Which hike to choose?
The individual tour pages on our website give a detailed description of each itinerary and information about the walking. Below we have attempted to rate the tours in terms of difficulty, from Level 5 being the most challenging, down to Level 1 being the least. We have taken into account the amount of ascent/descent each day, the type of terrain and the length of each day in time and distance. The weather and altitude will also have an effect on the ease/difficulty of the hikes. If you have any concerns about the hiking please do get in touch – we lead the tours ourselves so know the trails first-hand and can give individual advice about which tour we think would suit you best. We like to include some challenging hikes on all the tours but you will find these are balanced with more leisurely days. On all tours we have a support vehicle which meets us at lunch (there are a few exceptions in the mountains when there is no vehicle access and we carry a hike-in picnic) so there is the opportunity to walk a shorter day if required. Remember to look at our page of exercises and stretches to help you get fit for hiking and we also have a kit list with recommended walking gear.
LEVEL 5
Austria and the Dolomites
France and the Maritime Alps
The Best of the Italian Alps
Hiking the Victorian Alps
- Many ascents/descents over 800m (and up to 1,000m)
- Several days with no van access at lunchtimes
- Alpine regions with hikes often at altitudes over 1500m
- Rugged terrain – rocky mountain trails
LEVEL 4
Southern Italy
The Italian Lakes
The Island of Corsica
Slovenia and Friuli
The Wilds of Abruzzo
Great Ocean Walk
Northern Lombardy
The Derbyshire Peaks and Yorkshire Dales
- A lot of ascent/descent, including one hike in excess of 800m
- Occasionally at altitudes in excess of 1000m
- Some rugged terrain – rocky mountain trails and/or cobbled mule paths
LEVEL 3
Northern Tuscany and Ravenna
Etruscan Trails in Central Italy
The Heart of Sardinia
Lucca, Volterra and the Island of Elba
Medieval Umbria
Parma, Tuscany and the Ligurian Sea
Highlights of the Goldfields Track
South West Coast and Grampians
Alpine Walking Weekend
- Distances in excess of 14km some days interspersed with shorter days
- Some rugged terrain/beach walking/steps
- One hike with ascent/descent close to 700m
- Significant amount of up and down each day
LEVEL 2
The Jewels of Piedmont
A Tuscan Harvest
Hiking around Beechworth
- Well graded trails
- Many short ups and downs during the day
- May include one significantly more challenging day
LEVEL 1
The Palio of Siena
- Ascents/descents up to 250m
- Terrain not challenging, easy rolling countryside
- Half-day hikes (6km-9km)
