Hikers on the Coast to Coast, surrounded by colourful heather | John Millen
Top 23 Active Tours of 2023
2023 has been a huge year for active travel. From exploring Europe's hidden trails, to journeying along islands in the Mediterranean, to finally completing famous routes (Tour du Mont Blanc, Camino de Santiago and the Coast to Coast!), UTracks Travellers have been busy making unforgettable memories across Europe.
Discover what were the 23 most popular walking and cycling holidays in Europe for 2023 below. Hopefully you'll find some travel inspiration for 2024, otherwise you can browse over 450 active holidays in UTracks' comprehensive range.
The best way to discover Scotland is along this self-guided, 150km / 92-mile national long-distance trail through the southwestern part of the Scottish Highlands. Choose from an 8 or 10 day itinerary.
Explore the three Baltic nations: Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia, from the capital cities of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, to the many small villages that have changed little over time, this guided cycling experience along low traffic roads and dedicated cycle paths will showcase the diverse cultures, World Heritage sites and mainly flat landscapes that make travelling in this region so different to anywhere else in Europe.
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, while staying in deluxe accommodation.
Scotland's Inner Hebrides are known for their spectacular landscapes still largely untouched by mass tourism. Travelling by bike and boat, explore the island of Mull and the Morvern Peninsula, before making your way to the Isle of Jura, which is known for its rich stock of red deer and its world-famous whiskey distillery. Nights aboard your floating hotel, a two-masted sailing boat with a comfortable dining and lounge area and cabins with ensuite, are a time for relaxation amongst a group of like-minded cyclists.
Discover the historically rich wine growing region of Moselle on this fascinating ride following the Moselle Bike Path from Trier to Koblenz. This ride is mainly on paved roads and dedicated bike trails, which makes it much easier to enjoy the many cultural highlights and regional delights to be found along the Moselle River. This is a perfect introductory tour to self-guided cycling in Europe.
This trip offers a chance to walk the entire length of the Spanish Camino, from St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees and onwards to Santiago. The entire trip can be done over a month, or you can break it down further as this itinerary comprises of our separate self guided walks along the Camino in the Pyrenees, to Logroño, Burgos, Leon and Santiago de Compostela.
On this section of the iconic pilgrimage trail to Rome, combine well-known towns including Siena and San Gimignano, with charming hamlets such as San Miniato, to discover the very best of the Tuscan Via Francigena in a single week.
Rollup, rollup for Alfred Wainwright’s masterpiece! This is the quintessential English hill walking and long-distance trail experience that Wainwright, deviser of the route, described as "one of the world's great walks". Follow the classic itinerary as he intended it: 190+ miles traversing 3 national parks and a lot of interesting landscapes, old towns and of course public houses in between.
One of the most picturesque regions of France, Alsace is also one of the most cycle-friendly. Designated bike paths and quiet country backroads provide a perfect passage along the Rhine, passing Hansel and Gretel style houses overlooked by imposing medieval castles.
Explore some of Romania's most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this region, the walking opportunities and the friendly atmosphere created by your hosts in the rural pensions guarantee this will be a unique and diverse adventure.
To really appreciate the countryside the ideal means of travel through the region is by bike. Fields of lavender and poppies, old olive groves and vine covered hills, orchards brimming with fruit and crumbling farmhouses are characteristic of the landscape. Explore historic relics from prehistoric to Roman times, and take your time to soak up the sights and sample the wine and produce of the Cotes du Rhone and greater Provence.
This guided walking trip combines time discovering archeological and architectural treasures with hiking through valleys and along coastal paths surrounded by landscapes of red earth, olive groves and vineyards. See the unique dry stone cottages known as trulli in intriguing Alberobello and the cave houses known as Sassi in Matera. Explore the enchanting maze of narrow streets in the 'white city' Ostuni, the seaside village of Otranto facing the Adriatic and visit the elegant Baroque city of Lecce.
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.
Explore some of Romania's most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. Whilst the legends of Transylvania are an enticing reason to visit this region, the walking opportunities and the friendly atmosphere created by your hosts in the rural pensions guarantee this will be a unique and diverse adventure.
Lake Constance is bordered by three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Austria - and sits at the northern foot of the Alps. On this circular cycle around the lake, visit the medieval towns of Constance, Stein, Meersburg and Lindau all while enjoying the amazing landscape of the lake against the backdrop of the Alps.
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. 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.
Southern Dalmatia encompasses a stunning chain of islands stretching from Solta to Mljet, and this unique cycling trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its picturesque old town and the lavender island of Hvar with its Venetian architecture. Aboard the comfortably appointed motor yacht, there is ample time between cycles to swim in the azure waters and soak up the ambience of seaside towns.
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.
This unique approach to a classic pilgrimage route combines a passion for good food and produce, with the incredible history of the trail crossing northern Spain. With fully supported day walks on the best sections of the pilgrimage trail paths, including the original route from Oviedo, the essence of the pilgrimage is retained.
The walking is combined with cooking demonstrations and numerous samplings of the local cuisine from the heart of Spanish modern cuisine in the Basque region to the small rural villages on the Camino, as the pilgrimage is commonly called. In the company of a local gastronomic expert, there will be many insights into the local culinary scene, two Michelin Star restaurant dining experiences.
A region full of elegant stone houses and medieval castles, the Dordogne boasts stunning scenery with a combination of villages, forests and farmland. With marvellous food and colourful markets (particularly Sarlat) you will discover the specialities of the region including mushrooms, walnuts, chestnuts, truffles and strawberries.
The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the most spectacular walks of the world. Brimming with incredible vistas from high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers, alpine scenery does not get much better than this. Joining an international group led by a bilingual mountain guide, the emphasis is on full immersion into the sublime mountain culture, with overnights in cosy mountain refuges or charming village gîtes.
The Rambler version of the Coast to Coast has an 18-day, self guided itinerary. It is a relaxed-pace option with 16 days of walking. It is ideal for those with more time or who want to break up the longer days of the original 2-week tour. Watch this video to get a sense of what it's like on this marvellous trip.
The Camino de Santiago, or Compostela Trail, has for centuries represented an important pilgrimage route from France, across the Pyrenees and the north of Spain to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela.
Following the most interesting sections from Roncesvalles in Spain through famous pilgrimage cities such as Leon and Pamplona, the landscapes change daily from mountain trails to forests and open plains.
The Best of the Camino was exactly that - The Best!! Our guide, Hector, was excellent - he clearly loved walking the Camino and had a great way of involving us in the history of, and cities along, The Way. Between Hector and our bus driver, Sergio, we were well looked. I could not recommend this trip more highly - I have travelled a fair amount over the years and this was a highlight - 10 out of 10. A bucket list trip that met and exceeded expectations. Thank you Hector and Sergio.
With the camaraderie of a small group and local guide, the trip is fully supported throughout. At night stay in atmospheric towns in a selection of hand picked hotels where the local flavours are introduced by your hosts. This carefully crafted itinerary is a firm favourite with our travellers who are always impressed with the quality of extra touches which make this trip so special.
How many of the Top 23 trips of 2023 have you been on? What was your pick of #1 of 2023? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.