The 10 best guided walks in Europe

From sky-high peaks to sun-kissed shores, Europe tempts walkers with its diverse and dramatic landscapes – all of which are best explored with someone who can bring them to life. Having a local leader by your side means the organising and route planning is in their hands, so you can concentrate on soaking up the scenery and exploring new surroundings. Whether it’s a challenging hike in the Alps, a walk along waterfall-laden routes, or a scenic stroll along rocky peninsulas that tempt you, here are 10 of our favourite guided walks in Europe to inspire you. 

When it comes to scenery, there’s nothing quite as eye-popping as Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. Instead of summiting the mountain itself, this route circumnavigates the Alpine passes of France, Switzerland, and Italy below Mont Blanc’s snowy peak.  Trek through the spectacular Chamonix Valley and stroll the famous Bovine Route before reaching Courmayeur, one of Italy’s most popular ski resorts. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of an official Mountain Leader Guide allowing you to enjoy the journey with someone who’ll play a huge part in your holiday memories.  

Book it: Trek the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc 

Home to a heady mix of mountains, flower-lined meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers, Georgia’s Svaneti region never fails to impress. There’s the postcard-worthy Ushba waterfalls to enjoy, the range’s highest peak, Shkhara, to admire, and a stunning journey past glacier and mountain panoramas to hike in the Koruldi Lakes. A local leader will give you an insight into local culture and customs, as well as take you sightseeing in Tbilisi and the UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery and Academy.  

Book it: Walking in the Georgian Caucasus

Home to Austria’s largest glacier skiing area, the Stubai Alps is a walker’s haven complete with year-round snow and jaw-dropping mountain views. It stretches from Innsbruck, taking in the upper Valle Isarco valley in South Tyrol and the Oetztal valley in North Tyrol. The highlight of any walking holiday is Neustift, the charming village closest to the Stubai glacier with excellent outdoor activities, a network of trails that a local leader knows inside out, and lively après ski scene during the winter months. 

Book it: Walk Austria’s Stubai Alps 

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and the 1,000 or so islands that line its shore provide incredible walking opportunities – and incredible beaches. The delightful island of Brač and Cetina Gorge, famed for its river rapids, are highlights. Plus, being able to dip your toes in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea after a long walk is a welcome reward. It’s easy to explore Split and UNESCO-listed Trogir from here, and the Biokovo Mountains, which rise steeply out of Makarska, are just a stone’s-throw away. A local leader will be able to introduce the area’s rich cultural heritage as you walk. 

Book it: The Best of the Dalmatian Coast

The impressive Tatra Mountains take centre stage on any Poland walking holiday. As the crowning glory of the Carpathian Mountain range, the peaks here rise to heights of up to 2,000 metres with over 300 forming a formidable but beautiful border with neighbouring Slovakia. It’s also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so you can expect walks that line up sparkling glacial lakes and ancient woodland. Going with a local leader also means you’ll summit Giewont at the right time, avoiding the crowds who also climb this popular peak.  

Book it: Trek the Polish Tatra Mountains 

If you’re seeking peace and tranquillity, few places compare to the beautiful Rondane National Park. This pristine Scandinavian wilderness became Norway’s first national park in 1962 - and it’s easy to see why. Moss-covered mountain plateaus give way to deep valleys and plummeting waterfalls, while high peaks and lakes provide a scenic backdrop for hiking trails. With a local leader showing you the best viewpoints, you’ll walk over Venabygdsfjellet for knockout vistas over the park and trek a section of the Peer Gynt Trail amongst typical Norwegian farmsteads, forests, and lakes. 

Book it: Walking in Norway’s Rondane 

This corner of Belgium witnessed many of WWI’s fiercest battles and walking here means you’ll follow in the footsteps of those who fought in The Great War. From the historical city of Ypres (also known as the City of Peace), you’ll set off on a poignant journey where every step is significant. A local Battlefields guide will help shine light on the area’s role in history, walking the front line and no-man’s land together. There’s also the chance to witness the Last Post Ceremony, a moving tribute to the fallen, held at the Menin Gate in Ypres.  

Book it: Walking the Ypres Salient

The 1000-year-old pilgrimage route to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela – believed to be final resting place of St James the Apostle – is one of the world’s most-walked network of trails. A bucket-list experience for many, the full trail is a leg-aching 497 miles, but the final 70-mile section is the most scenic. It takes you through golden countryside and medieval villages in the Sierra de Ligonde. Having a local leader by your side means all your accommodation, luggage transfers, and route planning is organised, so you can concentrate on soaking up the atmosphere on your way to Santiago de Compostela.  

Book it: Walk the Camino de Santiago

Packed with 1,000ft-high snow-capped peaks, the Zillertal Alps has long drawn skiers and snowboarders eager to glide down the pistes here. But the hiking trails are equally as enchanting, and with over 285 miles to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. Having a local leader with you means you’ll walk the most scenic parts and take in the best views on the day, including the spectacular Stilluptal Valley where the newly-opened waterfall trails lead you across streams and idyllic alpine pastures.  

Book it: Hike Austria’s Zillertal Alps 

Located between Lake Garda and Selva, the Brenta Dolomites are the headline act of northern Italy’s UNESCO-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park. These jagged limestone peaks give way to alpine pastures and pristine lakes, providing a dramatic backdrop to hundreds of spectacular walking trails. Given that you’ll be hiking across plateaus and walking along sky-high ridges, a local leader will be able to safely guide you as well as fill you in on the area’s fascinating role in WWI history. 

Book it: Discover Italy’s Brenta Dolomites