Weather Wise: The Perfect Vacation for Each Month of the Year

To Every Adventure, There Is a Season

With a wealth of glorious walking destinations around the globe, it’s tough to decide where to go. Maybe there’s a time when you can break away from the humdrum daily routine and launch your next adventure. That precious escape window might be aligned with a lull in the action at work—or maybe it’s the time of year you always find yourself wishing you were someplace else. No matter your reason—and no matter the season—Country Walkers has a walking vacation to put a spring in your step. Whether you’re dreaming of Italy’s cliffside villages in springtime, thatched English cottages blooming with summer roses, the riotous scarlet and gold of Vermont’s fall foliage, or the lush azure coast of New Zealand during winter in the Northern Hemisphere—this post is for you.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere and the beauty of the South Island’s magnificent landscapes is at its peak. Glittering lakes, snow-capped peaks, ridge-top trails, and emerald-green forests provide a vibrant backdrop for this truly epic walking adventure. Discover the magnificent shoreline of the Abel Tasman Coast Track as you enjoy cheerful Kiwi hospitality and splendid cuisine.

MARCH

 Spain: Balearic Islands, Mallorca & Deià Guided Tour: Avoid Mallorca’s summer crowds as you discover the lush citrus gardens, ancient olive groves, and spectacular coastal views of this enchanting Spanish island. Stroll the narrow stone streets of Mallorca’s terraced medieval villages, pausing to dip your toes in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean. Explore the charming coastal village of Deià and discover the allure that attracted luminaries such as David Bowie and Robert Graves to bask in its turquoise waters.

APRIL

Greece: Athens, Delphi & Meteora Guided Tour: Explore the ancient cities and unique landscapes of Greece from the Peloponnese Peninsula to the lofty monasteries at Meteora. The slopes of Mount Parnassus burst into springtime color as fields of wildflowers and olive trees come into bloom. Explore the subterranean Cave of Lakes, ride a cog rail car through the stunning Vouraikos Gorge, and discover the ancient city of Delphi.

MAY

Italy: Pompeii, Capri & the Amalfi Coast Guided Tour: Cool coastal breezes, fragrant lemon trees, and the shade of lush seaside hills soothe the soul during idyllic early-summer hikes on the Gulf of Salerno. From legendary Positano and Ravello to the Isle of Capri, sweeping vistas never felt so invigorating … or so divine. Perhaps best of all, our walking trails let you leave the crowds behind.

JUNE

Norway: Bergen & the Fjords Guided Tour: With nearly 19 hours of daylight, Norway’s pristine fjords and country meadows are bursting with color in June. Explore crystal blue lakes, rushing rivers, and dramatic waterfalls tumbling over with the rush of the spring thaw. Hike lush mountain valleys, stroll across ancient stone bridges, and explore quaint fishing villages along the way.

JULY

Scotland: The Highlands Guided Tour: Enjoy the long days of Scottish high summer—with plenty of daylight for walking and discovery. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine, explore the temperate forests of Glencoe, and observe the Rannoch Moor bursting with life. During a stop at a local family farm, you may even have the chance to greet the season’s newborn lambs and baby goats.

AUGUST

England: The Cotswolds Self-Guided Tour: A summer jaunt in the English countryside, you say? It’s walking at its most sublime. In the tranquil Cotswolds, gently rolling hills, stone villages in hues of honey and cream, meticulous country gardens, and handsome old market towns converge into enchanting landscapes torn from a storybook. Our detailed maps and route notes help you experience it all.

SEPTEMBER

Vermont: Fall Foliage Guided Tour: Welcome to our neck of the woods—the ideal place for an autumn ramble. As the hills transform into a blaze of glorious red, orange, and gold, you’ll stroll into postcard villages, follow woodland trails and high ridgelines, and pass historic farms. During this carefully curated adventure, you’ll taste the true Vermont through stellar craft beers and maple syrup—and learn about the art of dairy farming and maple sugaring during a visit to an organic dairy farm.

OCTOBER

Portugal: Minho & the Douro Valley Guided Tour: Cooler autumn temperatures are perfect for walking in Portugal—and the ripening grapes brings lots of excitement and activity to the harvest season. Here, you’ll stroll portions of the Way of St. James, cruise on a rabelo boat, and stay in a magnificent palace with stunning views of the Lima Valley—and a former rest stop of Portuguese kings.

NOVEMBER

Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley Guided Tour: November is springtime in the Southern Hemisphere! Discover ancient Inca ruins, bustling old-world cities and markets, and the lush cloud forest. Afterwards, take an optional extension to scenic Lake Titicaca—traveling in style through the Andes on a luxurious overnight train modeled after the Orient Express. When you arrive, discover Lake Titicaca’s picturesque islands and friendly inhabitants on a full-day’s guided boat tour.

DECEMBER

New Zealand: The South Island Guided Tour: If the thought of a chilly holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere leaves you feeling a bit underwhelmed, a mid-December walking tour during New Zealand’s vibrant high summer months might be just the thing to put the spring back in your step. Fly home before December 25—or plan to stay a few extra days on your own to celebrate the holiday “down under.”