Inn to Inn Hiking Trips Around the World
Inn to inn (or hut to hut) walking and hiking tours can be a winning arrangement for travelers that love slow travel and active vacations. Walking tours are a chance to see countless new sights without the stressful rush of a typical fast-paced tour.
What is an Inn to Inn hiking trip?
Updated: 2024. Originally published: 2017.
The idea of an inn to inn tour is that you walk (or sometimes bike or boat) from one place to another, staying at a new inn each night.
Often, breakfast, luggage transportation, and a suggested route map is included for a package rate. The rest of your meals and any stops along the way are up to you.
Independent travelers will find plenty of options to do self-guided tours, while guided trips are also available for small groups.
The walking/hiking aspect of these tours gives you an intimate perspective and a deeper experience of one particular micro-region. On foot, you notice more details and breathe in a fuller picture of the land, its people, and their daily life.
Another unique benefit of the package tours is you get to experience so many new places going from A to B to C. Around every bend is a new scene as you walk.
Each evening, you are welcomed by new accommodations with your luggage there waiting for you.
With the hassle of route planning and baggage handling taken care of for you, it’s much easier to handle moving from place to place. (We would never suggest staying only one night in each destination otherwise, as it can get very taxing!)
What are the best Inn to Inn trips around the world?
One of our readers wrote to us about an inn-to-inn trek she enjoyed on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. She asked if we had any recommendations for other similar trips, which inspired this blog post.
So far, our personal experience has included a self-guided biking tour from Bruges, Belgium to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. But we have heard of a few others from our fellow travelers.
We love the inn-to-inn walking concept so much, we decided to do some more research and curate this list of worthy trips to try.
Disclosure: Photo credits – Some of the following images are sourced from Flickr and Pixabay with Creative Commons licenses.
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Table of Contents
United States Walking Tours
Many of the best hiking trips in the U.S. can be found in our wonderful National and State Parks. Below are a few examples.
Appalachian Trail Shenandoah National Park
This inn-to-inn trek on the Appalachian trail in Shenandoah National Park sparked the inspiration for this post. Covering 35 miles in 4 days, hikers carry their own day packs and stay in historic Park lodges with restaurant services.
The trail goes through scenic, mountainous backcountry with rewarding views, flowers, and wildlife.
Trip length: 4 days
Daily mileage: 8.1 – 9.5 miles
Luggage transport: Not available
Season: May – October
For more info: AppalachianTrail.org
Guide book: How to Hike the Appalachian Trail: A Comprehensive Guide to Plan and Prepare for a Successful Thru-Hike
Vermont: Four historic inns
This walking tour is a 4 day, 40 mile experience of small town Vermont. Walking route map, dinners, breakfasts, snacks, baggage transportation, and accommodations at four charming inns are included in the self-guided tour.
Enjoy meditative walks through nature while not being completely removed from civilization. Stop at any cafe, country store, or scenic viewpoint your heart desires along the journey.
Trip length: 4 days
Daily mileage: 9.1 – 11.2 miles
Luggage transport: Included
Season: May – October
For more info: Yankee: New England’s Magazine
Guide books: Vermont Hiking Guides
Rocky Mountain National Park lodge tour
Cover 42 miles of meadows, streams, and summits on beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park trails! Spend your nights at an intimate lodge or B&B, complete with a hot shower, dinner, and hot breakfast. Luggage transportation is covered, so you have more energy to enjoy the adventure.
This trip can be done with a guide or on your own.
Trip length: 4 days
Daily mileage: 7 – 10 miles
Luggage transport: Yes
Season: End of May – September
For more info: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/index.htm
Guide book: Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park: A Guide to the Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures
Golden Gate California Coast
Explore the Bay Area’s Marin County with a five- or six-night round-trip trek from Sausalito, California. Hike through the Marin Headlands, Mt. Tamalpais, Muir Woods and Muir Beach, and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The tour package includes all breakfasts and lunches, welcome dinner, daily luggage transfer, local guides and admission fees.
Trip length: 5 or 6 nights
Daily mileage: 7 – 10 miles
Luggage transport: Included
For more info: L.A. Times Travel
Guide book: Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County
Inn to Inn Europe Walking Tours
The possibilities for inn to inn hiking trips in Europe are too many to count. Just choose and country and search Google to find a variety of tour companies offering guided and self-guided options.
We’re highlighting a couple of the most popular hiking trips in Europe here, as well as a list of other ideas to get you started.
Camino de Santiago Pilgrimmage
The Way of St James (or Camino de Santiago) is one of the most famous walking trips in the world. Each year, thousands of visitors do some portion of the pilgrimage route, which ends at the iconic cathedral where St. James is buried. 
The pathways are primarily rural and flat, with plentiful hostel accommodations along the most popular parts of the route. The full journey takes around three weeks in total, though there are numerous other options, starting in France or Spain.
Many embark on this journey solo or in independent groups, though it is possible to go through a tour operator.
Trip length: Varies
Daily mileage: Up to you
Luggage transport: No
For more info: Camino de Santiago
Guide book: Moon Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine Travel Guide
Hut to Hut Austrian Alps
Independent travelers can enjoy spectacular views in the Austrian Alps with hut to hut hikes throughout the country.
You can book the huts (which are actually more like inns) in advance, including meals. The huts often have a bar, restaurant, showers, and a mixture of dormitories and private bedrooms.
Trip length: Varies
Daily mileage: Varies
Luggage transport: Only if you book a package
For more info: Walking Austria’s Alps: Hut to Hut and 100 Hut Walks in the Alps: Routes for Day or Multi-Day Walks (books)
Rota Vicentina and Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal
Independent travelers can hike from town to town along Portugal’s Western Coast, from Santiago do Caçem to Lagos. The typical route takes two weeks, but the itinerary is completely adjustable.
Each leg of the Rota Vicentina Historical Way (inland) and Fishermen’s Trail (coastal route) ends in a different town, where you can choose from several hotels and restaurants, or stay in campsites along the way.
Trip length: 4 – 18 days
Daily mileage: Varies
Luggage transport: Only if you book a package
For more info: A Guide to Hiking the Rota Vicentina
Guidebook: Portugal’s Rota Vicentina: The Historical Way and Fishermen’s Trail
West Highland Way, Scotland
Starting near Glasgow and heading North into the Scottish Highlands, the 96-mile West Highland Way was the first long-distance route established in the country. It can be walked independently, even wild camping along the way, or by staying at local bunkhouses and B&Bs.
Guided treks and self-guided walking packages with luggage transfer are also available along this route.
Trip length: 6-7 days
Daily mileage: 9-15 miles
Luggage transport: Only if you book a package
For more info: West Highland Way website
Guidebook: Trekking the West Highland Way
Other guided and self-guided Europe tours
From Ireland to Italy, you can find a range of guided and self-guided hiking tours in Europe by searching online. If you find one that sounds interesting, we recommend checking review sites like TripAdvisor to get a feel for the trip and the company’s customer service before booking.
Here are a few more trip ideas for walking tours in Europe:
7 day Split to Dubrovnik Croatia trek
Asia Walking Tours
Nakasendo Trail, Japan
Nakasendo was one of Japan’s five ancient pedestrian routes connecting modern-day Tokyo to Kyoto. Totaling 332 miles in all, only a few stretches remain in its original form.
The most well-known section lies in the Kiso Valley, between Tsumago-juku in Nagano Prefecture and Magome-juku in Gifu Prefecture. At just five miles, this section can easily be done as a day hike from Nagoya, or stay one night in each of the two towns – Tsumago and Magome – and have your luggage forwarded.
For a 5-day self-guided hiking experience, you’ll need to add train rides to your itinerary to get from one hike to the next. This option can be done as a package with accommodations, luggage transfers, train tickets, breakfasts, dinners, and detailed maps included.
Trip length: 2 nights, or 5+ days
Daily mileage: 2 – 11 miles
Luggage transport: Available
For more info: Japan Cheapo and Oku Japan
Kumano Kodō Pilgrimage, Japan
Follow ancient pilgrimage routes through the mountainous Japanese peninsula of Kii Hantó.
There are four main routes, which can be done independently or with a guide.
For the full cultural experience, stay in traditional village lodging, enjoying spectacular views, hot springs, and ancient temples along your multi-day trek.
Trip length: Varies
Daily mileage: Varies
Luggage transport: Available
For more info: Tanabe City Kumano Kodo Tourism Bureau
Guide book: Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage (Cicerone Guides)
Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Nepal
The Annapurna Wilderness in Nepal boasts an extensive series of trails with captivating views. The Sanctuary Trail, leading up to Annapurna Base Camp is an iconic option for guided tours as well as independent travelers.
Lodging is basic and just a few dollars a night, and hot meals are available along the way. Doing the climb does require permits, though hiring a guide/porter is optional.
Trip length: Varies. Sample route linked below is 9 days.
Daily mileage: Varies.
Luggage transport: Sherpas for hire
Season: Late September – November tends to be best
For more info: Matador Network
Guide book: Annapurna: 14 treks including the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary (Cicerone Guides)
Northern Thailand Hill Tribe and Wildlife Treks
The possibilities for guided treks in Thailand are endless, with countless tour companies offering multi-day trips departing from most major towns. Hike through the hills and past waterfalls, learning about the nature, wildlife, and culture of remote regions inhabited by hill tribe people groups.
The variety of tour options include adventure activities, community-based experiences, or wildlife encounters – just be sure to check our guide to ethical elephant tourism if you go that route. Any options here are predominantly guided, package tours – accommodations vary but tend to be on the rustic side.
Trip length: Varies.
Daily mileage: Varies.
Luggage transport: Available.
For more info: Wanderlust Travel Magazine
South America Walking Tours
Macchu Pichu Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a very popular popular tourist trek that once used to connect various parts of the Incan Empire. This spectacular, high-altitude hike can be completed in 4 days.
Due to its popularity, there is an annual limit on how many people can walk the trail and you must have a guide, so definitely make sure to book in advance.
Traditionally, camping is the overnight accommodation of choice for this trek, with guides preparing meals over a fire. However, these days, there is also the option to pamper yourself in luxury lodges along the way.
Trip length: 4+ days (an easier 2-day hike is also possible)
Daily mileage: 3 – 9 miles
Luggage transport: Yes
Season: April – October
For more info: Inca Trail Peru Tours
Guide book: Moon Machu Picchu: With Lima, Cusco & the Inca Trail Travel Guide
Ecuadorian Andes
The beautiful Andes mountains in Ecuador offer a number of one-way trekking possibilities, with most starting less than a day’s drive from Quito.
Guided treks are available through Avenue of the Volcanoes, around the adventure-hub of Baños, on Trek of the Condor, and more.
Sometimes these routes, like the Quilatoa Loop, can be done independently, staying at hostels and following local hiking maps – just beware of quickly changing weather conditions. Enjoy the land of fresh air, green vistas, wild horses and active volcanoes!
Trip length: Varies
Daily mileage: Varies
Luggage transport: Depends
For more info: Walkopedia Ecuador
Guide book: Ecuador Climbing, Hiking and Trekking, by VIVA Travel Guides
New Zealand Walking Tours
Queen Charlotte Track
This recommendation was submitted by one of our readers, who says: “It’s in the Marlborough Sounds and you can choose your accommodation option from camping to luxe b&b. Your baggage is boated between the different stop off points each day while you walk or bike.”
After our New Zealand road trip, this hiking adventure sounds like a great way to see more of this spectacular country.
This track (the Kiwi term for trail) can be walked or biked. According to the official website, “it passes through lush coastal forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with unsurpassed views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.”
Accommodations must be pre-booked unless you plan to tent camp. Or you can purchase an inn to inn waking tour package where logistics are all set up for you.
Trip length: 3 – 5 days if walking.
Daily mileage: 4 – 9 miles
Luggage transport: Available.
For more info: Queen Charlotte Track Official Website
Guide book: Lonely Planet Hiking & Walking in New Zealand
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Have you tried any of these trips? Are there any great tours missing from our list? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Appreciate this article, it’s given me some new ideas. I’m surprized you don’t mention the West Highland Way in Scotland. While Scotland has many “ways”, the WHW in particular has luggage transportation available and you can either book your hotels/inns/transfer service yourself, or choose to use a booking service. 7 days is typical but it can be done in more or less as suits the hiker.
Thanks, Cindy. There are always more cool routes to learn about – thanks for sharing the West Highland Way. We will look into and see about getting info added to this post.
My sister and I did 5 days of the Fishermans Trail in Protugal back in 2021. So beautiful along the coast, great villages each night.
That’s great to hear! We might try it part of it ourselves later this year. Let us know if you had any favorite villages along the way.
East Coat Trail in Newfoundland, CAN. It is a 215 mile walking path around the most easterly point of the Avalon peninsula. The hike is about 17 sections of breath taking wilderness (interesting geological features, cliff walking, whale sighting), and between each wilderness section is a small fishing village, which typically include a few locally operated B&Bs.
That sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!
I walked the coastal Portuguese route of the Camino in 2022. It was easy to plan the route, daily itineraries and lodging. Some nights we were in castles others air bnbs. We used a luggage transfer service so carried only a light day pack. I loved this long distance walking/hiking and am looking to plan the next! Thanks for the suggestions!!!
That sounds amazing. It’s on our list for 2024 actually!
Amalfi Coast walk offers amazing views and you can stay in a town/village each evening so lots of accommodation options.
That sounds amazing. Is it something you’ve done? I wonder if there is a service for luggage transfer on the Amalfi Coast walk?
Yes there is in summer…and if out of season you can get a taxi to take your bags which wasn’t too expensive! Although the Italian taxi drivers are quite bemused by you wanting to walk there!
A great read! We have done several of these!! Queen Charlotte Track in NZ, Kumano Kodo in Japan, part of the Camino de Santiago and Everest BC in Nepal (similar to Annapurna) and also a lodge trek in Peru (similar to the Inca Trail). Some more ideas for us here 🙂 Thanks for the post!
Wow, that’s fantastic that you’ve done so many! Such memorable trips!
This past May we hiked he pilgrimage trail, El Camino Primitivo, a 16 day hike from Ovideo, Spain to Santiago de Compostela. It was wonderful and because it was a spiritual walk there was an added something that made the hike particularly meaningful. We cheated by.using an inn to inn travel company, S-cape.eu so our luggage was sent ahead to our next lodging. There are many inn to inn self guided hikes in different regions of Spain. We have walked three others so far., Andalusia, Sierra de Guera, and the Costa Brava. At this point I cannot imagine another kind of vacation as relaxing or fulfilling
Don, thanks for sharing! Indeed all of your trips sound fantastic and fulfilling. We’d love to try something in Spain, too. The luggage transfer is especially nice for these types of trips.
Thanks for that article! One remark on the Golden Gate California Hike. The whole area also offers lots of day hikes and innumerable smaller hiking opportunities. E.g. Hill 88, Muir Woods, Point Bonita Lighthouse and a few old bunker stations. If you want to save money on the accommodation: there is the HI Marin Headlands Hostel offering cheap beds. And there are at about 5 camp sites in the area. So enjoy your stay there, lots of things to explore!
Great tips – thank you!
Happy to see I inspired this blog. Thanks for all the new suggestions. Getting ready now to follow your foot steps in Bruges.
Yes, thank you for the inspiration! Enjoy Bruges – it’s one of our favorites.
China – The Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan. Deepest gorge in the world with ancient hiking trail and guest houses. A two day or three day hike, depending on how fast you want to walk. Beautiful views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains rising to 15,000 ft. Above the headwaters of the Yanze river. In the bottom of the gorge.
Wow, sounds awesome. We’ll have to add that one to our next edition!