The best hiking adventure holidays in Europe by Exodus Travels
- Adventure Coordinators
- Sep 8, 2022
- 8 min read
Hiking and cycling tours is what Exodus Travels is best known for and Europe perhaps has the best infrastructure to pull these off. These are the best hikingadventure holidays in Europe by Exodus Travels.
Norway
Northwest of the Norwegian capital of Oslo, sheer rock walls rise a kilometre up into the sky, farms hang onto impossibly narrow strips of land, while waterfalls tumble down its cliffs. This is Norway's heartland, where Nigardsbreen glacier, the mountains of Jotunheim, lush valleys and three national parks are all within easy striking distance. Explore this spectacular area on foot, allowing you to discover tranquil spots and incredible viewpoints, away from the crowds.
England
It has been called "poetry in the hills" and England's Lake District has certainly been the inspiration for many an author, poet and artist. Craggy mountain tops offering exhilarating vistas of glistening lakes and terns, incredible natural beauty, wonderful hiking trails and a UNESCO World Heritage status makes the Lake District a must-see for any serious walker.
Ireland
This active trip shows you some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland on foot and by bicycle. Explore Killarney National Park as you hike the old Kenmare road and cycle the glaciated valleys of the stunning Gap of Dunloe. Next, transfer to Dingle, the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula where breathtaking views and splendid seascapes await as you bike to Slea Head, explore Great Blasket Island on two wheels, or hike a spectacular old farmer's track across the peninsula.
France
It is the furthest east you can go on the Côte d’Azur, but the pretty seaside town of Menton will not disappoint. It is one of the most attractive towns on the French Riviera, what with its shady streets, pastel-coloured mansions and excellent restaurants. With the town as your base you will explore the villages, gardens, coastal paths, mountain trails and fantastic viewpoints of this picturesque corner of France.
France, Switzerland, Italy
With ten walking days and 3 rest days this accommodated trek is the ideal way to hike around the Mont Blanc Circuit in France, Italy and Switzerland. As your luggage is transported for you between overnight stops, you carry only a day pack, enabling you to enjoy the scenery to the max. Indulge in amazing alpine views of glacial lakes and mountain vistas while each night you sleep in a comfortable bed and enjoy a great meal.
France, Switzerland, Italy
Our Haute Route passes beneath 10 or the 12 highest mountains in the Alps, from Mont Blanc near Chamonix in France to Matterhorn near Zermatt in Switzerland. Spectacular mountain views, stunning valleys and pretty glacial lakes are all around on this fantastic trek through the Alps.
France, Switzerland, Italy
Walk the best sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit while staying in a comfortable mountain chalet
France, Switzerland, Italy
Alpine meadows and rocky peaks, windswept cols and glaciers, glorious views and some great trekking and hiking. Find all that and more in the Mont Blanc Massif. For experienced hikers, our self-guided Mont Blanc Circuit is the perfect trek through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Alps of France, Italy and Switzerland.
Switzerland
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Based in Kandersteg we hike the best of them, using cable cars to get us at altitude, and walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
Switzerland
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Based in Kandersteg we hike the best of them, using cable cars to get us at altitude, and walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
Spain
Dramatic limestone peaks and green valleys make up the mountain range in Spain known as the Picos de Europa. It is a tranquil area made for walking and many bird and animal species thrive in this inaccessible wilderness. Discover all this from your centrally located family-run hotel offering stunning views of the highest mountains in the area. Two levels of hikes, moderate and challenging, are offered on alternating dates.
Spain
The Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain is an ancient pilgrimage route, popular with pilgrims and hikers alike. For those who do not want to stay in shared accommodation (as infamously shown in the movie "The Way") and do not want to carry their luggage, this self-guided trip from Cruz de Ferro to Santiago de Compostella along the final section of the Camino Frances, is perfect. Enjoy the best of this hiking route in comfort.
Spain
In the south of Spain, in the heart of the Andalusian countryside, amid olive groves and picturesque farmland, lies your cortijo, a converted farmhouse, your base for a week of walking. Explore the rugged hills and limestone peaks of the Sierra de Grazalema and walk the famous El Chorro Gorge on the Caminito del Rey. A sure highlight of the trip will be your visit to beautiful Seville.
Two different activity levels are on offer; see the itinerary below for details.
Portugal
Discover the famous Basto and Douro regions of Portugal on foot. Leisurely walks, sampling the great wine and food along with engaging cultural visits make for a great relaxing holiday.
Portugal
The subtropical island of Madeira, a piece of Portugal far out in the Atlantic Ocean, offers dramatic scenery, black sand beaches, volcanic craters and gushing mountain streams. Hiking along the levada irrigation channels is a unique experience, allowing you to access the rugged interior.
Portugal
The remote archipelago of the Azores, part of Portugal but situated in the middle of the Atlantic, is a wonderful playground of volcanic origin. Crater lakes, caverns and thermal springs dot the islands, while the craggy coastline hides picturesque fishing villages. Adventure activities such as hiking and canyoning are the order of the day. Whales are numerous in the many marine reserves while on land a network of natural parks and biospheres protects the unspoiled environment. This tour has you discover 4 of the most interesting islands on foot.
Italy
Craggy peaks towering up to the sky, where wooden farmhouses dot the orchard-clad valleys, where hiking trails lead you from mountain huts to spa resorts to glorious vistas. These are the Dolomites, part Austrian, part Italian, with a culture all its own. On this small-group guided hiking trips you walk the best trails of the Dolomites in Italy and see the stunning scenery this area is known for while staying in a comfortable centrally located hotel with an excellent restaurant and health facilities.
Some dates offer moderate walks while other dates offer more challenging walks.
Italy
Craggy peaks towering up to the sky, where wooden farmhouses dot the orchard-clad valleys, where hiking trails lead you from mountain huts to spa resorts to glorious vistas. These are the Dolomites, part Austrian, part Italian, with a culture all its own. During your stay in the village of Dobbiaco/Toblach you get to choose from a menu of half- and full-day hikes, according to your abilities. Use the extensive bus, train and cable car system to get you to and from the trail heads and hike around the famous Tre Cime, through alpine meadows and along limestone escarpments. En-route, don't forget to stop for a treat in one of the chalets!
Italy
In northern Italy, between Venice and the Dolomites lies an undiscovered area famous for its production of Prosecco. Using an elegant hotel as our base, we explore the villages and vineyards of this picturesque region, while enjoying the wonderful cuisine and bubbles.
Italy
Cliffs plunging into the sea, colourful villages clinging to the mountain side, walking trails wending their way through walled farmyards down to the sea. The Cinque Terre is one of Italy's most famous and most picturesque areas. This trip has you explore the best hiking trails of the Cinque Terre and neighbouring Portofino.
Italy
It is the classical Tuscan view of poppy fields and stately cypress trees leading you into a vista of town walls and fortified towers high up on a hill. Enter the town and wander its cobblestones streets, visit its galleries and shops and sit down for a gourmet meal. On this one-week hiking trip you will discover pretty towns, the renaissance cities of Siena and Florence and sample several varieties of Chianti wines. This is La Dolce Vita, Tuscan style.
Italy
Steep mountains rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where they meet the ocean. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Hike up to a vantage point and marvel at the views over this, the Amalfi Coast. This is one of the best coastal hikes in Italy.
Italy
Steep mountains rising from the turquoise Mediterranean, slopes covered in lemon groves, white-washed villages lining deep valleys where they meet the ocean. Explore covered alleys leading to hidden courtyards and sit down for a glass of wine or some gelato. Follow ancient footpaths and stairs up the hills to hamlets tucked away in forest-covered hills. Hike the Path of the Gods and marvel at the views over this, the Amalfi Coast.
Italy
Deep in southern Italy, in the "heel of the boot", lie the unique regions of Puglia and Basilicata. It is an area of limestone ridges, fertile valleys, vineyards, ancient olive groves and pretty towns. We explore the rock-cut dwellings in UNESCO-protected Matera, the dry-stone houses of Alberobello and the dramatic coastline, while enjoying the great regional cuisine and wines.
Italy
Several volcanoes dot the blue waters north of Sicily and on this trip we hike the best of them. There is Lipari, the gateway to these Aeolian Islands, Vulcano where we hike to its steaming crater and captivating Stromboli where we hike into the sunset. There is time to relax on the black beaches before this amazing week of walking in Italy culminates with hikes on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano.
Slovenia
Tiny Alpine Slovenia offers great scenery amidst which you will find incredible walks and hikes. Pretty landscapes dotted with small churches and quaint villages share the country with amazing mountainscapes. Hike to waterfalls in the Martuljek Gorge, indulge in an abundance of alpine fauna and flora in the Karavanke Mountains, visit Lake Bled, walk the shores of Lake Bohinj and hike the stunning Pokljuka Plateau.
Croatia
Endless Roman ruins, romantic Venetian towns and Byzantine churches. Sun-bleached hills descending to cobalt blue seas, which in turn straddle a coast dotted with picturesque isles. Inland meanwhile, limestone caverns, river canyons, splendid waterfalls and picturesque lakes will leave you dazzled. This walking trip along Croatia's Dalmatian coast shows you the best of it all, including Dubrovnik, the stunning viewpoints and villages of the island of Brac, Diocletian’s Roman Palace in Split, the waterfalls of Krka National Park, and the limestone cliffs, caves and canyons of Paklenica NP.
Romania
Transylvania is one of Romania's least disturbed regions, an area of ancient Saxon villages, medieval towns and castles and abundant wildlife. On this trip you will discover all of these on walks through the mountains, forests, canyons and farmland.
Greece
Exploring the undiscovered Greek island of Evia on foot you will find an authentic vibe, original tavernas, historical treasures and hidden beaches.
Greece
An excellent introduction to both the Greek islands and walking holidays. Discover the valleys, olive and citrus groves and Venetian town and market of beautiful Naxos, before taking a ferry to Santorini with its spectacular views. Walk the Cliff Trail along the island's caldera and soak up the atmosphere at pretty Oia. Finally, explore Paros with its Byzantine cathedral and walk an ancient trail to the island's east coast. All the while, enjoy the great food and hospitality Greece is known for.
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