The road markers and other signs make it easier for self guided walkers on the Via Francigena Beside the Tre Cime, The Dolomites, Italy Walking into Assisi One of the many viewpoints on the Paths of the Gods, Amalfi | <i>Catherine Burton</i> A group of friends walking on the Via Francigena in Tuscany | <i>Allie Peden</i> Walking the Via Degli Dei Starting out on the Monte Rosa Alpine Walk in Italy

Self Guided Walking Holidays in Italy

Discover the unforgettable sights & culture of Italy on a self guided walking tour

Discover the ‘Dolce Vita’ lifestyle on one of our self-guided walking holidays in Italy. Our wide range of affordable, active holidays right across Italy, from the heights of the Dolomites to the colourful meadows of Tuscany and beyond to the rocky and dramatic coastline of Italy's south, feature the perfect blend of both cultural and natural treasures to ensure your Italian experience is as unique as the country itself.

Walkers' Britain offers great self-guided walking opportunities in the north of the country. The chiselled limestone peaks of the Dolomites, with the valleys of Cortina, Corvara and the Marmolada glacier draw on mountain walkers who want a change from the Alpine landscape norm. While on the Alpine theme the Apuane Alps in northern Tuscany consist of less intimidating limestone massifs rising up to 2000m, smothered with chestnut forests and speckled with small villages sitting on terraced vineyard and orchard aprons. Alternatively enjoy the delights of the lake land scenery on a self-guided walking holiday to Lake Como or explore Italy's scenic coastline and go for a walking holiday along the Amalfi Coast, charming Cinque Terre villages, or little travelled Cilento region. 

Our self-guided walking holidays are fully flexible which means you can normally start your walk on any day during the season and customise by adding extra days for resting or sightseeing. As you're walking independently, you're free to follow the trail at your own pace. You set your own pace as you are not limited by the constraints of group travel. 

You are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so. As long as you are reasonably active you will be able to find a suitable tour and all of our tours are graded to help you choose the right walk for you.

Find your Italy trip

Popular self guided walking holidays in Europe

Why travel with us

Self Guided Walking Specialists in Italy

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Italy at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Italy

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your self guided walking holiday in Italy.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Apartments

Self contained with basic cooking facilities, studio apartments cater for up to two people, with the option to upgrade to larger apartments with bedrooms if you have more in your party.

Refuges or gite hostels

Used mainly on mountain walks, these convivial places add to the atmosphere of your journey through the mountains. Dorms may sleep up to 40 people and the beds are often bunk beds. Linen and blankets are provided and bathrooms are shared. Private rooms may be available, although private gite rooms still use shared bathrooms.

Agriturismi

Typically found in Italy, these 'farm stay' style accommodations are found on independently owned working farms. You can expect fantastic local flavours at meal time from your hosts.

Meals

Breakfasts are included on all our trips and usually consist of breads, meats, cheeses, spreads, fruit, tea, coffee & juice. Evening meals that may be included will normally be a set 3 course menu with a choice of 2 to 4 menu item. Spoilt for choice with the likes of local olive oils, parma ham and of course the staples of pizza and pasta. Enjoy your meal with one of the many local wines and finish the day with a gelato.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+39

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Italy is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

In the first half of 2025 it is expected that the ETIAS travel authorisation will be introduced requiring online application before travel. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more details.

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area – note that a new entry/exit system will be introduced in 2025. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en for more information. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.