Following a successful first foray into Europe last year, walking holiday specialist Celtic Trails has expanded its overseas collection with a variety of new self-guided walks throughout Italy, offering holidaymakers the chance to explore some of the country’s most picturesque towns and villages on foot.
From gentle strolls on the Italian Riviera to wilder coastal hikes, the six new walks enable travellers to venture off the well-trodden path and experience the beauty of some of the country’s lesser-known areas. Prices start from £630pp and suit a variety of walking abilities, made simple with easy-to-follow route plans, pre-planned hotel stays and luggage transfers throughout.
Old Paths & Wild Swims – Explore Italy’s Heel of Puglia
This eight-day itinerary allows walkers to explore Italy’s ‘heel’ whilst traversing rugged coastal paths and old shepherd routes, discovering Roman masterpieces and some of Puglia’s most unspoilt and natural areas en route. Each day walk has been carefully selected to ensure walkers get the most from the region, with various ‘traturri’ routes (formally used by locals and shepherds), picturesque hikes through the likes of Sentiero delle Cipolliane with its spectacular caves and rural coastal routes such as Marina Serra. Plus, there are wild swimming spots en route too, ideal for a cool-down, including Acquaviva Cove; a tiny inlet with fresh spring water and Tricase Porto where hikers can take an iced coffee break. End with a final walk in Gagliano de Capo, where you catch the next train to Bari. Retire in comfortable hotels, cosy Agriturismo farmhouses and older country estates known as ‘Masseria’ each evening.
The 8x day self-guided walk is available from £660pp based on two sharing and includes en-suite accommodation on a B&B basis including luggage transfers throughout, route maps and walk packs. (44 Miles Over 7x nights/8x days – Easy to Intermediate)
Colourful UNESCO World Heritage Villages – Discover the Villages of Cinque Terre
A spectacular journey exploring Cinque Terre, a colourful string of centuries-old fishing villages along the rugged north section of the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria, including the charming village of Camogl. Clifftop routes provide a fantastic vantage point over the neighbouring Ligurian Sea with dusty tracks, well-marked footpaths and some uneven paved roads underfoot. Although distances are relatively short, there are some challenging sections along the coast between the villages of Corniglia and Vernazza. Other pretty towns include the harbourside of Portofino, Riomaggiore (characterised by sorbet-coloured houses) and Cinque Terre’s largest village Monterosso, set amidst terraces of olive groves and vines. What’s more, take in the views of the cobalt-blue waters of San Fruttuoso Abbey and stay in a variety of hotels, all close to the beach and seafront promenades.
The 8x day self-guided walk is available from £785pp based on two sharing and includes en-suite accommodation on a B&B basis including luggage transfers throughout, route maps and walk packs. 45.4 Miles Over 7x nights/8x days- Easy to Intermediate
Wine Tasting with Views of the Alps – Follow Off-The-Beaten-Track Paths in Piedmont
Travel through the heart of the Barolo wine region on this six-day self-guided walk, learning about the region’s food and culture (truffles in particular) as well as indulging in plenty of wine tasting along the way. Follow mule tracks and winding paths through hazelnut forests and vineyards, enjoying breath-taking views of the snow-capped Alps and Mount Montevisto in the distance. The medieval city of Alba and other antiquated little towns will also be explored during this holiday, with their fascinating history, old piazzas and medieval towers. This is a great opportunity to see a more subdued, wild and natural side of Italy, where the medieval architecture and vineyards blend seamlessly into the surrounding hills of the Langhe region. Accommodation has been selected because of its character; a restored farmhouse in the Barolo region and an authentic hotel in the heart of the city of Alba.
The 8x day self-guided walk is available from £655pp based on two sharing and includes en-suite accommodation on a B&B basis including luggage transfers throughout, route maps and walk packs. (55 Miles Over 7 nights/8x days – Easy to Intermediate)
More of Celtic Trails’ new self-guided Italian walks include: Amalfi – Completing 32.5 miles over 7x nights (6x days) from £630pp. Val d’Orcia – Completing 57.5 miles over 7x nights (6x days) from £765pp. Via Francigena – Completing 76 miles over 8x nights (7x days) from £815pp.
For more information or to book any of Celtic Trails’ walking holidays, please visit www.celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk or call 01291 689774.
