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Walking vacations

Walking vacations from specialist operators designed to support local people & minimise environmental impact. We have walking vacations for people of every walking ability, from introductory walking to high altitude trekking vacations. See our full walking vacation classification.

walking vacations

1020 reviews for walking vacations4 star overall rating

These full and frank independent walking vacations reviews are from travelers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travelers below.

Mantua B&B accommodation, Italy
Fantastic! Most memorable were the lovely hosts who picked us up at the railway station and delivered us to another station after our stay.  (more)
From €70 per couple per night
Andalucia B&B farmhouse, Sierra de Grazalema
I loved this little farm and the people who run the B&B. It was in a lovely spot by a stream...I loved my time in the area of the B&B. (more)
From €49 - €58 per double room per night
Bhutan walking vacation
Climbing up to the Tiger's Nest on our last full day in Bhutan WAS pretty great - but I think my prize goes to seeing big pink orchids growing on the side of the road - and having the leisure to go photograph them, thanks to our wonderful driver.  (more)
From US $2700 - US $3060 excluding flights
Langtang Valley trekking vacation, Nepal
The most memorable part - Everything from arriving at the airport till leaving the airport. The Nepalese guide was FANTASTIC.  (more)
From £925 excluding flights
Catalonia self guided walking vacations, Spain
Really wonderful! It exceeded my expectations. Steve could not have been more helpful in coordinating and supporting us in this vacation. We loved the places we stayed, enjoyed the people and small towns. The food was excellent. The hikes we great. I felt like we really got to see the country and small communities. (more)
From £359 - £606 excluding flights
Inca Trail & Amazon vacation
The Lares trek was amazing, some really beautiful views! Get to see Machu Picchu as well!!! (more)
From £1145 excluding flights
Walking in Andalucia, Spain
The most memorable part was stopping for lunch on top of hills with amazing views and the homegrown oranges... Top, really enjoyed, excellent value, very well organised, great fun and wonderful people. Also loved accommodation.  (more)
From £649 excluding flights
Self catering accommodation up to 3 people, Peak District
The location itself was very quiet and peaceful, but only a short journey to the facilities of the nearest town. It was amusing to be greeted by the free range chickens each time we went out. (more)
From £399 - £578 per cottage per week (sleeps 2)
Andalucia self catering accommodation, Spain
Magnificent! We had a wonderful time in Lubrin. John was an excellent host - informative and very attentive. The accommodation was outstanding value for money. The gardens and pool were a real delight. We will definitely return.  (more)
From £199 per person per week
Walking holidays in Spain
Everything about this vacation was excellent, and exceeded expectations. The walking was varied, the guide/s were knowledgeable and supportive, the food was simply wonderful, and my walking companions were friends by the end of the week. (more)
From €560 - €850 excluding flights
Elaphite Islands & Dubrovnik walking tours in Croatia
Most interesting people very proud of their country, enjoyed the whole visit, have encouraged my friends to head to Croatia. (more)
From €680 excluding flights
Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation
Fantastic. Great crew and guide. Wildlife unbelievable.  (more)
From US $2549 excluding flights
Sicily walking vacation
Being on stomboli while the volcano rumbled and spat - being so close to lava fountains was the most memorable part. (more)
From US $1610 - US $1760 excluding flights
Yorkshire self catering accommodation sleeping 4, England
We were intrigued to stay in a house made of straw bales and to see how recycling/ reuse can be put into practice and good effect.- we were not disappointed! We found the photo albums showing the building of the house really interesting.  (more)
From £375 - £625 per cottage per week (sleeps 4-5)
Trekking holiday in Cuba
Certainly interesting was the venture to see Castro's headquarters in Alta Naranjo.  (more)
From £215 - £555 excluding flights
Patagonian adventure vacation
The most memorable part of our vacation was camping in Mt Fitz Roy National Park; it was so beautiful and the walking was excellent. We had some really good mountain guides; lots of fun. (more)
From US $1961 excluding flights
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking, Nepal
The whole trek and experience before and after was fantastic but if I had to choose...ABC camp - traditional 'courting' song by the porters and everyone including guides and tourists joining in. Also a quick view of the mountains in the middle of the night by moonlight. (more)
From €457 excluding flights
Self guided walking vacation in Sardinia
The best memories I take away from this vacation are of the gorgeous springtime Sardinian scenery, eating enormous home-cooked meals at the agricoturismos and of the all-round kindness and generosity of everybody we met.  (more)
From £710 excluding flights
Family self catering cottages, Peak District
Excellent - one of the best self-catering places we've stayed at. Would be very happy to go back there.  (more)
From £385 - £620 per cottage per week (sleeps 5)
Kilimanjaro Shira Route climb
The highlight was the day we reached Uhuru Peak. What an unforgettable experience!!! (more)
From US $2660 excluding flights

Vacation Reviews

We invite every traveler who books a vacation via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the vacations they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same vacation can have different views!

Read our review policy

Unedited reviews from other travelers

5 stars
I am reborn! Simply the best vacation I have ever been on
4 stars
Some great stories to tell the grandchildren. Would recommend to a friend
3 stars
Very enjoyable
2 stars
It was OK
1 star
A bit disappointing really

Walking vacation classifications

We organise our walking vacations by difficulty & the number of hours you walk each day to help you find the right walking vacation for your level of fitness.

Introductory walking
You do not need previous experience for these trips, but you do need to be in reasonably good health. If you enjoy walking, and will be able to walk for 4-5 hours per day then these trips will be for you. Although these trips are not at higher altitudes, and will have time for rest, remember that the walks will not be flat and that you'll enjoy them even more if you've built up a little stamina!
Moderate walking
If you have walked in the hills at home and are reasonably fit you will enjoy these trips, which will typically involve 5-8 hours walking per day. These trips might involve a day or two of harder and steeper walking, but generally walking conditions will be good.
Strenuous walking
Fitness is important for these trips, and you'll need to improve your stamina before you depart. You should expect to walk in mountainous terrain, usually at significantly higher altitudes than at home, for between 6 to 8 hours per day. You will either have trekked before, or be confident of your fitness.
Very challenging trekking
We recommend previous experience of trekking. You will need to be fit, have very good stamina, and be confident that you can to trek for many days without a break. You will be able to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as scree, snow or difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered and walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours.
High altitude trekking
If you want to get away from it all and up into some of the highest and most spectacular mountain ranges in the world then here are some awesome treks for you! As you will be at altitude you will need to be in good health, and have good stamina and fitness for those uphill days. You should expect some long days, cold temperatures, high altitudes, and some tough terrain in simply spectacular scenery.
Climbing
A choice of climbing vacations from specialist operators. For these trips we recommend previous climbing experience, preferably at altitude or the confidence to learn as you go. You will need to be fit, have very good stamina, and be confident that you can climb in demanding conditions.
Wilderness trekking
We've selected these treks for you based on their remoteness and beauty. If you prefer to enjoy the solitude of the mountains away from too many other people then these treks are for you. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and you will enjoy walking, but these trips are more about enjoying the surroundings than searching out really tough treks.
Walking safari
There is no better way of really experiencing wildife and wildlife habitats than getting out on foot to see and track game. Your safety will be paramount and you will be accompanied by expert guides. It might involve anything from a 3-4 hour walk from camp, to a mobile safari over several days moving from camp to camp. You'll will simply need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours.
Self guided walking
If you prefer to avoid groups and guides, or want create your own group, then a self guided walk is for you. No previous experience is needed.
Charity treks
Charity treks are ideal for people who don’t only want to travel responsibly, but also want to give that little bit extra and help contribute towards a favourite charity. All of our charity treks are either run by charities, or contribute a significant proportion of the cost of the vacation to a good cause.
Summer walking
Want to enjoy the fields, meadows and mountains in the summer sunshine? No previous experience required, just an enjoyment of walking and the outdoors.
Winter walking
Are you looking to get away during the winter months to enjoy an invigorating winter walk? No previous experience required, just an enjoyment of walking and the outdoors.


Want to know more about walking vacations before you go?

Find out more about walking by reading these walking articles.

Walking vacations by their very nature are low impact and allow you to experience the area at a pace not afforded by other types of vacation. Whether you're exploring the hills of Andalucia or on a walking safari in Kenya a walking vacation allows you to take the time to engage with local people and to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. The important thing when choosing your walking vacation is to ensure that you travel with a responsible tour operator. On responsibletravel.com we offer hundreds of walking vacations all around the world. We work closely with the tour operators to ensure that they have developed responsible travel policies that ensure that local people receive maximum benefit from tourist revenues and that there is minimal environmental impact. Find our more about walking vacations, take a look at this walking article.
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