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Top Beginner Tours for Multi-Day Long-Distance Hiking

Long-Distance Hiking Made Easy: The Best Tours for Beginners
Crossing the Alps on the E5 for families

Long-distance hiking is more popular than ever. Across all directions, a diverse network of trails winds through Europe, offering a fantastic selection of routes for both leisurely hikers and ambitious trekking adventurers. The spectrum of long-distance trails ranges from breathtaking coastal paths and challenging Alpine crossings to meditative pilgrimage routes.

Looking to start long-distance hiking? That’s a fantastic idea! In this article, we present the top beginner tours for multi-day long-distance hiking.

Crossing the Alps on the E5 for families

Mini Trans-Alp: An Alpine Crossing for the Whole Family

Are Alpine crossings only for experienced mountain hikers? Not at all! Our hiking tour E5: Mini Trans-Alp for Families transforms this outdoor adventure into an experience for all ages. You’ll explore the most scenic sections of the European long-distance trail E5, following the original route whenever possible.

To ensure the whole family can participate, we’ve carefully chosen equally stunning alternative paths for the most challenging sections. Your journey begins in Imst, where you set off together along the Venet High Trail, offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From there, the route leads through the Ötztal Valley, over the Timmelsjoch Pass into Italy, and onward into the picturesque Passeier Valley. Finally, you arrive in the spa town of Merano—your well-earned destination.

And with that, you can proudly say you crossed the Alps on foot! Celebrate your accomplishment with a hearty South Tyrolean lunch of speck, traditional dumpling variations, or a sweet treat like Strauben or Apfelkiachl, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments of your journey.

Alpine crossings are truly captivating in their diversity. In just a few days, you’ll experience high-alpine landscapes, welcoming mountain huts, and a touch of Mediterranean flair. Has the E5 long-distance trail piqued your interest? Browse our tours and start planning your adventure!

Alpine crossing for families
Moselsteig: From Perl to Trier

Scenic walks through a picturesque wine region, UNESCO World Heritage sites, storybook-perfect trails, and culinary delights for every taste—the Moselsteig is packed with highlights and is also an ideal choice for those new to long-distance hiking. 

On this 5-day journey, nature, culture, and indulgence blend into a perfect active experience. In our opinion, the Moselsteig has rightfully earned its place among Germany’s certified premium hiking trails. Without a doubt, it is one of the country’s most diverse long-distance routes, offering a feast for the senses amid the stunning landscapes of Rhineland-Palatinate. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous historic landmarks dating back to the Celts, Romans, and medieval knights.

The characteristic vineyards along the river are home to Germany’s oldest vines and invite you to sample fine wines, including the excellent Elbling. For this beginner-friendly long-distance hiking tour, we’ve selected a particularly scenic section of the Moselsteig. 

Your journey begins in Perl, where your first stage rewards you with a breathtaking three-country view stretching into France and Luxembourg. The trail then leads through charming wine-growing regions to Palzem and onward to Nittel. A panoramic hike through the diverse Nitteler Felsen nature reserve to Wasserliesch provides the perfect finale to your adventure. Finally, in the picturesque city of Trier, nine UNESCO World Heritage sites await your discovery.

St. Francis’ Way: Through the Green Heart of Italy

Green, greener, Franciscan Way. The Umbria region is far less known than its neighbor Tuscany, yet it rivals it in beauty. The pilgrim path Via di Francesco takes you in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi through the rolling hills of the region. History, culture, nature, and culinary delights come together to create a truly atmospheric experience. 

Along the long-distance trail, you’ll pass the shimmering Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by stunning landscapes and the charming Isola Maggiore. At 1,290 meters, the Monte Subasio offers a particularly scenic stage, followed by a stretch along the ancient Roman road Via Flaminia through shady olive groves. Along the way, historic towns like Assisi, Spello, and Trevi invite you to explore. 

Enjoy a glass of wine or a scoop of homemade gelato with a view of the surrounding vineyards, savoring the Italian way of life. The Franciscan Way reveals a journey through authentic Italy and pristine nature. Food lovers will especially appreciate this tour, as Umbria’s cuisine stands out with its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Local chefs create true culinary masterpieces with truffles, olive oil, handmade Strangozzi pasta, and fine wild herbs, all accompanied by a glass of fine regional red wine. 

Upon reaching your destination, Spoleto, take the time to explore its historic art and cultural treasures.

Landscape in Umbria
St. Francis Way in Umbria

Umbria lies serenely yet impressively between the vibrant metropolis of Rome and the cultural heart of Florence. The St. Francis' Way combines inner tranquility with the remarkable cultural treasures of central Italy. It’s a true hidden gem for those who wish to experience nature, history, and exquisite food on their hiking journey.

Altmuehltal Panorama Path: Where Bavaria Shows Its Most Beautiful Side

A romantic natural paradise, away from the crowds, awaits along the Altmühl River and through the Altmühltal Nature Park. Leisurely hiking hiking through nature: that’s the guiding principle for this journey through lush unique landscapes. At Eurohike, we offer three tours along this picturesque long-distance trail.

Whether it’s a short break, an active week, or 9 days of hiking enjoyment, the natural idyll of the Bavarian foothills is a paradise for those seeking peace and quiet. With its moderate elevation gain, this long-distance trail is perfect for beginners to multi-day hiking, offering plenty of space for both nature experiences and pleasure. 

The daily stages follow the river, pass the natural monument Zwölf Apostel, and take you along beautiful high trails with views of valleys and rock faces. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit castles and fortresses built by past archbishops. 

A visit to Bavaria wouldn’t be complete without sampling the regional cuisine. There’s always time to recharge with a Bavarian beer from one of the around 25 local breweries and enjoy a hearty lunch.

Viewpoint on the Altmühltal Panorama Trail

"One of the biggest highlights of our hike along the Altmühltal Panorama Trail is undoubtedly the Zwölf Apostel: a striking rock formation between Solnhofen and Eßlingen. We first admire it from a distance before following the path up. From the top, the breathtaking panoramic view unfolds, with vistas of the Altmühl River and the surrounding meadows and fields – what a view!" 

Julia Winklhofer

Team Leader of Eurohike Travel Specialists

GR221 on Majorca: Looking for a Small Challenge?

And for those who feel the call of long-distance hiking right away and are up for a bit of a challenge, the GR221 long-distance trail on Majorca is the perfect fit. This spectacular path crosses the entire Balearic island from north to southwest, with sunshine, mountains, and the sea creating an incomparable backdrop. 

Along the route, the diverse beauty of Majorca unfolds, from Port Alcúdia to Valdemossa and on to Sant Elm, where one highlight follows another. Majorca is both a dream destination and a true hiker’s paradise. A unique sense of Mediterranean ease combined with sporty, nature-filled enjoyment is guaranteed. 

Picturesque coves tempt you to take a dip in the turquoise sea, while the delicious Majorcan cuisine quickly erases any effort from the day’s hike. As the sun sets, the anticipation of the next day’s highlights already begins to build.

View from Lluc Monastery on Mallorca
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