
Enjoying the pretty villages of the Dordogne
Blog home / The 10 Most Popular Tours of 2024... So Far
The 10 Most Popular Tours of 2024... So Far
Halfway through 2024 already!
Many travellers are still looking forward to their trips, some have already been and gone, and others are still seeking inspiration. Which category do you fit into?
Join us in counting down the 10 Most Popular Tours of 2024...so far.
"This is a beautiful, well-marked, varied route, and we were lucky to have near-perfect weather in early May. The trails were not challenging per se, but they were long--generally, we found our fitness watches clocked them in at somewhat more than the posted mileage--and often along high ridges with great views, but exposed to sun and wind.
At the end of your long day, you typically find yourself climbing a steep slope to get to your Tuscan hill town destination. So be ready for a lot of walking if you do this trip, and bring plenty of sunblock and a hat! We were also glad to have brought our trekking poles. Hotels were clean and comfortable, our luggage moved smoothly, and there was good food and wine to be had at every destination." K. Maus.
Cycle through a revolving landscape from the wilderness of the Camargue where wild horses roam, to scenes of picturesque Provençal villages and vineyards that inspired Van Gogh and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. The Camargue is rich in wildlife including flamingos and endemic plants, while its flat plains provide easy cycling, before giving way to the spectacular limestone foothills of the Alpilles.
Explore the villages of Provence brimming with tasty treats, art studios and cultural relics. Enjoy the vineyard scenery and marvel at the well preserved Pont du Gard. Relax on board the barge after each day's cycle and enjoy the views on the bank of the Rhone as you soak up the hospitality of the crew.
Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers. Cycle past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards en route to Vienna.
From Germany, follow the Danube eastward into Austria, across the fertile plains of the Wachau Valley, where vineyards climb the slopes to imposing medieval monasteries perched atop hills between Melk and Krems. Wind past castle ruins and apricot orchards before reaching the capital of Austria, where you can take in a performance of the "Blue Danube" waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over.
The Bernese Oberland is a region dominated by high peaks, many over 4000m. Discover some of the highest peaks in Switzerland, including the Eiger (3970m), Jungfrau (4158m) and Finsteraarhorn (4274m), while to the north, glimpse the vast lakes surrounding Interlaken (Thunersee and Brienzersee).
Plus be mesmerised by the emerald alpine lakes, soaring snow capped peaks, flower laden meadows and quaint wooden farm houses.
While it may lack the famous beach resorts and iconic landmarks of other Italian hotspots, Puglia is a surprising gem of southeastern Italy, often luring travellers back for repeat stays.
Idyllic coastal landscapes, rich history, archaeological treasures and medieval architecture await here in the whitewashed heel of Italy—and with its languid pace, sunny Mediterranean climate and lack of tourist hordes, this is one corner of Italy that should be on your radar.
At 315km or 195 miles, the Coast to Coast Walk uses a network of public footpaths tracks, permissive paths and access land to cross England’s huge variety of landscapes, terrain, villages and three unique national parks – the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. In 2025 it will be added to the prestigious National Trails list.
"Exceeded expectations! An experienced and skilled guide, Fred went above and beyond, not only sharing his vast knowledge and visible love for the geography, the flora and fauna, the food and the culture, he also taught and verified that everyone knew how not to slide off the mountain, giving us all some hilarious back-side sledding opportunities, and some even got to swim in the lake at Champex.
Great weather topped it off. UTracks made planning a breeze: quickly responding to any questions with clear information and instructions. Bravo. Our 1st TMB experience could not have been better!" T. Frank.
The region of Dordogne, with its ancient architecture, languid pace and lush river valley fringed with cliffs, caves and castles, is a fairytale slice of rural France.
Set around the sweeping curves of the Dordogne River, this spectacular region is home to dramatic limestone cliffs and prehistoric cave galleries, majestic hilltop castles and remarkably well-preserved medieval towns. Add in an abundance of southern sunshine, outstanding cuisine and a web of scenic trails and backroads, and it’s easy to see why the Dordogne is one of France’s favourite holiday spots.
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.
Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Crossing the Spanish border and walking the last 100kms through Galicia to the holy city of Santiago ensures you qualify for the Compostela certificate upon your arrival at the cathedral.
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.
How many of these destinations have you explored already, and where's next on your travel list? Let us know in the comment section below.