Self guided hiking vacations

Our self guided walking trips in Europe are as diverse as the countries they explore. You might walk the Thames into London, climb craggy paths in the Spanish Pyrenees, or wander to secret beaches in Greece. Our experts provide detailed route notes – and often walk the routes regularly themselves – so you can take each step with confidence.

Paths are well-marked, especially on famous routes like the Camino de Santiago and through the vineyards of Tuscany. Where they’re not, you’ll be provided with photos and GPS instructions that make the road ahead clear – and help you find tavernas and clifftop bars you’d otherwise miss. Many routes are linked by public transport, making it easy to choose less polluting travel options and inviting you into local life.

Centre-based walking chooses one accommodation and sticks with it. That might be a restored farmhouse with a pool or an alpine chalet. Each day brings a different walk, but all adventures start from your front door or are a quick bus, train or taxi journey away. You’ll only have to unpack once and you have the chance to really get to know the local area – or book spa treatments or make your way around the local restaurants.

Inn to inn walking is walking from point to point, moving from one accommodation to the next every day. It might be part of a pilgrimage path like Japan’s Nakasendo Trail or an island-hopping adventure and, once you get the chance to sit down and zoom out, there’s a real sense of satisfaction at covering so much ground in a week or two. Remote treks might require you to carry your belongings, but most trips include luggage transfers by local taxi drivers. Itineraries are fixed as you’re aiming for a new place each day, but our experts can help you choose distances – and the number of rest days – that suit you.