For Immediate Release
For more information contact:

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

Anna Stancioff
Hawkins International PR
212-255-6541
anna@hawkpr.com

Waterbury, VT (October 2007) – Active travelers will have even more options to explore the world one step at a time: Country Walkers has launched its 2008 catalog, which introduces 13 new itineraries across 4 continents. Stepping into a new travel trend toward shorter, more accessible, and yet equally authentic vacations, Country Walkers has also launched a series of 3 “Getaways”: easily-accessible, 5-day itineraries for savvy travelers with less time to spend. There are also new Family Adventures, as well as expanded offerings of Country Walkers’ popular Women’s Adventure program. The Waterbury, VT-based company has also introduced new destinations for walking tours in 2007-2008, including its first forays into Argentina, China and Bulgaria.

These new and innovative itineraries were created with input from the company’s experienced guides as well as its dedicated client base. “Since Country Walkers started 29 years ago, we have engaged travelers with walking adventures through some of the most stunning destinations in the world. This year, our guests’ suggestions helped make the 2008 schedule our most exciting yet,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers.

Country Walkers is also stepping up its innovative Women’s Adventure program with new “women-only” itineraries such as Arizona: Grand Canyon & Sedona Women’s Adventure (6 days/5 nights) and Costa Rica Women’s Adventure (8 days/7 nights). As with previous Women’s Adventures, each itinerary will incorporate specific activities catered just to the needs and interests of women. Country Walkers will also be continuing its successful “Women Giving Back” program wherein the company makes a financial contribution to a local organization, such as an initiative in Costa Rica that creates and offers sustainable goods or a women’s iron-forging cooperative in Morocco.

Here’s a glimpse of 13 NEW itineraries from Country Walkers for 2008

Argentina: Country Routes & City Culture: Tango beats, gaucho culture, historic Buenos Aires and the Mendoza wine district provide authentic backdrops to this 9-day/8-night traverse. Look forward to accommodations in spectacular settings, and explorations of parklands with forests of cinnamon-colored arrayán trees and snowcapped peaks.

Bulgaria: Cultural Crossroads: This all-new, 8-day/7-night cultural immersion cuts through one of Europe’s oldest countries, with small towns, immaculately preserved monasteries, and superb routes through wildflower meadows, vineyards, forests and mineral springs. There will be local experiences and glorious sites all along the way.

China: Cultural Treasures & Country Routes: Spend 11 days/10 nights plunging the depths of Chinese culture, with a tour of old hutong neighborhoods of Beijing, two days on less-touristy lengths of the Great Wall, and a visit to the X’ian Terra Cotta warriors archaeological site. The rural region of Yangshuo, with terraced rice paddies and karst formations along the tranquil Li River, provides a wonderful, natural counterpoint.

France & Italy: The French & Italian Alps: Just how broad are the Alps? Celebrate the mountaineering tradition on this 7-day/6-night itinerary over a range of trails. This new tour presents an opportunity to discover Mont Blanc and its spectacular scenery on less-strenuous hiking routes than Country Walkers’ traditional Mont Blanc itinerary. Topped off with the comfort of two chalet-style accommodations nestled in the international resorts of Chamonix and Courmayeur, this trip is a rewarding “step into the mountains."

Greece: Crete & Santorini: Remote gorges and coastal vistas surround this 8-day/7-night exploration of two superb Greek isles. Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and Heraklion on, and stride the trail from village to village in the company of fisherman and shepherds on Santorini. Caldera, the latter isle’s famous volcano, will also be explored.

Italy & Switzerland: The Lakes of Lugano & Como, A Getaway: A quick hit on an extraordinary region, also known as the “Swiss Riviera.” Enjoy 5 days/4 nights of varied routes and charming towns, with cobblestone streets for strolling, lakeside villas, boat trips, and funicular rides to spectacular, vista-focused terrain along the way.

Italy: Tuscany, A Getaway: Savor a fulfilling taste of Tuscany for 5 days/4 nights, following paths through forests, vineyards, olive groves and the medieval villages Volterra, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Experience the essence of the region including vineyard walks and wine tasting in Chianti, and walking tours of Florence and Siena.

Italy: Tuscan Coast & Elba Island: A 6-day/5-night night tour of some of Italy’s most enticing regions. Discover ancient Etruscan history and medieval villages, tour and taste at a prestigious winery, explore Napoleon’s former residences on Elba and walk the island’s craggy coastline and mountainous interior.

Italy: Cinque Terre Family Adventure: This 6-day/5-night, multi-activity adventure promises excitement for all ages along Italy’s jagged coast. A boat excursion to Palmaria Island leads to delightful walking and swimming, while a “Five Lands” pizza-making class assures you’ll never order delivery again. Kid favorites include snorkeling on the Tramonti coast, gelato tasting, sea kayaking, and a train ride and walk in the Gambatesa mine.

Italy: Cinque Terre: Discover the “Five Lands” of the Italian Riviera at a new relaxed pace on this 7-day/6-night trip through the Rising Coast – inspiration for Shelly, Byron and Petrarch. Optional transportation by boat and train as well as modified daily mileage lessen the difficulty, but none of the delights, of Country Walkers’ traditional Hiker’s Cinque Terre.

Italy: Hiker’s Amalfi Coast: Pick up the pace for this 7-day/6-night haul over hillside trails on the dramatic Amalfi coast. That scent? Citrus and olive groves. That volcano? A guided walking tour of Mt. Vesuvius. Those views? Amazing.

Nepal: Annapurna Trek & Seti River Excursion: Look forward to 11 days/10 nights trekking the foothills of the Himalayas, with 2 days rafting on the Seti River with classic Nepalese river camping along for the ride. There will be abundant opportunities for authentic interactions with locals. And a 4-day/3-night extension to Chitwan National Park heads deep into the land via dugout canoes and elephant packs for stunning wildlife viewing.

The Olympic Peninsula, A Getaway: It’s the essence of the Pacific Northwest over 5 days/4 nights in distinct ecological zones including seacoast, rainforest and high mountains. Raft on the Elwha river and experience diverse wildlife including puffins, humpback whales, gray whales and orcas.

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).