11 Best Adventures in Italy
11 Hiking Adventure Ideas in Italy to Plan This Year
Ready to explore beyond the usual touristy sites? Want to venture through Italy beyond the monuments, cathedrals, artistic architectures, and colosseums? Then, MT Sobek has the answer. These hiking tours not only showcase the best the country has to offer, but also immerse you in the local culture while dining on delicious fare and sipping local wines after trekking through the vineyards.
Strap on your hiking boots and adventure through Italy’s rugged landscapes, captivating towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and charming villages all while taking in scenic mountainous views, glaciers, and verdant valleys on any of these best adventures in Italy.
Table of Contents
- Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking Tour
- Italy Sorrento Peninsula & Amalfi Coast Hiking Tour
- Italy Tuscany & Cinque Terre Walking Tour
- Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour
- Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tour
- Alpe Adria Hiking Tour
- Italy Treasures of Sicily Private Walking with Premier Lodging Tour
- Relaxing Walks in Lake Garda
- Trekking Through Brescia
- Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites
- Croatia, Slovenia & Italy Village to Village Walking Tour
1. Italy Best of the Dolomites Hiking Tour
Take in the majestic pinnacles of the Dolomites as you take on these scenic hiking trails. While exploring this fairytale landscape, you’ll come to meet mountain goats and storybook villages while traveling through must-see sites such as the towns of Alta Badia in South Tyrol and Crotina in Veneto region, plus take in the famous peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Marmolada. You’ll be rewarded at the end of your hikes with delectable local cuisine.
Why we love this trip:
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites
- Take in the famous peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Marmolada
- Hike Alba di Canazei and be wowed by impressive views of Marmolada’s peaks: Piccolo Vernel, Gran Vernel, Penia, and Ombretta
- Explore the three cultures, languages, and valleys of Trentino, Alta Badia and Veneto and one of the most popular Italian peaks— Tre Cime—at sunrise
- Explore Cinque Torri and learn about the surrounding mountain valleys as WWI battlefields, as well as its tunnels and bunkers
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2. Italy Sorrento Peninsula & Amalfi Coast Hiking Tour
While exploring the Sorrento region and the Amalfi Coast, you’ll get to enjoy the views from the top of Mount Faito with Vesuvius in the distance. You will also get to explore Capri and the archeological site of Paestum, an ancient Greek town. If you want to further your explorations of the region, an extension to Pompeii can be added to this 9-day journey.
Why we love this trip:
- Savor Neapolitan pizza in the city it originates from
- Explore the wondrous island of Capri and the archeological site of Paestum, an ancient Greek town and the the little village of Nerano
- Hike the Amalfi Coast’s otherwordly Path of the Gods and Path of Lemons, plus the magnificent Bay of Leranto on the farthest point of the Sorrentine peninsula
- Visit the region’s iconic highlights, including the ancient coastal cliff towns of Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento and Positano and a local farm in Paestum to taste the famous buffalo mozzarella and yogurt, as well as the seaside town of Vico Equense
- Take a scenic drive to Ravello, a charming town on the slopes of Mount Lattari
3. Italy Tuscany & Cinque Terre Walking Tour
This journey takes you from Chianti to the Italian Riviera and historic Siena as you follow the scenic trails through the Tuscan vineyards and enjoy tastings of Chianti wines along the way. Next, you’ll explore the medieval Siena and San Gimignano then it’s off to Liguaria’s coast to hike along the cliff-side paths connecting to Cinque Terre’s seaside towns.
Why we love this trip:
- Sample fine Chianti wines in Greve, the wine capital plus wander through hilltop towns and follow coastal trails in the Cinque Terre
- Experience the walled city of Monteriggioni, known as “Gateway to the Middle Ages” through Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni
- Tour the fortified medieval estate of San Polo in Rosso, where a refreshing picnic lunch awaits
- Stop at the 15th-century home of a local Tuscan family where you’ll sample olive oils and savor a delicious country dinner
- Soak up the city of Siena and go on a special guided tour of its historical wonders, including UNESCO-listed Piazza del Campo and the Duomo
4. Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour
Traverse the Graian Alps, which make up Gran Paradiso National Park, as you cross between Italy and France. Gran Paradiso National Park was established in the 19th century to protect the ibex and is also home to Italy’s only peak above 13,000 ft.
Why we love this trip:
- Explore stunning alpine trails through Italy’s first national park—Gran Paradiso Natural Park
- Visit the Valle d’Aosta region
- Climb to the Croix de L’Arolley, above a captivating waterfall
- Take a gondola ride in Pila and a chairlift in Chamole
- Explore the postcard like views of Lac de Loie
5. Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tour
Mont Blanc is Europe’s highest and most iconic peak and a must-do for avid hikers. This trip kicks off in the alpine village of Les Houches where you’ll hike the full circumference around Mont Blanc as you take in the glaciers, mountain lakes, and meadows. On this journey, travelers will be immersed in three different cultures and cuisines while experiencing the alpine hospitality the region is known for.
Why we love this trip:
- Hike the full 99 miles around Mont Blanc and experience the cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of glaciers, forests, meadows, and endless peaks
- Explore the charming mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France and the villages of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and La Fouly
- Hike past the spectacular “Glacier de Pre-de-Bar” and take in Mont Dolent above—the meeting point of the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Cross the Grand Col Ferret to enter Switzerland
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6. Alpe Adria Hiking Tour
Discover the 470-mile trail system of Alpe Adria through the wilderness from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea as you experience the rich cultures and local cuisines of three countries. Travelers will also get to visit landmarks such as the Garnet Gate and mountain Sanctuary Monte Lussari. The trip ends in Trieste, which has been at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and German cultures for over 2,000 years.
Why we love this trip:
- Explore the 470-mile trail system from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea
- Immerse yourself in the landscapes, rich cultures, and local cuisines of three different countries—Austria, Italy, and Slovenia
- Visit landmarks such as the Garnet Gate, the Soca River, and mountaintop Sanctuary Monte Lussari
- Travel through Austria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where Mozart was born
- Savor a typical Austrian lunch plus local dishes including lamb and beef from local farmers, and gelato, too and unwind at a vineyard while enjoying local cheeses, fresh-cut prosciutto and a glass of local red wine
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7. Italy Treasures of Sicily Private Walking with Premier Lodging Tour
Sicily captivates the imagination with its deep history, regional culture, and dramatic landscapes. Hike the seaside trails of dazzling Zingaro Nature Reserve and explore the lava-sculpted slopes of Mount Etna. Wander stone streets through Greek, Roman, and Norman history, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in enchanting Siracusa, Noto, and Taormina. Sip wines at family-run estates, experience Sicilian country life in the Sicani Mountains, and savor farm-fresh cuisine in spectacular settings. Evenings are spent in boutique hotels, from baroque palaces to tranquil coastal retreats. Your private Sicily escape awaits!
Why we love this trip:
- Experience Sicily at a slower pace with a higher level of accommodation and a lower level of physical activity
- Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples on a guided visit
- Take a thrilling off-road Jeep adventure on Mount Etna
- Wander through charming villages and scenic nature reserves
- Sip world-class wines at local vineyards and wineries
- Enjoy easy hikes and walks in scenic nature reserves and rural mountain villages
- Immerse yourself in the beautiful historic cities of Noto, Siracusa, and Taormina
8. Relaxing Walks in Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the ideal escape for those looking to recharge and disconnect. This area’s scenic paths are perfect for a relaxing hike at your own pace. The circular route links Busatte to Tempesta along the eastern coast of Garda Trentino for a leisurely 3-hour hike through Busatte Adventure Park.
Why we love this trip:
- Hike through Busatte Adventure Park featuring a panoramic trail that runs along the slopes of Monte Baldo offering views of Lake Garda
- Explore Tempesta
- Take on the almost 400 steps of the iron staircase
- Walk through Sentiero del Ponale, which connects Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley
- Stroll this relaxing route that can be done in 3 hours
9. Trekking through Brescia
Brescia is teaming with outdoor activities and captivating landscapes as travelers can hike or bike through the trails and paths, as well as visit a UNESCO World Heritage and archaeological site. The areas three lakes—Lake Garda, Lake Idro, and Lake Iseo each offer a unique experience, while the town of Franciacorta features vineyards of rolling hills. History abounds here as the Roman Brescia Archaeological Park, a UNESCO Heritage site, is one of the best preserved sites in Italy.
Why we love this trip:
- Experience Brescia, which was selected as an Italian Capital of Culture
- Explore the National Park of Rock Engravings (petroglyphs), located in Capo di Ponte, in Val Camonica
- Hike through Parco delle Fucine and Ferrate di Casto
- Visit a 1930s industrial site with six forges, a mill and a smelting furnace
- Check out Bosco degli Gnomi (the forest of gnomes) and meet wolves, bears, foxes, hares, and gnomes, too
10. Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Dolomites
Perfect for hikers looking for a challenging trip who favor a sense of remoteness over hotel luxury, our hut-to-hut hike in the Dolomites blends magnificent mountain locales with simpler rifugios and inns. Enjoy a sense of journey as you travel east to west, slowly exploring different valleys and unique mountain cultures throughout the unparalleled Dolomites.
Why we love this trip:
- Hike across the dramatic Dolomites with ever-changing limestone peaks and views
- Travel east to west through multiple valleys with distinct cultures
- Explore three UNESCO-listed natural parks: Tre Cime, Fanes-Sennes-Braies, and Puez-Odle
- Stay in authentic mountain rifugios and alpine inns in remote settings
- Discover alpine lakes, high passes, and panoramic ridgelines
- Enjoy a rewarding balance of challenge, remoteness, and scenery
- Finish with an evening in Venice and a guided walk through the old town
11. Croatia, Slovenia & Italy Village to Village Walking Tour
This tour is a foodie’s dream as time on the trails is rewarded with culinary delights as travelers trace Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Slovenia’s Julian Alps, and Italy’s Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region. Guests will also immerse themselves in the culture of this trio of countries as they discover its rich history, national parks, and captivating hikes.
Why we love this trip:
- Go wine tasting and learn how to hunt truffles
- Sample olive oil with the locals in their home plus taste regional Mediterranean fare including lunch at a traditional Istrian “Konoba”
- Visit cobblestone medieval towns and villages including the picturesque Rovinj and Motovun
- Explore the Brijuni Islands, which collectively the 14 islands are a Croatian National Park
- Stroll through the coastal town of Porec and check out the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica
Why Hike Italy with MT Sobek?
As you can see there is a lot more to Italy than dining on delicious Italian fare and visiting historic monuments. MT Sobek takes travelers on adventures that have you exploring, experiencing nature, and immersing yourself in the local culture while being outdoors enjoying the fresh air. To see more of what MT Sobek has to offer, request a free catalog.
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FAQs
Italy’s top hiking destinations include the Dolomites, Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Tuscany, Sicily, Lake Garda, and the Italian Alps. These regions offer everything from dramatic alpine peaks to coastal paths and vineyard-lined trails.
The best time for hiking in Italy is late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October), when temperatures are mild and trails are less crowded. Summer is ideal for high alpine regions like the Dolomites.
While many trails in Italy are well-marked, guided hiking tours like MT Sobek enhance the experience by providing local insight, cultural context, seamless logistics, and access to lesser-known routes—especially in alpine and multi-day treks.
Hut-to-hut hiking involves trekking between mountain refuges (rifugi), staying overnight in simple alpine lodges. It’s especially popular in the Dolomites and allows hikers to explore remote terrain without carrying camping gear. Check out our Italy Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour!
Hiking difficulty in Italy ranges from leisurely coastal walks to strenuous alpine treks. Regions like Lake Garda and Tuscany are suitable for moderate hikers, while the Dolomites and Mont Blanc demand higher fitness levels.
Yes. Italy offers many beginner-friendly hiking experiences, particularly in Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Lake Garda, and parts of Sicily, where trails are well-maintained and elevation gain is manageable.
Absolutely. Many hiking tours in Italy combine scenic trails with cultural immersion, wine tastings, historic villages, and regional cuisine, making Italy one of the best destinations for experiential adventure travel.
