Italy & Dolomites Hiking Tours

The most visited place in Italy is the Colosseum. Built by Vespasian in 72 CE and enlarged by the addition of a fourth story by his son, Titus, it was a venue for public spectacles and shows - even mock sea battles. This huge amphitheater, the largest of its kind ever built by the Roman Empire and the largest of their constructions to survive, remained a model for sports facilities right up to modern times.

Italy's best travel months are May, June, September, and October. They're also the busiest and most expensive time to visit (with the north remaining just as busy throughout midsummer). Crowds aside, these months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather.

Kicking things off with the big daddy of Italian cuisine, forget anything you once thought about pizza: here in Italy, pizza making is a form of art. Think ultra-crisp stone-baked dough, tomatoes bursting with the countryside from which they were grown, creamy mozzarella and simple toppings scattered with fresh basil leaves. Try the classic margherita for a masterclass in simple pleasures, or spice it up a little by diving into toppings like salty prosciutto and punchy white anchovies.

As the capital of the Veneto Region of Northern Italy, Venice actually lies on 117 small islands that are connected by a series of bridges and separated by a network of canals. Visit the St. Mark’s Basilica, it’s a sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1092 and remains one of the most important religious buildings in Northern Italy. Canale Grande is the largest canal, more like a river, only four bridges span the grand canal as generally people and tourists travel along the canal, not over it. Consider walking along sections of the canal, admiring the buildings that line it, and watching the busy water traffic of Venice. Or if you’re looking for a spot of relaxation and to get away from the bulk of the tourists, the Lido is the place to go. This separate island creates a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea and features a long stretch of beautiful beach to enjoy.

You can catch a local train from the airport to the centre of town, and Milan is a walkable city with priceless works of art, eccentric beautiful buildings, world-class restaurants and oases of calm. We recommend visiting the Milan Cathedral, it’s a truly monumental building and is famed for its sublime architecture and took over 600 years to complete. Explore the Grand Gallery, this cross shaped mall is covered via four glass panelled arms that let in the sunlight perfectly, whilst the walls and shop fronts are decorated with ornate panelling and stucco artwork. Wander around Castello Sforzesco, this 15th century castle has a central location in Milan and is set in extensive grounds and gardens, at the front of the castle stands an immense brick wall lined with battlements and frame by a central guard tower. If you feel like seeing more the Torre Branca is a large observation tower, ‘Torre Littoria’, that stands at a colossal 108.6m high, constructed in 1933, from here you have unparalleled views of the city of Milan and can see for miles.