The three main requirements for the perfect hiking holiday are comfortable accommodation, good food and most importantly appealing, interesting scenery. One of the main reasons for hiking is so you can see the landscape up close and personal, and really get a chance to explore and enjoy your surroundings. For this reason places of cultural and historic interest and areas of outstanding natural beauty are high on the list of hiking destinations.

Here is are our top 10 hiking holidays around the world:

1. Biebrza National Park, East Poland.

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Poland is renowned for its vast areas of unspoilt natural landscapes, and Biebrza is its largest National Park, and has been  made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the late 1970s. This area has over 500km of beautiful and breathtaking hiking trails, and over 130 kayaking routes along the rivers and lakes. This is a fantastic area for anyone who is interested in wildlife, as it is home to hundreds of rare and protected species, including over 200 native European bison that have been literally saved from extinction. A lot of the park is so wild it is inaccessible, and it is advised that hiking parties are supervised by a local guide, as conditions can be challenging in some areas. Accommodation is available at the main Hunter’s Lodge or in several dedicated camping areas, and the park has a central train station, connecting it to the surround areas, including the capital Warsaw which is just a 3 hour journey away.

2. Mont Blanc, The Alps

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The Alps are a magnificent mountain range straddling Italy, France and Switzerland and the highlight of any hiking trip in this is the world famous ‘Tour du Mont Blanc‘, which circles Western Europe’s highest peak. If you are interested in hiking then this is one of the classic routes, and stretches across a simply stunning area of natural beauty, with glaciers, peaks, forests and alpine meadows. There are also plenty of excellent hotels and lodges to stay in during your tour, with wonderful cuisine and fantastic local wines to sample.

3. Corsica

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Corsica is the perfect island for hiking trips, as it has a diverse and beautiful landscape from stunning rocky mountainous regions to beautiful sandy Mediterranean beaches, and some excellent accommodation along the routes and delicious cuisine for you to sample. It is also a sleepy little place with few vehicles, so the roads are quiet and safe for travelling on foot. If you are in good shape then the highlight of any hiking tour in Corsica is the famous mountain route known as GR20, which takes in some stunning scenery and spectacular views.

4. Alicante, Spain

This mountainous province is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with dramatic peaks and valleys, all of which sweep down to that gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. The climate is hot and sunny for most of the year, and walking along the traditional footpaths and mule tracks up in the mountains is a pleasant way to cool off and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

5. Matterhorn, Switzerland

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The Matterhorn Circuit in Switzerland is another one of the classic hiking treks, and takes in a challenging but stunning route across lush alpine meadows, dense forests, rocky ridges and glacier crossings. This circuit follows ancient paths once used for trade, and passes through several distinct regions including the Germanic High Valais and Italian Val D’Aosta, all the time keeping the great Matterhorn Mountain itself in view.

6. Lake Garda, Italy

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This is a lovely area which combines rocky mountains, beautiful clear waters and quiet sandy coves, all in a mild, pleasant climate. There are several different levels of walking routes around this beautiful place, from leisurely to challenging, which take you through lemon and olive groves, alpine meadows, lakeside villages and sandy shores.

7. Machu Picchu, Peru

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The Inca Trail in Peru is another famous route, and one of the most popular trails in South America. It begins at the stunning Urubamba River and traverses mountains, forests and ruined Inca settlements before ending at the famous lost city of Machu Picchu. If you still want more you can also extend your trip by taking side tours into the Inca capital of Cuzco, or an off road guided trip deep into the Amazon rainforest.

8. The Great Wall, China

This route is steeped in culture and history, and makes for a truly unforgettable hiking holiday. The wall is semi ruined in places, but still traversable and these areas are much less busy than the main, restored parts. As you walk the route you really get a feeling of the scale and magnificence of the ancient Chinese Empire, as well as seeing glimpse of modern day life in the many small villages and settlements you pass by.

9. Nile, Egypt

If you are interested in a leisurely walking holiday, or have members of your party who are not keen on long, difficult hikes then is the perfect destination. You can take a relaxing cruise down the Nile, stopping off to take short walking tours of the main sites such as the Great Pyramids at Giza. All your accommodation and food is ready waiting for you when you get back, where you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets and lush landscapes from the comfort of your cruise boat deck.

10. The Grand Canyon, USA

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The Western US states have some stunning national parks, and their diverse and dramatic landscapes attract hiking enthusiast from all round the world. The Grand Canyon Park is one of the most popular destinations for hiking holidays, with its spectacular steep gorges carved out from the rock by the great Colorado river.

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