Fall is a great time to be travelling in Canada and Europe. Temperatures are pleasant, the crowds have gone home, autumn colours are showing and there is a bounty of fresh produce to be had.
And what better way to discover a region at your own pace on one of our self-guided holidays.
Canada
The Traversée de Charlevoix is one of Canada's best long-distance hiking trails outside of the Rockies. We take the issue of planning out of your hands by transferring your luggage from hut to hut so you only need to carry a day pack. This leaves you to enjoy the pristine Quebec wilderness of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, carrying only a day pack.
Canada
Ontario's Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in Canada and indeed North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boating along it, great for both novices and experts alike, you will find charming villages and beautiful nature. A great way to unwind!
Germany
The picturesque Moselle valley is at the heart of a famous wine-producing area in Germany. The region is home to the country's oldest town and a rick Roman and medieval history. An abundance of castles stand guard over pretty towns in a valley that offers relaxed cycling and an array of activities, historical sites and cultural traditions.
Switzerland
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Based in Kandersteg we hike the best of them, using cable cars to get us at altitude, and walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
Austria
Cycle the beautiful Danube river as it wends its way through a pretty valley, deep woods and past historic towns, castles and abbeys to Vienna, the capital of Austria and once the seat of an imperial dynasty.
Portugal & Spain
Quieter than the Camino Frances, the Portuguese Camino follows the route the body of the Apostle St. James took en-route his final resting place in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Starting in the city of Porto you walk this ancient pilgrimage route through small hamlets and pretty forests, over ancient bridges and through market towns dating back to the time of the Romans. As your luggage will be transferred for you, all you need to carry is your daypack.
Italy
In medieval times the Via Francigena was an important pilgrimage route for those wishing to visit the Holy See and the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul in Rome. Today the route follows the ancient trail from Canterbury in England to Italy's capital. This last section, from Orvieto to the Eternal City, takes you through the hills of Umbria, past hill top towns, ancient Etruscan villages and historical sites, all the while sampling delicious regional culinary specialities.
Italy
Steep mountains rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where they meet the ocean. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Hike the Path of the Gods and marvel at the views over this, the Amalfi Coast.
Italy
Flat but pretty Puglia makes for great cycling. Add to it the gorgeous food and some beautiful historical towns and you have a the makings of a relaxed cycling holiday in a region unique to Italy.
United Kingdom
It has been called "poetry in the hills" and England's Lake District has certainly been the inspiration for many an author, poet and artist. Craggy mountain tops offering exhilarating vistas of glistening lakes and terns, incredible natural beauty, wonderful hiking trails and a UNESCO World Heritage status makes the Lake District a must-see for any serious walker.