The Top Ten Best Walking & Cycling Tours in Europe

View from the Rialto Bridge, Venice | Karen Cini
View from the Rialto Bridge, Venice | Karen Cini

The Top Ten Best Walking & Cycling Tours in Europe

Featuring Mont Blanc, the Camino, the Netherlands, Puglia & More... 

 
Are you curious as to which are the best walking or cycling tours in Europe?
 
Then keep reading as we explore the top ten walking and cycling tours in Europe for active travellers. Whittling this list down to a top ten was no mean feat, particularly as UTracks offers over 450 great walking and cycling tours.
 
Of course, everyone has their own opinion on which tours they consider to be the best. It depends on whether you like a trip to be gentle paced or more challenging, self guided or a small group tour, food-focused or close to the coastline so you can cool off in the European summer. 
 
The following list of trips are highly rated and constantly have fantastic reviews from very happy UTracks Travellers.
Happy walkers on the Cinque terre |  <i>Philip Wyndham</i> Happy cyclists in the Inner Hebrides Very happy Camino walkers in France |  <i>Allie Peden</i>

Top Walking Tours in Europe

 

Mont Blanc Guided Walk

Magnificent views on Mont Blanc |  <i>Dana Garofani</i>
 
The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of the world. This iconic walking tour showcases the alpine cuisine, mountain hospitality and stunning vistas as you traverse France, Switzerland and Italy.

Where: France, Switzerland and Italy.
Grade: Moderate to challenging.
Activity: Alpine walking.
Style: Small group guided (self guided tours available). 
Length: 7 days (rambler options up to 14 days also available).
Accommodation: Mountain refuges or gîte hostels. 
Learn more: 
 
 

Camino: Sarria to Santiago

Pilgrims walking the Camino in Spain |  <i>Sue Finn</i>
 
Walk the most popular stage of the Camino de Santiago and discover the camaraderie, diverse landscapes and historical significance of this world famous pilgrimage trail. This section of the Camino qualifies walkers for the official Compostela certificate of completion which you receive in the fabled town of Santiago de Compostela, home to the tomb of St James and iconic cathedral.

Where: Spain
Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Self guided (small group guided tours available). 
Length: 8 days (rambler options up to 14 days also available).
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses. 
Learn more: 
 

Walking in the Dordogne

Sarlat markets |  <i>Rob Mills</i>
 
Experience the real France by exploring the Dordogne region. Discover the many chateaux, picturesque villages, farmers markets, period architecture, and, of course the finest foods, as you walk at your own pace around the Dordogne River Valley.

Where: France.
Grade: Introductory to Moderate.
Activity: Walking (cycling tours available).
Style: Self guided. 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels. 
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/France/Self-Guided-Walking/Walking-in-the-Dordogne
 

Walking in Puglia

View of the historic Sassi district of Matera |  <i>Kate Baker</i>
 
Explore a region of Italy like no other. Puglia is filled with distinct whitewashed villages and tranquil blue Mediterranean coastline (similar to the Greek Islands) and on this walking trip you’ll discover olive groves, vineyards and unique dry stone cottages known as trulli – which is your accommodation for two nights.
For our in depth exploration of Puglia, read our Travel: Be In It article.

Where: Italy.
Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Walking (cycling tours available).
Style: Self guided walking. 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: B&Bs, 3 star hotels and 2 nights in a traditional Puglian trullo. 
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Walking-in-Puglia

 

Walking in Bavaria

Incredibly natural scenery on the Walking in Bavaria trip |  <i>Olivia Yakoub</i>
 
Become immersed in the rich Bavarian culture on this self guided walking tour that will excite anyone with a passion for nature and history. Highlights include walking along former salt trails, alpine pastures and mountain passes where you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, valleys and rivers; plus local attractions like Hohenwerfen Castle, the village of Golling and typical Bavarian beer gardens. 

Where: Germany.
Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Walking.
Style: Self guided (small group guided tour available)
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: 3 star mountain hotels. 
Learn more: 
 

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.
 
Where: United Kingdom.
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.
 

Top Cycling Tours in Europe

 

Loire Valley Bike & Barge

Loire cycling past the magnificent Amboise chateau |  <i>DDarrault_20</i>
 
Enjoy the timelessness of the canal landscape in this authentic French region. Take in 12th century castles, gardens, local markets and peaceful vineyards as you cycle along quiet country roads. By night, feel at home on the barge while sailing along the French waterways and embrace the fact you only have to unpack once.

Where: France.
Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Cycling (electric bikes available).
Style: Guided. 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: Barge (the Anna Maria V).
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/France/Cycling/Loire-Valley-Bike-Barge

 

Treasures of the Baltic by Bike

Cycling on the Curonian Spit |  <i>Gesine Cheung</i>
 
Follow the incredibly scenic cycling route of the Baltic coast. Explore the unspoilt beauty of the national parks, the welcoming cultures of the local people and witness sights such as Bishop’s Castle, the white sandy beaches of Jurmula and the spiritual Hill of Crosses.

Where: Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Cycling (electric bike available).
Style: Small group guided (self guided tour available). 
Length: 11 days.
Accommodation: 3 – 4 star hotels. 
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Lithuania/Cycling/Treasures-of-the-Baltic-by-Bike

 

Blue Danube Cycle

Cycling past Parliament in Vienna
 
Indulge in the majestic culture of Austria on this relaxed pace cycling tour as you waltz your way to Vienna. Witness Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards along the famous Danube bike path and be sure to reward yourself with the fine regional cuisine.

Where: Germany, Austria.
Grade: Introductory to moderate.
Activity: Cycling (electric bike available).
Style: Self guided. 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels. 
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Austria/Cycling/Blue-Danube-Cycle
 

Backroads to Venice

Venice and the iconic gondoloas
 
Get beyond the usual tourist fanfare on this cycling journey that lets you experience genuine Italian towns and lifestyle. Pedal to Trento, Verona, and Vicenza while taking in the local café culture and distinct architecture before arriving in the romantic floating city of Venice.

Where: Italy.
Grade: Moderate.
Activity: Cycling (electric bike available).
Style: Self guided (small group guided tour available). 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: 2-3 star hotels. 
Learn more: 
 

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge

Enjoy all the typical Dutch sites on a cycling trip in Holland
 
Explore the Low Countries like a local on this cycling and sailing tour. Visit windmills and cheese farms; sample waffles, beers and mussels; view magnificent art, churches and architecture; this truly is the quintessential trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.
Note that Bruges to Amsterdam Bike and Barge tours and deluxe options are available as well.

Where: Netherlands, Belgium.
Grade: Introductory.
Activity: Cycling (electric bikes available).
Style: Guided. 
Length: 8 days.
Accommodation: Barge (lower/upper cabins and deluxe barges available). 
Learn more: https://www.utracks.com/Netherlands/Guided-Bike-Barge/Amsterdam-to-Bruges-Comfort
 
What are your thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
 
 
Belgium, Baltics, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Bruges, Puglia, Walking, Cycling, Top Ten, Dordogne, Mont Blanc, Venice, Camino, Santiago, Spain, Bavaria, Germany, Austria, Blue Danube, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Loire Valley, Bike and Barge, England, Coast to Coast

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