The Wayfarers charts a seductive course along the coastlines of Cornwall and Croatia, and inland to France and the Czech Republic

Whether walking the trails that line the Cornish coast or climbing terraced stone walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Wayfarers walkers will experience four of the world’s most historic landscapes – and deepen their knowledge of these storied settings – on The Wayfarers’ Cornwall’s Creeks, Coves & Coastal Trails; Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast; the Czech Republic’s Vienna to Prague and France’s Historic Dordogne walking tours.

This year, in addition to crafting genuinely immersive walking experiences in 15 countries around the world, The Wayfarers introduces thought-provoking reading lists to accompany each of its 39 diverse walks, ensuring Walks are as intellectually stimulating as they are physically challenging. Prices begin at $3795 per person and include all Walks, activities, meals and accommodations; book by March 31, and receive an $800 per couple discount.

Cornwall’s Creeks, Coves & Coastal Trails are the focus of three Walks, scheduled May 17, June 28 and October 4, 2009. The seven-day journeys follow in the footsteps of novelist Daphne du Maurier, visiting ancient fishing villages, storm-weathered castles, hidden churches and thatched pubs. Among the highlights is a trip to the storied Lost Gardens of Heligan, a once-neglected Victorian estate, now fully restored. Walkers will cover 8 -11 miles per day along contoured coastal paths, riverbank and estuary trails. Suggested reading? Frenchman’s Creek and Rebecca by du Maurier, as well as Avalon: A Novel by Anya Seton and Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson.

In Croatia, The Wayfarers explores the Dalmatian Coast in four Walks, scheduled May 16, June 20, September 19 and October 3, 2009. The eight-day walking tours explore Croatia’s ancient monasteries, sleepy harbor villages and medieval towns, revealing a bygone Mediterranean. Highlights include a private boat trip to a secluded restaurant terrace overlooking the sea for a lunch of fish caught that morning. Walkers will cover 6 – 10 miles per day along drovers’ tracks, wooded paths and rocky trails. To prepare, Walkers are encouraged to read Bosnia: A Short History by Noel Malcolm, Croatia: A Nation Forged in War by Marcus Tanner and The Impossible Country: A Journey through the Last Days of Yugoslavia by Brian Hall.

The Historic Dordogne comes to life during two seven-day Walks, scheduled May 31 and September 27, 2009. Walkers will sample the region’s celebrated cuisine, including duck confit, foie gras, truffles and wild mushrooms, while taking in one of France’s most spectacular and unspoiled regions. Highlights include an excursion along the Dordogne River and visits to Grottes de Font-de-Gaume to see perfectly preserved prehistoric cave paintings and Les Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker. Walkers will cover 8 -12 miles per day along hilly paths and lanes along the river and through forest. Suggested reading includes best-seller Chocolat by Joanne Harris, Dordogne Adventures by Eric Line and Life and Food in The Dordogne by James Bentley.

The Wayfarers surveys the Czech Republic in Vienna to Prague, a series of three eight-day Walks scheduled May 20, July 11 and September 12, 2009. Walkers depart Vienna en route to Prague, with stops along tranquil lakes and in rural villages steeped in history and tradition. Visits to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world; Pavlovske Hills, a nature reserve dotted with rare flowers; and Zlata Koruna, a medieval monastery are among the Walk highlights. Walkers will cover 7 – 10 miles per day along forest walks and open country, with some brisk hill-walking. Closely Watched Trains by Bohumil Hrabal, How I Came to Know Fish by Ota Pavel and Prague: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Paul Wilson are among the suggested reading material.

To learn more about The Wayfarers’ walking vacations through Cornwall and Croatia (or any of its 39 diverse walks), visit www.thewayfarers.com or call  (800) 249-4620 . For walks in the UK and Europe, pay by March 31 and receive a value-added savings of $800 per couple.