Walking Trips: The Most Beautiful in Italy and Europe

WALKING TRIPS

A true adventure, not risky but very intense. It's a way to dedicate time to yourself, your thoughts, and your emotions. To deeply savor the beauty that surrounds us and that we often ignore in haste. Traveling on foot is certainly not easy because it's a choice that requires a certain amount of preparation due to the long distances involved, but it is... a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

I walking trips In fact, they allow you to discover unknown places in an alternative, fun and healthy way. A perfect way to travel to visit a city and its surroundings, the little hidden corners of a region and to indulge in long and relaxing walks immersed in greenery, in the countryside, on the plains, on the hills or along mountain paths.

ALSO READ: Walking properly is one of the best ways to stay fit, and it's free.

WALKING TRIPS IN NATURE

Un slow and conscious tourism This trek also aims to highlight the diverse local traditions, allowing you to move around easily without the burden of bulky luggage. All you need are two essentials: a backpack (weighing no more than 10 percent of the traveler's body weight), a map of the area, and a camera for those who wish to capture and treasure the experience. And, above all, comfortable shoes suitable for the type of trail.

ALSO READ: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela: Everything you need to know if you want to walk it

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WALKING TRIPS IN ITALY

THE WAY OF SAINT FRANCIS – UMBRIA

An itinerary that starts from the north (La Verna) or the south (Greccio) and walks along the Rieti Valley, allowing you to reach Assisi, following in the footsteps of St. Francis and, most importantly, passing through the places where the saint composed the Canticle of the Creatures. Specifically, from La Verna to Assisi, the walk covers a full 192 km, which can be completed in about 12 days.

THE ETRUSCAN ROAD, TUSCANY AND EMILIA ROMAGNA

The route, which can be completed in 5-6 days, begins in the ancient Etruscan city of Artimino in Tuscany, passes through the Bisenzio Valley and Prato, and, after crossing the Apennines, leads to Marzabotto. This journey allows you to discover and admire beautiful archaeological parks, including the Via dei Sepolcri in Vetulonia and the Vie Cave between Sovana and Pitigliano.

URBAN TREKKING #SIENAFRANCIGENA WITH THE "PILGRIM'S SADDLEBAG"

Finally, in Italy, we'd like to highlight the guided urban trekking project #SienaFrancigena, a project by the Municipality of Siena designed to promote the city's Via Francigena route, including a stop at Santa Maria della Scala, one of Europe's oldest hospitals.

Every Sunday, from May 1st to June 26th, visitors will be able to walk the Via Francigena through Siena, from Porta Camollia to Porta Romana, in about three hours, retracing the footsteps of ancient travellers.

The route winds for approximately 4 kilometers within the city walls: the ticket price, including a guide, entrance to Santa Maria della Scala, and the “Pilgrim's Sack,” is 20 euros, and 10 euros for children up to 11 years old.

The “Pilgrim’s Satchel” includes Tuscan bread, buristo, finocchiona, Cinta Senese sausage, pecorino cheese, ricciarelli, and panforte.

For information and reservations, call 3476137678 and 3480216972 or write to [email protected]

Upon request, the visit can also be conducted in English.

TO KNOW MORE: Cycling holidays: a short guide to cycle tourism

TRAVELING ON FOOT IN EUROPE

Even in Europe the religious background remains the most interesting for walking trips, starting from the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of theapostle James, one of the most important pilgrimages of the entire Christian civilization. And in Europe there are also walking trips of great environmental and cultural interest.

THE WAY OF SANTIAGO

Historic destination for pilgrims, the Camino de Santiago of Compostela every year attracts over 15 thousand walkers from Italy, but for people with disability of various types still remains a prohibitive path to travel. Through the guide "Santiago for everyone”, created by Pietro Scidurlo, a paraplegic since birth, and created in collaboration with Luciano Callegari, it is now possible to learn more about the French Way, which leads from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago. The book illustrates the three possible routes: the classic one, the mixed one suitable for wheelchairs, and the asphalt one perfect for handbikes. Each itinerary includes a detailed description, including facilities, services, and places to visit, listed according to accessibility. You can purchase the guide on the portal Land Paths.

THE IRON ROUTE IN THE PYRENEES – SPAIN AND FRANCE

A route that passes through the regions of Andorra, Catalonia, the Basque Country, Languedoc-Roussillon and Aquitaine, leading the travelers to discover the places characterised by a centuries-old tradition of ironworking.

MOZART'S ROAD – AUSTRIA

The route winds between Salzburg and Rosenheim, where the great Austrian composer lived. This itinerary, which passes between the Salzach and Inn rivers, offers views of the Bavarian lakes of Chiemgau and the Austrian lakes of Salzburg, and visits to spas and nature parks. At 410 kilometers long, it can be completed by bike in about 8-12 days.

IDEAS AND ITINERARIES FOR TRAVELING IN ITALY:

• Diamante: a Calabrian town fighting depopulation with art. Over 300 murals decorate the historic center.
• Sant'Angelo di Roccalvecce, the fairytale town: the village's rebirth thanks to murals
• The miracle of Rasiglia, the "Venice of Umbria": the depopulated village is reborn thanks to the boom in tourism, offering art and food (photos)