The Mountains Are Calling and We Are Jumping for Joy!
Europe has given the U.S. a green light for tourists to begin visiting again.
The time to travel has finally come! While we have been dreaming of a long day strolling through alpine meadows or an evening sipping wine by the Mediterranean, the international community has been working around the clock to restore tourism and loosen travel restrictions. Finally, summer is here, and the mountains are calling! Ryder-Walker is endeavoring to run every trip we can in a safe and conscientious manner. Join us as we celebrate the reopening of the Schengen Visa countries this summer with these guided trips that you can join today. Check out Ryder-Walker’s Guided Treks That You Can Still Join This Year!
Switzerland
Switzerland announced they are open to fully vaccinated travelers from the US and neither quarantine nor negative Covid-19 test will be required to enter. If you have not been vaccinated, you will not be allowed to enter Switzerland.
At Ryder-Walker we already have sign-ups for both our Matterhorn Trek and Highlights of Switzerland Tour! The Matterhorn Trek travels between Italy and Switzerland, circumnavigating the iconic Matterhorn. The Highlights Trek includes all of Switzerland’s most iconic locations, including the village of Zermatt which sits beneath the Matterhorn, the idyllic shores of Lago Maggiore, and the hidden valley of the Engadine!
Iceland
Iceland has had one of the most successful responses to the pandemic, keeping the number of confirmed cases in the hundreds. As a result, it is one of the best countries to travel to, with no serious curfew or shutdown restrictions in place. To travel to Iceland all you need is proof of vaccination and a Covid 19 rapid test upon arrival.
Our Remote Westfjords tour running in late August will take you through one of the most alien landscapes on earth. Explore the stark northern landscape, ride on chartered ferries between remote fjords, and get the chance to see stunning wildlife such as orca whales, puffins, and arctic foxes!
Austria & Germany
Austria and Germany, as part of Europe’s free travel or Schengen Zone, have announced both are open to international tourism with proof of vaccination. Both countries require a certificate of vaccination, certificate of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result.
Don your Lederhosen or Dirndl, the Bavarian countryside is calling! Reminiscent of the most classic countryside scenes in the Sound of Music, our High Peaks of Bavaria & Tyrol Trek is a journey through rolling hillsides with striking views of the jagged Tyrolean Alps.
France
Travelers to France from the US are permitted entry with proof of vaccination and a recent negative coronavirus test.
Ryder-Walker’s trips through France are based in the heart of the Alps. Iconic trips such as the Tour du Mont Blanc take you underneath the glaciated summits of the greatest giants of Western Europe. For those interested in traveling off the beaten path, the French Pyrenees are a quirky and often overlooked mountain range that straddle the border between France and Spain.
Italy
Entry to Italy is possible for tourists traveling from the US who can provide proof of vaccination by showing the “white Card” with the CDC logo, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative PCR- or rapid-antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival can travel to Italy without observing an isolation period on arrival.
The Italian Dolomites are one of the most soulful mountain ranges in the world. All the Italian passion for life and food are combined with the unique limestone formations of the towering Dolomites. Highlights include the unique Ladin region, where the Ladin people continue to speak the closest living language to Latin.
Spain
Vaccinated Americans are permitted to travel to Spain. Spain had a particularly difficult time in the earlier period of the pandemic; however the country has rebounded successfully and the country is opening quickly.
Ryder-Walker’s Haute Pyrenees trek is an engaging hike that travels along the French and Spanish border. Of particular note is the time spent in the Spanish Basque Country which is one of the most unique regions on earth and home to both a living ancient culture and many historic walled cities.
Croatia
Croatia was one of the first European Nations to open to travelers after the pandemic. Entry is possible under familiar circumstances: a vaccination, negative viral test, or proof of recovery.
Hiking in Croatia comes with the delightful addition of ferry rides between unique Croatian islands such as the isle of Miljet, a location included in Odysseus’ legendary naval journey. Another highlight of the region is the chance to visit the historic city of Dubrovnik, a walled city with almost entirely historic architecture and the shooting location of King’s Landing in the Game of Thrones television series. Our Croaia: The Dalmation Coast this September is not to be missed.
Portugal
Portugal is allowing travel from foreign countries with proof of vaccination and potentially a negative antibody test within 48 hours. While Portugal and Spain experienced strict lockdowns, the businesses and nightlife of these vibrant countries have begun to reopen.
Our Southwestern Scenic Coastal Trek is the closest you can come to paradise. This stunning coastal walk offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, vineyard tours, and the chance to explore the bohemian alleyways of Lisbon. One of Ryder-Walker’s newer tours, the Scenic Coastal Trek is a trek we are confident will become a classic. It is not only worth experiencing but even revisiting as Portugal has so many unique adventures to offer.
United Kingdom
Although the UK is open to travel from the United States, we are still listed as an “Amber” country in their travel restriction system. Functionally what this means is travel is allowed with proof of vaccination and a short quarantine upon arrival. We are awaiting the UK to move America to the Green list where you only must provide a negative test result on arrival, with no requirement to self-isolate at all.
Join other enthusiastic travelers on our Rob Roy Way and Cotswolds Trek. The Rob Roy Way is an historic trail that follows the life and times of the legendary Rob Roy, a real-life Robin Hood. Deep woods, stunning lochs, and charming shepherd’s villages are all part of the Scottish Highland experience. The Cotswolds is perhaps the most charming region in the world, with thatched roofs, teatime cafes, and the ruins of medieval era castles dotting the countryside. Join our guided trip to England this September for a trek that promises countless, wonderful memories.
United States
Travel to the United States from the European Union remains closed while travel is open with proof of vaccination from our North American neighbors. Travel within the United States is completely open, although vaccination is still highly recommended and required for our guided treks. The American Southwest of the United States is recovering well from the pandemic, with tourism-focused businesses opening at a healthy rate.
Our Rocky Mountain Highlife Trek explores the hometown of Ryder-Walker. This trip gives you the chance to explore the villages and mountains we all fell in love with. Highlights include the striking high desert landscape, mountain lakes, and ghost towns from the region’s mining era.
For those looking to explore the painted desert, we recommend our Sedona, Arches, and Canyonlands Tour which explores multiple national parks and monuments. Wander through deep canyons, discover river oases, and explore one of the most striking landscapes in the United States in this classic trek.
Latin America
Travel to Peru from the United States is open. Peru even has vaccines available for visitors from the US! Peru is opening in a safe way with outdoor dining and social distancing measures in place in most regions.
The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is the best way to approach the legendary Machu Picchu ruins. Less traveled than the Incan Trail, the Salkantay trail also boasts a collection of excellent eco-lodges to stay in while exploring the heights of the Andes.
Explore all of our trips here. We hope to hike with you this summer!
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