Self Guided and Small Group Guided Walking and Cycling Tours in Europe
We have more than 60 different self guided and small group guided itineraries, lasting as few as four days or as many as 15 days. The physical demands of the tours range from relaxing to challenging - yet all offer unique opportunities to discover the 'untrodden' Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries-old culture, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights.
In short, they're flexible, unique adventures of 'undiscovered' corners that offer you a great deal of independence yet provide support when you need it. Best of all, the self guided tours start on virtually any day of the week, so you can combine any tour to create exactly the holiday you want. And be sure to compare the price - we offer exceptionally priced active programs that are virtually all-inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the wonders you've come to experience.
Whatever your interests, our European selection of tours is a world waiting to be discovered. Join us and explore Europe your way.
There are two styles of trip - self-guided and group:
Self Guided Walking and Cycling Holidays in Europe
A self guided holiday in Europe is one of the most popular active holiday
experiences we offer thanks to the flexibility it provides. Usually
requiring only two people to operate, and often with flexibility to
choose your own departure date, a self guided holiday embodies our philosophy
of exploring the world your way at your pace
On all our self guided holidays in Europe we'll take care of all the
important logistics. We supply you with lodgings* in charming mountain
huts, inns and 2, 3 or 4 star hotels (with private facilities) chosen
for their local flavour; you will be provided with clear and detailed
route descriptions, maps and local sightseeing information so you can
plan ahead each day. We'll also remove the hassle of luggage transfers
by making sure it is moved to your next night's accommodation for you.
All you need to do is enjoy your holiday with the comfort of knowing
that you have adequate time to explore as you wish and comfortably savour
the sights and delights of the region. On cycling trips modern 21-speed
bicycles are supplied.
Please ask for our detailed trip notes for exact inclusions on your
next self guided holiday.
*Prices are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling together in twin
share accommodation unless otherwise specified (eg dormitory style).
Europe Guided Walking and Cycling Holidays
A guided small group holiday is perfect for those who enjoy the camaraderie
of like-minded travellers and appreciate the local knowledge shared
by expert guides. Your guide is with you from the time your tour commences
until it concludes. On a guided tour you'll share memories and laughs
with enthusiastic travellers from around the world who also appreciate
the benefits of exploring Europe by bike and on foot.
On all our holidays we take care of all the logistics. The maximum group
varies depending on your chosen holiday. They typically range from 8
to 16 participants, although are somewhat larger on our bike and barge
or cycle and sail holidays.
On a guided walking or cycling holiday small group does not mean you're
tied 'en masse' - you still have the flexibility to go off exploring
on your own during the days if you choose. On our bike and barge cycling
holidays the guide will not normally cycle with the group.
We provide all the cycling equipment that is required for your cycling
tour. We generally provide quality 21 speed bikes, helmets, and panniers
on both our guided and self guided itineraries
Please ask for the departure dates of any holidays you're interested
in. For exact inclusions please ask for our detailed trip notes
Active family holidays in Europe
We have active holidays in Europe to suit families with children as
young as two.
On many of our self guided cycling tours we arrange bike trailers which
can accommodate up to two children to a maximum of 40-60kgs (depending
on specifications), and trail-a-bikes for 4-9 year olds
Our self guided walking holidays are suitable for active children from
8 years old, while our guided family adventures in the Mont Blanc region
are designed for children from 7 years. Discounts are usually available
for children under 12 years when sharing a room with two adults, please
enquire for exact pricing and details.
WALKING & HIKING IN EUROPE
Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
Sweden, Switzerland
WALKING & HIKING IN BRITAIN
England, Scotland
Prices
The prices are shown as "from" and may vary. You may choose
to upgrade the hotels, alternative hotels may have to be used because
of availability, and some areas have peak season supplements. Please
ask for a quote for your dates.
Travel to and from the start point is not included.
Accommodation Styles
All of the accommodation we use is specially chosen and reflective of
the style of the trip. We do not use chain hotels and in most instances
the hotels are centrally located when staying in large towns and cities.
" Thermal spa hotel
" Hotel - 2 star, 3 star, 4 star
" Boat - barge, ship
" Guesthouse - B&B, inn, agriturismos, hostel
" Mountain refuge / mountain hut / mountain cabin
" Gite hostel
" Apartment
" Manor house
" Chateau hotel
" Camping
Walking Grades:
1 - Introductory
Denoted as level 1, these trips involve walking for four to five hours
per day or cycling for 15-50 kms per day at a slow but steady pace.
You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Overall, our introductory trips enable you to meander throughout the
regions at a comfortable pace and take plenty of time to explore the
sights.
Preparation - 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise (either road cycling
or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your
trip
2 - Introductory to moderate
Denoted as level 2, these trips involve a combination of what is described
in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory
activity with several moderate stages.
3 - Moderate
If you're seeking a good balance of activity and would like to explore
more of the countryside, our moderate trips are ideal. Our moderate
walking trips, denoted as level 3, generally involve four to six hours
of walking per day over mountainous terrain or six to eight hours per
day (20-25km) on well-marked trails over undulating terrain. Our moderate
cycling has you covering up to 65km of undulating terrain with some
steep hills. Yet the rewards for the extra bit of effort are definitely
worth it!
Preparation - 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise (either road cycling
or jogging), three to five times a week for three months leading up
to your trip.
4 - Moderate to challenging
This is a combination of the moderate and challenging grades and is
denoted as level 4. Refer to the individual gradings for further details.
5 - Challenging
These level 5 trips are for very fit and adventurous travellers who
want to experience either truly remote regions and/or maximum sights
on their tour - yet of course, still with plenty of time to absorb the
atmosphere. Our challenging walking trips generally involve up to nine
hours of walking per day, often over mountainous terrain with steep
ascents and descents, as well as pass crossings, sometimes in alpine
weather conditions. In addition, contour map reading skills are usually
required. Expect to cover up to 80kms per day of undulating terrain
with some steep hills on our challenging cycling trips.
Preparation - 1 hour of aerobic type exercise (either road cycling or
jogging), four to five times a week for three to six months leading
up to your trip. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions
or road cycling in hilly terrain is also recommended.
