Self-guided walking holidays in unspoilt Europe

Self-guided walking holidays in unspoilt Europe

Grade 5 tours involve 12+ miles of walking with long, challenging walking days or 5 hours+ with some prolonged ascents and descents. Among HF Holidays’ new outside catering New Forest walking holidays for 2026 is a seven-night guided walking trip in Northern Italy’s Unesco-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park. You will normally stay in small, family run accommodation and will fortify the inner soul as the locals do – with home grown foods and the best local wines. And we carry your luggage, so that you can concentrate on enjoying the mountains, meadows and coasts. Our routes are designed by locals, and have a goal – somewhere great to arrive at.

With the popularity of active holidays on the rise, you won’t be alone in considering a walking holiday in 2026. According to travel operator Explore, interest in the company’s active holidays was up 29 per cent this year, with walking holidays up as much as 52 per cent since before the Covid pandemic. Europe has some epic hiking possibilities for everything from big views and challenging altitudes to gentler lakeside strolls. Walking holidays offer an unique way to explore a destination. Marvel at the dramatic scenery and seascapes that surround you, all while relishing panoramic views of Mount Teide, the towering active volcano and highest peak in Spain. The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Welcome to our carefully curated collection of 15 BRAND-NEW once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Our tours include long-haul icons like the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and Costa Rica’s rainforests. Discover Norway with its stunning Fjords, spectacular scenery and mighty mountain views. From family-run hotels with refreshing pools, to tranquil spas and waterfront hotels located right in the heart of the resort, these properties will provide you with an unforgettable summer holiday.

Our most popular walking holiday destinations

Follow new trails at Connemara National Park and on the west coast of Ireland. The country’s second oldest national park has been undergoing a major expansion and upgrade project, which aims to increase in size by more than 12 per cent and double the network of walking trails. This eight-day walking holiday by Explore in Triglav National Park is full of natural wonders, big vistas and traditional farming villages. It takes in the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj – Slovenia’s largest glacial lake – and Savica Waterfall in the walls of the Komarca Gorge.

Explore some of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe and the world, carefully selected by our walking experts for their scenery, culture and walking variety. A few years after creating the Inghams company, Walter expanded from offering not only skiing holidays, but walking holidays too. Walter offered these throughout the summer months and today, Inghams carries on his enjoyment of walking by making sure you have the opportunity to walk to the best view points across Europe too. Switzerland is a great destination for those wanting to walk or hike, with access to a vast supply of trails through traditional Swiss villages, abundant wildlife and past dramatic views. With over 7,000 lakes and 4,000 snow-capped peaks to explore, Switzerland is a must for walking enthusiasts who crave adventure with a breathtaking backdrop.

Their expertise is invaluable and these are some of the tips that they have to offer. Canada’s finest National Parks, wildlife, trails and Rockies vistas. This holiday runs from Calgary to Vancouver or you can choose the holiday in reverse from Vancouver to Calgary. We have just returned from a wonderful walking trip to the Basque Country, starting in the very rural interior and walking down to the coast at Hondarribia and … We spent just over a week in the eastern foothills of the Picos de Europa, hiking from place to place while our luggage was moved for us. The mid-June landscapes were beautiful, ranging from meadows stuffed with wild flowers and butterflies to bare limestone crags where we spotted an ibex and watched griffon vultures gliding.

The King Charles III England Coast Path is officially open. Discover our guided walking holidays that explore the best sections of the world’s longest coastal trail. Styles range from relaxed scenic walks and coastal trails to more challenging multi-day mountain treks. Whether you’re looking for cultural discovery, time in nature, or a physical challenge, there’s a walking holiday to match your pace and travel style. You can choose from a wide range of walking holidays to suit different interests, fitness levels, and destinations. Options include guided small-group walking holidays or self-guided trips, depending on how you prefer to travel.

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Embark on a voyage of discovery on our Silk Road tours to Central Asia’s intriguing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Please note this is a guide only; you should refer to the specific Holiday Information Sheet for the holiday that you are looking at for detailed day to day itinerary and grading information. There’s surely no better place than Greece to feel the history of millennia under your feet as you walk through ancient landscapes. Redolent of myth and legend, it is considered to be the birthplace of Western civilisation, and of course influenced the development of … The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

• Where in more mountainous areas we use transport to access higher ground with ease.
• Or simply take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of Lake Annecy in France.
• Discover our guided walking holidays that explore the best sections of the world’s longest coastal trail.

Hotel Excelsior Splendide

Upon completion, we always allow ourselves to start talking about our next walk with On Foot Holidays, whether it’s already on the books, or just a daydream. Our hotel‑to‑hotel walking holidays with luggage transfer mean you only carry a light day pack. You simply leave your clearly labelled luggage in reception in the morning, and hey presto, it will be waiting for you at your next hotel. You will only need to carry the bare minimum for the days walk, leaving you free to enjoy the journey.

Explore quaint mountain villages in the Dolomites and serene lakes in France and indulging in world renowned cuisine. Walk through Italy’s wine regions likeTuscany or if you like a touch of luxury, then a relaxing Italy lake holiday is just the ticket. Visit the glamorous waters of Lake Como, Lake Garda’s Bardolino, or Lake Maggiore, and Iseo. And all in Europe’s most stunning locations – unforgettable places you’ll find are best explored on foot. International flights, travel insurance, and some meals are usually not included, but we can often help arrange flights for you. Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

With hand-picked trails and flexible routes, your walking holiday can be as relaxed or active On the website as you like. In many of our resorts you have the chance to join up to two exclusive Inghams guided day walks, led by a professional guide. Each week you can choose from one easy-to-moderate walk and one that’s a bit more challenging – or do both! Your local guide will be your go to for anything you need to know.

We always recommend walking boots over shoes, as they offer your ankles much more support and are long-lasting. Some people like to walk with walking poles, but this is a personal preference. We’ll show you the most amazing walks, the best local flavours, and unmissable sights, so every part of your trip is packed with new discoveries.

Adventures for All

Enjoy independence with the reassurance of expert planning behind you. Exodus offers a wide range of walking holidays, including trips suitable for beginners. Many itineraries feature gentle walks at a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without needing prior hiking experience.

Highly reccomended for anyone interested in wine and good food too! We also added a day in Avignon – equally worthwhile… Great location, beautiful coastal walks, sparsely populated and good food and wine. Everything is just a quick screen-tap away, keeping you safely on the path and leaving you to focus on enjoying the walk.