July 5, 2026
Rahawa Haile, a long-distance backpacker and writer who spent six months hiking the 2,190-mile trail from Georgia to Maine said, “The Appalachian Trail was the longest conversation I’d ever had with my body, both where I fit in it and where it fits in the world.”
Yeah, I will never do that.
Ever.
However, the idea of adding a hike to my travel itinerary is intriguing.
I regularly clock mile after mile walking through cities around the world, taking in the architecture above and the cobblestone streets below. But my doctor, like every doctor on Earth, suggested that I move more. More than the expedition from TSA to the departure gate in the farthest corner of the airport.
Rather than spend 45 minutes on a treadmill going nowhere, I’m embracing the vision of hiking in the crisp, open air of a new country. Hiking would not only get me in touch with my own pulse, but also the pulse of a destination before I settle into the decadent pleasures of its cuisine, culture, fashion, and spas.
Oprah Winfrey hiked the Grand Canyon as a way to inject adventure into her life. ”Hiking requires no particular skill, only two feet and a sturdy pair of shoes”, she said. “You set the pace. You choose the trail. You lock into a certain rhythm with the road, and that rhythm becomes your clarion song.”
I like the sound of that.
The good news? You don’t need to summit Everest or spend six months sleeping in a tent to experience the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Some of the best hikes can be enjoyed in an afternoon—with a luxury hotel and a memorable dinner waiting at the end.
Here are 5 international hikes and post-hike experiences I’m adding to my vision board:
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
The Atlas Mountains offer dramatic peaks, fertile valleys, ancient Berber villages, and panoramic desert views. Trails range from gentle walks to challenging mountain routes, all rich with cultural encounters.
Hike Profile:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Half-Day to Full-Day
After-Hike Experiences:
- Private hammam and spa ritual in a luxury riad
- Exclusive dinner under the stars in the Agafay Desert
- Personal shopping experience with artisan guides in Marrakech
Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy
Stretching along Italy’s dramatic Ligurian coastline, the Cinque Terre Coastal Trail connects colorful cliffside villages, terraced vineyards, and panoramic Mediterranean viewpoints. Hikers will enjoy sea breezes, centuries-old stone pathways, and postcard-worthy views at every turn.
Hike Profile:
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5–6 Hours
After-Hike Experiences:
- Private vineyard tasting featuring rare Cinque Terre DOC wines
- Exclusive sunset yacht cruise along the Ligurian coast
- Chef-led seafood dining experience overlooking the Mediterranean.
Kumano Kudo Pilgrimage Route, Japan
The ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails have welcomed travelers for over 1,000 years. Routes pass through cedar forests, mountain villages, shrines, and peaceful countryside. The experience is as much spiritual as it is physical, offering moments of reflection amid stunning natural beauty.
Hike Profile:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Half-Day to Full-Day
After-Hike Experiences:
- Traditional kaiseki dining at a luxury ryokan
- Private onsen experience with mountain views
- Exclusive cultural program featuring tea ceremony and local artisans
Madeira, Portugal
Walk along Madeira’s famous levadas—historic irrigation channels that lead hikers through lush forests, waterfalls, flower-filled landscapes, and dramatic ocean viewpoints. The trails are generally well-maintained and ideal for travelers seeking scenic beauty without steep climbs. The island’s subtropical climate makes it ideal for year-round exploration.
Hike Profile:
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2–4 Hours
After-Hike Experiences:
- Private catamaran charter along Madeira’s coastline
- Exclusive Madeira wine tasting in historic cellars
- Oceanfront spa treatment featuring local botanical ingredients.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Often considered one of the world’s finest day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses volcanic landscapes, emerald-colored crater lakes, lava fields, and dramatic alpine terrain. The scenery’s almost otherworldly feel may be why the location was featured in the “Lord of the Rings” films.
Hike Profile:
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6-8 Hours
After-Hike Experiences:
- Scenic helicopter flight over active volcanic peaks
- Private geothermal spa experience in Rotorua
- Exclusive wine tasting at a premium estate
Does pairing world-class trails with thoughtfully curated luxury activities sound like something you would try? Let’s create an itinerary that delivers both adventure and indulgence together!
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today.
