Take It Slow: Walking Vacations for All Fitness Levels
Travel Writer
Book one of these insider-led, small-group tours to take on the world on two feet, be it coastal walks, forest treks or hikes to some of the world’s most iconic ancient sites.
Tired of racing around exotic destinations? There’s nothing wrong with taking things slow and enjoying the scenery on a long hike. From exhilarating treks around the temples of Northern Thailand to hikes in the deserts of Jordan, these Culture Trips unveil the shifting scenery of the world, one step at a time. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on your hiking boots and let’s get moving.
Ireland, for coastal walks along the Wild Atlantic Way
The island of Ireland is endlessly explorable on foot, since it’s impossible to get tired of those bright green fields, rugged Atlantic coastlines and winding valley routes. Our week-long trip is a fairly comprehensive tour of some of the country’s most scenic coastal paths, with a bit of city exploration in Dublin on either side. You’ll experience the Scilly Walk in Cork County, which passes the stunning Old Head of Kinsale. In County Kerry we’ll take in the breathtaking clifftop views of Slea Head and, as we continue up the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll also get to walk to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Luckily, this country’s endless supply of cosy pubs and world-class whiskey should keep you warmed up.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Dublin, Ireland
ENDS AT
Dublin, Ireland
DURATION
7
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Brazil, for urban forest hikes and gentle strolls on the beach
Our nine-day tour of Brazil has a little something for everyone. Food, culture, architecture and water-based fun is all on the cards, but there are also a number of lovely walking routes throughout the trip. Our detour to Paraty Bay offer plenty of time for a coastal stroll or two, while we’ll also explore the Unesco-listed Atlantic Forest, using a combination of feet and four wheels. In Rio de Janeiro, you’ll get to walk on Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain (where Christ the Redeemer towers over the city) and Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest. There’ll also be strolls through the botanical gardens, Olympic Boulevard and, of course, the iconic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
From US$2099
Next available from 8th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Sao Paulo, Brazil
ENDS AT
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Peru, to discover Machu Picchu and the Colca Valley on foot
Don’t be daunted by those stunning Andean peaks, Peru is a walking destination for travellers of all fitness levels. The proof is in our nine-day trip from Cusco to Arequipa, stopping off at stunning mountain valleys and famous archeological sites along the way. Discover incredible viewpoints in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, spot condors on a trek in the Colca Valley and spend a full day exploring Machu Picchu. This remarkable Incan citadel is larger than many people realise, but there’ll be no rush for us to explore every nook and cranny. We’ll start with a guided tour, courtesy of a local expert, but you’ll also have plenty of time to go off an explore the site at your own pace.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Jordan, for a hiking adventure through the desert
This eight-day journey across Jordan ramps up the challenge a little bit, especially if you struggle with desert heat, but it’s also more than friendly to less experienced hikers – just be sure to bring a hat! Our main hike takes place around Petra, as we spend a few hours traversing the stunning Wadi Ghrab mountains en route to the ancient city’s monastery. After that we’ll descend down an ancient staircase all the way to the main site of Petra, where you’ll find the iconic treasury. After that we’ll head to Wadi Rum, a cinematic desert valley that we’ll explore using 4x4s, as well as the occasional dune scramble. Finally, we end the trip at the surreal Dead Sea, where you can join an optional trek along the Wadi Mujib Canyon trail.
From US$2379
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Amman, Jordan
ENDS AT
Amman, Jordan
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Northern Thailand, for jungle treks and scenic waterfalls
Care to climb a waterfall? This 10-day trip in Thailand will see you scrambling up the Bua Tong Sticky which trickles down grippy rocks coated in limestone. Up next is hiking the rough Pai Canyon – taking you to the Pam Bok cascade that feeds into emerald waters – and trekking through the jungle around the hills of Mae Hong Son – dotted with more waterfalls, palms and rubber trees. The journey ends with a climb up to the top of Doi Inthanon mountain at sunrise, and a stop by Elephant Nature Park to feed the gentle giants.
From US$1189
Next available from 12th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
ENDS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Konstantina Pyrnokoki contributed additional reporting to this article.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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