Italy walking & hiking tours

It really depends on the trip you’re taking – but don’t worry, you don’t need to be an ultra-marathoner to enjoy our adventures.  

For our walking and hiking trips in places like the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast, a moderate level of fitness is ideal. You’ll be walking around two to four hours per day, often on steep hills, stone steps and cobblestone streets. If you’re comfortable with a bit of uphill walking and being on your feet for a few hours, you’ll do great.  

For our more challenging trips in the mountains, like the Mont Blanc or Dolomites itineraries, a higher level of fitness is recommended. You’ll be hiking up to 14 km (8.6 miles) per day and reaching an altitude of 2500 m (8200 ft), where there’s a slight risk of altitude-related symptoms. The trails can be demanding at times, but there’s time built in each day to recover.  

Absolutely. Our trips in Amalfi and Cinque Terre are a great start for anyone wanting to dip their toes into an active trip. While there is a lot of walking involved in these trips, there are options to hop on the bus instead and rest your legs. The Path of the Gods in Amalfi is a great beginner’s hike – there are some steep sections and steps but it’s not too demanding and offers a lot of views for not too much work.  

The best time of year to hike in Italy are the months of May, June, September and October for beautiful weather, sunny days and less crowds. These are great times along the coast and in countryside regions like Cinque Terre, Amalfi and Tuscany, when the trails are vibrant with blooming flowers or autumn colours.  

For mountain regions like the Dolomites, the best time to go is typically July and August, when the snow has melted, the mountain huts are open and all the trails are accessible.  

Your accommodation will depend on the trip you choose but no matter where you’re hiking in Italy, you won’t be roughing it. On our Premium trips, you can look forward to comfortable hotels with a few extra touches – sometimes even a Feature Stay, like a historic hotel in Capri with gardens, a pool and clifftop views.  

Even on our more active hiking adventures, you’ll stay in hotels or cosy guesthouses – so while the trails may be challenging at times, your evenings are all about relaxation.  

In the south, expect dramatic coastlines, hidden coves, colourful terraced villages and citrus groves on the hillsides. In the north, you’ll find clear lakes, mountain peaks and even the chance to spot a glacier while hiking around Mont Blanc.

Along the way, you might pass by ancient ruins, walk through fields of wildflowers, see farmers working on their land and explore villages full of culture and history. And on some trips, you could even find yourself hiking near an active strava volcano.

There’s no wrong way to hike, but with a small group you can share the experience, make new friends, have built-in security and feel supported every step of the way.

Popular trails can get crowded, but a local leader will guide you to quieter spots and share insights into the area’s history, culture and nature, providing more than just the views.

With someone else handling the logistics, you can truly unplug – no maps, no stress – just focus on the hike and connect with the people and places around you.

Plus, there’s safety in numbers, and a little encouragement can go a long way on the trail.