Slow Holiday specialist Inntravel encourages travellers to enjoy a change of pace in 2018 with its new SlowMotion programme, where the journey is as important as the destination. Among the new holidays introduced are a charming trip along the FEVE railway on Spain’s north coast, a ferry and rail spectacular visiting three Nordic capitals, and a leisurely tour of Catalonia in search of Dalí, the region’s most famous son.
By resisting the temptation to whizz by in a blur, by slowing down and travelling at their own pace, travellers have the chance to make some truly remarkable discoveries. That is the ethos behind the SlowMotion holidays which reveal the authentic and unearth the unknown, bringing local traditions and cultural nuances more sharply into focus.
Slow Train through Asturias – Spain
On this charming trip, guests will ride the FEVE, a slow, trundling narrow-gauge railway which winds its way along the north coast of Asturias through lush hills and pastureland. Hopping on-and-off the train, guests will explore the astonishingly green landscapes and beautiful beaches of northern Spain, the colourful fishing villages of Cudillero and Ribadesella, and the characterful city of Oviedo – all against a backdrop of the towering jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa. Price: from £625pp sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B and train travel aboard the FEVE. Available 15 April to 23 July and 1 September to 31 October 2018.
Nordic Cities Explorer
Three truly is the magic number, with this new journey visiting a trio of Nordic cities, by cruise and by rail. Beginning with two nights in the cool Danish capital of Copenhagen, home to the colourful Nyhavn waterfront and some of the world’s finest food, guests then cross the iconic Øresund Bridge by rail to continue across Sweden to Stockholm. A further two days are spent in this waterborne city, spread out over 14 islands, before an overnight cruise to Helsinki, a city bursting with boutiques, workshops and galleries. Price: from £1,190pp sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, rail/cruise between the cities and 24hr city card in each city. Available 1 May to 30 September 2018.
In Search of Dalí – Spain
There’s an extraordinary quality of light in eastern Catalonia, so it is little wonder that the region has such an artistic legacy. It is through a search for Salvador Dalí, Catalonia’s most famous son, that guests will explore this beautiful region on a self-drive adventure. They will visit the fascinating Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the city where Dalí was born and died; the Castle of Púbol, which the artist gifted to his wife and muse, Gala; and Port Lligat, near Cadaqués, where Dalí spent most of his youth. Price: from £935pp sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, 2 dinners and car hire. Available 1 April to 31 October 2018.
Great Swiss Lakes – Switzerland
While its mountains may dominate Switzerland’s skyline, it is the country’s lakes that pull hardest at the heart strings; their picturesque shorelines peppered with pretty villages and their bright blue waters criss-crossed by the gentle passage of paddle steamers. This new holiday begins on the shores of Lake Geneva, before journeying by rail to Lake Lucerne with highlights en route including the Chateau de Chillon, the lakeside town of Brienz, famous for its woodcarving, and Europe’s oldest cog railway to Rigi Kulm. This ‘Rigi Royal Tour’, made famous by Queen Victoria in her sedan chair 150 years ago in 1868, has stood the test of time spectacularly well. Price: from £1,275pp sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, 3 dinners, Swiss Rail Pass and transfers. Available 19 May to 7 October 2018.
Castles, Caves & Gardens of the Dordogne
Famed for its gastronomic cuisine featuring duck and goose, the honey-coloured region of the Dordogne boasts a gluttony of travel experiences too. On this week-long self-drive exploration of this flawless corner of France, guests will marvel at the medieval city of Sarlat and the multitude of châteaux perched on cliffs above the river. They can explore Marqueyssac and Eyrignac, two of the great classical gardens of France, and visit the prehistoric cave paintings of Rouffignac, Les Eyzies and Lascaux. Price: from £795pp sharing, including 7 nights’ B&B, 4 dinners and car hire. Available 1 April to 30 July and 25 August to 31 October 2018.
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