Best walking tours: 9 epic treks from the Himalaya to the Amalfi Coast

Lace up your boots for these hot global hikes, including walks in Nepal, China, Italy and Turkey. From tough terrains to easy strolls, there's something to suit everyone...

5 mins

1. China: Go off-beat on an icon

The Great Wall of China at sunrise (Shutterstock)

The Great Wall of China at sunrise (Shutterstock)

Explore’s Walk the Great Wall trip gets you off the beaten track – not an easy feat when you’re visiting one of the most iconic man-made structures in the world!

The trip concentrates on some of the most interesting and spectacular sections of this mighty barricade, including the Dragon’s Head, where the Great Wall meets the Yellow Sea, and the rolling hills near Jinshanling, dotted with numerous beacon towers.

There’s also plenty of time to enjoy the fantastic sprawl of Beijing, too, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and a visit to the Eastern Qing Tombs, the stunning Imperial Tomb Complex of the Qing Dynasty.

Trip: Walk The Great Wall

Who: Explore

When: Departures Apr, May, Aug, Sep & Oct

How long: 10 days

How much: From £1,625 (inc. flights)

2. Morocco: Explore the Atlas

Toubkal summit view (Shutterstock)

Toubkal summit view (Shutterstock)

Summit Morocco's three highest peaks and immerse yourself in Berber culture on this epic trek through the timeless Atlas Mountains with KE Adventure Travel.

Starting in the stunningly beautiful Bougmez Valley, you’ll head across the spectacular High Atlas Range all the way to the Toubkal Massif. Mountain trails will lead you through uninhabited valleys, where you’ll camp on mountain pastures used by nomadic shepherds. There are challenges – you’ll summit not only Morocco’s three highest peaks – Toubkal, Ouanoukrim and Mgoun – but the peak of Anghomar as well. 

Your trek ends in Marrakech, home to stunning architecture, magical souks and a bustling ancient Medina, and a visit to one of the city’s legendary hammams to soothe your tired muscles.

Trip: Across the High Atlas

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: Departure Jun, Jul & Sep

How long: 21 days

How much: From £ 1,070 (exc. flights)

3. The Azores: Amble the archipelago

The walking path from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno to Sete Citades (Shutterstock)

The walking path from Miradouro da Boca do Inferno to Sete Citades (Shutterstock)

Enjoy all that the volcanic islands of the Azores have to offer – with added treks along the way – on this grand tour of the islands with Sunvil.

Each island of the Azores, scattered in the Atlantic, has their own character and the mild climate is perfect for walking. 

The largest island, São Miguel, is a great introduction to what lays ahead, with a range of guided walk bolt-ons, taking in everything from azure lakes and forest waterfalls to spotting native flora and fauna, including some of Europe’s most-endangered bird species. This tour is available throughout the year, but the islands are at their best between April and October.

Trip: Azores Grand Tour

Who: Sunvil

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 14 days

How much: From £2,921 (inc. flights)

4. Palestine: Walk on the wild side

Hikers on hillside near Jericho (Masar Ibrahim)

Hikers on hillside near Jericho (Masar Ibrahim)

Join Wild Frontiers on this exciting wild walk in Palestine, following the Path of Abraham through some of the Middle East’s most historically significant landscapes. 

This incredible journey provides you with an opportunity to gain a unique insight into an ancient and fascinating land; one that has seen the passing of Crusaders and Saracens, the crucifixion of Christ and the bloody conflicts of the Arab-Israeli wars.

Travelling on foot through the Jordan Valley, you’ll sleep in homestays and local guesthouses, explore from Nablus to the springs of Al Auja, and visit the biblical cities of Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Trip: Walking in Palestine

Who: Wild Frontiers

When: Departures Apr & Oct

How long: 8 days

How much: From £1,935 (exc. flights)

5. Nepal: Take it easy in the Himalaya

Namche Bazaar in Nepal (Shutterstock)

Namche Bazaar in Nepal (Shutterstock)

This short trek with Intrepid is the perfect introduction to Everest, offering stunning views of the world’s highest mountain as well as the chance to experience life in rural Nepal.

After a short flight to Lukla, you’ll enjoy a four-day trek through the Nepalese countryside, staying in authentic teahouses in the village of Phakding, the market town of Namche Bazaar and the small settlement of Monjo. The accommodation may be spartan, but the scenery is beautiful and the food delicious.

Along the way, you'll cross fast flowing rivers, climb to the highest hotel in the world and take in close up views of the mountain and the surrounding Himalayas.

Trip: Everest Teahouse Trek

Who: Intrepid

When: Departures Jan-Aug 

How long: 5 days

How much: from £733 (exc. flights)

6. Italy: Walk the Amalfi Coast

Trekking along the Amalfi Coast, Italy (Shutterstock)

Trekking along the Amalfi Coast, Italy (Shutterstock)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast as you set off on one of the world’s finest walks, the Walk of the Gods, with Flight Centre and Exodus. 

This walking tour takes you from Naples, through forests and nature reserves, to Positano. You’ll wander the ancient hillsides, past fragrant lemon groves and deep gorges to some of Italy’s most picturesque towns and villages.

You’ll sample incredible food and wine as you go, of course, as well as panoramic views of the undulating hills and sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Glorious.

Trip: Walking the Amalfi Coast

Who: Flight Centre

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 8 nights

How much: from £1,345 (inc. flights)

7. Turkey: Explore the Lycian Way

Hiking the Lycian Way, Turkey (Shutterstock)

Hiking the Lycian Way, Turkey (Shutterstock)

Experience the incredible history and breathtaking scenery of Turkey’s legendary Lycian Way on this walking holiday with KE Adventure Travel.

The spectacular Lycian Peninsula offers the rare opportunity to hike through a timeless region whilst enjoying the very best trails in this part of Turkey. It’s an area brimming with ancient ruins, fragrant pine forests, sleepy hamlets and excellent local cuisine. It’s also one of Turkey’s most authentic regions, so you’ll be treated to traditional family-run accommodation and tasty home-cooked food. 

Along the way you’ll visit the ancient site of Olympos, hike up to the mysterious flames of the Chimaera, stroll along deserted beaches and swim in secluded bays. Finally, you’ll sail over the sunken city of Kekova and walk up to the spectacular hill-top castle of Simena. This is coastal walking at its very best.

Trip: The Lycian Way

Who: KE Adventure Travel

When: Departures Mar, Apr, Sep & Oct

How long: 8 days

How much: From £545 (exc. flights)

8. Wales: Discover the Four Corners of Anglesey

The lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island (Shutterstock)

The lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island (Shutterstock)

Anglesey’s coastal path is one of the best kept secrets on Wales' largest island. Uncover its history, wildlife and natural beauty on this week-long walking holiday with Ramblers.

The tour follows trails in the four corners of this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, letting you enjoy as much of the variety of the island as possible. You’ll walk from Malltraeth, crossing over to Llanddwyn Island, with views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.

The coastal path from Holyhead on Holy Island passes Ellin's Tower, where you can watch nesting birds on the cliff face. You’ll visit Beaumaris Castle on the south coast, before arriving at Penmon Priory, home of the Penmon Point lighthouse.

During your four or five walking days (depending on the length of your holiday), you’ll enjoy a variety of views, from limestone escarpments, wide beaches and sand dunes on the southern coast to dramatic sea cliffs and remote landscapes on the northern coast.

Trip: The Four Corners of Anglesey

Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 7 nights

How much: From £619 (exc. flights)

9. USA: Hike amid autumn colours

The Appalachian Trail in Fall (Shutterstock)

The Appalachian Trail in Fall (Shutterstock)

Enjoy the best bits of one of the world’s longest hikes on Grand American Adventures’ Appalachian & New England Walk, tracing the spine of the north Appalachians, via peaks and lakes, and experiencing the colourful fall foliage up close.

You'll also explore the mountain ranges of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts on guided day hikes, including Franconia Ridge. H

iking through wooded valleys and undisturbed forests along the best trails in New England, you’ll witness first hand the incredible transformation autumn brings as the rich foliage turns to stunning shades of crimson and orange. This tour is a dream for hikers and nature lovers.

Trip: Appalachian & New England Walk

Who: Grand American Adventures

When: Sep

How long: 11 days

How much: From £1,769 (inc. flights)

 

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