Walking holidays are a way of traveling, where you as a tourist go to a place just to hike or travel to a destination that’s home to popular long-distance trails. Recently it has been gaining a lot of popularity and more people are traveling to hike trails around the world, thanks to agencies like Orbis Ways, those holidays are a breeze.
Imagine walking through forests, along the coastlines, and across rolling meadows, all while exploring a new trail. That’s the promise of OrbisWays and the Walking Holidays, a tour operator that specializes in immersive walking and hiking experiences.
Photo: @sebagvivas
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Why Orbis Ways?
In a world that often moves fast, our daily lives can get quite messy and stressful, that’s why OrbisWays celebrates the art of slow travel. They believe that the journey is as important as the destination, and that’s one of its main pros.
Orbis walking holidays have a lot of history to share, they’re not simply about ticking off landmarks or rushing through crowded attractions.
Instead, its destinations invite you to connect with nature, appreciate the landscape that surrounds you, and embrace mindfulness since while you walk your mind unwinds, relax and all that rustle leaves. All of this is done while discovering hidden gems.
But its biggest pro by far is health, walking is healthy and Orbis Ways promotes it in a different, slow, and unique way.
What does OrbisWays Offer?
Orbis Ways isn’t just a tour operator; it’s a curator of experiences. When you choose an OrbisWays for a walking holiday like the Camino Portugues, you’re not signing up for a generic tour.
Instead:
- You become part of a community.
- Met like-minded people who share their passion.
- Itineraries that balance challenge and delight.
Orbis Ways will also make sure that you get:
1. Planning and Personalized Itineraries
When you choose an OrbisWays walking holiday, you’re not handed a pre-packaged tour. Instead, they take the time to understand your preferences, fitness level, and interests.
Whether you’re a pro hiker or just someone who enjoys walking, OrbisWays makes sure everything goes smoothly with the trail you choose, taking care of all the planning, accommodations, and food.
Just give them a date and they will craft an itinerary just for you.
Imagine a walking holiday in Portugal, a troll around the Fisherman’s Trail, or starting your journey to Santiago de Compostela from Porto, all tailored to your pace and interests.
2. Experts in Self-Guide Tours
OrbisWays specializes in self-guided trips, which means they will give you EVERYTHING you need for a successful trip but you can do it at your own pace without the pressures of a normal guided tour.
Most of the amenities offered by them like accommodations, restaurants, etc are tested beforehand. They also offer 24/7 service, and provide you with tips, hidden gems, tailored maps, and more.
They don’t just point out landmarks; they share the legends, and the hidden gems along the way.
3. Small Groups, Big Connections
You decide with who you’re traveling, also OrbisWays intentionally keeps group sizes intimate.
Why? Because walking isn’t just about the scenery; it’s about the people you meet. As you stroll around rugged coastlines or walk through ancient forests, you’ll bond with other walkers.
Conversations flow naturally, shared sunsets become shared memories, and when you reach your destination you will have made a companion or even a friend.
Destinations
It all started with the Camino de Santiago and its many different trails, but nowadays Orbis Ways focus on walking holidays in general, and most of those a long-distance trails, which means you will be walking for several days and staying in different towns and accommodations each time.
Here are the top destinations:
- The West Highland Way in Scotland’s Highlands
- The Fisherman´s Trail in Portugal
- The Levada Trails in Madeira
and many more!!!!
Final Thoughts
So there. A walking holiday is a great way to get away and see some of the world while keeping your mind and body fit.
I recently took a Orbisways walking holiday in Madeira. The company that provides transfers (and alot more) in Madeira were marvelous and had a depth of knowledge of the walks that appears grossly under used. The accomodation was good.
This was my first walking adventure outside the UK. In the UK, I create my own walking routes using the OS Map website/app.
What was not so good was Orbisways’ lack of up to date knowledge of the itinerary that they provided (contrarary to what The Broke Backpacker states). This included two rearranged walks, one because the route was closed due to rock falls (this was abundantly clear from Visit Madeira website), and a second day rearranged due to the MIUT 2026 (Madeira Island Ultra Trail) taking place on a section of the route I was to walk.
Orbisways use written instructions to follow a trail (with limited distances), and a map based on Google Maps which is totally useless.
having
Although, I enjoyed the holiday, I would not use Orbisways in future, as I think not having a satellite company based in Madeira/Portugal (they are based in Spain), creates a disadvantage. They also under utilize the local company’s knowledge that provides transfers.