2026 is here
For 37 years, your curiosity and spirit have guided us around the globe!
Join us in choosing our next great walking adventures in 2026.
At WAI, we go beyond the postcard—bringing you into the heart of each destination through discovery, culture, and connection.
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We are thrilled to continue the wonderful Walking Adventures legacy that Dan Friesen and his family have built over the past 35+ years! After Dan’s recent retirement announcement, a dedicated group consisting of current WAI staff, along with our good friend Hugo Palma and his Borealis on Trekking team (a Portuguese-based travel company) have created a plan to take the ownership reins and begin a new chapter for WAI.
Because of the unique timing of this ownership transition, we need your prompt response to create an exciting, but limited schedule of 2026 Adventures! Your input is crucial in shaping next year’s plans and helping WAI’s new ownership group get off to a great start in this next phase of our company’s history.
March or April 2026
New Zealand
Hike across cinematic landscapes where glaciers, beaches, and Māori legends collide.
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March or April * 12 Days
Start in Auckland, North Island; finish in Queenstown, South Island
Tour Type: Classic Curated
New Zealand truly is a “kiwi wonderland”. One of the most isolated islands on the planet is blessed with unique flora and fauna, many species endemic to New Zealand. This includes the flightless bird (kiwi) that shares a name with a delicious juicy fruit (kiwi) that originates in China and was imported into New Zealand only in the 20th century.
The two main islands, North and South, sit in a moderate climate zone ranging from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate in the far south. The result is lush vegetation and some of the most luxuriant rainforest walking tracks we’ve experienced.
Maori culture, part of the Polynesian people group, is a key piece of the New Zealand historical and cultural puzzle, and geothermal activity generated by its position astride the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire adds another unique element of drama and natural beauty.
In fact, pristine natural wonders are New Zealand’s main attraction: rainforests, glaciers, beach trails, and a seemingly unending necklace of crystal clear lakes bedecked along the spine of a chain of stunning volcanic mountains on both Islands. We sample these wonders on a series of walks from Auckland, New Zealand’s main city on the North Island all the way to either Milford or Doubtful Sound on the South Island.
When people ask us our favorite destination, New Zealand always sits easily in the top three.
Mid-to-Late April 2026
San Juan Island & Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Join us for this multi-faceted odyssey across Puget Sound and through Western Washington’s colorful April highlights!
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April * 8 Days
Starts & finish: Seattle, Washington
Tour Type: Classic Curated
Washington’s Skagit Valley is home to the largest tulip farms on the continent and one of the largest tulip bulb producers in the world!
But tulips are only the most colorful part of this Evergreen State Adventure. Our tulip experience is sandwiched between lovely Leavenworth, a delightful Bavarian-themed village on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, and the islands of expansive Puget Sound. We cruise to the natural wonderland of San Juan Island for a two-night stay, then take in delightful Whidbey Island on our return to the mainland.
April offers a cornucopia of color in the Pacific Northwest, and no place is more vibrant this time of year than the tulip fields of the Skagit Valley!
Join us for this multi-faceted odyssey across Puget Sound and through Western Washington’s colorful April highlights!
May and October 2026
utah`s mighty five
Step into a world of towering arches, crimson canyons, and breathtaking trails on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes
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May and October * 8 Days
Starts in Salt Lake City; finish: Las Vegas,Nevada
Tour Type: Classic Curated
Join us for an eye-popping, jaw-dropping, camera-stopping odyssey through Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks! National parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
A series of walks are offered in each park through the most stunning scenery and most monumental geological wonders to be seen in the Southwest, even throughout the USA, and mostly likely across the globe!
These parks offer the epitome of the word “spectacular”, but what comes as a surprise are the sideline events, stunning state parks also packed into the schedule in this uber-rich smorgasbord of Utah canyonland scenery!
May 2026
route 66
Mother road 100 year anniversary tour
Rediscover the soul of America on a once-in-a-century journey filled with classic cars, neon lights, small-town charm, and the timeless magic of the open road.
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May * 19 Days
Start in Chicago, IL; finish in Santa Monica, CA
Part 1: Mother Road in the Heartland
May * 9 Days
Start in Chicago, IL; finish in Oklahoma City, OK
Part 2: Mother Road out West
May * 12 Days
Start in Oklahoma City, OK; finish in Santa Monica, CA
Tour Type: Classic Curated
Join us as we trace the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica, connecting with the nostalgia of America’s coming of age as we wind our way through 7 states from Illinois to California!
This experience peels back digital layers of 21st century America and helps us rediscover our analog past. Route 66 represents a time when travelers drove through small towns instead of around them on freeways, when stoplights and 2-lane roads slowed the pace of travel enough for people to smile at one another and stop for a meal or a motel room.
This is a search for the soul of America, and, as always, walking is the best way to discover what is true and real and tangible. Walking is the ultimate way to slow down a journey that is all about an era when America moved at a slower and more connection-friendly pace.
The 2026 edition of Route 66 is the 100th anniversary of the opening of Route 66, and iconic Mother Road stops will be celebrated in diverse and colorful ways. The tour can be done as a single 19-day pilgrimage (recommended) or parsed into either Part 1, The Heartland, or Part 2, Out West (as listed above).
June 11 – 24, 2026
Yellowknife Canadian 2026 Walking Festival
Walk under the midnight sun and connect with walkers from across the continent on an unforgettable northern adventure celebrating the joy of walking where the sun barely sets.
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June 11- 24,2026 * 14 Days
Start in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; finish in Seattle, WA
Tour Type: Volkssport
Join walkers from around North America to celebrate walking and volkssport at the 2026 Convention in Yellowknife, hosted by the Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF)!
In 2020, the CVF planned a walking festival in the far north enclave of Yellowknife, capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories. Plans were thwarted across the globe in 2020 and our tour through Canada, based around the CVF Convention and assisted by uber-helpful walking clubs along our route, was one of them.
The CVF is resurrecting the convention for 2026 and WAI plans to be there. We start our Adventures at the CVF Convention in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and finish in Seattle, Washington, enjoying a total of 9 convention and 15 post-convention walks.
Since the trip start point and focus is Yellowknife, we will be in northern latitudes for much of the journey and will be traveling over the summer solstice with a midnight sun that generates 20 hours of daylight!
July 2026
svalbard islands polar bear cruise ~ new
Experience the magic of the midnight sun, Arctic wildlife, and glacier-carved landscapes on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through one of Earth’s wildest and most remote frontiers.
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July * 11 Days
Start & Finish: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Tour Type: Classic Curated; Small Ship Cruising
Offering majestic fjords, astounding ice formations, and some of the densest populations of polar bears on the planet, Svalbard is a unique and remote Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Europe. Due to Svalbard’s Arctic latitude, we will not see the sun set during our cruise!
Svalbard was once called Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains” in Dutch, and was discovered in 1596 by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz. Spitsbergen is the largest and only permanently populated island of the chain.
Cruises through the Svalbard archipelago tend to focus on animal sightings; the area is known for its seabirds (kittiwakes, guillemots, and many more), seals, walruses, whales, and of course, polar bears.
Taking a cruise through Svalbard means experiencing snow-swept peaks, rolling tundra, and dramatically cut coastlines. It means boatloads of opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities. It means getting the chance to see truly exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.
This trip will be arranged with the same company we use for our just-finished Voyage to Antarctica. It is a ship-based expedition, not just a cruise. Hikes will be longer than in Antarctica and will be accompanied by armed guides since polar bears can be a bit more intrusive than penguins.
July 28 – August 8, 2026
Ireland~ the emerald isle
Uncover ancient legends, coastal wonders, and emerald landscapes on a soul-stirring journey through Ireland’s most enchanting trails and timeless cultural treasures.
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July 28- August 8, 2026 * 12 Days
Aran Islands Pre-tour – 3 Days
Northern Islands & Giant’s Causeway Extension – 3 Days
Start in Shannon, Ireland; finish in Dublin, Ireland
Tour Type: Classic Curated
As travelers, we’re always looking for pots of gold at the end of the wanderer’s rainbow, that postcard-perfect vista, a priceless interaction with a local, or a magical musical experience that delights us anew with the gifts of mankind on this one-of-a-kind planet!
We’ve found many such opportunities in Ireland—it’s a country rich in cultural experiences and “pots of gold” for adventurous travelers. Consider joining us for the following highlights amongst many others:
- Cliffs of Moher – where we contemplate the diminutive state of man as we walk along windswept sandstone cliffs, 600 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic (Aran Islands Pre-tour)
- Dun Aengus fortress – an ancient seaside patchwork of remote stone walls on the rugged Aran Island of Inishmore (Pre-tour)
- Gallarus Oratory – marveling at the simple, enduring architectural genius of medieval monks during our walk through the emerald-green landscapes of Dingle Peninsula, western-most point of Europe
- Gap of Dunloe – a winding gorge path that courses beside quiet mountain lakes and crosses babbling brooks on ageless, arched stone bridges
- Glendalough – gazing down from our walking trail in the enchanting Wicklow Mountains onto the monastery’s centuries-old Round Tower on our trail along the verdant “valley between the lakes”
- Dublin – imbibing the spirit of Ireland’s capital and a quintessential walking city, on an all-day walk that captures points of historical import and cultural connections
- Giant’s Causeway – situated on the northern coast of Northern Ireland (Extension), one of our most spectacular sea cliff walks winds through one of only 3 UNESCO sites in the island of Ireland.
July or August 2026
Hiking the azores
Enchanted Islands
Journey to the lush, volcanic isles of the mid-Atlantic where emerald landscapes, crater lakes, and centuries of seafaring history await on an unforgettable island-hopping hiking adventure.
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July or August 2026 * 9 Days
Start & Finish: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
Tour Type: Classic Curated, Hiking
Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, roughly one-third of the distance between southern Europe and the East Coast of the USA, lies a 9-island archipelago called the Azores Islands. Here, the tips of some of earth’s tallest mountains poke above the ocean surface from the bottom of a deep ocean at a juncture of three major tectonic plates.
The latitude of the islands combines with the moderating Gulf Stream influence and rich volcanic soil to produce a Garden-of-Eden effect. Luxuriant vegetation is an extraordinary feature of the Azores. The volcanic nature of the islands also produces a tremendous topographical variety: emerald green valleys dotted with a plethora of prolific dairy cows, black lava beaches bearing the pounding of a starkly contrasting and unusually clear blue surf, mysterious meandering lava caves, and a fascinating variety of lagoons and lakes…all explored on a well-developed system of trails and dirt roads.
Six hundred years ago, under the patronage of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese mariners became the first to develop the ability to sail the open ocean, out of sight of land. In their relentless quest to round the cape of Africa in search of trade treasures of the East, they happened upon this blessed archipelago. Hence, though over 800 miles from Portugal, it fell under the jurisdiction of Lisbon and is today a part of the nation of Portugal.
Island hopping (by plane) to 4 of the Azores 9 islands offers a surprisingly diverse introduction to this luxuriant Atlantic archipelago.
august or september 2026
Namibia to Victoria Falls ~ NEW
From desert dunes to thundering falls, this four-country African odyssey is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through wildlife-rich parks, ancient cultures, and landscapes that redefine the word “epic”
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August or September 2026 * 14 Days / 13 Nights
Start: Windhoek, Namibia • Finish: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tour Type: Exploratory Expedition | Group Size: Up to 24 travelers
This one checks every box: dunes, deltas, safaris, waterfalls, and cultural encounters that stay with you long after the journey ends. Over 14 days, we’ll travel across four iconic countries—Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—on an immersive adventure through Southern Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Our journey begins in Namibia, home to some of the world’s most dramatic desert vistas. We’ll climb towering red dunes at Sossusvlei, walk the ghostly clay pan of Deadvlei, and explore the twisting paths of Sesriem Canyon. Evenings here are for stargazing—clear desert skies reveal constellations you never knew existed.
Next, we follow the road to the coast and the charming colonial town of Swakopmund, where optional excursions include dolphin cruises, desert flights, and camel rides. Along the way, we cross the Tropic of Capricorn and pause at Spitzkoppe, Namibia’s answer to the Matterhorn. A visit to the Bushman Living Museum offers insight into the region’s oldest traditions.
Then it’s time for safari in Etosha National Park, where elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and lions roam the open savannas and salt pans. We travel deeper into nature with a peaceful mokoro canoe ride in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most serene and wildlife-rich environments.
In Savuti and Chobe National Parks, we continue the safari experience, including the chance to camp under the stars and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, teeming with hippos and elephants.
The adventure concludes with a spectacular visit to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. From a misty viewpoint in Zimbabwe to a panoramic angle in Zambia, you’ll see why it’s called “The Smoke that Thunders.”
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a grand, soul-stirring odyssey across four nations, full of photo moments, personal connections, and wild wonder.
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september 1 – 11, 2026
Great Lakes & Mighty Mac Walk
From lighthouse-lined shores to the legendary Mighty Mac Walk, this Great Lakes odyssey blends history, heritage, and horizon-touching beauty.
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Sept 1 – 11, 2026* 11 Days
Start in Buffalo, NY; Finish in Madison, WI
Tour Type: Classic Curated; Volkssport
The Great Lakes region is packed with historical, cultural, and economic significance: the impact of the War of 1812; the influence of Ohio on the growth of the fledgling United States; the Erie Canal transportation revolution; and the prolific industrialization of the region initiated by empire builders such as Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller.
Yet the significance of the region is delightfully framed by its natural wonders: placid tracts of Michigan farmland, laid back lakeside towns, and traditional enclaves like Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula.
Lighthouses are a theme of the itinerary – more lighthouses are found along the shores of the Great Lakes than along our Atlantic and Pacific coasts combined! We drive past a host of them and visit at least 3 in Michigan on a lighthouse day drive along Lake Huron on Heritage Route 23.
We visit Mackinac Island the day before the Mighty Mac Walk, with all day to explore the country’s second national park (now a Michigan State Park), after Yellowstone, accessed via a 20-minute scenic ferry ride with superb views of the legendary Mighty Mac Bridge.
Pictured Rocks National Shoreline Cruise is a standout experience, a 2-hour Lake Superior cruise along a shoreline famous for dramatic, water-sculpted, multi-colored sandstone cliff lakescapes.
And, of course, walks are the medium through which we connect with the Great Lakes region – Lake walks and more with trails along all 5 lakes (Lake Ontario requires participation in the optional pre-day activities), 5 states, and 2 state capitals
NOTE: This tour is planned around the annual Labor Day Mighty Mac Walk over the Mackinac Bridge connecting Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula.
september 2026
Channel Isles & London ~ NEW
From the salt-kissed trails of the Channel Isles to London’s storied streets, this journey bridges island serenity with cosmopolitan splendor.
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September * 10 to 14 Days
Start: Saint Helier, Jersey
Finish: London, England
Tour Type: Classic Curated
The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey first caught our eye in 2016 when WAI planners Dan Friesen and Roger Dorway made a quick stop in Jersey while scouting our Northern France itinerary. Although that tour brimmed with French highlights, the Channel Isles lingered in our imagination as a future destination.
That idea found fresh footing in 2024 when guide Scott Isom and his wife, Debbie, took a personal holiday to Jersey and Guernsey. Their experience reawakened our curiosity and confirmed the potential for an unforgettable walking experience across these uniquely British islands just off the coast of France.
Rather than presenting the Channel Isles and London as two separate parts, we’re now designing a comprehensive 10-day tour, beginning with 6 to 8 days exploring Jersey, Guernsey, and perhaps one or two lesser-known islands, followed by an optional 3- to 4-day London Extension.
This new format offers travelers a seamless flow—from the island beauty and historic charm of the Channel Isles to the bustling, culture-rich capital of the UK. We’ll enjoy coastal paths, quiet hamlets, maritime tales, and hearty local cuisine before trading ocean breezes for the timeless landmarks of London, where walks through Regent’s Park, Westminster, or along the Thames await.
October 2026
Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage
Blazing autumn colors and Appalachian charm converge in a vibrant six-day celebration of nature, culture, and renewal in the heart of the Smokies.
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October * 6 Days
Start & Finish: Asheville, North Carolina
Tour Type: Classic Curated
The Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina offer a treasure trove of outdoor delights that can be enjoyed during any season of the year. Autumn in the Smokies especially brings out the vibrant personality of this lush Appalachian region, with its fantastic fall foliage.
Asheville, nestled in the middle of this Appalachian wonderland, serves as an excellent venue for a six-day mini-Adventure. Within the town itself are numerous art museums, delectable culinary choices, and the magnificent Biltmore Estate, which is a 250-room French chateau built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s.
Within close driving range of Asheville are a host of other terrific destinations to explore, including the dazzling Blue Ridge Parkway, rugged Linville Gorge, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Smoky Mountains Railroad, Chimney Rock, and the wonderful waterfalls of DuPont State Forest.
All of this, and much more, will be explored from our home base at our hotel in downtown Asheville, where you can unpack and unwind for five nights of fun during the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Adventure!
By offering Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage again in 2026, we look forward to supporting the rebuilding of the Asheville and western North Carolina region after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
November 2026
Egypt ~ Land of Pharaohs
From pyramid shadows to Nile breezes, this timeless walking adventure unearths the marvels of Egypt with every step and sail.
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November * 10 Days
Start & finish: Cairo, Egypt
Tour Type: Classic Curated; Small Ship Cruising
Our walking adventure in Egypt promises a camel caravan load of epic cultural and historical experiences!
We dip into ancient history as we explore the Old Kingdom pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, gaze spellbound at the wonders of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and check out the successors to the pyramids in the Valley of the Kings as we set sail up the Nile on our luxury cruise ship.
High on our list of priorities is the new GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) located near the Giza pyramid complex. This enormous new institution is set to inaugurate all its facilities by July 3, 2025 and will be the largest archeological museum in the world, featuring cutting edge technology throughout. We look forward to climbing its grand staircase that offers panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza.
Our timeless Adventure in Egypt includes two mid-tour flights, a 4-night cruise south along the Nile, and the constant assistance of an Egyptologist guide throughout to help us connect with this ancient and storied part of human history.
December 2026
Christmas in Québec & Montréal
Twinkling lights, timeless cities, and holiday cheer come together in this Franco-Canadian Christmas journey from Montréal’s vibrant streets to Québec’s storybook charm.
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Early December 2026 * 6 Days
Start in Montréal, Québec; finish in Québec City, Québec
Tour Type: Classic Curated
There’s something truly enchanting about celebrating the season surrounded by twinkling lights, snowy cobblestone streets, and the warm charm of French-Canadian hospitality. This 6-day holiday escape invites you to experience Christmas in Québec & Montréal—two cities that capture the spirit of a traditional European Noël, right here in North America.
We begin in vibrant Montréal, a cultural capital brimming with festive flair. Stroll the atmospheric alleys of Old Montréal, where centuries-old architecture glows under garlands and lights. Our guided winter walk leads us along the historic Lachine Canal, offering tales of trade, immigration, and transformation. We’ll explore the grandeur of Notre-Dame Basilica, then head uphill to Mount Royal Park, where panoramic views and peaceful paths await in a wintry setting designed by Central Park’s own Frederick Law Olmsted.
For those arriving early, an optional Christmas-themed Foodie Tour introduces the flavors of the season—tasting your way through Montréal’s richly diverse neighborhoods, where holiday traditions from around the world come together.
Next, we board a business-class train for a picturesque ride northward to Québec City, often hailed as the most “European” city in North America. Surrounded by its preserved colonial walls and crowned by the fairytale Château Frontenac, the historic district of Old Québec feels straight out of a holiday postcard.
Here, we delve into Québec’s storied past on a full-day guided walk, following cobblestone lanes through Petit-Champlain, past cozy cafés, boutiques, and centuries-old churches. Evening brings the magic of the German Christmas Market, filled with festive music, mulled cider, and handmade treasures.
A free day lets you choose your own winter adventure. Wander the snowy streets at your own pace or join us on an optional snowshoeing excursion through Jacques Cartier National Park—a serene winter wonderland where fresh air and forest trails bring peace to the season.
We’ll wrap up our Christmas celebration with a memorable Farewell Dinner inside the Château Frontenac, toasting the season in one of the world’s most iconic hotels.
This holiday getaway is a warm-hearted blend of culture, community, and Christmas spirit: a perfect prelude to your holiday season.
THE NEW WAI team
As WAI enters a bold new chapter, two passionate explorers are charting the course forward. Scott Isom, WAI’s most seasoned global guide, brings unmatched experience and a gift for creating unforgettable walking adventures. Partnering with him is Hugo Palma, founder of Borealis and a visionary in nature-based travel, known for his creative spark and deep love of the outdoors. Together, Scott and Hugo are the perfect blend of wanderlust, wisdom, and heart—ready to lead Walking Adventures International into its most exciting era yet. Supporting Scott and Hugo from two continents are teams of experienced, professional, and committed guides, planners, and operational staff that will help bring your travel dreams to life!
Scott Isom
Adventurer in Chief & Global Trail Master
Hugo Palma
Experience Architect & Adventure Visionary
Walk with Purpose. Travel with Heart
Beyond sightseeing—every journey is a step toward deeper discovery, connection, and wonder.
At Walking Adventures International, travel isn’t just about visiting places—it’s about uncovering meaning. For over 35 years, we’ve invited travelers to go beyond the obvious, blending exploration with insight in every step we take. With a deep commitment to discovery, passion, and integrity, we curate journeys that challenge assumptions, awaken curiosity, and celebrate the joy of learning through experience.
Our adventures are designed to be more than vacations—they’re cultural immersions, scenic awakenings, and moments of shared humanity. We guide travelers through places of beauty, history, and spiritual depth, helping them step out of their comfort zones and into the rich stories that shape our world. Whether it’s strolling through ancient cities, walking rainforest paths, or connecting with local communities, each tour is a heartfelt invitation to truly be there.