Extensive local knowledge and super value

10 good reasons to let us organise your independent walking break or walking holiday for you… 

Unrivalled knowledge… 

Touching Nature Travel is NOT an agency; we are not a “shop-window” for other operators on which we put our brand.  All the walking holidays on this website have been personally developed by us. 

Our own cultural heritage, together with our expertise and vast local knowledge, helps us to provide unforgettable walking holidays in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy's Dolomites and South Tyrol.  We regularly visit our holiday regions and some of us even have our homes there. We really know the best of what there is to see and do, we speak the language and we understand the unique character, traditions and customs of each of our destinations. 

Easy holiday planning...

We offer you inspirational and enjoyable walking holidays whilst taking all the hassle out of planning, searching, and finding good accommodation.  To ensure that you have a worry-free and relaxing time we have done all the research for you, we book your accommodation, and we provide you with written walking notes and proper walking maps.    

Our holiday style…

For a free-spirited time, and walking where the mood takes you, all our walking tours are self-guided.  You travel independently, not as part of a group, and so can choose when you start - with most of our holidays you can depart on any day of the week. The walks don’t take you from hotel to hotel, you get to spend your nights in the same comfortable accommodation so you can settle in and relax.  This allows for plenty of opportunity to absorb the environment and gain a real feel for a place, its culture and its people.    

Best value…

Our prices are amazing compared to a group-guided option, yet worth the extra it might cost over doing it all yourself on a self-researched and “hope for the best” basis.

Our innovative approach sets us apart from our competitors, and as Touching Nature Travel is an online walking holiday specialist that uses technology to keep overheads to a minimum, you benefit from these cost savings as they are past on to you.  

There are no Credit Card Surcharges! Unlike most other specialist walking tour operators, we do not charge for using credit cards. 

The walks…

The walks we suggest are to be enjoyed not endured, and our walking holidays are very much geared to the casual walker.  If you are reasonably fit and lead an active life then a Touching Nature walking break is for you.  Naturally, different people walk at a different pace, so each day you will have the choice of an easier or a more energetic walk.   

Guaranteed departures…

There is no minimum number of participants for our walking holidays. This means that your walking holiday will definitely take place – unlike escorted walking tours where, if the minimum number of participants is not reached, the trip usually gets cancelled.    

Genuine hospitality…

Upbeat or off-the-beaten-track; we have worked hard to find the smaller villages and towns for you to stay at; places that are both uniquely interesting and relatively lightly travelled to give you a truly authentic taste of your walking region.

We regularly visit our walking holiday locations, meticulously inspect hotels and keep up-to-date with all travel related issues.  Each of our Traditional Country Inns and Hotels has been chosen for its value for money, professional service, and the way it reflects the style and hospitality of the region.  We often stay overnight in them ourselves to ensure that they offer all the comfort and facilities required, ultimately ensuring that you will have the best possible walking holiday experience. 

Freedom to choose…

Rediscover your own “Spirit of Independence” with Touching Nature Travel - this is your time to explore.  Start your walking holiday on any day you want, enjoy the freedom of walking at your own pace, add extra time to visit one of Europe’s great cities, try out the best and most interesting foods each region has to offer - there is no set itinerary; do what you want, when you want …    

Create your own perfect walking holida in Europe and save hundreds!  All our walking holidays are offered without flights and car hire, so you can book your walking break with us but make your own transport arrangements.  Decide when and how to travel, make use of flight and car hire deals, or take your own car.  Build a walking and touring holiday around your individual needs with the Travel Planner section on this website, where you’ll find lots of helpful information.     

Destinations of distinction and character…

Our walking holidays get you right to the heart of the best walking in Europe, much of which is not offered through other walking tour operators.  We specialise in walking breaks that allow an intimate and unhurried way to experience nature’s wonders and give an insight into the rich culture and heritage of a region. 

When crafting a walking holiday, we carefully identify what natural landscapes, cultural, and historical highlights make a destination unique. Then we blend this with a choice of great walks, quality accommodation, delicious food, insights into the history and culture, and suggestions for alternative activities and sightseeing.   

Personal service…