Butterfield & Robinson, the world’s premier active travel company is celebrating major growth in luxury walking trips by highlighting its newest and most popular trips. Since 2010, B&R has seen a 153 per cent increase in bookings on walking trips, with an average yearly increase of 13 per cent in bookings in the same time period.
In 2018 B&R has seen an increase of over nine per cent in travellers booking walking trips, and its walking portfolio has grown from 28 trips to 112 published and private trips in the last eight years.
“We’re extremely proud to offer our travellers a roster of popular European and Expeditions-based trips in Asia, Latin America and Africa,” says Norman Howe, CEO and president, B&R. “Anticipating and reacting to the demand in active luxury trips with a focus on hiking and walking has been essential to the growth of this segment. We’re thrilled to continue growing our offering for new and returning B&R travellers.”
In 2019, B&R will officially quadruple the number of walking trips offered in 2010, with six of its newest trips departing in the UK, Italy, Romania and New Zealand – the latter departing as early as January. The two new Italian itineraries, Puglia to Matera Walking and Sardinia Walking, represent the fastest-growing country for B&R, while Puglia specifically is the company’s most popular destination.
“In Italy alone, we’ve created a boat-based walking trip for smaller groups in Sardinia, while Puglia to Matera serves to expand our footprint in B&R’s most popular destination in the EU,” says Laura Benn, Sales Manager, B&R. “From unbeatable UNESCO heritage sites to impressive, beautiful walks along lakes and at the foot of mountains, we’re keeping an eye on our newest walking trips to see if they can challenge our annually most-booked trips.”
B&R’s New Walking Trips for 2019 include:
Sardinia Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from US $5,395
With the occasional coastal walk marked by 200 metre-high cliffs, this immersive walking trip through remote, unspoiled Sardinian backcountry focuses on the arts, food and culture found inland. Accommodation highlights include Petra Segreta, overlooking the azure-blue La Maddalena and Su Gologone in Oliena at the foothills of the Supramonte range, both sublimely Sardinian properties offer secluded luxury getaways among traditional furnishings.
Puglia to Matera Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from $4,995
This visit to one of Europe’s cultural capitals in Puglia ventures to pristine lakes for fresh seafood and along ancient trails with beautiful wines while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, dating back to Paleolithic times. The awe-inspiring white walls and first-class service at Masseria Montelauro, Masseria Le Carrube and Sant’Angelo Resort will make it hard to leave one of Italy’s most beloved regions.
Devon & Cornwall Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from $5,995
The beautiful coves of Devon and Cornwall await B&R travellers in this idyllic journey southwestern England. The verdant, rolling hills frame hikes along the path of Two Moors Way, through beautiful villages and in to chic coastal towns. With luxury accommodations in Dartmoor, St. Mawes and on Burgh Island at Bigbury-on-Sea, the secluded atmosphere and unbeatable seafood will pair nicely with this unforgettable walking trip.
Cotswolds Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from $5,995
From a guided tour in Oxford, to beautiful lavender fields in Snowshill and American-inspired gardens at Hidcote, this walker’s paradise is the perfect trip to experience colourful meadows, mysterious woodland and stately gardens along Cotswolds counties. Additional highlights include Winston Churchill’s country home at Blenheim Palace, the Roman city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of England’s most famous hotels, the Royal Crescent.
Romania Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from $5,495
Hiking in the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains, this trek through Romania is packed with visits to fortified churches and UNESCO heritage sites in one of the world’s most untouched countries. With time spent in Transylvania and among wine estates in the Romanian countryside, an unforgettable visit to Sighisoara lets travellers visit historic town squares and explore winding alleyways before lunch in a citadel setting.
New Zealand Walking, 8 days / 7 nights; from $10,895
Travellers will discover the cultural capital of Wellington before being whisked away to sip on the Marlboro Sound’s sauvignon blancs, spot dolphins in Kaikoura and explore the unrivalled beauty of UNESCO World Heritage area Firodland National Park. Excitingly picturesque stays at the Bay of Many Coves, Hapuku Lodge and Fiordland Lodge offer relaxation and a perspective on one of the world’s greenest, most natural and well-loved countries.
Recognized as an industry leader in luxury travel, and for its expert itineraries and global network of guides, B&R has carefully grown its offering from being recognized for its biking and culinary tours to address this growing segment. The following trips have been identified as four of B&R’s most popular walking trips since 2010:
Italian Lakes Walking, 7 days / 6 nights; from $7,995
Amalfi Coast Walking, 6 days / 5 nights; from $8,195
Peru Walking, 7 days / 6 nights; from $7,495
Morocco Walking, 7 days / 6 nights; from $7,995
.jpg){kind=tracking}