Walking holidays in Italy
Arguably one of the most romantic places on the planet, few places rival Italy for sparkling Mediterranean beaches, rolling hills, vineyard-studded countryside, hilltop towns, architectural treasures, and art-rich cities.
But that’s not all. When it comes to walking holidays in Europe, Italy spoils visitors with a much drooled-over landscape. Whether it’s walking the Amalfi Coast’s famous Path of the Gods, strolling around Lake Garda, exploring Mont Blanc, or taking hikes in the mighty Dolomites, our selection is a gamechanger.
As well as incredible walks, we also offer mouthwatering food and wine experiences. Learn to cook traditional southern Italian cuisine in Puglia, enjoy olive oil and Marsala wine-tasting in Sicily, or make your own gelato in Amalfi.
Alternatively, if you fancy exploring on two wheels, we also offer a selection of cycling holidays.
Fall in love with Lake Garda
Glistening at the foot of the Dolomites and spread across three regions (Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino-Alto Adige) in northern Italy, Lake Garda is the country’s largest lake by surface area (143 square miles). Mused about by the likes of Goethe, DH Lawrence, and Byron, it rewards with secluded beaches, olive groves, and shoreside towns that take centre stage. Visit Malcesine for its cobbled streets, artisan shops, and scenic rides on the Funivia Malcesine cable car and enjoy a boat trip across to Limone – the picturesque town clinging to the rocks on the lake’s north-western shore. As for walks, you can trek through the forested foothills of Monte Baldo and follow dramatic alpine trails littered with fascinating WWI relics.
Explore Lake Maggiore
While Lake Garda grabs all the attention, Lake Maggiore is equally magnificent. At over 41 miles in length, the country’s longest lake is backed by the snow-topped Alps stretching all the way into neighbouring Switzerland. It’s also far less crowded than its counterparts, making for an altogether more relaxing lakeside escape. We use the chic resort of Stresa as a base for spectacular hikes in the Anzasca Valley, journeys through the foothills of Mount Rosa, and visits to postcard-worthy towns like Cannero and Cannobio near the Swiss border.
Discover Abruzzo
Known as the wild heart of Italy, Abruzzo is one of Europe’s last true wildernesses – an unspoilt outpost of rampant wildflower meadows, rocky mountains, and ancient forests filled with bears, wolves, and big cats. Our guided walking holidays in Italy take you to Abruzzo National Park, a protected area full of UNESCO-listed natural wonders and little villages clinging to the hillsides. Highlights include a walk through the primeval beech forests around Val Fondillo, an ascent up the 1,850m summit of Monte Amaro, and a hike along Val Di Rose – one of the park’s most iconic routes.
Hike the Brenta Dolomites
Located between Lake Garda and Selva, the Brenta Dolomites are the headline act of northern Italy’s UNESCO-listed Adamello Brenta Natural Park. These jagged limestone peaks give way to alpine pastures and pristine lakes, providing a dramatic backdrop to hundreds of spectacular walking trails. Stay in the mountain village of Madona Di Campiglio and hop between high plateaus using the handy network of cable cars ready to take on everything from sky-high ridge walks to forested rambles, all steeped in fascinating WWI history.
Fall in love with Sicily
The largest island in the Mediterranean rewards visitors with cultural riches and culinary thrills aplenty. It's also where you'll find a mix of white sandy beaches, medieval streets, pretty fishing villages, Baroque towns, fertile wine country, and a mild climate for much of the year. There’s a lot to love about the food and wine here, too. Our holidays to Italy’s sister island mix scenic walks and memorable dining experiences.
