Our Ten Favourite Walking and Cycling Trips

Walking in the northeastern Carpathian Mountains
Walking in the northeastern Carpathian Mountains

Our Ten Favourite Walking & Cycling Trips

Including Tours in Spain, Poland, Greece, Romania and England. 

Without further ado, read on to discover our favourite hidden gem tour, our favourite sustainable tourism project, our favourite authentic French experience tour, and 7 more of our favourite walking and cycling tours.
 
Alpilles mountains in Southern France Barcelona's bustling Boqueria market Walking the peaks and valleys of the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk in Italy

 

Our Favourite Walking and Cycling Tours in Europe

Favourite tour to surpass your expectations: England’s Coast to Coast.

Hikers above Grizedale Tarn in the Lake District |  <i>John Millen</i>
Forget any preconceptions of what a walk in England is like; the Coast to Coast is a classic trail that has it all: spectacular mountain scenery, rolling farmlands and three distinct national parks; as well as iconic cottage accommodation featuring charming English hospitality. Watch our inspiring video to get a taste of what this trip is like.

Grade: Moderate, moderate to challenging, challenging (depending on trip choice).
Activity: Walking or cycling. 
Style: Self guided or small group guided.
Length: Trips range from 7 days to 18 day ramblers.
Accommodation: B&Bs.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/United-Kingdom-Regions/Coast-to-Coast


 

Favourite Hidden Gem Tour: Transylvania Castles and Mountains

Admiring the view in Romania's Piatra Craiului National Park |  <i>Lilly Donkers</i>

It’s not just this trip that’s the hidden gem; it’s the whole of Romania! We’re impressed by the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, the timeless villages and by the fascinating culture of the local people. If you want to get off the beaten track in Europe, Romania is a must.

Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Self guided.
Length: 6 days.
Accommodation: Rural pensions.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Romania/Self-Guided-Walking/Transylvania-Castles-Mountains

 

Favourite Sustainable Tourism Project: Andros Trail Self Guided Walk

As seen in The Sunday Telegraph >> Why Andros is Greece's greatest island for walking |  <i>Learn More</i>
 
In 2012, a group of volunteers with a passion for the Cycladic island of Andros in Greece set about restoring and maintaining an ancient network of paths as a sustainable tourism project. The result is magnificent: unspoilt beaches, classic coastal views and a multitude of natural features enrich the experience as you ascend mountain trails with sweeping vistas.
Where: Greece.
Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Self guided.
Length: 9 days.
Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Greece/Walking/Andros-Trail-Self-Guided-Walk

 

Favourite Taste of Italy: Hilltop Towns of Italy 

hikers entering the hilltop town of Pitigliano |  <i>Kate Baker</i>
 
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world and we are big believers in getting away from the crowds. On the Hilltop Towns of Italy tour you will have the perfect Italian experience. Follow gentle walking trails between three beautiful regions (Umbria, Lazio, Tuscany) where you’ll discover medieval villages nestled among olive groves, vineyards and ancient Roman roads.

Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Self guided.
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Hilltop-Towns-of-Italy

 

Favourite Trip to Get Wet: Croatia Bike & Sail

Cycling in the Dalmatian Islands |  <i>Tim Charody</i>
 
The islands along the Dalmatian coast are perfect for a bike and sail trip. Stretch your legs while cycling around the rugged landscape and exploring the picturesque villages filled with Venetian architecture, feast on Balkan meats and fresh seafood, then afterwards the azure waters beckon to be swum in.

Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Cycling.
Style: Small group guided.
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: Comfortable motor yacht.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Croatia/Sailing/Croatia-Bike-Sail

 

Favourite Trip for Alpine Pastures: Mont Blanc Encompassed

Day 1 of the Tour Du Mont Blanc descending into Switzerland |  <i>Ryan Graham</i>
 
This alpine route is always inspiring, ambling through flowering meadows, dipping into old oak forests and breaking out above the tree line into high alpine pastures which showcase the snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif. The finishing touch... the opportunity to sample the warm mountain hospitality of the French, Swiss and Italian villages along the way. 

Grade: Moderate to challenging.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Small group guided.
Length: 9 days.
Accommodation: Mountain huts.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/France/Walking/Mont-Blanc-Encompassed
 

Favourite All Rounder Trip: Catalonia by Bike

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Travellers to Europe have their reasons – food, art, culture, scenery, history. This trip in Spain has it all. Enjoy relaxed cycling by inviting beaches and postcard perfect countryside, become immersed in the unique Catalan culture and learn about the regions engrossing past (including pirate sieges!), take in the Salvador Dali museum and enjoy the warm hospitality at local restaurants.

Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Cycling.
Style: Self guided.
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: Rural hotels.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Spain/Cycling/Catalonia-by-Bike

 

Favourite ‘Other’ Area in Europe for Alpine Walking: Poland's Carpathian Mountains

It's easy to believe in myths of dragons in Poland
 
The best known mountain range in Eastern Europe is the Carpathians, which is the most "Alpine" as well as the most popular among tourists. Within this is the chain of the Tatra Mountains with the famous resort in Zakopane. The mountains are inhabited by rich fauna; very often we can find the traces of the following animals: wolves, foxes, lynxes, chamois and game. Bears still live in their land. With a bit of luck we can find animals on our way, especially in the National Park of the Tatra Mountains.

Grade: Moderate. 
Activity: Walking.
Style: Guided small group.
Length: 9 days.
Accommodation: Hotels and mountain huts.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Poland/Guided-Walking/Poland-Carpathian-Mountains-Guided-Walk
 

Favourite Trip for an Authentic French Experience: Provence Backroads

Flower Market  - Aix en Provence
 
Escape the typical tourist sites and become fully immersed in the French experience on this pleasant cycling tour. There is no better way to discover the lavender fields, c’est la vie lifestyle and picture book villages of Provence than by bike.

Grade: Introductory.
Activity: Cycling.
Style: Self guided.
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: 2 and 3 star hotels.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/France/Self-Guided-Cycling/Provence-Backroads

 

Favourite Trip for Food Lover’s: Food Lover’s Walking Tours

Andreas Holland, Food Lover's Spanish Camino escort, walking with group in Galicia Spain |  <i>Andreas Holland</i>
 
An obvious favourite – these trips in Spain, France and Italy are dedicated to experiencing the finest culinary delights and walking the best sections of Camino trails in the respective countries. Rewarding yourself with a Michelin-starred meal after an enjoyable day’s walk? Perfect.
Where: France, Spain, Italy.
Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Small group guided.
Length: 12/15/9 days.
Accommodation: 2-4 star hotel.
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Walking/Food-Lovers

 
 
France, Coast to Coast, England, Monte Rosa, Italy, Croatia, Bike and Sail, Catalonia, Spain, Alpine, Walking, Cycling, Greece, Poland, Switzerland

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