At long last Freedom Day (19 July) has arrived and it's time to start making new travel memories.  For those who can't wait for the autumn to take to the trails, Inntravel has plenty on offer right now to tempt walkers and cyclists to the most beautiful parts of Europe during the months of July and August. And of course for the double vaccinated, there is no need to quarantine when returning from Green or Amber destinations.

Once more, with the help of Inntravel and their Slow holidays, it's possible to explore the lesser-known path, and to visit those fascinating places we've all been dreaming about in lockdown, secure in the knowledge that Inntravel is highly praised by Which? for their flexible booking policy and their no quibble refunds. On an Inntravel self-guided holiday, there are no groups, just you and your nearest and dearest, though Inntravel is there for their customers every step of the way to help them recharge and return feeling refreshed.

HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

Walking among the Treasures of Aracena, Spain

Spain's Aracena Sierra, close to the Portuguese border, is a gastronome's paradise - with glorious woodland, far-reaching views, crystal-clear streams and workaday villages. Where better to spend a week savouring delicious regional cuisine, walking along inviting paths, viewing picturesque valleys and enjoying immersion in authentic Spanish rural life. Stay in the delightful village of Alájar at the family-run Posada de San Marcos to enjoy exceptional hospitality, complete with honesty bar, outdoor pool and delicious regional cuisine enjoyed on the elevated terrace. Nothing epitomises the region more than the local air-cured ham, and Inntravel includes a trip to a secadero (where the hams are cured) to learn about its production using traditional methods. As well as route notes for five gentle self-guided walks, included is a privately guided walk on the flora and fauna.

July to September Price: £760pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights' B&B, 3 dinners, 1 week's car hire, route notes and maps, a private visit to ham-curing secadero, and a guided walk with a local expert. Available until 29 Dec 2021.

Walking in Lake Oeschinensee and Beyond, Switzerland

The picture-book village of Kandersteg provides the idyllic setting for this self-guided, single-centre walking holiday and the opportunity to discover the emerald Oeschinensee. This is one of Switzerland's most exquisite, yet little-known lakes, set in an amphitheatre of mountains.  Here, in the Bernese Oberland, it is no surprise that the majesty of its scenery has been recognised by UNESCO. Guests can expect first rate hospitality, staying in the delightful family-run Hotel Victoria, with its panoramic indoor pool and sun terrace. Take the gondola from Kandersteg into the mountains above the village, where a path leads high above the north shore of the Lake, giving an unrivalled panorama. Other highlights include a trip to Blausee (Blue Lake), a walk to Gasterntal - a secluded glacial valley that is now a nature reserve, and a trail along the Gemmi Pass.

August Price by Rail from London: £1,545pp based on 2 sharing including 7 nights' half board accommodation, return travel by rail from London to Kandersteg, Swiss Half Fare Card, walking maps and notes, and GPS navigation.  Or on a self-drive basis from £1,115 in August. Available until 7 Oct 2021.

Cycling along the Lagoons and the Silver Coast of Aveiro, Portugal

Aveiro, in the country's north-west, is one of the most quietly evocative corners of Portugal, characterised by shallow lagoons and mud flats. It takes its name from the Roman 'aviarium', meaning 'place of birds', so wildlife enthusiasts will love this self-guided cycling holiday, with numerous bird-spotting opportunities throughout. But that's just one of the compelling reasons to visit. Aveiro – known as 'Portugal's Little Venice' – also boasts a fascinating nautical past, revealed by the area's candy-striped fishermen's houses and tales of salt-cod-seeking derring-do across the Atlantic. Stay in four very different hotels including stylish beach-front gems. Enjoy traffic-free cycling close to the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) using a network of dedicated cycle paths.

Price for July & September: £945pp based on 2 sharing, including 6 nights' B&B, 2 dinners, cycle hire, maps and notes, and luggage transfers. Electric bike hire add £170pp. Available until 31 July and 1 Sept - 31 Oct 2021.

Provincia Nostra by Rail, France

Travel by rail from London St. Pancras on Inntravel's new self-guided discovery of southern France. En route discover a wealth of history, including some of the world's finest Roman monuments, journeying by rail from Narbonne to Arles via Nîmes, the epicentre of Roman Gaul. Guests have the benefit of Inntravel's specially devised walking tours and in-depth cultural notes that bring the past vividly to life.

Stay in Narbonne, Nîmes and Arles in medium-sized hotels that occupy historic buildings in central locations, perfect for sightseeing. Highlights include a section of the Via Domitia in Narbonne - the first Roman road across southern France built to link Italy and Hispania; the Roman arena in Nîmes; the stunning Pont du Gard, part of the 20 km Roman aqueduct which supplied the city of Nîmes with its water; and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arles with its arena, Roman theatre and subterranean galleries.

Price for July: £995pp based on 2 sharing, including return rail from London St. Pancras, rail between cities, 6 nights' B&B, city maps and notes for walking tours. Available until 31 July and 1 Sept to 31 Oct 2021.

Danish Castles & Coast by Bicycle

This corner of Zealand, Denmark's largest island, is paradise for a holiday on two wheels, with enticing tracks that follow the shoreline and wind inland through farmland and forest.  Stay in two cosy yet stylish seaside hotels and savour the freshest of seafood, with the luggage transported ahead. Visit pretty villages with thatched cottages, relax on beaches of white sand with brightly coloured beach huts, and explore grand royal castles surrounded by manicured gardens. The cycling is largely on the flat, with well-signed trails.  Because the distances are reasonably short, there's plenty of time to explore: call in at artisan producers of chocolate and schnapps, linger over picnics of open crab sandwiches, and enjoy dips in the sea.

July & August Price: £895pp including 4 nights' B&B, 2 dinners, luggage transported, high-quality bicycle hire, route notes and maps, GPS navigation and return rail from Copenhagen airport.  Available until 30 Sept 2021.

For more information on Inntravel, visit inntravel.co.uk or call 01653 617000.

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