Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro; if you’re looking for history & culture or a sense of isolation; whatever your motivation is for wanting to explore Europe your way we’ve got a walking or cycling trip just right for you.

Best for Challenging & Off-the-Beaten-Track

Hikers walking above Zermatt with the Matterhorn in the distance If you like your trips tough, and are more interested in keeping an eye on weather updates than Facebook status updates, you need to familiarise yourself with these trips. Corsica GR20: The famous Grand Randonnee simply cannot be left off any such list. Widely considered Europe’s most challenging long-distance walking trail you can choose to do the north or south either guided or self guided. Via Ferrate Guided Walk: How many have experienced the Dolomites like this? Not many. This trip is not for the faint hearted. Explore the ‘iron ways’ through exhilarating climbs on ladders and across bridges. Way of St James by Bike: Short on time but high on fitness? Cover the full 700km of the French Way of St James, from Le Puy-en-Velay to St Jean Pied de Port, on your bike in just 15 days. Chamonix to Zermatt: Follow the ‘trekkers version’ of the Haute Route for a European alpine walk without comparison. With altitude gains between 800 to 1300m on most days, only the fit and hardy need apply for this sublime walk from the vistas of Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn.

Best for First Timers

Use a comfortable French chateau as your base for exploring the Loire Valley You’ve heard everyone else rave on about their walk or cycle in Europe, and you’re curious – very curious – but a little uncertain. For the maximum ‘spectacular’ with the minimum commitment, start your active Europe CV on one of these trips. Mont Blanc Rambler: Everybody is talking about Mont Blanc. Everybody! No, you’re not climbing the mountain. No, you don’t have to walk 8 hours a day with super fast, young legs. Yes, you do get comfortable lodgings and a glass of vino in the evening. Yes, the ‘Rambler’ in the trip name means you can stop and smell the roses and walk at your own relaxed pace. Royal Loire Cycle: An easy two hour train from Paris is the beautiful ‘Valley of the Kings’. Based in a charming chateau in Cheverny, you can explore the surrounding vineyards, forests and medieval towns of the Loire Valley as much or as little as you wish – on foot or by bike. Bliss. Veneto Bike & Barge: Delightfully flat Italian landscapes from Venice to the wonderful Po River Delta. Unpack just once on your supporting ‘boatel’. The cycling is flexible. Is there a better way to sample a cycling holiday than this? We think not. Blue Danube Cycle: If you get just one chance to experience the Danube, this should be it. Follow the waltz of one of Europe's most important rivers from the medieval German town of Passau to grand Vienna. Electric bikes available.

Best for Culture & History

Climb Mt Vesuvius and visit the ruins of Pompeii on our Rome & Amalfi Coast trip For those who love the outdoors but are equally enthralled with the art, lifestyles and legends of a destination, why not combine the best of both worlds in 2016? Rome and Amalfi Coast: You want history? You can’t miss it on this trip. Explore Rome, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast on this active walk back through time. Crusaders Cathar Castles Walk: The Roman architectural legacies scattered along the borders of the Corbières region are the highest and best preserved of all Roman aqueducts. This trip will keep history enthusiasts more than enthralled. Hadrian’s Wall Trail: Roman forts, settlements and even well preserved Roman masonry and earthworks; few historical sites offer such unprecedented public access to such an extensive array of archaeological remains Berlin Wall Trail Cycle: Follow former patrol roads along a 160km path of peace to explore one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Soak in the stories of Berlin’s turbulent past and admire the creativity of Berlin's World Heritage listed parks and palaces.

Best for a ‘Sense of Achievement’

Traverse the breadth of England on the Coast to Coast Trail in 2016 In a survey we ran earlier this year over 70% of participants stated the reason they loved active holidays was the sense of achievement it gave them. If you’re part of that 70% then these trips should be on your radar. Full Spanish Camino: Why sweat the small stuff over which stage to do when you can do them all?! In just a little over a month you can travel on foot from the foothills of the French Pyrenees all the way to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Cross it off in 2016. The German Danube: If you don’t have the time to cycle along the entire Danube, Europe’s second longest river at 2860km, how about taking on the complete German section? Not only does it present an amazing challenge, it will feel like riding through a fairytale as you pass castles perched on hill tops & mesmerising medieval towns. Coast to Coast Walk: Ever considered traversing an entire country? It’s possible in England when you schlep it from St Bees on the Irish Sea coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea coast. Wainright’s Coast to Coast Trail is one of the world’s most iconic walks. Take a closer look at the itinerary and you’ll soon see why.