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The Best Walking & Hiking Tours in Italy

Discover Italy on an affordable walking holiday

Italy is home to some of the world's best hiking trails because it has been blessed with a diverse and beautiful landscape. 

Italy has such a mix of terrain, from the peaks of the Dolomites, islands of Sardinia, the lakes district near Como, the spectacular coastline paths of Amalfi and Cinque Terre, the other-worldliness of Puglia, and the green heart of Italy in Umbria and Tuscany; not to mention the allure of the Via Francigena and St Francis Way, otherwise known as Italy's Camino.

However it's not just the land that creates unforgettable walking experiences in Italy. The food and culture is unique to each region of Italy and on a walking tour you will completely immerse yourself within the local way of life.

Here we list the best walking tours in Italy that you can explore on an affordable self guided or small group walking holiday.

 

  1. Walking in Puglia

  2. Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi cave dwellings |  <i>Ross Baker</i>

     

    Our Walking in Puglia tour is one of our most popular holidays in Italy, and rightly so. If you are unfamiliar with the Italian region of Puglia, in the 'heel' of the country, you will be gobsmacked by the fascinating architecture, history, and culture. 

    Highlights of Walking in Puglia are being mesmerised by landscapes of red earth, olive groves and vineyards; exploring the maze of narrow streets in the white city of Ostuni; and perhaps best of all, is staying in authentic accommodation with a couple of nights in a typical 'trullo' hotel room. If you'd like to read of more reasons to explore Puglia, see why we think you should take an active holiday in Puglia.

  3. Cinque Terre Walk

  4. The stunning village of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre |  <i>Rachel Imber</i>

    Fully absorb the breathtaking scenery of the colourful Cinque Terre townships on this wonderful walking tour. The Cinque Terre Walk is a 7 day self guided walk where you make your own way around the five towns of the Mediterranean coastline. This trip is graded as introductory to moderate, so it is quite accessible and achievable for all levels of fitness.

    Highlights of this walking holiday include exploring the charming towns of Corniglia, Vernazza, La Spezia and Riomaggiore. There is ample time for impromptu swim stops in the clear waters and the only reason you'll want to exit the water is to fetch a delicious gelato. 

  5. Walking in the Dolomites

  6. Heading towards the Auronzo Hut in the Dolomites

     

    Discover the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites on this superb hiking holiday. The Walking in the Dolomites tour is an 8 day self guided journey that explores the striking cliffs and peaks of the Dolomite mountain range. It's not just alpine views however, there are low valleys filled with orchards, vineyards and fields to admire as well. 

    Highlights of this hike include seeing the Tre Cime mountain group, which is a famous block of three vertical sided, finger like towers; viewing the high cliffs of the Tofana, Sella and Marmolada massifs; and celebrating each days' rewarding walk with the local food and drink in the alpine restaurants.

  7. Lake Como Walk

  8. Above Lake Como

    The Lake Como Walk tour is a centre based experience, meaning you only have to unpack once as you explore walking trails of the surrounding area. In this case, you stay in the delightful town of Menaggio which sits alongside Lake Como. From here, you can explore the various beautiful gardens and estates that the Como lakes are famous for, such as Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi. 

    Highlights of this gentle self guided walking holiday is taking the ferry that crosses Lake Como to Bellagio and Varenna, walking to the Church of Saint Lucio that sits on the border of Italy and Switzerland, and perhaps spotting a celebrity like George Clooney as they (and you!) relax in the peaceful setting.

  9. Via Francigena: Italy's Camino Pilgrimage

  10. Pilgrim walking into St Peters in Rome at the end of the Via Francigena |  <i>Tim Charody</i>

    The Via Francigena is Italy's version of Spain's world famous Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage trail begins high in the Swiss Alps, from the Great St Bernard Pass, and ends in the Eternal City of Rome. The full Via Francigena takes 50 days to complete and is truly a once in a lifetime achievement. UTracks have also segmented the Via Francigena into more achievable sections so you can experience this great trail without time constraints.

    The most popular stretch is from Orvieto to Rome, which is a 10 day stage that rewards walkers with the historical end point in Rome. Or you can walk the Best of Tuscany which showcase the highlights of one of Italy's most classic regions. There are two options for a guided walking tour of the Via Francigena, with the 13 day 'Best of the Via Francigena' trip, and the 'Food Lover's Via Francigena' tour that pairs great walking with fine food and wine.

  11. Rome and the Amalfi Coast on Foot

  12. The Mediterranean from Ravello

    This Top 10 walks of Italy just keeps getting better, doesn't it?! Here we have the Rome and the Amalfi Coast on Foot walking tour, another unmissable hike to do in Italy. This takes you on some essential Italian activities: climbing Mount Vesuvius, exploring the exquisite island of Capri, walking the spectacular 'Path of the Gods' along the Amalfi coastline.

    Want more? You can also sample fresh local produce like wines, cheeses, and the regions famous limoncello liqueur. Explore the ruined city of Pompeii and witness ancient life trapped in volcanic ash. Wander the beautiful streets of Sorrento and gasp at the breathtaking coast views. And also take on the fascinating history of Ancient Rome with an expert local guide.

    This particular tour is an immersive 8 day experience; if you'd like further great walking tours along the Amalfi Coast be sure to read our Best Walking Tours on the Amalfi Coast list.

  13. Gran Paradiso Adventure

  14. The Gran Paradiso National Park offers spectacular alpine walking

    Looking for an alpine trek that's not the Tour du Mont Blanc? Try the Gran Paradiso Adventure hiking tour. This is a 7 day guided alpine walk that leads you through Italy's first national park, the Gran Paradiso National Park. Here it's possible to spot wild ibex and chamois every day as they inhabit this protected area.

    Highlights include exceptional views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn Ranges, postcard perfect scenes of rugged valleys covered with wildflowers and snow, and each night enjoying the camaraderie of other trekkers in the charming, character-filled mountain refuges.

  15. Exploring Tuscany Hilltop Towns

  16. Cypress Avenue near Montalto |  <i>John Millen</i>

    Does life get more romantic than a stroll through the Tuscany Hilltops? Explore classic Tuscan scenery on the this relaxed pace holiday that takes you on a 8 day self guided journey. This walk takes you along steep valleys, dense forests, rivers and the legendary “badlands” eroded clay slopes.

    It's a perfect introduction to the region for people who love medieval villages, hilltop towns, fine wine, food and vineyards. There's also opportunity to visit the Renaissance city of Pienza, which is beautiful.

  17. A Saunter in Sardinia

  18. The picturesque island of Sardinia, Italy

    Visit the Italian island of Sardinia and you won't be disappointed. It's an inspiring island that's full of natural beauty. While on the fun walking tour, A Saunter in Sardinia, you'll spot white sand beaches, ancient Roman ruins, the Vernaccia vineyards and an abundance of bird life with large colonies of pink flamingoes and grey herons.

    Hear how another hiker reviewed the trip: "If you want to get away from typical tourist trails and enjoy hiking this is an ideal trip. The walk takes you from the beautiful mountain area of Santu Lussurgiu (where the accommodation has a Michelin plate restaurant) down to the western coast of Sardinia and its stunning cliffs. The accommodation was perfect and there was the opportunity to dine on delicious Italian fare in each town. I would do the same trip again!"

  19. St Francis Way: Italian Camino

  20. The hilltop town of Anghiari along the St Francis Way in western Tuscany

    The St Francis Way is a Camino pilgrimage route inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi. It connects the historic cities of Florence and Rome by way of an ancient Roman road, and the route showcases the picturesque beauty of Tuscany and Umbria. Think forests, olive groves and orchards sprinkled with churches and tiny cobble-stone villages.

    The St Francis Way is broken into several stages that are ably walked. The route beings in the town of Chiusi and continues until you reach the Eternal City of Rome. There are various 7 day walking stages between, and all of them are self guided allowing for great flexibility while walking.

 

 



 

>> Browse our full range of walking tours in Italy.  

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