Walking has a way of stripping back the noise of modern life, especially when the backdrop is some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. A hiking holiday doesn't mean compromising on comfort, it means spending your days immersed in wild, untouched landscapes and your evenings retreating to high-end lodges and enjoying gourmet cuisine.
Whether it’s the jagged peaks of the Dolomites or the coastal paths of Portugal, the right walking itinerary offers a perspective on a country that you simply cannot get from a vehicle. Here are four exceptional hiking regions that combine natural grandeur with a high level of service and exclusivity.
The Dolomites
This theatrical landscape is unlike anywhere else in the Alps. These pale, limestone peaks jut vertically from rolling green meadows, creating a contrast that is visually unmatched. For the experienced walker, the Alta Via routes offer challenging days at altitude, but there are plenty of sophisticated alternatives that allow for a more leisurely pace without sacrificing the views.
Spend your morning navigating the trails around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, iconic monoliths that demand attention, before descending into the valleys of South Tyrol. This region is a fascinating blend of Italian and Austrian culture, which is best experienced through its food. The mountain rifugios here are not your standard hikers’ huts; many serve gourmet dishes that rival city restaurants, paired with excellent local wines like Lagrein or Gewürztraminer.
After a day on the trail, you want to relax in style. The Dolomites are home to some of Europe’s finest wellness hotels, where spas overlook the mountains and the service is impeccable. It is the perfect balance of rugged exploration and refined relaxation.
Switzerland and Slovenia
If you are looking for classic alpine beauty executed with precision, Switzerland remains the gold standard. The hiking infrastructure is flawless, allowing you to access high-altitude trails via cable cars and trains, meaning you can enjoy the best views without necessarily doing all the vertical ascent yourself. The Bernese Oberland, with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, provides a backdrop of glacial majesty.
For something slightly different, look east to Slovenia where the Julian Alps offer a rawer, more intimate experience. The trails around Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are spectacular, but venturing into the Triglav National Park reveals limestone gorges and turquoise rivers that feel remarkably untouched. Slovenia has embraced sustainable tourism with vigour, and you will find eco-conscious boutique hotels that offer genuine warmth and local character.
Canada
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies provides vast mountains, endless forests, and surreal lakes that are glacial blue. Banff and Jasper National Parks are the headliners, and rightly so, but the true luxury lies in accessing the backcountry without the hardship.
Your Travel Counsellor can arrange heli-hiking experiences where you are dropped into high alpine meadows that would otherwise take days to reach. You walk in complete solitude, guided by experts who know the terrain intimately, before being whisked away to a remote, luxury lodge.
The wildlife here is also a major draw. Seeing a moose in the wild or spotting an eagle soaring above the peaks adds a thrill that is uniquely North American. It’s a destination that demands a little more travel time but rewards you with a sense of space and freedom that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Iberian Peninsula
For those who prefer a gentler climate and a side of culture with their walking, Portugal and Spain offer a completely different hiking experience. The focus here is often on the journey between villages, walking through vineyards and olive groves, or tracing the rugged Atlantic coastline.
In Portugal, the Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo and Vicentine coast offers dramatic cliff walks with the Atlantic crashing below. The trails are quiet, passing through traditional fishing villages where the seafood is fresh and the welcome is genuine. Alternatively, heading inland to the Douro Valley allows you to hike through terraced vineyards, ending your day with a private tasting of some of the world's finest fortified wines.
Across the border in Spain, the Picos de Europa offers jagged limestone peaks that rival the Dolomites, but with a distinctly Spanish flavour. Your Travel Counsellor can curate stretches of the route that feature the best Parador hotels and private transfers for your luggage, allowing you to experience the camaraderie and history of the trail without the backpacker aesthetic.
Need help booking your 2026 hiking holiday? Get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today.
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