For Immediate Release       
For more information contact:

Carolyn Walters Fox
800-464-9255/802-244-1387
carolyn@countrywalkers.com

Stacey Francisco
Hawkins International PR
212-255-6541
stacey@hawkpr.com

Waterbury, VT (September 2008) – Who would have thought walking could take you so far?
After launching in 1979 with two tours through the Green Mountain wilderness, Country Walkers marks its 30th anniversary in 2009 with 4 new destinations, 11 new tours – including 2 new Culinary Adventures – and 12 new “Walking à la Carte” itineraries around the world.
Developed with input from loyal clientele and insight from the company’s worldwide team of expert guides, Country Walkers’ new 2009 offerings keep the world’s leading purveyor of small group walking journeys one step ahead in the adventure travel industry and on top of today’s most significant travel trends.

Country Walkers’ 2009 offerings tap into travelers’ desire for more destination options and authentic cultural experiences. New U.S. destinations address the increased interest among American travelers in exploring their homeland, while new international destinations favorable to the U.S. dollar, such as Ecuador, Laos, and Vietnam, offer Americans more bang for their buck when traveling abroad. And, today’s ever-savvier traveler can partake of a plethora of authentic cultural activities and experiences with Country Walkers’ 12 new “Walking à la Carte” itineraries and 2 new Culinary Adventures.

“After 30 years in adventure travel, we’re delighted to say that, with the help of keen input from our guests, Country Walkers continues to grow and offer the very best in adventure travel,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers. “We’re thrilled to add new cultural options and destinations to our already impressive line-up of tours.”

Here’s a glimpse of what’s NEW from Country Walkers in 2009:

New Destinations:

Egypt: The Legendary Nile à la Carte: Classic sites and a traditional double-masted dahabiyacreate extraordinary backdrops for this 10-day excursion through Egypt. Explore the heart of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Valley, and the north-flowing Nile in the company of an expert Egyptologist, and narrow pathways to traditional villages along the river, while tucking into stylish shipboard accommodations (3 nights on the dahabiya) and luxury hotels. From $6,598 per person.

India: Magical Rajasthan à la Carte: This 13-day adventure focuses on the “Golden Triangle” of the north – a region distilling India’s diversity of landscapes, ethnicities, cuisine, and history. Highlights include bird watching in Keoladeo National Park, walks through small villages and countryside, a safari in Ranthambore National Park, and the historic cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. From $5,998 per person.

Laos & Vietnam: Trails of Indochina: Linked by geography, culture and myriad bodies of water, Laos and Vietnam are destinations of beauty and mystery. This 11-day journey launches from the banks of Laos’ Mekong River and heads into Vietnam’s golden Perfume River. Highlights include Cat Ba National Park – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – and Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From $5,498 per person.

Ecuador: Highlands & Haciendas: This unique itinerary leads travelers into the heart of Ecuador’s Andean Highlands, walking from historical inn-to-inn along the famed “Hacienda Trail.” Experience Ecuador’s biodiversity, rural countryside, and inviting Quito city culture during this 9-day tour, along with traditional markets, diverse birdlife and authentic cuisine. From $3,598 per person.

New Culinary Adventures:

Italy: Sicily & Sicilian Cooking in Modica: This new Culinary Adventure combines Country Walkers’ 7-day Sicily tour (featuring Greek & Roman temples and theaters, Taormina’s narrow streets and piazzas, coastal walking, and island hopping) with a 4-day cooking program that provides an insider experience of the tastes and menus of the region. Learn how to make handmade ravioli and sfoglia di ricotta, enjoy demonstrations of professional dessert and cheese makers, and experience vineyard tours and wine tastings. Sept 17-26, 2009; $ 6,948 per person.

France: Provence & Provencal cooking at the Domaine de Valmouriane: This new adventure combines Country Walkers’ “France: Provence” tour (featuring the hilltop towns of Châteauneufdu- Pape, Gordes, and Bonnieux; wine estate visits; and diverse landscapes near Mont Ventoux and the Colorado Provençal with a 4-day custom culinary journey in St. Remy. Two hands-on cooking classes highlight regional specialties such as lobster cannelloni, herbed Provencal rack of lamb, and asparagus with salmon. Afternoon visits to local markets and specialty shops, chocolaterie and winery visit and tasting, and exquisite dining round out the experience. Sept 14- 23, 2009; $ 6,648 per person.

In addition for 2009, Country Walkers will offer brand new itineraries in popular destinations including Maine, Alaska, England, France, Italy, and Utah & Arizona. And for the independent-minded traveler, Country Walkers has also expanded the reach of its popular “Walking à la Carte” program, adding new options to existing itineraries and destinations throughout 2009. Twelve new “à la carte” itineraries are available for destinations including Italy, California, France, Hawaii, Holland, Maine, Mexico, Panama, Egypt, and India.

For more information on Country Walkers’ 2009 catalog, or to make reservations, please contact (800) 464-9255, or visit www.countrywalkers.com.

Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vermont(www.countrywalkers.com) was established in 1980 and is the world.s premier small group walking tour provider. Country Walkers offers well-crafted itineraries for walking, snowshoeing, family, women.s adventures, and private vacations. All trips highlight superb cuisine, outstanding tour guides, and authentic accommodations.

First Choice Holidays PLC is a leading international leisure travel company. It operates from 17 major source markets, has 8 million customers and 72 brands. For more information visit First Choice Holidays PLC (www.firstchoiceholidaysplc.com).