Walking Holidays in Europe. A Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Comprehensive route notes

We take great pride in our route guides, updating them constantly so that you have the most current information and can enjoy the richest possible holiday experience. Walking at a pace that suits you, you can rely on them to steer you from A to B, and fill you in about places of interest and local culture along the way.
Your holiday, your way

Not being part of a group means you can stay in intimate hotels and guesthouses, and gives you so much freedom. Freedom to choose your start date, the length of your holiday (feel free to add extra nights) and your travel route – we’ll happily book a bespoke travel package for you, either by air, by rail or by ferry.
Friendly experts

We’ve built up a wealth of experience since we started in 1984. Whenever you contact us, you’ll deal with friendly experts who share a passion for travel and who have stayed in our featured hotels and walked our routes. They’ll be delighted to answer your queries and help you plan your perfect holiday.

Find the right holiday for you

Type of holiday

Destination

When (if known)

How our walking holidays are graded

So broad is our selection, that we have a self-guided walking holiday for everyone, from gentle strolls (grade 1) to high-mountain hikes (grade 3). Naturally, the grading of individual holidays is subjective and within each holiday you will occasionally find some days slightly more challenging or easier than others. If you need any advice, please ask our friendly experts.

Grade 1

Generally easy walking with few ascents / descents, but perhaps the occasional long day.
Grade 1-2

Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents / descents, and occasional longer days.
Grade 2

Moderate walking on varied terrain, with some long days and regular ascents / descents.
Grade 2-3

Moderate-to-challenging walking on more rugged terrain with significant ascents / descents on most days. Compass skills may be required (check the individual holiday).
Grade 3

Challenging hikes, featuring long days with significant ascent / descent on challenging terrain. Compass skills may be required.
Flexible

Choice of easier or harder routes, so that you can tailor most days to your requirements.

FAQs & tips

If you’d like more information about a specific holiday, or advice on choosing the right grade or holiday for you, please get in touch – our friendly experts will be happy to help.

What’s a typical day like?

We try to vary each day’s route, but you’ll no doubt fall into a pattern, perhaps setting off at 9am after familiarising yourself with the route on the map while you enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You can pause as often as you like to admire the views, the flowers or the birds – there’s no rush. Linger over your picnic at a panoramic spot, then continue on your way, arriving at your next hotel some time in the mid to late afternoon, with time to freshen up and explore the village before a dinner of delicious regional cuisine.
How do I know if the holiday is right for me?

First, pick a grade and a style of walking (hotel to hotel, centred, or with your own guide). Then think about your preferences in terms of country, scenery, style and standard of accommodation. You can ask our experts to suggest a shortlist, or use the holiday search facility.
How much ascent/descent is involved?

Holiday pages usually either state the cumulative ascent/descent for each day, or feature elevation charts which show the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved. Pay attention to the scale of the chart, as this varies.
Are your holidays suitable for vertigo sufferers?

The descriptions of the walking routes on the holiday pages usually make it clear if walks are suitable for vertigo sufferers, but if you need more detailed advice, please contact us and we’ll arrange for you to speak with someone who has walked the routes.
How do we find our way?

Often you follow waymarked trails, but even where not, we provide very detailed route notes, which are checked on a regular basis, and a map (usually 1:25,000, but sometimes 1:50,000). As well as guiding you from A to B, the route notes provide information about the places of interest you pass. If there’s a worthwhile detour, we point this out too, and even suggest picnic spots.
What happens if we have a problem?

We aim to take care of every detail, so things rarely go wrong. If they do, the hoteliers – many of whom have worked with us for years – are able to solve most problems, but for added peace of mind we provide a 24-hour emergency line.
Do we have to walk every day?

It depends on the holiday. If you would prefer not to, choose a hotel-to-hotel walking holiday that features two nights at each hotel, or a centred walking holiday on which you stay at just one hotel and can decide each day whether to walk, sightsee or rest.
What should I pack?

You’ll need walking boots or shoes, depending on the terrain and your personal preference, plus a compass, water bottle and waterproofs. Walking poles and a GPS device are useful, but not essential. Clothing-wise, you should pack for all eventualities, remembering that it is often cooler at altitude and in the evening. We’ll provide more detailed information when you book. (Our arrangements generally allow for one large item (15-20kg) and one small item (up to 10kg) per person. On most Swiss holidays, there is a limit of one piece of luggage per person.)
What do we need to take with us each day?

Just a camera, your picnic, drinks, sun cream and waterproofs – we transfer your luggage if you are moving on to another hotel. All we ask is that you leave your luggage in reception as you leave.
Are Inntravel’s self-guided walking holidays suitable for children?

Most of our walking holidays are suitable for older children who walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved in the chosen holiday. Please note, however, that family rooms for more than 2 or 3 people are uncommon at many of the smaller hotels.

Walking holidays