Walking has been engrained into our DNA ever since we took our very first group of travellers to the heart of Afghanistan in the back of our Bedford truck, on a mission, to see the world for ourselves in 1974. And it’s our guides’ unrivalled local knowledge that sets our walking holidays apart. They know the routes like the back of their hands and take you to places and trails you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. It’s Our Expertise, that makes Your Adventure. And we’ve got spectacular trails to suit every level in 2023 – whether you’re looking for challenging climbs up some of the world’s highest mountains or a gentle, easy walk towards panoramic viewpoints. Take a look below at five of our favourite walks to tackle this year.
Take in the best sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit
Ask any avid hiker and they’ll tell you that the Mont Blanc Circuit is undeniably one of the finest walking routes you can take in the Alps. And although it normally takes at least a fortnight to complete, we’ve designed our Mont Blanc Highlights itinerary so you can see the most outstanding sections along the Mont Blanc Circuit in just one week – while unwinding in the evenings in charming chalets with bubbling hot tubs.
After the first walk that leads you up to L’Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m), which boasts panoramas overlooking the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and even out to Switzerland, you’ll join the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes to summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m). The view from here is arguably one of the finest you’ll see on the trail, as it looks directly across the Chamonix Valley towards the Mont Blanc summit.
Once you’ve climbed up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay to see its white-water stream, you’ll enjoy a free day afterwards to explore the cafes in Chamonix or take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi. With climbs along to the Bonatti refuge, circular walks to Lac Blanc and descents to the breathtaking Lacs des Chéserys, you’ll end your adventure in Chamonix, feeling invigorated and ready for your next trekking trip.
Uncover legends while walking the glorious “Path of the Gods”
Walking the Amalfi Coast is one of our best-selling trips for good reason. For those looking to discover one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe which doesn’t have as challenging inclines as Mont Blanc– this coastal walk is the perfect choice for 2023. We have rated this trip ‘Leisurely-Moderate’, as it does have hilly ascents and uneven terrain at times, but it is a very rewarding walk for every level, that can be enjoyed at a slow pace.
Starting with a gentle descent from the Agerola Plain towards the quaint pastel-coloured towns of Positano and Ravello you’ll pass through the stunning Valle delle Ferriere National Park with its tumbling moss-clad waterfalls, ancient lemon groves and wildflower pastures if you’re travelling in season. For history buffs, an exploration of the remains of Pompeii offers a fascinating insight into ancient Roman civilisation where you can still see bathhouses, bakeries and detailed frescos.
A little over halfway on the trip, you’ll enjoy a free day where you can either relax, take a boat trip to Capri, wander through Decumani (the historic neighbourhood of Naples) or see Herculaneum – a better-preserved ancient city, which was also covered in ash and pumice from a volcanic eruption in AD 79.
However, an undeniable highlight for most on this Amalfi Coast guided walk is the time you take to wander across the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, known as ‘The Path of the Gods’. Running for 8km along ancient mule routes, passing shepherds’ huts and clandestine caves, this path is shrouded in legends of Gods who descended the shores to meet its tempting singing sirens. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour the regional delicacies along the way too, our favourites include local smoked mozzarella, totano e patate (squid and potatoes) and homemade seafood scialatielli.
Trek to the base of the world’s tallest mountain
If you’re looking for a real challenge in 2023, nothing comes close to tackling Everest (8848m)– one of the greatest feats for many professional mountain climbers. And on our Everest Basecamp Trek, you’ll be in the safe hands of our expert local guides, as you trek past Sherpa country, with its Buddhist stupas and mani stones on towards Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital and important trading centre. Here, you’ll be able to explore the town’s Tibetan handicraft shops and tea houses, before heading to the Everest View Hotel, for a welcomed tea break the following day after a steep climb out of Namche. This hotel broke the Guinness Book of World Records back in 2004 as the highest-placed hotel in the World, and the views offer incredible panoramas of Everest and Ama Dablam.
The next big hitter you’ll encounter along the trek is the striking Thyangboche Monastery. The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region, Thyangboche is an important religious site in the Sagarmatha national park and boasts spectacular vistas of Ama Dablam, Tawache, Thamserku, Mt. Nuptse and Mt. Everest. But nothing compares to that first glimpse of the Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier, which resembles an enormous global village of eager climbers from different nationalities, against the backdrop of some of the most iconic peaks on Earth. After arriving at the Base Camp, you’ll also have the opportunity to climb even higher to Kala Pattar (5545m) for a breathtaking view of Everest.
Explore the fascinating lost city of Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
If you’re looking to combine a moderately challenging trek with seeing one of the most fascinating wonders of the world, then The Inca Trail won’t disappoint. Starting in the vibrant city of Cusco, make the most out of your free day with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Sun Temple) and the San Pedro Market before setting out for an optional excursion to Sacred Valley, where you can paddleboard, mountain bike, or zip-line to admire the views.
Your Inca Trail journey begins in Piscacucho, known as Km82, where you’ll trek beside the Vilcanota River and past the large Inca ruins of Llactapata before heading towards Abra Warmihuañusca “Dead Woman’s Pass” – the highest point of the trek. After your descent to the Pacamayo River that night, you’ll start the following day visiting the ruins of Runquracay and Sayacmarca, and walk until you enter the cloud forest, spending the evening camping above the stunning Inca site of Phuyupatamarca.
The most memorable part of the journey, however, comes when you take the stone Inca steps down, to visit the ruins of Wiñay Wayna and make your way through dense cloud forests to the Sun Gate, (Inti Punku), where you’ll experience the magic of Machu Picchu for the first time. To avoid the crowds, your group will enjoy a full guided tour with your expert local guide the next morning, so you can really soak it all in.
Admire the towering granite peaks in Torres del Paine National Park
Should you wish to wander among backdrops of towering granite peaks, cobalt blue glaciers and vast wind-blown steppe, then South America’s Southern frontier is the perfect choice for your next trekking adventure in 2023.
On our Classic Patagonia Treks trip, you’ll start the adventure in Buenos Aires, where you’ll enjoy a short city tour with your leader and an evening out in the city which is best spent watching tango shows in the old quarter of San Telmo and visiting famed Argentinian restaurants serving delicious Argentine steaks. Afterwards, the group will transfer to El Calafate and on to see the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, where many flock to watch ice sheets calve into Lake Argentino. There’s an optional glacier trek to this viewing platform too.
Next, you’ll have the opportunity to witness one of the most iconic views in Chile – the “base of the towers” in Torres del Paine National Park, where you’ll bask in the beauty of Torre Sur (2,850m), Torre Central (2,800m), Torre Norte (2,600m) and Cerro Nido de Cóndor. Another impressive granite peak you’ll trek towards is Los Cuernos, “the Horns” – a true geological wonder.
After hiking in the Valle Frances to see an impressive hanging glacier, you’ll then embark on an incredible journey to the Glacier Grey viewpoint. With downtime scheduled in El Calafate on days seven and eight, we’d recommend trying a typical Patagonian barbecue, which your expert leader can help organise. Your last few days are filled with treks in Los Glaciares National Park which takes in the spectacular Fitz Roy Region and trails leading to the Torre glacier viewpoint. There’s no denying that this trip ticks off the best landscapes on both sides of the Chilian and Argentinian borders in just 10 nights!
If these walking adventures have inspired you to start planning a trekking trip of your own in 2023, browse our full collection here.
