A Walk Through Your Day

There’s a rhythm to each day, but never the same old song

An ordinary day with VBT will be far from “ordinary.” Things flow naturally and with a certain rhythm that’s easy to follow. But think of it as a “syncopated” beat, because there are myriad diversions and detours, surprises and sensations to enliven each day. You’ll have plenty of choices to suit your energy, your mood, your whims. And at the end of each road there will be welcoming lodgings, fine food, and even better company.

“I had never been to Ireland, and it had been on my list for a while. I loved seeing the land up close with the walks that we did. I loved the exercise, the fresh air, the guides…After a day out, the beer in the pub was an added pleasure...”

Barbara G., Ireland: Walking the West Country

7:00 am

You awaken to a chorus of Costa Rican birdsong, or maybe it’s the sunlight streaming through the shutters of your Cusco hacienda, or the smell of Portuguese sweetbread baking in the kitchen of your pousada. Wherever you greet the day you will do so in comfort, refreshed and ready for a day of surprises. The first may occur at breakfast, where your chef presents some jam he made with the Costa Rican strawberries you helped pick yesterday.

8:00 am

After breakfast your Trip Leaders will review the walking routes with you and help you decide the best options for the day. The support vehicle is loading in the driveway, ready to welcome a traveler or two who want to ride while finishing another cup of coffee. Map in hand, water bottle replenished, maybe a little stretching to warm up, and you are good to go.

9:00 am

Hit the road! Perhaps you’ll opt for the more challenging descent down the Path of the Gods, with astounding views of Capri. Or maybe you’ll travel with the mortals in the shuttle. Either way, you have options to walk and rest as you wish, on your own or with the group.

11:00 am

You rendez-vous with the rest of your group for a morning activity — perhaps a visit to the Kenmare market to pick up some fresh bread, browse the book stalls, or hunt for antiques. Your Trip Leader might introduce you to some local friends — the gardener at an historic estate, some local school children or the proprietress of a local salumeria, cured meat shop, who gives us a tour of her kitchen. Afterward, you walk along a marked footpath, and he points out migratory birds on their southern flight.

12:00 pm

You pause amidst the splendor of Portugal’s Parque Nacional de Peneda-Geres, settling on a ledge embraced by poppies and holly for a savory picnic of vinho verde, chorizo sausage, almonds, and buttery serra cheese. A few oxherds saunter by, stopping to chat and show off their handsome livestock.

2:00 pm

After lunch your Costa Rican Trip Leaders offer a couple of options: Enjoy a leisurely downhill walk to a community butterfly garden, or stay in town where you can browse the hand-painted plates, boxes, and colorful woodenware in the artisans’s shops. When it’s time to head back, the support vehicle awaits in the central plaza.

4:00 pm

This afternoon you are deciding between a nap, a dip in the pool, or to join your travel mates at the bar for a cocktail or two. For dinner tonight you’ll shuttle into town and feast at a popular seafood restaurant, with time beforehand to stroll the seaside promenade. After our meal, your Trip Leaders will distribute notes about tomorrow’s destinations including a preview of the attractions.

10:00 pm

Perhaps after dinner you’ll join friends in one of Killarney’s music pubs for a rollicking Irish seisun. Or maybe you’ll head back to the inn by way of a horse and buggy. Entering the main salon of your hotel, you meet some group members who invite you to join them in a round of poker. But there are stars to admire off your verandah, and your pillow beckons with the promise of a restful night.