Step into your next European adventure. Literally
You might have explored the ancient town of Pompeii, but have you ascended Mount Vesuvius with a specialist volcanology guide? Perhaps you’ve skied in Chamonix but never had the time to embark on one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks, the Tour du Mont Blanc? Or maybe you’ve wandered the ancient streets of Sarajevo but never thought to hike into Bosnia’s most remote village? Our walking tours in Europe allow you to experience this fascinating continent in an entirely different way – feet first.
Our Europe walking tours & vacations
7 Days
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1360
Over seven days, join a local leader and small group of likeminded travellers to walk...
10 Days
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2271
Be challenged and be fulfilled on this coastal Camino, starting in Porto and walking...
8 Days
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2345
Soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi Coast on this trip through Naples,...
8 Days
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3249
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
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3888
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
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1737
Take eight days to explore the Lycian Way on a walking adventure that encompasses...
7 Days
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1594
Explore the Roman remains, ruins and castles along UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall in...
11 Days
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2032
Trek from Ribadeo to Santiago Cathedral along the Camino de Santiago’s Northern Way,...
8 Days
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2136
Take an active adventure to experience the gorgeous Cinque Terre area in Italy in the...
8 Days
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2618
Join an International Mountain Leader on an 8-day hiking adventure in the Alps,...
10 Days
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2936
Get your heart racing on this hiking trip that highlights some of the most incredible...
8 Days
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1943
Step off the beaten track in Portugal’s southwest, following an ancient fisherman’s...
6 Days
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1566
Explore Scotland on two legs and conquer Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest peak,...
The great walks of Europe
Wander the Amalfi Coast
It’s no secret that Italy’s Amalfi Coast is one of the prettiest places on earth, but few rarely make the decision to experience more than its pebbled beaches and dine on its Aperol spritz-fueled lunches. Yet this scenic coastline promises unforgettable views from the extraordinary ‘Path of the Gods’ along the Sentiero degli Dei to the mysterious Valley of the Mills. Simply lace up your hiking boots, put one foot in front of the other, and think about the big bowl of spaghetti waiting for you at the end of a day spent in the great Italian outdoors.
Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
Great walks of Europe don’t get any more iconic than the Tour du Mont Blanc, a scenic hiking trail that discovers the staggeringly tall peaks, sparkling lakes, and luscious green fields of the European Alps. Begin your multi-day trek in the charming French town of Chamonix - fueling up with a feast of cheese fondue before you go – and treat your senses to an adventure like no other. From an experienced and highly qualified mountain guide to luggage that’s transferred between accommodations, this is trekking in its easiest form.
Walk along the Camino de Santiago
While relaxing in the coastal town of Porto makes for a great holiday, sometimes you want to take a trip that means a little more. Challenge yourself in a way you never have on a route few have traversed before on a pilgrimage along the Portuguese Camino. Stop in at ancient churches set in storybook towns, wander idyllic landscapes, and retrace the ‘Way of Saint James’ on a journey that promises to change (you in the best way).
Take in the landscapes of the Lycian Way
You'd be forgiven for thinking Lycia in Turkey is straight out of the pages of a fairytale from the dramatic cliffs rising out of the Mediterranean Sea down to cities you’ve likely read about in history books – think Olympos and Sidyma. But the Lycian Way is something else entirely. A path once used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, this seven-day adventure discovers crumbling ruins, unearths centuries of stories, and promises epic views.
Marvel at the Dolomites in northeastern Italy
The Dolomites might not automatically come to mind when you think of the most popular destinations in Italy but once you set your sights on this mountainous region’s rugged beauty and spectacular scenery, you’ll instantly understand why it’s beloved by avid hikers around the world. From snow-capped peaks and emerald green lakes that’ll etch themselves into your memory to a comfy home base in Dobbiaco to return to each night, this trekking adventure will be one for the highlight reel.
Trek the spectacular Rota Vicentina
What Portugal’s Rota Vincentina walking route lacks in icon status, it makes up for in mind-boggling beauty with unforgettable landscapes that’ll leave a lasting impression in your mind (and on your phone’s camera roll). Passing through the sun-drenched regions of Algarve and Alentejo and meandering along a coastal path that’ll take you by sand dunes and across jagged cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean, this once-in-a-lifetime journey showcases the very best of Portugal’s natural charm.
Europe walking tour reviews
Europe walking FAQs
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
We predominantly provide two styles of walking & trekking holidays:
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Center-based – this style of holiday spends all (or majority) of time in the center of the action. Think Chamonix in the French Alps, Dobbiaco in the Dolomites or a rustic hotel in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the comfort of the same room every day (as well as only unpacking once), and a selection of the best restaurants and other attractions in the neighborhood. All you have to do is sit back and relax as we pick the best combination of walks available either directly from the foot of your accommodation or just a short transfer away (often a public bus or train). To put it bluntly – you'll be fairly comfortable while experiencing the best walks and hikes going 'round.
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Point-to-point – this style of holiday makes you walk from one place to the other, pretty much every day. However, we do throw in a rest day every now and then, depending on the region and the amount of hiking we need to cover on a daily basis. On point-to-point tours, you'll start in A and finish in B. Think about the Inca Trail, the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, the Hadrian’s Wall hike, or the Mont Blanc Circuit. In most cases, we'll transfer your main luggage across to the next destination, so all you need to carry is the essentials (water, sun protection, waterproofs, extra layers, snacks, and a camera).
We include accommodation as per the itinerary, as well as transportation to and from trailheads and to all other included activities (note: this transportation is often public as that's the way we like to travel). We also include ALL hiking permits, whether it is in the Himalayas or the US National Parks. On top of that, we provide our highly qualified and experienced leaders to guide you throughout the trip.
We have walks ranging from relatively easy to rather challenging. But no matter what degree of difficulty or distance you choose to walk, we recommend that you have a reasonable level of fitness to ensure that you get the most out of your walk or hike. Try to commit to some type of physical training program around six weeks before you depart. Here are some suggestions: Long walks: go on some long walks of 3-6 hours duration before you leave, wearing the boots you’re taking, and carrying a small backpack to get comfortable with carrying your gear for long stretches. Aerobic exercise: running, distance cycling, and the various aerobic classes offered at gyms (like pump, spin, zumba, and circuit classes) all help to give you fitness and stamina. Strength training: doing body weight training like pushups, squats, dips, lunges, etc. helps to build up your muscle strength, which is needed for the steady climb up a mountain if you’re embarking on this type of hike (bootcamp sessions are perfect for this type of training).
You might think that the best time to go on a walking trip in Europe is during the summer months of June, July, and August, but actually, the shoulder seasons of both spring and autumn are preferable due to lower temperatures and fewer crowds, especially if you're heading to the Mediterranean.
What to pack for a walking trip can depend on how difficult the walk that you plan to do is but generally it's a good idea to make sure you have the below items:
- Backpack/day bag
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Retractable walking poles
- Reusable drink bottle
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
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