Expat trips - Why Walking tours

Expat trips - Why Walking tours?
Why walk? Because it's a wonderful, close-up way to see both cities and countryside. Because it's fun, healthy and a great way to get to know your tour companions - walking means time for talking! Because it gives you a perfect excuse to try all the local gastronomic specialties - with no guilty feelings afterwards! Because walking - and biking, for that matter - somehow breaks down barriers with locals - you'll soon be explaining where you came from, where you're going, and learning about the "fiestas" in the next town and maybe trying Frank's home-made wine and cousin Jane's cookies.
	Something for almost everyone. This trip program offers several different kinds of walks: City walks: Discover and Old Shops walks (and a few others): usually three hours or less with a rest stop partway through. Lots of cultural content. Usually stroller-friendly but please ask - narrow sidewalks sometimes make strollers problematic. Park / bike track walks: Walks in Madrid or very nearby. Can be easy strolls to discover a hidden bit of green, or fast-paced excercise walks to find places you can work out on your own. Country walks: Half day and full day walks. Half-day walks are usually about three-four hours walking on good dirt roads or paths, not more than an hour from the city. Full-day walks are usually four-five hours on roads and paths, footing may be a little more challenging (not scary or dangerous) and walks may be a little farther from Madrid.
What about people like me? I've never done ANY walking! If you are totally sedentary you should talk to a doctor before starting a walking program - as you know, this is standard practice for any new physical activity. Anyone can do the city walks (except maybe people with serious mobility issues) and almost anyone can do the half-day country walks. Please do let us know if you are new to walking, so we can recommend walks you can do AND enjoy. I have issues with my knees / feet / (etc). Again, check with your doctor before getting going, but the city walks and half-day country walks are quite moderate. What if I can't.... You'll be surprised at what you can do and enjoy. This is not a race or a contest. It's about having fun and seeing places close-up, which walking helps you do!
	Country walking, some tips for beginners: What to wear: Best is comfortable, old clothing suited to forecast temperatures. Please wear sturdy tie shoes with a thick sole and good support - a good sports shoe is usually enough for these walks but people with foot or ankle problems may need a light boot. What to take: Small backpack or similiar with a bottle of water (about 1 liter for SHORT WALKS, more in the summer); sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat, especially in the summer; light, warm jacket or sweater; rain jacket or umbrella, a snack like fruit or cookies. From early October to late April: hat, gloves or mittens, how thick depends on season and where we go. For some tips on layering clothes for comfort without too much extra weight, click HERE. When you've been walking a while: Before making any big purchases, ask for suggestions on what to get first and where to buy.
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