Indulge in Luxury Hiking Tours in Italy
Ah, Italy, land of cathedrals, piazzas, fountains, sprawling olive orchards and fabulous food. You can easily jump on a bus tour and be driven around the countryside and through the ancient cities or you can hire a car and be your own chauffeur. Or for something different, have you ever considered luxury hiking tours? You do plenty of walking in Italy anyway, why not travel a little further off the crazily popular tourist trails and see some different sights?
Italy has so much more to offer than its capital, Rome. By hiking, you get a feel for the lifestyle in places far removed from the cosmopolitan city existence found in the big cities. You get to take everything in slowly and savor it as you would a wonderfully matured chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano. You can indulge the senses and come to understand what it means to live there, not just pass through as a casual observer. And the best thing about luxury hiking tours is that you don't have to rough it at all; everything is laid on for you to enjoy and indulge, making this one of the most relaxing ways to see Italy.
Usually the tour itineraries begin once you arrive in Italy and do not include airfare in the price. That's not a bad thing because you will probably want to do other things to either side of your luxury hiking tour, like stay in the city for a few days, visit the opera, book a villa or visit relatives or friends who live there. Tours are usually held during the comfortable, warmer months between April and October. That means no heavy clothing and you can enjoy lovely experiences such as fishing, exploring caves, joining in summer festivities and seeing the terrain at its productive best.
Rather than bunking down in tents, luxury hiking tours offer the best of both worlds. You hike during the day and enjoy fine comforts of four or five star hotels at night. Some tours offer bed and breakfast accommodation or for tour members to stay in villas, beautiful farmhouses and resorts.
There are luxury hiking tours of Italy that encompass the magnificent Lakes region including the world famous Lake Como just to the north of Milan. A Lakes tour offers splendid viewing of these azure bodies of water and includes fun transportation on hydrofoils, boats and ferries plus visits to the gardens and centuries-old castles of the area.
Alternatively, if you enjoy the excitement and danger of imminent volcanic eruptions, then a luxury hiking tour in Sicily would be more your style. Mt Etna, Europe's highest active volcano spits and sputters with a regularity that won't disappoint those seeking a thrill. On this tour, you will bathe in hot thermal springs and walk barefoot upon ebony beaches. Anyone whose body is aching from the hike will appreciate these opportunities even more! Stay in gorgeous villas with the most gorgeous ocean views and have all your meals and accommodation taken care of in your tour price.
Luxury hiking tours of Italy can take you over hill and dale, mountain and valley, through picturesque villages and around jagged coastlines, all giving you the opportunity to travel by 'people power' and explore at will. Then you return to your luxury accommodation at night for great meals, a swim in the pool and a chance to talk about the day's experiences with other tour members. Don't just visit Italy, experience it!