Our self-guided adventures give you the freedom to explore at your own pace without the hassle of having to find accommodation each night or the worry you might become lost.
On our self-guided hiking trips we prebook your accommodation and, when changing from one overnight location to another, will transfer your luggage for you. We will give you a set of detailed route notes and maps, allowing you either follow the notes, or to explore further afield using the maps. You have the freedom to stop where you like, perhaps linger over lunch or a glass of wine, explore a village and stop to take photos or smell the roses.
Here are some of the best self-guided trips in Europe.
Ireland
8 days from CA$2249
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Comfortable
Ireland - The Ring of Kerry, on Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula, is one of country's most famous sightseeing circuits - and with good reason as it offers spectacular views of beautiful sea and landscapes. The Kerry Way follows a series of hiking trails and farm tracks around the Ring of Kerry, allowing you to access out-of-the-way moors, stunning mountain scenery and forgotten villages. This self-guided holiday along the Ring of Kerry offers you a selection of the best hikes and walks in this part of the Emerald Isle.
Ireland
8 days from CA$2649
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Comfortable
This active trip shows you some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland on foot and by bicycle. Explore Killarney National Park as you hike the old Kenmare road and cycle the glaciated valleys of the stunning Gap of Dunloe. Next, transfer to Dingle, the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula where breathtaking views and splendid seascapes await as you bike to Slea Head, explore Great Blasket Island on two wheels, or hike a spectacular old farmer's track across the peninsula.
United Kingdom
7 days from CA$1749
Physical Rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Comfort Level: Comfortable
It has been called "poetry in the hills" and England's Lake District has certainly been the inspiration for many an author, poet and artist. Craggy mountain tops offering exhilarating vistas of glistening lakes and terns, incredible natural beauty, wonderful hiking trails and a UNESCO World Heritage status makes the Lake District a must-see for any serious walker.
Switzerland
8 days from CA$2179
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Moderate
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Based in Kandersteg we hike the best of them, using cable cars to get us at altitude, and walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
France, Switzerland, Italy
12 days from CA$3349
Physical Rating: Challenging
Comfort Level: Moderate
Alpine meadows and rocky peaks, windswept cols and glaciers, glorious views and some great trekking and hiking. Find all that and more in the Mont Blanc Massif. For experienced hikers, our self-guided Mont Blanc Circuit is the perfect trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Alps of France, Italy and Switzerland.
Italy
8 days from CA$2379
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Comfortable
Craggy peaks towering up to the sky, where wooden farmhouses dot the orchard-clad valleys, where hiking trails lead you from mountain huts to spa resorts to glorious vistas. These are the Dolomites, part Austrian, part Italian, with a culture all its own. During your stay in the village of Dobbiaco/Toblach you get to choose from a menu of half- and full-day hikes, according to your abilities. Use the extensive bus, train and cable car system to get you to and from the trail heads and hike around the famous Tre Cime, through alpine meadows and along limestone escarpments. En-route, don't forget to stop for a treat in one of the chalets!
Italy
8 days from CA$1799
Physical Rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Comfort Level: Moderate
Steep mountains rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where they meet the ocean. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Hike the Path of the Gods and marvel at the views over this, the Amalfi Coast.
Spain
11 days from CA$3149
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Moderate / Comfortable
The Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain is an ancient pilgrimage route, popular with pilgrims and hikers alike. For those who do not want to stay in shared accommodation (as infamously shown in the movie "The Way") and do not want to carry their luggage, this self-guided trip from Cruz de Ferro to Santiago de Compostella along the final section of the Camino Frances, is perfect. Enjoy the best of this hiking route in comfort.
Portugal
14 days from CA$2490
Physical Rating: Moderate
Comfort Level: Moderate
Quieter than the Camino Frances, the Portuguese Camino follows the route the body of the Apostle St. James took en-route his final resting place in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Starting in the city of Porto you walk this ancient pilgrimage route through small hamlets and pretty forests, over ancient bridges and through market towns dating back to the time of the Romans. As your luggage will be transferred for you, all you need to carry is your daypack.
Photo credit: Tim Taylor
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