10 Dream Vacations Based Around Walking Tours

If you’re anything like me, there’s something magical about lacing up your shoes and setting out on a walking tour. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about slowing down, soaking in the surroundings, and feeling the pulse of a place under your feet.

Let’s be real! Who doesn’t want to walk their way through some of the most breathtaking places on Earth?

Along the way, you’ll get up close and personal with nature, culture, and history, creating memories that stick with you long after the journey’s over. Ready to hit the trails?

1. Cinque Terre, Italy

Okay, imagine this: You’re walking through a dream. Cinque Terre feels like someone’s painted it just for you, with its five colorful villages clinging to cliffs, all connected by winding trails overlooking the Mediterranean. Each step offers a new postcard-worthy view.

And the best part? You’re not just seeing the sights, you’re living them!

And those trails? They’re more than just a way to get from one place to the next. They’re your ticket to the best views! Ready to lose yourself in color, culture, and coastline? Cinque Terre’s got you covered.

2. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a postcard. It’s about soaking in the history, the views, and the feeling of being in a place that’s as ancient as it is breathtaking.

You’ll pass through little cafes with the scent of Greek pastries filling the air, and every now and then, you’ll spot a church with those famous blue domes. Every corner of this island tells a story.

As you hike, you’ll get glimpses of volcanic cliffs, old ruins, and endless views of that impossibly blue sea. Honestly, it’s hard to tell whether you’re in the middle of an adventure or just casually living in a dream.

3. Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail isn’t just any hike. It’s a step back in time, following the same path the Incas walked centuries ago, all leading up to the mind-blowing beauty of Machu Picchu. It’s an adventure wrapped in culture and history, and every step brings you closer to one of the world’s greatest wonders.

Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of old temples, terraces that once fed an empire, and views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The air is thinner up here. So, the trail is challenging but rewarding, and every time you reach a summit or cross a bridge, you get a sense of just how incredible this journey really is.

And let me tell you, when you finally catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, it’ll take your breath away. You’ve worked for it! You’ve hiked through mountains, crossed rivers, and earned the right to stand there, looking at one of the most iconic sites in the world. Trust me, that feeling? It’s absolutely worth every step.

4. Camino De Santiago, Spain

Walking the Camino de Santiago is like getting a taste of Spain’s heart and soul. It’s a pilgrimage through fields, forests, and medieval villages, connecting you to centuries of history and culture.

The journey is as much about the people as it is about the landscapes. You’ll meet fellow walkers from all over the world, sharing stories, and sometimes even laughter, as you take in the peaceful countryside. And trust me, the trail isn’t all about physical challenge. It’s about finding your rhythm, whether you’re taking a quiet moment in a church or bonding over a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Each town you pass has its own charm, and the further you go, the more you feel a connection not just to the land, but to everyone who’s walked this same road before you.

5. Routeburn Track, New Zealand

Imagine walking through a place that feels like it’s been pulled straight out of a fantasy film. That’s what the Routeburn Track is all about. It’s a journey into a world where nature’s beauty is absolutely unfiltered, and every corner offers a new awe-inspiring view.

One minute, you’re trekking through rainforests, and the next, you’re on a ridge, looking out over a vast, untouched landscape that seems to stretch on forever. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls tumbling down mountainsides and alpine flowers blooming in the most unexpected places.

It’s all so alive! Your senses are in overdrive the entire time. But it’s not just about the views; it’s about feeling so connected to this wild, unspoiled land that you don’t want to leave. It’s a place where the earth, the sky, and everything in between are in perfect harmony. Want to get to know New Zealand’s wild soul?

6. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is the kind of place where every hike feels like you’ve discovered a new world. Your background? The Rockies! They totally steal the show here. Everything feels so wild and untouched. You love nature? Well, this is your paradise!

There are moments when you’ll be hiking through fields of wildflowers, and then, suddenly, a herd of elk might stroll by. Or you’ll reach a summit and be treated to a view so breathtaking, it’s hard to believe it’s real.

But don’t rush it, take your time. Each new bend in the trail offers something fresh, something beautiful, and you won’t want to miss a single moment.

7. Great Wall Of China

Here, you are not hiking. You’re actually traveling through time! The wall stretches over 13,000 miles and every step brings you closer to a deeper understanding of China’s incredible history. Some parts of the wall are well-preserved, others more rugged, but all of it carries a sense of awe and wonder.

It’s the kind of place that feels bigger than life itself.

And when you reach the top of a high tower, looking out over the sprawling countryside, it’s like you’re on top of the world. The Great Wall is an experience that leaves you humbled by the sheer scale of human achievement and the stunning beauty of the land surrounding it.

8. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Walking the Amalfi Coast feels like living in a dream! Every turn is more beautiful than the last. Imagine hiking along cliffs that drop straight into the sparkling Mediterranean, with lemon groves and terraced vineyards framing your path. Perfection!

The coastal towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi feel like they’ve been painted just for you, with their pastel-colored buildings and narrow streets that invite you to explore. Every step along these ancient pathways brings you closer to Italy’s charm, beauty, and rich history.

As you wander through towns, you’ll encounter hidden alleys, small cafes, and secret spots that make you feel like you’re in on a local secret. And the food? Let’s just say, walking here works up quite the appetite.

9. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

If you’re craving something otherworldly, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is calling your name. It’s like walking through an alien landscape where glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs come together in a perfect storm of natural beauty.

The diversity of the landscape is mind-blowing! You’ll hike through volcanic deserts, past bubbling geysers, and over colorful rhyolite mountains that look like they’ve been painted in bright oranges, pinks, and yellows. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll come across a waterfall so beautiful it’ll take your breath away.

But the real magic of the Laugavegur Trail is the sense of discovery. It’s a place that feels completely alive, where nature doesn’t just surround you. It becomes part of you. Ready to explore Iceland’s untamed beauty? This trail’s got you covered.

10. Highlands Of Scotland

Whenever I think of the Highlands, I think of magic! Every part of it screams fantasy, mystery and adventure! I mean, when you see those misty mountains and sparkling lochs it’s kind of inevitable.

Whether you’re wandering through ancient glens, past stone castles, or along the shores of Loch Ness, every moment in the Highlands is an invitation to slow down, take it all in, and get lost in the wild beauty of it all.

You’ll be surrounded by history at every turn. From the ruins of castles to the remains of old clans and battlefields, the Highlands are a place where the past is always present. The mountains here are massive, the lochs are mysterious, and the quiet solitude of the landscape is exactly what you need to reconnect with nature.