The Top Hiking Tours to Take in Europe
Senior Travel Writer
Lace up your hiking boots and fill the cracks with dirt from around Europe on these top European hiking adventures.
Exploring Europe’s diversity means venturing far from the cosmopolitan cities and capitals of culture. We’re talking about exploring a remote island off Scotland’s coast, trekking through the Azores and tracing the mountains of Georgia. Your hiking boots have sat collecting dust long enough; make an impression on their soles with one of these unforgettable hiking tours through Europe, laced and knotted into these small-group trips.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Spectacular Sicily
Leave it to Sicily to put your love of hiking at odds with your love of carbs. Thankfully, this eight-day tour is a balance of both. Start with a cooking class in Palermo, then hike the Madonie Mountains; savour a big bowl of pasta ‘ncasciata in Lipari followed by a calorie-burning trek around Vulcano island’s volcanic rim. It’s living la dolce vita for those of you who can’t resist second helpings of amazing Sicilian cuisine, nor will such a plateful of deliciousness prevent you from wandering the road less travelled.
From US$2924
Next available from 20th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Palermo, Italy
ENDS AT
Siracusa, Sicily
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Georgia and the Caucasus
You have yet to discover just how much you’ll appreciate Lagodekhi National Park. After five hours of hiking through the Caucasian foothills, with nothing but the sounds of the forest and rivers, you’ll discover a fondness for Georgia that far exceeds your penchant for Georgian wine. Don’t imbibe too much of the vino, though, as your trekking doesn’t end at Tbilisi’s wine bars. It’s a three-hour trudge up to the medieval Gergeti Trinity Church the following day. Luckily, Tbilisi’s soothing sulphur baths will be waiting at the end of this trip.
From US$1199
Next available from 18th May 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Train
A hiking trip through Europe need not be limited to the mainland. Explore Britain’s last frontier on this rural adventure through Scotland’s rugged countryside. You’ll go on a guided walk in the Cairngorms National Park and Loch Coruisk, with a help of an initial boat journey for the latter. Meanwhile the comfort of famous trains like the Caledonian Sleeper and the Jacobite steam train – as seen in Harry Potter – are ideal for recuperating with a view, and the warmth of a whiskey tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery is the perfect way to cap off a day in the Highlands.
From US$2499
Next available from 29th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
London, England
ENDS AT
Edinburgh, Scotland
DURATION
7
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Escape to Iceland’s Frozen Wilderness
There are European hiking tours, then there are excursions across Iceland’s frozen wilderness. This five-day tour of the Land of Fire and Ice isn’t exactly a walk in the park – unless you mean Thingvellir National Park. You and your small group will check a number of Golden Circle sights off of your list before hiking behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and across the Sólheimajökull glacier. With your wet-weather gear already soaked, you might as well get just as pruny during a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
From US$2889
Next available from 17th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Into the Azores: Europe's Most Remote Adventure Playground
This six-day trip to the Azores, a volcanic Portuguese archipelago, is full of incredible outdoor adventures. Cycle and kayak around the Sete Cidades crater lakes, abseil down waterfalls and soak in mineral hot springs. Trek to Salto do Cabrito waterfall – don’t forget your swimming gear, as you can go for a refreshing dip once you’re there. You’ll also hike around Furnas crater lake, where you can work up an appetite for a geothermally cooked traditional dinner afterwards.
From US$1459
Next available from 29th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
ENDS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
8
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
Guides & Tips
Enjoy the Sicilian Villa Lifestyle this Summer
Film & TV
Visit the Real Locations from The White Lotus in Sicily
Guides & Tips
The Solo Traveller’s Guide to Sicily
Guides & Tips
Amazing Day Trips to Take Around Sicily by Boat
See & Do
A Guide to Sailing Around Sicily
See & Do
The Best Things to Do in Agrigento, Italy
See & Do
The Best Things to Do in Cefalù, Sicily
Guides & Tips
The Aeolian Islands: A Guide to Sicily's Volcanic Archipelago
Places to Stay
Where to Book a Stay in Sicily for a Local Experience
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book in Sicily for Every Traveller
Places to Stay
The Best Holiday Apartments in Sicily
See & Do
Indulge in Sulphur Mud Baths on the Italian Island of Vulcano
