Hiking the WWI Battlefields of the Alps

PHOTO: A new hiking tour will explore one of the most interesting fronts in the First World War. (Courtesy of Dolomite Mountains, Ltd.)

As the world commemorates the centenary of WWI, Dolomite Mountains Ltd. is leading three scheduled departures this year that retrace impressions made during the war in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. The company can also customize the trips. The eight-day itinerary exploring the Via Ferrata (iron path) of WWI and trekking the Alta Via (high routes) are July 5, Aug. 2 and Sep. 6. Guides will immerse participants in the stories, ruins and remnants of this historic route on this centennial year commemorating the start of the “war to end all wars.”

Between 1915 and 1918, the Dolomites were one of the fronts in the war with fighting taking place across the peaks and valleys between Austrian and Italian soldiers, often friends from neighboring villages, fighting each other. Soldiers dug long tunnels inside the mountains with dynamite and picks, built suspension bridges across deep chasms, iron paths and rifugios (mountain shelters) that literally hung on sheer cliffs. Some vestiges of this history are in their original state; others have been renovated and transformed into open air museums on the mountains of Lagazuoi, Marmolada, Tofane and Col di Lana.

Priced at €1990, the hike is limited to well-trained hikers in good and active physical health. The trek begins in Cortina d’Ampezzo and ends in Alta Badia. Included are a local English-speaking guide, logistics and map of the area, accommodations, some meals, Via Ferrata equipment, lifts and cable cars in the area, luggage transfer on day four, local medical and evacuation insurance and Italian VAT tax.

Peace as the Shepherds Knew it in a Luxury Cottage

From an athletic exploration of war in the Dolomites we move to a pastoral experience of peace in the English village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in Oxfordshire: The Blackdown Shepherd Hut, tucked away at Hope Cottage. The luxury, self-contained Blackdown hut promises guests “the real England,” complete with sheep nearby nibbling the grass.

Shepherd’s huts were once a common sight in England, offering simple, warm, living conditions to shepherds tending their flocks far from home. Blackdown Shepherd Huts are luxury living spaces that helps guests to the serenity of the English countryside, while employing the latest in modern conveniences.

PHOTO: Hope Cottage Tours is making pastoral England a vacation possibility. (Courtesy of Hope Cottage Tours)

The cottage dates to the early 19th century and sits on the site of a Roman Road. With rural views from every window of a flourishing country garden, the cottage comes with a double bed, full ensuite facilities comprising power-shower, lavatory and basin, as well as a Louis Ranger log burning stove and closet space. Built on Blackdown's signature oak chassis, the tailor-made shepherd hut has unique sheep's wool insulation in the floor, walls and roof cavity, with year-round use thanks to Blackdown's double-glazed windows, professionally treated double-doors and sturdy Windy Smithy fireplace.

Hope Cottage will tailor special tours. Within easy reach are London, Bath, Stratford-on-Avon and Oxford, as well as beautiful home county towns, with ancient castles, historic houses and stately homes. Nearby, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell has houses ranging from moated manors to thatched cottages. Hope Cottage Tours can meet visitors at the airport with transfers in a plush, seven-seater, air-conditioned vehicle.

Sailing a Downton Abbey Cruise with European Waterways

Due to popular demand, European Waterways has added two more “Downton Abbey” cruises along the Thames on the Magna Carta, departing Aug. 10 and August 17. The cruises will include a tour of Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for the drama and iconic home of the fictional Crawley family on the show. The company currently offers “Downton Abbey” cruises for departures on April 13, April 20, and May 4.

Rates for Magna Carta’s six-night, Aug. 10 and 17 departures start at $5,180 per person, and include all meals, wines, an open bar, numerous other daily escorted excursions, local transfers and admissions. Rates are based on double occupancy. Whole boat charters of the Magna Carta are also available starting at $32,500 and are subject to availability.

 “We introduced the tour of Highclere Castle on the Magna Carta cruise last year and interest was so strong that we brought it back this season for select spring departures. But with demand still high, we’re pleased to accommodate our guests by adding two more tours for the summer,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.