THE RAMBLERS HOLIDAYS GROUP LAUNCHES TWO NEW BRANDS: CHAPTERS EXPERIENCE HOLIDAYS AND RAMBLERS WALKING HOLIDAYS

The Ramblers Holidays Group, the original specialists in small group, expertly led walking holidays, have today launched two exciting new holiday programmes – Chapters Experience Holidays and Ramblers Walking Holidays.

Commenting, Kathy Cook, Joint Managing Director says “We are delighted to be introducing these two new programmes – with the entirely new range of Chapters Experience Holidays, alongside a new look Ramblers Walking Holidays. We have been experts in creating memorable holiday adventures for the past 70 years, and these new programmes are an exciting step forward for us and very much part of our continued passion and commitment to develop exciting new experiences which will inspire, stimulate and thrill our clients.”

Chapters Experience Holidays (01707 246 666, www.chaptersholidays.co.uk) is a new, unique collection of experiential holidays, created to meet the growing demand for experience-led travels. The launch programme for 2017 features some 80 different holidays to over 50 countries around the world. Rich in activities ranging from walking, cycling and sailing to painting, photography and mindfulness, the holidays also include an element of adventure and discovery, so that clients get a real feel for the destination they are visiting. All holidays are led by trusted leaders, with the experience enhanced still further by being in the company of a group of convivial travelling companions.

The new portfolio is based on the premise that any holiday is made more memorable, and ultimately more fulfilling through shared experiences and adventures. Itineraries have been tailored accordingly. Highlights include Solar Eclipse Viewing in Oregon, Nordic Walking in Trentino, and a journey exploring the mountain areas of Georgia and Armenia. There's even the chance to learn to crew an Ocean Yacht and handle a Rib Boat on the coast of North Wales. More leisurely itineraries include a South Downs Spa Experience Break, Landscape Watercolour Painting in the Lake District or Cruising the Croatian coastline from the comfort of a 27m motor yacht. Holidays are categorised by activity level so that clients can choose the holiday which best suits their preference – from ‘Leisurely’ to ‘Adventurous’.

Ramblers Walking Holidays (01707 331 133, www.ramblersholidays.co.uk) is a new look collection of dedicated walking holidays, encapsulating the essence of what has made Ramblers Holidays so popular and well loved for the past 70 years. From coastal ambles to challenging hikes to intrepid mountain hutting, the portfolio offers a superb selection of inspirational itineraries exploring different destinations on foot in the company of like minded companions, led by trusted leaders.

Alongside classic favourites such as the Mont Blanc Hotel Trek; Las Alpujarras in mainland Spain and a number of holidays based at Ramblers Holidays’ own Hassness Country House on the shores of Buttermere, there are also some exciting new additions. These include a number of tempting UK holidays including Malham Cove and Ribblesdale and The Best of the Peak District, as well as several new European itineraries including the St Ignatius Way in Spain; Hydra and Poros; Sifnos and Milos and an exhilarating Haute Route Hotel trek in Switzerland.For those up for a real challenge, there is also an impressive new ‘Hutting’ section, with hutting holidays to the Balkans; Austria's Stubai Alps as well as The Carnic High Route and the Alta Via in Italy.

Kathy continues: “The ability to create amazing journeys for our clients which become the stories they love to reminisce about and share is at the heart of what we do. With our new Chapters Experience Holidays we are opening out these opportunities to people who might want a holiday which probably features some walking, but also offers them the chance to try something new or different in a beautiful destination.

‘We will also continue to offer the very best walking holidays around the world through our new look Ramblers Walking Holidays, for passionate walkers of all levels of fitness, ability and experience. As with the original Ramblers Worldwide Holidays brand, our company maintains its not-for-profit philosophy, with charitable contributions being made to the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust as well as local walking groups and our own Heart & Sole charitable initiative across all holiday brands.”

Highlights of the Chapters Experience Holidays include:

Sailing and Rib Boat Experience: a 3 night holiday offering two different, yet equally exhilarating boating experiences in North Wales.In the company if expert instructors, one day is spent on board a Rib boat - a fast, open speed boat, whilst the second is on board a superb yacht. Both days offer the chance for taking the helm... Or just enjoying the ride. The holiday is based at the sheltered cove of Deganwy on the Conwy estuary, with beautiful views of Snowdonia, and wildlife including puffins and seals. Prices from £549pp

Bilbao: a 5 day holiday to the heart of Spain's Basque Country, including a cycling tour of the city and tour of the Guggenheim museum, a day out in the surrounding countryside with a delicious local lunch and a visit to the fishing village of Getaria. Prices from £869pp

Insight into the High Alpujarras: a week long holiday to this hidden corner of Andalucía, including beautiful mountain walks, optional yoga classes, and the chance to try your hand at cooking paella, as well as sampling delicacies such as jamon, cheeses, olive oils and wines at nearby local producers. Prices from £1285pp

Cruising the Dalmatian Islands: a week on board MS Nikola, a 17 cabin motor yacht, exploring this beautiful region. Visit Dubrovnik, Split and the islands of Hvar and Mijet, as well as Montenegro. Opportunities for walking, exploring and swimming on the beaches and from the back of the boat. Prices from£1799pp

Chasing the US Great Solar Eclipse- a 13 day holiday to America’s pacific coast in August 2017 including the chance to experience the total Solar Eclipse alongside walking on the beautiful pacific beaches and through the Redwood Forests. Prices from £5250pp

Kwa Zulu Natal – A World Heritage Discovery– an incredible 19 day holiday encompassing walking, game viewing and sightseeing throughout South Africa. From the wildlife experiences of Hluhluwe to the history of the battlefields in Dundee and awe-inspiring walks through the Drakensburg mountains, this is an inspirational journey. Prices from £2999pp

Highlights of the Ramblers Walking Holidays include:

Malham Cove and Ribblesdale – a 4 night walking holiday exploring the magnificent scenery of the Yorkshire Dales which has served has inspiration for the adventurous and creative alike from Tolkien to Turner… and even Edward Elgar.Expect panoramic view, high escarpments, wild valleys and rolling hills, along with the magnificent rock amphitheatre at Malham Cove. Prices from £399pp

Calvi – Corsica – this week long walking holiday on ‘L’île de Beauté’ combines coastal and mountain routes, through the fragrant maquis and alongside beautiful beaches. It travels through rural villages unchanged for hundreds of years, ruined villages and up into the mountains to alpine huts with marvelous views. Prices from £950pp

Undiscovered Trails of the Alentejo -an 11 day, three centre holiday to this relatively undiscovered region just north of the Algarve.Each day provides a window to the remarkable history of the area – from ancient dolmens and cromlechs, to Roman and Arab remains and even medieval castles.There is also a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Evora.Spirits can be maintained by the fantastic food and wines to be enjoyed en route. Prices from £1485pp

Sifnos & Milos – a wonderful two week adventure exploring these two contrasting islands on the westernmost edge of the Cyclades.With pathways through the mountains, idyllic coves and empty beaches, it offers a superb opportunity to enjoy tranquil countryside as well as extraordinary volcanic landscapes and the fascinating geological phenomena of Skiadi. Prices from £1599pp

Haute Route Hotel Trek– the perfect choice for keen walkers who want to undertake the haute route in slightly more comfort than the traditional mountain huts.Accommodation is in half board hotels aside from two nights in a hut and baggage is for the most part transferred between centres, allowing walkers to travel light.At the tougher end of the spectrum, with challenging mountain passes at nearly 3,000m and simply breathtaking views. Prices from £2225pp

Secret Swaziland and The Panorama Route– a 17 day African adventure combining the beauty of South Africa and the Kruger National Park with Swaziland – the oldest kingdom in Southern Africa, with its vast rugged mountains, volcanic hills, waterfalls and wild gorges.As rich in wildlife experience as it is in walking, this is a truly memorable holiday.Prices from £2899pp

For bookings and further information:

Chapters Experience Holidays:01707 246 666, www.chaptersholidays.co.uk

Ramblers Walking Holiday: 01707 331 133, www.ramblersholidays.co.uk

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