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11 Brand-New Active Holidays to Discover Europe Differently in 2026
More active travellers are heading to Europe to follow ancient paths, dine like locals, and connect more deeply with the landscapes that inspire their travel dreams.
Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or simply craving time to slow down and soak in Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, these 11 active holidays for 2026 are designed for you.
Here are 11 brand-new walking and cycling trips to keep on your radar for an unforgettable 2026.
New to active travel? Here's how it works.
It's simple: our services include everything you need, just turn up and go!
✅ Cosy accommodation that's full of character
✅ Daily luggage transfers
✅ Easy to use navigation app or expert guide
✅ Some delicious local meals
✅ 24/7 support hotline
✅ Any required transfers
✅ Plus: group camaraderie and curated cultural experiences
✨ Guided trips include a professional guide and likeminded travellers. Self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your pace with full support in the background.
11 New Itineraries for 2026
1. Walking Northern Portugal: Douro Valley, Mountains & Coast
Experience the cultural and natural contrasts of Portugal on this varied 9-day self-guided walking holiday through the Douro Valley, Peneda-Gerês National Park and the Atlantic coast. Begin with vineyard trails in the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, sampling port at traditional Quintas, before heading into the wild, granite landscapes of Portugal’s only national park to follow Roman roads and ancient pilgrim paths. Finish on the northern coast, enjoying fresh seafood and sea views as you walk between historic fishing towns. With a mix of mountain, river and coastal trails, and stays in welcoming 3- and 4-star hotels, this is an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s rich landscapes, flavours and traditions.
2. Cycle the Dolomites to Venice | Italy
Cycle through the heart of northern Italy on a scenic and culturally rich journey that follows the gentle path of the former Dolomite Railway. This 8-day self-guided ride winds from the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites through alpine valleys and Tyrolean villages, into the foothills of Veneto and onward to stylish Treviso, just inland from Venice. With mostly downhill and rolling terrain, the route is ideal for leisure cyclists, offering a mix of quiet cycleways, family-run hotels, and highlights like Cortina d'Ampezzo, Feltre, Asolo and Bassano del Grappa. Along the way, soak up the region’s unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture, sample alpine cuisine, and explore landscapes that shift from mountains to Mediterranean.
3. Camino: Sarria to Santiago - 7 Day Itinerary | Spain
Ideal for time-conscious travellers, this faster-paced Camino itinerary covers the final 115km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in just five days of walking. It offers the opportunity to earn the official Compostela certificate while experiencing the rich history and deep tradition of the Camino. Journey through Galicia’s scenic countryside, passing ancient crosses, grain silos and quiet hamlets, before reaching the iconic cathedral where St James is believed to be buried. With a mix of physical challenge, cultural immersion and shared camaraderie with fellow pilgrims, this walk delivers a powerful sense of purpose and achievement in a shorter timeframe.
4. Chianti Highlights Walk | Italy
Discover the timeless charm of Tuscany on this self-guided walking holiday through the heart of the Chianti wine region, travelling from Siena to Florence. Stroll between vineyard-covered hills, olive groves and medieval villages, stopping to sample Chianti Classico wines and regional dishes along the way. Highlights include visits to iconic towns like Greve, Radda and Montefioralle, as well as cultural gems in Florence and Siena. With daily walks of 10-16km (6-10 miles), comfortable accommodation, and luggage transfers included, this relaxed itinerary blends scenic walking with warm hospitality and the best of Tuscany’s food, wine and history.
5. Best of the Coast to Coast: Guided & In Comfort | England
Experience the highlights of Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast trail on this expertly guided 10-day walking holiday across northern England. Skipping the most demanding sections, this itinerary combines scenic hiking through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks with enriching cultural experiences, including a cruise on Ullswater, a farm visit in Swaledale, and a steam train ride across the moors. Stay in handpicked boutique hotels, charming inns and even a castle, and enjoy local hospitality, group camaraderie and the ease of expert support. Starting at St Bees and finishing in Robin Hood’s Bay, the journey ends in the historic city of York, offering a fulfilling and comfortable way to walk one of the world’s great trails.
6. Giants Causeway & Rathlin Island Hike | Ireland
Explore the dramatic landscapes, rich legends and coastal charm of Northern Ireland on this 6-day walking holiday along the UNESCO-listed Causeway Coast. From puffin-spotting on remote Rathlin Island to walking the clifftop trails past Dunluce Castle and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, every day offers a new highlight. Brave the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, explore Game of Thrones filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour, and soak up the wild beauty of this lesser-visited region. With comfortable B&B stays, flexible hiking options, and daily coastal walks from Ballycastle to Portstewart, this adventure is packed with heritage, wildlife and unforgettable scenery.
7. Iceland Volcanic Trails Guided Hike
Venture deep into Iceland’s volcanic wilderness on this guided 5-day trek through the spectacular landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park. Less travelled than the popular Laugavegur trail, this remote route leads you past emerald moss-covered lava fields, vast black sand deserts, and dramatic canyons including Eldgjá, the world’s largest volcanic fissure. Hike from the peak of Mt Sveinstindur, with views over Lake Langisjór, to hidden geothermal pools and traditional mountain huts, all while tracing glacial rivers and ancient lava flows. With expert guidance, cosy accommodation and a small group of like-minded walkers, this challenging yet rewarding adventure is perfect for hikers seeking raw beauty, solitude and a deep connection with Iceland’s elemental forces.
8. Full Spanish Camino Rambler | Spain
Take your time on the Camino with this 58-day Rambler itinerary, the most leisurely way to walk the full Spanish Camino from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Designed for those who prefer a slower pace and shorter daily walks, this extended journey allows for deeper cultural immersion, more time to explore historic towns and villages, and a gentler approach to the physical challenge. You’ll traverse northern Spain’s ever-changing landscapes, from the Pyrenees to the plains of Castilla and the lush hills of Galicia, all while following the centuries-old pilgrim trail. With luggage transfers, detailed route notes, on-call support and charming local stays, this is the ultimate Camino experience for travellers who want to absorb every step of the journey - not just complete it.
9. Snowdonia Slate Trail | Wales
Step into the heart of North Wales on this 7-day self-guided walk along the Snowdonia Slate Trail, a spectacular 82-mile loop through Snowdonia National Park that reveals both its dramatic natural beauty and unique industrial past. From Bangor to Bethesda, Llanberis to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and Betws-y-Coed back to Bangor, this journey takes you through slate-quarry villages, river valleys, waterfalls and forest trails with striking views of Mt Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Explore historical sites, hidden gorges, and the National Slate Museum, while discovering the influence of the slate industry on walls, sculpture, and architecture. With optional detours for climbing Snowdon or visiting Caernarfon Castle, cosy village inns and B&Bs to rest in, and plenty of cultural and scenic highlights each day, this moderate to challenging hike is a rich immersion into Welsh landscapes, legends, and living heritage.
10. Provence Vineyard Trails Walk | France
Explore the heart of Provence on foot with this indulgent 8-day walking holiday through the world-renowned wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape and the dramatic limestone peaks of Mont Ventoux. Starting in the historic city of Avignon, wander between vineyards, medieval hilltop villages, and the jagged ridgelines of the Dentelles de Montmirail, while staying in upgraded boutique accommodations. Enjoy tastings of premium Rhône wines, including Grenache blends and Muscat, and soak up classic Provençal views of cypress trees, lavender, and golden light. From gentle vineyard strolls to moderate hikes through pine-scented hills, this itinerary blends culture, cuisine, and nature - perfect for travellers who enjoy fine wine, charming villages, and scenic walking at a relaxed pace.
11. Madeira Guided Walk | Portugal
Explore the volcanic beauty and lush trails of Madeira on this 8-day guided walking holiday that showcases the island’s most iconic landscapes. Hike along the island’s unique levada irrigation channels, summit its highest peak Pico Ruivo (1862m), and walk through ancient laurel forests dotted with ‘witch trees’ in the highlands of Fanal. With dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and mild year-round temperatures, Madeira is a walker’s paradise. Highlights include a cliff-top trail to Porto da Cruz, the lava pools at Porto Moniz, and panoramic views from Bica da Cana. Stay in charming local guesthouses and a traditional manor house in Boa Ventura, and enjoy the camaraderie of a small international group led by an expert mountain guide. This trip blends island culture, exotic flora and rewarding mountain trails - perfect for hikers seeking a more adventurous walking holiday.
About UTracks
A UTracks active holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It’s about walking or cycling the incredible trails of Europe and becoming completely immersed in your travel experience.
Since we began in 2006, UTracks has been the leader in active European holidays. Our itineraries have always been creative, rewarding, and very affordable. With over 500 active trips across the continent, UTracks offers unique opportunities to discover an untrodden Europe that spans postcard-perfect landscapes, centuries-old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting gastronomic delights.
You can choose to set your own pace on a flexible self guided journey or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a small group tour. We cater to all fitness abilities with our honest graded system that defines our trips from introductory to challenging. Plus we offer exceptional value with many inclusions on all our trips, allowing you more freedom to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Europe.
Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small group or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks helps you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
How many of these destinations have you explored already, and where's next on your travel list? Let us know in the comment section below.