Cinque Terre Short Self Guided Walking Holiday

You don't need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of fitness and some walking experience will help you enjoy the trip fully. Our routes range from gentle to more demanding, so we grade each holiday clearly and can recommend one that matches your current fitness and walking background comfortably.

Yes, on our self-guided walking holidays your main luggage is transferred between hotels each day, so you only need to carry a light daypack with water, snacks and essentials for the walk itself. It makes multi-day routes like the Alpe Adria Trail or the Amalfi Coast far more comfortable and enjoyable.

You'll receive detailed route notes, maps and often GPS tracks for your device, so you can follow each day's walk at your own pace without a guide. The paths on our chosen routes are generally well marked, and our team is on hand throughout should you have any questions along the way.

Difficulty varies from gentle valley and coastal walks to more challenging mountain stages with greater ascent and distance. We clearly grade every route and itinerary, and we're happy to swap in shorter or flatter days, or recommend an entirely different trail if you'd prefer a gentler pace.

Good, well worn-in walking boots, layers for changing weather, a light waterproof and a comfortable daypack are the essentials. Terrain and climate vary between destinations like the Salzkammergut and the Italian Alps, so once you've booked we'll send you a tailored packing list for your specific route and season.

Yes, alongside our self-guided routes we also offer guided walking holidays with a local leader accompanying the group throughout. This is a great option if you'd prefer expert commentary, added reassurance on more technical terrain, or simply enjoy the social side of walking with others. Just ask us when enquiring.

Card payments are handled by Nexi, one of Europe's largest regulated payment providers, over an encrypted connection and protected by 3-D Secure (the extra verification step from your own bank). Your card details are entered on Nexi's secure page and are never seen or stored on our website. Bank transfer is also available if you prefer — just ask us.

All our prices are shown and charged in euros (€), because that is the currency our European hotels and partners invoice us in. If your card is issued in pounds or another currency, your bank converts the amount at its own rate on the day, so the final figure on your statement may differ slightly from the euro price shown. Showing euros keeps the price honest — you pay exactly what the holiday costs, with no hidden mark-up from us.

It depends on the package and how close the departure date is. Many holidays can be secured with a deposit, with the balance due before travel, while some event tickets and last-minute bookings must be paid in full at the time of booking. The exact terms for your holiday are confirmed in writing before you pay anything — if you are not sure, contact us and we will tell you before you commit.

Refunds are made back to the same card or account you paid with, and are governed by the cancellation terms of your specific booking, which we confirm to you in writing before payment. How quickly the money appears on your statement depends on your own bank. If you need to cancel or change a booking, contact us as early as possible — the earlier you tell us, the more options we usually have.