Walking Classic Italy

Day 1

MAY 3: ARRIVE VENICE (D)

Upon arriving at Venice Marco Polo International Airport today, our local representative will greet you and arrange transportation to our hotel outside Venice. Later this evening, we’ll rendezvous for a “get-acquainted” dinner as we discuss our expedition to explore the beauty of northern Italy!

Day 2

MAY 4: VENICE—SELVA GARDENA (B,D)
Lake Garda & Molina di Ledro Walk - 10 km, rating unavailable

Our route takes us into the South Tyrol of Italy today, an area that belonged to the Austrian empire prior to World War I. En route, we’ll stop for a walk along beautiful Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Further north, our home for the next two nights is the delightful village of Selva Gardena in the Gardena Valley – gateway to the Dolomite Mountains.

Day 3

MAY 5: ACTIVITIES IN SELVA GARDENA (B)
Wood Carvers & Dolomite Mountains Walk - 10 km, rated 2+/3

Our Italian walking friends have graciously agreed to share their lovely corner of the world on a walk that features the high alpine pastures and spectacular vistas of the majestic Dolomite Mountains. This afternoon, we tour through the Dolomites by motorcoach to view the most stunning mountain scenery of our Adventure!

Day 4

MAY 6: SELVA GARDENA—VENICE (B)

We return to Venice today, stopping along the way to explore Bolzano, an interesting old town on the main highway leading from the Brenner Pass into the fruit growing areas of northern Italy. We arrive at our hotel outside Venice late in the day, but you’ll have all day tomorrow to explore Venice (it’s easy to access by local bus or train) before we meet travelers arriving for the main tour at our “Get Acquainted” dinner.

Day 1

MAY 7: ARRIVE VENICE (D)

Upon arriving at Venice Marco Polo International Airport today, our local representative will greet you and arrange transportation to our hotel outside Venice. Later this evening, you’ll rendezvous with other travelers for a “get-acquainted” dinner in anticipation of an unforgettable walking adventure in Venice, Tuscany, & the Eternal City of Rome!

Day 2

MAY 8: ACTIVITIES IN VENICE (B,D)
Venice, City of Canals Walk - 5 km, rated 1+ (non-sanctioned)

After a short drive, we spend the entire day exploring Venice, fabled city of winding canals and picturesque pedestrian bridges. A walk down narrow lanes, across timeless squares, and over bridges spanning the countless canals is the best way to experience the flavor of the city. Following lunch and free time to explore St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Doges Palace, or to just soak in the ambiance of Venice, you’re invited to join us for an optional excursion on a traditional gondola ride through the canals. (Estimated price: $35)

Day 3

MAY 9: VENICE—CINQUE TERRE (B,D)
Altavilla Vineyards & Vistas Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

First stop today is in the village of Altavilla for a delightful nature walk in central Italy. After the walk, we’ll continue across the peninsula to a magical region on the Ligurian Sea, the Cinque Terre. Our hotel for the next two nights is in Monterosso al Mare, northernmost of the five villages of Cinque Terre.

Day 4

MAY 10: ACTIVITIES IN CINQUE TERRE (B)
Cinque Terre Walk - 5/10 km, rated 2+/4 (non-sanctioned)

A protected stretch of rocky coastline along the Italian Riviera shelters the five villages of the Cinque Terre. Even now, the only way to experience these dramatically situated hamlets is by boat, train, or on foot. We’ll use the train, disembarking for an unforgettable walk along timeworn coastal footpaths to explore this charming cultural window into rural Italy.

Day 5

MAY 11: CINQUE TERRE—FLORENCE (B,D)

First stop today is in Pisa to admire the tenacity of its famous leaning tower. From Pisa, we continue to Florence, fabled City of the Renaissance. You’ll have the late afternoon free either to explore this charming medieval city, to which so much of Italy’s history and artistic genius can be traced, or join us for an optional visit to the Accademia for a not-to-be-missed opportunity to view Michelangelo’s masterful David! (Estimated price: $20)

Day 6

MAY 12: ACTIVITIES IN FLORENCE (B)

This morning’s guided walking tour of Renaissance Florence reveals the delights of this art-lover’s mecca. Imbibe the spirit of Michelangelo and Da Vinci at sites like the Duomo (cathedral), the adjoining Baptistry, and the impressive Vecchio Palace—center of Renaissance-era authority for the powerful Medici family. Following the tour, the balance of the day is free to explore this delightful town full of grace and history.

Day 7

MAY 13: FLORENCE—BOLSENA (B,D)

Florence’s Uffizi Museum, one of the world’s finest displays of Renaissance art, introduces us to the works of masters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Leaving Florence, the pastoral panoramas of Tuscany and Umbria beckon with landscapes that inspired Michelangelo. An afternoon to explore Siena reveals the Tuscan charms of this well-preserved medieval city-state.

Day 8

MAY 14: ACTIVITIES FROM BOLSENA (B)
Civita Village with a View Walk - 5 km, rated 2+ (non-sanctioned)

Today’s first stop is enchanting Orvieto, a beguiling medieval hill town radiating with the warmth and grace of small-town Italy. Tiny Civita, an isolated island of ancient stone villas perched precariously atop an eroding pinnacle of sandstone, is linked to the “mainland” only by a footbridge—our point of access for today’s walk.

Day 9

MAY 15: BOLSENA—ROME (B,D)
Bracciano Lake Town Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

On previous trips, our Italian walking friends created wonderful memories of the warm Italian spirit in Bracciano, a quaint medieval town set above a lovely lake by the same name. We’re anxious to share their company once again on today’s walk before continuing to Rome for three nights in the Eternal City.

Day 10

MAY 16: ACTIVITIES IN ROME (B)
Eternal City of Rome Walk - 10 km, rated 1+ (non-sanctioned)

The focus of our morning is the Vatican Museum with its art treasures, collected by the popes, as well as the incomparable Sistine Chapel. More inspiration follows with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, largest church on the planet. The afternoon walk takes us past many of Rome’s wonders, including the architecturally perfect Pantheon; the Ancient Forum, where many victorious returning Roman generals were feted and Julius Caesar was laid to rest; Trevi Fountain, the best place to deposit your wishing coins; and, of course, the massive Colosseum.

Day 11

MAY 17: ACTIVITIES FROM ROME (B,D)
Castel Gandolfo Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

Our coach will take us outside of Rome this morning to meet our walking friends from Bracciano again for a special walk in the Castel Gandolfo area just south of Rome. Castel Gandolfo is a historic town above Lake Albano in the wooded Alban Hills, and has been the summer residence of the Pope for hundreds of years. Upon our return to Rome, the afternoon is free to enjoy the city before tonight’s farewell dinner.

Day 12

MAY 18: RETURN HOME FROM ROME (B)

We return home from Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport this morning with new friendships and fond memories of all the places we’ve seen and the people we’ve met strolling the romantic cities and picturesque countryside of Venice, Tuscany, & the Eternal City of Rome.