Frequently Asked Questions

What is included?

There are no hidden extras on the tours, and if an itinerary includes a cooking class, a wine tasting or a visit to a cheese producer, this is included. If we stop for a coffee and cake mid-hike, or an ice-cream perhaps at the end of an afternoon, then this is also taken care of by us. 

Is The Gourmet Hiking Company a fully bonded tour operator?

Yes, The Gourmet Hiking Company is a fully bonded tour operator. For full details, please visit our Travel Credentials page.

What is the average age of the hikers?

GHC holidays are renowned for the compatibility of their groups but there is no ‘average group’. The combinations are endless – couples, single travellers, friends travelling together, young and old, and from many different walks of life. The trips are designed around a shared interest and love of hiking, food, wine and an evening around the table. As such we tend to attract like-minded people who like each other!

Hikers typically come from English-speaking countries all over the world, so the groups are an interesting mix of friendly, like-minded travellers. Really nice people! 

How many people will be in the group?

Typically, we are groups of 8 guests with 2 members of staff bringing the total party number to 10. The absolute maximum number of guests in any tour group is 16.

What if I am travelling on my own?

Our holidays are made up of solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends, all are welcome! Mealtimes are relaxed, convivial affairs and are ideal for anyone who enjoys sharing wonderful food and sparkling conversation! All solo travellers are allocated their own double rooms for single use, subject to a nominal single supplement. Please get in touch so we can chat this through together.

How fit do I need to be? How long are the hikes?

If you are active and enjoy walking, you can choose from any of our holidays. Our detailed daily itinerary describes the length, grading and gradients for each days hike, to give you complete clarity as to the planned route. Our Hiking guide is always available before and during the holiday to talk this through further, please just let us know.

There is also a support vehicle on hand so that guests can choose to walk as much or as little as they please. The only exception to this is high mountains days where, on occasion, there is no road access on our route.

Do I need special clothing?

It is essential to come equipped with waterproof walking boots and quick-drying walking shirts and trousers or shorts. A lightweight day rucksack is also recommended, but we have lots of advice about what to bring on the Walking kit and checklist, there’s a link here. Space in the support vehicles is limited, so it is extremely important to travel light.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

When you book your tour, we kindly ask you to let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements. We share this information in advance with our hotels, restaurants and tour team to ensure everything is carefully considered throughout your journey.

In most cases, dietary needs can be accommodated without difficulty, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience with confidence.

What if I don’t want to hike or have a different plan?

You don’t have to hike! On our guided holidays you can either get a lift with the Tour Manager to the lunch location or the next hotel, or we can suggest options to allow you to walk for part of the day. If the itinerary does not involve a hotel change on a given day, you can simply stay in town and explore, maybe join (or not join) the group for lunch or dinner. The Tour Leader will discuss the next day’s options with the group every evening.

Our tours are designed to hike as a group, we carefully plan each one taking into account daily detailed timings, gradings, fitness requirements, etc. If however, you have a preference to hike on a different route at a more challenging pace or maybe alone, please get in touch and we can discuss your preferences. We will, if practicalities allow, do everything we can to accommodate your requests. 

What do the Tour Manager and Hiking Guide do? What are their responsibilities?

Every GHC holiday has at least two full time staff (sometimes we have three or four team members, depending on group size) at your service from the moment they welcome you at the airport through to the end-of-trip airport transfer.

The Tour Manager looks after the practical side of the trip – luggage transport, hotels, food and drink. The Hiking Guide will lead each day’s walk; after dinner each evening they will tell you about the following day’s itinerary, weather reports and things to look forward to. The hiking guide will have excellent knowledge of the hikes and the overall trip and will provide you with two-minute ‘sound bites’ during the hikes to keep you informed and entertained. If you want to know more, please let us know; this way you get to know as much (or as little) as you like.

How do I make a booking

You can make a booking via the website, by phone or email detailed in the ‘Contact Us‘ section. To secure your booking, we require a £500 deposit for each person travelling, and the final balance will be due 60 days prior to departure. We will send your detailed booking confirmation, and further documentation closer to departure. 

Can children go on Gourmet hiking tours?

The minimum age on our guided holidays is 18, unless you are booking a private trip for family & friends.

Do you offer private trips?

Yes. All of our guided holidays can be booked privately; you can book a set departure or a date to suit you (subject to availability). In most instances, if the group is 13-16 clients, we will offer the trip at the published price. For 8 or fewer guests, we would provide a bespoke costing.

What about flights?

Flights are not included in the price of your GHC holiday. We will advise you of the group itinerary on the first and last day and estimated transfer time to and from the airport to enable you to book compatible flights.

Travel Insurance 

It is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:

While many credit cards include travel insurance when you pay using the card, the level of cover may be limited. It is important to check that it meets your expectations, particularly for cancellation, curtailment and medical expenses, which are often not fully covered.

What if there is an emergency?

Our holidays are fully supported. Your Tour Manager can be contacted 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. During the hikes, the hiking guide will be constantly present and is trained and ready to deal with any scenario that may occur.