A cycling holiday is one of the best ways to experience the real essence of France. Join Tim as he explore the chateaux of the Loire Valley and the world-famous wines of Burgundy on a self-guided cycle tour.

 

>> View all France cycling holidays

About Cycling France

 

Become inspired to discover the icons of Holland on a rewarding bike and barge holiday by watching this short film. This bike and barge route can be taken from Amsterdam to Maastricht, or vice versa, and includes a variety of Dutch experiences, including cheese farms, canals and windmills. 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the great rivers of the Netherlands on a scenic bike and boat trip encapsulating the essence of this historically rich and vibrant country. The journey begins in either Amsterdam or Maastricht, the Netherland's southernmost city. Pedalling between castles and villages, the route meanders along the Vecht, Lower Rhine, Waal, Linge and Meuse rivers, crossing borders regularly with neighbouring Belgium and nearby Germany. 

 

 

You can eat 'Kuchen' (cake) in a German 'Konditorei' in the morning and have a delicious afternoon beer in a street café in a Belgium village. Whilst Amsterdam needs little introduction, less known Maastricht is the capital of the province of Limburg, famous for its lively center and warm hospitality. At night you are based on a floating hotel, with an attentive crew on board. Taking a day off cycling is not a problem, or choosing a longer or shorter cycle route each day allows maximum flexibility.
 

>> View the Amsterdam to Maastricht Bike & Barge Tour

>> View the Maastricht to Amsterdam Bike & Barge Tour

>> View all Bike & Barge tours

 

 

 

  

More Americans are exploring Europe's hiking trails and having a fantastic time than ever before.

Whether you're interested in culture, food and wine; like to explore off the beaten track; are keen to cross off a bucket list route; or simply want to escape to the warmth of the Mediterranean, there's a walking tour that's perfect for you.

Discover the 10 walking trips currently trending for Americans in 2025.

 

 

It's simple: our services include everything you need, just turn up and go!

✅ Cosy accommodation that's full of character

✅ Daily luggage transfers

✅ Helpful navigation app

✅ Any transfers

✅ Some delicious local meals

✅ 24/7 support hotline

✅ Guided tours feature a professional local guide & other like-minded travellers.

✅ Plus more great benefits. See the trip page for specific inclusions.

 

 

 

 

Read on to discover the top 10 walking tour itineraries loved by Americans in 2025, or get in touch with the team (call 1-866-441-6232 or email us) if you need advice or questions.

 

 

 

Experience the highlights of the Camino de Santiago on this immersive, highly rated guided walk. Over 13 days, your group will enjoy an unforgettable time exploring the iconic Camino trail.

 

>> View the Best of the Camino guided walking tour
>> View all Camino de Santiago tours

 

 

9. Dingle Peninsula Walk | Ireland

The Dingle Way exceeded all expectations. It was a family trip to remember in a beautiful area. The route takes you off of major routes and you feel in an isolated little corner of Ireland, even though it's a well visited peninsula. We had one day of extreme mud and 6 days of beautiful weather. Rain jackets are a must but we got away with trail running shoes. Pictures do not do this place justice and the BnBs were superb! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ N. Gochnour. Ogden, USA.

 

 

8. The Cumbria Way | UK

We had so much fun on the Cumbrian Way! All of the accommodations were cozy with excellent breakfast and kind hosts. The directions provided (the printed book, the additional notes, and the GPX tracks) meant we never got lost. We had no worries at all--just woke up, ate breakfast, and walked through beautiful countryside every day. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ B. Morling, USA.

 

 

7. Austrian Lakes Walk

Our Austrian Lake trip through UTracks was amazing. The directions were complicated, but we figured everything out. Our accommodations were first class, as were our meals. Austria has to be the cleanest, and certainly one the of the most beautiful places, ever. Highly recommend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ M. Ward; Indiana, USA.

 

>> View all Austrian walking tours

 

6. Amalfi Coast Explorer | Italy

Our Amalfi coast trip was wonderful! UTracks takes care of every detail, arranging personal transport, selecting cozy and charming accommodations, and an engaging itinerary. The trip notes provided ensure that you locate and identify important landmarks on your day hikes. Sorrento and Capri are beautiful! We especially enjoyed the tranquillity and authenticity of Agerola. Path of the Gods is a breathtaking hike with glorious views of the Amalfi Coast from the mountain top you traverse. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ S. Heaney; Scotts Valley, USA.

 

 

 

5. Walking in the Dordogne | France

This was an excellent trip. The hotels were some of the best that I have stayed in on a self-guided hike like this. The fact that it is half-board really makes it excellent value for money and all but one of the restaurants were excellent (the one exception wasn't bad...just ok). All in all, I have to say that I would highly recommend this trip. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ B. Brown Jr; Franklinton, USA.

 

 

4. Transylvania's Castles & Mountains | Romania

My husband and I enjoyed Romania hiking very much. When we mentioned our destination to folks, a few eyebrows were raised, but I have to say the scenery was breathtaking, the routes were (somewhat) clear, and the price was on target. We particularly enjoyed the pensiunes; our hosts went out of their way to make us comfortable, and the food each night was outstanding! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ B. Schleusener; North Carolina, USA.

 

 

3. Walking in Puglia | Italy

Puglia trip was fabulous, and a huge part was due to our guide, Gianluca. His professionalism, respect, sense of humor, intelligence and knowledge of the area, (culture, history, flora/fauna, logistics), and caring attitude were much appreciated. He gave of his own time more than once to get our group oriented and happy in a new town. I cannot think of any improvement he could make. Did a great job keeping control of a large group without making anyone feel contained. I talked with most of our group, and I know they felt the same way I did about Gianluca - a credit to your organization! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ K. Tran-Stead; Washington, USA.

 

 

2. Portuguese Camino: Coastal Way | Portugal

What a great trip. The UTracks staff were easy to work with in planning and setting up the trip, including the extra days on both ends of the trip. They asked questions of us and seemed to want to make sure we would enjoy the experience. All the hotels were overall fine. Yes, some were better than others, but all were safe and clean. The luggage was always on time and the local hotel staff were always courteous. We didn’t have any need or problems that required us to contact the company in our trip. All around, it was a great experience. I would recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ P. Jay; California, USA.

 

 

1. Camino de Santiago: Sarria to Santiago | Spain

Our Camino experience from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela was amazing. All went to plan with bags arriving as scheduled. In the main the hotels we stayed in were good with dinners and breakfasts of a good standard. The hotel staff were friendly and were able to explain how things worked, told us what time bags were required each morning. The actual was great with many pilgrims to chat to along the way. We made some great acquaintances along the way from a range of countries which was great. All in all a great experience that I would recommend highly. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A. Chadwick; Pasadena, USA.

 

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Contact our friendly team on 1-866-441-6232 or email [email protected].

 

A UTracks active holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It’s about walking or cycling the incredible trails of Europe and becoming completely immersed in your travel experience. 

Since we began in 2006, UTracks has been the leader in active European holidays. Our itineraries have always been creative, rewarding, and very affordable. With over 450 active trips across the continent, UTracks offers unique opportunities to discover an untrodden Europe that spans postcard-perfect landscapes, centuries-old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting gastronomic delights. 

You can choose to set your own pace on a flexible self guided journey or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a small group tour. We cater to all fitness abilities with our honest graded system that defines our trips from introductory to challenging. Plus we offer exceptional value with many inclusions on all our trips, allowing you more freedom to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Europe.

Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small group or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks helps you explore Europe exactly the way you want.


 

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The Australian director and writer, Bill Bennett, has released the first trailer of his new film: The Way, My Way. The movie is based on the bestselling book of the same name, which is about Bill's personal experiences from walking the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain.

 

Continue to watch the trailer, read a synopsis and director's statement; plus discover how you can experience the iconic Camino yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Way, My Way is the charming and captivating true story of a stubborn and amusingly self-centred Australian man who decides to walk the 800 kilometre-long Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through Spain. He doesn’t know why he’s doing it, but one step at a time it will change him and his outlook on life forever. 

 

Based on Bill Bennett’s best selling memoir of the same name, The Way, My Way has been described by Camino elder statesman Johnnie Walker as the most authentic film ever made about the Camino.

 

 

I really didn’t want to make this film. I didn´t want to make a film about myself; about my failings, about my suffering, about my stubbornness and fixed myopic opinions. But there were some around me who’d read my book, The Way, My Way, and it had impacted deeply on their lives.  They’d laughed and cried through the reading of the book, and they were certain it would make a terrific film.

I didn´t agree.
I couldn´t see it. 

But finally they convinced me to take a swing at writing the screenplay. 

Some seven years later, and after more than forty drafts of the script, I finally found a way to tell my story. I detached myself from myself and wrote the script about that man over there – not me – that stupid horrible man over there who, under certain lighting conditions and with the right wardrobe, might look a bit like me. 

I’d found a way in to telling my story,  
It wasn’t really about me.
Ha! 

Once I had a screenplay I was happy with, I then turned my mind as to how best to make this damn film. How do you make a movie on the Camino and make it real? Make it authentic? Not make it some Hollywood star-driven artificial confection. 

I decided the only way to tell my story truthfully was to shoot with a very small crew and use the real pilgrims I’d walked with ten years earlier. I’d stayed in touch with them – we’d become lifelong friends – and so they agreed to come on board this crazy adventure! 

I wanted to be small enough and nimble enough to work within the ebb and flow of the Camino. To become invisible. Only by doing that could I, as a filmmaker, respond to light, to shifts in weather, to the pulsating electric current that is the Camino. 

My carefully crafted screenplay had to become malleable in my pursuit of authenticity. I wanted to capture the real Camino. I wanted an audience of pilgrims watching this film to say at the end: Yes, finally, a true depiction of what it´s like to walk the Camino. If the film elicited that kind of reaction from a Camino audience, then I would regard the film a success.

With the pilgrims, they never saw the script. I kept it from them. I wanted their responses to be true to what was happening in any given scene. I didn´t want them feeling obliged to give me a performance. In fact, I didn´t want a performance at all. I wanted the truth of the situation, whatever that might be, moment to moment.  

The pilgrims proved to be stellar. If they´d been highly trained professional actors I couldn´t have asked for more from them. But – with the decision to cast the real pilgrims, that one decision then dictated so many other major creative decisions for me as a director. The shooting style, the editing style, the tone of the movie, the staging and blocking of scenes – even what gear we should use – cameras and lenses and how best to record location sound, all these creative decisions were made on the basis that we were using the real pilgrims. I called them “the actuals,” as against “the actors.” 

The “actuals” set the benchmark. They held the truth. They held the authenticity. The professional actors had to step up to the pilgrim´s benchmark. They had to find their own truth – just as we all had to, all of us standing behind the cameras as well. 

Now having almost completed post production, I feel I’ve achieved what I set out to do – to make a truly authentic film about a man, dogged in his views and amusingly self-centered, who ultimately undergoes a fundamental shift in character and outlook, just through walking the Camino.

Bill Bennett,
Writer/Director/Producer

 

 

 

“I’d never done anything crazy like this before – a pilgrimage walk. I was not a hiker, and I wasn’t a Catholic. In fact, I wasn’t even sure I was a Christian. On the last government census when I had to state my religion, I'd said I was a Buddhist, mainly because they’ve had such a hard time in Tibet I felt they needed my statistical support.

I was also not an adventure traveller. For me, adventure travel was flying coach. All this backpacking and wearing of heavy boots and flying off to France to walk ancient pilgrimage routes was a new experience, and not one that made me feel entirely comfortable.”

And so Bill Bennett, an Australian based film director, set off on an 800 kilometre walk across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, not sure why he was doing it, and not feeling entirely comfortable. His discomfort increased markedly a few days later when his knee gave out – so the rest of the walk was a “pain management pilgrimage.”

But he kept his sense of humour, and his memoir is at times hilarious but also deeply moving, and insightful. In the vein of Bill Bryson and Eric Newby, The Way, My Way takes you on a unique spiritual journey, and gives you a hearty laugh along the way.

 

>> View the book on Amazon

 

 

 

 

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Keen to experience the Camino de Santiago yourself? Browse our top-rated self-guided small group tours or get in touch with one of our expert team members.

 

>> View self-guided Camino trips

>> View guided Camino tours

 

 

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Be inspired to walk the Le Puy Camino, the iconic pilgrimage trail through France, by watching our fantastic short film. Discover what it's like to experience the French Way of St James on a self-guided walking tour, thanks to the award-winning film maker Tim Charody.

 

 

 

The Le Puy Camino (Chemin du Puy) is one of the most picturesque and historically rich pilgrimage routes in Europe. Starting in the medieval town of Le Puy-en-Velay, France, this ancient trail winds through rolling countryside, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes before joining the Camino Francés in Spain. 

 

 

As part of the larger Camino de Santiago network, the Le Puy route offers a blend of spiritual reflection, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're drawn by faith, history, or the simple joy of walking, this scenic path promises an unforgettable journey of discovery. 

 

>> View all Le Puy Camino walking tours

>> View all Le Puy Camino cycling tours

 

 

 

  

The West Highland Way is the famous multi-day walk towards the Scottish Highlands, promising all the icons of Scotland: red deer, Loch Lomond, inviting pubs and moody rain. Peter and Nanette experienced it all on an 8-day self-guided tour with UTracks and wrote it up in an article, Mist and Midges on the West Highland Way, for the NZ Post. Continue reading for an excerpt.

 

“Get your clothes off and give them to me,” says the hotel hostess at reception. Not quite the welcome my wife Nanette and I expect after a long day hiking the West Highland Way, Scotland’s first official long distance footpath.

Opened in 1980, it leads from Glasgow’s northern suburbs for 158 kilometres through progressively higher hills, before finishing at Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, United Kingdom’s highest mountain.

 

The West Highland Way starts just 20 minutes by train from central Glasgow by an obelisk in the pedestrianised shopping street at Milngavie (which locals call "Mull-guy"), then enters a portal to a fenced path with panelled depictions of what walkers will see along the trail. We leave Glasgow’s peripheral suburbs on wide paths through woodland and beside streams and small lochs, well waymarked with signs bearing a stylised thistle."

 

 

 

>> All West Highland Way tours

>> All Scotland tours

 

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What Is the UK ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel permit for visitors to the UK from visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries. It’s linked to your passport and lets you visit for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or family visits. The authorisation is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

The fully online application links the ETA to the applicant’s passport, enabling seamless entry by presenting the passport at UK border points.

 

>> Get your UK ETA here.

 

 

Do You Need an ETA to Enter the UK?

Most travellers from visa-free countries will need an ETA, including holidaymakers. However, Irish citizens and UK residents don’t need one.

The ETA is being introduced in phases, starting in November 2023 with Qatar, followed by several Gulf countries in February 2024. On 27 November 2024, the programme expanded to 49 additional non-European countries, with applications open for travel starting January 8, 2025 - this included Australia and the United States. The next phase begins on 2 April 2025, requiring nationals from 34 European countries to have an ETA, with applications opening on 5 March 2025.

 

How Do You Apply for an ETA?

It’s simple:
1. Apply online or via the UK ETA app. 
2. Have your passport, email address, and payment method ready.
3. Pay the £10 fee per person.

Approval usually takes minutes, but the UK government states it takes 3 days. It’s wise to apply at least a week before your trip in case of delays. Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

 

Top Tips for a Smooth Trip in the UK

Check your passport is valid for the entire stay.

Save a copy of your ETA confirmation, either printed or on your phone, for travel.

Apply as soon as your plans are firm to avoid last-minute stress.

The UK ETA is designed to make entering Britain quicker and easier for eligible travellers. For full details or to apply, visit the official UK government website.

 

Avoid websites that purport to be a legitimate site. Only use the official UK government site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 

 

Taking a walking trip on the Channel Islands or Isle of Man?

Visitors do not need a UK ETA to travel to certain British Isles, including the Isle of Man, Jersey, or Guernsey (the Channel Islands), provided they are travelling directly to these locations from outside the UK. These areas have their own immigration rules and are not part of the UK ETA scheme.

However, if you're travelling to these islands via the UK, then UK immigration requirements, including the ETA, apply for the UK portion of your journey. For example:

If you're flying to London and then taking a connecting flight or ferry to Jersey, you'll need an ETA to enter the UK.
If you're travelling directly to Jersey from outside the UK (e.g., from France), you won’t need a UK ETA.

Always check the specific entry requirements for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands before travelling. They are self-governing territories and may have their own travel rules.
 

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Ready to visit the UK? Take a look at UTracks' range of active holidays in the United Kingdom - and don't forget to apply for your ETA before you arrive. 

  

 

Back in their 20s, Mary and Chris embarked on an unforgettable trip: cycling the rugged and beautiful island of Corsica. One of the eighteen regions of France, this mountainous Mediterranean gem, located southeast of the French mainland, was the perfect setting for their honeymoon. With the boundless energy of youth, they easily rode around the island on road bikes, embracing every twist, turn, and challenge with enthusiasm.  

 

Fast forward to 2024, thirty-three years later, and Mary and Chris returned to Corsica’s shores. This time they were on the Cycle Corsica tour, a self-guided cycling tour with UTracks which made the journey a lot more seamless. Armed with e-bikes, GPS-enabled route maps, and comfortable accommodations, they were able to focus solely on enjoying themselves without worrying about any of the necessary logistics.  

Read Mary's in-depth article at her blog, Carry-On Queen, and discover the changes - both personal and on Corsica.

 

 

 

 

>> View Corsica Cycling Tour

>> View Corsica Walking Tours

 

 

   

At UTracks, we're looking at 2025 with bright eyes and bushy tails.

 

From beloved routes that have stood the test of time, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and Camino de Santiago; to Europe's undiscovered back roads, including Albania, Northern Holland and Madeira; these are the walking & cycling tours that are getting us excited in 2025.

In no particular order, discover our picks for the 25 most interesting walking and cycling holidays in Europe below. Or, with over 500 active travel trips, browse our complete range and explore Europe your way.

 

 

Discover the hidden treasures of the Albanian Riviera, where turquoise seas meet the herb-scented slopes of the towering Ceraunian Peaks. Explore a serene paradise of unspoiled trails, tranquil shores, and crystal-clear coves. Wander through charming stone villages, lush citrus groves, and ancient olive trees, savoring the warmth of Albanian hospitality. 

 

Each day offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, peaceful solitude on pristine beaches, and the vibrant flavors of Albania’s culinary traditions. With every detail arranged, all that’s left is to embrace the freedom to explore this captivating landscape at your own pace.

 

>> View the Albania Coastal Walk

 

 

  

3. Cycle St Moritz to Innsbruck

 

4. Camino Norte

 

 

5. Scotland's Coast to Coast by Barge

>> View Scotland's Coast to Coast by Bike & Barge

>> View all active barge tours in Scotland

 

 

6. Islands of Malta Walk

 

 

7. Via Ferrata Guided Hike

 

 

8. Northern Holland by Bike & Barge

 

 

9. Madeira Island

>> View Madeira Cycling Tours

>> View all Madeira Active Tours

 

 

10. Picos, Pintxos & Camino Guided Walk

 

 

11. Crete, Greece

>> View Crete Mountains & Coast Self-Guided Walk

>> View Santorini & Crete Self-Guided Walk

>> View all Crete tours

 

 

12. Exploring Germany's Moselle River by Bike

>> View all Moselle Bike & Barge tours

>> View all Moselle Cycling tours

 

13. Hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail in Wales

 

 

14. Relaxed-Pace Rambler Walks

 

 

15. Mont Blanc Guided Walk

 

 

16. Baltic Sea Coast Cycle

 

 

17. England's Coast to Coast: Now a 'National Trail'

2024 has been an incredible year for active travel! UTracks Travellers have explored Europe’s hidden trails, ventured through Mediterranean islands, and completed iconic routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc, Camino de Santiago, and England's Coast to Coast, all while creating unforgettable memories.

Check out the 24 most popular walking and cycling holidays in Europe for 2024 below. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for 2025 or beyond, UTracks has something for every traveller.

 

 

 

"From the moment we enquired and booked the team were amazing. It was a great trip and having all the logistics sorted for us made the walking the priority. The few hiccups we had with luggage transfers and meals were sorted quickly. Le Puy to Conques was a beautiful Camino to start with, but a warning, the feeling at the end of it was a feeling that it was not the end!!"
 

>> View the Le Puy Camino: Le Puy to Conques tour

 

22. Treasures of the Baltic by Bike

>> View Treasures of the Baltic by Bike Self-Guided Tour

 

21. Best of the Spanish Camino Guided Walk

 

 

20. Scotland's Coast to Coast Walk & Barge

 

 

19. Alsace by Bike

 

 

18. Via Ferrata Guided Hike

 

 

17. Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Barge Deluxe

>> View all bike and barge itineraries between Bruges to Amsterdam

 

 

16. England's Coast to Coast

 

 

15. Croatia Bike & Boat

 

 

14. Dolomites Guided Hike

 

 

13. Provence Back Roads Cycle

 

 

12. Cycle Puglia

>> View all Puglia tours

 

 

11. Via Francigena: Best of Tuscany

 

 

10. Walking in the Dordogne

 

 

9. Blue Danube Cycle in Comfort

>> View all Danube cycling tours

 

 

8. Provence by Bike & Boat

 

 

7. Full Spanish Camino

 

 

6. Mont Blanc Guided Hike

 

 

5. Bordeaux to Toulouse Cycle

 

 

4. Camino: Sarria to Santiago Self-Guided Walk

>> View all Sarria to Santiago Camino tours

 

 

3. Danube Explorer to Budapest Bike & Barge

 

 

2. Mont Blanc Guided Rambler Hike

 

 

1. Camino Portuguese

UTracks provided the perfect way for my husband and I to walk a lovely part of the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Tui just for a week. 

 

The Camino isn’t a luxury vacation, it has a more humble history, and in the past we walked independently, staying in albergues in Spain, with no set daily itinerary on our way to Santiago de Compostela. This time we wanted to walk just a portion of the Portuguese road, with support to do the groundwork and make our reservations for us. 

 

The inns and homes chosen to stay in all had charm and convenience and were, without exception, clean and run by friendly people. The route through Northern Portugal is beautiful, and the chosen itinerary alternated between challenging and easy days in order to let us enjoy the charming towns along the way. 

 

Well done, and thanks for the good memories!

 

 

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