing value for money
FIRM FAVOURITE – Discovery at Annecy, France Multi-activity, independent, single centre
Stay at the family-run, family-friendly Hotel Les Châtaigners on a fully inclusive basis with delicious Savoyard cuisine and wines
There is a weekly activity programme plus pool games, table tennis, floodlit tennis, volleyball, use of the fitness centre, horse riding, golf, use of bikes and mountain bikes, water-polo, pedalos, pétanque, mini-golf, underwater diving, water-skiing, guided walks, evening entertainment, use of the sauna and mini-gym and two swimming-pools all included
Also available are lake cruises, dinghy or catamaran hire and sailing
Close to the cleanest lake in Europe – Lake Annecy, so spectacular Alpine scenery and excellent local sightseeing
Well organised, ideal for families with teenagers
FIRM FAVOURITE – Dordogne Discovery at Siorac, France Multi-activity, independent, single centre
Stay at the Auberge de la Petite Reine and enjoy the house-party atmosphere created by the owners. The hotel hamlet is spread over three acres of grounds
The range of activities available is extensive and includes tennis, canoeing, river boat trips, archery, bike hire, guided walks, pool, fitness room, boules, table football, pony trekking, riding, table tennis, children’s playground, volleyball, golf, wine-tasting…the list goes on and on
All stays are on a fully-inclusive basis, including wine, making it extremely good value
For those wanting a less energetic holiday this is an ideal base for exploring the Dordogne and visiting the sights such as Sarlat, Les Eyzies and Rocamadour
Great cuisine with local specialities eaten in a table d’hôte style, all guests sharing in the convivial atmosphere, both young and old alike
NEW – The Emerald Coast Cycling, Brittany, France. Two bikes, independent, hotel to hotel
Gentle, easy cycling, ideal for the whole family
Plenty of opportunities for bathing in the sea at some of the most beautiful Breton beaches
Traditional Breton fishing villages, and Dinan, one of the finest mediaeval towns in France
Great bird spotting opportunities
Pink granite boulders above stunning turquoise seas, magnificent coastal paths, shaded forest trails and deserted white beaches. Dramatically stunning scenery, unspoilt countryside and awe-inspiring views
Headwater has the best singles holidays
NEW – Walking in the Julian Alps, Slovenia Three boot, guided, single centre
Brand new to the Headwater programme for 2004, the experience of this fantastic holiday binds participants together
Challenging walks are rewarded with amazing views over the Julian Alps – there is something breathtaking around every bend
Great for those who like flora as over half of Slovenia’s endemic species grow here
Very friendly hotel with marvellous local food eaten in a really convivial atmosphere, meals with wine and coffee are all included
Mount Triglav and the Triglav National Park are unforgettable – it is a land of high peaks, thundering waterfalls and crystalline lakes
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE – Walking at La Découverte Two/three boot, guided, single centre
Based in the middle of the Massif Central at the highest point of the Auvergne with spectacular views to Mont Ventoux, the Alps and Mont Blanc
Very friendly hotel in local style built for walkers. Even the swimming pool has panoramic views and there is a sauna, mini gym and sun terrace
Fantastic food, served in the true French fashion, very convivial atmosphere with home entertainment in the evenings
No single supplement on selected departure dates
Choice of walking level everyday; itineraries change with the season and with the weather
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE – Lakes and Mountains Walk Three boot, guided, single centre
Varied and dramatic walking everyday, taking in forest tracks and hillside paths
Fantastic views right the way along the Dolomite range and down to Lake Garda and the lush valleys of the Trentino
Explore the astonishing array of historic monuments in the region and the Renaissance town of Trento
Great house party atmosphere created by the hotel owners, Paolo and Michelle, making it the perfect choice for single people
Taste local specialities in the friendly malghe or mountain refuges at lunchtime and the food in the hotel will not disappoint
Other suggestions include:
Best of Tuscany Walk, Italy
Amalfi Coast Walk, Italy
Best of Andalucia, Spain
Secrets of Tenerife Walk, Spain
Headwater has the best romantic retreats for couples
Maddalena Islands Walk, Sardinia, Italy One boot, independent, single centre
Unknown islands off the Sardinian coast in the Strait of Bonafacio, completely unspoilt and waiting to be explored
Granite massifs, azure seas and arid garrigue flora, the pretty countryside and spectacular coastal scenery include the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa
Maddalena town with fine C18 architecture is awash with small romantic restaurants to try and your hotel is well placed for visiting the town
The walking is gentle, there are chances to swim in secluded bays and creeks
There is a wonderful history of Benedictine monks, Turkish pirates, Corsican refugee shepherds. It was a strategic naval base that Nelson visited during the Napoleonic Wars. Artefacts he gave to the town still exist today
ROMANTIC PARIS – France Single centre holiday
The Hotel Select has one of the most romantic positions in Paris, on a tree-lined square near to the Sorbonne on the Left Bank
The most romantic city in the world, Paris always has something new to be seen
The hotel is just stone’s throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens, the Musée de Cluny and the famous Shakespeare & Co bookshop
Try one of the myriad of Latin Quarter restaurants for that romantic candlelit meal!
Or cruise down the Seine for that typical Parisien experience or try the Michelin starred ‘Tour d’Argent’
FIRM FAVOURITE – Calypso’s Isle, Gozo, Malta Two boot, independent, single centre
The most amazingly tranquil and peaceful position, Gozo is a mixture of the enticingly exotic and reassuringly familiar
Stay at the top five star hotel on the island set in 400 acres of grounds and with beautiful views, it offers complete tranquillity and a friendly atmosphere
Each room is in a separate, private stone bungalow, each with its own terrace
Relax by one of the two swimming pools or take an aromatherapy bath, use the thermal bath or swim in the private cove. There is a beauty parlour and massage room too
Walks are varied and there is plenty to see including the Azure Window where the roof of a cave collapsed leaving a stunning stone frame to the sea and sky behind
Other suggestions include:
Secret Tuscany, Italy
Secret Provence, France
Enchanted Isle of Capri
For more information contact:
Magellan PR on Tel: 020 8875 2850
Email: [email protected]