The Wayfarers plans 85 guided walks in 2012

Themes range from Jane Austen to Tuscan gardens and cuisine

Newport, Rhode Island, November 2009 -- Known for its stimulating and revealing Walks through some of the most storied settings in the world, The Wayfarers will mark its 27th annual season with a diverse schedule of 85 walks through 14 countries.

Pairing in-depth destination knowledge with passionate enthusiasm for world cultures and traditions, The Wayfarers introduces three new itineraries in 2010, including a new literary walk exploring the storybook settings of Britain's best-loved author Jane Austen.

All 2010 itineraries are priced at or below 2009 rates and, as always, Wayfarers walks are all-inclusive and guaranteed in U.S. dollars. Walks are priced from US $2595* per person.

In 2010, The Wayfarers builds on its lit-centric collection -- introduced last year with the award-winning Brontë Trail -- with the debut of Jane Austen Country, a six-day literary walk exploring the village lanes and footpaths of the Hampshire countryside. Other new Walks are Suffolk Coast & Cambridge, a six-day program featuring visits to Orford, the 12th century castle built by King Henry II, and Cambridge University; and Tuscany Gardens & Gourmet, a seven-day immersion in the fragrant farms, gardens and vineyards that anchor the region's rich culinary tradition. Additionally, the popular Northern Ireland Giant's Causeway & The Glens of Antrim is back along with the 8th Annual Founders' Walk which this year travels through Venice & The Veneto in a seven-day Italian exploration.

Small group size is a Wayfarers trademark, with all Walks limited to 16 participants, and most averaging between eight to 12.

Highlights of the 2012 selection include:

England: Jane Austen Country

Austen aficionados will delight in this in-depth exploration of the author's favorite haunts, including Steventon, Chawton and Oakley Hall, many of which formed the backdrop to much of her work. A discussion with an Austen expert is a highlight of this six-day Walk along Hampshire's country byways, village lanes and footpaths.

Offered June 27, July 25 and August 29. Priced $3,595 per person.

England: Suffolk Coast & Cambridge

The country lanes and footpaths of the Suffolk Coast reveal the charm that inspired artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough and composer Benjamin Britten. Highlights of this six-day walk include a river trip to Orford, the 12th-century castle built by King Henry II, and a dinner in one of the College Dining Halls of Cambridge University.

Offered May 30 and August 8. Priced $3,595 per person.

Italy: Tuscany Gardens & Gourmet

Once the breadbasket of ancient Rome, Tuscany comes alive in walks through the region's picturesque gardens, villas, farms, vineyards and woodlands. Culinary tastings - from olive and honey to prosciutto and Chianti - flavor this seven-day journey, which also includes a cooking lesson during a private visit to the Castello di Spannocchia.

Offered May 16 and October 3. Priced 3,895 per person.

Northern Ireland: Giant's Causeway & The Glens of Antrim

Moorlands, carpets of wild flowers and mountain gorges punctuate this Walk through some of Northern Ireland's most spectacular countryside. The Giant's Causeway, a formation of thousands of basalt columns stretching into the sea; cliff-top Dunseverick Castle; Glenarm Castle, home to the Earls of Antrim, and Belfast are highlights.

Offered June 13 & September 19. Priced $3,695 per person.

Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese

Full immersion in Greek mythology, archaeology and ancient history is the goal of Athens & the Peloponnese, a nine-day Walk through the unspoiled Peloponnese peninsula. Highlights include visits to the Royal Tholos tombs, the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the vaulted tomb of Vafio. From arid mountains and lush citrus orchards to sparkling blue seascapes, the Walk uncovers the country's striking natural beauty.

Offered June 22 & September 18. Priced $4,495 per person.

Italy: Venice & The Veneto - 2010 Founders' Walk

The seven-day Venice & The Veneto Walk begins in the medieval town of Vicenza and takes guests off the beaten tourist track with a private boat tour of Venice and visits to the ancient walled town of Marostica and the mountain resort of Asiago, where they'll sample grappa at the Nardini distillery.

Offered May 30, September 5, and September 19. The May 30 and September 5 Walks will be accompanied by Wayfarers founders Michael West and Christopher Hague. Priced $3,895 per person.

About The Wayfarers:

Named by National Geographic Traveler as purveyor of one of the "50 Tours of a Lifetime," and by National Geographic Adventure as one of the "Best Hiking Companies," The Wayfarers offers an eco-aware walking holiday of both culture and fitness in 14 countries with 85 Walks.

In its 29th year, The Wayfarers offers exclusive entrées into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks range from 5-12 days and are rated easy to challenging. www.thewayfarers.com, 800- 249-4620