Walking in Italy

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Places worth a visit

Northern Italy is formed by 2 areas:

• North-West: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Liguria
• North-East: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Emilia-Romagna

The best outdoor activity regions

• The Italian Alps that cover 6 regions:
• Aosta Valley. Full of skiing resorts. The region has Alpine glaciers, high peak mountains like the Gran Paradiso, the Mont Blanc and the Monte Rosa. There are also cross-country skiing circuits, the ice-skating rinks and, in summer, lots of itineraries for hikers and bikers.
• Piedmont.
• Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Alpine territory includes: the Carnia, the Julian Alps, the Friulian Dolomites of Valcellina. In the summer the region is an hot spot for hikes and walks in natural areas.
• Veneto is a region in the north-east of Italy. In Veneto there are the greatest natural beauties. A good examples are the Dolomites and their alpine tows in the surroundings. To visit:
• Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol is a region in Northern Italy. It consists of two provinces: Trento and Bolzano (Bozen). The region is very famous for the presence of the Dolomites mountains and the Stelvio National park. The Alpine territory includes: the Adamello-Presanella, Cevedale, the Brenta Dolomites, the Val di Fassa Dolomites, the Lagorai and the Pale di S.Martino chains.
• Lombardy is the richest region of Italy. Its capital is Milan.  Worth a visit: Pavia and Mantua
• The Dolomites (Dolomiti) are a section of the Alps mountain chain. Surely these mountains are the most beautiful in the Alps. They are famous tourist destination for:
• The presence of winter resorts
• The possibility to practice outdoor activities during the other months (Trekking, Climbing, Mountain biking)
• Liguria and the 5 terre. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's among the most popular tourist areas of Italy. It's a region formed by five coastal villages in the province of La Spezia (Liguria region).
• Emilia Romagna, Bologna and the Apennines. The Emilia Romagna is one of the richest Italian regions. The capital is Bologna, famous for its cuisine tradition.

Travel Ideas

Bicycle tours

• Around the Po river - From Milano to Verona - A 8 days self guided bicycle trip from April to October for a total of 349 Km
• From Parma to Venezia or Ravenna - A 3 to 9 days independent bicycle tour
• Emilia Romagna in farm house - A 8 days cycling tour of km 333 available from 23/03 to 22/06 and from 07/09 to 26/10
• Vandelli the Dukes road in Mountain bike (Also available for trekking) - A 7 days self guided biking tour from April to October Total Km 146
• From the Dolomites to Trieste - An easy 8 days self guided tour of 310 KM
• South Tyrol…just so - A self guided bike tour of 8 days for 270 KM
• From the Dolomites to Venice - An easy 8 days self guided Biking tour of 280 KM
• From the Dolomites to the Lake Garda - An easy 7 days independent cycling tour of 260 KM

Trekking tours

• Via Romea, the Pilgrim's way - An easy 8 days hiking tour from April to October
• From Bozen to Venice - An easy independent tour of 7 days
• Hiking in the heart of South Tyrol - An easy 8 days trekking tour
• Hiking in the Dolomites natural parks - An easy 8 days self guided trekking

Skiing

• Cross Country ski safari in the Dolomites - A 8 days individual tour of 45-110 KM

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Places worth a visit

The Emilia Romagna is one of the richest Italian regions. The capital is Bologna, known for its cuisine and traditions.

The main sights and cities to visit while travel in Emilia Romagna are:

Piacenza. It boasts a great number of historical palaces, often characterized by splendid gardens.

• Piazza Cavalli and the façade of Il Gotico, Piacenza.
• Church of Sant'Antonino, patron of Piacenza.
• The Renaissance church of San Sisto.
• Palazzo Comunale. It is one of the best preserved examples of Medieval civic building in northern Italy.
• Palazzo Farnese.
• Palazzo Landi, built in the Middle Ages.
• Palazzo Costa.
• Palazzo Somaglia.
• Palazzo Scotti, housing the Museum of Natural History.
• Palazzo dei Mercanti (17th century), the current Town Hall.

Salsomaggiore Terme, is located in the province of Parma. It's famous for the therapeutic properties of its sodium mineral waters. Salsomaggiore is also the place where every September the Miss Italy beauty pageant takes place. To see:

• The terme.
• The central square with its clothing shops
• The main centre of the town

Parco del Delta del Po (Po River national park). It is an unique territory. It joins together a terrestrial Park, a fluvial Park, and a coastal Park. There is an extraordinary biodiversity characterized by the presence of more than 280 bird species.

• Parco del Delta del Po Emilia - Romagna Via Cavour, 11 44022 Comacchio – FE
• Phone: 0533 314003 - fax 0533 318007
• www.parcodeltapo.it

Parma is a city famous for its architecture and the fine countryside around it. Main sights:

• Churches
• The Romanesque Cathedral
• The Baptistery
• Church of Saint John the Evangelist of Parma
• Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata.
• The Benedictine Monastery of San Paolo
• The Gothic church of San Francesco del Prato
• Palaces
• The Palazzo della Pilotta
• The Ducal Palace
• The Palazzo del Comune
• The Palazzo del Governatore
• The Bishop's Palace
• Ospedale Vecchio ("Old Hospital")

In Reggio Emilia the main sights to visit are:

• Religious buildings
• The Cathedral
• The Basilica di San Prosperoe
• The Baroque Basilica della Ghiara
• The small Baroque Christ's Oratory
• The church of St. Augustine
• The church of St. Peter
• The church of St. Francis
• The church of St. Stephen
• The church of San Giovannino
• Palaces and other buildings
• Palazzo Ducale
• Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo
• Palazzo Comunale
• Palazzo Magnani
• The Neo-Classical Teatro Municipale

Modena is another big city of Emilia Romagna. Main sights to visit are:

• The Cathedral and the Ghirlandina, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Gothic campanile
• The Ducal Palace, that hosts the Accademia Militare di Modena, the Military Museum and a precious Library.
• Communal Palace is currently the Town Hall of Modena.
• The Palace Museum houses the main museums of Modena

Bologna is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historical center of Bologna is rich of important Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments:

• The basilica of San Petronio
• San Pietro Cathedral
• Santo Stefano basilica
• San Domenico basilica
• San Francesco basilica
• Santa Maria dei Servi basilica
• San Giacomo Maggiore basilica
• Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
• San Michele in Bosco
• San Paolo the Great, basilica

Ferrara is a town surrounded by more than 9 kilometres of ancient walls built in the 15th and 16th centuries

• The most prominent building is the square Castello Estense, in the centre of the town
• Near it is the hospital of Santa Anna
• The Palazzo del Municipio
• Among the finest palaces is Palazzo dei Diamanti, house of the National Picture Gallery
• The Cathedral
• The church of San Francesco
• The Renaissance church of San Cristoforo

The main sights of Ravenna are:

• Neonian Baptistery
• Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
• Arian Baptistry
• Archiepiscopal Chapel
• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
• Mausoleum of Theodoric
• Basilica of San Vitale
• Basilica of Sant' Apollinare in Classe
• The St. Francis basilica
• The National Museum.

Travel Ideas

Cycling holidays

From Parma to Venezia or Ravenna

A 3 to 9 days independent bicycle tour

• Saturday: arrival in Parma
• Sunday: Parma – Reggio Emilia 48 km
• Monday: Reggio Emilia – Carpi – Modena 65 km
• Tuesday: Modena – Vignola – Monteveglio km
• Wednesday: Monteveglio – Bologna 30 km – train to Ferrara
• Thursday: Ferrara – Comacchio 60 km OR Thursday: Ferrara – Taglio di Po 67 km
• Friday: Comacchio – Ravenna 55 km OR Friday: Taglio di Po – Chioggia 35 km
• Saturday: departure OR Saturday: Chioggia – Venezia 18 km Sunday: departure

Emilia Romagna in farm house

A 8 days cycling tour of km 333 available from 23/03 to 22/06 and from 07/09 to 26/10

• Sunday: arrival in Pontenure (PC) Individual arrival at the farmhouse in Pontenure (Piacenza).
• Monday: Pontenure (PC) – Colorno (PR) 69 km
• Tuesday: Colorno (PR) – Parma – Canali (RE) 55 km
• Wednesday: Canali (RE) – Reggio Emilia – Carpi (MO) 47 km
• Thursday: Carpi (MO) – Modena – Monteveglio (BO) 65km
• Friday: Monteveglio - Bologna 30 km – train to Ferrara - S. Egidio 12 km
• Saturday: S. Egidio (FE) – Ravenna 80 or 55 km
• Sunday: departure After breakfast, end of the tour.

Vandelli the Dukes road in Mountain bike (Also available for trekking)

A 7 days self guided bikig tour from April to October Total Km 146

• Day 1: Arrival in Sassuolo/Modena
• Day 2: Sassuolo – Pavullo 40 km +800
• Day 3: Pavullo – La Santona 25 km +700
• Day 4: La Santona - S.Pellegrino in Alpe 21 km +400
• Day 5: S.Pellegrino in Alpe – Vagli 33 km +330
• Day 6: Vagli – Marina di Massa 27 km + 1000
• Day 7: Marina di Massa and the Tyrrhenian Sea, departure

Hiking Holidays

Via Romea, the Pilgrim's way

An easy 8 days hiking tour from April to October

• Day 1: arrival in Bologna
• Day 2: Transfer to Tolè – Castel d’Aiano
• Day 3: Castel d’Aiano – Rocca Corneta
• Day 4: Rocca Corneta – Fanano
• Day 5: Fanano - Ospitale
• Day 6: Ospitale – S. Marcello Pistoiese
• Day 7: Transfer to Pistoia and Florence, visit of the city
• Day 8: Florence, departure

How to get there and move around

• There are international airports in Rimini, Bologna, Parma and Forlì.
• Trains and roads run the length of the Po river to the coast from Milan, linking the airports and the resorts.

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Places worth a visit

Lombardy is the richest region of Italy. Its capital is Milan.

The main cities are:

Pavia in the south-western Lombardy. The city is near the Ticino river. It's the capital of agricultural products including wine, rice, cereals, and dairy products.

• Pavia's most famous landmark is the Certosa, a monastery founded in 1396.
• Cathedral of Pavia (Duomo di Pavia)
• San Michele Maggiore (St. Michael)
• Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro ("St. Peter in Golden Sky")
• The Renaissance church of Santa Maria di Canepanova
• The University of Pavia, founded in 1361
• The medieval Towers

Mantua (Mantova) is a city surrounded on three sides by artificial lakes created during the 12th century. The three lakes are called Lago Superiore, Lago di Mezzo, and Lago Inferiore

• The Palazzo Te (1525-1535). It hosts the Museo Civico
• The Palazzo Ducale, famous residence of the Gonzaga family.
• The Basilica of Sant'Andrea
• The Duomo
• The Palazzo degli Uberti
• The Torre della Gabbia ("Cage Tower")

Milan (Milano) is the most important city in Italy.

• Museums
• Pinacoteca di Brera.
• Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
• The Sforzesco Castle.
• Museo del Duomo (Museum of the Cathedral).
• Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology.
• Churches
• The Duomo, in Duomo Square, is Milan's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church.
• Saint Mary of the Graces ('Santa Maria delle Grazie').
• Other sights
• La Scala Theatre, one of the most renowned opera house in the world.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
• Porta Ticinese and the surrounding area.
• I Navigli is the location where many night spots are open till late.

The garda lake is the largest lake in Italy. It is a popular travel destination for those who visit the regions between Venice and Milan.  The lake was formed by the Alpine glaciers at the end of the last ice age.  It's the hiker's paradise.

Travel Ideas

Around the Po river - From Milano to Verona

A 8 days self guided bicycle trip from April to October for a total of 349 Km

• Day 1: Milan
• Day 2: Milan – Pavia (38 or 65 km)
• Day 3: Pavia – Piacenza (ca. 40 km)
• Day 4: Piacenza – Salsomaggiore (ca. 59 km)
• Day 5: Salsomaggiore – Casalmaggiore (ca. 76 km)
• Day 6: Casalmaggiore – Mantova (ca. 52 km)
• Day 7: Mantova – Verona (ca. 57 km)
• Day 8: departure

From the Dolomites to the Garda lake

A 7 days biking tour of 260 KM

• 1st day: Individual arrival in Hochpustertal (possibility to make a short tour of 20 km )
• 2nd day: Hochpustertal-Brixen/Bressanone (approx. 56-68 km)
• 3rd day: Brixen/Bressanone – Bozen/Bolzano (approx. 43 km)
• 4th day: Meran/Merano - Bozen/Bolzano (approx. 40 km)
• 5th day: Bozen/Bolzano – Trento (approx. 65 km)
• 6th day: Trento - Riva/Lake Garda (approx. 45 km)
• 7th day: Individual departure

How to get there and move around

• Milan is serviced by two airports, Malpensa and Linate .
• There are also smaller airports in Brescia (Montichiari airport) and Bergamo (Orio al Serio airport).
• Road and train links connect the region with Switzerland and the rest of European countries.

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Places worth a visit

With this short list of hiking trips You can find the best places where walking and unexpected trekking ideas.

Italy is big, so it's hard to list all possible hiking spots.

Terrain has a great variety:

• Natural parks
• Mountains
• Tracks
• Historical cities
• Hill towns
• Country
• Coastal areas
• Lakes

Italy offers different kinds of itineraries:

• From place A to place B
• Loop tours
• Multi region tours

The best places where hike are without doubt:

• The National Parks have good hiking trails. Especially those in the mountain areas (See Alps, Dolomites and Abruzzi region)
• Worth a visit are the "Vie ferrate" in the Dolomites
• Garda lake in Lombardy's lake district is another great spot for hiking.
• The heart of Italy, Tuscany and Umbria, is the ideal region to join walking and cultural visit. The territory is rich of medieval cities (Florence, Pisa, Siena, etc…) and food and wine regions to taste the Italian cuisine.
• The Ligurian riviera with the Cinque terre (5 lands) is another good place for walking. It's a coast area formed by 5 little sea towns in the province of La Spezia.
• In the South of Italy worth a visit are the Amalfi coast in the Naples bay, the Gargano natural trails (Apulia) and Sicily with the majestic Mount Etna.

Travel Ideas

• [Bologna to Florence] Via Romea, the Pilgrim's way - An easy 8 days hiking tour from April to October
• Trekking in the National Park of Abruzzo - A 7 days self guided tour available from June to September
• From Bozen to Venice - An easy independent tour of 7 days
• Hiking in the heart of South Tyrol - An easy 8 days trekking tour
• Hiking in the Dolomites natural parks - An easy 8 days self guided trekking
• 7 days independent tour Siena and Val D'Orcia
• 7 Days self guided tour  in the Chianti: Florence to Siena
• 8 days Self guided Trek - Naples, Capri Pompeii and the Amalfi coast - A medium difficulty trekking available all the year
• 8 days Guided Trekking - The Italy's Volcanoes: Stromboli and Etna - A medium difficulty trekking available from March to October

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Places worth a visit

Apulia is a region in south-eastern Italy on the Adriatic Sea. It's the heel of the Italian "boot" (Also called Salento peninsula)

The region is rich of natural resources and parks.

• The main is the Gargano. It offers different natural environments and It's a place where find the routes of migratory birds between Europe and Africa.

The Gargano's coast is formed by gorgeous natural caves and arcs.

It's the ideal place for bikers. The territory is rich of roads that circle the mountain.

• Inland on the mountain there is the Forest Umbra, a protected beech, oak, and pine forest with trails and campsites.
• In the coastal villages there are Greek villages like Rodi, Peschici, and Vieste.
• Another great sight is Monte Sant'Angelo, a town in the province of Foggia on the southern slopes of Monte Gargano.

The town is famous for the presence of the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, built in the 13th century by Charles I of Anjou.

Other sights of the town are:

• The Castle of Monte Sant'Angelo
• The Tomb of Rothari (Baptistry of San Giovanni in Tumba).
• The church of Santa Maria Maggiore (11th-12th centuries).
• The Abbey of Pulsano
• Alberobello (an UNESCO world heritage site) is another well known tourist sight in Apulia. It's the Capital of the Trulli, unique buildings present only in Apulia.
• Ostuni is a small city in the province of Brindisi. The town is known for its nearby pristine beaches, olive and grape business. The landscape is dominated by olive trees.

Travel Ideas

The spur of the Mediterranean

A 8 days self guided hiking trip

• Day 1: Individual arrival in Bari, visit of the city, transfer in Ostuni and accommodation
• Day 2: Ostuni – Hermitage of San Biagio – Transfer in Alberobello
• Day 3: Valle d’Itria: Martina Franca – Locorotondo and Alberobello
• Day 4: Matera and National Park of the Murgia
• Day 5: National Park of the Gargano and Monte S.Angelo
• Day 6: Foresta Umbra – Transfer and visit of Vieste, return in Monte S.Angelo
• Day 7: Gargano promontory – Hermitage of Pulsano – Bari
• Day 8: transfer in Bari and departure

Apulia - The heart of Mediterranean

An easy 8 days self guided bicycle tour of approx. 300 km

• 1st day: Individual arrival at the hotel in Alberobello.
• 2nd day: Alberobello – Ostini (approx. 40 km)
• 3rd day: Ostuni – Manduria/surroundings (approx. 47 km)
• 4th day: Manduria/surroundings – Gallipoli (approx. 65 km)
• 5th day: Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca (approx. 45 km)
• 6th day: Santa Maria di Leuca – Otranto (approx. 52 km)
• 7th day: Otranto – Lecce (approx. 60 km)
• 8th day: Individual departure or extension of your stay

How to get there and move around

By plane

• Bari Palese international airport has flights to national and international destinations.
• Brindisi airport there are flights to Switzerland, UK and Italian destinations.

By train - Train from Rome can take about 6 hours.

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Places worth a visit

The Abruzzi region is the richest natural parks area of Italy. It's in the central Italy, 70 miles east of Rome.

The Main attraction of Abruzzi are mountains. Great during winter periods…but awesome during sprint, summer and autumn.

The National park of Abruzzi is the most ancient among the Parks of the Apennine mountains.

The park is a great example of sustainable tourism.

• It's protects some of the most important species of the Italian fauna:
• Marsican Brown Bear
• Abruzzi Chamois
• Wolf
• The territory is fully covered by beech tree woods.
• It rebuilds the original food chains between the original fauna.
• It join together the conservation of the natural environment with the social-economic development of the local communities.
• In the park are available visitors centers, faunistic areas and a big network of paths for hikers.

The main town of the park is Pescasseroli.

• Pescasseroli is a town in the province of L'Aquila, in Southern Abruzzo.
• It's a summer and winter resort and headquarter of the Abruzzo National Park.
• The main sight to visit in the town is the Abbey of Sts. Peter and Paul, founded around 1100.

Travel Ideas

Trekking in the National Park of Abruzzo

A 7 days self guided tour available from June to September

• Day 1: individual arrival in Civitella Alfedena
• Day 2: excursion to Lago Vivo
• Day 3: excursion to Gole del Sangro and Lago di Barrea
• Day 4: excursion to Val di Rose
• Day 5: excursion to Camosciara and Pescasseroli
• Day 6: excursion to Monte Marsicano
• Day 7: Departure

How to get there and move around

• There is an international airport (Abruzzo International ) in Pescara, the capital of Abruzzo.
• By car and Bus you can reach Abruzzo by the freeways A-24 and A-25 from Rome.
• Abruzzo can also be reached by train from Rome's Termini rail station.

Read more

Park Authority: Ente Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise

• Headquarters: Viale Santa Lucia - 67032 Pescasseroli (AQ)
• Tel.: 0863/91131
• Website
• Provinces: L'Aquila, Frosinone, Isernia

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Places worth a visit

The Mezzogiorno (southern Italy), is litterary different in respect to the Northern one. It's formed by Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily.

Insular Italy includes two major islands (Sicily and Sardinia) plus a great number of archipelagoes and minor islands.

The territory is different

• Hill
• Country
• Sea
• Ancient towns
• Little islands

Worth a visit

• Campania and the Amalfi coast, famous for the presence of art, history and nature.
• Sicily and its 2 volcanoes: Etna and Stromboli
• Apulia and Gargano, the heel of the Italian "boot", rich of natural parks.
• The national park of Abruzzo, the region with the highest density of natural parks of Italy.
• Sardinia and the "Grand canyon of Europe".
• Italy's volcanoes: Vesuvius, Mt. Etna and Stromboli

Travel Ideas

Trekking in the National Park of Abruzzo - A 7 days self guided tour available from June to September

• Day 1: individual arrival in Civitella Alfedena
• Day 2: excursion to Lago Vivo
• Day 3: excursion to Gole del Sangro and Lago di Barrea
• Day 4: excursion to Val di Rose
• Day 5: excursion to Camosciara and Pescasseroli
• Day 6: excursion to Monte Marsicano
• Day 7: Departure

The spur of the Mediterranean - A 8 days self guided hiking trip

• Day 1: Individual arrival in Bari, visit of the city, transfer in Ostuni and accommodation
• Day 2: Ostuni – Hermitage of San Biagio – Transfer in Alberobello
• Day 3: Valle d’Itria: Martina Franca – Locorotondo and Alberobello
• Day 4: Matera and National Park of the Murgia
• Day 5: National Park of the Gargano and Monte S.Angelo
• Day 6: Foresta Umbra – Transfer and visit of Vieste, return in Monte S.Angelo
• Day 7: Gargano promontory – Hermitage of Pulsano – Bari
• Day 8: transfer in Bari and departure

8 days Self guided Trek - Naples, Capri Pompeii and the Amalfi coast - A medium difficulty trekking available all the year

• The tour begins in Naples where you'll stay for the first 3 nights.
• From here you will take the ferryboat to Procidia and for Capri in the gulf of Naples.
• Visit to Pompeii and then to Agerola.
• From there you can explore Amalfi, Positano and Ravello.

8 Days Self Guided Walking tour - The Aeolian Islands and MT Etna - A medium difficulty trip available from April to October

• Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Catania, visit of the city
• Day 2: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands, trekking on Lipari island. Night in Lipari
• Day 3: Hydrofoil to Vulcano, hiking up to the crater and tour of the rim. Night in Lipari
• Day 4: Hydrofoil to Stromboli. Trekking to 400 mt to see the "Sciara del Fuoco"
• Day 5: Relax in the morning and trek on the top of the volcano at the sun set
• Day 6: Hydrofoil to Milazzo and transfer to the southern side of Mt Etna. Short walk, dinner and night
• Day 7: The summit craters of Mt Etna (3350 mt).
• Day 8: Transfer to Catania airport.

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Places worth a visit

In the south of Italy there are the most impressive volcanoes of the world: Mount Etna, Mt Vesuvius and Stromboli.

Mount Etna is Europe's largest volcano and one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

Etna lies near the eastern (Ionian) coast of Sicily and occupies a surface area of around 1200 km2 with a perimeter exceeding 135 km.

Its summit height varies frequently in function of eruptive activity.

Mt. Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is probably the most famous volcano on Earth, and certainly one of the most, if not the most dangerous.

It is also notable for having produced the first eruption of which an eyewitness account is preserved, in AD 79.

The situation is still more peculiar as Vesuvio is not the only volcano looming above that area.

There is, on the other side of the city of Napoli (Naples), the caldera of Campi Flegrei, renowned for some cataclysmic ash-flow forming eruptions.

There is also the historically active volcanic complex of Ischia.

Ischia is an island lying off the Gulf of Napoli, 35 km west from Vesuvio. The island is volcanically active and may well erupt in the future.

The Aeolian Islands lie off the northeastern coast of Sicily.

The archipelago consists of seven islands. Lipari, the largest of the islands, is also the most populated and the administrative center of six of the seven islands

• Alicudi   
• Filicudi  
• Salina   
• Lipari    
• Vulcano
• Panarea
• Stromboli

Stromboli is one of the few volcanoes on earth that display continuous eruptive activity.

Most of this activity is of a very moderate size, consisting of brief and small bursts of glowing lava fragments to heights of rarely more than 150 m above the vents.

Eruptions that produce lava flows occur at very irregular intervals that may vary from a few years to more than 15 years.

Travel Ideas

Naples, Capri and the Amalfi coast - 8 days Free guided Bike tour
A 135 km medium difficulty tour available from March to October

• The tour begins in Naples where you'll stay for the first 2 nights.
• Then you'll leave Naples to visit Hercolaneoum, Mt. Vesuvius and the achaeological sites of Pompeii.
• After having reached Vetri sul Mare, a complete tour of the Amalfi coast: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento where you'll take the ferryboat to visit the isle of Capri.

Naples, Capri Pompeii and the Amalfi coast - 8 days Self guided Trek
A medium difficulty trekking available all the year

• The tour begins in Naples where you'll stay for the first 3 nights.
• From here you will take the ferryboat to Procidia and for Capri in the gulf of Naples.
• Visit to Pompeii and then to Agerola.
• From there you can explore Amalfi, Positano and Ravello.

The Aeolian Islands and Mt. Etna - 8 Days Self Guided Walking tour
A medium difficulty trip available from April to October

• Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Catania, visit of the city
• Day 2: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands, trekking on Lipari island. Night in Lipari
• Day 3: Hydrofoil to Vulcano, hiking up to the crater and tour of the rim. Night in Lipari
• Day 4: Hydrofoil to Stromboli. Trekking to 400 mt to see the "Sciara del Fuoco"
• Day 5: Relax in the morning and trek on the top of the volcano at the sun set
• Day 6: Hydrofoil to Milazzo and transfer to the southern side of Mt Etna. Short walk, dinner and night
• Day 7: The summit craters of Mt Etna (3350 mt).
• Day 8: Transfer to Catania airport.

The Etna Tour -  7 days Free guided Bike tour
A medium difficulty tour available all the year

• The tour begins in Nicolosi. the base point to visit the Volcano.
• The itinerary continues with the visit of the little towns at the feet of the mountain: Ragalna, S. Maria di Licodia, Biancavilla and Adrano in the west side.
• After the trip goes to the east side of the volcano visiting the cities of Bronte (Italian capital of Pistacchio productions) and Castiglione di Sicilia (The cradle of Sicilian red wine).
• Then you'll reach the Greek town of Giardini Naxos (just under Taormina) along the flow of the Alcanatara river.
• The tour ends in Nicolosi with an excursion on the summit craters of the Etna.

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Places worth a visit

The Apennine is a mountain range stretching 1000 km from the north to the south of Italy.

The mountains are mostly green and wooded. In their western slopes there are most of Italy's historic cities.

The range can be divided into 3 parts: northern, central and southern.

• The northern Apennines are divided into three parts: the Ligurian, Tuscan and Umbrian Apennines.
• The central Apennines are the most extensive portion of the chain

The main regions of Appennines are:

• Liguria. The main place is the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is formed by 5 coastal villages in the province of La Spezia.
• Tuscany is one of the best touristic region of Italy. It's famous for its cities like Florence, Siena, Pisa and their surroundings (Chianti, Hills, Towns).
• The Emilia Romagna is one of the richest Italian regions. The capital is Bologna, rinome for its cuisine tradition. Worth a visit the cities of Piacenza, Ravena, Modena, Ferrara and the Delta del Po river park.
• The Abruzzi region is for 80% a natural park. It's the region with the highest density of naturla parks in Italy. Worth a visit are the Abruzzi national park, the Gran sasso and Majella.

Travel Ideas

• [Guided or Self Guided] The Chianti region: From Florence to Siena
• [Guided or Self Guided] Siena and Val D'Orcia
• [Self Guided] Vandelli, the Dukes road

Via Romea, the Pilgrim's way
An easy 8 days hiking tour from April to October

• Day 1: arrival in Bologna
• Day 2: Transfer to Tolè – Castel d’Aiano
• Day 3: Castel d’Aiano – Rocca Corneta
• Day 4: Rocca Corneta – Fanano
• Day 5: Fanano - Ospitale
• Day 6: Ospitale – S. Marcello Pistoiese
• Day 7: Transfer to Pistoia and Florence, visit of the city
• Day 8: Florence, departure

Trekking in the National Park of Abruzzo
A 7 days self guided tour available from June to September

• Day 1: individual arrival in Civitella Alfedena
• Day 2: excursion to Lago Vivo
• Day 3: excursion to Gole del Sangro and Lago di Barrea
• Day 4: excursion to Val di Rose
• Day 5: excursion to Camosciara and Pescasseroli
• Day 6: excursion to Monte Marsicano
• Day 7: Departure

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Places worth a visit

The Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, close to Catania.

The major part of tourists think that Mount Etna is only an excursion point to visit its craters.

Most tourists don't know that Mt. Etna is a natural park area rich of trekking and biking paths.

It is the highest active volcano of Europe and the 2° most active in the world.

The main points of interest:

• Montagnola: The most imponent cone of the Etna
• Mounts Silvestri
• Summit craters
• The Caves
• The Bove Valley, an enormous volcanic desert
• Forests and Alpine gardens
• Thousand of trekking paths

Travel Ideas

There are 2 ways to discover the main experiences that this wonderful volcano can offer: Cycling and Trekking.

7 days Free guided Bike tour - The Etna Tour

A medium difficulty tour available all the year
The tour begins in Nicolosi. the base point to visit the Volcano. The itinerary continues with the visit of the little towns at the feet of the mountain: Ragalna, S. Maria di Licodia, Biancavilla and Adrano in the west side.

After the trip goes to the east side of the volcano visiting the cities of Bronte (Italian capital of Pistacchio productions) and Castiglione di Sicilia (The cradle of Sicilian red wine).

Then you'll reach the Greek town of Giardini Naxos (just under Taormina) along the flow of the Alcanatara river. The tour ends in Nicolosi with an excursion on the summit craters of the Etna.
Click here to read more information and details »  

8 days Guided Trekking - The Italy's Volcanoes: Stromboli and Etna

A medium difficulty trekking available from March to October
This is a trip at the discovery of the 7 little islands (Aeolian islands) in the north coast of Sicily and the Etna. You'll visit the north side of the volcano and Lipari, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano. The tour ends in Catania with the possibility to visit its historical center.
Click here to read more information and details »  

How to get there and move around

• By bus - From Catania (railway station) to Nicolosi (Rifugio Sapienza)
• By train -  the Circumetnea

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Events

• August: "Estate Adranita"
• October: "Sagra del Pistacchio" (pistachio nuts)
• June: "Sagra delle Fragole" (strawberries)
• September: “Vinimilo”
• October: "Sagra dei Funghi" (mushrooms)
• October: "Sagra dei Funghi e delle Mele" (mushrooms and apples)
• August: "Palio Medioevale" (medieval event)
• October: "Ottobrata"

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Places worth a visit

The Aeolian islands are an archipelago of 7 islands of volcanic origin situated at the north East of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The islands are:

• Lipari is the main island and the base point to visit all the arcipelago. Worth a visit the archeological museum and the “Terme di San Calogero”.
• Salina is the second biggest island. It’s formed by six inactive volcanoes. The island is famous for its production of Malvasia wine and capers.
• Vulcano is an ancient volcano close to Lipari. Worth a visit its beaches, hot springs and sulfur mud baths.
• Stromboli is also the 2° active volcano of Italy. The main attraction to visit is the Sciara del Fuoco where see the lava explosions.
• Panarea is the most “Luxurious” island: its hotels and nightclubs are crowded with VIPs every summer.
• Alicudi and Filicudi (3/4 Natural Reserve) are isolated and inhabited by few people.

Travel Ideas

Here a list of holiday ideas to visit the Aeolian islands.

8 Days Self Guided Walking tour - The Aeolian Islands and MT Etna

A medium difficulty trip available from April to October

• Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Catania, visit of the city
• Day 2: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands, trekking on Lipari island. Night in Lipari
• Day 3: Hydrofoil to Vulcano, hiking up to the crater and tour of the rim. Night in Lipari
• Day 4: Hydrofoil to Stromboli. Trekking to 400 mt to see the "Sciara del Fuoco"
• Day 5: Relax in the morning and trek on the top of the volcano at the sun set
• Day 6: Hydrofoil to Milazzo and transfer to the southern side of Mt Etna. Short walk, dinner and night
• Day 7: The summit craters of Mt Etna (3350 mt).
• Day 8: Transfer to Catania airport.

12 Days (7 days guided and 4 self-guided) Trekking trip - Aeolian Islands Etna 12 Days

• Day 1: Arrival and check-in at Catania hotel, visit of the town
• Day 2: Transfer by public bus to the southern side of Mt Etna and start of our Tour of Mt Etna over the " Pista Altomontana " Bivouac
• Day 3 : Prosecution on the track towards west. Arrival in the laste afternoon at a chalet and overnight stay.
• Day 4: The "Bottoniera" craters dating 2002-2003. Overnight stay at the chalet.
• Day 5: Private transfer to Milazzo. Hydrofoil to Stromboli, trekking until 400 mt to look at the "Sciara del Fuoco".
• Day 6: Hydrofoil to Panarea, trekking over the top of the island and back to Stromboli in the afternoon
• Day 7: Free morning to enjoy the black beaches and trekking in the afternoon to climb the top of the volcano. Back at night.
• Day 8: Hydrofoil to Lipari, where the guide leaves the group. Day of relax
• Day 9: Hydrofoil to Vulcano, trekking over the crater and tour of the edge. Mud baths and hydrofoil to Lipari
• Day 10: Hydrofoil to Salina, trekking over Monte Fossa delle Felci. Hydrofoil back to Lipari
• Day 11: Hydrofoil to Milazzo and private transfer to Catania
• Day 12: Departure

14 Days Guided Trekking - Aeolian Islands - Mt. Etna - Nebrodi Park - Syracuse

• Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Catania, visit of the city
• Day 2: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands, trekking in Vulcano, mud baths. Night in Lipari
• Day 3: Hydrofoil to Salina, hiking Mt Fossa delle Felci. Back to Lipari
• Day 4: Relaxing morning and trek in Lipari in the afternoon
• Day 5: Hydrofoil to Stromboli and hiking the top of the crater at the sun set. Night in Stromboli
• Day 6: Hydrofoil to Milazzo. Private transfer to the beginning of the trek in the Nebrodi Park. Bivouac
• Day 7: Trekking in the Nebrodi Park with arrival in Randazzo. Night in Randazzo
• Day 8: Transfer by train to Maletto and trekking over the west side of Mt Etna. Bivouac
• Day 9: Trekking to reach the Ragabo pine forest. Night in mountain hut
• Day 10: Trekking on the 2002-2003 "Bottoniera". Transfer in the afternoon to Noto region. Camping
• Day 11: Day of relax in Vendicari natural reserve. Camping
• Day 12: Trekking to Cavagrande del Cassibile gorges and in the afternoon visit to Noto. Camping
• Day 13: Transfer to Syracuse and visit of the Archeological Park. Transfer to Catania and overnight stay
• Day 14: Transfer to Catania airport and departure

14 Days Guided walking trip -  The Grand Tour of Italian Volcanoes

• Day 1: Arrival and accommodation in Catania, visit of the city
• Day 2: Transfer to the Aeolian Islands, trek on Lipari island and night in Lipari.
• Day 3: Hydrofoil to Vulcano, trek to the crater, tour of the rim. Mud bath and hydrofoil back to Lipari
• Day 4: Hydrofoil to Salina, trek to Mt Fossa delle Felci. Hydrofoil back to Lipari
• Day 5: Hydrofoil to Stromboli, trek to the top of the volcano with volcano guide. Night in Stromboli
• Day 6: Day of relax in Stromboli, and in the evening ferry to Naples. Night on the ferry
• Day 7: Vesuvius: trek to the top and tour of the rim. Night on the "Costiera Amalfitana", in Agerola
• Day 8: Tour de la "Costa Amalfitana" and trekking to the villages of Ravello and Atrani. Night in Agerola
• Day 9: Positano, "Sentiero degli dei", return in Amalfi and transfer towards Agerola
• Day 10: Transfert to Pompei and visit to this site. Transfer in Napoli and overnight stay
• Day 11: Capri, Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella. Ferry to Catania
• Day 12: Taormina, visit of this very well known town. Transfer to the northern side of Mt Etna and overnight stay
• Day 13: Excursion to Mt Etna, trekking over the "Bottoniera" and the 2002/2003 craters
• Day 14: Transfer to Catania airport and departure

How to get there and move around

• If you come from Italy the best way to arrive in the Aeolian islands is by ferries from Naples -Napoli to Stromboli- (Week departs).
• From Sicily (Messina and Milazzo) and Reggio Calabria there are frequent ferries and hydrofoils.(Daily)
• The main hydrofoil and ferry operators are
• Siremar
• Ustica Lines
• NGI

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Places worth a visit

The Cinque Terre, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, in among the most popular tourist areas of Italy.

The cinque terre is a national park formed by 5 villages at the top of mountain slopes facing the sea, in the province of La Spezia (Liguria).

The five villages are:

• Monterosso al Mare
• Vernazza
• Corniglia
• Manarola
• Riomaggiore

One of the most suggested path is that one starting near the town of Spezia that connects the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.

This is a pleasant walk in the mild Mediterranean climate.

Travel Ideas

Planning 101

How to get there and move around

• By plane - The closest airports are at Pisa and Genova.
• By train - Local trains from Genoa and La Spezia connect regularly the Cinque Terre villages. The towns are also connected by rail and each of the villages has a train station.
• By car - Take the 'litoranea' road from La Spezia. We suggest to leave your vehicle in La Spezia and take the train to the Cinque Terre. 

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Places worth a visit

This is not another "Boring" travel guide about the top 10 destinations, where to sleep and so on…It's an easy to read guide to find anexpected ways to live new experiences off the beaten paths.You can clink on the items to find the type of info you need.

The Amalfi coast is a region in the South of Italy (Campania region). It's a stretch of coastline at the south of the Sorrentine Peninsula (Province of Salerno) that goes from Positano to Vietri sul Mare. It's a typical Mediterranean region listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Tourists like to call it as "A wonderful pearl rich of history, culture and gastronomical traditions".

The towns lying on the Amalfi Coast are mostly fishing sea-villages. 

• Vietri sul Mare
• Maiori
• Ravello
• Amalfi [The base point for all tourist activities]
• Positano [The most exclusive resort of the area]
• Furore
• Catrella
• Agerola
• Sorrento

The most beautiful sights to see are:

• The Dome (the cathedral) in Amalfi
• The church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano
• Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo in Ravello

In the nearby woth a visit:

• The city of Naples [The main city of the region]
• The Ischia island [Ischia is the largest island in the bay of Naples rich of volcanic thermal spas and beaches]
• The Mt. Vesuvius [An ancient volcano that destroyed the city of Pompeii. It is a currently dormant volcano]
• Hercolaneoum and Pompeii [Ancient Roman ruins. Pompeii is an outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement]
• Capri [The paradise for hikers full of idyllic pathways]

Travel Ideas

Here a list of holiday ideas to visit the Amalfi coast and don't lose its main sights.

8 days Free guided Bike tour - Naples, Capri and the Amalfi coast

A 135 km medium difficulty tour available from March to October
The tour begins in Naples where you'll stay for the first 2 nights. Then you'll leave Naples to visit Hercolaneoum, Mt. Vesuvius and the achaeological sites of Pompeii. After having reached Vetri sul Mare, a complete tour of the Amalfi coast: Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Sorrento where you'll take the ferryboat to visit the isle of Capri.
Click here to read more information and details »   

8 days Self guided Trek - Naples, Capri Pompeii and the Amalfi coast

A medium difficulty trekking available all the year
The tour begins in Naples where you'll stay for the first 3 nights. From here you will take the ferryboat to Procidia and for Capri in the gulf of Naples. Visit to Pompeii and then to Agerola. From there you can explore Amalfi, Positano and Ravello.
Click here to read more information and details »   

Weather

The Amalfi Coast enjoys a climate that is among the mildest in Italy. The temperature falls between 10°C (50°F) in winter and 31°C (90°F) in summer.

How to get there and move around

• The simplest way to get in the Amalfi coast is by Airplane. The nearest airport is Naples Capodichino [#].
• From Rome the best way to get ther is by train [To Naples or to Salerno ]
• An alternative option is to take a bus all the way from Rome [Outside Tiburtina station ]. The telephone number for information is (+39) 06 4424 9519).

Find more:

• Sita bus to arrive/move to/from Amalfi [#]
• To move oround the region Circumvesuviana (800/181313. 
• Ferries: Travelmar (tel. +39 089 872950) run connections between Salerno, Minori, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento.

Read more

Tourist offices: Visitor Information for the Amalfi Coast. Azienda Autonoma di Cura, Soggiorno e Turismo (Corso Reppubliche Marinare 27, Amalfi. 089/871107).

Events

• Sorrento Summer of Music – from July to September
• Incontri Internazionali del Cinema di Sorrento – December
• Wagner Music Festival - from June to September - Ravello
• Festa di Sant’Andrea – November, January and June - Amalfi
• Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics – May/June - Amalfi