Collett’s Mountain Holidays is a family-owned UK company specializing in walking holidays in Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. The company first built its reputation with flexible, center-based walking holidays in Italy’s Dolomites before expanding to destinations in Austria, Switzerland, and Tuscany. Today, they remain focused on providing relaxed, well-organized hiking holidays that combine independence with excellent on-the-ground support.
While Collett’s offers a range of guided hut-to-hut and inn-to-inn walking holidays, what makes them unique is their center-based walking holidays. Guests walk independently during the day using detailed route notes and navigation tools, but benefit from the presence of dedicated local walking hosts who help plan the best routes to suit your individual needs. One of the most distinctive elements of a Collett’s holiday is their evening “Office Hour” — a casual social gathering where guests can meet staff and fellow walkers, share stories from the day’s hike, and plan the next day’s adventure. This is GOLD in the walking holiday world and one of the reasons we absolutely love this company!
Review of Collett's Mountain Holidays
Collett’s Mountain Holidays is a great option for travelers who want the freedom of a self-guided walking holiday but still appreciate the reassurance of expert local support. Their signature center-based model allows guests to settle into one comfortable hotel for several nights while exploring the surrounding mountain region through a variety of daily walks. The company puts a strong emphasis on personal service and local expertise. Their UK-based team has direct experience living in many of the destinations they offer, and their on-site walk teams are available daily to help you select routes that match your ability level and interests.
Another standout feature is the community aspect of their trips. The optional evening Office Hour provides a relaxed way to meet other travelers, share hiking tips, and learn more about the region. This simple idea has become a tradition among returning guests and helps create a welcoming atmosphere that many larger tour operators struggle to replicate. Collett’s strong base of repeat travelers speaks volumes about the quality of the experience.
For those seeking winter hikes, Collett’s offers a hybrid snowshoe tour in Italy’s South Tyrol that combines guided and self-guided hiking routes, as well as cross-country and downhill skiing.
And last but not least, accommodations are listed by name on the website and some tours let you choose whether you want 4-5* or 2-3* options.
Things to Like about Collett's Mountain Holidays
More than 25 years specializing in mountain walking holidays
- Offers supported center-based walking holidays, the perfect sweet spot and rare amongst hiking companies
- Good selection of inn to inn hiking in carefully chosen locations that are equally beautiful alternatives to more crowded regions
- Comfortable hotels (usually 4*) with great food and warm hospitality, often family-run in beautiful mountain villages
- Many tours are half-board and include dinner (with option to self-cater at lower cost)
- Provides Full Walk Packs with print maps, detailed walking notes and navigation GPS app
- Several tours include local transport passes, giving free use of buses, trains & chairlifts to access hiking trails
- A small company feel with expert knowledgeable staff who specialize in mountain walking holidays
Their classic center-based holidays include a wide selection of routes with varying levels of difficulty (easy/moderate/challenging)
- Consistent 5-star reviews on Trustpilot and Google
Route Types
- Center based hiking
- Hut to hut hiking
- Inn to inn hiking
Destinations
- Austria
- France
- Italy
- Portugal
- Romania
- Spain
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Great Choice for
- Travelers who enjoy self-guided hiking but want local support available
Walkers who prefer staying in one scenic base village rather than moving hotels frequently
Couples or small groups looking for a relaxed, social atmosphere
- Beginners who are unsure of what they’re capable of walking each day
Established in 1997
Last reviewed March 2026