A Walk Through Your Day 

Step by step, here’s what to expect

8-10 am in Ireland’s West Country

Sun streams through the dining room window as Annette greets you with a pot of hot golden Barry’s tea. You’ve developed a taste for it, not to mention the hearty Irish breakfasts of bacon rashers, eggs baked with Irish cheddar and bangers, brown soda bread, oatmeal, and homemade jams. As your group gathers outside in the garden, one Trip Leader reviews the day’s highlights, while the other loads the van with supplies. Water bottle, directions, and map in hand, you choose the flat road along soft lakeside meadows, while your partner opts for the wooded path on higher ground.

 

10-12 pm in Amalfi Coast

After ferrying across the Bay of Naples, you come in sight of Capri, a beehive-like vision of lush tropical flora and limestone terraces. At the marina you board the funicular and ride up to the main square, La Piazzetta. Soon you all begin walking along a narrow winding path, with bushes of jasmine and bougainvillea tumbling down the hillsides. At the top of the trail lies Villa Jovis, the onetime palace of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Your Trip Leader regales you with wild tales of the intrigues that took place here, but the beauty of the island, with its sea views and iconic I Faraglioni rock pinnacles, is dramatic enough.

 

12-2 pm in Argentina 

You’ve covered rugged ground this morning, riding alongside glacial lakes to an historic roadhouse, then taking a short walk along the Patagonian steppes to dramatic dunes. Now it’s time for more civilized pleasures in El Calafate, a busy adventure outpost on the Chilean border. Four of you set off to find a parilla restaurant you read about, and soon you’re tucking into platters of grilled trout, empanadas, a tangy pumpkin stew, and bottles of crisp white Torrontes wine. Then, you branch off down the Paseo de los Artesanos for some retail therapy. Beautiful silver bracelets, alpaca shawls, and leather goods catch your eye, but instead you choose to catch a nap back at the hotel.

3-5pm in Machu Picchu

Yesterday, you hiked the legendary Inca Trail to Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Today you slept in and caught the shuttle to the site, wandering at your own pace to Mandor Waterfalls, hooking up with fellow travelers here and there. Now, you sit on a ledge overlooking the Lost City, with Huayna Picchu behind it. It’s late in the afternoon, the last visitors are leaving, and you seem to have the place to yourself, save for the alpaca grazing on the terrace below you. It’s an unforgettable moment, sitting in peace, and contemplating the site in all its mystic grandeur.

5-10pm in the Italian Lakes—New for 2013

“Hullo!” your travel mates wave from the geranium-lined walkway, laden with packages from their market visit. You chose a massage instead, and afterwards must’ve dozed off on your balcony. Now it’s time for a group dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, a tiny island crisscrossed by lanes lined with inviting trattorie. As a bottle of sparkling prosecco is uncorked, the feast begins: scampi marinated in lemon, green apple, and celeriac … creamy ravioli… crisp grilled yellow perch fresh from the lake … pastries and local Bettlematt cheese drizzled with honey. It’s a warm night, and after this feast you’re happy to stroll the lakeshore. Back at your hotel you slip into the affinity pool and the stars come out above Monte Mottarone. In the moonlight, the Borromean islands shimmer and seem to go on forever, and you know your memories of this day will, too. 

 

Day at-a-Glance

This schedule represents the general structure of a day with VBT. Times and activities will of course vary.

7:00 – 8:00 am

Breakfast is always included, with wholesome, protein packed fare to fuel our walking and exploring. You’ll find fresh regional morning dishes, some familiar favorites, and plenty of hot coffee and tea.

Your Trip Leaders prepare you with a briefing that outlines the day’s highlights. Detailed maps are distributed before we begin walking or driving to our first destination. Take your time, choosing the route that best suits your mood.

You may be walking down an ancient footpath, rounding a bend, or coming over a rise to find the support van waiting there with a cool drink, an energy-boosting snack, and lift for anyone who wants one. 

Arrive at the first location of the day – perhaps a vineyard, a farm, or a medieval village. There will usually be a guided tour or activity. Since our lodgings are always close to points of interest, whenever possible we schedule visits in the off-hours to avoid crowds. 

After our morning activity we may walk, shuttle, or use local transportation to our next destination – perhaps a ferry or cable car. Our Trip Leaders might detour to introduce you to a local person of interest, or take advantage of a spontaneous opportunity for discovery. During transfers Trip Leaders often conduct informative narratives or brief language lessons.

We break for lunch which might be included at a special venue, or on your own. (When it’s on your own, we always stop in locations where you’ll have plenty of options.) Some days your Trip Leaders will prepare a picnic made from specialties they picked up at a local market, or treats prepared by the chef at our inn. There is usually free time afterwards to relax or explore.

Fortified and rested we proceed towards our afternoon destination. A walk will be offered, or maybe an excursion to a museum or historic attraction. Touring usually concludes mid- to late-afternoon but you’re welcome to explore further, or shuttle back to the hotel.

Before dinner you’ll have free time to enjoy hotel amenities – perhaps a swim in the pool, a massage, or a catnap in you room. There may be a late afternoon activity at the hotel, such as a wine tasting, cooking class, or a cultural presentation.

Every day presents meals to remember, whether you’re sharing an included group dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant, or dining out on your own. Included dinners always feature menu choices (with options for vegetarians). We mainly use lodgings within walking distance of town; Trip Leaders have plenty of restaurant recommendations. 

We don’t schedule evening activities but often enough, the socializing continues after dinner. Perhaps you’ll join fellow travelers by the fireplace for a nightcap …head into a local pub … or turn in early and rest up for another rewarding day.