Twenty-five Years of Hiking.
Sixteen Years of Sharing It.
A hiking blog turned one of the best self-guided hiking tour companies in Europe — built by someone who loves mountains (and, yes, monkeys) just a little too much.
Female Entrepreneur, Mountain Lover, and the Person Behind Everything Here
I’ve been hiking for over 30 years — long before I ever thought about writing a single word about it. Sixteen years ago, I started Monkeys and Mountains as a place to document my hiking adventures across Europe — what trails were actually worth your time, what to pack, and how to avoid the kind of mistakes that seem like a good idea… until you’re halfway up a mountain questioning your life choices.
And yes, in case you’re wondering… the name comes from two of the things I love most, and it’s epic when they come together!
What started as a blog quickly became one of the top adventure travel resources for hiking trips in Europe. Because people didn’t just want dreamy photos — they wanted real, honest advice to help them actually do the trip.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Changed Everything
“I hiked it during a really difficult time in my life. I needed space, clarity… and maybe a reset that didn’t involve another self-help book. Somewhere between the climbs, the views, and an impressive amount of cheese and wine, everything shifted. I came back feeling stronger, clearer, and more like myself again.”
And then… the emails started. People began asking me to help plan their hiking trips in Europe. First friends, then friends of friends, then complete strangers who were excited — but also completely overwhelmed. So about 8 years ago, I turned those requests into what we offer today: self-guided hiking tours designed to help you plan your dream hiking trip in Europe — without the stress.
Planning a Hiking Trip in Europe Can Feel Like a Full-Time Job
Accommodation books out months in advance — especially mountain huts on popular routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc. Lift and bus schedules are a maze, and half the time it’s not clear when they’re actually running. Then there are the routes, the maps, the transfers…
I kept getting the same message from readers and friends who were excited to hike in Europe, but had no idea where to start — and honestly didn’t have the time or patience to face months of research to figure it out.
I got it completely. And I knew I could solve it. So I did. Today, Monkeys and Mountains offers fully planned self-guided hiking tours across Europe — so you can skip all of that, show up, and just hike.
“I want to hike in Europe… but I have no idea where to start.”
“The mountain huts are already full — I didn’t even know I needed to book months ahead.”
“I can’t figure out the lift and bus schedules, or even if they’ll be running when I’m there.”
Freedom on the Trail.
None of the Planning Overwhelm.
Group tours can feel rushed, rigid, and sometimes you end up spending hours hiking next to someone who really, really loves talking 😅 Our self-guided hiking tours give you total freedom — and make everything easy.
Hike at Your Own Pace
Whether you’re speedy or stopping every 3 minutes because “wait — is that an ibex?!” — it’s your call, always.
Long, Scenic Lunches
Wine, pasta, and zero rushing. You’re on holiday — take the long table with the view.
Your People Only
Travel with your partner, friends, or solo — no awkward group dynamics, no strangers setting the pace.
Skip the Planning
We handle the logistics — routes, accommodation, transfers. You just book and show up.
Luggage Transfers Selected hikes
Carry just a daypack. Your bags will be waiting at the next hotel like you never had to think about it.
Your Trip. Just Better.
All the adventure, none of the stress. Exactly as it should be.
One of the Best Hiking Tour Companies in Europe — Because We Actually Care
This is a small business. It’s me, a VA, and our amazing local partners who take care of the logistics on the ground. We work with carefully selected local companies so that the regions you’re hiking in benefit too — while making sure your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.
For you, that means:
- Less time stressing, more time enjoying
- Authentic, well-planned hiking tours in Europe
- A seamless experience without the overwhelm
- Support before you go — and if you need it on trail
We Handle Every Detail.
You Just Show Up and Hike.
Our hiking tours in Europe are designed for people who want adventure without spending hours figuring out every detail.
Route Planning
Every trail researched, tested, and planned to give you the best possible experience on the path.
Great Accommodation
Mountain huts with character, guesthouses with heart, boutique hotels with views. Places that make you smile.
Luggage Transfers
Your bags travel between hotels while you hike with just a daypack. Simple, seamless, magical.
Trail Guidance
Easy-to-follow guidance so you always know where you’re going — and can focus on the scenery.
In-Person Pre-Hike Briefing
Before you hit the trail, we sit down with you in person to answer your last-minute questions, share the very latest trail conditions, and make sure you set off with a burst of confidence. It’s one of the things our hikers love most — and it’s only available on select tours.
What Happens When You
Trust the Trail to Us
Here’s what our hikers say after experiencing what a truly great self-guided hiking holiday in Europe feels like.
“Working with Monkeys and Mountains Hiking & Adventures was a great experience. Laurel was quick to respond to emails and went above and beyond to work with us as we were hesitant planning a trip through email, online, etc. She made sure we were comfortable with the planning every step of the way and all of the accommodations were wonderful. It is easy to see that Laurel loves what she does!”
“Monkeys and Mountains provided my Dad and I with a wonderfully organised Tour du Mont Blanc. Friendly interaction, attention to detail, baggage transfer and a thorough packing list all made the trip very smooth. But best of all, Laurel booked us an excellent route featuring the most charming refuges.”
“I did a self-guided 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc, and Monkeys and Mountains made everything so easy. They organized everything perfectly. The information was thorough, from hiking routes to accommodations and water points. I highly recommend Monkeys and Mountains – it was a well-organized trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again.”
“We had a great experience on the TMB in August. Laurel and Tiffany were fantastic with communication from the moment I requested information about the trip. They’re willing to work with your schedule and any additional accommodations needed. 10/10 would recommend and hope to book another trip through them soon!”
“My Dad and I have had two excellent treks organised by Monkeys and Mountains in partnership with local partners. Laurel and Tiffany have been extremely helpful in organising our itinerary in advance, especially picking the best refuges with beautiful walks from one to the next. Would thoroughly recommend their Tour du Mont Blanc and Dolomites treks!”
“The TMB was a great trip! Each day provided wonderful views, welcoming hosts, and delicious meals and great accommodations. Laurel was very helpful throughout the planning process.”
Your Dream Hiking Trip
in Europe Is Waiting
If hiking in Europe has been sitting on your bucket list but feels too complicated to figure out — that’s exactly why we’re here.