7. Cinque Terre Hike, Italy
Long regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy, the Cinque Terre hike is an easy day hike between villages perched on the rugged seashore mountains. Strolling along this ancient route with the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea below will make you forget about the effort expended.
The best way to walk the Cinque Terre hike is to start at Monterosso and end at Riomaggiore. Take your time and stop for a mid-morning cappuccino and biscotti, follow it up with a bit more walking before you stop for a delightful lunch. Tear yourself away from the view at your lunch spot and walk for a while longer until you feel the need for an afternoon espresso.
If you base yourself in La Spezia, you can walk the trail and then take the train back to your hotel. A daily pass is required to walk the trail, and you can buy it at the ticket booths along the trail. The best deal is to buy a combined train and trail day pass.
8. Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is a 53-kilometer (33-mile) epic trek on New Zealand’s South Island that takes in some of the finest scenery the country has to offer. Over five days, you’ll pass by innumerable waterfalls, including Sutherland Falls, New Zealand’s highest.
Cold, clear alpine lakes; beautiful meadows; glaciers; and towering mountain peaks take their turn amazing you as you stroll along each day. Accommodation is in basic alpine huts or in more comfortable private lodges, both of which need to be booked well in advance.
This area of New Zealand has changeable weather, and it can be very wet. The area gets an astounding nine meters (30 feet) of rain each year.
