WALKING & HIKING TOURS IN ITALY

The Vacation Station is pleased to present our walking and hiking tours in Italy.

We offer you a great choice of both escorted and guided journeys, for both novice and experienced hikers. We have also included an Alpine hike for those seeking a real challenge!

PIEMONTE WALK                                                       BRENTA CLIMBING PATH

                       

DOLOMITES - WALK, BIKE & SPA                          THE VOLCANO ISLANDS 

           

TUSCANY                                                                     WALKING IN CALABRIA

         

         

     

PIEMONTE WALK

8 day Guided Walk

Hiking in 'Europe's black hole' - the Valley Maira is, of course, not black and it is certainly not a hole. The term refer's only to the seclusion of the place. However, it is this seclusion that adds to Valle Maira's charm. Somehow you have the impression that time has been standing still here for the past 50 years. Most of the valley inhabitants have long moved away. The meadows are not worked, empty farms can be found everywhere, and you see only old people here.

That is why the valley has kept its original appearance. Hiking through unfertilised fields and mountain slopes you will discover how rich a flower field can be: wild narcissus, wild tulips, chessboard-flowers, orchids - to name only a few - thrive here. Depending on the time of the year, one can hike in different altitudes starting from the valley floor (1100m) up to the highest summits (above 3000m). In deserted-looking villages on the way you discover the so-called Agriturs (country guesthouses), simple taverns, cheese dairies or country craft workshops. These hidden gems and the exquisite cuisine add to this hiking week's uniqueness.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Individual Arrival at Acceglio. Transfers included from Bolzano

Welcome and information in the beautiful Hotel Londra, our home for the next 7 nights.

Day 2: Ussolo, Lausetto

Hiking tour from Ussolo to Lausetto on the southern face with marvellous views over the valley.

Day 3: Passo di Sampeeyre, Mont Morfreid

Starting from Passo di Sampeeyre above Elva we hike along the ridge up to Mont Morfreid (2484m). The view of the Valle Varaita is superb. On our way back we stop at the interesting cheese dairy of Elva. We continue to the Agritur 'L'Artesin' - a wonderful farmhouse that has been renovated and is wellknown for its fantastic cuisine. We will stay for dinner here, a treasure not to be missed!

  

Day 4: Sautron, Rifugion Stroppia, Lago Niero

Today we enter the high alpine region and hike to the Sautron, at the end of the valley. From Campo Base we continue under an impressive waterfall to Rifugio Stroppia and then to Lago Niero. On our way back, we stop at the church of Chiappera.

  

Day 5: Colle del Mulo, Rocca la Meja, Preit, Lubac

From Colle del Mulo through dreamy plateaus with a view of the Valle Stura, underneath the Rocca la Meja (2831m) to the village of Preit.

Day 6: Valle Mollasco, Colle di Rui, Chiappera

Through the Valle Mollasco we ascend to the Colle di Rui and past the climbing regions of Croce Provenzale and Mt. Castello to Chiappera.

   

Day 7: Saretto, Colle Ciarbonett

This morning we hike from Saretto via Colle Ciarbonett to Chialvetta, (museum of old farming equipment). Afterwards we enjoy an excellent traditional good-bye dinner in Rolando’s simple tavern.

   

Day 8: Return to Bolzano, where we arrive in the early afternoon.
       

Tour Rating - Moderate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths. Daily walking distance up to 6 hours. Good fitness level for some parts is required as you walk up to 17 km. Good hiking gear is required.

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

11th May,  15th June,  27th July,  14th September

Price per person CAD $1665
Single surcharge   $200
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights in the 3+*** Hotel Londra
  • Breakfast and 3 course dinner daily
  • Two regional dinners in country guesthouses
  • Transfers from/to Bolzano
  • Pick up service in Cuneo or if desired in other cities on the path
  • Hiking guide with you throughout
  • Walking rucksack per room 
  • Welcome meeting and introduction to the tour

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BRENTA CLIMBING PATH

7 day Guided Hiking Route

The Brenta is a paradise for all climbing path lovers, with many secured paths leading through the unique rock. The week is dedicated to crossing the whole Brenta massif from hut to hut. The technical difficulty of the climbing paths is easy but they are quite exposed in certain area's. Sure-footedness and a good head for heights are the only technical pre-conditions required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1:   Arrival by own arrangements at Madonna di Campiglio. Meetin the town, then by cable car to Groste Pass 2437m – walk to Tuckett Hut at 2268m.

Day 2:   SOSAT Climbing path – Pedrotti Hut 2496m

Day 3:   Via delle Bocchette Centrale – Alimonta Detassis Climbing path – Alimonta hut 2600m

Day 4:   Via delle Bocchette Alta – O. Orsi Climbing path – Pedrotti hut 2496m

Day 5:   Cima Tosa 3173m - Sentiero Brentari - Agostini hut 2410m

Day 6:   Due Denti Climbing path – Twelfe Apostles hut 2488m - Sentiero Martinazzi – Brentei hut 2120m.

Day 7:   Descent to Madonna di Campiglio. Extend your stay in Italy if you wish.

Tour Rating - Difficult

Routes are on high mountain trails and paths. Daily walking distance up to 7 hours. Very good fitness level for some parts is required as you walk up to 15km at high altitude. Good hiking gear is required. Climbing gear is supplied.

    

 

 

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

6th July,  3rd & 31st August        Minimum of four persons required to run the tour.

Price per person CAD $1355
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 6 overnights in mountain huts in bunk rooms/dormitories
  • 6 x half board meal plan
  • Tour taxi
  • Rental climbing gear
  • Pick up at railway station Franzensfeste
  • Mountain guide
  • 45 litre Trekking rucksack

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DOLOMITES - WALK, BIKE, & SPA

8 day independent hotel stay

This independent hotel package is set in the Dolomiti mountains of Trentino. We stay in the Puster Valley area of the Sud Tirol, which offers a wonderful blend of Austrian and Italian culture, set in one of the sunniest regions of the Alps. Just 45 minutes from Innsbruck, the resorts of the Sud Tirol are highly recommended for individuals, couples and families searching for great value in the spectacular Dolomites.

Our partnership with the superb Falkensteiner Hotels & Resorts enable us to offer a selection of well run Spa & Wellness hotels, set in beautiful surroundings crisscrossed with bicycle paths, mountainbike trails, and walking routes. Your week can be as relaxing or as energetic as you please, while you rejuvenate your mind, body and soul!

   

The Sport & Get Active programme has something for everyone:

  • IN THE HOTEL: Aerobics, aqua gymnastics, yoga, fitness, table tennis, swimming.
  • SUMMER: Walking, climbing, cycling, mountainbiking (free cycle hire in the hotel), within easy reach: tennis, football, golf, minigolf, rafting, canyoning and lots more.
  • WINTER: Skiing (Kronplatz), cross-country, ski touring, ice-skating, tobogganing, snowshoe walking.
           

Wellnesshotel Ehrenburg: Falkensteiner Hotel Lido Ehrenburgerhof

HOTEL LIDO EHRENBURGERHOF ****

Superb family run beauty and wellness hotel located in the village of Ehrenburg/Kiens, in the heart of the Puster Valley.

58 quality rooms and suites, all furnished in a typical South Tyrolean style.

A huge buffet breakfast and evening dinner is included daily, with the following choices:

  • Local specialities
  • International dishes
  • Light and wholesome cuisine
  • Vegetarian dishes
  • Special diets (advance notification required)
  • Large selection of South Tyrolean wines and international wines
  • Gluten-free food

 

Spa, Wellness, Beauty & Fitness facilities:

  • Acquapark with: Indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, children's pool, Finnish sauna, steambath and whirlpool
  • The "Lotus oasis": a wellness area with Turkish bath, treatment rooms, relaxation zones, solarium
  • Wellness and beauty treatments (charge payable): Classic and energy massages, soft-pack baths, herbal, milk and honey baths, facials and body treatments, cosmetics, anti-ageing with bio-stimulation, private SPA, child treatments
  • Oriental boat: Fitness room and gym

Walk, Bike & Spa in Trentino:  Schedule & Price

    

DATES

Daily departures throughout the year

Price per person, double occ. CAD $1355
Single supplement (includes rental car)   $550
High season surcharges apply in the middle of summer   Request details
Our "Fairytale Wellness Week" package includes:
  • 7 nights in double room north with half-board (rich breakfast buffet
      with organic corner, multiple-course menu in the evening)
    - Welcome cocktail
    - Free use of the Acquapark
      (indoor and heated outdoor pool, whirlpool and saunas)
    - 1 x dwarf pine bath
    - 1 x body wrap and lymph drainage
    - 1 x solarium visit
    - 1 x hot stone treatment - 25 minutes
    - 1 x torchlight walk
  • 7 nights rental car (economy class with unlimited km. and full insurance).
  • Use of good quality rental bikes from the hotel
  • hotel taxes and staff gratuities

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  THE VOLCANO ISLANDS

8 day independent walking tour

Stromboli, Salina, Lipari & Vulcano.

… the mighty volcanic island of Sicily is accompanied by seven smaller islands on the northern coast with a mixture of volcanic rock formations, crystal clear water, steep cliffs, dense forests and even more …

These islands are of incredible beauty and extremely rich flora and fauna. Most of them are nature reserves today. The island of Stromboli has the only active volcano in Europe today; Salina is the greenest of the islands with fertile jungle and cultured areas and a beautiful mountain range; Lipari with a picturesque harbour, antique acropolis, white brimstone mountains and fantastic hiking trails, and last but not least, Vulcano with its smoking crater.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival in Stromboli

You may land at the airport of Catania, 4 km south of the city Catania. About 120 km away is the city of Milazzo, where you board the ferry to Stromboli, the first destination.

Day 2: Stromboli, Climb of Stromboli

The island of Stromboli with solitary coves and black lava beaches, idyllic white villages and of course the main attraction: the only active volcano of Europe, volcano Stromboli at 942 m in altitude. The fumes constantly escaping the summit are a symbol of the island and every 20 min a fire and lava fountain blows to the sea. A bit strenuous the nightly climb might be, but it is rewarded with a unique experience of a fire spectacle.

Day 3: Salina, Coastal walk

By ferry you cross over to the island Salina and a walk of the nature reserve, on beautiful coastal paths along the sea.

Day 4: Salina, Hike to Monte Fossa delle Felci

Today you hike the highest mountain of Salinas, Fossa delle Felci at 962 m altitude. Often this island pulls a cap of clouds over both ears, so that it is very densely wooded in parts. You walk through various types of vegetation up to the highest point, then downhill to Santuario Madonna del Terzino.

Day 5: Lipari, City Tour, Rest day

By ferry you cross to the island Lipari, where you will stay for 3 days. Lipari is the biggest of the seven islands. The enchanting capital with a maze of little alleyways, beautiful palaces and interesting museums invites you to enjoy a day of strolling around.

Day 6: Vulcano, Hike to Gran Cratere and bathing in hot mud

The volcano on the island seems to be deeply asleep – but do not be deceived, he just slumbers. Sulphuric steam and gas, escaping clefts, are proof of the activity. You climb smoking Gran Cratere (391 m) with fantastic view to the other islands and after that you have a bath in hot mud – balm for your skin.

Day 7: Lipari, walk to Monte Chirica

The highest mountain of Lipari with a breathtaking panorama is on todays program. You pass by brimstone and old flows of obsidian. Brimstone is made by foaming of the magma and sudden depressurizing, Obsidian is quite opposite, by strong pressure and rapid cooling.

Day 8: Morning departure by ferry back to Milazzo

Tour Rating - Moderate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths. Daily walking distance up to 6 hours. Good fitness level for some parts is required as you walk up to 17 km. with a few hills. Good hiking gear is required.

 

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

Every day from mid-February to early November

Price per person CAD $1155
Single surcharge   $380
High Season Surcharge (July & August) $250
This tour includes:
  • 7 overnights in 3 star guesthouses/hotels on the beach, with breakfast daily
  • Mountain guide to Stromboli's summit (in a locally assembled group)
  • Walking rucksack per room
  • No luggage transfer on this tour!!
  • Detailed documentation (maps, route-description, points of interest, important phone numbers)
  • Well marked trails

Allow approx. Euro 50.00 for local ferries and public buses.

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TUSCANY

8 day escorted walking tour

Tuscany – a word ringing of Dolce far niente, idyllic landscapes and delicious food. We add a range of guided hiking tours and thus contribute to your perfect active vacation. Our guide Claudio is a biologist and hobby-historian. He accompanies you through the old Etruscan countryside with the endless, undulating hills of Toscana. You stay in small groups in a country estate in the heart of the Pisan hills. This lovely estate was carefully converted to modern standards plus with a swimming pool, without destroying the original style.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival at Chianni

Transfers are available from Pisa rail station.

Day 2: Miemo – Pietracassa-Volterra

From Miemo we walk through the forests „Valle della Sterza“ to the Langobardian fortress “Pietracassa” and to the alabaster town of Volterra (guided city tour).

Day 3: La Sassa – summit tour - Bolgheri

Easy climb to a scenic summit in the midst of the nature-reserve “Macchia della Magona”. Enjoy stunning views of this lovely part of Tuscany. After a visit to Bolgheri, a wine tasting and excellent dinner end the day on a high note.

Day 4: National Park Migliarino – sand dunes - Pisa

Transfer to National Park “San Rossore” where our hiking tour through forests of stone-oaks and alders starts. Hike to the protected sand dunes, with scents and typical colours of the Mediterranean sea. In “Casa del Parco” we taste local honey, cheese and pine-nuts. In the afternoon a guided city tour of Pisa.

Day 5: Piombino – Populonia – Gulf of Baratti

Today we start in Piombino and hike through scented bushes with a soft breeze from the sea. Our destination is the ancient village Populonia and a stunning panorama view. Here we sustain ourselves with a picnic in the shade of medieval alleys, and visit the necropolis of Baratti. The grave mounds and tombs in the form of churches were built in the 7th and 6th century BC. After our fill of very interesting Etruscan history we relax on the sandy beach of the Gulf of Baratti.

Day 6: Temperino – San Silvestro – Campiglia Marittima

Hiking tour to the fortified medieval town San Silvestro, made from white marble and built on top of a white marble hill! We walk on the ridge enjoying a distant view to the coast until we reach picturesque village Campglia Marittima.

Day 7: Pisan Hills – Verruca - Cicopisano

Hiking tour through the Pisan Hills to the ruins of Verruca. Down to famous chartreuse of the monks Certosini “La Certosa die Calci”. On our excursion we admire some of the 36 beautiful species of local orchids.

Day 8: Individual departure or extend your stay in Italy.

 

Schedule and Price

Tour Rating - Easy

Relaxed walking on good walking trails. Daily distances of up to 5 hours and gentle hills only. We presume that you are in good health and have enough endurance for distances of up to 15 km.

 

        

DEPARTURE  DATES

19th April,  17th May,  14th June,  6th September,  4th October

Price per person Cdn $1885
Single surcharge   $300
Extra nights pre or post tour   $100
This tour includes:
  • 7 nights in the country hotel „Agriturismo Poggio ai Lupi“ with swimming pool and park
  • Generous half board meal plan
  • Daily trips and excursions with private bus transfer and bi-lingual walking guide
  • City tours of Volterra and Pisa (incl. visit of the interior of the dome and baptistery)
  • Entrance fees and museums as per programme
  • Wine tasting and typical Tuscan dinner in Bolgheri
  • Tasting of honey, cheese and pine-nuts
  • Walking rucksack per room

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HIKING IN CALABRIA

8 day escorted walk

Hiking in Aspromonte National Park.  This tour is a medium difficulty walking/trekking tour into the heart of the region of Calabria. During the long day tours you enjoy the full variety of Calabria’s nature – open views of both the sea and the surrounding mountains. This tour really is occupying all senses. We stay on a farm (manor house) and in a beautiful, solitary cabin during our week.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival at Lamezia Terme

Journey to Lamezia Terme and transfer to our forest cabin. Dinner and overnight in the quaint forest cabin “Biancospino”.

Day 2: Montalto After

After breakfast in the mountain cabin a bus takes us to the „plain of Carmelita“ (1267m). There we start our walk on Montalto (1956 m). Marvellous forest of beech and white-fir. Observe the change in vegetation when approaching the summit of Montalto. On the summit enjoy an overwhelming scenic view of the Street of Messina, Mt. Etna, the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea as far as the Liparian Islands and the southern foothills of the Appenine massif. Duration approx. 6 ½ hrs Dinner and overnight in forest cabin „Biancospino“

Day 3: Waterfalls Forgiarelle & Palmarello

Breakfast in the forest cabin. Afterwards transfer to Serro Cerasia (1640 m). There the walk to the waterfalls of Forgiarelle (1280 m) and Palmarello (1279 m) starts. These are the most impressive waterfalls of Aspromonte with a height of about 70 m. In the heart of the National Park through monumental oak-trees and gorse we walk along the ridge and find many traces of the wild boar population. Duration: approx. 7 hrs Dinner and overnight in forest cabin „Biancospino“

Day 4: Idyllic scenic views & coastal town Palmi

Breakfast in forest cabin „Biancospino“ Morning hike from Sant’Elia di Palmi (575 m) on the slopes of Monte S. Elia with breathtaking views to Costa Viola (= southern Tyrrhenian coast) and the Liparian islands. (walking time approx. 3 hrs. In the afternoon you explore the coastal town Palmi. Visit “Tonnara”, a museum about the fishing of tuna, and the archaeological zone “Pietre Nere” with remainders of the antique Greek and Romans and some finds of pre-historic times.

Day 5: Between two seas

Breakfast in forest cabin „Biancospino“ The luggage is transported to our next base today. The hiking group sets off into the direction of the Ionian Sea. The first target is Monte Misafumera (1390 m) through lovely beech and white fir forests, with occasional oak trees and holly. Circling the mountain we reach the summit of Monte Scorda (1572 m). Here we cast a last view to the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then we continue walking downhill to the Ionian coast to Pietra Cappa (737 m) – a huge rock. On our way we find many rare rock formations and caves, used by Basilian eremites. This custom gave the rock its name “Rocche di San Pietro (rock of St. Peter) Duration: approx 7 hrs. Dinner und overnight in our Agriturismus hotel in Ciminà.

Day 6: Mighty rocks – I Tre Pizzi

Breakfast in our Agriturismo. Hiking tour to Monte Tre Pizzi (710 m), with three mighty overhanging rock walls dominating the bare valley of Locri. On our way we cross the village Ciminà (232 m) where the antique customs of pasture, forest, and farm agriculture of Aspromonte are still alive. Continue to walk through dense Mediterranean vegetation with strawberry trees (bearing fruit from Feb. to March). Duration: approx. 4 hrs. Dinner und overnight in Agriturismus in Ciminà.

Day 7: Grottos of Monte Stella

Breakfast in our Agriturismo. Transfer to Monte Stella. Comfortable walk to the impressive grottos (duration approx. 2 hrs). Transfer to the Tyrrhenian coast (Capo Vaticano). Here you have some time to shop, taste local specialities, swimming, and simply enjoying yourself. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Tropea / Capo Vaticano.

Day 8: Departure day.

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and flight home. Or you may continue your stay in Italy.

Tour Rating - Moderate

Routes of medium difficulty on good trails and paths. Daily walking distance up to 7 hours. Good fitness level for some parts is required as you walk up to 17 km. in quite hilly countryside. Good hiking gear is required.

Hiking tour Aspromonte National park - accomodation

Our Forest Cabin „Biancospino“

 

 

 

Monte Tre Pizzi

Schedule and Price

      

DATES

22nd March,  10th May,  4th and 18th October

Price per person

CAD $1850
This tour includes:
  • 4 overnights in dormitories (3-4 bed), common bathroom (day 1-5)
  • 2 overnights in dormitories (3-4 bed) with shower/toilet (day 5-7)
  • 1 overnight double room with shower/toilet (day 7-8)
  • 7 days half board and picnic lunch day 2-6
  • Transfers to/from airport on day 1 and 8
  • Transfer with luggage transport on day 5
  • Tour guide: certified national park guide (day 2-6)
  • Dual German and English speaking tour guide with long experience (day 1-8)
  • Walking rucksack

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