A walking holiday done differently
If you’re looking for your next European walking holiday but want to do things a little differently, Inghams could be perfect for you.
www.inghams.co.uk/walking-holidays
With an Inghams Walking holiday, there are no set itineraries, just the flexibility to do whatever you feel like. Whether you are an experienced walker or have just started to appreciate the joys of a gentle ramble, you’ll find the perfect destination to explore on foot.
Operating in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia and Madeira (new for 2024), all Inghams destinations have been carefully selected by a team of experts. From epic mountain panoramas to glittering lakes, charming villages and lush meadows, every holiday is designed to celebrate the best of the natural world. Wherever you choose, you’ll find an extensive network of well-signed footpaths, mountain lifts and public transport to make exploring easy. Inghams representatives are also on hand to help you plan and make the most of your time away.
All you need to do is choose where to go and where to stay, then Inghams does the rest for you. Flights, overseas transfers, expert advice and tips are all included. You decide how much you want to walk and how much you want to relax, explore and soak up the local culture. In selected resorts, Inghams offers up to two included guided walks per week. These exclusive walks are led by knowledgeable local guides, and are a great way to get to know the area, with expert insight into the flora, fauna, history and culture of the region. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet other like-minded Inghams guests. Inghams has been helping guests to explore the great outdoors for more than 85 years. Founded in 1934 by Walter Ingham, known as ‘the man who took Britain skiing’, the company has continued Walter’s passion for travel and love of nature.
Destinations
With a great choice of locations for your next walking holiday, here are some of the highlights of each Inghams destination.
Austria
With idyllic farmland scenery, wildflower meadows, epic mountains and countless well-signed paths, Austria has it all. Highlights include Mayrhofen, nestled in the valley among the peaks of the Zillertal Alps, where two lifts from the town centre will transport you seamlessly to a stunning network of trails, all with breathtaking panoramic views. Or for something a little gentler, picturesque Zell Am See, on the shores of Lake Zell, is a quiet, traffic-free village and the perfect base to explore the nearby countryside, or just relax by the waterside.
France
With its Alpine scenery and excellent food and wine, a walking holiday in France has ample rewards. Perhaps consider spending some time in Chamonix, where the foothills surrounding the iconic Mont Blanc offer a fantastic network of trails, with plenty of wildlife to look out for. Or the charming town of Morzine, which leads on to a shaded, wooded valley for relaxing strolls followed by delicious local cuisine in the many local restaurants.
Italy
Glamorous lakes, rolling hills dotted with vineyards and historic towns offering delicious local cuisine make Italy a fantastic choice for a varied walking holiday. Lake Garda and Lake Como have a great range of accommodation, and the chance to combine waterside walking with plenty of relaxation. For more dramatic landscapes, the Dolomites are an outdoor lover’s paradise, with craggy peaks and stunning valleys to discover.
Switzerland
Exceptionally easy to explore thanks to its efficient public transport network, Switzerland boasts soaring mountains and lush meadows, which are a delight to walk in. In the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald offers great access to the Eiger mountain range, while from Zermatt you can find fantastic views of the famous Matterhorn. For a relaxing break, Montreux, on the banks of Lake Geneva, is surrounded by vineyard-clad, flower-filled gardens.
Slovenia
Something of a hidden gem, Slovenia has plenty of stunning landscapes just waiting to be discovered. Lake Bled, with its pretty island castle, has a great network of paths for exploring by the shore, or climbing up higher to enjoy the views. And among the Julian Alps, Kranjska Gora is a friendly and hospitable town from where you can discover nature at its finest.
Madeira
Famous for its extensive network of walking trails on the island, with many following levadas (irrigation channels once used to transport water across the island to remote areas), Madeira offers superb walking and spectacular views. With its warm, tropical climate year-round, it’s great for those seeking some winter sun. Thanks to this weather, the island boasts flowers and plants from all over the world – there’s even an annual flower festival which is a colourful and lively event. There are so many activities to get involved in here – walking, cycling, boat excursions, wine tasting and food experiences, to name but a few.
To find out more, call 01483 945 154 or visit www.inghams.co.uk/walking-holidays to explore destinations and last-minute deals