Hikers ascending to Volastra in the Cinque Terre | Phil Wyndham
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New Italian Walking Trips For 2020
Italy is on trend for 2020 and our exciting new walking trips to the Beautiful Country give you more reason to step off the beaten path and explore authentic Italy.
Via Degli Dei: Bologna to Florence
The Way of the Gods, or
Via Degli Dei, connects two of Italy's most important art cities: Bologna and Florence. Walk on an ancient Roman road from Piazza Maggiore in the heart of Bologna to Piazza della Signoria, the main square of Florence and literally the Cradle of the Renaissance.
This ancient way is steeped in history and legends and owes its suggestive name to the mountains along the route: Mt. Adone, Mt. Giove, Mt. Venere and Mt. Lunario. It joined the town of Felsina (the Etruscan name of Bologna) to Faesulae, the original town of Florence. In Roman times the route was re-baptised as "Flaminia Militare" and paved with large flagstones still visible on the route today.
The area has a surprising variety of natural habitats: the Reno River valley is dominated by Pliocene era spurs and a series of rocky sandstone crags while higher up, huge beechwood trees shade your way as you gently ascend to the Piana del Mugello. Small medieval villages and solitary farm houses dot the hills. Looking down from high up in the Mugello hills you are rewarded with your first glimpse of Florence, before you descend on foot to this elegant city on the banks of the Arno.
Trans Tyrol – Innsbruck to the Dolomites
Follow the trails of pilgrims and smugglers as you depart from Innsbruck, home to the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics and continue through high mountain pastures with divine views of the Alps.
Encounter the peaceful setting of Maria Waldrast Abbey, one of Europe's highest monasteries; the picturesque town of Obernberg, nestled by a lake; and bask in the wonderful town of Trins, where you can explore its natural beauty and discover the Sarnthein waterfall, a viewpoint over the Stubai Alps and the holy St Barbara Chapel. Ascend to the Sandjochl mountain pass for spectacular panoramas of the Dolomites, a sight that heralds the path to Italy.
Finish the trip with a panoramic cable car ride to the vibrant city of Sterzing, which mixes Alpine customs with a Mediterranean flair. The storybook scenery of the Tyrol region, combined with welcoming mountain hospitality, make this an ideal option for keen alpine walkers.
Monte Rosa Alpine Walk
Also
Monte Rosa Alpine Walk – 6 Days
Portofino and the Cinque Terre Guided Walk
The Cinque Terre or 'five lands' is a stunning coastal area spread along the Ligurian coast in Italy. It consists of very steep rugged hillsides, which plunge dramatically into the sea. Quite unexpectedly, and against all odds, five vibrant fishing villages cling to the bottom of these hillsides just above the sea. The coastline, the villages, and the hillsides that envelope them are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
This guided group walking holiday is an excellent way to discover the Cinque Terre from the Ligurian coast between Portofino and Portovenere. Taking you up into the hillsides and away from the main tourist footpaths, you will walk through forests and vineyards, enjoying spectacular views down to the coast. The journey ends in Pisa, with a walk to view the Miracle Square with the imposing white Cathedral and Leaning Tower.
View Via Francigena Video
Watch the inspirational video on the beautiful Via Francigena camino trail in Italy.
Where's your next walking trip in Italy going to be? Where have you already travelled? We love hearing from you - let us know in the comments.