Those who love hiking and history can combine the two without too much effort. Multi-day walking tours along historical heritage can be found all over the world. From ancient pilgrimages to routes through Roman ruins – these are 7 of the most beautiful hikes along historical heritage!
1. Along Hadrian’s Wall, United Kingdom
If you would like to learn about the Roman Empire with its emperors, soldiers and impressive buildings, you don’t have to travel to Rome. Even closer, in Northern England, a historical treasure is waiting to be discovered. Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the UK’s finest multi-day walking tours. Admire ancient Roman villages, remains of watchtowers and of course the fascinating wall itself.
2. Through the Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru is of course a fantastic destination for multi-day walking tours along historical heritage. The Sacred Valley, between Cuzco and the Amazon, offers a fascinating combination of cultural heritage, natural landscapes and charming villages.
3. On foot to Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago is, of course, one of the most important historical walking tours. The historical heritage along the Camino Frances consists of ancient monasteries, traditional villages and majestic churches. Those who walk the Camino will feel connected to the millions of pilgrims who have made the same journey over the centuries.
4. Pony Express National Historic Trail, USA
Travel to the Wild West for a walking tour along the route of the postmen who, before the time of telegraph connections, did their work on horseback. This long route runs from Missouri to California, but can be walked in stages. Some parts can be very challenging, so be well prepared!
5. Make the climb to Koyasan, Japan
A completely different pilgrimage can be found in Asia. Kumano Kodo refers to a number of pilgrimage routes through the southern Kansai region of Japan. One of the pilgrimage destinations in this area – and one of the prettiest villages in Japan – is Koyasan. Traditional architecture of temples and houses makes this place an iconic example of the Japan of the past. Meander through the vast cemetery and surrounding forests of this idyllic mountain village.
6. To the world’s oldest temple complex, Turkey
Although less than 2 percent of Göbekli Tepe has been excavated, this historic monument in southern Turkey already holds a world record. The 11,000-year-old mountain sanctuary is the oldest temple complex in the world. The structure is twice as old as the Egyptian pyramids or the British Stonehenge. The Urfa stage of the Abraham Path leads past this historic monument – and many others.
7. Visit some of Dingle’s 2,000 monuments
The Dingle Way trail forms a loop around the Dingle Peninsula in south west Ireland. It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its archaeological heritage. It has the highest density and variety of archaeological monuments in western Europe with over 2,000 monuments. These go back over 6,000 years and include unique sites like Beehive Huts and the Gallarus Oratory.
