The Via Degli Dei is a fantastic walk - 2 great Italian cities and stunning landscapes every day which made the tough climbs worthwhile. They dealt with everything once we arrived, the accommodation was good and varied which added to the appeal of the trip. It's helpful to have some basic Italian as a couple of places did not speak English but everyone was so friendly. Will use them again - we are already planning next year's trip!
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Florence, Bologna, Sasso Marconi
Florence, Bologna, Sasso Marconi, Monzuno, Bruscoli, San Piero A Sieve, Olmo, Fiesole
We loved our walking trip the land of Barolo and Barbera. We learnt an enormous amount about the Piedmont and experienced firsthand the vineyards and wineries of the area. The scenery was amazing. The walk was easy to intermediate but we had some extremely hot weather which was unexpected, making the walk more challenging, but without the heat it would’ve been a very pleasant and manageable walk. Accommodation along the way was terrific. The transfers and other administrative aspects of the walk went incredibly smoothly. The last hotel was amazing with Carlo the owner of the restaurant and hotel being an amazing chef and host. But many others were wonderful as well. The accomodation and restaurant in Cissone was also worthy of special comment. The trip notes said it may be possible to buy lunch along the way but it is generally best to be prepared with your own food. Sometimes there is nothing available or open. We would highly recommend the trip. We went back over the route by car two weeks later which expanded our knowledge and understanding and love of the area.
A stunning walk around Lake Como. Lake Como is a gorgeous blue watery ribbon carved between the adjacent mountains - for a length of 46km - during the last ice age by powerful glaciers. It has an average depth of 154m but at its deepest dives to 410m. It branches into two legs at a junction between the attractive villages of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio on opposing lakeshores. At the end of the western limb of the lake is the attractive city of Como, which is the starting point of this walking tour. The area was no secret to the Romans who once built villas along its length, and many of the wealthy came to retire by the lake. Many of these villas have admirable gardens which benefit from the mild climate induced by the stabilising presence of 22.5km³ of lake water and are able to include tropical as well as temperate plants. With the advent of resort-type tourism from Victorian times, hotels were built for wealthy European and American tourists who promenaded around the lakeshore and into the surrounding hills. You too can discover the attractions and beauty of the area with a unique selection of walks, ferry crossings and variety of hotel locations.
The Dolomites are a beautiful part of the world and this trip didn't disappoint!!!
From airport pick up to drop off, I felt in safe hands.
Our hotel was perfectly placed near the centre of town and only a short distance from the bus station. Food at the hotel was delicious and we had 5 courses every night, just what you need to fuel a good hike!
Our walks gave us the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the mountains and lakes. Around every corner was another WOW!!!! We tackled a range of terrain from woodland and meadow to the rocky paths around the Tre Cime.
Nigel, our guide, was fab. He made sure we all got on and off buses, offered alternatives so people could tailor the walks to their ability and was very knowledgeable about the region & it's history. Best of all, he kept us entertained with myths & legends about dwarves, princesses and of course marmots!!!
Thanks Nigel & Explore! for a fantastic holiday!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Dobbiaco, Lake Braies, B
Venice, Dobbiaco, Lake Braies, Bolzano, Tre Cimene, Strudelkopf
Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
Very well organised trip. Logistics were excellent, accommodation was comfortable and central to all amenities of the towns. Hike maps and notes were extremely detailed. I would highly recommend them and am considering another trip in the near future.
Escape the crowds with remote mountain walking exploring northern Tuscany. The Apuane Alps are a remote area of northern Tuscany - a world away from the towns and rolling hills of the south. There are few other walkers and the villagers make you feel truly welcome. This walk has many attractive ingredients, from wide mountain vistas, to remote hamlets surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. From the small unassuming town of Fornaci di Barga you'll enter the Apuane forests, climbing up through chestnut woods and dropping down through vineyards to the ancient village of Verni, home to an impressive series of limestone massifs rising up to 2000m. The Apuanes are famous for their scenery of white marble towers, abysses and the largest cave system in Italy. During the walk you'll explore remote chapels, climb Monte Forato (1223m) and visit the 'Grotta del Vento' with its subterranean lakes. You'll also have the option to ascend Pania della Croce (1860m) before visiting the hermitage at Calomini.
NB : On this tour there is a maximum of 2 single rooms available.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga
Tuscany, Lucca, Fornaci Di Barga, Verni, Fornovolasco, Monte Forato, Eremo Di Calomini
This trip on Rewilding the Apennines took us on incredible walks to magnificent views that made us feel we were the only people on earth. We had the opportunity to walk within an European old growth forest and see wolves, chamois, deer, a golden eagle and other wild animals (a bear in action on a camera-trap but not real life, unfortunately!). The walks were just the right amount of challenging and we trekked through stunning wilderness with our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Andrea - a former forester, who enhanced our experience with deep knowledge of the trees, animals and forest ecology. One of the days spent with the Rewilding Apennines team helped give an extra level of expertise about the challenges of nature preservation and community education. The meals on this trip were always freshly cooked and delicious!
Trekking and HikingWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a great holiday. The hotel was in a perfect location at the quieter northern end of Lake Como with beautiful views of the lake and the Alps. Walks were varied. Tour leader Kristians was excellent and the group all got on well.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a journey through southern Italy, from Naples (the birthplace of pizza) to Sicily’s Catania, exploring the best spots along the way. For those seeking to venture off Italy’s beaten path, Calabria offers clear waters and the stalwart fortifications of Tropea, as well as active volcanoes on the Aeolian Islands. With plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun by the seaside, you’ll also take a boat ride to the coves of Toarmina, indulge in local granita and maybe even take a dip in Sulphur springs. This trip promises a blend of culture, nature, history and cuisine – truly embodying the essence of Italy!
Sightseeing ToursVolcanoes
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Catania
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Catania, Minori, Naples, Civita, Tropea, Reggio Calabria
The trip was fabulous -beautiful places , lovely hotel and friendly warm staff , excellent food wine and our leader Veriano was so kind engaging fun and made the trip even more enjoyable and our group was fabulous. Would go back tomorrow! Highly recommend it!
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Villa
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Bomeran
Amalfi Coast & Campania, Bomerano, Atrani, Sorrento, Mount Vesuvius, Conca Dei Marini, Naples, Amalfi