Walking Holidays Europe
Tracks and Trails guided walking holidays range from day walks in magnificent mountain ranges to classic high alpine routes and on hidden gems that we have explored and want to share with our guests. Tracks and Trails’ philosophy for all our adventures is to leave no trace.
We choose our routes and our departure dates with equal care. Timing our mountain walking holidays to ensure guests experience the destination at the best possible time of year be that spring, summer or autumn.
Our guided walking holidays are all shaped by our experience of moving in the mountains. We consider sustainability in everything we do; we look beyond the busiest trails and destinations. We actively seek out places that reward our guests with extraordinary experiences and support refuges, hotels, restaurants and business in the communities we travel though.
Guided Hiking Holidays
Walking through history
The Alps are a living legacy of an ancient way of life that demands both protection and support. Our programme of summer guided walking tours in Europe is focused on exploring landscapes that are rich in culture, history, folklore, wildlife and flora.
We are focused on expanding our Low Impact collection of guided walking holidays. For these mountain walking holidays, we travel with a lighter footstep, inviting guests to choose sustainable travel to reach the destination. These include centre-based adventure holidays and journeys where we hike carrying all our own kit between accommodation.
Scheduled departures also include multi-centre guided walking holidays with luggage support where necessary.
Sensational seasonal trails
Timing is everything. Quite simply, some trails are best walked in the spring. Verdant, lush with fresh growth and the air scented with florals. That’s true of both Hiking in Provence and Walking in Wild. Equally, our trio of guided trekking holidays in Corsica on the famous GR20 are magnificent in September, once the heat of the summer passes.
Iconic alpine trails
The Tour du Mont Blanc is an iconic route recognised by hikers from around the globe. The classic high mountain trails feature in our schedule, but we limit our departures to one each summer season, timed to avoid peak pressure points. Alternatively, guests can choose to take less travelled but equally spectacular routes like the Tour de Monte Rosa or the Tour of the Julian Alps.
The Nordics are calling
Our love of mountain ranges in the Nordics grew out of our winter exploration and off-track ski touring. Exploring these wilderness spaces in the summer now lures us back with spectacular walking trips in Norway’s Jotunheim and Rondane National Parks added to our itinerary.
Why join a Tracks and Trails guided walking holiday?
We have hiked these trails and created our itineraries to deliver the best walking the area has to offer.
Our guides will share their passion for the destination, offering insights into the history, geography and local flora and fauna.
Each itinerary gives clarity about everything from the length of the hiking day to the stops along the way.
We predominantly work with a network of owner-managed characterful hotels, auberges and refuges, which contributes to the cultural richness of our trips.
We don’t impose single supplements. We offer our single travellers the choice of sharing with someone of the same gender.
Our guided walking holidays are all graded so you can choose a journey that best matches your experience and fitness.
Get off the beaten track
If you would like to adventure with a group of friends or family, ask about our Go Private service. We can craft a unique itinerary for your next guided walking holiday in the Alps or Nordics, or you can choose from one of our scheduled departures.
Tracks and Trails top tips for summer guided walking holidays
Hiking boots or walking shoes?
We recommend that if you are new to walking or going to be tackling steep ascents, descents or potentially icy conditions, you opt for a hiking boot. They provide better grip and keep your feet warmer and drier in wet weather.
If you are accustomed, like many of our guides, to walking mountain paths in low-cut footwear, then a walking shoe is fine. Similarly in drier terrain, like Provence in France or Majorca in Spain, walking shoes (in combination with an ankle gaiter for extra protection) may be enough.
Must hiking boots be made of leather?
Individual preference is a big part of this choice. Modern lightweight fabric walking boots are ready to wear and kinder on the feet because they don’t need to be broken in. Leather boots offer long-term durability. Fit and comfort to suit personal walking style is the most important consideration.
Is a down jacket necessary on a guided hiking vacation?
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Rapid temperature drops, rain and even snow at high altitude are common even in the summer. A lightweight down or fibre loft jacket is crucial for warmth, particularly at high altitudes. It’s an essential part of your personal safety kit.
Are full waterproofs needed for a summer trekking holiday?
Weather in the mountains can change very quickly. A waterproof jacket and trousers are essential to help prevent hypothermia and stay dry and warm in the event of sudden bad weather
Why bring poles on a guided walking holiday?
Lightweight walking poles are great for maximising your power on the uphill. They also offer stability when negotiating mountainous terrain.
What’s the best method for staying hydrated while hiking?
The options are hydration bladder or water bottles. We recommend hybrid approach. Use the bladder, which can be harder to monitor/leaky, for easy sipping on the go with a water bottle that’s simple to top up whilst walking.
What’s the best way to keep phones charged on a multi-day walking holiday?
Remote mountain refuges may limit access to electricity as they reserve it for essential use. A lightweight , compact power pack to keep devices charged is an option. Check too if you need an adapter.
How is the pace of the guided walking holiday managed?
All our trips are graded to snow the level of personal experience and fitness needed to make the holiday enjoyable. Our grades for guided hiking vacations fall into five categories and every walking holiday shows its level. That way you can be confident it’s within your capabilities. Our experience also shows that a positive mental attitude and progressive conditioning during the trip can also greatly enhance hiking ability.