Enjoy walking along Italy’s coast, see stunning views along the way and climb to Volastra in the Cinque Terre. Photo: Supplied.
Venturing overseas for a well-earned holiday but having trouble deciding between walking or cycling as a preferred mode of transport for sightseeing? You should incorporate both active alternatives as they are considered to be the most sustainable – and beneficial when it comes to health aspects and environmental concerns.
Combine those factors with competitive vacation packages in a small-group or self-guided land, river or sea tour. From the Camino de Santiago to the Alps, the farmers’ markets of France to the waters of Italy and Croatia, look to explore Europe your way with UTracks.
Moreover, the company has placed a ‘’price lock’’ on packages so you can save costs if you book now. Be economical and benefit on 2025 trips with a 2024 ‘’price lock’’ on selected departures in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal cycling, walking and Camino trips.
As UTracks general manager Kate Baker points out: “An active experience in Europe is packed full of value.”
That is the case “especially when you consider that UTracks takes care of all the planning and arrangements, so travellers can arrive and immerse immediately into the destination and the journey.
“Experiencing the less-known trails of the Cinque Terre and feeling like a local in the picturesque village of Corniglia is part of what makes our Cinque Terre self-guided walk so special.
“And it’s perfect for families – my kids were aged four and six, but tackled some of the steeper climbs so well … helped along in the knowledge a gelato would be theirs at the end of each stage!”
It’s true, a myth has been busted: a holiday in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. UTracks is sharing a list of the six most affordable walking and cycling tours that are low in cost but high in value. Starting from as low as $890 per person for the Cinque Terre Walk, these low-budget trips include everything needed for a perfect holiday: comfortable accommodation, daily luggage transfers, 24/7 support, helpful navigation tools and more.
They are:
- Cinque Terre Walk: six-night self-guided walk
- Rhine River & Castles Highlights Walk: four-night self-guided walk
- Linz to Vienna Cycle: four-night self-guided cycle
- Bohemian Rhapsody Czechia Cycle: four-night self-guided cycle
- Camino – Le Puy to Aumont: four-night self-guided walk on the first stage of the Way of St Francis Camino
- Camino – Santiago de Compostela to Cape Finisterre: six-day, five-night self-guided walk to the Atlantic.
Linz to Vienna … cycling through vineyard trails along the Drau River in Austria. Photo: Supplied.
The Cinque Terre in Liguria is a series of five small fishing villages dug into the cliffs where the Apennine Mountains meet the Mediterranean coastline. On a Cinque Terre Walk you will experience the breathtaking coastal scenery. Explore the fascinating towns of Corniglia and Vernazza. Walk along 15th-century footpaths to discover small beaches, high cliffs and incredible views. Enjoy the delicious culinary specialties of the region.
Each village, impressively perched between the rocky shoreline and the steep terraced hills, has retained its character and traditions from earlier times. The extensive network of trails connecting the villages passes through olive groves and terraced vineyards, with sweeping views of the vast expanse of the Mediterranean below.
Four nights of Linz to Vienna adventure will have you cycling along the Danube bike path, experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape and visiting the abbey at Melk.
Cycling by vineyards in the Czech Republic. Photo: Supplied.
Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe’s most important rivers. This remarkable cycling opportunity will take you past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards, across the fertile plains of the Wachau Valley, before reaching the capital of Austria, where you can take in a performance of the Blue Danube waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over.
I agree with what Susan, a close friend, says: “Cycling is a whole lot easier with e-bikes these days so I wouldn’t necessarily say it is always strenuous! Electric bikes have a pedal assist feature that gives you an extra electric power boost when you pedal. This is what makes them so easy to ride and saves you energy. Especially a spin down the flat Danube River cycle track!”
After almost two decades as a Europe specialist, Kate Baker confirms you can’t go past the Camino for the quintessential walking experience in Europe.
“The route from Le Puy to Aumont is a perfect introduction to pilgrimage walking with some of the best scenery and food – the autumn colours are a must-see.”
