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Praesent dapibus, neque id cursus faucibus, tortor neque egestas auguae, eu vulputate magna eros eu erat. Aliquam erat volutpat. Nam dui mi, tincidunt quis, accumsan porttitor, facilisis luctus, metus.

Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Walking tours are a great low-carbon activity that immerses you in the nature of your destination in a sustainable way. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Walking Tours | Yugen Earthside

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies | Yugen Earthside

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! 

This is a week-long, guided snowshoeing holiday in the southern French Alps' stunning Ecrins National Park. You'll stay in a luxury farmhouse accommodation famous for its excellent cuisine prepared by our chef, Meg.

Make tracks in virgin snow away from the well-trodden paths, snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across open snow meadows, up to a summit, over a col, along a ridge, or along the valley floor with the snowy mountains, ice gullies, and cliffs dramatically towering over you.

At the end of your day in the snowy mountains, you will be welcomed back at the cozy farmhouse where you can snuggle in front of the log burner, or chill out in the bar before sitting down to a four-course meal prepared by your hosts. Frenchman Jean and Meg from Taiwan are the owners of the Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse and they have developed a strong reputation in the valley for their exquisite food. They use local ingredients and fresh produce for all their recipes which are prepared and created by Meg. By adding a creative Taiwanese twist to traditional alpine recipes she manages to produce an array of unique and delicious dishes!

Explore a wild and authentic Alpine destination, away from the crowds.

Discover a wide variety of snowshoe walks and landscapes, from forests, to meadows, to ice gullies.

Indulge in authentic luxury farmhouse accommodation with 4-course gourmet meals.

Experience the expertise of UIAGM* High Mountain Guides – ensuring your safety and maximizing your snowshoeing opportunities in the mountains.

Support ethical travel by embracing non-skiing winter activities and contributing to the local Alpine community.

*UIAGM is the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes, or the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations in English. This is the highest qualification mountain guides can obtain in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.

The Southern French Alps – Écrins National Park

Discover the stunning Écrins National Park, one of the most beautiful and dramatic in the Alps. Spot wildlife such as chamois, ibex, deer, wild boar, and golden eagles, with wolves roaming the nearby wilderness.

Explore untouched snow far from the crowds. Snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across snow meadows, and along ridges or valleys, surrounded by majestic peaks and ice cliffs.

A variety of snowshoe routes await you, with the itinerary tailored daily for the best conditions. Choose from cols, summits, alpine plateaux, and peaceful woods. Expect 300m to 800m of ascent each day, walking for 4 to 6 hours with plenty of breaks.

On your free day, relax at your accommodation, take a self-guided snowshoe walk, or visit the nearby resort of Orcières for a swim and spa session. For more adventure, try ice climbing, husky dog sledging, or cross-country skiing.

All guides are UIAGM High Mountain Guides, the highest qualification for mountain guiding. Their top priority is your safety and enjoyment, and their expertise allows for flexibility, leading you to areas other guides may not be qualified to explore.

Jan. 25th departure: Guaranteed! 5 spots left.

Mar. 8th departure: 3 more to guarantee trip.

We have chosen these two dates for our snowshoeing trip as they fall outside of the French school holidays for a quieter stay. 

Getting to Gap (we can help you organize your journey here)

7 nights' accommodation at a Luxury Farmhouse

5 full days of guided snowshoeing with a qualified UIAGM high mountain guide

One free day with options to try out other winter activities (activities are extra)

A tree planted on your behalf to help with your carbon offsetting

A personalized app for your phone with all your trip details and practical information

We are Travelife Certified and we plant a tree with our partner, Mossy Earth, for all our travelers as part of their rewilding program in Europe.

We operate a paperless office and all our communication with you and all your trip details will be given to you digitally via a smartphone app.

If you are traveling from Europe, we offer a 3% discount if you travel here by train rather than plane. To claim this please ask at booking. It is not accumulable with other discounts and the train journey needs to be international, eg Eurostar to France and then onward on local French TGV or trains.

We have purposefully chosen a one base stay rather than changing accommodations each night on this trip to avoid unnecessary washing and cleaning of rooms after just one night and avoid excessive baggage transfers, both of which are known sustainability issues in tourism.
Your fully qualified snowshoeing guides are also vetted for their passion for the area and local knowledge of plants, wildlife, and sustainability measures for protecting fragile mountain flora and fauna. They will share this knowledge with you and ensure you are respecting local guidelines, like not disturbing wildlife in sensitive areas when snowshoeing..

We use local independent suppliers and accommodations for all elements of this trip to ensure your money is plowed straight back into the local economy.

Your fully qualified snowshoeing guide is also local to the area, rather than a helicoptered-in gap year student or other non-local person. We pay them a fair rate ensuring there is no exploitation and making sure your money is going back into the local economy also. 

All our partners are local to the Champsaur valley in the French Alps and by booking this holiday you are contributing to the development of non-ski tourism in this area to help spread the tourist benefits to the villages and area outside of ski resorts. 

Our choice of accommodations is important as we have handpicked this boutique accommodation as it is locally owned and culturally important in the area offering an insight into local Alpine food and culture for you and ensuring your money is plowed straight back into the local economy. We encourage them to create single-use plastic-free picnics for this trip and ask that you bring your own water bottle and lunch box to help with this.

Follow the tracks of the elusive wolf on this rare, immersive responsible wolf-tracking experience in the French Alps. Carbon removals included!

[4 days] Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Follow the tracks of the elusive wolf on this rare, immersive responsible wolf-tracking experience in the French Alps.

With no phone or internet, you'll disconnect from modern life and experience breathtaking, untouched wilderness.

Guided by Bernard, a local expert with 20 years of experience, you'll explore the region's rich wildlife, including golden eagles, chamois, wild boar, and, if you're lucky, a wolf. You'll also learn how to differentiate between animal footprints and follow tracks, gaining valuable skills in wildlife tracking. Throughout the trip, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the animals and their habitat, learning to interpret signs left by different species.

The trip supports the local wolf network, contributing to the monitoring and research of wolf populations. Wolves, once wiped out from France, have returned from Italy, with the Southern Alps now home to the highest concentration in the country.

This trip is ideal for wildlife lovers, nature photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the wild beauty of the Alps while learning valuable skills in tracking and wildlife identification.

De-connect from modern distractions (no mobile phone connection, no internet)

Benefit from knowledgeable and experienced local guides for spotting and understanding wildlife

Visit breathtaking scenery and wild, untouched mountains

Small group, quality experience with a maximum of 8 guests

Opportunity to spot a wide range of animal and birdlife including golden eagles, black grouse, ptarmigan, chamois, deer, wild boar, foxes, and, if you are lucky, a wolf!

Contribute to the wolf network and management of wolves in the Alps

We've created a sample itinerary to give you an idea of what to expect during your wolf tracking adventure. However, this is flexible, and we will tailor it to suit the group.

The key thing to remember is that you’ll be tracking wild animals, so the itinerary will ultimately be guided by them!

This is a guaranteed departure with only 4 spots remaining.

The best time to track wolves is when there is a little bit of snow on the ground as it is easier to follow signs and tracks over long distances. 

The optimal periods for a wolf tracking in the French Alps are from December to March/April.

Camping mat and sleeping bag, for use at the refuge

Tips for the guide, which are at your discretion

3 x breakfasts, 3 x picnic lunches, 3 x evening meals (Food for included meals is provided but you will all prepare, cook, and wash up together.)

4 days with 3 overnights with expert wolf tracker and high mountain guide

Transfers to and from Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV train station

To reduce our impact on the environment, we run this trip a maximum of twice a year and limit the group size to 8 people. The toilet is an outdoor dry toilet, and water, sourced from a nearby spring, is optimised for drinking, washing, and cooking. We use only biodegradable products for cleaning and washing, and all waste is carefully removed from the natural environment, with recyclables being recycled. Energy use is minimal, as there is no electricity at the accommodation—candles provide lighting, and wood is used for heating.

This wolf track in the French Alps is environmentally sustainable due to several key practices.

It is a really low-carbon activity in itself.

We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle and reusable lunch boxes so that we can minimize single-use plastic. 

We follow local guidelines to protect the fragile fauna and use local guides, who are passionate about the environment, ensuring a respectful approach to nature. 

These measures collectively contribute to minimizing the environmental footprint while supporting local ecosystems and communities.

This tour boosts economic sustainability by primarily using local guides, ensuring that the money spent by tourists goes directly back into the local economy. It also avoids economic leakage by being managed by a local destination company. The tour supports local communities further by utilizing locally owned accommodation and actively recommending local restaurants. This approach ensures that the benefits of tourism are directly felt by the community and help in sustaining the local economy.

The socio-cultural sustainability of this tour is underscored by its respect for and promotion of local cultures and traditions. By employing local guides and eating local eateries, the tour facilitates meaningful interactions between visitors and residents, fostering mutual understanding and respect. 

Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, & soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina & Maramures. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures | Yugen Earthside

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, and soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina and Maramures.

This 9-day trip offers the possibility to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s most unique gems. Awe-inspiring views, World Heritage Sites, and peasant culture await you! 

Connect with the country’s well-preserved environment by admiring the fir-tree forests, beautiful landscapes punctuated with sheep herds, wildflowers, and more. Start the trip with a steam train along the Moldovita River and sit back and soak in the stunning panoramic views until you arrive at a small picturesque village. Later on, enjoy leisurely hikes that will lead you along a stream, across fully bloomed fields, past the glacier lake of Stiol, and to Horse’s Waterfall – Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Hike in the famous fir-tree forests of Bucovina

Visit the uniquely painted monastery in Moldoviţa

Meet the local Hutsules people and discover their art of painting eggs

Walk past a glacier lake to Romania’s tallest waterfall

Stop at the “Communism Victim’s Memorial”

Visit a wooden church in Maramureş that dates back to the 14th century

End in Cluj Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage

You will also be able to admire the beautiful Bucovina monasteries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in the area. Gain an understanding of the history behind these constructions and the stunning wooden churches of Maramures. Our visit to the “Communism Victim’s Memorial” will be a trip back in time to one of the most important landmarks of history. You will also get to admire the traditional wooden installations of Sarbi and learn about local distillery techniques.

With this guided tour through Bucovina and Maramures, delve into the heart of Romania and meet local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and customs. An encounter with the Hutsules, a group of people with an idiosyncratic heritage and history, will bring you closer to their art of egg painting. A weaving demonstration will also provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals as well as learn about ancient art techniques. This immersion in a peasant culture will enchant you, as you will discover a rural world that is no longer present in Western countries.

2025 Small-Group departure dates to be announced soon.

The rich history, beautiful nature, and unique cultural heritage of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow for pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking landscapes. Outdoor activities such as visits to famous monasteries are also preferable during these seasons.


Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.


Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion

8 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 6 dinners (3-course menus)

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

One-Way Private Transfers (1-3 people; Inquire for vans for 4-6 people):

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40

Cluj train station/city center to Cluj CLJ Airport: $40

Shared room in Cluj-Napoca in a 3* hotel: $95

Private room in Cluj-Napoca in a 3* hotel: $80

Shared or Private room in Bucharest in a 3* hotel: $95

Small Group Departure Supplements (per person):

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity. 

Environmental Initiatives
This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take trains from Bucharest to arrive at the starting point for the walk. We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular.


Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
 You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel.

Travel back in time to see movie-like castles, quaint villages, & stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Travel back in time to appreciate movie-like castles, quaint villages, and stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

Local meals, cozy nights at guesthouses, and walks through traditional villages, all to fully immerse yourself in ancient customs that are still vibrantly alive. See fortresses erected in the 14th century and wander through the secret passages of the “Dracula Castle” to discover hidden mysteries! 

In this bucolic country, locals still rely on craftsmanship and have a strong link with nature, so your days here will allow you to learn about their pastoral life. Well-preserved landscapes such as the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains provide ideal settings for hikes overlooking sheepfolds, green pastures, and woods. Our climb following woodland trails, rich in birdsong, will lull all your senses.

Take a train ride through the Carpathian Mountains

Climb through picturesque woodlands at Piatra Craiului National Park

Visit a remote cheese house (available through mid-September)

Walk ridge to ridge walk along the Bucegi mountains

Locally produced lunches, such as soups and apple pies, and home-cooked dinners at our guesthouse will allow you to taste traditional Romanian meals while taking in the natural, idyllic views. To engross yourself even more in Romania’s traditions, visit the Vulcan Fortified Church, an ancient building that witnessed the Saxon Empire’s colonization of Transylvania.

This trip also includes some unique experiences. For example, you can explore the alluring Bran Castle, the same castle that inspired the story of Dracula. We’ll also visit a nearby bear sanctuary, home to formerly captive bears.

Bucharest, the capital of the country, is as enchanting as Romania’s natural landscapes. Bucharest welcomingly invites you to wander and discover its eclectic style. In your free time, seize the opportunity to see this vibrant city whose architecture has French as well as Ottoman and Communist influence.

The country's rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.  
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

English-speaking Romanian guide from Day 1 to Day 7

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40 for up to 3 people, one-way

Extra night in Bucharest, 3* hotel, shared room: $95 pp per night

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity.

Environmental Initiatives
We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel and 1 night at a 2-star hotel.

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Walk through a gorgeous winter wonderland on this serene, locally-guided snowshoeing tour through the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland | Yugen Earthside

Walk through a gorgeous winter wonderland on this serene, locally-guided snowshoeing tour through the Romanian Carpathian Mountains.

This Transylvanian Snowshoeing tour will take us to two different regions of the Carpathian Mountains, highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world for its sweeping views. The Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains are especially well preserved and offer perfect surroundings for unforgettable hiking. This will become evident as soon as you see the pure natural beauty and splendor of the landscapes! But what will impress you even more are the tranquil, peaceful rural areas, and remote villages where you will be immersed in a long-forgotten traditional world.

An unforgettable journey, a surprising step back in time.

Admire breathtaking scenery as you trek through Bucegi Ridge

Enjoy picturesque views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains

Visit the captivating Bran Castle, famous thanks to the Dracula legend 

Capture stunning views from the tops of the peaks in Magura and King's Rock

Relax by a fire in a cozy alpine hut of Curmatura

See the gorges and impressive stone walls of Zarnesti

Enjoy exquisite Romanian meals in picturesque mountain villages and medieval towns 

Note: Depending on the weather conditions, the route may be slightly modified. For smaller groups, some transfers can be made by train.

Winters in Romania typically are from January to February, with January often being the coldest month. The region can have cold winters bringing freezing temperatures and harsh winds. The Carpathian Mountains are known to be a very cold part of Romania during the winter months. Abundant snowfall may occur from November to mid-May or June. Typically, temperatures in the region are between 14-35°F and can drop significantly at night (5°F - below freezing). Winter is a beautiful time for mountain activities, and feel the magic of the holiday spirit. 

Meals (7 breakfasts, 5 picnics, 4 dinners)

English-speaking guide (Day 1 in the evening - Day 7) with a first aid kit

Prices are in Euros. Pricing in USD will be provided upon inquiry and added to your trip payment link.

Snowshoes rental (without trekking poles): 50€

Bucharest OTP Airport - Bucharest city center - 1-3 people: 35 €

Bucharest city center - Brasov, 1-3 people: 160€

Bucharest OTP Airport - Brasov, 1-3 people: 140€

Extra night, Bucharest, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB : 83€

Extra night, Brasov, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB : 86€

We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest just to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive.

Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland

Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and castles await you on this 8-day self-guided walking trip through the Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Romania’s breathtaking landscapes and castles await you on this 8-day self-guided walking trip through the Carpathian Mountains.

Reconnect with nature and encounter rare local flora and fauna. Trek to see gorges, clearings, and woods. A visit to “Dracula’s Castle”, laden with a long and storied past, also adds to the uniqueness of this trip. 

Walking around traditional villages, where time seems to have stopped, and exploring the 14th-century Bran Castle, the castle that inspired the story of Dracula, you will go back in time and learn about Romania’s rich past. Multiple hikes will unveil the natural beauty of this pastoral country, present in its mountains, gorges, meadows, and cliffs.

Walk to the mountain hut of Curmatura and Zarnesti gorges

Explore the outstanding “Dracula Castle”

Trek in the National Park of Piatra Craiului

Your trip will be an immersive cultural experience emphasizing both the nature and food of Romania. Relish an exquisite home-cooked soup and pie at the authentic mountain hut of Curmatura. Pass through villages boasting a long-standing tradition of cheese making (and if you encounter shepherds, ask them to try their cheese!). Stay in a guesthouse and enjoy the opportunity to experience local traditions up close.

This self-guided walking holiday through the Carpathian Mountains is perfect for independent travelers. If you’d like to have a guide or join a small group of other travelers, check out this similar trip.

The country’s rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring and summer. Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.

This trip is available from April to October. Sometimes snow lingers through April or May, and it can arrive as early as October. This may affect the last day of hiking on this itinerary. If that is the case, we will replace this activity with a transfer to Brasov for an overnight in the city.

Transport to the starting point and from the final point (Bucharest North Train Station)

Extra night in Bucharest OR Brasov, in a 3* hotel, shared room OR private room:
$95 per person per night

We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest just to get closer to your starting point for the walk.


All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Hike amongst the magnificent mountains of the Southern French Alps on this gourmet walking holiday and revel in local culinary delights. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps | Yugen Earthside

Hike amongst the magnificent mountains of the Southern French Alps on this gourmet walking holiday and revel in local culinary delights.

This trail is the ultimate paradise for food-loving hikers keen to discover the dishes and flavors of the Alps!

Experience diverse and breathtaking mountain trails

Explore some of Europe's most stunning Alpine landscapes

Indulge in a unique culinary adventure with carefully selected local chefs

Benefit from knowledgeable local guides and wildlife specialists

Enjoy a stress-free holiday - simply arrive and relish the experience

Contribute to responsible and sustainable tourism practices

THE HIKING:
This guided trekking adventure offers a diverse array of landscapes, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience each day. We've handpicked what we believe are the finest trails in the region.

You will discover the stunning Ecrins National Park and traverse the Champsaur Valley with its unique 'bocage' farming, which integrates environmental conservation practices. You'll also cross picturesque Alpine meadows and venture into the Valgaudemar Valley, often referred to as the 'miniature Himalayas'. This valley boasts high-altitude lakes, glaciers, and blooming meadows!

Along the way, anticipate encounters with wildlife like chamois, ibex, golden eagles, vultures, deer, wild boar, and even wolves, amidst a backdrop of alpine flowers, including rare orchids. Your expert local guide, who is also a wildlife specialist, will highlight the area's remarkable flora and fauna.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE:
For this exclusive gastronomic walking tour in the Alps, we have carefully selected two exceptional accommodations known for their culinary excellence.

The first is the Luxury Farmhouse Guesthouse, a stylishly modernized traditional stone farmhouse. Here, Chef Meg from Taiwan brings a creative flair to Alpine dishes, infusing them with an Asian twist.

The second accommodation, Val des Sources, is a quintessentially Alpine hotel nestled in the Valgaudemar valley. Here, you'll indulge in authentic French Alpine cuisine crafted by Chef Collette, whose expertise in traditional Alpine dishes is evident. Each meal is a journey through Alpine flavors, complemented by fine wines selected by her husband and wine expert, Claude.

For lunches, some days you will picnic in the mountains and on other days you have the option of eating in a local restaurant. Please note, lunch costs are not included and are at your own expense.

The ideal time for hiking in the Alps varies depending on what experience you're seeking.

May to June is a magical period when the melting snow gives way to raging rivers, and the landscape is reborn with vibrant spring flowers, fluttering butterflies, and fresh green leaves. This is also when marmots, adorable alpine mammals, begin to emerge.

July and August, which coincide with school holidays, come with weather that tends to be hot, though mornings are pleasantly cooler. These months are busier, as many tourists flock to the Alps for summer vacations.

September to October is perfect for those preferring a more tranquil experience. The trails are quieter, the autumn colors start to paint the landscape, and the cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for comfortable day-long hikes in the mountains. 

Each season offers its unique charm, making the Alps a splendid destination throughout these months.

Any additional activities on your free day

Additional drinks or specific wine choices

Restaurant or picnic lunches (depending on day and wishes)

7 nights' accommodation in hand-chosen hotels and guest houses famous for their delicious cuisine

6 Breakfasts with a glass of house wine, 6 Dinners

5 days of guided walking with a fully qualified and local professional

Transport by minibus to and from your walks and activities

Return transfers from Gap train station to your accommodation

An App for your smartphone with all the details you need for your holiday from A to Z

A tree planted on your behalf to help with your carbon offsetting

We have purposefully chosen a two-base stay rather than changing accommodations each night on this trip to avoid unnecessary washing and cleaning of rooms after just one night and avoid excessive baggage transfers, both of which are known sustainability issues in tourism.
Your fully qualified hiking guides are also vetted for their passion for the area and local knowledge of plants, wildlife, and sustainability measures for protecting fragile mountain flora and fauna. They will share this knowledge with you and ensure you are respecting local guidelines, like not picking flowers in the national park.

Your fully qualified hiking guide is also local to the area, rather than a helicoptered-in gap year student or other non-local person. We pay them a fair rate ensuring there is no exploitation and making sure your money is going back into the local economy also. 

Our choice of accommodations is important as we have handpicked these boutique accommodations as they are locally owned and both culturally important in the area offering an insight into local Alpine food and culture for you and ensuring your money is plowed straight back into the local economy.

Walking

Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies

Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland

Carpathian Mountains & Castles

Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps

Hiking in the Luberon National Park

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Lycian Way Active Adventure Tour

Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley

Hike & Sail the Turquoise Coast

Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde

Gems of Türkiye: Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour

Hiking in the Southern French Alps

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