Cinque Terre

After exploring the area on my Highlights of Italy tour, I left with memories of one of the most fulfilling 48-hours full of food, sunshine and challenging hikes.

Think about striking natural scenery you’ve witnessed around the world, and places like the Grand Canyon and Victoria Falls would probably spring to mind. But, did you know there’s a wealth of beautiful places just waiting to be discovered in Europe too?

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the spectacular coastline, the dream Italy trip can be yours – whether you’re thinking of adventuring on your own, or solo on a small group tour.

Your life will quite possibly be incomplete if you don’t take in Florence’s awe-inspiring views, Venice’s dreamy waterways, Cinque Terre’s colourful villages, and Rome’s majestic sites.

In addition to sharing food and cocktails, and serving as my trekking sherpas, my group helped me experience Italy in ways that went far beyond the guidebook.

Europe’s varied geography lends itself to hundreds of day walks that require nothing more than an average level of fitness and good shoes.

We don’t want to attribute it solely to the Instagram age, but there’s just something so exciting about trying to capture those pastel shades, bright buildings, and vibrant colors.

The Cinque Terre dates back to the early medieval period and is considered by many to be the most romantic stretch of the Italian Riviera.