Uncover a wealth of hidden gems as you embark on walking and trekking adventures that take you firmly off the beaten track. Our local guides will lead you away from the usual tourist trails, imparting their knowledge along the way so that you’ll gain a deeper insight into the culture and history behind the places you visit. Take a look at where the best walking and trekking trails are to make the most out of your adventures in 2023.
January: The Dolomites, Italy
Best time to go: Perfect, crisp snowfall and silent snow-dusted forests and mountain tops are what entice travellers to the Dolomites in January. And if you want to reach the heart and soul of this winter wonderland, then snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore this spellbinding region.
Trip Highlights: On this trip, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and enjoy spectacular views of the iconic, jagged peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. You’ll also stay in the incredible Hotel Adler, a 4* accommodation serving delicious food and home to a relaxing wellness centre – perfect for unwinding after a day spent in the snow.
Difficulty level: Moderate –explore areas only accessible by snowshoe.
Secure your place: Snowshoeing in the Dolomites
February: Gozo Island, Malta
Best time to go: The weather in Gozo in February is pleasantly warm compared to other countries with an average temperature of 15°C. In early spring, you’ll also see wildflowers beginning to bloom.
Trip Highlights: Discover sleepy villages filled with fascinating Baroque architecture and hidden bays with ochre-coloured sand. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit pastel-coloured ports, Copper Age temple remains and ancient churches en route.
Difficulty level: Moderate – medium length walks on fair ground with some higher altitude treks.
Secure your place: Walking on Gozo – Calypso’s Isle
March: Andalucia, Spain
Best time to go: In March, Andalucia enjoys very pleasant temperatures, with sunny weather, cooler evenings and minimal chances of rain. Sweet-smelling orange blossom, azahar, will be coming into bloom during the middle to end of the month as well. You’ll also have the advantage of fewer tourists travelling in this month too.
Trip highlights: On this adventure, you’ll explore the beautiful Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park on foot, while also visiting the impressive El Chorro Gorge while walking along the Caminito del Rey “The Kings Little Path”. Passing olive groves, abandoned monasteries and rustic white villages, you’ll also spend time in the magical city of Seville.
Difficulty level: This adventure is a split grade trip, meaning you can choose between Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) walks and Level 4 (Moderate to Challenging) depending on your preference and ability.
Secure your place: Walking in Andalucia
April: Japan
Best time to go: April is the height of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season, also known as Sakura season.
Trip highlights: The Kumano Kudo trail is an ancient pilgrimage route rich in history. Traverse beautiful, natural scenery as you uncover Japanese culture and religion far from the beaten path of the usual tourist trails. It is an idyllic way to enjoy a Japanese spring and to witness a side to the country most foreign travellers don’t see.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Low altitude trekking with some longer steep ascents/descents.
Secure your place: Japan’s Kumano Kodo ***SOLD OUT for April 2023 – search for alternate departures***
May: Nepal
Best time to go: The 29th May 2023 will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Edmund Hilary and Tenzig Norgay’s summit of Mount Everest, making it the perfect time to enjoy you adventure to the Himilaya.
Trip Highlights: An extremely rewarding trek to one of the most famous peaks in the world, as you make your way to Namche Bazaar you’ll journey through forests and traditional Sherpa villages. You’ll enjoy a traditional Sherpa dinner with a special guest speaker – and all participants of our special departure will receive a complimentary commemorative T-shirt.
Difficulty level: Challenging –mountain tracks with several high suspension bridges.
June: Provence, France
Best time to go: June marks the end of the wet season in Provence and although it’s warm and sunny, it’s comfortable for walking. This is also the start of lavender season when the land is ablaze with purple flowers.
Trip Highlights: As you walk through the glorious Luberon National Park, the lavender-strewn landscape is a feast for the senses with the vibrant colour and heavenly aroma. During the tour, you’ll experience wonderful regional wines and classic Provencal cuisine and stay in quality hotels full of character.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – 4 days self-guided walking.
Secure your place: Landscapes of Luberon Walk
July: Peru
Best time to go: Head along the iconic Inca Trail in July, during the middle of Peru’s dry season. Temperatures at night can get a bit chilly, but during the day it is typically a pleasant 20ºC – perfect for trekking!
Trip Highlights: The Inca Trail’s reputation precedes it. If you’ve added it to your bucket list you are likely familiar with all the reasons for walking this incredible trail: explore the magnificent and historic city of Cuzco; witness the terrace slopes and rolling foothills of the Sacred Valley; and, of course, discover the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Difficulty level: Moderate – good paths but at high altitude and with lots of steps.
Secure your place: The Inca Trail
August: Tanzania
Best time to go: Is Kilimanjaro on your bucket list? Avoid the cold and rainy seasons and travel in August when temperatures in Northern Tanzania range from 16ºC to 23ºC. August is also Mara migration season, so if climbing Africa’s highest mountain isn’t enough adventure for you, you could pop over the border with Kenya combine your trip with a wildlife safari like no other.
Trip Highlights: Nothing compares to standing atop the largest free-standing mountain in the world.
Difficulty level: Challenging – 8 days point-to-point walking at altitude.
Secure Your Place: Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route
September: Camino de Santiago, Spain
Best time to go: While the trail is passable all year round September is one of the optimal months to walk the Camino de Santiago, thanks to fewer travellers and pleasant autumn temperatures.
Trip Highlights: Enjoy completing the last 100km of the world’s oldest pilgrimage route. Passing medieval monasteries, Romanesque cathedrals and ancient oak forests, one of the trips main highlights is collecting stamps for your pilgrim passport and reaching your final destination – the spectacular Santiago de Compostella.
Difficulty level: Moderate, undulating walking through rolling hills in Galacian countryside and woodland trails.
Secure your place: Camino de Santiago Trek
October: Mont Blanc, France
Best time to go: The crowds of tourists deplete in October meaning you can enjoy quieter trails on the trek.
Trip Highlights: The walk to Aiguilette du Brevent lets you absorb snow-drenched scenes of the Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc from its summit. Following a rewarding climb to Grand Balcon Sud, the cable-car descent down to Chamonix is spellbinding with 360-degree views of Mont Blanc, glaciers and forests.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Long treks on mountain terrain with some steep ascents and descents.
Secure your place: Mont Blanc Highlights
November: Lantang and Gosainkund Lakes, Nepal
Best time to go: In November, you can enjoy beautiful clear skies, fresh air and incredible views, as the monsoon season dissipates in September. This is one of the best times to visit, as dry days make trekking easier while also offering good visibility. And, our 5 November departure will have the added benefit of being led by Wanderlust World Guide Awards Winner 2021, Valerie Parkinson!
Trip Highlights: This lesser-travelled route takes you among pretty and diverse scenery of mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests. Embark on the ridge walk to Gosainkund Lake, which boasts the most impressive views of the Annapurnas, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal before you head to the sacred lake drenched in history and religious stories.
Difficulty level: Moderate/challenging – mostly on rocky terrain with long, steep ascents and descents with high-altitude conditions.
Secure your place: Lantang and Gosainkund Lakes
December: The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best time to go: Although temperatures are much cooler in December, the scenery is equally as beautiful, and where better to celebrate Christmas Day with a culinary feast?
Trip Highlights: As you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, which was buried beneath volcanic ash for 1700 years, your guide will teach you all about the history of this magnificent Roman city. Witness the ruins of the homes and bathhouses and admire the ancient frescoes that remain on some of the walls. The notable “Path of the Gods” to Positanoboasts some of the most dramatic scenery with clifftop villages overlooking the Mediterranean. Along the way you can delve into the way of life and uncover the local traditions.
Difficulty level: Leisurely/moderate – mostly low-altitude walking on tarmac or forest trails with some steep climbs on narrow paths and loose gravel tracks.
Secure your place: Walking the Amalfi Coast
If this has inspired you to look into planning ahead for an incredible walking and trekking adventure in 2023, browse our collection of trips here.
