The 2027 Season Is Coming Together
Over 340 of you told us where you want to walk next — and we listened. These are the destinations taking shape for 2027. Every group is kept small, and the travelers who pre-register first get priority when booking opens. A $200 fully refundable deposit holds your place in line.
How to Get In
2027 Destinations
Every group is kept intentionally small to protect the experience. Pre-registrants get first access when booking opens — the earlier you sign up, the better your chances.
January
Hidden Hawaii ~ Islands, Volcanoes & Aloha Spirit
Discover the hidden gems of Hawaii on an 8-day walking adventure across the Big Island and Maui, followed by an optional 4-day extension to Oahu and Pearl Harbor. Explore breathtaking landscapes, including black sand beaches, lush valleys, waterfalls, and volcanic craters, while immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture through visits to historic sites, local markets, and authentic luaus.
New Zealand
Waiheke Island's coastal vineyards, Rotorua's steaming geothermal valleys, the Southern Alps rising sharp against blue sky, the deep stillness of Doubtful Sound — New Zealand packs an entire continent's worth of landscapes into two islands. This walking adventure covers both North and South Islands, with trails that move from subtropical coastline to alpine passes to fjordland waterways in the span of a few days.
February
Costa Rica ~ Pura Vida Walking
Costa Rica fits more biodiversity per square mile than nearly anywhere on earth — and it all happens in a country you can cross in a day. Walk through rainforest canopy trails where toucans and howler monkeys are the soundtrack, glide by canal boat into Tortuguero National Park at dawn, taste coffee in the central highlands where it was grown, and follow the Caribbean coastline through Cahuita's jungle paths. WAI has been refining this itinerary for years — the favorites keep making the cut because they keep earning it.
Malta ~ Temples, Carnival & the Honey-Colored Isle
Walk through 7,000 years of history on a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago where the temples predate the pyramids and every harbour tells a different conqueror's story. February brings warm walking weather, fewer crowds, and Malta's spectacular Carnival — a riot of color, floats, and masked parades that fills the streets of Valletta with an energy you won't find in any guidebook. Explore the honey-colored Baroque capital on foot, cross to the island of Gozo for the ancient Ġgantija Temples and dramatic coastal hikes, and lose yourself in the silent medieval city of Mdina perched above the countryside. This one is personal — our Adventurer in Chief Scott Isom just returned from scouting Malta and will be leading this tour himself.
March
Taiwan ~ Island of a Thousand Trails
Taiwan surprises everyone who goes — a compact island where night markets buzz beside ancient temples, mountain railways climb through misty forests, and lakeside trails open onto views that rival anywhere in Asia. From walking Taipei's temples, markets, and national parks to cruising Sun Moon Lake, wandering ancient forests in Alishan, and exploring historic Tainan, each day offers a balance of gentle walks, iconic sights, and meaningful local encounters. Highlights include lakeside trails, mountain railways, indigenous culture, world-class museums, and exceptional Taiwanese cuisine.
April
Brazil ~ Amazon, Pantanal & Iguaçu Falls
The Pantanal is one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems — a UNESCO World Heritage wetland ten times the size of the Everglades, alive with toucans, macaws, capybaras, and more bird species than most continents. From there, hike the dramatic red sandstone mesas and cascading waterfalls of Chapada dos Guimarães, one of Brazil's best-kept natural secrets. Then the rhythm changes: explore Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches, energetic neighborhoods, and photogenic peaks before slowing down in Paraty, a perfectly preserved colonial town where cobblestone streets meet the Atlantic and centuries of Afro-Brazilian, indigenous, and Portuguese culture blend into something you won't find anywhere else. Extend your journey with a pre-tour to Iguaçu Falls — 275 cascades thundering across nearly two miles of cliff face — or post-tour into the Amazon for unforgettable jungle walks and river encounters in the world's largest rainforest.
Japan ~ Cherry Blossoms & Ancient Traditions
From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the stillness of Kyoto’s temple gardens, this tour moves through Japan the way it rewards most — on foot and without rushing. From Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods on foot to trails in the shadow of Mount Fuji, from the thatched-roof village of Shirakawago to the iconic floating Torii gate at Miyajima, this journey unfolds at a walker’s pace. Wander Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, stroll through Nara’s ancient deer park, and explore Kyoto’s temple-lined streets before the energy of Osaka closes out the adventure.
South Korea ~ Seoul to Jeju
Seoul hums with royal palaces and neon in equal measure. Jeju Island rises volcanic from the sea. Busan's coast stretches between fish markets and mountain temples. And Gyeongju — Korea's ancient capital — holds more UNESCO treasures than most countries. This tour connects all of it through hands-on encounters: a night in a Buddhist temple, traditional dress, Korean stone carving, and walks that take you from urban alleyways to coastal paths to highland trails.
May
Sicily & the Amalfi Coast ~ Southern Italy's Treasures
Discover the highlights of southern Italy and Sicily on an unforgettable walking adventure that weaves together dramatic coastal landscapes, ancient civilizations, vibrant local culture. South of Naples, we'll explore the lemon-scented trails of the Amalfi Coast and the timeless ruins of Pompeii and Isle of Capri before taking an overnight ferry to Sicily. We'll explore Sicily's medieval towns, Greek temples, Roman villas, and Siracusa's impressive archeological sites. Each day blends scenic walks with expert-led cultural exploration and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and an afternoon gelato or two.
Tuscany in Spring ~ A Relaxed and Memorable Italian Journey
Experience the best of northern Italy in spring on a gently paced walking journey that blends iconic Renaissance plazas, UNESCO sites, unforgettable vistas, and creamy gelato. From Venice, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre, and Florence to the rolling cypress-lined hills of Tuscany, this relaxed walking itinerary features curated walks paired with rich cultural highlights. Stay in charming hotels and a Tuscan agriturismo while you enjoy regional cuisine and world-class art in this carefully crafted itinerary.
June
Greece ~ Dramatic Islands & Ancient Light
Explore the cradle of Western Civilization on this 10-day walking tour, tracing a chronology from Europe's first major civilization, the Minoans, to the Golden Age of Greece in Athens. The itinerary spans the fabled Aegean islands of Crete and Santorini, where you'll walk along the dramatic caldera rim and explore ancient Minoan towns buried by a massive volcanic eruption. Journey through the historic Peloponnese peninsula, visiting the legendary ruins of Mycenae and the magnificent Epidaurus amphitheater.
Luxembourg IVV Olympiad ~ A Celebration of Walking
We always enjoy the camaraderie of the Volkssport community experience at the IVV Olympiads. 2027's festivities take place in Luxembourg, with walks in Vianden, Mellerdall-Herngermillen, Old Luxembourg City, Minett, and much more. We will likely have other WAI tours that feed into or out of these Luxembourg events, so that you can extend your fun in Europe. Join walkers from around the world for this special celebration of walking culture.
Northern Greece, Albania & the Balkans ~ A Path Less Traveled
Step into the less-traveled Balkans, where epic landscapes and layered history unfold day by day — from the monasteries of Meteora to the dizzying depths of the Vikos Gorge (Zagori). Continue into Albania for a striking mix of UNESCO treasures (Butrint, Gjirokastër), vibrant cities, and coast-to-mountain contrasts that feel genuinely undiscovered. The walking adventure builds to the wild beauty of the Albanian Alps (Theth National Park), plus a memorable boat journey on Lake Komani's "fjord-like" waters.
Rhine River Cruise ~ Walking Through Three Countries
Start in the Netherlands among windmills and canals, then sail south through Germany's castle-studded Rhine Gorge — a UNESCO corridor of medieval towers, terraced vineyards, and river towns that have been trading stories for centuries. Guided walks take you through Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, and Heidelberg before the river carries you into France for a final stop in Strasbourg. Three countries, one river, and a pace that lets the scenery unfold the way it was meant to.
July
Hiking the Dolomites ~ with Venice & San Marino Extension
In the Dolomites, every walk feels like a front-page moment: jagged limestone spires, emerald alpine meadows, and soaring ridge paths that deliver big views early and often. You'll take in signature showstoppers like Monte Seceda, the Cinque Torri, and the storybook villages of Val di Gardena / South Tyrol, with warm mountain hospitality and classic Alpine culture woven throughout. Then the Venice & San Marino extension changes the rhythm — unhurried canal-side strolling, art and history at human scale, and a finale in San Marino's hilltop medieval republic.
Northern France ~ Monet, Normandy & the Loire
Walk through Monet's gardens in Giverny, where the light still looks exactly like the paintings. Stand on the D-Day beaches of Normandy. Watch Mont Saint-Michel materialize from the tidal flats. This 11-day tour threads northern France's most powerful landscapes together — the Loire Valley châteaux at Chenonceau and Villandry, the soaring gothic nave of Chartres Cathedral — with walks that connect the art, the history, and the countryside between them.
Vancouver Island ~ Pacific Rim Wilderness
Nine days from the garden city of Victoria to the wild Pacific coast, where old-growth cedars tower above trails and the ocean crashes against headlands that feel like the edge of the continent. Highlights include exploring the rugged coastline and ancient cedars of the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, bear viewing and whale watching opportunities in Tofino, and a cultural tour to see the Duncan Totem Poles. Between the coast and the capital, walk the forested trails of Little Qualicum Falls and Goldstream provincial parks, and visit the renowned Butchart Gardens.
August
England & Scotland ~ Cotswolds to the Highlands
Come walk with us on an 11-day adventure through the British Isles, exploring the enchanting Cotswolds, the picturesque Lake District, the historic Scottish Highlands, the serene Hebrides Islands, and the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Discover charming villages, cross stone bridges, wander through heather-clad hills, and visit sites like Iona Abbey and Stirling Castle. This tour features several multi-night stays and includes attendance at the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival in August.
Hiking the Faroe Islands ~ Edge of the World
Experience the dramatic and untouched beauty of the Faroe Islands on this extraordinary walking and boat tour. Highlights include guided walks through the historic heart of Tórshavn, hiking to the famous "Lake Above the Ocean" cliff edge in Vágar, and exploring the natural amphitheater of Saksun and the village of Tjørnuvík with its views of the "Giant and the Witch" sea stacks. Venture to the remote islands of Kalsoy for the Kallurin Lighthouse hike, take a rigid inflatable boat tour past sea grottos and bird cliffs around Hestur Island and the iconic Drangarnir sea stacks.
Kenya & Zanzibar ~ From Safari to Spice Islands
Walk among zebras and giraffes in reserves where you're on foot — not behind glass — then take guided safari drives through Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara, and Amboseli, where Kilimanjaro rises behind the acacia trees. Eight days in Kenya's wildlife heartland, with an optional 4-day extension to Zanzibar: white-sand Indian Ocean beaches, the winding alleyways of historic Stone Town, and a completely different rhythm of East Africa.
September
Colorado by Train ~ Rails Through the Rockies
Eleven days through the heart of the Rockies, combining walks in four national parks with rides on the historic narrow-gauge railroads that once connected Colorado's mining towns to the world. Explore charming Victorian mining towns like Ouray and Silverton, witness dramatic landscapes at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Garden of the Gods, and step into the mining-era history of the American West. Highlights include journeys on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, visits to Mesa Verde and Great Sand Dunes National Parks. All aboard!
Hiking Cornwall & Wales ~ Celtic Coasts & Mountain Trails
Cornwall's sea cliffs drop straight to the Atlantic — and the coastal paths along them are some of the finest walking in Britain. This 9-day tour follows that coastline through fishing villages like Port Isaac, past Land's End and the tidal island of St. Michael's Mount, then inland across the open moors of Dartmoor. An optional extension heads into Wales for Snowdonia's mountain trails and the deep-rooted mining heritage of the valleys. Expect cream teas, sea spray, and Celtic history around every headland.
Iceland ~ Westfjords & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula earns its nickname — "Iceland in Miniature" — with Kirkjufell mountain, the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, and coastal cliff walks where seabirds wheel overhead. Then the Westfjords take it further: trails to the tiered cascade of Dynjandi, the vast Látrabjarg bird cliffs, and the rust-red sands of Rauðasandur, one of Iceland's most striking and least-visited beaches. September timing means long golden light, thinning crowds, and — if the skies cooperate — a chance at the Northern Lights.
October
Camino de Santiago ~ Portugal to Compostela
The final 120 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago — from northern Portugal across the border into Spain's Galicia — is the stretch that earns you the Compostela certificate and the right to say you walked it. This 10-day tour follows the pilgrimage route through Guimarães, Pontevedra, and the green valleys and stone villages of Galicia, with cultural dinners and historic walks woven into the rhythm of the road.
Ecuador & the Galápagos ~ Walking Through Evolution
Start in Quito's colonial heart, then fly west to the archipelago where Darwin changed everything. Daily zodiac landings bring you face to face with giant tortoises, waved albatrosses, and sea lions that couldn't care less you're there. Snorkel turquoise bays, hike to Frigatebird Hill and Dragon Hill with expert naturalist guides, and watch the islands reveal their logic — every creature adapted, every landscape shaped by volcanic fire and ocean current. A small-ship journey for people who want to understand what they're seeing, not just photograph it.
Portugal ~ Douro River Cruise, Porto & Lisbon
Cruise the Douro River through Portugal's terraced wine country, stepping ashore for guided walks through medieval towns like Castelo Rodrigo and across the border to Salamanca, Spain's golden university city. Evenings bring wine dinners at traditional quintas along the riverbank. An optional 6-day walking extension continues to Lisbon — private tram rides, the medieval walls of Obidos, ancient Bussaco Forest, and trails through Geres National Park.
November
Chile ~ Patagonia & Easter Island
Get ready for a 10-day, double-bucket list adventure to the extremes of Chile, combining the rugged landscapes of Patagonia and the mystical history of Easter Island. Explore Torres del Paine National Park with four unique walks around the "Blue Towers" and "Horns of Paine," witnessing abundant wildlife like guanacos and condors. On Easter Island, discover the mysterious moai stone heads at the Rano Raraku quarry and the ancient "Birdman" settlement of Orongo Rano Kau. This comprehensive journey also includes a visit to the coastal cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, along with a winery visit.
Morocco ~ Mountains, Medinas & the Sahara
Wander the medina alleyways of Marrakech and Fes, where the scent of cumin and cedar shavings drifts through streets barely wide enough for two. Walk through the blue-washed hill town of Chefchaouen, cross the High Atlas on mountain trails with Berber guides, and ride a camel into the Sahara for a night under desert stars. Eleven days that move from the Mediterranean port of Tangier to the edge of the desert — through UNESCO sites, Arab and Berber cultures, and landscapes that shift dramatically with every day's drive south.
December
Sweden & Norway ~ Lapland Northern Lights
Chase the aurora where it's most reliable: Swedish Lapland's Abisko National Park, known for a microclimate that often brings clearer skies and strong viewing chances, paired with guided night outings designed around the best forecasts. The journey typically begins with a taste of urban Scandinavia (Stockholm) before heading north via Kiruna, with snowy walks, Arctic stillness, and cozy lodging that keeps you close to the sky. From there, Norway delivers a second Northern Lights angle — think fjords, Arctic coastline, and Sami-region culture, plus more nighttime "hunts" under big polar horizons.
Questions About Pre-Registering
Yes — fully, and without conditions. If we don’t end up running a trip you’ve pre-registered for, or if you simply change your mind before final booking opens, you get every dollar back. No questions, no fees, no fine print. We want you to feel free to pre-register for as many destinations as excite you — there’s no risk. See the full Pre-Registration Terms for details.
You’ll receive a confirmation email right away. From there, you’re at the front of the line. As the trip develops — dates firm up, the itinerary takes shape, guides are assigned — you’ll hear about it before anyone else. When full booking opens, pre-registrants get first access and early-bird pricing. We’ll reach out personally to make sure you don’t miss your window.
Not yet — it means we’re strongly planning to run it. Pre-registration is how we gauge real interest and commit resources to building the itinerary. But dates, pricing, and details are still being finalized, and occasionally a destination doesn’t make the final calendar. If anything changes — timing shifts, a tour doesn’t move forward — we’ll let you know personally so you can decide what to do. And your deposit comes back in full, no questions asked.
It puts you at the front of the line. When booking opens, spots are offered to pre-registrants first, in the order deposits were received. With every group kept intentionally small, the people who pre-register earliest have the strongest chance of being in the group. We’d rather tell you now than tell you it’s full later.
That’s a wonderful problem to have. When demand is strong enough, we occasionally open a second departure rather than expanding the group. We’d rather run two great trips than one crowded one. If a second departure opens, pre-registrants for the original dates get first choice.
Absolutely — and many travelers do. Each deposit is independent and fully refundable, so there’s no risk in pre-registering for two or three trips and deciding later. It’s also the best way to make sure you have options if one group fills before you finalize.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Give us a call. Tell us what kind of trip you're dreaming about — the destinations, the pace, the time of year — and we'll help you find the right fit. Whether that's a 2027 adventure you want to lock in or a 2026 trip that's ready to go, we'd love to help you figure it out.
360.260.9393Mon – Fri, 7 – 10 AM Pacific