Short Breaks from Portugal to Norway

 

It is particularly rewarding escaping to somewhere completely different, even for just a short while, and for this reason Inntravel introduces a whole host of new Slow short breaks, each of them an experience to be savoured.

By engaging in local cultures and embracing regional food and traditions, these new Short Breaks at welcoming hotels with warm hospitality provide a real taste of a destination in as little as three or four nights. Among the European breaks introduced for spring, summer and autumn are: a journey into the Norwegian fjords, cycling round Salzburg’s Lake District with soaring mountains for company, and rewarding high-altitude walking in Austria, without the steep ascents.

Walking from hotel to hotel:

A Leutasch Encounter – Austria
Featuring the very best routes in Austria’s Leutasch Valley, this scenic short break promises rewarding high-altitude walking without the steep ascents. Flower-filled mountain meadows and the dramatic peaks of the Wetterstein accompany Inntravel guests as they walk from hotel-to-hotel.


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The hospitality is every bit as wonderful as the scenery. Price: from £560pp sharing, including four nights’ half-board accommodation, luggage transported, detailed route notes and maps, and taxi from Innsbruck airport.

A Meander through the Minho – Portugal
Walk from historic Ponte de Lima – Portugal’s oldest town – to the convivial splendour of Paço de Calheiros, a 17th-century manor house located amidst 13 acres of vineyards and orchards. The route traces the course of the Lima River, and crosses lush green meadows, ancient chestnut woods and sleepy towns and villages. Relax at the end of each day with a glass of sparkling vinho verde, the refreshing local tipple. Price: from £535pp sharing, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, two dinners, one picnic, luggage transported, detailed route notes and maps, and return taxi from Porto airport.

Calheiros
Paço de Calheiros

Cycling from hotel to hotel:

Aveiro – Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’
This easy-going cycling break along Portugal’s ‘silver’ coastline features two stylish 4-star hotels and combines the charming town of Aveiro, where vibrantly coloured boats glide through the canals and waterways, with an exploration of the nearby lagoon and peaceful coastline. Known as Portugal’s ‘Little Venice’, Aveiro has a proud maritime heritage and is a haven for birdlife. Price: from £628pp sharing, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, one dinner, luggage transported, route notes and maps, bicycle hire, and return transfer from Porto airport.

A Dip into Salzburg’s Lake District – Austria
With a lake for every day, this short break offers the perfect combination of dramatic Alpine scenery, high-quality hotels and surprisingly undemanding cycling.


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The relaxed routes take in a former Imperial residence, a small but fascinating Mozart museum, and the modest hut where Gustav Mahler composed his Second and Third Symphonies. And there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a dip in the glittering waters or a slice of restorative Kuchen along the way. Price: from £798pp sharing including four nights’ half-board accommodation, luggage transported, route notes and maps, bicycle hire, boat journey across Wolfgangsee, and return taxi from Salzburg airport.

Relaxed cycling – ©OÖ Tourismus

Centred walking:

Alpine Traditions – Switzerland
The passage of the centuries has made little impact on the idyllic Engadine Valley. Discover its timeless delights and flexible and varied walking routes from Guarda, the region’s best-preserved village. With its overflowing flower boxes and beautifully painted façades, the fairy-tale village exudes old-world charm, and the hotel – the romantic Meisser – fits right in. Price: from £630pp sharing, including three nights’ half-board accommodation, route notes and maps, and rail to/from any Swiss airport.

City & walking:

Into the Fjords – Norway
With its colourful waterfront and mountainous backdrop, picturesque Bergen is a delight to explore. Stroll around its atmospheric Bryggen – the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic harbour district – and sample the delicacies on offer in the impressive Fish Market before embarking on a thrilling journey by boat through majestic Sognefjord to Balestrand. Price: from £725pp sharing, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, two dinners, 24h City Card and return express boat between Bergen and Balestrand.


For further information visit Inntravel or call 01653 617000.

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Johan Smits

Freelance writer, translator, web content developer, author of the novel Phnom Penh Express and Tommy, a short story. Johan has travelled extensively since leaving his native Antwerp. He has lived in Taiwan, West Africa, Central Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand, where he now lives. Loves trying out local brews but tends to avoids noise. Chronically indecisive about where to lay down his hat.

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