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The Road of Saint James (El Camino de Santiago) has many traditions. In addition to being a pilgrimage route for Christians wanting to visit the tomb of Saint James, many experts believe that pre-Christian people traveled it into the setting sun to the "end of the earth". There are also Celtic traditions, Goddess traditions, even traditions having to do with the lost city of Atlantis. This intertwining of traditions is one of the most interesting aspects of the Road: there is something there for almost everyone, but not always what people expect at the outset of their journey. Pilgrimage lore says that while a pilgrimage of any sort is by nature an intensely personal experience, the best way to complete this journey is in a small group of like-minded people.

Provence is surely one of France's most fabled regions, known for the incredible diversity that exists within its borders; rich cultural and natural histories, and delightful sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and authentic French charm. This trip combines scenic hikes with visits to village markets, stays at French inns, quaint culture, and a chance to sample all the fantastic tastes of the south of France.

We visit some of Italy's most intriguing destinations on this combination of hiking and culture. Florence, widely regarded as one of the loveliest cities in Italy, the seaside town of Camogli and the Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful towns perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, known as the Italian Riviera. We'll hike timeless landscape along paths that wind through vineyards and charming villages and ancient stone paths that climb up and down cliffs, sample local wines and other locally produced specialties, relax in romantic outdoor cafes, take a dip in the Ligurian sea, and visit the fascinating towns of Vernazza, Monterosso, Manarola, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Our trip to Italy is truly a feast for all the senses.

Our trip to southern Italy encompasses two regions that, while close together, are different in history, culture, cuisine, and landscape. The Amalfi Coast is simply stunning: rugged mountains, craggy seashore, and azure blue ocean serve as a backdrop to tiny villages. We then move on to the Island of Sicily which shares all this and yet is different in every way with its own distinctive feel, receiving well-deserved recognition as a fascinating place to visit with fabulous cuisine. From the ruins of Pompeii, to climbing Vesuvius, eating pizza in Naples, learning Sicilian cooking, tasting local wine, and hiking to caves to see ancient art, our trip to southern Italy will delight all your senses.

While Japan has long been known for its dynamic cities, only recently has the beauty and culture of the Japanese countryside begun to gain attention. On this trip we experience both, with visits to both Kyoto and Tokyo. In between we will hike some of the best parts of the Nakasendo Way, which linked the two cities during Japan’s feudal period and still passes through villages that have retained their traditional character.

Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe, ancient in history and rich in maritime culture. On this trip we combine hiking in the area just north of Lisbon - along white sand beaches and through thick forests - with hiking along the coast south of Lisbon, one the most scenic parts of the 'Rota Vicentina' considered a 'jewel' of Portugal. Wild beaches, towering cliffs, speculator wildflowers, and nesting storks provide a full day of incomparable natural history. Along the way we'll experience Portugal's warm culture, divine cuisine and perhaps the opportunity to indulge in some Portuguese wine.