Bring It On! Our 8 Most Challenging Walking Adventures

At Country Walkers, we know every walker is different. Some yearn for a leisurely stroll along the beach, others want an invigorating walk in the woods, and still others yearn for a rewarding mountain trek. Whatever your pleasure, Country Walkers has an adventure to suit your needs and fitness level. If you’re looking for a challenging hike with some steep inclines and descents—these eight walking adventures are calling your name.

Hiking Europe’s Storied Peaks

France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit Guided Tour: Our most challenging hiking tour of all! Explore Alpine culture in three countries on this epic trek through the best of the Mont Blanc circuit. Hike from inn to inn—moving on each day to discover the mountain’s stunning aiguilles from many angles. Along the way, you’ll experience the incredible Alpine camaraderie of Mont Blanc’s mountain huts and refuges where you’ll meet hikers from all over the world—sharing stories of the climb over drinks and a hearty meal.

Italy: The Dolomites Guided Tour: A true alpine hiking experience! With 4-6 hours of daily hiking, you’ll view some of the most impressive vistas in Italy’s Dolomites—including the famous Pütia Fork, Civetta, Marmolada, and Cinque Torri. Along the way, you’ll ride mountain cable cars to discover high Italian rifugios—where you savor local specialties like canederli in brodo or sweet Kaiserschmarrn pancakes served with fruit compote. Evenings at top hotels in delightful alpine towns are filled with relaxation and luxurious amenities.

Italy: Genoa & the Cinque Terre Self-Guided Tour: Experience breathtaking coastal scenery during invigorating walks up and down the steep cliffs of Cinque Terre on this splendid self-guided adventure. Challenge yourself at your own pace—with no guides to follow, you have all the flexibility in the world to go as fast or as slowly as you like. With an included Cinque Terre rail pass, you’re free to explore the wealth of incredible walks, restaurants, and attractions the area has to offer.

Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast Guided Tour: If you’re looking for spectacularly gorgeous walks with moderate to challenging terrain, the Amalfi Coast is sure to please. Walk the “Path of the Gods”—a coastal trail with views of the legendary islands of Capri and Sireneuse.  Later, take the ferry to Capri, where you’ll trek along the island’s perimeter and view the splendid Faraglioni rocks, the Arco Naturale, and Grotta di Matermania—enjoying warm southern Italian hospitality along the way.

Greece: Athens, Delphi & Meteora Guided Tour: As you hike through ancient history on this stupendous Greek walking adventure, you’ll explore the ancient city of Delphi—where the Delphic oracle famously occupied a central place in ancient Greek culture. Hike the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus and climb along staircases to the ancient monasteries of Meteora—perched high on a lofty cliff above a unique landscape of stony pillars.

America’s Purple Mountain Majesty

Montana: Glacier National Park Guided Tour: Experience the spectacular hiking trails and mountain vistas of Montana’s Glacier National Park in this delightfully challenging hiking adventure. Explore the famous “Garden Wall” section of the Highland Trail, searching for views of local wildlife beneath the rugged ridge of the Continental Divide. Trek past wildflower meadows, sparkling waterfalls, and turquoise lakes as you hike the well-worn trails and mountain switchbacks of this truly magnificent mountain range.

Utah: Bryce & Zion Canyons Guided Tour: Explore the stunning hoodoos and sandstone canyons of Utah in this tremendous hiking adventure. From the impressive amphitheaters of Bryce to the spectacular scenery of Zion’s unique flora and fauna, you’ll explore the challenging switchbacks knowns as Walter’s Wiggles, discover the incredible waterfalls at Emerald Pools, and even take a walk in the Narrows—an active riverbed that winds through the narrowest part of the canyon.

Step Up to the Sun Gate

Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley Guided Tour: Hike past Inca ruins as you pass through lush tropical jungles and cloud forests on your way to the legendary Sun Gate and the entrance to Machu Picchu. During your travels, you’ll discover colorful mountain villages, ancient Inca fortresses, trails lined with colorful orchids, and traditional Peruvian cuisine.