There’s nothing better than having a new adventure to look forward to and now is the perfect time to book your 2022 trip. These unforgettable vacations in Europe give you the opportunity to travel further afield and explore the different cultural and historical highlights of somewhere new.
Our walking and cycling holidays in Europe allow you to explore at your own pace, stopping off at interesting places and discovering paths less travelled. So why not immerse yourself in the local traditions, delve deeper into the history, and indulge in the exceptional regional food and drink as you set off on one of these fabulous adventures in 2022?
Embark on this ancient pilgrimage route from Orvieto to Rome, visiting historical sites and soaking up the most idyllic scenery along the way. This long-distance route on the Francigena Way has been walked by tens of thousands of pilgrims and is steeped in history. The tour begins in the medieval city of Orvieto, which stands on the top of a tufo volcanic rock and is home to a 14th-century cathedral and underground caves dating back 3,000 years.
You’ll begin your journey on foot among the olive groves and volcanic lakes of Tuscia Laziale and along the Via Cassa to the Roman amphitheatre of Sutri, and the Etruscan Necropolis. Following the path through dense forests and abbey ruins, you finally reach St Peter’s Square in the Eternal City of Rome. You’ll have plenty of time to visit the most iconic monuments such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon before sampling traditional Italian flavours at one of the many restaurants. On completion of the pilgrimage route, you’ll receive a pilgrim’s passport.
Peppered with hilltop villages, secret coves and windswept beaches, the Amalfi to Sorrento Walk combines dramatic scenery with the history and culture of the Bay of Naples. As you walk along the Amalfi Coast, unblemished views of the deepest green waters and Mt Vesuvius emerge before you. Inland is equally as beautiful and will arouse your senses with sweet-scented lemon groves, and olive vines.
As well as exploring Italy’s famous, pastel-coloured villages of Positano, taking in monumental views from the Path of the Gods, you can uncover the history of the region with optional trips to Pompeii, Capri, Ischia, or Herculaneum. Returning each evening to a fabulous hotel, there’s plenty of opportunities to sample local Italian produce such as fresh seafood, grilled meats, and Napolitano-style pizzas.
Although Holland is beautiful all year round, one of the best times to visit is in April or early May to see the iconic tulip fields in full bloom. This gentle cycling tour of the Pearls of Holland is packed with history, nature and culture, letting you really get under the skin of each destination.
From trips to the Van Gogh and Anne Frank museums to exploring the cities of Amsterdam Delft, Gouda, Haarlem, and Leiden, you’ll get a great insight into Holland. The cycling trails run through woodland, traditional villages, and alongside meandering canals and tulip fields strewn with windmills. During your journey, you can visit the Keukenhof Botanical Gardens, explore the Vermeer Museum in Delft, and sample Gouda’s famous namesake cheese.
Embark on a cycling tour of the Julian Alps and the Adriatic to discover the natural beauty of Italy and Slovenia. As you ride through forests, medieval towns and villages, and along the Adriatic Sea, you’re introduced to the history, nature and culture of fascinating places. With the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea providing the backdrop to this cycling tour, you’ll be overawed by the scenery.
Tours of archaeological sites such as Udine, Venzone, and the UNESCO-listed Aquileia – an ancient Roman site on the Natiso River – sweep you into bygone eras that reveal tempestuous pasts. It’s not just the history that’s diverse on this trip, you’ll also notice how multi-cultural it is, too.
There are few places with such exotic beauty as Madeira, and this self-guided walk sets the stage for tropical flora and fauna. During the Marvels of Madeira Walk look out for curious species like the jacaranda, bird-of-paradise, and Madeira firecrest among many others. Each day you’ll be greeted with something new and exciting, whether it’s the Floating Garden of the Atlantic, spectacular mountain scenery, or the clifftop views from the Levada do Norte.
There are lots of food and wine tasting opportunities, too, and you can sample the local delicacies from the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmer’s market). The traditional espetada (marinated meat on laurel twig skewers), and the Madeira wine are highly recommended to excite your tastebuds.
If these trips have inspired you to start planning your next getaway in Europe, take a look at our Walking and Cycling holidays
