Best Self-Guided Hiking Tours in Europe
We plan it, book it and build your training plan. The hiking’s all yours.
Planning a hiking trip in Europe shouldn’t mean months of spreadsheet research. Monkeys and Mountains specialises in self-guided hiking tours across Europe’s most iconic hiking trails and destinations – the Alps, Dolomites, Croatia, Spain, Ireland, Turkey and beyond. We take care of every detail so your hiking holiday in Europe is exactly what it should be: you, the trail, and nothing to worry about.
Every route is tested by us. Accommodation, GPS routes, transfers and WhatsApp support are all included. And every booking comes with a custom training plan (€300 value) – built specifically for your tour after you complete our short questionnaire.
You show up and hike. We handle everything else.
Book securely online
Complete our booking form and we get straight to work on your tour logistics.
We plan everything
Routes, accommodation, luggage transfers, bus and lift schedules – every detail handled.
Your info pack arrives
30 days before departure: GPS routes and full trip details. Your personalised training plan is sent once you complete our short questionnaire.
You hike
Arrive confident. Go at your pace. WhatsApp support is available throughout your trip if you ever need us.
Europe’s Best Hiking Trails,
Fully Planned for You
From mountain hut-to-hut hikes in the Alps to coastal trails in Croatia, Italy and Spain – every tour is researched, tested and planned down to the last detail. You just show up and hike.
Self-Guided French & Swiss Alps Hiking Tours: Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route
The Alps hold the two routes we’re asked about most. The Tour du Mont Blanc circles Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. The Haute Route runs from Chamonix to Zermatt across the French and Swiss Alps, finishing in front of the Matterhorn. Both fill early, so book well ahead.
One of the greatest hikes in Europe – circling iconic Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Every detail handled. Includes a free in-person briefing so you start with confidence.
Chamonix to Zermatt, finishing with views of the iconic Matterhorn. Hut-to-hut Alps hiking at its absolute finest – and the window is short. Includes a free in-person briefing.
Self-Guided Hiking Tours in the Italian Alps: Gran Paradiso
Italy’s oldest national park, and the quietest high-alpine hiking we offer. Gran Paradiso has ibex, glaciers and mountain huts, and it suits hikers who want big mountain days away from the best-known routes.
Italy’s first national park, created to protect the ibex – and still one of the most unspoiled corners of the Alps. Glaciers above you, wildflowers at your feet, and virtually no crowds. Unlike the TMB, it’s still relatively undiscovered.
Self-Guided Dolomites Hiking Tours, Italy
Italy’s Dolomites are unlike anywhere else on earth – jagged pink spires, wildflower meadows and cosy rifugios. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and host to the 2026 Winter Olympics, these mountains are world-famous for good reason. Choose from the legendary Alta Via 1 or our gentler options perfect for autumn hikers.
The most famous high route in Italy’s Dolomites – and one of the top three long-distance trails in the Alps overall.
Watch the Rosengarten turn extraordinary shades of pink at sunset. The lunar landscape of Antermoia is unlike anything else in the Dolomites.
Our most accessible Dolomites hiking tour. Europe’s largest alpine plateau with the breathtaking Odle spires as your constant backdrop.
Self-Guided Hiking Tours in Italy: the Cinque Terre
Cliff paths, pastel villages and the Italian Riviera on foot. Our Cinque Terre tour runs from Camogli past Portofino and San Fruttuoso to Levanto, Bonassola and Portovenere, with family-run hotels booked for you.
Five pastel villages, dramatic clifftop paths and the best seafood in Liguria. Goes beyond the famous trail to the hidden Ligurian coast.
Croatia Hiking Tours: Split to Dubrovnik
Island hopping on foot down the Dalmatian coast, from Split to Dubrovnik. Six hiking days, a choice of two routes on two of them, and luggage transfer included.
Eight days along the Dalmatian Coast – islands, medieval towns and the Adriatic shimmering below. Coastal hiking in Europe at its finest.
Self-Guided Hiking Tours in Spain and Andorra
From the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada to the Costa Brava – our hiking tours in Catalonia, Spain cover the best trails the country has to offer. Best hiked in spring or autumn when the light is golden and the trails are quiet. Our Catalonia, Spain hiking trips also include a free in-person briefing.
108 to 116 km through wild Catalonia – from Montseny’s forests to the extraordinary rock formations of Montserrat. A genuinely unexpected gem. Includes free in-person briefing.
White villages, wildflower valleys and the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada. A side of Andalusia most visitors never find. Includes free in-person briefing.
Raw, dramatic and far less crowded than the Alps. Three landscapes in eight days – high mountain passes to volcanic La Garrotxa. Includes free in-person briefing.
Follow ancient camino paths along hidden coves and charming fishing villages on one of Spain’s most photogenic coastlines. A great option for first-timers. Includes free in-person briefing.
Turquoise lakes, quiet high passes and Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak at 2,942 m. Seven nights in 4-star hotels booked for you, with your bags moved between them.
Wicklow Way Hiking Tours in Ireland
Ireland’s oldest way-marked long-distance trail, running from the edge of Dublin into the Wicklow Mountains. Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts booked for you, luggage moved between them, and a pub at the end of most days.
A green, peaceful escape through the wild Wicklow Mountains – rolling hills, ancient woodlands and charming villages with genuine Irish hospitality in cosy bed and breakfasts and inns along the way.
Lycian Way Hiking Tours in Turkey
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast on foot, past Lycian rock tombs and Roman ruins with the Mediterranean below. Hotels and Turkish pansiyons booked for you, and your bags waiting when you arrive.
Turquoise bays, ancient Lycian ruins and rugged coastal cliffs – with UNESCO World Heritage sites along the route. One of the world’s great long-distance routes, still beautifully off the beaten path.
Mont Blanc Glacier Tours & Chamonix Via Ferrata
The perfect add-on after your Tour du Mont Blanc. Both can be done in as little as a half day – and both make an already extraordinary trip even more memorable.
Step onto the glaciers above the TMB and see the high mountain environment from a completely different angle. A genuinely memorable add-on.
Part hiking, part climbing – fixed iron rungs take you up terrain you couldn’t otherwise access. An adrenaline-packed half day with extraordinary views.
A custom training plan – included with every booking
Most hiking tour companies send you a PDF confirmation and wish you luck. We send you a fully custom training plan built around your specific tour, fitness level and timeline. Complete our short questionnaire after booking and we’ll create it specifically for you – it’s far more in-depth than our free public starter plan (though that’s a good place to start if you want a taster). It works even if you live somewhere completely flat.
- ✓Built specifically for your tour, route and fitness level
- ✓Works for hikers of any age and any fitness starting point
- ✓Adapted for bad knees, flat terrain, tight schedules
- ✓Arrive strong, confident and ready to enjoy every step
Not sure which hiking trip in Europe is right for you?
Tell our AI trail finder your fitness level, travel dates and dream scenery – and it’ll match you with your perfect self-guided hiking holiday in minutes. No overwhelm, no guesswork.
Hiking Tours in Europe –
Find Your Perfect Trek
Answer a few quick questions about your fitness level, travel dates, preferred scenery and budget. Our AI-powered trail finder will match you with the hiking tours in Europe that suit you best – in minutes.
One of the greatest hikes in Europe – circling iconic Mont Blanc through three countries. Every detail handled. You just hike.
Jagged spires, wildflower meadows and cosy rifugios – the most famous high route in the Dolomites. It really is that good.
Chamonix to Zermatt past Mont Blanc AND the Matterhorn. Bucket-list hiking in Europe – fully planned, stress-free.
Our most accessible Dolomites hiking tour. Europe’s largest alpine plateau with the stunning Odle spires as your constant backdrop.
Adriatic coastline, islands and medieval towns – impossible not to fall in love with. One of the best coastal hiking trips in Europe.
Raw, dramatic and far less crowded than the Alps. Three completely different landscapes in eight days – wild mountain passes to volcanic La Garrotxa.
Five pastel villages, dramatic clifftop paths and the best seafood in Liguria. Our tour goes beyond the famous trail to the hidden coast.
White villages, wildflower valleys and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. A side of Spain most visitors never discover.
Turquoise lakes, quiet high passes and Comapedrosa, Andorra’s highest peak at 2,942 m. Seven nights in 4-star hotels booked for you, with your bags moved between them.
Our #1 source of new clients? Happy hikers telling their friends.Here’s what they’re saying about us.
What happens when you trust the trail to us
“Monkeys and Mountains did a great job planning and scheduling our trip to Mont Blanc. The hikes were amazing with really clear maps and directions. The accommodations were all terrific. Pricing was very reasonable and overall the trip was a great value. The team did a terrific job answering all our questions. The packing lists and the trip blog were super helpful. I would highly recommend Monkeys and Mountains for any kind of self-guided adventure travel.”
“Working with Monkeys and Mountains was a great experience. Laurel was quick to respond to emails and went above and beyond – we were hesitant planning such an expensive trip online. She made sure we were comfortable every step of the way and all of the accommodations were wonderful and easy to work with. It is easy to see that Laurel loves what she does!”
“We did the Tour du Mont Blanc in August. These guys executed perfectly. Very well organised. Fast communication via email. They even reacted immediately to a landslide on our route – rerouting us with taxis and new directions within hours. 10/10. Highly recommended. The next European trek we do, we’ll do it with these guys.”
“We had a great experience on the TMB in August. Laurel and Tiffany were fantastic with communication from the moment I requested information. They’re willing to work with your schedule and any additional accommodations needed. 10/10 would recommend and hope to book another hiking trip through them soon!”
“The Tour du Mont Blanc completely changed my life. Every detail was handled perfectly – all we had to do was show up and hike. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve already booked the Dolomites for next summer.”
“At 62, I wasn’t sure I could pull off a multi-day Alpine trek. Monkeys and Mountains made it completely accessible – the pacing, the huts, the route were all spot-on. I felt supported the whole way. If you’re searching for the best hiking tour companies in Europe, look no further.”
Everything you’re wondering about self-guided hiking holidays in Europe
What does a “self-guided hiking tour” actually mean?
A self-guided hiking tour means you hike independently, with no group and no guide beside you, while we book your accommodation, plan the route and move your luggage on the tours that include it. For the full picture of what you get and who should skip one, read our guide to self-guided hiking tours.
What if I’m not fit enough for a self-guided hiking tour?
If you’re not sure you’re fit enough for a self-guided hiking tour, the honest answer is that every one of our tours needs a degree of fitness, even the easiest, so what matters most is whether you’re willing to put the work in. That’s exactly what the free custom training plan (valued at €300) included with every Monkeys and Mountains booking is for. Every client gets a plan built specifically for their tour, fitness level and timeline after booking – far more detailed than our free public plan. It works for any starting point, including bad knees, flat terrain and tight schedules. You put in the training, and we’ll make sure you arrive ready.
What if something goes wrong on the trail during a self-guided hiking tour?
If something goes wrong on the trail during a self-guided hiking tour, you have WhatsApp support throughout your Monkeys and Mountains trip from our trusted local partners, so you’re self-guided but never truly alone. If a trail is closed, weather forces a change, or you need help navigating an unexpected situation – we’re there. One client had a landslide close their route mid-hike. We rerouted them with taxis and new directions within hours.
I’ve never done a multi-day hike. Is a self-guided hiking tour right for me?
Yes, a Monkeys and Mountains self-guided hiking tour works well for a first multi-day hike, as long as you have some basic fitness, and we’ll help you get it right. If you’re a beginner, we recommend choosing a shorter route (7 days or fewer), adding a rest day between hiking days, or opting for a tour with gentler terrain like our coastal hikes in Croatia, Cinque Terre or the Costa Brava, or Val Gardena in the Dolomites. If you’re unsure which is the right fit, just ask us – we’re happy to help guide you to the best option for where you’re starting from.
Is a self-guided hiking tour worth the cost compared to planning myself?
Whether a self-guided hiking tour with Monkeys and Mountains is worth the cost compared with planning it yourself comes down to what the price covers. Our #1 source of new bookings is referrals – people who’ve hiked with us sending their friends. That’s not a marketing line. When you factor in the hours of research, the risk of booking the wrong accommodation, the complexity of bus and lift schedules, and the value of the €300 training plan included free – most clients feel the investment is more than justified. Rated 4.9/5 from 187 reviews.
Can I customize my self-guided hiking tour itinerary?
Yes, you can customize your Monkeys and Mountains self-guided hiking tour itinerary, and that’s one of the great advantages of self-guided hiking. Want to take a rest day in a mountain village? Add an extra night somewhere with particularly good views? Choose the harder or easier route variant on a given day? All of this is possible. Get in touch and we’ll talk through your options before you book.
When should I book a self-guided hiking tour in Europe?
Book your Monkeys and Mountains self-guided hiking tour in Europe as early as you can, especially for summer Alps tours. The Tour du Mont Blanc, Alta Via 1 and Haute Route need booking 9 to 12 months ahead. Mountain accommodations and boutique hotels along routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Haute Route book up fast. The earlier you lock in your dates, the better your accommodation options. Spring and autumn tours in Spain and Croatia have more flexibility, but popular dates still fill up.
Does Monkeys and Mountains offer solo self-guided hiking tours?
Yes, Monkeys and Mountains offers solo self-guided hiking tours, and all our tours work well for solo hikers. You set your own pace, stop when you want, and take every photo without anyone waiting. Many of our solo clients tell us it was the best holiday they’ve ever taken – days of hiking and thinking, evenings in mountain accommodations meeting other hikers from around the world. It’s a genuinely special experience.
Does Monkeys and Mountains move your luggage between accommodations?
Monkeys and Mountains transfers luggage between accommodations on selected tours, including the Tour du Mont Blanc and our hiking tours in Spain and Croatia, so you hike with just a daypack. It isn’t available on every route, and each tour page says plainly whether it’s included.
Does Monkeys and Mountains provide GPS routes so I don’t need a guide?
Yes. Monkeys and Mountains provides GPS routes and detailed instructions with every self-guided hiking tour, sent with your info pack around 30 days before departure, so you navigate independently without a guide.
What are the most reputable companies for self-guided hiking in Europe?
Monkeys and Mountains has run self-guided hiking tours for 8 years, has been writing about these trails for 16, and holds 4.9 out of 5 from 187 reviews. It’s run by Laurel Robbins, a Canadian who has lived in Europe for 16 years, and every route is carefully curated with trusted local partners in each region.
What is the Monkeys and Mountains cancellation policy?
The Monkeys and Mountains cancellation policy is set out in our tour terms and conditions, which apply to all our tours. Our Dolomites tours are booked directly through our local partner in the Dolomites, and their terms and conditions apply to those bookings. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance, and our Adventure Travel Insurance Finder will match you to a policy in under a minute.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help before you commit to anything. Whether it’s about fitness levels, routes, or which hiking tour suits you best – just ask.
Get in touchYour perfect hiking trip in Europe is waiting
Whether it’s the Alps, the Adriatic coast or the wilds of Ireland – your perfect self-guided hiking holiday is out there. Let us match you to it.