Walking Tours in Europe

Whether you are planning to conduct a pilgrimage, or just for the sheer exercise and adventure, walking tours in Europe are a great way to see a country up close. The great thing about Europe, is proximity of towns and villages to each other. There is always an opportunity to stop for a break.

Spain’s Camino de Santiago is quite popular, as is Italy’s Cinque Terre, but have you thought about trekking past ancient Greek ruins, or braving the cool weather while taking in stunning scenery in Greenland? Walking across an island or exploring a local village trail gets you in touch with the local culture, history, food and people.

These are not high altitude hikes, but low level and easily doable for people with reasonable fitness levels.

Here are just a few walking tours in Europe

Austria – Walk through the Tyrol. 8 days from $1575 CAD ($1199 US). Be surrounded by the lush meadows and jagged peaks. This trek will involve a higher fitness level than the others mentioned and walking can be 5 – 7 hours per day.

Greenland – 8 days walking through untouched regions of wild Greenland. From $5985 CAD ($4556US). A spectacular walking journey through the mountain and coastal wilderness of Greenland’s fjorded east coast.

Greek Islands – Walk on the islands of Santorini, Paros and Naxos 8 days from $1675 CAD ($1275 US). The Greek islands have much more to offer than most would think: archaeological treasures, history, culture, dramatic landscapes overlooking an azure coloured sea and, of course, delicious food. Our week starts on the beautiful island of Naxos, before heading to Santorini and Paros.

Norway Trekking Weekend – Take in the jagged edges of Norway in just a few days’ jaunt. 4 days from $2275 CAD ($2112 US). Take a glacier walk on the Folgefonna glacier and walk up to the famous Trolltunga.

Italy’s Cinque Terre – 8 days for $1525 US. This is a rare jewel that changes with the light of the day, a play of colours, mainly reflected by the blue of the sea, dotted with gold, pink and green houses.

Spain – Walking the Camino de Santiago. 8 days from $1899 CAD ($1446 US). This is a well known adventure trail. Trace the steps of pilgrims walking from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela.

For more information on these or any walking tours, contact us.

Iceland tours

A country of extreme contrasts, there are numerous and wide-spread Iceland tours to suit every traveller. Known as “The Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland has some of the largest glaciers in the world, and some of the most active volcanoes in the world.

There is a great diversity of landscapes, from moss covered lava fields, barren highlands, to soaring fjords.

Iceland is typically divided into different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect of culture and landscape, but all are uniquely Icelandic.

Regions

From wonderful waterfalls, to great glaciers, the south has it all. On the Golden Circle, you’ll see the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss and the Geysir hot spring area, where the geysir Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Further east along the shore, you will find Skógafoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull Glacier, and several other natural wonders.

The north is a land of contrasts. Long valleys and peninsulas are interspersed with mountains, lava fields and smooth hills. The north coast is at times lush with vegetation, and other times barren. The midnight sun is awe-inspiring.

The Westfjords are a wilderness and ideal for spotting birds and Arctic Fox. West Iceland is one of Iceland’s most geologically diverse regions, with slumbering volcanos, majestic waterfalls and a variety of flora and fauna.

The east coast is home to the country’s largest forest, lush farmlands and a range of small fjords and islands. A variety of fishing villages, and small seaside communities border the coast.

Don’t forget the capital city, Reykjavík. With a population of 120,000, it is not a bustling metropolis but you will find a steady beat keeping the city full of energy and events.

The Reykjanes peninsula is a geothermal wonder, where lighthouses outnumber villages. The Keflavík International Airport is found here, along with the spectacular Blue Lagoon.

The highlands are surrounded by obsidian and colorful rhyolite mountains and provide stunning hiking routes. Bathe in natural hot rivers in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar and trek through a hidden valley surrounded by mountains, glaciers and rivers.

Iceland Tours

Here are a few tours to consider:

7 days Best of Iceland tour, from $2799 CAD ($2081 US)

8 days Trekking in Iceland, from $3099 CAD ($2304 US)

For more information on these or any other tours contact us.

A few facts about Victoria Falls, aka The Smoke That Thunders: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on The Zambezi River forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall in the world, based on the combined width, 1708 m, and height, 108 m.

It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.

Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below.
The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges.

The falls generate mists that can be spotted from 20 km away. The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, directly after the summer rains. During the rainy season, however, the spray plume can obscure the view of the falls themselves. By November, when the water is at low ebb, visitors may see the curtain split into many smaller channels of falling water.

The falls are massive and invite contemplation from many different viewpoints. Trails invite you to walk around the area and enjoy vistas. Unique views are also to be had from the Knife Edge Bridge and Victoria Falls Bridge. River-level views from below the falls are a good way to experience their power up-close. At certain times of the year the daring may even swim in pools on the very crest of the cataract. Swimming in the “Devil’s Pool” looks as if visitors are flirting with disaster, but is not as dangerous as it looks, thanks to an underwater lip. Located on the Zambia side of the falls, the pool is only accessible during the dry season from August to January.

Private tours that include visits to Victoria Falls:

See Southern Africa – Delve deep into the delights of Southern Africa, from Big Five safari to spectacular scenery, rich history, majestic waterfalls, gourmet food and wine and a classical rail journey on this See Southern Africa Tour.

Encompassing Zambia Safari – This luxurious Zambia safari will give you wilderness encounters in pristine national parks. Stand in awe of Africa’s largest waterfall, majestic Victoria Falls, and explore Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks by foot, boat, in jeeps, by day and night.

Water and Wildlife Safari – Feel the spray from The Smoke That Thunders, Victoria Falls, watch for the Big 5 on game drives, from hides, walking and boat safaris, and explore Lake Kariba on this encompassing Water and Wildlife Safari Zimbabwe.

You can also join a Group Tour.  Contact us for more information.