The walk follows the course of the Danube in the area known as the Wachau. This is where the Danube is at its most beautiful with sweeping curves framed by hillsides that you will have the opportunity to explore. The mild climate and steep hills make it ideal territory for wine and fruit growing, which adds to the beauty of the valley. The valley has a number of historic towns, The area has outstanding regional food and drink specialities apart from the famous wine there are delicious apricot dishes and many others all making best use of the local produce. Each day you ascend through vineyards, orchards and light forest to achieve wonderful viewing points with stunning vistas over the ever changing River Danube and the surrounding open countryside.
This area of Southern Germany and Northern Austria, commonly referred to as Upper Bavaria invites the trekker to enjoy walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes. You are walking around the towering peaks of the Hochkönig massif of which Mount Hochkönig itself at 2941m stands majestically above all of the others. You start in Germany, walk into Austria on the first walking day and back into Germany on the last. No need for passport checks when crossing borders as both countries are members of the Schengen Agreement (Borderless Europe). You will stay in a hamlet, alpine village, high alpine pass and in a small town in Austria, the first and last night are in Germany right by the beautiful blue-green waters of Lake Konigssee.
The walk is in the area officially called Salzkammergut but is also well known by the name “Austrian Lake District”. It is one of Austria's major walking destinations, featuring crystal clear lakes, set amongst stunning hillsides and mountains and dotted with picturesque villages; photographs of which have topped many a chocolate box. It is not surprising that Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose Bad Ischl to build his summer palace, which you will have the opportunity to visit. The area developed economically after salt was discovered and mining started but now very little remains of the industry, although it still contributes to the economy as a previous salt mine is now open as a visitor attraction. Some of the area has become a World Heritage Site including the towns of Hallstatt and Bad Goisern, places you will be able to browse around.
The trek is in the area officially called Salzkammergut, but is well‑known by the name “Austrian Lake District”. It is one of Austria's major walking destinations, featuring crystal clear lakes, set amongst stunning hillsides and mountains and dotted with picturesque villages; photographs of which have topped many a chocolate box. Many of the location shots in the 1965 film of the phenomenally successful Rodgers and Hammerstein musical ‘The Sound of Music’ are in the Salzkammergut region. It is not surprising that Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria chose Bad Ischl to build his summer palace, which you will have the opportunity to visit. The area developed economically after salt was discovered and mining started although very little now remains of the industry. A former salt mine is still open as a visitor attraction; again you have a chance to visit. Some of the area has been recognised as a World Heritage Site, including the towns of Hallstatt and Bad Goisern, places you will be able to explore.
This walk is located in the wide valley of the Enns, a lively river which flows east to become a tributary of the Danube. The principle town is Schladming, a modest town of 5,000 people it is known throughout the world for its winter sports. Small villages are dispersed along the valley.
The Enns valley is dominated to the north by the stark limestone mountains, of which Dachstein (the ‘Roof Stone’) is the largest. To the south are the peaks of the Schladminger Tauern.
There are pristine landscapes, lush green alpine valleys and charming small villages to explore, some still with houses dating back centuries.
This area of Southern Germany and Western Austria, commonly referred to as the Tirol invites the trekker to enjoy low-level walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes. You will be circumnavigating Zugspitze, a mountain of just under 3000m shared between Austria and Germany. It is Germany’s highest mountain (but not Austria’s) and has two cable cars (one from each country) giving easy access to the peak. You will visit famous ski resorts and old German towns.
Bulgaria has an ancient and rich history the Tracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Slavs and Turks
have all inhabited the country in their time all leaving behind their mark either through buildings language
gastronomy or culture. The country is one of the EC’s newest additions bringing benefits to the visitor.
Santo Antao. This is the most famous walking island and is the second largest. We concentrate on the north east. Here is a spectacular landscape where nature went crazy in Her creation! Jagged peaks, strange rock formations, craters, volcanoes and plunging ravines and valleys filled with lush vegetation are just a few of the characteristics of this amazing island. Deep valleys (Ribeiras) are farmed by the local people and terraces cling to every corner and crevace of the almost sheer valley sides where bananas, cassava and sugar cane are grown along with other seasonal fruuits and vegetables. The coastline is no less dramatic with paths clinging to the cliffsides and offering one of the most amazing coastal walks imaginable - anywhere!
The French Pyrenees are a walker’s paradise; this wondrously diverse and
undulating trek traces the International Greenwich Meridian through Hautes
Pyrenees to the heart of the mountains at Gavarnie,
just a few kilometres from the Spanish border, as the crow flies. The route
starts in the country spa town of Argeles-Gazost and ends at the Cirque
Gavarnie which is a World Heritage site.
Of all the islands in the Mediterranean, Corsica still remains the least well known, least visited and most unspoiled having managed to avoid mass tourism and over development of its coastal resorts. In the centre of the island peaks rise to 2,706 metres (8,878 ft) and there are many more summits extending to over 2,000 metres (6,600ft). This mountainous region covers two-thirds of the island, forming a single chain and challenging access to remote villages perched on crags above river gorges. Much of the lower slopes are covered in cool, green virgin forest. Turquoise sea and golden sands adorn the coastline interspersed with cliffs rising dramatically from the sea. French is the official language but bi-lingual signs indicate the wide use of its own language with similarities to Italian. Cuisine is also a delicious mélange of French and Italian and has popular foods such as pizza and pasta, cured meats and sheep's milk cheeses. In the mountains, wild meat like boar, rabbit, and trout from the many rivers offer variety according to the season.
This area of Southern Germany and North Austria,
commonly referred to as Upper Bavaria invites the trekker to enjoy
walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at
the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes.
You are walking around the towering peaks of Hochkönig massif of which
the Mount Hochkönig itself at 2941m stands majestically above all of
the others. You start in Germany, walk into Austria on the first walking
day and back into Germany on the last. No need for passport checks when
crossing borders as both countries are members of the Schengen
Agreement (Borderless Europe). You will stay in a hamlet, alpine
village, high alpine pass and in a small town in Austria, the first and
last night are in Germany right by the beautiful blue-green waters of
Lake Konigssee.
This area of Southern Germany and Western Austria,
commonly referred to as the Tirol invites the trekker to enjoy low-level
walks with alpine meadows, wonderful mountain views often with snow at
the top, panoramic views across green lush valleys and delightful lakes.
You will be circumnavigating Zugspitze a mountain of just under 3000m
shared between Austria and Germany. It is Germany’s highest mountain
(but not Austria’s) and has two cable cars (one from each country)
giving easy access to the peak. You will visit famous ski resorts and
old German towns.
The Greek island of Corfu is a walker's paradise, and what better way to explore it than walking on the Corfu Trail. It is over 200km long in all is rated as one of the best long distant walks in the world by many. We feature 7 nights on the southern section. This trek explores sand dunes, tranquil valleys and farming villages that time has left behind. You walk through olive groves, past oak and chestnut trees, over rolling hills and along ancient mule paths known as Kalderimi. You are never far from the coast with its dramatic cliffs and long beaches. Corfu has become known for some of its modern resort development, mercifully this is confined to small areas and will only be encountered as an occasional view in the far distance.
The Greek island of Corfu is a walker's paradise, and what better way to explore it than walking on the Corfu Trail. It is over 200km long in all is rated as one of the best long distant walks in the world by many.
The northern section of the island is more mountainous compared to the flatter south, with the highest peak at 911 metres, which you have the option of walking to. Some of the Northern sections are not as well walked as the south and are sometimes a little overgrown; however the underlying paths are of good quality. You will encounter Corfu’s wildest scenery balanced with its most rugged coastline. Deserted villages and sophisticated coastline with scattered, smart villas will entice and allure. Albania may be frequently viewed and at one point is only 4 miles across the sea. You will walk to the end of the trail at Corfu’s most northerly point.
The Greek island of Corfu is a walker's paradise, and what better way to explore it than walking on the Corfu Trail. It is over 200km long in all is rated as one of the best long distant walks in the world by many. We feature the whole trail in 13 nights or you can underatke the southern and northern section as seperate holidays. The Southern section xplores sand dunes, tranquil valleys and farming villages that time has left behind. You walk through olive groves, past oak and chestnut trees, over rolling hills and along ancient mule paths known as Kalderimi. You are never far from the coast with its dramatic cliffs and long beaches. Corfu has become known for some of its modern resort development, mercifully this is confined to small areas and will only be encountered as an occasional view in the far distance.
We have put together a stunning trek combining some of the prime walks South West Crete has to offer taking in three gorges and three coastal sections of the E-4 route. Walk along ancient mule tracks linking coastal villages often still only accessible by boat or on foot with a chance to take a swim in the enticing Libyan Sea along the way. Gorges including the renowned Samaria provide shady contrasts to the coastal sections and a night in Omalos at 1080m provides a feel for the high landscapes of the White Mountains. The walking is of moderate to challenging level with an element of scrambling and several short but potentially vertiginous sections. The only real hazard is dehydration during hotter months which may easily be prevented.
This self-guided 7 day trek has been designed to be as varied as possible making the most of the wonderful terrain in the Exo Mani covering coastal merchants’ routes gorge and hill walking and mountain trails. The 50 mile route starts from the small coastal village of Kardamili and winds its way down the Mani peninsula following the Exo Mani to its border with the Messa Mani.
Oscar Wilde was as accurate as always when he described the West of Ireland’s “savage beauty”. Rugged from the force of the Atlantic, with stunning mountains and cliffs, walking in the coastal regions of Mayo and Connemara reveals secret beaches, the ruins of pre-Famine settlements, holy wells and ancient pilgrim and smugglers’ paths.
Connemara is a fascinating area for naturalists. Growing side by side are alpine plants, mountain avens, and warm weather species such as the maiden fern.
Macedonia is a country of 2 million people, once a part of the former Yugoslavia. It has been independent for 10 years and is in the process of revitalising its tourism appeal to visitors from further afield.
The country of Macedonia is not to be confused with the region of Greece of the same name - and the two Macedonias share a border. There is much polemic surrounding the choice of name of the country, which is unpopular with Greece. This situation is holding back Macedonia's bid to join the EU.
You walk in three of the National Parks of Macedonia and the walking is generally remote, enabling you to experience plenty of the rural life of the country.
Morocco is on the continent of Africa but its culture and religion is middle eastern and its future is seen as European. So a great country to visit, and relish in this diversity. Home to 36 million Moroccans in a country
almost the size of France there is plenty of space, however a large percentage is uninhabitable desert or high
mountains. The cities including Marrakech are busy bustling places steeped in history with souks (markets), mosques, palaces and museums to explore. The countryside by contrast feels like it is standing still, with
mules slowly walking along country roads or mountain tracks, with their burden of farmers’ crops or products for a distant market, as they have been doing for centuries.
The Annapurna region has long been one of the most popular hiking
regions in Nepal. This is not surprising as it offers the hiker an
opportunity to walk through spectacular scenery amongst majestic
mountain peaks. In addition to experience Nepali mountain
life passing through Gurung villages clinging to the mountain sides
where farming has continued unchanged in its methods for centuries, but
now supported by providing hospitality for trekkers. You will walk
through Rhododendron forests which offer an unforgettably colourful sight, and through giant bamboo stands above fast-flowing mountain rivers filled with melt water as they pass through deep gorges.
The Annapurna region has long been one of the most popular hiking regions in Nepal. This is not surprising as it offers the hiker an opportunity to walk through spectacular scenery amongst majestic mountain peaks. In addition to experience Nepali mountain life passing through Gurung villages clinging to the mountain sides where farming has continued unchanged in its methods for centuries, but now supported by providing hospitality for trekkers. You will walk through Rhododendron forests which offer an unforgettably colourful sight, and through giant bamboo stands above fast-flowing mountain rivers filled with melt water as they pass through deep gorges
The Annapurna Region has long been one of the most popular hiking destinations
in Nepal. This is not surprising as it offers the hiker an opportunity to walk
through spectacular varied scenery amongst majestic mountain peaks. In
addition, to experience Nepali mountain life passing through Gurung villages
clinging to the mountain sides where farming has continued unchanged in its
methods for centuries. This way of life
is now supported by providing hospitality for trekkers, both in lodge
accommodation and porters to carry luggage for as with Everest Region, there
are no roads to speak. During a trek up to Annapurna Sanctuary or trekking in
the Foothills, you will walk through Rhododendron forests full of vibrant
colours in Springtime, and through giant bamboos standing above fast-flowing
mountain rivers filled with melt water as they pass through deep gorges. If you
are making the trek to the Sanctuary you will experience all this plus a
beautiful Himalayan amphitheatre surrounded by 6000 metre snow-capped mountains.
A trek to Everest Base Camp with an ascent of Kala Patar to view the highest mountain on earth has to be a truly once in a lifetime experience. However, anyone with a high level of fitness and good stamina can attempt this challenging trek to fulfil their ambition. Although the distance of each hiking day may not always be long, the altitude will undoubtedly have an effect on your walking ability, but we take things slowly and with flexibility offering plenty of time to adjust your body to the altitude
Walking in the Himalaya in Nepal is seen by most walkers as the ultimate trekking destination and few will leave Nepal having undertaken one of the treks we offer without agreeing with this statement. Walking in the lower regions of Everest you will have the opportunity to walk along good paths through Sherpa villages rich in their Buddhist Culture and with much Tibetan influence. Trails go alongside glacier-sourced mountain streams with the highest mountains in the world as a constant backdrop. You will see outstanding physical features in the landscape, visit ancient monasteries, experience life without mechanisation as well as having the opportunity to interact with the local cultures of the people that have been farming this beautiful land for centuries.
A trek to Everest Base Camp with an ascent of Kala Patar to view the highest mountain on earth has to be a truly once in a lifetime experience. However, anyone with a high level of fitness and good stamina can attempt this challenging trek to fulfil their ambition. Although the distance of each hiking day may not always be long, the altitude will undoubtedly have an effect on your walking ability, but we take things slowly and with flexibility offering plenty of time to adjust your body to the altitude.
You start in an area of Poland that is a very popular walking territory for the Polish people but surprisingly not frequented by other European walkers. You start in the low Carpathian Mountains but always with the sight of the High Tatras, your ultimate goal, spectacularly rising in the distance. Life in this area of rural Poland appears to have changed little over the years; both men and women continue to work the land with horses and wooden implements, you will see and experience this first hand. Your destination of the High Tatra Mountains is one of the best walking areas in Europe and attracts walkers from throughout the world.
The Bieszczady mountains lie in the far south-east of Poland, in the Eastern Carpathians, bordering Slovakia and the Ukraine. The countryside is characterised by the ridge-and-valley pattern - long mountain ridges stretching parallel to one another. It is the most underpopulated and underdeveloped of the Polish mountains and ideal for hiking. There are unique mountain meadows - the polininy - above primeval forest which offer sanctuary to wild animals such as the lynx and wolves. The peaks offer mountain panoramas of unusual beauty and vastness.
Why not take the opportunity to stay in the countryside in small hotels and experience Madeira to the full?We have put together an itinerary for a walking holiday in Madeira which takes in levadas coastal walks and high mountain trails. The hotels are all family owned and therefore you are assured of a fine welcome and the quality local food will be something to look forward to at the end of a day’s walking. Your luggage is transferred for you between the hotels and sometimes you will be transferred by car to the finest paths that Madeira has to offer. You have a free day in Funchal at the end of the holiday so you can experience the island’s capital its old town shops and restaurants.
A chance to visit the enticing and less populated Western region of Madeira offering both coastal and mountain walking. Stay in just three hotels starting high in the mountains progressing to a small coastal village in the north-west and finishing on an impressive cliff top location with fine views of the south-west coast. Your route follows coastal and mountain paths and delightful levadas winding their way around dramatic hillsides. You will be rewarded with stunning vistas of the varying landscape of this side of the island.
"Every known superstition in the world is gathered into the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool.” So says the narrator of Dracula, the late 19th century English novel of Victorian superstions that used this area of Romania to represent something on the edge of civilisation. A trip to this part of the world is to enter a maelstrom of natural sensation. There is everywhere a bewildering mass of flora and fauna. Profusions of trees and flowers and grasses are barely touched by agricultural exploitation. Be alert, however, for roe deer and chamoix and hedgehogs and rodents, plus the sight and sound of the area’s 190 bird species. Transylvania is a country full of beauty of every kind, sometimes little towns or castles on the top of steep hills. This trek rises daily through Carpathian lower reaches, a green land full of forests and woods, with here steep hills crowned with clumps of trees, and there villages newly built in a riot of colour and style. Smile and say Boo Naa (Hello) and you’ll meet open-faced strangers who say all the country people show “hospitality, flexibility, honesty”. The message is that tourists are welcome.
El Hierro is the least known, and most westerly, of the Canary Islands. It has escaped mass tourism and is therefore free of giant hotels and apartment complexes. The population is only 10,000, giving a very different feel to the other Canarian islands. The Herrenõs are fiercely proud of their island and although they are generally against mass tourism they are very welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate the environment, such as walkers, naturalists and divers.
This trek is one of magnificent ever-changing vistas with far-reaching views to the sea as you walk across the central mountains of Gran Canaria. We have researched a north to south route across the island linking family run hotels taking in a wide variety of spectacular scenery which will have you wondering why you have not walked here before. We are particularly proud of this holiday as we are the only walking company to offer such a trek on this island. It was only possible to put it together using extensive local knowledge.
This trek takes you across the island from east to west giving you the opportunity of seeing the best landscapes that La Gomera has to offer. We descend into deep valleys walk through formerly cultivated terraced fields and pass by a unique laurel forest which is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some long and tough days but the route ensures that you experience all aspects of this beautiful and tranquil island. You will pass through Gomerean villages that in many respects continue traditions going back to pre-Spanish conquest. You will enjoy many stunning vistas taking in the ever present coastline on this small island.
The Gredos mountains are a spectacular range with wild scenery and abundant wild life with the highest peak at 2592m. We have put together a two centre holiday where you experience the contrasts of the two sides of the Gredos. The north side is the more rugged and remote of the two the area being criss-crossed by fast flowing mountain streams which also flow through the small villages inhabited mostly by farmers. Cross the ridge to the south and the scenery is softer with larger villages set amongst orchards and vineyards still with the backing of the impressive ridge of the Gredos. The walking scenery and wildlife are more than enough reason to visit this beautiful area. However combined with two delightful hotels they make the whole proposition irresistible. The hotels are both family run havens with food of the highest quality and rooms of excellent individual décor and finish. You have 4 nights in the Milano and 3 nights in the Esquiladores.
The Alpujarra is one of the most wild and undiscovered mountain ranges of Spain stretching from the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada down to the Mediterranean below. Life has changed little since the Moors first cultivated the terraces many centuries ago and you are likely to see the farmers tending the land with their mules and the local women washing clothes in the village springs or shelling almonds by hand. The tiny whitewashed villages which cling to the mountain side are linked by the ancient track of the Camino Real or GR7 and you will walk amongst olive and almond groves crossing tiny mountain springs with the snow capped mountains above and the Mediterranean in the distance below. Whatever the season, whether it is the stunning almond blossom in February and March, the flowers of late spring and early summer or the colours and fruits of autumn (when you will be able to pick almonds wild figs mulberries and grapes along your route) you are unlikely to bump into any other walkers apart from the odd shepherd tending his herds. Sometimes the route takes you high into the Sierra amongst pine forests where you may see ibex, birds of prey or even wild boar.
This hotel to hotel trek has been specifically deigned to reveal many aspects of this beautiful part of Catalonia; you will walk along the "wild coast" with its miles of coastal cliffs solitary beaches and coves with crystal clear water. You will walk inland through the Aiguamolls Nature Reserve where innumerable seabirds and songbirds have settled. You will walk up mountain trails offering spectacular views sweeping far into the Pyrenees.From the coast to the mountains from sea to crag from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – the diverse and changing natural landscapes exert a powerful attraction to walkers. To walk here is a revelation.
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The eastern Pyrenees offer the hiker all the attributes of high mountain walking along with exploration of the lower foothills. Close to the Mediterranean it is a region of great geological interest with mountain peaks plunging to deep valleys where stone built villages nestle beside rushing rivers. Rare flowers, glaciated lakes and soaring birds of prey add to its appeal and all is enhanced by the proud warm-hearted people of Catalunya and the special culture unique to this part of Spain.
This trek takes you through some of the most stunning scenery to be found in this part of Spain. It is a journey of discovery through beautiful Mediterranean countryside with overnight stays whitewashed Moorish villages. As you walk through terraces of oranges lemons and olives first cultivated by the Moors over 1000 years ago you will enjoy the sights and scents of a multitude of fragrant flowers and herbs. Your ascents are rewarded by viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. We use accommodation that will blend in with the journey and heighten the experience.
Our Maestrazgo trek provides walkers with the rare opportunity to travel through a little known region of Spain which remains untouched by the modern world. Straddling the regions of Teruel and Aragon in Northeast Spain Maestrazgo has been designated an area of outstanding cultural interest and natural beauty. Overnight stays are often in villages founded by the Knight Templar, El Cid, castellated strongholds perched on rocky crags above deep ravines. Walking between villages each day offers ever changing awesome landscapes. Jagged mountains rivers and canyons moorlands and forests all interspersed with fields where farmers continue to eke out a living as their ancestors have done for generations. As yet Maestrazgo is little known by walkers and tourists. We think this is heaven!
This walk across the Pyrenees is part of the 500 mile Camino Frances or French Way to Santiago de Compostela. It is generally considered to be the most spectacular section and is an outstanding walk in its own right even if you are not a pilgrim, but are looking for a great trek. It’s a route of changing and contrasting scenery with a good balance of daily distances and varied landscapes and from here at the start of the Camino, the route passes through one of the most beautiful regions in Spain. St Jean in the Basque lands of France is a well preserved gem of a village nestling high on the French side of the Pyrenees providing
a charming and attractive start to the trek. Crossing the Pyrenees on the first day may be tough, but there is a choice of two routes; the higher and the lower less challenging Route de Valcarlos. Either way, the next destination is the monastic settlement of Roncesvalles nestling in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. Here, the experience of walking an ancient pilgrims route truly begins. From Roncesvalles, the Camino follows mountain streams through ancient forests and colourful Basque villages to Pamplona – Navarra. After an afternoon, or perhaps a rest day exploring the walled city of Pamplona, famous for its constant fiestas and party atmosphere, you continue along the route into Spain’s infamous Rioja wine producing region. Villages are compact, historic and superbly maintained with their houses buried beneath a profusion of flowers. The trek ends in Logrono – a working city focused on wine production rather than tourism.
The Picos de Europa (literally translated as the Peaks of Europe) are without doubt are the most impressive mountains in all of Spain. It is a compact range of mountains no more than 30 miles long and 15 miles wide but within it's confines there is some spectacular walking with stunning scenery that will not disappoint. Our trek takes in all the best that the Picos offers. A single base is not practical due to the long drives around the mountain range... you just walk over it.
If you wish to walk just the last 100km please here The famous Way of St. James, otherwise known as the Camino de Santiago, is a five hundred mile trail across northern Spain which has been walked by pilgrims for over 1000 years. For most, the Camino ends at the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – the final resting place of St. James the Apostle, although a further few days of walking takes the pilgrim to ‘the end of the earth’ at Finisterre with its downward pointing scallop shell signifying the actual ending and where Pilgrims once burned their boots. Our fully flexible hotel to hotel trek can offer any combination of the stages between Pamplona and Santiago. Setting off from Pamplona, the route crosses La Rioja, an area rich in vineyards and rolling hills – reputedly the most attractive section of the Camino. Leaving Burgos, the route traverses the hauntingly beautiful plains of the Meseta in the province of Castilla y Leon making its way to the culturally rich city of Leon. From Leon the Camino crosses the Cordillera Cantabrica - reaching the highest point along the entire route, into Galicia - an autonomous region of Spain with its own special culture and language of Galego (although Spanish is widely understood). Many people choose to walk just the last week from the mountain village of O Cebreiro (1310m) to Santiago still qualifying for their Pilgrim Certificate.
If you wish to walk more than just the last 100km please click here Do you wish to complete a lifelong ambition in walking part of the St James’ Way (el Camino) but have concerns about your ability to do so? This special version of the final week of the Camino walking into Santiago could be the trek for you!
Here we offer a 7 night holiday during which you complete the final 100km of the St James’ Way - all you need to walk to become an official Pilgrim in Santiago and qualifying for a Pilgrim Certificate. The days are shorter than the full version of this trek leaving you plenty of time to complete each day at your own pace and still have time to explore your destination before dinner.
This trek takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery that Switzerland has to offer crossing two major passes and combining stays in small Swiss towns and villages with hotels high on the passes. You walk within sight of some of Switzerland’s most stunning peaks: Titlis Jungfrau and Eiger to name but a few. You will view magnificent glaciers as you walk which feed many of the mountain streams you cross. At the end of a day’s walking you are assured of a friendly welcome at each of our hotels with meals prepared from fresh local ingredients.
An amazing trek crossing Switzerland’s high mountain passes linking alpine valleys. In these lush, green valleys nestle pretty Swiss villages where you have your overnight accommodation. This trek is from Murren to Gstaad.
Although the trek is entirely in the Valais (Wallis in German) you walk from the French speaking area to one that is Swiss German spoken. Alpine flowers carpet the valleys early in the season extending to high passes throughout Summer. Here the high Alps are at their most majestic.
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A wild natural landscape featuring the ancient Castle of Tarasp, the Baths of Scuol, the Romanisch culture varying from village to village rich in tradition but nevertheless innovative and modern. This is the Lower Engadine situated on the southern side of the Alps, a valley far away from the busy tourist routes; it is a valley ‘waiting to be discovered’. This journey is especially enjoyable combining the beautiful timeless villages rich in culture and tradition and with their own unique architecture and walking high on the valley sides with far ranging views over the Alps. The local language is Romansch the least spoken of the four official languages of Switzerland - but do not worry as English is widely understood.
The Wildstrubel is one of Switzerlands‘ highest peaks rising to over 3,250m and circumnavigating this magnificent mountain is an ancient trail which has now become the renowned Wildstrubel Trek. The trek passes through more than one region of Switzerland offering a contrast between the German speaking Bernese Oberland and the predominately French speaking Valais. Scenery, lanscapes and culture also contrast with the Bernese Oberland - very much‚ high mountain with alpine characteristics whilst the Valais is more gentle and warm with vineyards adorning the steep slops as they fall away from the high peaks above. In crossing from one side to the other you traverse the Gemmi Pass - one of the highest, remotest and indeed, oldest mountain passes in all of Switzerland closest to some of largest remaining glaciers in the country.
On this walk you are always tracking the coast line which is truly spectacular. Rugged cliffs of pine forests plunge into turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Between them are small bays of sand and shingle accessible only by boat or on foot. You quickly leave the area of tourism development and are soon surrounded by Turkish rural life which has changed little over the centuries. You pass through villages clinging to the mountain side where the inhabitants eke out a living farming on the not so fertile land. You walk through pine forests with the beautiful resin filled air so evocative of this area. You are in area that has been inhabited for centuries and testament to this is the many historical sites you will visit, dating back beyond roman times to a pre-classical period. All in a truly spectacular landscape.
On this trek you will experience the more extreme, dramatic and
challenging section of the Lycian Way as the trail nears its end in
Antalya’s Old Town. Basically, it is the Grand Finale with soaring
peaks, deep river gorges and sheer cliffs…..but we feature this section
in reverse and with a rearrangement of the walks to ease the difficulty.
You will experience the shaded tranquillity of deep river gorges
crossing crystal clear waters, bathing in natural pools formed by
natural erosion in the riverbeds. There are serene green valleys filled
with lush pastures and grazing cows. Start with a superb coastal walk
from Tekirova to Cirali and from here transfer to the pretty green
village of Beycik. If a day relaxing by the pool with a book is
appealing then do just that, or walk up towards Tahtali Dagi (Mt Olympos
at 1750m).
Austria
Bulgaria
Cape Verde
Dominica
France
France - Corsica
Germany
Greece - Corfu
Greece - Crete
Iceland
Ireland
Macedonia
Malta - Gozo
Morocco
Nepal
Poland
Portugal - Azores
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain - Canary Islands
St. Lucia
Switzerland
Turkey
Guided Walking
You start in an area of Poland that is a very popular walking territory for the Polish people but surprisingly not frequented by other European walkers. You start in the low Carpathian Mountains but always with the sight of the High Tatras, your ultimate goal, spectacularly rising in the distance. Life in this area of rural Poland appears to have changed little over the years; both men and women continue to work the land with horses and wooden implements, you will see and experience this first hand. Your destination of the High Tatra Mountains is one of the best walking areas in Europe and attracts walkers from throughout the world.
