2025 hotspots

It’s not difficult to find reasons to hike in Highland Perthshire – from spectacular scenery to proud castles and world-class whisky distilleries.

Our self-guided walking route from Aberfeldy to Blair Atholl is set to delight the senses still further this year, now that our upgrade accommodation option in Blair Atholl – The Old Manse of Blair – has earned a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide 2025. To dine here is to enjoy showstopping dishes of locally foraged ingredients – cuisine described by the Michelin Guide as “Scottish to the core”.

Get a taste for Scotland >

It’s official: the Azores are now home to Europe’s largest protected marine sanctuary. Back in October 2024, this nine-island archipelago – adrift in the mid-Atlantic, 800 miles west of mainland Portugal – was granted a vast new Marine Protected Area. As well as safeguarding the health and biodiversity of deep-sea corals, the sanctuary will protect the archipelago’s many species of whales and dolphins.

A whale-watching trip is included on our Azores island-hopping experience, which also features a stay at São Miguel’s Terra Nostra Garden Hotel – situated in beautiful botanical gardens. From March 2025, hotel guests can enjoy the gardens’ newly enhanced thermal pools and Jacuzzis – including after these close for the day to the public.

Dip into the Azores >

2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II – a fitting moment to travel back in time to one of the conflict’s most poignant landscapes. Back in 1944, the beaches of northern France bore witness to the largest amphibious invasion of all time, and a visit to the D-Day landing sites – as well as their many associated monuments and museums – is an experience never to be forgotten.

As well as visiting all key landing sites, our leisurely walking holiday in Normandy takes you to historical Bayeux, a city of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses (as well as the famed Bayeux Tapestry – be quick, though, the Tapestry museum will close for two years of renovations from September 2025).

Step back in time in Normandy >

Have you heard of solar maximum? Put simply, it’s when the sun reaches its highest rate of activity in its 11-year cycle. We won’t go into the science – we’re experts in travel, not solar cycles! – but what we can tell you is that the 2025 solar maximum is excellent news for Northern Lights seekers.

It’s easy to think of the Northern Lights as solely a winter phenomenon, but in certain locations they’re visible almost all year round. Walk in Arctic Norway with us this September and not only will you encounter soaring peaks, pristine sandy beaches, and tranquil fishing villages, you’ll have a very good chance of seeing the night skies illuminated by the Aurora Borealis.

Seek the Lights in Senja >

It came as no surprise to us when Catalonia scooped the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025. We’ve long sang the praises of its superb cuisine, and taking time out to enjoy a fresh fish lunch at an idyllic seafront restaurant is one of the great joys of visiting the region.

In 2025, we also celebrate 30 years since our Catalan Coast walking holiday was first introduced. This laidback trail is an Inntravel favourite for good reason: explore medieval villages and pine-clad hills, relax on quiet coves and sandy beaches, swim each day in clear Mediterranean waters, and overnight in high-quality, family-run hotels.

Uncover unspoiled Catalonia >

When Jane Austen sent her most famous heroine to Pemberley, she is said to have had the magnificent Chatsworth House in mind. And if that’s the case, no wonder Elizabeth Bennet was delighted – Chatsworth never fails to impress with its vast, graceful gardens and beautiful, treasure-filled mansion. This year there’s even more reason to visit, as Chatsworth pays homage to the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth.

Choose our Peak District walking holiday and you’ll have ample opportunities to take a turn around this majestic pile – with a multi-day entry ticket for Chatsworth included in the cost of the holiday.

Delight in Derbyshire >

2025 is a Jubilee Year for pilgrims visiting Italy, celebrated only once every 25 years. Among our favourite pilgrimage routes is St Francis’ Way, a picturesque trail that traces the passage of the saint from Florence to Rome. We pick it up in Umbria, taking in fresco-filled churches, secret hermitages, and wayside chapels.

As you walk between Assisi and Spoleto, take time to appreciate Umbria’s lovely hill-top villages – much quieter than those of neighbouring Tuscany – and to admire the breathtaking Ponte delle Torri, Spoleto’s Roman bridge which has just reopened after eight years of closure.

Get inspired by Umbria >

As a tourist, receiving a friendly greeting from helpful locals who are willing to share their culture, language, and traditions with you can make all the difference to your overall travel experience. Throughout 2025, Wales is celebrating a Year of Croeso (‘Welcome’) – promising an especially warm reception to those who visit.

To immerse yourself in all Wales has to offer, choose between our two Welsh walking holidays: a dramatic journey through the Snowdonia National Park (‘Eryri’ in Welsh), or an exploration of the Brecon Beacons (‘Bannau Brycheiniog’) that takes you from the acclaimed Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to the hills and mountains beyond.

Embrace Wales >

Porto’s best known for its Port wine, but recently the city was named Europe’s Best Emerging Culinary City, making it a must-visit for foodies.

Expect to feast your eyes (and stomach) on classic local dishes like francesinha – a large sandwich made with melted cheese, meat, and a spicy tomato sauce – as well as more refined offerings such as bacalhau (salted cod). Pair these with walks and wine tastings through the Douro Valley for a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and nature.

Feast on Portugal >

If you plan on visiting Naples this year, you’ll be able to enjoy the series of special events and exhibitions organised to celebrate the city’s 2,500-year anniversary.

You can add a stay in Naples to our Amalfi Coast walking holiday, giving you ample opportunity to tour the city’s many sites including the Baroque church of Gesú Nuovo, the imposing Castel Nuovo, and the Museum and Art Gallery of Capodimonte. We also highly recommend a stroll along the Lungomare, Naples’ attractive seafront promenade.

Celebrate Naples >