8 Highlights of Italy

A popular highlight on our Italy small group tours is the sprawling network of clifftop walking trails along the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast. Embark on the spectacular ‘Walk of the Gods’ so named for its lofty pathways and far-reaching vistas over the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea. A day trip to Capri island will take you beyond trendy boutiques and fancy restaurants into a labyrinth of cobbled streets and white-washed walls draped in bright bursts of bougainvillaea flowers. Look back at the mainland’s towering limestone cliffs and view tiers of colourful apartments vying for the best ocean view. 

Hike to the peak of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano, on this small group walking tour to Sicily. After riding a cable car part of the way, we jump into a 4x4 car up to the southern flanks. It is then time to explore on foot as we follow our expert guide, Luca Cosma, towards the highest craters. The earth is scorched red from previous eruptions and steam billows from the centre. The next day we’ll follow the crater line to uncover solidified lava tubes and walk into the depths of these dark, hollowed caverns. 

Combine scenic clifftop walks along the Amalfi Coast with old city streets in Naples and fascinating Roman excavations on this eight-day tour of Italy’s cultural highlights. A trip to Pompeii will reveal well-preserved temples and the remains of magnificently-decorated villas that were engulfed by layers of ash and pumice in the powerful eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. In contrast, a trip to the artistic town of Ravello will unearth an impressive display of Moorish architecture and immaculate garden terraces.

Take it easy on this laid back Italy walking trip along the western shoreline of Lake Como in Italy. Explore a network of footpaths leading to little villages hidden within the nooks and crannies of surrounding mountains, and take a ferry to Bellagio to wander along charming cobbled lanes with boutique shops, friendly cafes and exquisitely manicured gardens. If you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine in alfresco restaurants on the water’s edge and wash it all down with a refreshing glass of beer or chilled white wine.