December 21, 2019

9 Trips that are 9 Days or Less

Looking for an unforgettable journey, but short on time? Here are a few of our trips that allow you to go on that once in a lifetime adventure, without using up all your vacation days!

Whether it’s hiking in the high Andes along the legendary Inca Trail, following the storied El Camino to Santiago de Compostela, or exploring phenomenal natural wonders in Costa Rica’s cloud forests, these award-winning itineraries will take you on an extraordinary journey—and get you back home in record time.

A view of Machu Picchu with its stone structures and terraces surrounded by lush green mountains under a cloudy blue sky—a must-see on any 9-day travel adventure.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | View Itinerary

The fabled lost city of Machu Picchu is the most magical of all Inca sites, and the best way to experience it is to hike the spectacular Inca Trail. We’ve perfected this journey over the past 40 years with a mix of campsites, including two which are exclusively for our groups, superb camp cuisine, and an overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge, set right at the gate of Machu Picchu. Hurry—permits sell out fast!

Hikers with backpacks trek along a mountain trail under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by green and rocky terrain. A small building is visible in the distance near a winding river, perfect for those considering a 9-day adventure.

Tour du Mont Blanc | View Itinerary

This classic trail circles glacier-clad Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe, crossing from France to Italy and into Switzerland—on foot! This is one of the “Great Hikes of the World,” and we’ve honed it to perfection with impeccably designed days, cozy overnights, and the best leaders in the Alps.

A stone marker with a yellow scallop shell symbol stands on a path, as travelers walk towards a village with a stone bell tower and scenic countryside in the background, capturing moments from their days of exploration.

Pilgrim’s Way | View Itinerary

Be part of a thousand-year-old tradition as you hike the ancient trail to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela on Spain’s legendary pilgrimage route. Our handcrafted journey offers you the best of this iconic trail, bringing you to its most beautiful landscapes and charming villages. Our expert Trip Leaders bring history alive with every step.

A lone llama stands on grassy terrain with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, capturing the essence of travel-worthy trips that can be experienced in 9 days or less.

Patagonia’s Wild North | View Itinerary

Hike awe-inspiring trails in a remote slice of Patagonia that is being hailed as “South America’s Yellowstone” for its epic landscapes and resurgent native wildlife—including the elusive puma and the endangered huemul. Your journey supports the exciting conservation efforts taking place in Chile’s new national park!

Two people sit near a cave by a waterfall, enjoying the lush greenery—a perfect spot for travelers on trips that last 9 days or less.

Costa Rica Wildlife | View Itinerary

Experience a tropical paradise with our team of expert naturalists. From cloud forests and volcanic trails to pristine beaches and the lush deltas of Tortuguero National Park. You’ll see monkeys, manatees, sloths, turtles, and phenomenal birdlife on this delightfully active adventure in the land of Pura Vida.

Panoramic view of a lake near the edge of a sheer cliff, with deep blue ocean waves crashing against the rocky coastline, under a cloudy sky—a perfect spot for one of your 9-day trips.

Hiking the Faroe Islands | View Itinerary

Still undiscovered by most travelers, the remote Faroe Islands provide some of the most otherworldly coastal scenery imaginable. Our journey will have you hiking among nesting puffins, above massive sea cliffs, and introduce you to the charming and unique culture of these fascinating islands.

A remote house sits at the foot of a towering, rugged mountain range under a blue sky with wispy clouds, making it the perfect spot for short vacations or inclusion in travel itineraries for 9-day trips.

Cortina Dolomites | View Itinerary

Experience some of Europe’s most dramatic mountains, with their pink rock spires, lush valleys, and storybook villages. With a choice of two hiking options each day, we’ll enjoy spectacular views and legendary cuisine in this world-renowned mountain realm of northern Italy.

Hikers walk down a grassy slope towards a rugged coastline with cliffs and the ocean in the background under a partly cloudy sky, marking the end of an unforgettable 9-day trip.

Ireland | View Itineraries

Our beloved Trip Leaders, Con Moriarty and Ann Curran, give you an insider’s experience of Ireland’s rich traditions, powerful history, and gorgeous landscapes. When we’re not hiking we’ll hear tales of clans and chieftains, enjoy lively pub evenings, and meet artists, farmers, and musicians.

Two hikers stand on a trail overlooking a scenic view of a mountain range and a blue lake surrounded by dense forest, ready for their 9-day travel adventure.

Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees | View Itineraries

Dramatic peaks, centuries-old stone-built villages, and the culinary treats of Basque, Aragon, and Catalan countries make the Spanish Pyrenees irresistible for both hiking and cultural exploration. Our route from Pamplona to Barcelona gives you a spectacular glimpse of this complex and breathtaking region.