With over 500 different day walks in our summer 2010 programme, it's a tough call to come up with our Top 10 favourites. But, after days of discussion - including some heated debates! - we are agreed on the list below.
NB: all walks featured operate on different dates during the summer and are currently available to book.
Wengen to Grindelwald
On the 6th day of our Jungfrau Peaks & Glaciers Walk, you'll follow in the footsteps of Byron and Tchaikovsky as you cross the Kleine Schheidegg Pass to be rewarded with stunning close-up views of Switzerland's "Big Three": the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks. You almost feel you can stretch out and touch the Jungfrau - an incredible experience!
Ravello to Positano
The "Sentieri degli Dei", or "Pathway of the Gods", is the most scenic walk on the Amalfi Coast, and offers fabulous views over the entire peninsula, with Capri's famous Fariglioni cliffs marking Lands'
End. You'll pass brigands' treasure caves and lush lemon groves before arriving at near-vertical pastel Positano. As you descend, you're met with balcony views of tiny boats, exquisite villas and volcanic beaches backing sparkling turquoise seas.
Samaria Gorge
Arguably Crete's most famous walk, the 18km Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge walk in Europe and is simply breathtaking. As you descend through lush woods,
crossing streams and cliffs carpeted with colourful rock lettuce and aubretia, keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, lammergeiers and buzzards circling above you.
Stromboli
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, volcanic Stromboli - one of the seven islets that are known as the Aeolian Islands - erupts every 15-20 minutes! Our circular day walk takes you safely around the three active craters to the Sciara del Fuoco ("Stream of Fire") where you have a birds-eye view of this incredible activity. We also offer an
optional accompanied nocturnal ascent towards the summit to see the night painted in the most glorious red light.
Chatel to La Chapelle d'Abondance
This high level walk offers unbeatable views of the superb Dents du Midi, awesome Mont Blanc and the many varied peaks of the Bernese Oberland. It's a challenging hike following old smugglers' trails high up along the Swiss border, then down through flower-filled meadows to the pretty onion-domed church of La Chapelle where you spend two nights.
Roussillon to Joucas
This gentle walk explores the glorious Luberon National Park and it's incredibly rich-coloured countryside: seventeen shades of ochre were once quarried at Roussillon - from violet through purple, to vivid reds and yellows - and its delicate natural tints were used to wash the local houses. The final stretch of the walk takes you via the picturesque hill village of Gordes: wonderfully photogenic houses, Renaissance chateau and cobbled streets crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.
Lake Oeschinensee
This fine
walk takes you first above and then alongside one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Switzerland. The mighty Blumlisalp soars overhead, and the several small glaciers surrounding the lake reflect wonderfully in its shimmering emerald surface. This is just one of the highlights for customers choosing our Classic Swiss Alps walk.
Serra de Estrela
In the heart of central Portugal, where few tourists ever venture, is the highest (yet surprisingly not too challenging) walking in the country: rugged peaks, flower-filled valleys, sparkling
blue lakes and magnificent mountain gorges. Excellent bird-spotting opportunities too, sop don't forget the binoculars!
The Causse Mejean
This is, quite simply, one of the most stunning walks in France, taking you high along the towering limestone cliffs of the Tarn and Jonte Gorges. More than just a single walk, this circuit comprises a series of beautiful paths linking 20m+ high natural rock columns, troglodyte settlements, forest streams and unrivalled viewpoints affording awesome long-distance vistas.
Eggishorn and Aletsch Glacier
A fabulous finale to our Secret Goms Valley Walking week! In order that everyone can "do it", we provide five alternative routes - we guarantee you'll be bowled over whether you choose the longest, the shortest or anything in between! You'll enjoy full-length views of the 22km Aletsch Glacier - the longest in Europe and part of the UNECSO World Heritage Site - and of the mighty Fieschtal, Jungfrau and Matterhorn peaks.
