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Short Breaks

Short Break Vacations

A short break is the easiest way to fit an active vacation into a busy schedule. Macs Adventure has spent over 20 years building self-guided trips that work in 4 or 5 days, so a few days away still feels complete rather than rushed.

Walk a highlight of a classic trail like the Cotswold Way, the West Highland Way or Hadrian's Wall, or follow Scotland's Fife coast. Savor Tuscany's Chianti hills and the Cinque Terre, or get a taste of the Alps on the Tour du Mont Blanc Short Break. Prefer two wheels? Bike through Provence or along the Algarve.

Join the 40,000+ travelers a year who explore with Macs Adventure, a leader in self-guided travel.

  • Cotswold Way

18 hand-picked routes

  • Scotland

    West Highland Way

    • Walking
    • 5–11 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
    from$1,885CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Hadrian's Wall Walk

    • Walking
    • 5–10 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,455CAD pp
    View Route
  • France · Italy · Switzerland

    Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

    • Walking
    • 5–14 days
    • Moderate - Challenging
    from$2,480CAD pp
    View Route
  • Scotland

    Great Glen Way & Loch Ness

    • Walking
    • 5–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,720CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Cotswold Way

    • Walking
    • 5–12 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
    from$1,675CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    The Cotswold Trail

    • Walking
    • 4–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,085CAD pp
    View Route
  • Scotland

    Fife Coastal Path

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,645CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Walking Portofino and the Cinque Terre

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Moderate
    from$1,510CAD pp
    View Route
  • Scotland

    The Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,710CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal

    Walking Sintra to Cascais

    • Walking
    • 5–7 days
    • Moderate
    from$1,640CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Classic Tuscany

    • Walking
    • 5 days
    • Moderate
    from$1,685CAD pp
    View Route
  • Republic of Ireland

    The Kerry Way

    • Walking
    • 5–12 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Challenging
    from$1,285CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    The Lake District Trail

    • Walking
    • 5–7 days
    • Moderate - Challenging
    from$1,620CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Classic Chianti

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$2,165CAD pp
    View Route
  • Republic of Ireland

    The Wicklow Way

    • Walking
    • 5–10 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,675CAD pp
    View Route
  • Japan

    Nakasendo Trail

    • Walking
    • 5–11 days
    • Moderate
    from$3,055CAD pp
    View Route
  • France

    Biking in Provence

    • Cycling
    • 5 days
    • Moderate
    from$2,315CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal

    Algarve Cycling Short Break

    • Cycling
    • 5 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$1,120CAD pp
    View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

  • Pilgrim standing in front of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Portugués Way

    I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!

    October 2026

    Camino de Santiago, Spain

  • A smiling hiker beside a West Highland Way marker post below a mountain

    Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided

    June 2026

    West Highland Way, Scotland

  • A hiker standing in a pasture amongst horses

    October 2026

    Hadrian's Wall Path, England

  • A hiker beside a wooden signpost by an ivy-covered wall

    June 2026

    Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England

  • A hiker stops on the trail for an interaction with a local cow

    August 2026

    Via Alpina, Switzerland

  • A group selfie in front of a river on a blue sky day

    In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try

    October 2026

    Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

Get to know Short Breaks

  • How many nights is a short break?

    Our short breaks run 4 or 5 days (3 to 4 nights), and we can add nights if you'd like more time

  • Which short breaks are most popular?

    Our most popular short breaks are Escape to the Cotswold Way, the West Highland Way Escape, the Fife Coastal Path Short Break and the Tour du Mont Blanc Short Break

  • When's the best time for a short break?

    Spring and fall suit most European short breaks, though some coastal and southern routes work through summer too

  • What's the terrain like?

    It varies by destination, from gentle countryside paths to coastal or hill routes, and every trip is graded before you book

  • Where do you stay?

    Handpicked B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels along your route

  • Do you handle luggage?

    Yes, on most short breaks luggage transfers are included, so you only carry a day pack. Check each trip page for details

  • How do I book a short break?

    Choose a destination and dates and our team handles the planning, accommodation and transfers

Need more info?