We often receive questions about our tours and the trip planning process. We love this, and encourage all adventurous travelers to ask lots of questions. After all, choosing the right tour company and the right trip is the first step to a rewarding experience. As always, please call or e-mail our travel experts if you have additional questions.

What differentiates Country Walkers from other active travel companies?
In 2012 we proudly celebrate our 33rd anniversary in active travel—with a reputation and exceptional tour lineup reflecting this significant milestone.

• An important Country Walkers difference is that we know active travel intimately. We specialize in Guided Walking, Self-Guided Walking & Self-Guided Biking Tours, Small Ship Cruising, and have extensive experience planning and guiding Private Adventures all over the world. We take pride in our award-winning itineraries and flawlessly executed tours, with worldwide recognition and acknowledgement for our 'off the beaten path' approach. Our Home Team experts can advise you how to choose a tour best suited to your activity level and experience and how to best prepare for your tour.
  
  
• On Guided Walking tours our guides are simply exceptional. Mature, experienced guides are with you throughout the tour (24/7) and are local to the region in which they guide; guides can simply make or break a tour experience, and ours are talented veterans. We conduct worldwide tour trainings, assuring our guides receive updated certifications, share best practices, and know (and practice) all the elements that comprise an experience worthy of the Country Walkers name.
  
  
• Guest service is a Country Walkers hallmark. You speak to a tour expert every time you call our home office with our guarantee that your tour is our priority. From the moment you contact us to your return home, our expert staff and guides take care of every detail. We are available to assist you with every aspect of your adventure.
  
  
• Our departures are guaranteed, so you have peace of mind. Your trip will never be cancelled due to lack of participation. This is a high standard to set, but allows you to go ahead and make air reservations and other arrangements. You will never be disappointed.

Naturally, there are other good adventure travel companies, and we encourage you to speak with the staff at several prior to reserving a tour. After all, there’s so much more to a trip than a locale and the price. We suggest comparing other companies' trips with questions such as: How long has the company been in business? Is the company a member of a legitimate tour association? What is a typical day's schedule? How large is the group? What exactly is included in the tour price? (check carefully to compare apples and apples; what meals, lodgings, alcohol, entrance fees, tips, and other items are extra?) Ask about the guides, understanding if guides will be with you throughout the tour or change every few days. What procedures are in place in case of medical emergency?

If I take more than one trip, do I receive a discount?
For every additional trip you take within the same calendar year, you receive a 5% savings off the price of each subsequent trip, with a maximum of 10% savings. Many guests, for example, design a longer trip by combining two or more Country Walkers adventures. Some of our tours can be planned back-to-back, so travel expenses are minimized. To facilitate this experience, we offer a one night complimentary pre- or post-tour lodging at accommodations of our choosing.
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GUIDED WALKING
Who travels with Country Walkers?
Likely, someone just like you. Perhaps one of the most delightful experiences of your Country Walkers vacation will be the camaraderie that manifests from your first encounter with your fellow travelers. Each group is comprised of people who are adventurous, inquisitive, well-educated, environmentally aware, and loves the out-of-doors.

Will I feel comfortable as a solo traveler?
Over and over, we hear from our solo guests that a Country Walkers trip is an exceptionally congenial way to travel. All trips comprise a mix of couples and solo travelers. We’re proud of our single-share program: based on availability, if you reserve a tour at least 91 days prior to the tour start date and wish to share a room, you will not pay the single supplement fee, even if we cannot find you a roommate (small ship expeditions excluded). Of course, you may prefer to select a private room, available with a single supplement fee.

How many walkers will be on a trip?
To ensure a memorable and personalized travel experience, two expert guides accompany each group of eight or more guests. Our average group size ranges from 12 to 14 guests, with a maximum of 18 (some tours have a maximum of 16 guests). Private Adventures allow great flexibility in group size.

Will my tour be canceled because of low enrollment?
No—you will never be disappointed. Reserving with us gives you peace of mind—your trip will not be cancelled due to lack of participation. We guarantee the departure of every trip paid in full 90 days in advance of the departure date, excepting only in cases of force majeure. Setting the standard, we were the first in the industry to offer this important guarantee.

Can I speak with someone who has been on the tour?
Our staff! Our trips are researched and developed from start to finish by an in-house tour manager. Additionally, staff join tour departures throughout the year, so our Home Team is always eager to share their expertise. As well, we are pleased to refer you to past guests who have experienced the tour you are considering.

Can I physically do it? How long and strenuous are the walks each day?
Any reasonably fit person can enjoy a Country Walkers vacation. We take special care to accommodate varying fitness levels and preferences. While you can note each trip's rating for terrain and distance on each tour page under the ‘Details tab,’ you may also gain further insight into which trip best suits your ability and interests by speaking with one of us on the Home Team.

Who will be guiding the trip?
A professional Country Walkers guide who has received extensive training and support from our home office. We know that our guides are a significant reason we set the pace in adventure travel. They hold the key to your experience and you could not be in better hands. They possess skills that enable them to lead you to experiences reserved only for the most fortunate traveler—they introduce you to local culture from a local’s perspective. The respect our guides have earned allows them to introduce you to welcoming restaurateurs, hoteliers, farmers, and artists with whom they and we maintain close relationships. Our guides' talents extend well beyond the trail. They are musicians, educators, photographers, authors, artists, storytellers, comedians, farmers, ecologists, and lawyers—to name just a few of their specialties. They are experts at letting magical moments unfold, yet the day is perfectly balanced, respecting the schedule while creating plenty of room for spontaneity and surprises. Fun-loving and well-rounded, they make sharing the trail an extraordinary experience.

Will there be a van following us if I want to stop walking?
While our tours do not include support vans, many of our walks are designed to provide shorter and longer options. On tours with drivers, the driver may meet you at specific locations so you have the option of returning to the hotel or inn early.

Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
With advance notice we can accommodate most any dietary restriction. Specific regions and some tours may be particularly well-suited for certain diets, so let us know your needs and we can review different tour opportunities with you.

What will the accommodations be like?
Throughout our years as a leader in the travel industry we have discovered some of the finest, most authentic accommodations in the areas in which we walk. We chose small, first-class hotels, inns, lodges, châteaux or villas that typify the area. Each is noted for their hospitality and character, meeting our strictest standards for quality and commitment to responsible tourism.

What will the meals be like?
After a full day of exploring on foot, you deserve to be rewarded with cuisine reflecting a destination’s most discriminating taste. Ingredients are always fresh and painstakingly prepared, featuring local specialties.

Are there age limits for travelers?
Country Walkers travelers generally range from 30 to 60 years old—yet individuals in their 80's have walked with us, as have young adults. Our Home Team is happy to help determine which tours best suit the interests and abilities of college-age travelers or older high school students. Naturally, children of all ages are welcome on Private Adventures, specially crafted to suit the diverse needs of your unique group.

What are the options if I wish to have my children travel?
Children and young adults are great adventurers, and we love introducing them to the world’s cultural and natural wonders. Many multi-generational families plan Private Adventures that we tailor for the young and ‘young at heart.’ Share your family travel dreams and ideas with us and we’ll turn those into reality!

What do we do if it rains?
We walk! It can be just wonderful, especially when you're dressed properly. Your pre-departure confirmation material will contain a detailed list of what to bring. Of course, if you choose not to walk, your guide can suggest alternative plans for the day.

Do I need any special gear?
A day pack, a broken in pair of suitable hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, and a water bottle are essential. We emphasize that hiking boots with thick soles, good tread, and sturdy ankle support are suggested for all tours. A customized list of what to bring is included in every confirmation packet.

What is included in the trip price?

• All accommodations
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner, local beer or wine with dinner, as noted*)
• Experienced, professional guides. We guarantee two guides with each trip of eight guests or more, and additional city guides or naturalists for select trips
• Entrance fees for special events, such as wine tastings, cultural festivals, and musical events as included in the trip itinerary
• Activities, such as rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, etc., as noted in the itinerary
• Transportation during the trip
• Daily trail snacks
• Local maps to trace your route
• Trip literature including pre-tour information and reading list
• Gratuities for all hotels, porterage, meals
• The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
• Plenty of fresh air, exercise, and memories that last a lifetime!

*All travelers enjoy an opportunity for discovery and free time. Most trips offer time for you to try a café or restaurant that has been recommended.
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SELF-GUIDED WALKING
What is the difference between Guided Walking and Self-Guided Walking?
Guided Walking Adventures are perfect if you wish to travel with a local guide and experience the trip with a small group of like-minded travelers. Self-Guided Adventures are designed for guests who enjoy the flexibility of independent travel. You travel on your own (or with your companions) and are provided detailed maps, route notes, and suggested itineraries. We secure reservations at selected hotels; there are fewer meal inclusions on Self-Guided tours than on Guided departures. Self-Guided Walking trips offer fewer inclusions, leaving you greater freedom to explore the local culture and cuisine on your own.

How do I arrange a Self-Guided Walking Adventure?
Our Tour Consultants are happy to assist and help you choose a tour based on your activity level and interests before requesting your preferred start date. Prior to departure, you will receive route notes, maps, and regional information. Once you arrive, your local representative will be available for 24-hour emergency assistance. Relax and enjoy your days knowing that your luggage will be transported for you.

What level of experience do I need to comfortably travel without a guide?
Your pre-departure packet of maps, route notes, and regional information is always up-to-date. Most anyone can enjoy the benefits of this type of independent travel.

Do I need to bring any special gear?
A day pack, a broken in pair of suitable hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, and a water bottle are essential. We emphasize that hiking boots with thick soles, good tread, and sturdy ankle support are suggested for all tours. A customized list of what to bring is included in every confirmation packet.

What is included in the trip price?

• All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour
• Meals: breakfast, some lunches, and some dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers (valid only for established transfer times)
• Luggage transfers between hotels
• Detailed route notes and maps
• 24-hour emergency service
• Trip literature including pre-tour information and reading list
• The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
• Plenty of fresh air, exercise, and memories that last a lifetime!

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SELF-GUIDED BIKING
Do I need to be an avid cyclist?
If you know how to ride a bicycle and are comfortable following route notes, you are ready for a Self-Guided Biking tour. Our biking tours are designed to be relaxing experiences, offering an average of 10-30 miles per day, with lots of time for lunch and sightseeing.

Are bikes and helmets supplied?
Modern, quality bicycles are provided and included in the tour price. Each bike is professionally tuned prior to your arrival. We ask for your height and inseam measurement at the time of reservation to ensure a proper bike fit. Bike panniers are also included; please bring your own helmet.

What happens if there is a flat tire or mechanical issue?
Prior to setting off, your local representative will provide an orientation, demonstrating how to patch a flat tire and ensuring you are comfortable with your bike. In the rare event of a mechanical issue or other emergency the representative is available for roadside assistance 24/7.

Do I need to bring any special gear?
A day pack, a pair of comfortable sneakers, helmet, rain gear, sunscreen, and a water bottle are essential. We also recommend bringing a pair of padded bike shorts for added comfort. A customized list of what to bring is included in every confirmation packet.

What is included in the trip price?

• All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour
• Arrival and departure transfers (valid only for established transfer times)
• Meals: breakfast, some lunches, and some dinners
• Luggage transfers between the hotels
• Detailed route notes and maps
• High quality bicycle with 21-speed Shimano gears and bike panniers (helmet not provided)
• 24-hour emergency service
• Trip literature including pre-tour information and reading list
• The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
• Plenty of fresh air, exercise, and memories that last a lifetime!