Why CW Walkingassess your walking style
Assess your walking style, and take your pick, Guided small-group walking is a traditional favorite, with our "best in the business" guides, scheduled departures, and all essentials included. Self-guided trips arrange everything you need (route notes, accommodations, luggage transfers. etc.), so you can explore on your own. Personal trips are just for you—celebrate an occasion with your own group, enjoy a family vacation, or make it a special adventure for two!
Self-Guided
Self-Guided tours are perfect for intrepid explorers who want to take CW's spirit of adventure one step further. Designed specifically for independent travelers, Self-Guided adventures allow you to choose full days of walking at your own pace; each day's itinerary includes both active and cultural options. You have the autonomy to adjust the day's events as the spirit moves you. Plus, the hallmarks of our highly-regarded Guided journeys are still in place: great accommodations near the best trails, delightful restaurants boasting authentic fare, enriching encounters with friendly locals, and our commitment to exceptional customer service.
All Self-Guided Trips
Guided
Our Guided adventures place you at the heart of the most extraordinary destinations—over 60 exceptional tours boast hand-crafted itineraries, charming hotels with access to scenic trails, restaurants showcasing authentic fare, and distinctive cultural events. Trips are led by the best local guides in the travel industry...and this makes a world of difference. With small groups of like-minded guests and guaranteed departures, every Guided trip invites you to slow down to really experience the world…one step at a time.
What you need to know
Self-Guided Walking
Independent & Active
The ultimate in independent travel, Self-Guided Walking adventures are perfect for the avid hiker as well as the active walker. With the ideal blend of active adventure and flexible itinerary, you are fully immersed in a locale. Because we handle all the details in advance, peace of mind and great value are guaranteed.
Authentic
Do-it-yourself travelers enjoy the freedom of a Self-Guided itinerary. Authentic accommodations, luggage transfers, and some meals are included along with comprehensive route notes, detailed maps, and 24-hour emergency assistance. With this style of travel you are the architect of your own adventure—no group, no guide, and no set schedule mean maximum flexibility.
24-Hour Support
Self-Guided travel doesn’t mean you go it alone. Our exclusive network of insider contacts will back you up—and our years of experience assure a fun-filled experience. Knowing the best vacations are seamless, we finesse the “behind the scenes” aspects of your trip, making your adventure effortless. Carefully crafted itineraries allow you the best of worry-free travel. We’ve chosen exceptional regional routes, leaving you the freedom to create your own adventure. You explore on your own, while lifting no more than a daypack.
Guaranteed Departures
Reserving your adventure is simple. Choose your travel date, add your favorite trekking companion(s) or opt to go solo, and let us do the rest. We handle all of the details, assuring you a worry-free vacation. And since every departure is guaranteed once it is confirmed, you’re assured you’re guaranteed to go…no cancellations, no disappointments.
Perfect for All Ages
Self-Guided Walking trips are ideal for all ages. Perfect for an active family vacation, they offer just the right blend of activity and exploration, so you can tailor the day to everyone’s interests. You walk at your own pace and determine your own schedule: enjoy a leisurely breakfast or set out on the trail in the early morning. Stop to sample local cheese at a vineyard in Piedmont. Hike up to an Alpine waterfall in Davos…and spread a blanket for a picnic lunch. Explore a 6th-century monastery in Ireland before joining the locals for stories at the local pub. Quite simply, the choice is yours. On layover days, linger by the pool, join a cooking class, horseback ride, or rejuvenate with a morning yoga session—the possibilities are endless.
Accommodations
Even the most active adventurer needs rest. Accommodations range from small, family-run inns to boutique hotels that reflect the character of each region. Often brimming with history, they’re frequently destinations in themselves. Daily breakfasts and most dinners are included, and you decide how you’d like to dine at other meals—follow your appetite to enjoy local specialties and neighborhood eateries.
Luggage & Transfers
On all our tours, your luggage will be transported for you via vans, mini-coaches, trains, or boats.
Guided Walking
Small Group Size
Assuring you a memorable and personalized travel experience, our Guided Walking tours include two expert guides leading each group with an average group size ranging from 10 to 14 guests. Our maximum is 16 to 18 guests. Our Guaranteed departure policy (for Guided and Self-Guided Walking & Biking trips) assures that tours will not be cancelled due to low enrollment, sometimes resulting in very small, intimate groups.
Equipment and Clothing
A daypack, a comfortable pair of hiking boots, rain gear, sunscreen, and a water bottle are essential, as well as a helmet for Self-Guided Biking tours. We emphasize that hiking boots or shoes with thick soles, good tread, and sturdy ankle support are mandatory on all tours. For each trip, a customized list of what to bring is included with every confirmation packet.
24-Hour Support
Our exclusive network of insider contacts will back you up—and our years of experience assure a fun-filled experience. Knowing the best vacations are seamless, we finesse the “behind the scenes details,” making your adventure effortless. Carefully crafted itineraries allow you the best of worry-free travel. We’ve chosen exceptional regional routes, leaving you the freedom to create your own adventure. You explore on your own, while lifting no more than a daypack.
Guaranteed Departures
Reserving your adventure is simple. Choose your travel date, add your favorite trekking companion(s) or go solo, and let us do the rest. We handle all of the details, assuring you a worry-free vacation. And since every departure is guaranteed once it is confirmed, you’re assured you’re guaranteed to go…no cancellations, no disappointments.
Single-Share Program
Traveling solo? Our single-share program is designed especially for you. We will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve your tour at least 91 days prior to the start date, you will not be required to pay the single-supplement fee, even if we cannot find you a roommate* (based on availability). If you'd rather have a room of your own, a limited number of single rooms are available for a supplemental fee.
Accommodations
Even the most active adventurer needs rest. Accommodations range from small, family-run inns to boutique hotels that reflect the character of each region. Often brimming with history, they’re frequently destinations in themselves. Daily breakfasts and most dinners are included, and you decide how you’d like to dine at other meals—follow your appetite to enjoy local specialties and neighborhood eateries.
Luggage & Transfers
On all our tours, your luggage will be transported for you via vans, mini-coaches, trains, or boats.