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.
Top Walking Tours in Europe
Mont Blanc Guided Walk
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.
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Camino: Sarria to Santiago
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.
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Walking in the Dordogne
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.
Walking in Puglia
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.
Walking in Bavaria
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.
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England’s Coast to Coast
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
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.
Treasures of the Baltic by Bike
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.
Blue Danube Cycle
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.
Backroads to Venice
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
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.