The 24 Best Trips to Explore in 2024
The active travel masterminds at UTracks have put their heads together to compile the greatest walking and cycling holidays to take in 2024.
From visiting European Capitals of Culture, to navigating the Olympics, to perennial favourites, you can find the best active trips that are on trend in 2024.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and there are plenty of amazing European journeys that don't feature on our list. If possible, our 2024 must-travel list would contain at least 450 trips (i.e. the complete range of UTracks tours) and be in a fully randomised order! Alternatively, you can see what were the
most popular tours of 2023.
Read on to discover the 24 best trips to explore in 2024.
With the 2024 Olympics being held in Paris, the world's attention is on France. The Champagne region is just under two hours by train from Paris. Exploring this region by bike reveals so much more to Champagne than endless vineyards. There are forests, interspersed with quiet trails along the Marne River, leading to charming villages.
Spend time in Reims and the surrounding vineyards, with ample rewards for your cycling effort as you pedal between villages and wine cellars. The cycle route ends in the capital of Champagne, Epernay, where you can visit the underground cellars of Moët and Chandon.
The Dolomites are amongst the most striking of all European mountains. Although not exceptionally high (the highest peak is Marmolada at 3342m), they rise in steep limestone spires, coloured in weathered hues of rose, yellow, white and grey.
Below the peaks bright green meadows come alive with wild flowers all summer, while the lower valleys are full of orchards, vineyards and a chequerboard of cultivated fields. Enjoy one of the most spectacular walking holidays in all of Italy on a guided or self-guided walk.
With its rich history, relaxed pace and sublime landscapes painted in a brilliant palette, Provence has been seducing artists, authors, walkers and cyclists for centuries.
Postcard-perfect scenes abound—sloping vineyards, sunny olive groves and lavender-strewn meadows, ruined Roman cities, medieval castles and busy market towns, the foothills of the Alpilles, hilltop villages of the Luberon, and glitzy beaches of the French Riviera. Provence is a fabulous destination for a walking or cycling holiday.
The Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania's hills are known as a mysterious and spectacular land, made famous by Bram Stoker's legend of Dracula.
Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this fascinating region, cycling through untouched villages and soaking up the friendly atmosphere will be the lasting legacy on this inspiring journey by bike. In the evening stay in small comfortable guesthouses and feast on local cuisine, soaking up the unique culture of the region.
'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. The Northern Way follows the northern coast of Spain through dynamic cities such San Sebastian, Santander and Bilbao.
Given its coastal route, the Camino Norte is also referred to as the “Ruta de la Costa”. It provides a cooler option in summer and is quieter than the more famous
Camino Frances route.
Discover the historically rich wine growing region of Moselle on this fascinating ride following the Moselle Bike Path from Trier to Koblenz. This ride is mainly on paved roads and dedicated bike trails, which makes it much easier to enjoy the many cultural highlights and regional delights to be found along the Moselle River. This is a perfect introductory tour to self-guided cycling in Europe.
Known for its captivating beauty and rich historical significance, the Lycian Coast offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Stretching along the southwestern part of Turkey, the Lycian Coast is a treasure trove of scenic landscapes, ancient ruins, and charming coastal villages. Lace up your hiking boots or fill your bike panniers and set off on a journey that will take you through a tapestry of turquoise waters, rugged mountains, and lush green valleys.
Wind your way from the elegant city of Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path. Crossing the Austria - Slovak border the cycle route passes vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains into the capital, Bratislava. Using quiet country roads this itinerary continues into Hungary where you will pedal through numerous delightful towns.
Explore the Baroque city of Györ and visit the unusual artist village of Szentendre and its outlying island before heading to Budapest on this magnificent self-guided, hotel-based cycle tour.
On this trip, sample the highlights of the southern section of the Sörmland Trail, a 1000 kilometre long lowland hiking trail extending from Stockholm south to Nyköping and beyond.
There are opportunities to swim at beaches along the Bråviken coastline, spot a variety of bird species in the unspoiled forests and stop for picnics beside glistening lakes. To truly appreciate the local culture, stay in handpicked eclectic B&Bs and guesthouses and embrace the warm character of the region through its genuine hospitality and classic Swedish cuisine.
Countless islands in crystal clear water, deeply fissured cliffs, picturesque beaches and numerous small bays are the typical features of Croatia's stunning Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic.
Spend a week discovering the landscape and people of this unique island world by bike, independently and with the aid of knowledgeable tour guides. Based on a deluxe motor yacht, our floating accommodation, discover the charm of the Adriatic.
For true connoisseurs of mouth-watering food, truffles and fabulous wines, the Italian region of Piedmont is a foodie's paradise. Situated between the Alps and the Apennine mountains, the Langhe region is naturally blessed with fertile lands that produce the Tuber Magnatum - a prized white truffle - as well as some of Italy's most prestigious red wines: the Barolo and Barbera.
This walking trip along the quiet footpaths in Piedmont will allow you to discover a tantalizing array of local specialties including gourmet cheeses, pastries and chocolates that are appreciated the world over.
While the food is worth a visit alone, the walking can also be described as mouth-watering. Hike amidst a magnificent landscape of rolling hills dotted with small picturesque villages, elegant castles and feudal towers. On a clear day the views of the snow-capped Alps can be enjoyed while walking through the delightful vineyards and hazelnut forests.
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; Powerscourt Waterfall, Luggala, Loch Dan, Glenmalure and historical Glendalough.
The trail extends from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal on the borders of Wicklow and Carlow covering a distance of 127 kilometres (79 miles). The way winds through the Wicklow Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular upland areas. The advantage of walking south to north means you will finish your walk in Dublin.
The Estonian student city of Tartu is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024 and is just a short trip from Tallinn, where the Treasures of the Baltics Cycle tour concludes.
Discover the contrasting characters of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on this scenic self guided cycle route from Tallinn to Vilnius. While these three countries share the same Baltic coastline, their cultural differences will become apparent as you pedal at your own pace between the three capitals - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn - and the many small villages that have changed little over time.
Following low traffic roads and dedicated cycle paths, the trip will showcase the diverse cultures, World Heritage sites and largely flat landscapes that make travelling in this region so different to anywhere else in Europe.
The Portuguese Coastal Route is one of the quieter Camino paths and it offers a wealth of history. From the town of Viana do Castelo, not far from the city of Porto, the journey travels north through small hamlets, past eucalyptus and pine woods, over ancient bridges and along stunning coastal scenery.
You can now explore 9 sections of the South West Coast Path with UTracks, as we've added another 3 tours to our repertoire for 2024. The scenery along the South West Coast Path is spectacular. There are expansive views which highlight an enormous wealth of coastal scenery. From rugged cliffs to sandy beaches, from sleepy coves to marsh, capes and headlands.
The South West Coast region is very much a holiday county with beaches, famous Cornish pasties, pirates, shipwrecks and the roaring sea. It has been voted Britain’s favourite holiday region and for many good reasons. UTracks offers a number of week-long, self guided South West Coast Path walking holidays along our favourite sections in Cornwall.
If you're looking for the quintessential Dutch cycling experience, look no further. This self guided cycling trip in The Netherlands combines several all-time favourite cities; Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda, each unique and brimming with typical old world Dutch character.
The ride is perfect for a first time cycle trip or for those looking to slow down the pace. Each day's cycling distance is relatively short, allowing you time to explore out of the saddle and take in the highlights of each city or linger en route over a cheese tasting or coffee. Between the cities, the cycling route meanders through the quiet Dutch countryside, where you will encounter polders, windmills, fields of flowers (in the spring time), lakes and rivers. The itinerary really does provide a week long experience of the classic Dutch cultural and countryside gems.
Taking extra time to slow down and enjoy being in the moment is on trend for 2024, which is why our rambler walks are so popular.
A rambler walking tour includes extra days in an itinerary. This allows trails to be more accessible and achievable for walkers. There are many reasons to choose a rambler walking holiday. The extra days allows more time for tired limbs to recover. The distances walked each day are shortened as they're spread over more days. Or, if you simply want to slow down and smell the roses, a rambler hike lets you do just that.
At UTracks, we offer rambler options on famous routes such as the Camino de Santiago, Tour du Mont Blanc, and England's Coast to Coast. However, it is possible to customise any tour with extra days to create your own rambler tour - just speak with our staff.
The Canal du Midi was built by Pierre Paul Riquet in the 17th century, overcoming great obstacles to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic through the Garonne Canal. The best way to appreciate all facets of the canal is by bike.
Stretching 240km from Toulouse to Sète, the canal travels through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural treasures. Discover the legends of the Cathars as you cycle to Carcassonne, one of Europe's most impressive medieval cities. Immerse yourself in the pretty tree lined canal scenery and the culinary delights of small villages. At day's end your luggage awaits you in a range of specially chosen family run hotels and with the relaxed pace of the cycling there will be time for sightseeing or soaking up the atmosphere in a local café.
With over 130,000 pilgrims starting their Camino from Sarria in 2023, there is no doubt that this will continue to be a very popular launch point for the Camino de Santiago!
This final stage of the famous Camino pilgrimage route offers the chance for time-starved travellers to walk the final 115kms into Santiago and gain a wonderful appreciation of the historic significance of the route. The gates of Galicia lead on to the fabled Santiago de Compostela with its famous cathedral, the site of the tomb of St James.
In the Ionian sea off the west coast of Greece and beyond the southern tip of the Peloponnese lie the idyllic Ionian Islands, the perfect setting for a cruising and cycling adventure. Travelling from Corfu, this journey leads you to some of the less visited regions in Greece.
Discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, mountainous Kefalonia, and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. Cruising from island to island, we'll spend plenty of time ashore exploring fishing villages and historic sites by bike or just relaxing and enjoying the authentic Greek hospitality.
The Rota Vicentina is a long-distance footpath which opened in 2013 and represents a successful eco-tourism initiative to develop low impact tourism in a relatively untouched region of Portugal.
Explore the Alentejo region, a contrasting landscape of wild beauty, where tourists rarely visit despite endless beaches and authentic fishing villages. Following this dramatic coast where wildflowers and butterflies keep company with just a handful of hikers, there is ample opportunity to take a swim or a rest break overlooking the endless ocean. In the evening, enjoy carefully handpicked accommodation where your hosts take pride in the cuisine and culture of the region and where delicious seafood and delectable wine is standard.
The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnights in cosy mountain refuges or charming village gîtes.
2. The Islands of the Mediterranean (Walk or Cycle)
With season 2 of the White Lotus TV show propelling Sicily to the top of everyone's must-visit lists, the islands of the Mediterranean have never been more keenly desired by travellers. But it's not just Sicily you can explore; discover Corsica, Sardinia, Madeira, the Canary Islands, plus the many islands of Greece, Croatia and Turkey.
Do your senses a favour and go on a walking or cycling tour in Austria's beautiful Salzkammergut region.
Salzkammergut is a playground for fans of the great outdoors. Located in the northern region of Austria, Salzkammergut is full of hiking trails and cycling paths that highlight the stunning lakes, mountains, and postcard-perfect villages of the area. Salzkammergut is known as the Austrian Lakes District. The town of Bad Ischl, the gateway to the Salzkammergut, is one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024.
The name of Salzkammergut translates to 'Salt Chamber Possessions' in English, which comes from the regions mining heritage. Ever since the Iron Age, miners have been toiling inside the mountains and extracting from the large deposits of salt. Before refrigeration, salt was an essential commodity for foods and therefore brought a lot of wealth to Austria.
The Salzkammergut region is also steeped in history. Across many of the villages, the wells still exist and is where people still do their washing. Many of the inhabitants speak their own dialect. Other local time-honoured traditions are still celebrated today, such as Austrian folk music, and wearing a Dirndl (dress with apron) and the Lederhose (leather trousers).
Salzkammergut Cycling Tours
Salzkammergut Walking Tours
Where is your #1 most-sought trail to explore in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.