The Top Hiking Tours to Take in Europe

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Nick Dauk

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.

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The Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia sits dramatically perched on a hilltop in front of the imposing Caucasus Mountains

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$1287.2

Next available from 5th Oct 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

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ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in Harry Potter

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$2406.75

Next available from 2nd Sep 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

London, England

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ENDS AT

Edinburgh, Scotland

DURATION

7

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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A person looking down at the azure waters of the Lagoa do Fogo in the Azores

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$2345.15

Next available from 15th Sep 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

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ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.

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