Journey by foot through the little-known region of Tuscany between Pontremoli and the walled town of Lucca along the Via Francigena, the Italian Camino. The Via Francigena has experienced a recent revival and is now one of the most exciting pilgrimage trails in Europe. This section of the trail takes you through a little-known region of Tuscany. Starting in Pontremoli, in the heart of the Lunigiana region where the green hills are dotted with fine castles, you will descend to the sea in Versilia. Enjoy the coastal scenery as you walk along the sandy beaches and during the warmer months you can happily stop for a swim en route. Leaving the coast behind, you will head back toward the Tuscan hills. You can visit the fascinating artists' workshops in Pietrasanta, known as the Italian Athens, which rests at the foot of the Apuan Alps. The highlights continue as you reach the walled town of Lucca, one of the most captivating old town centres of Tuscany.
Ascend high passes of the Austrian Alps on foot and journey along picturesque valleys by bike. Cycle the serene alpine valleys and hike among the peaks of the Austrian Alps on this active trip from Innsbruck to Salzburg. Enjoy a variety of experiences as you travel through lush meadows, dramatic gorges and postcard-perfect villages. Walk to the dramatic Krimml Waterfalls – one of Europe’s highest – and explore peaceful ski towns nestled in the Zillertal Valley. Ride scenic cycle paths past traditional alpine huts, take a guided visit to the Moserboden hydroelectric dam, and discover local heritage at a salt mine or brewery. Evenings are spent in handpicked hotels, where you can relax with hearty regional meals and warm Austrian hospitality.
Walking toursBicycle tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zillertal
Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zillertal, Krimml, Zell Am See, Kaprun, Lofer
Santorini and Naxos are two of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades but here is where the similarity ends. Santorini feels like no other place on earth: an ancient island that endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history. Here everything is bright like the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the lapis lazuli sea and the sunsets that light up the caldera. Whilst the towns and beaches are understandably popular, the walking opportunities on the island are numerous, through volcanic landscapes and along spectacular cliffs along a series of mule tracks. Naxos on the other hand is the largest of the Cyclade islands with some of Greece's best white sand beaches, a smattering of ancient ruins and a lively town. Away from the coast, life has changed little in the last century. Traditional farming practices abound in a landscape of fertile valleys home to 1000 year old olive groves and impressive mountains beckoning to be climbed. One day is spent ascending the highest mountain of the area: Mt Zas. From its summit enjoy breathtaking views of olive-orchards set in sharp contrast with the deep blue Aegean Sea. The pace of the holiday is dictated by you, with plenty of opportunity after the walks to swim in the sea or hotel pool, wander through markets in the small towns and relax at a taverna to watch the sunset.
The walk was very satisfying. It was tougher than we expected however. Especially the Le Monastier to Le Bouchet. The app worked well for the most part. I would say all accommodation was good with the exception of one where the hotel room was very small and the staff not that helpful.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
The Way of St. James, Southern F
The Way of St. James, Southern France, Le Puy-en-Velay, Arlempdes, Pradelles, La Bastide Puy Laurent, Bleymard, Le Pont De Montvert, Florac
Experience superb walking through the spectacular Irish countryside near Dublin. The Wicklow Way is Ireland's oldest waymarked trail, pioneered by a famous hill walker, J.B Malone over 40 years ago and reveals some of Irelands finest views. Think Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure Valley and historical Glendalough. The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of approx 127 kilometres (79 miles). This 9-day trip covers the full Wicklow Way. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin. For those a little shorter on time, there is a 7-day option that starts in Tinahely and takes you to Dublin.
The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of Ireland's most spectacular upland areas. The Wicklow Way explores unspoilt trails, remote scenery, lakes, glacial valleys, forests and gentle farmland. Starting in southwest County Wicklow, the route passes through rural communities, old market towns and grand estates on its way to the bright lights of Dublin. Hiking near Dublin means a straightforward connection to the start of your trip, which is the small typical 'one street' village of Clonegal. An apt starting place for this walk into the remote and beautiful Wicklow Mountains. It is a route that remains mainly in the countryside making the short detours necessary to find a comfortable bed for the night.
A couple of fairly long but gentle days introduce you to the Newry Forest and over high points of Moylisha and Stookeen Hill to the 17th century village of Shillelagh and then on to the beautiful village of Tinahely. Quiet roads, forest trails and open mountainsides, with views back towards Clonegal and across the neighbouring counties of Carlow and Wexford, lead to Moyne and on to the most dramatic stages of the walk. A magnificent day's walk includes the spectacular Ow valley that passes below Wicklow's highest mountain, Lugnaquilla (925m), and along the 16km long glaciated Glenmalure Valley. This walk ends at the scattering of houses and splendid inn that make up Glenmalure hamlet. If climbing out of the Glenmalure Valley doesn't literally take your breath away then the fantastic views and the Glenmalure Waterfall probably will. Cross Mullacor Mountain and walk into Glendalough, 'the valley of two lakes' and site of a monastic settlement (from the 6th to the 13th century) for a little sightseeing. A short vehicle transfer gets you on the road to Oldbridge near Roundwood, which claims to be Ireland's highest village. The Penultimate day's walk is to the charming area around the village of Enniskerry. It is a mini classic with views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay. At the head of the valley is the Guinness family estate and later in the day enjoy views of Powerscourt Waterfall, the longest in the country. The last walk goes over Prince William's Seat for views across the city of Dublin, now in striking distance for some afternoon sightseeing and a lively evening in the city centre or one of its many fine restaurants.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Dublin, Bunclody, Shillelagh, Ti
Dublin, Bunclody, Shillelagh, Tinahely, Moyne, Glenmalure, Glendalough, Enniskerry, Marlay Park
Croatia's Istrian Peninsula is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Buckets of historical charm, endless rolling hills, pretty medieval villages and delectable cuisine. Combined with dramatic coastal scenes, pristine wilderness preserved in national parks with impressive waterfalls, endemic flora and a maze of walking trails, this is an ideal destination for active travellers. On this week long walking holiday, discover the Venetian styled village of Motovun with its striking hilltop setting, surrounded by vineyards and truffle forests. Explore Brijuni (or Brioni in Italian) National Park where ancient pine forests meet with the azure coastal waters and the Ucka Nature Park where an ascent to Mount Vojak (1401m) will reveal sweeping views of the Istrian Peninsula from the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to the Adriatic. During the trip there are plenty of opportunities to swim, relax in small cafes and experience the local culinary specialties, while at night stay in handpicked hotels and pensions specially chosen for their great atmosphere.
This is a wonderful walking/sailing holiday where you can see places in Turkey that you wouldn't see on a typical tour. It was amazing to be hiking and stumble across ancient ruins in many places -- and not see a single other person. I imagined that I was walking in the footsteps of Homer.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover the beauty and history of the Balkans on an eight-day Premium adventure that travels from Croatia through Bosnia and Herzegovina to Belgrade. Walk the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, sample excellent Balkans wines, learn about the war years in Sarajevo, stop by the famed Old Bridge of Mostar and discover Tara National Park’s spectacular scenery on foot. Ride the rails on a historic steam train, then if the night is calling, discover the lively nightlife of Belgrade – your knowledgeable local leader is always on hand with the best suggestions. Combine battle zones, beaches, bunkers and bars on a comfortable adventure that melds past with present and travel with a small group of like-minded travellers.
AdventureSightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A self guided walk along the original Camino trail used by pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrim's trail to Santiago de Compostela is one of the great historical 'long distance footpaths' through Europe. According to legend, it all began in the 9th century when the bones of the apostle St James, beheaded in Palestine, miraculously appeared in a village in what is now Galicia. Word spread around the Christian world, reaching (among others) King Alfonso II of Asturias. He undertook the pilgrimage, travelling through dark woods and daunting mountains, from Oviedo to Lugo to Santiago and invited fellow kings and noblemen to follow in his footsteps. The 'original' route became very popular in the early Middle Ages when areas south of the Cantabrian mountains were continuously at war. Walked by millions of 'peregrinos' over the centuries, this self-guided walk reveals the beautiful natural settings, captivating historical monuments, gorgeous rural farmland and authentically friendly villages of northern Spain. Near Lugo, the 'Camino Primitivo' joins the more popular French route.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lugo, Oviedo, Sama De Grado, Tin
Lugo, Oviedo, Sama De Grado, Tineo, Campiello, Berducedo, Grandas De Salime, Paradavella
What a fabulous week we had walking in Andalucía, Spain in and around the National Park of Grazalema. Everything worked perfectly: from collection at the train station, great accommodation, transference of baggage and taxi collection between villages. Our hosts where helpful and the accommodation of an excellent standard. And then there was the walk - sublime! A diverse range of tracks through magnificent landscapes, over rocky mountains, across high plains, along paths lined with wild flowers taller than me, and beside rivers. As we were walking in June, there were no other walkers, so if you are planning to walk and socialise, pick a cooler time of year. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!
