In Step with VBT

Perfect pacing and smooth support make for a fine walk

No matter which path you choose, you will always travel sure-footed, thanks to VBT’s simple rating system and on-road support. We’ve seen to all the logistics and considered all the details in planning your routes. So the only legwork you have to do is the actual walking.

“The poles made the hiking much more enjoyable. It was like giving us a second pair of legs. They provided the extra stability needed for some of the trails.”

Susan M., The Amalfi Coast & Capri

Our leisurely approach invites in-depth discovery

It’s not a race—it’s a vacation! So our walking tours are designed to be leisurely paced, with plenty of opportunities for relaxing and spontaneous diversions. You’ll never be worn out by a whirlwind itinerary. We zero in on a particular region, with overnight stays in just three to four locations that are great jumping off points for further exploration. Our stays generally run between 2 to 4 nights in each location.

A choice of routes

Every day your Trip Leaders will preview the “coming attractions” and explain your various options for routes of varying degrees of challenge, and different scenery and diversions along the way. So you can regulate your activity level based on your energy, your interests, your every whim! If you prefer not to walk at all, you can always stay back at the inn, explore on your own, or ride along in the support vehicle or other means of transport.

The tools of the trail, at your service

We’ll give you a clear, well-marked map for every walk, so you can regulate your day. All VBT Walking Vacations include the use of custom VBT walking poles with straps. Each day you may choose to walk with one walking pole, two poles or without poles.

Why use walking poles?

• They help you maintain balance when crossing slippery terrain, bending under low branches, or traversing hillsides.

• They reduce wear and tear on your knees, legs, feet, joints and back.

• They can help prevent or break a fall.

• You can lean on them, or just use them to push aside brush, debris, spider webs and anything else that impedes your progress or obstructs your view.

• They are visible markers that help you locate your travel mates on the trail.

Support vehicles and other transport

We occasionally walk from one accommodation to the next, with our support vehicle shuttling luggage on ahead of us. Sometimes the vehicle will be waiting for us at designated checkpoints to offer a lift to the weary. But this is not always feasible when we travel unpaved roads or rural trails. Never fear—support is never far away. We make use of many types of local resources to ensure your comfort, be it a cable car, a motorboat, a horse-drawn jaunting cart, or a public bus.

VBT Walking Vacation Rating System

Every VBT vacation is designed to meet a wide variety of fitness levels of our guests. Each day offers multiple mileage options and times of your choice. Should you find that your pace differs from one day to the next, or from that of your traveling companion(s), there will always be a suitable route option.

Easy:

Relatively flat terrain. Well-kept paths. Fine for even occasional walkers.

• Average daily distance: 2–6 miles

• Average walking time: Up to 4 hours

Easy to Moderate:

Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Footing may be a variety of surfaces. No extended ascents or descents, but some rewarding climbs.

• Average daily distance: 4–8 miles

• Average walking time: Up to 5 hours

Moderate:

Suitable for experienced walkers who are comfortable with ascents and descents (but no scrambling!). Uneven terrain possible. Elevation gains of up to 2,000 feet.

• Average daily distance: 6–10 miles

• Average walking time: Up to 6 hours