With demand for active trips increasing, Intrepid Travel, has created a new range of walking tours focusing on some of the most sought-after routes in Europe. The new “Great Walks of Europe” collection includes six iconic treks delivered in a sustainable and accessible way, each led by highly qualified local leaders.
During the past year and a half, Intrepid has increased its portfolio of active trips, recognising that they are some of the lowest carbon-output trip styles, while also being in high-demand as travellers seek outdoor adventures following months of being in lockdowns.
“We have seen an increase in active adventures in the past few months. Fresh air, iconic routes, remote locations and a guarantee of vaccinated trip leaders and fellow travel companions make these new walking tours a desirable option for travellers looking to explore Europe in 2022,” said Brett Mitchell, Managing Director at Intrepid Travel.
The Great Walks of Europe collection offers adventures for many fitness levels. The range includes a mix of centre-based itineraries, which provide the possibility for a traveller to skip some walks if they wish, and point-to-point hikes, which require participants to complete particular routes to get to the next destination.
Appealing to environmentally and socially conscious travellers, each trip includes stays at small, family-run hotels and authentic style accommodations with minimal transport used, making them a more sustainable option while supporting local communities that have been affected by the pandemic.
The Great Walks of Europe collection, with trips departing from April 2022 onwards, includes:
Walk the Camino de Santiago (Spain) – 7 days from $1,356 per person
This is the perfect trek for travellers looking for a cultural odyssey, physical challenge, religious pilgrimage or to meet interesting travel companions. Participants will undertake a journey along the final 100km of Spain’s Camino de Santiago, walking through traditional countryside, quaint hamlets, roman ruins and more, while fueling up on unique Galician specialties like traditional polbo a feira octopus in Melide and learning how to make the traditional and mythical Queimada drink.
Hike the Rota Vicentina (Portugal) – 8 days from $1,944 per person
Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, is one of the most scenic sections of this ancient coastal path, passing through the sunny Alentejo and Algarve regions. Travellers will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in the village of Zambujeira do Mar with ingredients from the local fish market, spend a day at leisure in Aljezur, a mecca for surfing and stand up paddle boarding, and hike to Cabo de de Sao Vicente, mainland Europe’s southwestern most point.
Hiking in the Dolomites (Italy) – 8 days from $1,884 per person
On this trip, travellers are based in the Italian town of Dobbiaco, spending each day exploring the Dolomite’s iconic backdrop of towering cliffs, lush pastures and emerald green lakes. Participants will hike the Three Peaks of Lavaredo loop, a full day walk which is widely regarded as the most scenic hike in the Dolomites, see the Earth Pyramids of Platten, naturally formed earth towers which are the tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids in Europe, and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch featuring some of the region’s famous produce on the edge of Toblacher See, a spectacular scenic lake.
Hike the Lycian Way (Turkey) – 8 days from $984 per person
Hike along Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast and the rocky tracks of the Lycian Way – a trail used in ancient Greek and Roman times. Enjoy the welcome of friendly locals, explore ancient Lycian tombs in Fethiye, marvel at the azure waters of Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon, laze on Turkey’s longest sand beach at Patara, enjoy a boat ride from Simena to Kekova with snorkeling, and finish in the picture-perfect coastal town of Kas.
Mont Blanc Highlights (France) – 8 days from $2,268 per person
On this hiking adventure through the Alps, travellers will walk through inspiring scenes each day with an International Mountain Leader guiding the way before returning to base in Chamonix. Travellers can walk through the region’s best landscapes without the tiring climbs while they soak in unbeatable views during a series of cable car rides.
Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc (France, Italy, Switzerland) – 8 days from $2,872 per person
The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks. Travellers will enjoy a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures as they follow a circuit route from Chamonix in France, passing through Switzerland and Italy. Participants will enjoy several included hikes and cable car rides around the slopes along the way.
As of September 2021, all travellers and tour leaders with Intrepid Travel must be vaccinated, and every Intrepid trip operates under Safe Travel protocols developed and endorsed by the World Travel & Tourism Council. travellers can also book with confidence with Intrepid’s Flexible bookings policy.
For more information about each trip or to book, visit: www.intrepidtravel.com/theme/walking.
SOURCE: Intrepid Travel
