What’s Our Secret? It’s All Local.

Published on September 30, 2022

By Molly Waldstein, Travel Writer

Whether it’s making new friends, learning a new cooking technique, exploring ancient palaces, or learning the secret behind provincial legends, Country Walkers brings you more than just a walking tour.

We hear it all the time. Returning guests tell us they’re astounded by the profound connections they’ve made on the trail. Whether it’s making new friends, learning a new cooking technique, exploring ancient palaces, or learning the secret behind provincial legends, Country Walkers brings you more than just a walking tour. Our style of travel lets you get out and actively discover your destination; each adventure is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the rich local culture. So, what’s our secret ingredient? It can be summed up in one simple word: Local.

What is Local?

Local is the bustling outdoor market neatly laid out with baskets of oranges, olives, and crusty loaves of fresh bread baked by neighborhood artisans long before sunrise. It’s the careworn hands of the farmer who shows you how to wrap a hand-dyed shawl made from wool shorn from her own sheep. It’s the group of neighbors crowded around the gleaming wooden table of a neighborhood pub to cheer for their favorite team—or the tantalizing story the bartender tells you of a mythical creature lurking at the bottom of a dark mountain lake. Local is full of surprises and spontaneity; it’s life without a script. It’s a stranger’s handshake, the family recipe served up on a warm platter fresh from the oven. Local is the beating heart of your destination. Best of all, local is the flavor of your travel stories—the ones that make your friends chuckle and appreciate the depth of your experience. It’s the indelible quality that separates Country Walkers travelers from mere tourists. Our local expertise gives you access to places you’d never find in guidebooks. In short, local takes you deeper.

How Does Country Walkers Bring You Local?

We start by going straight to the source. Country Walkers Trip Designers live and travel all over the world—and we have friends in the most out-of-the-way places. In Italy, we explore from Sicily to the shores of Lake Como—often veering off the beaten path to discover boutique vineyards and secluded masserias in places most would never think to look. In South America, we can tell you the best time of day to hike to Machu Picchu's Sun Gate—or the most elegant way to travel to Lake Titicaca. And as for New England—well. Our heels have been rustling crisp autumn leaves beneath the red-gold canopy of Vermont forests for as long as we can remember. No matter the destination, we’ve laced up our boots and walked the walk—meeting new people and expanding our circle of connections along the way. We know the hidden trails, the secret picnic spots, and the best places to watch the sunset—and when you walk with us, that’s just what you’ll do. Accommodations are our specialty. Your hotels, inns, and lodges showcase the unique character of the region—and each must pass our rigorous standards of comfort and authenticity. Some are family-owned farms—producing fresh-pressed olive oil and delicately crafted vintages from the fruits of their estate, while others might be converted palaces and chateaux. Each one is carefully curated to ensure local character—and with our experts making the arrangements, you focus less on logistics and more on discovery. Meals are locally inspired. Our connections help us bring your destination’s flavors and aromas from the farm to the table. Savor classic regional cuisine in grand restaurants and at intimate family-owned eateries. Feast on dishes passed down through generations. You may even be invited for dinner at the home of one of our local friends! Travel with experienced and knowledgeable guides who go the extra mile. Intimately familiar with the traditions and culture of their region, they have a lifetime of ties to the local community. And with a Country Walkers guide on your arm, you’ll be welcomed into any village or inn the same way they are—like an insider.