Now in its 20th year, Alpine Exploratory has grown from modest beginnings to become a leading provider of European self-guided walking holidays, offering a range of bucket-list trips throughout the Alps, the Dolomites, Scandinavia and Scotland, as well as a number of lesser-known hiking destinations.
Accommodation, baggage transfers, complete navigation support (maps, route descriptions and GPX tracks) and extensive local information are all provided in one neat package by this small Edinburgh-based team.
If you’re aiming to tick off a world-famous route like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Alta Via 1, you’ll have many tour operators to choose from, so why book with Alpine Exploratory?
“We’re still a small company, even after twenty years, so we really pride ourselves on the personal touch,” explains owner Simon Stevens, who founded Alpine Exploratory in 2005 after escaping his corporate career in London. And Simon’s three founding principles remain key to the company’s approach today.
“First, every single member of the team is a hiker. We lace up our boots each year and get out on our routes to check them out for ourselves, so we really are very well equipped to advise you on your holiday. Second, we’re totally flexible.
"We don’t sell pre-booked packages – instead, we’ll listen to your preferences in terms of daily distances, types of accommodation etc, and create a trip that suits you.
"And third, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service. From the minute you first enquire with us, you’ll be chatting to a real human, and we’re only ever a phone call away should you need us during your trip, thanks to our daily on-call service.”
Alternatively, if you’re ready to get a bit further off the beaten track, the team at AE have some great options for you.
Explore quieter Alpine trails on the Via Alpina in Switzerland, dive into the Swedish wilderness on the Kungsleden, or check out the most beautiful corner of Ireland on the scenic Kerry Way. Whether you’re looking for comfortable hotel stays or a back-to-basics hut adventure, Alpine Exploratory have a trip to suit you.
Alpine Exploratory helped over 1,000 customers enjoy a seamless, hassle-free hiking holiday this year. Will you be one of them next season?
Check out the website for details and prices for all trips: www.alpineexploratory.com