Active tours are designed for those mature travellers who enjoy an active lifestyle and would like to keep the same pace during their holidays. The activity level can usually be tailored to the group's fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after. Small groups of  like minded people, typically a maximum of 12 people.

Active Tours

Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour

19 days

Jun, Sep, Aug

Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain

Visiting Portugal, Spain

Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James, crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal, as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.

From A$14,135 AUD

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Walking Japan small group tour

14 days

Oct, May

Walking Japan | Small Group Tour

Visiting Japan

Escorted small group tour, Walking Japan, for mature and senior couples and solo travellers, a walking program traces the journey of 17th century Japanese poet and haiku master, Matsuo Basho. We walk in his footsteps on this 13-day journey around the northeast Tohoku region of Japan.

From A$12,715 AUD

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Whitby Abbey walking britain

22 days

Sep, Jun

Rural Britain | Walking Small Group Tour

Visiting England, Scotland

A walking tour into England, Scotland and Wales provides small group journeys with breathtaking scenery to destinations such as Snowdonia national park , the UNESCO world heritage site Hadrians wall and the lake district. each day tour provides authentic experiences often off the beaten path from our local guides.

From A$15,880 AUD

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Lake district walking small group tour

25 days

Aug

Ireland and Lake District walking small group tour

Visiting England, Ireland

A guided small group tour for senior walkers that starts in the capital of Ireland, Dublin. This escorted tour with local guides also explores the Giant's causeway, a UNESCO World heritage site. It transfers from Ireland to Scotland to head to walk in the National park of the Lake district.

From A$14,850 AUD

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walking tours in France

21 days

Jun, Sep, Jul

France on Foot | Small Group Walking Tours France

Visiting France

Our France on Foot small group walking is designed for the active walker and extends from the scenic island of Noirmoutier on the Atlantic Coast via the Massif Central on the borders of Limousin and the Auvergne to the snow-tipped peaks of the Alps in Savoy.

From A$19,345 AUD

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Exploring Wales on foot, mature travellers small group walking tours

13 days

Aug

Exploring Wales on foot : small group walking tours for seniors

Visiting Wales

A Walking tour of Wales with spectacular views across as you walk the millennial path across the Irish sea or up in Snowdonia national park. This guided tour that provides insight into the history of each castle visited and breathtaking scenery enjoyed before exploring the capital of Wales, Cardiff with day tours of Wales from Cardiff. For seniors, couples or Solo interested in small groups.

From A$11,340 AUD

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Loire Valley walking tours France

18 days

Jun, Sep

Loire Valley Walking Tours | Small Group Tours of France

Visiting France

The Loire Valley is the largest of all the UNESCO World Heritage sites. This small group walking tour daily itineraries cross a multitude of historic towns and villages providing authentic experiences for couples and single travellers to enjoy. A small single supplement applies to solo travelers.

From A$13,365 AUD

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Castle, Gorey - England, Jersey - England, France, Grouville

18 days

May, Sep

Channel Islands | A small group walking tour for seniors

Visiting Channel Islands

Another Small group tour of the British isles of the Channel Islands. This fully escorted, small group walking tour, takes the active senior off the beaten path with local guides to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.

From A$15,535 AUD

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Brandenburg gate Berlin

12 days

Oct, May

Berlin walking tour

Visiting Germany

Enjoy an escorted walking tour of Berlin. This small group holiday is for like minded people, mature couples or solo travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track and exploring with some adventure. The itineraries set for each day follow sections of the Berlin Wall, whilst local guides realise authentic experiences found in this amazing city.

From A$8,745 AUD

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Meteora, Greece

18 days

Mar, Nov

Walking in Greece

Visiting Greece

Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites introduced by local guides feature on this walking tour for mature couple and single travellers. The days itineraries to selected destinations provide authentic experiences in the remote parts of Greece. A single supplement is charged for solo travelers on these small group journeys.

From A$11,715 AUD

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via del plata

20 days

May, Sep

Via de la Plata: Small Group Walking Tour in the Footsteps of Pilgrims

Visiting Spain

Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites introduced by local guides feature on this walking tour for mature couple and single travellers in central Spain. The days itineraries to selected destinations provide authentic experiences in central Spain. A single supplement is charged for solo travelers on these small group journeys.

From A$14,245 AUD

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Ancient Britain Walking Tour

20 days

May, Sep, Jun

Walking Ancient Britain

Visiting England

A walking tour of England & the border of Wales. Explore on foot UNESCO World Heritage sites, Neolithic, Bronze age and Roman landscapes and the occasional Norman castle on your journey. Your tour director and tour guide walk you through the Brecon beacons, the Cotswolds and Welsh borders on this small group tour.

From A$13,995 AUD

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Val D'Orcia, Italy, Tuscany, Sunset

17 days

Sep, Aug

Via di Francesco Walking Tour | Small Group Walking Tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Experience with like minded people a small group journey walking Via di Francesco (or the Way of St. Francis) in Italy. One of a few European tour companies who offer a tour leader and local guides for senior couples and single travellers on this journey between the key destinations on this walk.

From A$12,050 AUD

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Scotland

13 days

Jun, Aug, May

Scotland's Great Trails Walking Tour

Visiting Scotland

An escorted walking tour of Scotland. This trip is mainly in the Scottish Highlands. Your tour leader guides you to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Craignorms National park with experienced local guides. The tour for mature couples and solo travellers finishes in Edinburgh with time to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal mile a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$11,560 AUD

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Wast Water, Lake Disrict

27 days

Jun, Aug, May

Small Group Tour along the Wainwright Walking trail

Visiting England

Part of the small group tour of the British isles series, this walking tour goes west to east across England. The tour leader takes you into the national park of the UNESCO World heritage site in the Lake district and the North Yorkshire moors. This trip concludes in York. It is designed for senior walkers seeking authentic experiences.

From A$17,595 AUD

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Tiber River Statue Villa Lante Italy

18 days

Apr, Sep, Mar

Via Francigena Walking Tour: Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome

Visiting Italy, Switzerland

An escorted tour that walks sections of the ancient pilgrimage route Via Francigena. Our small group is joined by Local guides to share knowledge and authentic experiences as our group of like minded people make their way to Rome.

From A$13,250 AUD

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Sunset at Mt.Ngauruho, New Zealand Walking tour

14 days

Mar, Sep, Nov

Small group walking tour of New Zealand

Visiting

Escorted 14 day small group walking tour of New Zealand. Off the beaten track, for hiking fit like minded people curious about history, culture wine and landscapes.

From A$13,995 AUD

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Romania - small group walking tours for Seniors or Mature travellers

12 days

Apr, Aug, May, Mar

Romania Small Group Walking Tour for Seniors

Visiting Romania

This small group escorted tour explores the magnificent landscapes of Carpathian mountains in Romania, and takes in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Romanian village life. Travel with like minded people, mature couples or solo travellers.

From A$8,350 AUD

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FAQs

How does a small group walking holiday work?

Odyssey’s active tours are designed for those mature travellers who enjoy an active lifestyle and would like to keep the same pace during their holidays. The activity level can usually be tailored to the group’s fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after. Small groups of like-minded people, typically a maximum of 12 people.

What makes a good walking tour?

Odyssey Traveller offers affordable group tours, suitable for couples and singles, tailored toward varying levels of fitness and are flexible. So, if you would prefer your itinerary to be spending an afternoon sipping tea and watching the world go by, you can. And re-join the rest of the small group guided tour later in the day. Walking tours are fully mapped out, with an itinerary designed to maximize the experience, and are guided by people in the know. Discover the world at a slower pace and get your feet dirty

Why take a walking tour with Odyssey ?

Odyssey Traveller offers an affordable group tour that is focused on being a walking tour in varied locations throughout the world with a great range of themed vacation packages to some great places with a tour guide for your trip as a couple or solo traveller. We offer a range of Pilgrimage Walks, as well as walks in England and in France.

How are walking tours conducted?

Exploring on foot, on a guided walking holiday, as a preferred travel style gives you access to more authentic experiences, as you enjoy sights and experiences shared on a guided walk usually reserved for locals including some quaint villages. Discovering a new country and its landscape through walking gives you an incredible sense of accomplishment. The discovery and exploration of ancient forests or olive groves or quaint villages that are hidden, make route notes for a great walking adventure or hike for a future walking trip. Moreover, it is great for your fitness and will make you feel alive! Meet and chat with people, see more, and have your physical work rewarded with secrets you can only uncover from the ground whether on a guided walking tour, self-guided tour, or free walking tour the benefits all remain.

What accommodation do walking tours include?

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses.

How much walking do your walking tours include?

Participants must be in excellent health, extremely mobile and live an active lifestyle. Program activities may include up to 6 hours of continuous strenuous, moderate-to-fast paced activities per day on varied terrain, however, The activity level can usually be tailored to the group’s fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after.

What should I bring on your walking tour?

Whether you’re travelling to Europe, Asia, within Australia, or anywhere else in the world, the basic rules of packing your travel essentials remain the same and it all revolves a packing list. You may have refined your packing list over time with the tours taken and have the ultimate international travel checklist, which is great! The secret is being prepared and splitting some things between checked luggage and hand luggage on a long haul flight. So keep some of the prescription medicine in your hand luggage as well some underwear, a condensed toiletry bag and eye mask because lost or delayed checked luggage is inconvenient. A money belt is also a good idea, not for cash, but copies of important documents and a spare credit card or copies of, perhaps though a photo of these on your phone are a better solution. But whatever approach is taken, the best travel advice is to do what you are comfortable with to remove worry. There is no ultimate packing list, but packing light is the number one travel tip.

To help you prepare for any walking program, check out our previously published articles:

What walking tours are good for avoiding crowds?

All Odyssey’s Walking tours are designed and scheduled to avoid the busiest tourist crowds. See all our walking tours here.

How can you prepare for a walking holiday?

It’s hard to beat the pleasure of a walking tour. While the comfort and speed of a coach or train has its place, exploring a new place on foot means that, wherever you go, you will properly discover the sights, sounds, and smells. Individual moments will be more memorable, there’ll be time to appreciate the beauty of both nature and You will also likely find yourself chatting with companions.

Odyssey Traveller offers a number of small group European walking tours that appeal to a range of fitness levels.

1. Footwear
2. Hat & Sunscreen
3. Write things down
4. Prepare for unexpected weather
5. Eating & Drinking
6. Fitness Preparation
7. Pack Light
8. General Health Checkup
9. Blister Prevention
10. General Safety

How difficult are your walking tours?

Level 3 – Moderate to Challenging

Participants must be in excellent health, extremely mobile and live an active lifestyle. Program activities may include up to 6 hours of continuous strenuous, moderate-to-fast paced activities per day on varied terrain.

Please do not read into this too much; Odyssey’s tour are developed for seniors, with an inquisitive mind and a good general physical health. We do not expect our participants to be walkers or with great strength or endurance. Our tours are also very flexible due to our smaller groups and we often offer alternative activities for participants who would like to skip an activity/sightseeing, or take a day of rest.

What are the best walking tours in Europe?

Odyssey’s active tours are designed for those mature travellers who enjoy an active lifestyle and would like to keep the same pace during their holidays. The activity level can usually be tailored to the group’s fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after. Small groups of like minded people, typically a maximum of 12 people.

Follow this link for all our Walking tours: https://www.odysseytraveller.com/tour-category/active/

What are the best walking tours for seniors?

Odyssey’s active tours are designed for those mature travellers who enjoy an active lifestyle and would like to keep the same pace during their holidays. The activity level can usually be tailored to the group’s fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after. Small groups of like minded people, typically a maximum of 12 people.

Follow this link for all our Walking tours: https://www.odysseytraveller.com/tour-category/active/

Should I buy walking shoes or boots?

Choosing the right walking shoes has repercussions beyond fashion. A study in 2005 showed that “incorrectly fitting footwear is common in older people and is strongly associated with forefoot pathology and foot pain.” The study identified foot pain and deformity in 176 people (aged 62 to 96 years), 120 of whom were women, and found that the women “wore shoes that were shorter, narrower and had a reduced total area compared to their feet than men.” Wearing shoes that are narrower than your foot is associated with corns, foot pain, and foot deformity. A 2017 study stresses that “between 20 and 45% of women aged over 65 years of age will develop one or more foot problems, which, although not specific to older women, are more common in that age group than in younger women.” The study also points to inappropriate footwear as one of the causes.

Foot problems will negatively impact your mobility and independence, and the incorrect footwear can cause you to trip, fall, and suffer injury. It can also exacerbate already existing health problems, such as arthritis in the knees and hip. Odyssey Traveller organises numerous walking tours and we are advocates of choosing and using the right footwear—you can click here to read an article we’ve published previously about choosing the right shoes and socks to bring when you travel.

How fit do you need to be to walk the Camino?

The Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour is escorted by an Odyssey program leader. Odyssey’s local guides also share with you their knowledge of the medieval pilgrims and the route walked to Santiago de Compostela.

As we understand differences in travel style, our tour is designed to be as demanding as you choose. You or your partner may elect to enjoy a slower day during the tour. Or you might decide to walk the appointed section that day. Odyssey has a fitness program designed to bring you up to a comfortable activity level prior to the tour that we circulate to all participants.

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