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Trekking isn’t all about mileage and perseverance. Often, the best way to enjoy a walk is to stop for a moment and soak up the atmosphere.

Our cultural walking holidays take you to the most sublime locations in the world – marching straight through without looking up is no less than a tragic waste! Many of our trips are built around gentler walks and days of cultural exploration, savouring the sights and flavours of the local area.

We’ve compiled five of our absolute favourite cultural walking holidays to help inspire you…

Peru Walking Holiday

The Inca Trail

Machu Picchu, Peru Machu Picchu, Peru

One of the greatest treks on the planet, the Inca Trail winds through lush jungle, high cloud forests and countless ancient Inca Ruins, culminating in the mysterious, lost city of Machu Picchu.

The trip is geared to towards spending as much time as possible at the legendary site, including a dawn tour, where you can watch the sunrise breaking over the crumbling yet dignified ruins.

Take me there: Inca Trail Trek

Jordan Walking Holiday

Wadi Rum 

Walking in Wadi Rum, Jordan Walking in Wadi Rum, Jordan

In Jordan, the land has a fluid, living quality, from the wind-blasted mountains and valleys to the city of Petra, carved from the very rock itself.

In the tradition of the local Bedouin people, you’ll get to sleep beneath the stars by night, whereas your days are spent walking through the burnt orange and red sand-scape and exploring Petra’s intricate carvings and unique buildings.

Take me there: Jordan and Wadi Rum

Spain Walking Holiday

Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago, Spain Camino de Santiago, Spain

One of the world’s oldest and greatest pilgrimage routes, the Camino de Santiago is steeped in history and infused with European culture.

Visiting the many Romanesque churches, scenic villages and magnificent landscapes along the route is a real privilege. The trek’s pace is carefully measured, giving you the perfect amount of time to absorb the essence of this gorgeous region.

Take me there: Camino de Santiago

Germany Walking Holiday

Walking in Bavaria

Alpine landscape at dusk Alpine landscape at dusk, Oberammergau

Guide yourself on foot through the rustic charms of rural Bavaria, from grandiose palaces to achingly beautiful alpine landscapes.

Oberammergau is internationally famed for its Passion Plays, performed fervently only once every ten years, and involving almost half of the villagers – it also just happens to be the perfect base for a week of self-guided walking.

Take me there: Self-guided Walking in Bavaria

China Walking Holiday

Walking the Great Wall

Great Wall of China Great Wall of China

Considered by many to be one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Great Wall of China is one of the Earth’s most recognisable icons, as well as by far its longest building.

The monumental fortification weaves through the tranquil hills and forests of China – the terrain underfoot varies, from the even stone walkways of the restored sections to the romantic rubble of the more remote sections where no other trekkers go.

Take me there: The Great Wall of China

Take a look at more of our cultural walking holidays below.