What Could be Better Than A Walk?

Question: What could be better than a walk exploring the landscape and culture of another country?
Answer: 42 walks

That's right, 42 Wayfarers' walks is better than one and veteran Wayfarer Joyce Tseng has earned all the walk badges to prove it!



From New Zealand to South Africa to England and France, Joyce has enjoyed adding nearly every Wayfarers' walk to her world-travel portfolio. So on her first visit to Rhode Island yesterday, Joyce though it only fitting to pay our Newport Office a visit. Joyce brought her hand-sewn shawl decorated to display all of her 42 walk badges to show Newport Office staffers. So how does Joyce keep busy between Wayfarers' Walks? On the side, Joyce is also an international marathon runner!

(Editor's Note: Joyce is an amazing inspiration to us all. But don't worry, a marathon runner's fitness is not required for our walks!)

Limoncello Recipe

Limoncello is the generic name for an Italian citrus-based lemon liqueur that is served well chilled in the summer months. Limoncello is now considered the national drink of Italy and can be found in stores and restaurants all over Italy.

Italian Limoncello - How To Make Limoncello

15 lemons*
2 bottles (750 ml) 100-proof vodka**
4 cups sugar
5 cups water
Choose thick-skinned lemons because they are easier to zest. Use 100-proof vodka, which has less flavor than a lower proof one. Also the high alcohol level will ensure that the limoncello will not turn to ice in the freezer.

Step One:

•Wash the lemons with a vegetable brush and hot water to remove any reside of pesticides or wax; pat the lemons dry.

•Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel. NOTE: Use only the outer part of the rind. The pith, the white part underneath the rind, is too bitter and would spoil your limoncello. Check out my web page on How to Zest.

Step Two:

•In a large glass jar (1-gallon jar), add one bottle of vodka.

•Add the lemon zest as it is zested.

•Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least (10) ten days and up to (40) days in a cool dark place. The longer it rests, the better the taste will be. (There is no need to stir - all you have to do is wait.) As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly take on the flavor and rich yellow color of the lemon zest.

Step Three:

•In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water; cook until thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

•Let the syrup cool before adding it to the Limoncello mixture.

•Add to the Limoncello mixture from Step One. Add the additional bottle of vodka. Allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.

Step Four:

•After the rest period, strain and bottle: discarding the lemon zest.

•Keep your bottles of Limoncello in the freezer until ready to serve.

Enjoy Responsibly!

A Walk in Provence

by Ellen Barone
The real genius of a Wayfarer vacation is that it’s as much about the essence of the experience – exposure to another way of life, learning a new language, the smells and sounds of the countryside, the enjoyment of fine food and wine and visits with local people – as it is about the walking.

I went to Provence because of Paul Cézanne and his Provençal landscapes of gnarled olive trees and lavender terraces. I went to meet the wonderful, warm and sometimes-irascible characters in Peter Mayle’s books. I went lured by the photogenic promise of rolling vineyards and orchards, picturesque hill towns and honey colored stone farmhouses.

And, I went to walk: to experience, on foot, a Provence that I could see, taste, smell, touch and hear.

Now, after a week of rambling through Impressionist landscapes infused with the perfume of flowering broom and aromatic herbs, lingering over café lunches in pretty villages tumbling down hillsides and attuning my ear to the melodious lilt of Provençal French, I’m hooked.

I realize, of course, that falling in love with Provence is beyond cliché. The region’s legendary charms have seduced and enchanted generations of artists and foreigners. It’s the kind of place where visitors arrive for a week and stay a lifetime. I was prepared to fall for Provence’s culture, character and cuisine. That was a no-brainer. What I was not prepared for was to fall head-over-hiking-boots in love with the pleasures of a walking vacation. The camaraderie. The knowledgeable guides. The exercise.

If you’re picturing grueling marches weighted down by heavy backpacks and Spartan hostel-style lodgings, think again. A walk with The Wayfarers falls into the category of “luxury adventure.” Which is to say, after a day spent wandering along sleepy rural tracks, shaded forest trails and ancient village streets and chatting with friendly farmers and villagers, you get to take a long hot bath, eat a gourmet dinner, drink fine French wine and sleep in the comfort of a luxury hotel.

Our guide, Eric, a convivial 58-year-old Frenchman and 15-year Wayfarers veteran, brought the landscape to life with his passion and understanding of the history, culture and people of Provence. Eric could identify any plant that sprouted, explain the life cycle of a grape vine, and seemed to know everyone in every village we visited. There were herbs everywhere - fennel, thyme, rosemary, sage and lavender - and Eric loved to point them out and talk about what made them special.

Behind the scenes, assuring our coddled comfort, was tour manager, Antonia, an elegant Brit who’s been living in France since the 70s. From the picnic snacks, to the fruit basket in the van, to the delicious café lunches and multi-course dinners that awaited us each evening, Antonia made it impossible to go hungry. Better yet, she would shuttle you to/from town in the van, drop you off for an afternoon massage, cart your purchases and, if you asked, enthrall you with tantalizing bits and pieces of her fairy tale life.

In the evenings, Après hike, when we would gather in the hotel bar for a drink and hors d’oevres, and, later, sit together family-style quaffing French wine, and enjoying a seasonal bounty of artichokes and asparagus, duck and lobster, strawberries and lemon, it seemed as if we’d known each other for years. Afterward, we’d go to bed, dead tired, ready to do it again the next day.

We left Provence on the morning of our seventh day. We packed our gear, had one last delicious breakfast, and, when the time came, boarded our trains and taxis with the slight feeling of melancholy you have when you depart something you know you’re going to miss. All of us were buried in our own thoughts.

Me, I was busy plotting my next walk. They say Tuscany is lovely in September …

Ellen Barone is a Travel Expert, Speaker, Journalist and Photographer

Tales from the Tuscan Trail

‘Spontaneity and the Element of Surprise’ by Alessandro Tombelli

On our first afternoon in Siena as we are touring San Domenico church, we hear the faint sound of drums approaching. As the sound gets louder and we step outside; excitement mounts as we see a parade approaching through the narrow streets of this beautiful town. This is not any parade - these traditions span centuries! “Sbandieratori” fly by us throwing their colorful flags in the air and catching them twirling, while the drummers keep step. The Palio di Siena will run soon and the festivities have already begun.

We spend the next day in the Chianti hills, crossing vineyards, farms and olive groves, reaching the ancient town of Monteriggioni for lunch. We settle outside on the terrace and notice that across the street a wedding is taking place in the tiny church. As our pasta arrives, we watch the bride and groom emerge with all the friends and families who are throwing rice on the smiling couple. The “sposi” happily climb in to an old Fiat Cinquecento and make a loop around the square honking the horn – we are all waving and clapping as they disappear through the town gates.

There is so much to experience on our walk through Tuscany …wine tastings, honey tastings, olive oil tastings guided visits to towns and churches…but being part of the landscape is not the only benefit to seeing things on foot. You can smell it, taste it and feel it like a local. In Cortona, a charming little town where a famous young Italian singer named Jovanotti was born, we are having a delicious meal when Anna our Walk Manager notices the one and only Javanotti is sitting across the room! “I’d love to have his autograph but I’m too shy to ask” says Anna… he signs a piece of paper “Ciao Anna, Jovanotti.”

On our last day in Bevagna, we lunch in a medieval manor and sample a dozen small courses of Tuscan fare. The afternoon is spent in Montefalco to see a museum. Before dinner we have a romantic wine tasting of Sagrantino at sunset in the hotel’s garden. It’s a lovely party but a bit sad knowing we are at the end of a week we will remember for a long time.

Join our next walks in Tuscany....
Tuscan Villas, Wines & Cuisine ~ September 6-12, 2009 ~ US$3595 per person (including US$400 currency bonus)

Tuscany & Umbria ~ September 20-26, 2009 ~ US$3595 per person (including US$400 currency bonus)

5 Easy Tips For Returning Home With Great Vacation Photographs From Your Wayfarers Walking Tour

Words & Pictures by: Travel Photojournalist, Ellen Barone

1. Keep your camera handy
Some of the best images happen when you least expect them. While boarding a bus in Nicaragua I captured a one-shot image of a woman walking past a colorful wall with a basket atop her head that ended up as the cover of a Lonely Planet guidebook. Wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t have my camera in hand. Keep your camera handy, especially when traveling through villages or other interesting or unique terrain.

2. Get focused
Ask yourself what about the scene attracts you and make that your subject. Is it the sun-drenched vistas of ancient olive groves and terraced vineyards? That ray of light spotlighting the landscape? Or a riot of red geraniums pushing out from balcony window boxes? Then, exclude anything that doesn’t convey what captured your attention. The image needs to reflect your emotional response to the destination.

3. Get out there
Get up early, stay out late. If you are scheduled to leave the hotel at 9:00 AM, make it a point to wander around before meeting up with your companions. Rather than taking the van back at the end of an afternoon tour, hang around a bit and then take a taxi. Use any spare time to get out and look for photographs. Besides creating more opportunities for photography, the additional time spent discovering the place will enrich your experience.

4. Don’t be shy
If you approach people with the right intention, they’ll usually be happy to have their picture made. It’s up to you to break the ice and get to know them. Engage them before you pull out your camera. Sit beside them on the park bench and chat for a few minutes. Joke around a little. Learn at least how to say "hello" and "May I make a photograph" in the local language—just showing that you've made a little effort helps. Most of all, relax and enjoy the exchange. If you feel comfortable, so will they.

5. Compose creatively
One of the easiest ways to improve your travel photography is to get creative with your compositions. Try Different Compositions: Remember to shoot from different positions. Get elevated, or low. Move in close. Move right or left for a different perspective.

Learn more ways to improve your vacation photos by listening to Ellen’s free podcast: Training Your Eye for Photography.


Last year, Ellen joined The Wayfarers’ walk in Provence and will be with us again in the Dordogne this September! Grab a camera and join us! As you explore together, Ellen will be happy to answer your in-the-field questions and share photography tips and techniques to help you improve your skills. The Historic Dordogne with Ellen Barone, Photographer – September 27 – October 3

Travel expert Ellen Barone did what many of us only dream of doing: at the age of 35, she traded a successful academic career for the wild blue yonder and set out to explore the world and herself. In the decade since that intrepid decision, she has turned passion into profession, journeying to more than 60 countries in search of evocative images and life-enriching adventures. For her travel tips, vacation advice, gadget reviews and photography, visit www.EllenBarone.com.

National Geographic Traveler Picks 'The Bronte Trail' Walk in Top Active Trips List

We are delighted to say our new Walk in Bronte Country, Designed and Led by native Yorkshireman Alan Pinkney, has been chosen by National Geographic Traveler Magazine (May/June 2009 Issue) in their Top 50 Trips of a Lifetime.

“Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours,” notes senior editor Norie Quintos. “This year, we wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also a great value, given the economic climate. What we found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now as the traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip’s components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and more discounts, freebies, and extras.”

The tours on this year’s list are organized into three categories—active, classic, and cultural—and include 47 tour listings, plus in-depth features on an alternative route to Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu, a tour of Old Bavaria, a self-guided ramble through Newfoundland. You won’t find any $50,000 round-the-world by private jet tours on this year’s list. On the other hand, many of our tours don’t necessarily qualify as “cheap.” But every tour, whatever its price tag, offers small-group, thoughtfully crafted experiences that are eco- and culturally sensitive, provide uncommon access, and foster interaction with the locals.

The Bronte Trail Walk is a new departure for The Wayfarers. For lovers of 19th-century English literature, the discovery of the land that nurtured and inspired the Bronte sisters will be an exciting journey.

Alan Pinkney says, "I have designed this walk personally and, as a Yorkshireman and a Bronte fan, I am delighted to be able to introduce this inspirational part of the country to The Wayfarers."

2009 Trip Dates:
The Bronte Trail:
June 14-19
July 26-31 (Women Only Departure)
September 6-11
6 Days, 5 Nights
**Save USD$400 per person on this trip**

Anything and Everything Philly

We have been written about again – we love this time of year because we get such lovely exposure from so many unexpected sources and it brightens up our day as we finalise our plans and walk itineraries for everyone. If you are thinking of a walking vacation to stretch those legs this year – please do have a read of this article, (it was actually written by William Ecenbarger for The Inquirer – but no need for us to boast).

We’d also like to take this opportunity to answer the Philly.com’s questions for you, right here (but remember you can ask your own questions on our FAQ’s section listed on for walk we offer):

• How many people do you usually have on a trip? We allow a maximum of 16 people but always aim for 10-12 people as this is an optimum number to make the group enjoyable and enlightening.
• I'm traveling solo - will I be out of place? "Absolutely not," we welcome solo travelers and have a range of options to suit, walking is one of the best activities for making friends and socialising, all are welcome.
• Who is leading my trip? This is simply where 25 years in the business comes into play – we have worked with many of our walk leaders for well over 20 years, all have insight, knowledge and a background within the selected destinations they walk. A Wayfarers Walk is an educational yet relaxed voyage of discovery.
• What kind of support is provided while walking? We tick all the boxes here, a walk leader accompanies you all the way, there is a support van and a walk manager to handle all logistics as well as other activities available, it doesn’t have to all be walking. But you should rest assured that your luggage, meals and rooms are all taken care of. On sunny days you may experience a Wayfarers Picnic.
• Where will we stay? What will we eat? All our Hotels and Lodges are of the highest standard available often that means 5 star. But hotels and meals are more than just about 5 stars and The Wayfarers put emphasis on local dishes and traditional lodges and try to offer a genuine feel for the country you are in. At least once or more often we invite local people to join us at mealtimes to give local knowledge and background on the places we visit. Obviously we can cater for all appetites and requirements – just ask us and we’ll make the arrangements.
• How do I get to the starting point? When you book a walking vacation with The Wayfarers we’ll send you a full info pack containing all the details you need to get to the start point (these will also be available on the website). We can book flights for you and let you know times and airline information, we’ll then meet you at the airport or pre designated meeting point and from that point on rest assured everything is taken care of.
• What exactly is included in the cost? You need to look at our website for an in depth list of what is included, basically everything, you will not need to spend a dime unless you spot that antique in the local market or you are suddenly taken by a local artist. To be honest the only thing we recommend is a small tip for your walk leader and manager – after all they are the one who do all the work.

Please if you would like to find out more about us, our website or any of the walks we provide leave a comment on this blog or contact us directly.