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Escape the crowds

Expert advice for quieter walking adventures

We don’t just take you down the popular paths – we find the most tantalising off-the-beaten-path trails, and the most surprising ways to discover well-loved destinations across the UK and Europe.

Below, Inntravel’s Travel Expert James shares his passion for walking holidays where you're able to explore the quieter side to Europe's captivating corners; whether that's the paths that lead you above the Italian Lakes, a  family-run hotel nestled in Slovenia's Logar Valley, or Andalucía's rugged, lesser-known hills...

Wherever you choose to explore – from the rolling hilltops of Italy to Norway’s spectacular fjords – we'll make it worth it.

Our expert's view

"I love food, food is the best, espeically food in different regions, which i get to try as i love to travel by train"

- Adam Price, Destination Expert

Why take a foodie rail holiday?

Travel deliciously by rail | Slow the pace as the scenery unfolds outside your window, arriving relaxed and ready to explore.
Taste regions at their source | Savour iconic dishes where they were born – from vineyard tastings to market-fresh specialities prepared with pride.
Unhurried immersion | Leave everyday routines behind and settle into the rhythm of long lunches, local wines and conversations that linger.
Authentic encounters | Meet passionate producers, family-run trattorias and artisan makers who bring each region’s flavours to life.
Stay with character | Rest in welcoming, handpicked hotels – often family-owned – where hospitality and regional cuisine go hand in hand.

Top holiday picks for foodies

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Step into the quieter side of Europe

Far from busy resorts and bustling viewpoints, there’s a different kind of walking holiday – one that takes you along lesser-known routes, through hidden valleys, and into villages where time has stood still. 

  • For those who enjoy holidays at their own pace...

    Uncovering hidden corners
    With time to notice the details, from the scent of wild herbs on the hillside to the sound of church bells in a distant hamlet.

    Enjoying comfort and character
    After a day on the trails, enjoy a meal prepared with local ingredients, a warm welcome at a family-run guesthouse, and a glass of wine from the vineyards over the surrounding hills.

    Exploring beyond the guidebook
    Experience a place as the locals do, with time to linger, talk, and truly connect with a destination.

  • Sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones fewer people walk. These are the trails that lead to villages untouched by tourism, landscapes where you can hear the rustle of the wind in the grass, and cafés where the day’s news is still shared over coffee.

    In some cases we’ve spent years finding these routes – and the people who make them special – so you can experience them without the worry of planning. With detailed notes, luggage transfers, and hand-picked accommodation, you can enjoy the quiet with complete peace of mind.
  • Our self-guided walking holidays blend varied walking with authentic cultural encounters and welcoming places to stay. Most of our routes are graded 2 or above – meaning moderate to challenging days with some easier options available – so you can choose the level that suits your pace. Here's a few examples of some of our most popular holidays that take you away from the crowds.

    Italy’s Secret Apennine Mountains – Explore little-known peaks and wooded valleys where few other travellers venture. Enjoy the variety of walking in Corno alle Scale Regional Park, rich with wildlife and flowers, and return each evening to warm hospitality in charming hotels, with hearty local dishes made from seasonal produce.

    High Paths of Northern Portugal – Wander through the untamed beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park, where mountain lakes, oak forests and timeless hamlets await. Pause at hidden sanctuaries, visit the historic spa town of Gerês, and encounter the region’s distinctive wildlife – from Cachena cattle to wild Garrano horses.

    Istrian Peninsula & Adriatic Sea – Walk between medieval hill-top towns, quiet vineyards and the glittering coast. Cross the peninsula from the Adriatic to the eastern seaboard along peaceful countryside paths, sampling excellent food and wine – including tastings at local vineyards – before ending in the relaxed harbour town of Lovran.

    Piedmont’s Magical Valley – Tackle truly rewarding mountain routes in the Valle Maira, where generous mountain inns provide a heartfelt welcome. Discover the region’s Occitan heritage, admire wildflower-filled meadows in spring, and follow historic paths marked by reminders of the Second World War.

    Slovenia’s Enchanted Logar Valley – Savour the tranquillity of lush Alpine meadows framed by dramatic peaks. Walk superb trails, including to the herdsmen’s settlement of Velika Planina, then unwind at your hotel’s spa or enjoy fine dining. Take time to follow a heritage trail at a local farm and soak in the spectacular valley views.

    Wherever you choose, you can expect:
    • Carefully planned, self-guided routes with varied scenery and rewarding views.

    • Comfortable, characterful accommodation where the welcome is genuine.

    • Meals prepared with local ingredients and regional recipes.

    • Luggage transfers so you can enjoy every step.

    •  
  • Since 1984, we’ve been seeking out the world’s quieter corners, returning year after year to refine our routes and deepen our connections with the people who live there. It’s this long-standing knowledge that lets us show you the places other travellers rarely reach.
  • Talk to one of our friendly experts – walkers and travellers themselves – and we’ll help you choose the route that’s right for you. From the moment you book until the last step of your journey, everything is taken care of.
    • We recommend the best times of year to enjoy quieter trails.

    • Walking grades are clearly explained, so you can choose a holiday that suits your pace.

    • 24-hour support means help is always just a phone call away.

    • Comprehensive route notes highlighting landmarks, viewpoints, and places of interest along your walk.

    • Flexible travel options – whether you prefer to fly, take the train, or travel by ferry, and start your holiday on the day that suits you.
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