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Take Walks Tours Around the World

Take walks: a company that prides itself in sustainable and vip tours to rome, new york, paris, and other major cities.

By Dan Peltier

Visiting Italy during the height of the tourism season in summer means one thing: long lines. Having a peaceful and unique tour experience in Rome during this time is worthy of a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

But what if you got VIP access to some of Italy’s most visited attractions without the feeling of claustrophobia creeping in? That’s where Take Walks comes in, previously known as Walks of Italy. The company has since rebranded itself, but they still pride themselves on intimate and sustainable walking tours.

Take Walks is becoming a household name in the industry and creates meaningful tour experiences for travelers looking to see the sites in the way they’re meant to be seen.

From getting VIP access to the Colosseum’s Underground and Arena floor to exploring the labyrinth of the Vatican Museums before they open to thousands of people each day, these are just two of many examples of unique tour experiences Take Walks offers.

“We bring to life things that have otherwise been forgotten,” said Stephen Oddo, now CEO of Take Walks. “People often forget that there are other ways to experience the sites than how most people see them, we want to help show those other ways.”

Oddo lived in Rome for eight years and grew up in a family rooted in the tourism industry and saw that there was a need to create a tourism company that catered to seeing the city and country he loves in a unique way.

“Our tours are not just historical fact recitals, we try to match up a guide’s passion and make sure that’s the tour they’re giving,” he said.

But if securing these VIP-type tours is possible, why aren’t more tour companies offering them? Oddo says the groundwork for negotiating these kinds of tours with the attractions is a laborious process.

“Institutionalizing these changes have been difficult, there really isn’t a bar set in this industry for what we’re trying to do,” he said.

Oddo and co-founder Jason Spiehler’s goal for the company is to keep group sizes to a maximum of 12 people and have the best local guides as possible. This ensures that clients can experience the very best of what Italy has to offer. Sustainability is also important to Oddo and Spiehler and they try to give back on their tours whenever they can.

When there was a mudslide in Cinque Terre a few years back, the duo donated to relief efforts to help locals recover from the disaster. Employing locals is also part of the sustainable mission the two share.

“Locals are often the people who know the area best,” said Oddo. “We personally sought out the best local guides.”

Spiehler began giving tours in Rome back in 2001 and after getting so many rockstar reviews from clients, he decided to partner with Oddo and expand his tours to include the entire country.

Rick Steves and The New York Times also gave Spiehler’s tours a thumbs up at the time, further fueling his passion to create something bigger.

“We consider what we do to be the content of a vacation. We try to take tours to the next level and react against the traditional types of tours,” said Oddo.

Sustainability

The millions of tourists who pack Italy’s iconic sites each year are not leaving only their footprints behind. The economic and environmental impact that tourists have made over the last century is setting Italy on a course for irreparable damage. But Take Walks is doing its part to change that, even if other tour companies haven’t yet followed suit.

For example, in Venice, a city of less than 60,000 has over 20 million tourists visit each year. Cheap souvenir shops have replaced markets and artisans’ stores, while prices have risen to the point where fewer and fewer locals can afford living there, pushing the city closer and closer to becoming a theme park.

In the Sistine Chapel, the dirt and humidity caused by 20,000 visitors each day are irreparably damaging Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

On the Amalfi coast, the number of people buying coral jewelry has helped deplete the Mediterranean’s coral reefs. Almost none remain today.

That’s tough luck for the 25 percent of ocean animals who need coral to survive, not to mention the thousands of Italians who depend on those fish (that depend on the coral) for their livelihoods.

Even ordering foods in restaurants that may not be in season is causing a big carbon footprint to appear. Restaurants go where the money is, and getting these foods when they’re not widely available is hurting local farmers.

Take Walks saw this trend follows suit in cities and sites around the world, not just in Italy. They now operate in 14 cities across the US and Europe. Since they started they have launched over 200 tour products. The small, intimate tour groups bring a tremendously unique experience to travelers, often enabling them to see historical locations and museums up close and personal.

To adapt to COVID-19 restrictions has changed the way they operate tours. Conducting tours under the SanSee Certification,  a certification given to tour operators who practice high levels of safety and sanitation in the era of COVID. Take Walks explains on their page what precautions they’re taking to ensure customers feel safe.

Here are some ways that Take Walks is normally taking part to combat hazardous tourist trends:

1) Traveling small, limiting groups to a maximum of 12 people to leave a light footprint. 2) Walking, which leaves a lighter footprint and is a better way to explore Italy anyways. 3) Encouraging public transport. 4) Purchasing carbon offsets for all of their transfers. Every time a client books a tour, Walks of Italy books a carbon offset by calculating the amount of CO2 that will be produced. The company partner with Texas River National Wildlife Refuge Afforestation Project, which has been approved with a gold-level carbon offset watchdog CCB standards. 5) Donate to Italian causes. Recently, the company began donating a portion of its profits from its Venice tours to the association Venice in Peril . 6) Getting off the beaten path to show things that most other tour companies don’t think about. 7) Patronize authentic restaurants and artisan shops, and guides don’t receive commission from any shops or restaurants. 8) Keeping a blog about how to travel sustainably in Italy on their website. 9) Educating clients how they can “act like locals.”

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LIVING THE DREAM

Take Walks Review – What All Walking Tours Should Be

Published by Jeremy . Last Updated on October 27, 2023.

Disclaimers : We were hosted for this experience. Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions for more information. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication.

During our several explorations of Italy, we were fortunate enough to take many walking tours as guests of Walks of Italy (now Take Walks)- one of the country's premier tour companies.

To date, we have taken six tours, in three regions/cities, featuring an array of topics from the historical, to culinary, and even a bit religious at the Vatican Museums.

In the end, we walked away with a fond appreciation for all things Italy (far more than I had from my first trip to the country), and over the years have realized that Take Walks puts out what we believe are the best walking tours we've ever experienced.

In this Take Walks review (formerly Walks of Italy), we wanted to highlight our favorite aspects of each of the tours we took to give you a better insight as to why we think that!

Disclaimer: We were given complimentary tours with Take Walks when traveling around the country.

Food Tour of Venice

When you think of Venice, your first thoughts are likely about the gorgeous canals and the historical buildings and  not the food. In fact, during my first visit to Venice I was pretty sure the food scene there was my least favorite in Italy.

But the thing about Venice's food scene is that it is somewhat hidden, and the best meals come from cicchetti bars that are, at times quite literally, holes in a wall.

During my second visit to Venice, Angie and I were fortunate enough to take a tour exploring the city's behind-the-scenes food scene and were opened up to a world we never knew existed.

Naturally, on my third trip a few years later you can imagine what I ate the whole time- cicchetti!

To check out more from our Cicchetti Bar tour of Venice , click the previous link to read our full review! To check out more about this tour at Take Walks, click here .

Food Tours of Florence

When it comes to the ultimate food city in Italy, it is hard to not put Florence in the running- the food scene here is delicious!

The thing we loved most about our food tour with Take Walks is that it hit just about every cross-section of food you'll find: fruit and veggie markets, meat markets, food stalls (where we tried the infamous lampredotto- delicious), to table wine shops, a restaurant stall for a meal, and finishing with gelato and coffee. (Yes, we were stuffed).

This tour was even better in that our guide was a trained Dante scholar, and would weave in tidbits about the famous poet wherever he could. Food and history all in one? Sign us up to do this one again and again and again.

Book Your Trip Today Flights | Hotels | Apartments | Rental Car | Cruises | Day Tours

To check out more from our Take Walks Florence food tour, click the previous link to read our full review! To check out more about this tour at Take Walks, click here .

Our second tour of Florence with Take Walks was an evening walking tour to take a deep dive into the history of one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

We were the only two on this particular tour and got to pepper our guide with many questions into one of our favorite cities.

Afterwards our guide invited us over to his apartment (complete with a postcard-worthy view of the Ponte Vecchio) and got us a table at his favorite restaurant to complete the night.

I can't say that's ever happened on a guided tour before this one!

To check out more about this tour at Take Walks, click here .

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence

The Tuscany Day Trip tour featuring San Gimignano, Siena, and a winery was our first truly full-day outing with Take Walks (and our first non-walking tour as well). This one was a monster 10-hour tour that hit two of my favorite villages that I visited on my previous trip to Florence as well as a multi-course meal and wine tasting.

Seeing these towns with a guide was a completely different perspective than visiting on my own with a car, as we got much more detailed insight into the history of San Gimignano and their historical towers (where wealthy citizens would try and out-do each other by building them taller) as well as the famous horse race in Siena to mention a few. We knew about these from our prior visit, but the added insight from our guide was truly appreciated.

Where the price on this one seems a bit high for visiting two towns and a winery, the vineyard visit is perhaps the highlight of the tour. Why? It is not a simple wine tasting. It is a multi-course meal and a wine tasting up and down the wine menu. By the end of the lunch, we had sampled about eight wines, tried vin santo, grappa, 12 and 20-year balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and paired it all with food.

I want to describe this one as a wine outing in Tuscany with stops in San Gimignano and Siena, but really that would do these two amazing cities a disservice as well- it really is a huge day out!

To check out more about this Take Walks tour, click here .

Markets and Pizza Making in Rome

Our first tour of Rome was a morning market tour with combination pizza making- satisfying all of our favorite activities in one shot.

On this tour we were able to get some behind-the-scenes looks at popular markets in Rome early in the morning just as they're getting busy for the day, including samplings of many stalls as well as trying some of the best pizza bianca we've ever had.

If that wasn't enough to get us stuffed, we went to a local pizzeria where we learned how to make pies the Italian way and ended up being able to eat our own creations when it was all said and done.

Now we make pizzas at home all the time, and look back on this tour with fond memories as being our cooking inspiration.

After Hours Vatican Museums in Rome

During our second tour in Rome, we were fortunate enough to take an after hours tour of the Vatican Museums.

I had done a self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums on a previous trip to Rome, so I knew a bit about what to expect. What I did not anticipate, however, was just how deep into the history of the Vatican our guide would go!

You see, as all guides are officially licensed and go to school for years to do this job, they know their stuff. Put them in a place full of history like the Vatican Museums and they truly let their expertise shine.

My only complaint about this tour was that you don't get to see all of the rooms like you would if you were exploring on your own (this is true of all after hours tours), but when the trade-off is a dive into the history of the rooms you do visit, well, I'll take that any day!

To check out more from our Vatican Tours at Night , click the previous link to read our full review! To check out more about this tour at Take Walks, click here .

Overall, we were impressed with Walks of Italy for a number of reasons. Their professionalism, unique walking tours, and overall value when looking at the costs puts them the top tier of walking tours we've done anywhere in the world .

Check them out for your next trip!

Looking for more Take Walks tour recommendations in Italy? Check out options like Day Trips from Rome: Tuscan Hilltowns, Castles & Vineyards , Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Tour , Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast , or Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill !

For frequently asked questions about Take Walks (formerly Walks of Italy), check out the following.

Has Walks of Italy's name changed?

Yes and no. Walks of Italy first started in Rome and has grown to offer tours throughout Italy as well in other countries. Their name is now simply Walks, but they also use Walks of Italy branding for their Italian tours.

What makes Walks of Italy different?

Walks of Italy is highly regarded for their quality tours run by highly educated experts in their fields. Many guides we've had are highly educated in local tourism and offered fascinating insights that we don't think we would've received otherwise.

Are all of the tours walking tours?

Most tours from Walks of Italy are walking in nature; however, they also have day tours that use vans to travel to nearby cities. Once you arrive, there are walking components therein.

About Jeremy

About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. He has been to 70+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels.

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ITALIAN GUIDED WALKING TOURS OPERATED BY LOCALS

Welcome to walk about italy: experts in walking tours.

I’m Gianni Stanghellini, owner and guide at Walk About Italy. I am a Ph.D. geologist with over two decades of experience in the realm of guided walking tours in Italy. For the past 22 years, I’ve dedicated myself to crafting remarkable journeys through this enchanting country. Hailing from Siena, a captivating medieval town nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, I remain firmly rooted here. The allure of this exquisite place has held me steadfast, and it’s from here that I continue to operate and shape unforgettable experiences.

Walk About Italy: Exploring Tuscany and Beyond

At Walk About Italy, our focus is on select regions, ensuring the pinnacle of Italy’s guided walking tours: Tuscany , the Amalfi Coast , Sicily , Umbria, Assisi & Le Marche , the Cinque Terre , Italian Alps & Dolomites and The Italian Lakes These seven destinations embody the rich tapestry of Italian beauty, each unique and awe-inspiring in its own right, beckoning to be explored.

A Boutique Enterprise Embracing Local Essence

Central to our ethos, we exclusively enlist local guides and drivers. Moreover, we gravitate toward intimate, family-owned restaurants and venture to small farms, offering you the opportunity to engage with the very heart of Italy’s agrarian heritage. Our commitment to fostering authentic connections means we facilitate interactions with locals at every turn.

In the words of G.K. Chesterton, “ The traveler sees what he sees; the tourist sees what he has come to see. ” Here at Walk About Italy, we invite you to transcend the role of a mere tourist, and instead, become an astute traveler, delving into the true essence of Italy.

Book 2025 tours before Wed April 24 and save 100 euro

Tuscan splendors.

Amazing medieval towns and stunning surrounding countryside: Siena, Chianti region, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Pienza, Val d’Orcia . You will travel with a small group.

Amalfi Coast Wonders

Walk the paths of the Amalfi Coast including Naples , the  Vesuvius and Pompeii , with stunning views and amazing food. You will stay at charming hotels. Walk from village to village between,  Amalfi, Vietri, Ravello .

The Secret Side of Sicily

From the charming islet of Ortigia  to the  Vendicari natural reserve . From the baroque pearl of  Noto  to the Byzantine of  Pantalica.  Then we transfer to the Aeolian  Island of Lipari  with its stunning panoramas on the archipelagos. 

Umbria, Assisi & Le Marche Marvels

Umbria & Le Marche are really off-the-beaten-path. Although Assisi is well known because of Saint Francis, the area remains very genuine. Food and wines are superb here. The tour starts in the medieval town of Orvieto, one hour train ride from Rome. Continues to the small towns of Trevi, Montefalco and Bevagna and ends up in the Le Marche green countryside of Urbino, on the Adriatic sea.

CINQUE TERRE & PORTOFINO off-the-beaten-path

Italian alps & dolomites: the easy way.

Have you always dreamt of walking the Italian Alps and the Dolomites but you didn’t feel fit enough for it? We have planned the trip for you. Our hikes are very doable. No big climbs. No fear of heights on our walks. But a lot of fun though.

ROMANTIC ITALIAN LAKES

Step into romance, wander through enchanting landscapes, and embrace the allure of our Romantic Italian Lakes Walking Tour – where every step is a dance and every view a love letter to the heart of Italy

Cinque Terre September 2023 This Cinque Terre 7 day walking tour was absolutely amazing! It’s worth every cent. Amazing walks, breathtaking scenery, scrumptious Italian food and wine. So well organized! This was my 5th trip with Walk About Italy.

Tuscany has my heart! This was a trip dreams are made of. I have always wanted to see Tuscany but I am not into touristy type trips. I was a little skeptical of this tour but booked it anyway. I was blown away….It exceeded my expectations. Our guides Daniele and Chiara were a JOY to be with. They shared their countryside with us and they shared themselves. Beautiful souls. For me the hiking was wonderful and I would have done more…but beware this is definitely more of a hiking than walking tour. The food was wonderful and the wine amazing! I highly recommend. I can’t wait to try another tour.

A fantastic, boutique walking tour. Ermes and Gianni were great guides who were very accommodating and supportive; Hotels were in great location, clean and friendly staff. Breakfast was great. Great food. The ability to accommodate for individuals food requirements was great. Ermes and Gianni were fantastic guides. They complemented each other with their guiding and jokes etc. We would recommend this tour to others.

I recently embarked on a captivating tour through the picturesque regions of Umbria and the Marche in Italy. Our itinerary included enchanting stops in Montefalco, Assisi, Spello, Urbino, and the stunning Adriatic coastline. Our experienced guides, Federico and Roberto, made the journey even more engaging. Gianni, the owner of Walk About Italy, joined our group for three days, infusing a personal touch into the experience. This adventure was genuinely extraordinary, and I can’t recommend it enough!

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Manage consent preferences, embedded videos, 2022 tours that can be combined with cinque terre off the beaten path experience, cinque terre + tuscan splendors.

TUSCANY Sept 4-11 - CINQUE TERRE Sept 17-23 (6 night gap)

CINQUE TERRE + AMALFI WANDERS

AMALFI COAST Oct 10-16 - CINQUE TERRE Oct 17-23 (1 night gap)

CINQUE TERRE + SICILIAN FLAVORS

CINQUE TERRE Sept 17-23 - SICILY Sept 25- Oct 1 (2 night gap) SICILY Oct 9-15 - 5 TERRE Oct 17-23 (2 night gap)

CINQUE TERRE + UMBRIA, ASSISI & LE MARCHE MARVELS

UMBRIA MARCHE Oct 10-16 - 5 TERRE Oct 17-23 (1 night gap)

2022 TOURS THAT CAN BE COMBINED BACK TO BACK 

COMBO DISCOUNT 150€

The nights of gap are not included. We will provide suggestions for places to visit and stay in between the two tours.

TUSCAN SPLENDORS + AMALFI COAST WONDERS

TUSCANY May 10-17 – AMALFI COAST May 18-24 (1 night gap) TUSCANY Sept 4-11 – AMALFI COAST Sept 12-18 (1 night gap) TUSCANY Oct 2-9 – AMALFI COAST Oct 10-16 (1 night gap) AMALFI COAST Oct 10-16 – TUSCANY Oct 16-23 (no night gap)

TUSCAN SPLENDORS + SICILIAN FLAVORS

TUSCANY Oct 2-9 – SICILY Oct 9-15 (no night gap) SICILY Sept 1-7 – TUSCANY Sept 11-18 (4 night gap) SICILY Sept 25-Oct 1 – TUSCANY Oct 2-9 (1 night gap) SICILY Oct 9-15 – TUSCANY Oct 16-23 (1 night gap)

TUSCAN SPLENDORS + UMBRIA, ASSISI & LE MARCHE MARVELS

UMBRIA MARCHE May 3-9 – TUSCANY May 10-17 (1 night gap) TUSCANY Sept 11-18 – UMBRIA MARCHE Sept 19-25 (1 night gap) TUSCANY Oct 2-9 – UMBRIA MARCHE Oct 10-16 (1 night gap) UMBRIA MARCHE Oct 10-16 – TUSCANY Oct 16-23 (no night gap)

TUSCAN SPLENDORS + CINQUE TERRE OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPERIENCE

TUSCANY Sept 4-11 – CINQUE TERRE Sept 17-23 (6 night gap)

AMALFI COAST WONDERS + SICILIAN FLAVORS

AMALFI COAST May 18-24 – SICILY May 25-31 (1 night gap) SICILY Sept 1-7 – AMALFI COAST Sept 12-18 (5 night gap)

AMALFI COAST WONDERS + UMBRIA, ASSISI & LE MARCHE MARVELS

AMALFI COAST Sept 12-18 – UMBRIA MARCHE Sept 19-25 (1 night gap)

AMALFI COAST WONDERS + CINQUE TERRE OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPERIENCE

AMALFI COAST Oct 10-16 – CINQUE TERRE Oct 17-23 (1 night gap)

UMBRIA, ASSISI & LE MARCHE MARVELS + SICILIAN FLAVORS

UMBRIA MARCHE Sept 19-25 – SICILY Sept 25-Oct 1 (no night gap)

CINQUE TERRE OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPERIENCE + SICILIAN FLAVORS

CINQUE TERRE Sept 17-23 – SICILY Sept 25- Oct 1 (2 night gap)

SICILIAN FLAVORS + CINQUE TERRE OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPERIENCE

SICILY Oct 9-15 – 5 TERRE Oct 17-23 (2 night gap)

UMBRIA, ASSISI & LE MARCHE MARVELS + CINQUE TERRE OFF THE BEATEN PATH EXPERIENCE

UMBRIA MARCHE Oct 10-16 – 5 TERRE Oct 17-23 (1 night gap)

WALK RATING

Activity level: 2+ (on a scale from 1 to 5) Daily Hours : Up to 3 Daily Distance : 3 to 10 km (2 to 7 miles) Walking Surfaces : Gentle with some uneven terrain Daily Elevation : Up to 200 mt. (650 feet) Personal Fitness: Light exercise weekly, active lifestyle

Activity level: 3 (on a scale from 1 to 5) Daily Hours : Up to 3 Daily Distance : 3 to 10 km (2 to 7 miles) Walking Surfaces : Gentle with some uneven terrain Daily Elevation : Up to 300 mt. (1000 ft.) - Average day 200 mt (650 ft.) Personal Fitness: Light exercise weekly, active lifestyle

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The 7 best walking tours of Italy

Home / Blog / The 7 best walking tours of Italy

What are guided walking tours? 

Walking tours refer to tours that explore an area of interest, whether it be a single site or a particular geographical space, all on foot instead of relying on vehicles. These tours provide an expert tour guide on ground to give you in-person, real-time communication about the attraction you are visiting.

Do you have to walk a lot in Italy? 

There is so much to see in every nook and cranny of towns and cities in Italy, that using vehicular transport every time would take away from the true pleasures of experiencing it. Walk around and let your senses be (positively) overwhelmed with the gems you have to discover along the way!

Is it easy to walk around in Italy?

It really depends on a range of factors. Some cities in Italy such as Florence are much easier to walk around in, whilst others such as Rome and Milan have a much more vast, spread out network that make it more challenging. However, most places in Italy have their own historic center , which are relatively easier to walk around, with important sites historically being grouped closer together.

Is it better to see Italy through tours or on your own? 

We wholeheartedly argue that using tours to explore Italy completely changes your experience for the better , letting you capture the most value in limited time. We think that if you do Italy once (although the dream is to be able to ‘do’ Italy repeatedly), you might as well do it right! This is why we have made it our mission to design the widest range of possible tours for you to take, so that you will never run out of options and will always be able to find something that feels completely tailored for you, your trip’s logistics and your personal interests.

The following article will now continue to analyze the best walking tours in Italy , providing you with the best picks in case you decide to venture into tour experiences for your time in Italy.

Colosseum Underground Tour with Ancient Rome

You can’t walk through Rome without paying a visit to the Colosseum and its surrounding areas.

The Colosseum is arguably the most famous ancient amphitheater that has made it to today’s contemporary era. The gladiator fights that would take place there were beckoned as one of the biggest entertainment spectacles for the ancient Romans.  Tourists today still visit the Colosseum in order to admire its massive elliptical architecture as well as to imagine the gladiatoral activity that would occur there once upon a time.

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Ancient Rome | Semi-Private

Early morning vatican tour.

To visit Vatican City is one of the most highly esteemed journeys to make for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. There is a sacred spirituality that seems to loom around within the parameters of the city, especially due to the St Peter’s Basilica, the public appearances of the Pope and the cluster of Vatican museums.

Early Morning Vatican Tour | Small Group

Caravaggio tour

Although harsh in nature and not known to be the most amicable character, Caravaggio was still celebrated for his intensely realistic portraiture of people, brought out through chiaroscuro – a technique that used light and shadow to bring out provocative contrasts in his subjects. These expressed a very unique depiction of extreme emotions and vulnerability in the usually controversial scenes he portrayed.

Caravaggio Tour | Private

Trastevere Food Tour

Trastevere happens to be one of the most sought out neighborhoods by tourists and Italians alike . It is one of the most beautiful districts that you can walk around in, with cobblestone streets leading you through piazzas with churches and alleys with little, colorful buildings drapes with lush, green foliage. If you come during the spring time, you will see the trellises bursting with purple visteria and bright pink bougainvillea. In the winter, the streets became cozier through the warm glow of fire burners and twinkling lights.

But Trastevere has a much deeper history than what meets the eye today. It used to be a working class neighborhood mostly occupied by fishermen, immigrants and artisans, until developments and the building of churches began there in the medieval period. What followed was a period of urbanization that has made it what it is today.

Trastevere Food Tour | Small Group

Orientation of Florence with Uffizi and Accademia

Did you know that once Florence was considered to be the capital of Italy ? Regardless of this title to be switched with Rome, it is a telling sign that Florence holds a lot of historical and cultural significance for the country . This was due to a number of factors but also widely because it is a center for the era of the Renaissance.

We have carefully developed a tour that takes you back into that period and immerses you in the undeniable beauty of it . With an expert Florentine guide on hand to unravel historical stories for you, you will head to see the iconic Duomo (Florence Cathedral), and across it, the Baptistery which displays mesmerizing scenes from the Old Testament. You will visit the Piazza della Signoria, a square which was a major political center and has the fortress of Palazzo Vecchio on it.

The majority of your time will be spent examining the largest collection of Renaissance era art in the highly regarded Uffizi Gallery . Here you can see Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”, which are even more magnificent in reality than you could ever imagine them to be. You will also have a chance to muse over the exemplary statue of Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia gallery.

Orientation Tour of Florence with Uffizi & Accademia | Private

One Day Tour in Venice

Venice really is the sea-green, glittering marvel as is portrayed by those who visit. It is stupendously unparalleled as an experience, and has an incredible history, being founded by refugees escaping an invasion in the north of Italy by Germanic tribes, and then becoming a powerful Maritime Republic.

Due to its unique character, it can become a little difficult to navigate, with uncommon streets (mostly bridges that connect one street to another!) and the inaccessibility of parts of Venice due to the Grand Canal that divides some of it. This is why we have curated a widely flexible eight hour tour where we offer many mini itineraries for you to choose from !

One Day Tour in Venice | Private

Authentic Naples Walking Tour

Looking for a walking tour in Southern Italy ? We have the perfect solution for you!

Today, Naples has a vibrant and colorful nature that is thoroughly enjoyed by visitors who prefer an undeniably warm welcome by an Italian city’s inhabitants. A lot of its history also comes from its complex geographical situation next to Mount Vesuvius. This volcano had an infamous eruption in 79 AD and buried neighboring towns, which has had profound impacts on Naples itself.

Our walking tour of Naples will weave you in and out of the famous street of Spaccanapoli, where you will be able to see intriguing churches, monuments and obelisks that speak of the diverse history of Napoli . These will include the monastery of Santa Chiara, the Church of Gesu Nuovo, and Sansevero Chapel.

Authentic Naples Walking Tour | Private

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• Amalfi Coast
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Six-Day Guided Tour of Southern Tuscany

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We are WalkItaly Tours

WalkItaly Tours offers guided walking tours of Italy for both mixed groups and private groups, as well as self-guided walking tours. Our tours of Campania (Amalfi Coast and Capri), Lazio, Tuscany and Sardinia combine walking on off-road paths, learning about local cultural heritage and tasting local foods.

Why these three ingredients? Italy has the highest biodiversity index and highest number of UNESCO cultural sites in the world, and – of course – it has an extraordinary variety of food and wine.

Our tour groups are kept small and are always led by WalkItalyTours staff and local guides, so you’ll be in expert hands while enjoying spectacular scenery, admiring cultural treasures or savouring local delicacies.

Memories of discovering Sagrantino wine, the frescoes at Orvieto, the Ogliastra Sea, and the mussels in Niedditas will come back to you long after your return!

WalkItaly Tours also offers rowing experiences in Rome.

WalkItaly Tours featured in The Guardian

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Self-Guided Walking Tours

You don’t have to be a US Navy Seal to join our self-guided tours! Combining adventure with safety, WalkItalyTours provides four levels of support: a good old-fashioned face-to-face meeting before your departure; a road book with an original description and a brief history of the places to visit enroute; GPX files of the itineraries (despite the hi-tech name, these files are easy to use); a WalkItaly team member who can provide 24-hour on-the-spot assistance.

Find out more about our self-guided walking tours of Italy >

Guided walking tours in tuscany.

Our walking tours in Tuscany take inspiration from the guidebook The Cities and Cemeteries of Etruria written in 1842 by George Dennis. Dennis was a typical British explorer who took detailed notes and drawings, many of which are still used as reference in the study of Etruscan culture.

Six-Day tour of Tuscany: Following Etruscan Paths to Giglio Island

One-day guided tour: pitigliano and the etruscan paths >, off-peak trekking along the amalfi coast and capri.

The tour takes in stretches of coastline reaching from Positano to Vietri sul Mare along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Salerno and Capri Island, one of the most sought-after destinations among travellers who participated in the Grand Tour .

Our walking tours of the Amalfi Coast and Capri >

Walking tours in sardinia.

This land resembles no other place. Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel – nothing finished, nothing definitive. It is like freedom itself. D. H. Lawrence Sea and Sardinia

Sardinia is the calmer alternative to a holiday in mainland Italy. You still have it all – sand and sea, restaurants and bars, passeggiate in historic towns – except the sand is very white, the sea very emerald and the small scale means everything is closer to hand and more relaxed. And because this is an island smack in the middle of the Mediterranean, its coastline offers plenty of sumptuous beaches, enticing coves and stretches of water where you can swim (or float) to your heart’s content.

Our walking tours in Sardinia >

Rowing in rome: single session or 5-day rowing experience.

Rowers visiting Rome should try the urban stretch of the river from Ponte Milvio up to the Isola Tiberina. You’ll see Rome from water level – rather than from the road. As well as single sessions we offer a 5-day Rowing training experience in downtown Rome with a certified coach of the Italian Rowing Federation, video review, yoga and biking tour.

Rowing in Rome >

Walkitaly tours, a partner in the off the beaten tracks: walking and biking tours in rome project, was awarded a european commission grant by the cosme programme..

Testimonials

Our Self-guided Tour of Southern Tuscany

Throughout the trip the drivers and luggage handlers were prompt and efficient. The service at all accommodations stops was excellent. The room in Pitigliano was particularly good as it was right in the middle of the town and close to the Jewish quarter. Both of our guides were knowledgeable and the tours they ran were fun and informative. The scenery and history throughout were unforgettable.

Roberto was helpful and efficient and made sure we were fully informed and safe throughout the walk.

This is a great adventure the whole family can enjoy. Roberto was very knowledgeable and my kids had a great time with the hike and all the caves. The experience was just as described in his website and exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend this tour when in Tuscany. It was nice to get away from the crowds as we were the only few on these paths.

(Review from Tripadvisor ).

Roberto led us to discover the islands of Capraia, Elba and recently Sardinia, each time far from clichés and traditional tourist approaches. His sense of organization and guidance always reassures, his taste for culture and his way of sharing have always motivated us. Walking with Roberto is entertaining, rewarding, never obvious and his sense of empathy makes it never tiring.

The first trip we made with Roberto was on the Via Francigena, a beautiful experience, discovering typical landscapes, walking along hills that open up under villages that still retain their medieval appearance. Everything has been organized with skill and professionalism, both the restaurants and the accommodation, always characteristic and welcoming. Since then we have always remained in contact and, to that, other treks followed, last in the Ogliastra, wild area of ​​Sardinia, where sea and coast surprise you at every corner with their enchanted views. An experience to be recommended … and to be repeated!

WalkItaly Tours founder, seasoned walker, multipurpose rower and hectic tour guide, Roberto Carpano may not have won any Olympic medals, but he can reveal the secrets of Tuscany’s ancient walking trails and explain how to adjust your scull to optimize your rowing experience on the Tiber. Roberto has a penchant for good food and wine, and for Negroni cocktails.

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Venice Tours

A tiny collection of islands-turned-onetime maritime empire, Venice is one of the most enigmatic and...

Our tours in Venice

Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours

Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride

Legendary Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica with Terraces & Doge’s Palace

Venice in a Day with St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride

Tastes & Traditions of Venice: Food Tour with Rialto Market Visit

Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace Tour

VIP Doge's Palace Secret Passages Tour

Venice Boat Tour with Grand Canal & Tower Climb

Venice at Sunset: Cicchetti, Food & Wine Tour

Premium Lagoon Excursion: Murano Glass Making, Burano & Wine Tasting

What to know about venice from our local guides.

Venice offers countless enchanting experiences that will take your breath away. While you’ll never run out of things to see and do in the Floating City, here are a few can’t-miss options to get you started:

• Take a boat ride along the Grand Canal to admire the architectural beauty and lively waterways
• Step into iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
• Explore further afield in the Venetian lagoon on an island excursion
• Discover the artistry behind Venetian masks at a workshop
• Immerse yourself in art at the Accademia Gallery and the Guggenheim Museum
• Delve into Venice’s cultural heritage at lesser-known gems like the Friari Church and the Grand School of St. Roch

Venice is a truly magical destination that’s sure to enchant visitors of all ages. And as a compact, car-free city, it’s a safe and enjoyable option for families. Kids and adults alike will be wowed by the breathtaking gold mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica. A gondola ride or boat tour is another only-in-Venice experience that’s sure to delight even the littlest travelers.

If you’re after a more organized activity, consider a family-friendly tour. Our Welcome to Venice Tour combines a visit to St. Mark’s with a light introductory stroll and a gondola ride. For food-loving families, our daytime Tastes & Traditions of Venice Food Tour features typical tastes kids will love, like sandwiches made with simple, delicious ingredients and authentic Italian gelato.

Spending hours waiting in line at St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace can quickly put a damper on what should be a wonderful experience in Venice. To beat the crowds and ensure you make the most of your time, consider booking a guided tour that will let you bypass the lines at these two top sights.

Want to take your Venice experience to the next level and have both St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace entirely to yourself? On our Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Tour , you’ll step into both sites after they’ve officially closed to the public for the day for a VIP experience available to a select few.

Some of the best eateries in Venice are bacari , or wine bars popular among locals for drinks and light bites known as cicchetti. A few favorites from our guide team are All'Arco, Sepa, Vino Vero, Al Timon, and Vecia Carbonera—several of which feature on our Tastes & Traditions of Venice Food Tour !

Looking for the perfect restaurant for an authentic dinner? Check out Ristorante Al Covo, Casa Bonita, or Da Ignazio.

For a quick bite near St. Mark’s Square, you can’t go wrong with Birreria Forst, RossoPomodoro for delicious pizza to-go, and ll Calice. These are all fantastic options for the lunch break on our Venice in a Day Tour , too!

You can access Venice’s best-known outlying islands, Murano and Burano, by water taxi or vaporetto (line 12). For a more hassle-free experience, consider booking a guided tour with private boat transport. Our Premium Lagoon Excursion includes an exclusive Murano glassmaking demonstration and a VIP wine tasting at the only vineyard still operating in the lagoon.

As a city without roads or vehicles, getting around Venice via public transport works a little differently than it does in other cities. Here are a few options for getting around the Floating City.

• Traghetti: A local alternative to gondolas, used to cross the Grand Canal
• Vaporetti: Venice's water buses are a bit pricier than the traghetti, but cover more ground (or water!) with their extensive network.
• Water taxis: While this is easily the most expensive form of public transportation in Venice, it can be convenient if you’re traveling with a larger group (the taxis hold up to 10 people).
• Buses: If you’re traveling to Venice from the Italian mainland, the local public bus system has connections to Santa Croce in the westernmost part of the city—the only place where you’ll find any vehicles.

Check out our popular Venice articles

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Walks tours are known for their intimate, exclusive feel. Our average group size is 12-15 people, so you won’t feel like you’re just following the crowd on any of our meticulously designed tours.

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Our hand-picked, local guides and suppliers are central to everything we do at Walks. They’re the mentors and the storytellers - the captivating characters who bring cities to life.

Tours from Home: Pizza Cooking Class with Italian Chefs

Join our online pizza making class with Italian chefs Denyse and Roberto, and enjoy an authentic Italian evening from the comfort of your own home.

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Fearlessly Italy

10 Best Hiking Tours in Italy – Book The Adventure Of A Lifetime

An active holiday among the mesmerizing Italian mountain ranges, glacier lakes and picturesque villages sounds like a perfect way to reset from the busy every-day routine. Just imagine yourself breathing that fresh mountain air and savoring the luscious Italian cuisine while sipping the high-quality local wine. This dream-like vacation can become a reality the moment you decide to book one of these fantastic hiking tours in Italy.

When going on these hikes with an experienced guide, your safety is nothing to be worried about because you will always be in the safe hands of someone who passed these trails hundreds of times. Nonetheless, of course, this doesn’t exclude the necessary caution each hiker has to have.

In this article, we offer you an overview of the 12 best hiking tours in Italy that could potentially change your life for the better. From easy gourmet hikes combined with wine tasting to Mont Blanc trekking and volcano exploring – we are confident you will find something that sparks your adventurous spirit.

Table of Contents

Best Guided Walking Holidays In Italy

Walking in tuscany by exodus travels.

The walking tour in Tuscany will take your breath away, so get excited about your upcoming adventure. This might even become your favorite hiking vacation in Italy as you will observe the scenery of the lakeside villages, Italian National parks and Alpi Apuane and Apennine mountain ranges.

The hike starts in Pontecosi and leads through the Orecchiella National Park to the flat summit of Pania di Corfino offering a panoramic view. Alpi Apuane National Park will bring you to astonishing Pania della Croce and the Omo Morto range. Visit the medieval market town Castiglione di Garfagnana and wander through the village of Campocatino. The final destination of the tour is to reach Tuscany’s highest peak of Monte Prado.

This northern Italy tour includes accommodation in the Agriturismo Braccicorti Farmhouse, meals with vegan and vegetarian options and transportation. Also, the hiking guide is always with you during the trek.

After soaking in the beauty and tradition Tuscany is so famous and cherished for, if you can stay a little longer in Italy, try to spend at least 24 hours or even two days in Florence to explore the art and history of this amazing city.

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Amalfi Coast: Hike & Kayak By Intrepid Travel

This hike on the Amalfi Coast gives you spectacular landscapes of Mediterranean treasures that you notice every step of the way. Explore the ancient town of Pompei settled near Naples, follow the Path of the Gods, discover the hidden Valley of the Mills and paddle along the remarkable Amalfi Coast.

Start walking in Naples and continue to the Vesuvius, a famous volcano that erupted back in 79 AD. Arrive in Agerola and gaze into the mountains of Cilento National Park. You will get to know the island of Capri in depth, which was known as the holiday destination for the Roman emperors. From your hotel in Amalfi, continue to the Valley of the Dragon up to Ravello, an unavoidable coastal point.

Delicious breakfasts every morning, transportation and accommodation are all included in the tour’s rate. Activities such as kayaking, a boat cruise and a guided hike along Vesuvius’ Crater are also part of the package.

Gastronomic Barolo Self-Guided Walk By Exodus Travels

This 9-day Gastronomic Barolo self-guided hiking tour in Italy brings closer this peaceful Langhe region of Piedmont in the north-western part of Italy. The gastronomical options are countless; enjoy the wine tasting in Grinzane Cavour or La Morra or satisfy your tastebuds with the specialties served in the Michelin-starred restaurants. If you choose to, you can walk to the Monforte D’Alba, where you can even have an overlook of Mont Blanc on a clear sunny day!

Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, this region will blow your mind with its countryside full of vines and sunflowers. You can follow a route beside the crystal Tanaro River passing the enchanting oak forest. After crossing the Talloria River, climb up to reach Serralunga d’Alba with its impressive 13th-century castle. In the Talloria Valley, you will find a 16th-century castle of Barolo.

This self-guided tour of Piedmont’s Langhe region offers 8-nights accommodation, transport, meals, route notes and maps. The meals include not just breakfasts but also Italian specialty dishes.

If you can afford some more time in Italy after your tour ends, don’t miss out on the capital of this beautiful region, the royal city of Turin .

Cinque Terre: Hike, Bike & Kayak By Intrepid Travel

The indescribable appeal that Cinque Terre has is undoubtedly best absorbed by hike, bike or kayak – exactly how this Italian tour suggests. The pastel green, yellow, rose, and orange colors radiate from this surreal Italian region, formerly known as the first Italian National Park. It is almost as if the sky dances with the houses’ vivid colors and reflects this beauty to the sea surface.

The first of five villages that make up Cinque Terre is Monterosso, from which you will start your unforgettable hike. Through the famous coastal walk that connects the five villages, you will simply be astonished by the beauty of the vineyard covers combined with occasional forest and citrus groves. When arriving in Portovenere, prepare for the most challenging, yet most rewarding hike of the tour. Hiking in Santa Margherita and kayaking in the Portofino Peninsula come as the cherry on top of this fabulous hiking tour in Italy.

The tour includes breakfast, transport and accommodation, along with many exciting activities.

Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak By Intrepid Travel

The northern part of Italy holds precious natural scenery that deserves your full attention. From the clear waters of Lake Como and the surrounding villages to hiking near Lake Garda, this combined tour indeed falls under some of the best hiking tours in Italy. After all the hiking, biking and kayaking, you will probably fancy a real Italian specialty. Your dreams will come true in an instant as you have many high-quality restaurants at your hands.

Absorb the tranquility of the waters surrounding you while you begin your Italian adventure around Lake Como. Try kayaking to arrive at Bellagio, the so-called “pearl of the lake”. The next stop is unspoiled Lake Garda located between the three regions of Lombardia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige . During this hike, you can do a bike ride and a boat trip across the lake. Punta Vigilio & Torri del Benaco hike is your next challenge, after which you can relax by the lake.

This guided walk and a favorite bike tour in Italy includes breakfasts, transportation with train, boat, kayak, bicycle and accommodation throughout the trip. Activities like kayaking and boat trips are also part of the price.

Tuscany Walks & Chianti Wine By Exodus Travels

This walking and wine tour combined every gourmet traveler’s favorite activities; hiking and wine tasting, a mix of physical activity and indulgence that is often a favorite by those looking for an adults only vacation . Let Southern Tuscany seduce you with its dreamy landscape, charming sites and flavorsome dishes. On this hiking trip, you will visit the medieval town San Gimignano, Greve’s market in Chianti, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena and the majestic city of Florence .

From Castellina in Chianti, explore the hilltop village of Montefioralle. Absorb the relaxing vibe of Tuscany while learning about wines at the Wine School of Siena. Get lost in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, full of historical sites and attractions. From San Gimignano, visit the Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa.

Accommodation includes seven nights in a beautiful farmhouse with a panoramic swimming pool. You are also provided with meals, wine tasting, a tour guide, many guided walks and transportation.

Walking in Sardinia By Exodus Travels

A week of dreamlike beaches, inviting crystal clear sea, out-of-this-world cuisine, and rocky mountain views portrays this walking tour in Sardinia. Even only after visualizing these scenes, it becomes apparent why Sardinia is so popular among tourists from all over the world.

Begin the tour of your dreams with a 5-hour hike to Monte Tului, residing at 916m above sea level. See Italy’s deepest canyon, the Gorropu Gorge – also known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe”. Explore the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the most important of the Nuraghe villages. Wander through the archaeological sites of the Dorgali area, after which you will arrive at the still mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali. Enjoy the Cala Luna, one of the most impressive Mediterranean beaches.

Accommodation, meals with vegan and vegetarian options, transport, and an experienced guide are all part of the tour. The tour also includes treks and many other activities.

Walking in Puglia & Matera By Exodus Travels

Settled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Puglia and Basilicata illuminate the Mediterranean’s center like real natural pearls. The vineyards and olive groves, traditional dry-wall construction called trulli characteristic of Itria valley, and not to forget the unparalleled local dishes, make this part of Italy a remarkable vacation destination.

Known for its high-quality white wine and local winery, Locorotondo is arguably one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Explore the whitewashed houses in Ostuni and spoil yourself with a gourmet dinner in Masseria. Choose between the charming baroque city of Lecce, called the “Florence of the South”, or the striking town of Polignano a Mare. Your hotel will be located in the heart of Matera Sassi, noted for its cave areas. Enjoy the lively nature with many butterflies, orchids, almond and olive trees surrounding you on your hike to the edges of Matera.

Your guide will follow you along on this guided tour. You also have accommodation, meals and transport with all the activities included.

The Dolomites Walking and Hiking Tour By Caspin Journeys

Reach the northern part of the Italian Alps and start your adventure throughout this striking mountain range. The Dolomites , located in Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, mostly in the Belluno province, offer an ideal hike full of panoramic views and are some of the best adventurous bucket list destinations . After each day, you can relax with the best local meals and share your experience with fellow hikers.

This tour starts and ends in the beautiful Bolzano and will take you to places such as Alpe di Suisi, the unreal flower-filled Braies Valley and the majestic Lago di Braies, one of the glacial lakes that reflect the stunning mountain ranges on the surface. The unforgettable walk beneath the popular “Three Chimneys”, or “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” awaits on the 5th day of the tour. Enjoy an open-air museum with a memory of the First World War in Monte Piana.

The tour includes meals, accommodation, a trekking guide, local transport, and additional services such as bottles of water and entrance fees.

Trekking Mont Blanc By G Adventures

Trekking Mont Blanc includes hiking through the hypnotizing mountain ranges of the Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland. Prepare yourself to reach the thin air in the mountain peaks so you can fully absorb each moment of this fantastic walking tour.

From your hotel in Chamonix, France, begin your journey to Les Houches and experience a 24km (14 mi) hike through the astonishing Les Contamines. After arriving in the Croix du Bonhomme, take a break and have a nice lunch enjoying the views. From the glacier lakes in Les Chapieux, go down to the wonderful Val Veny Valley. Enjoy your free day in the mountain town of Courmayeur, after which you go on to the Swiss mountain village of La Fouly.

Accommodation in the hotels and mountain refugees, as well as the meals, transportation and the experienced guide, are all part of the package price.

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Two tours in Rome

We did two separate tours in Rome italy. One was the colosseum and the other the Vatican. We had a different tour guide for each. I will say we were very impressed with both. The knowledge and experience of both guides was amazing. Both were personable, prompt, warm and engaging. My wife and I cannot say enough about our experience w takewalks.com and will definitely use their services in the future.

Date of experience : February 10, 2024

Venice walking tour plus gondola ride

This walk was fantastic! The guide, Alessandro, made the history of Venice come alive with his enthusiasm and knowledge. He made links throughout the tour between historic people, significant buildings and famous sites of Venice. Great value for $, and thr gondola ride was the icing on this Venetian torta!

Date of experience : June 04, 2023

Fantastic tour and guide.

We had an amazing, passionate, personable and knowledgeable guide in Mosè. It was great to hear historical points ts about the sites we visited. It was a huge time saver to skip the lines at the Doge's Palace and S Marco Cathedral. Also enjoyed the 30 minute gondola ride. Thank you, Mosè for a beautiful time. Would definitely recommend.

Date of experience : April 15, 2023

Venice 2023

This tour was well worth the money. Our guide Elena was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, she really made the experience unforgettable. We were allowed into the Doge's Palace an hour before the General public which meant that we could take photos without people crowded in them, as well as appreciate the grandeur without feeling rushed. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Venice, it was a highlight of my trip!

Date of experience : April 13, 2023

English tour Venice - guide barely spoke English

Booked an English speaking tour in Venice. Over $400 Australian. Arrived for tour only to be put with a guide who could barely speak English. Kept repeating the same three words like “this is area of parliament” then she would stop and go “um, ah, this is seat of parliament, anyhow we go” then walked off. No explanation of what we were looking at. We stayed for a few minutes and left. Returned our radios and told the tour operator on site that we wanted a refund. Contacted Viator and the tour operator who have refused a refund. Will not use either company again.

Date of experience : June 14, 2023

Alessandro was perfection

Alessandro was perfection! What an amazing tour of the alone after hours tour of St. Marks Basilica. First, seeing this at night with limited amount of people (I think there were 4 other groups) was truly exceptional. Second, seeing it at night was truly magical. I don’t want to ruin any of the surprises but it will leave you in awe. Third, Alessandro! He was exceptional and everyone in his group could tell he is truly passionate about Venice. He is a wealth of knowledge and makes the tour exciting and magical. Highly recommend this tour and Walks Tours!

Date of experience : June 10, 2023

Still Waiting for refund - Niagara Falls Afternoon Boat & Journey Behind the Falls Tour

Part of the tour had to be canceled due to a technical issue. This is unfortunate, but can happen. What must not happen is that the tour is not reimbursed pro rata. No response whatsoever to the promised refund other than a text message with a brief apology. We would not book again.

Date of experience : July 05, 2023

Great tours, great company

Takewalks went through a lot during the pandemic as did all travel agencies. However, they pulled through and actually honored my future travel credit last September. I went to Italy and could not have been more impressed with the expert guides and amazing experiences. I am grateful for the follow up that I received after posting an uncomplimentary review - they made it right and went above and beyond.

Date of experience : June 01, 2022

Reply from Walks

Dear Wendy, Thank you for posting such honest feedback on our page. We work very hard to ensure the success of all our tours and strive to provide only the best possible service to our guests, so we are very sorry to hear about your experience. Our call centers are open around the clock to accommodate all time zones, so we are very surprised to hear you had so much trouble reaching us. Perhaps it was during the time we were updating our systems and call centers? That is certainly no excuse, but I believe it to be the only possible explanation. That said, we pride ourselves in always honoring our word and putting the customer first, so we would be very grateful if you could give us the opportunity to make it up to you. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] referencing this conversation at any time and we will be more than happy to do anything in our power to make things right. Again, we cannot apologize enough for all the inconvenience we have caused you, but look forward to make amends and change your opinion of our company. Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Gaia

Did the Dublin in a Day walking tour - Just WOW

Did the Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery, Distillery & Castle with my girlfriend. It was fabulous. The guide, Brian M, was fantastic. The level of knowledge he had about everything Ireland was superior. He made the tour so beyond great. My girlfriend and I was super pleased and so were the gents we ended up touring with. The six highlights of the tour were all one could want to see of Ireland. It was thought through and well planned. Missed all the queues, lines and crowds. Just absolutely fantastic.

Date of experience : June 17, 2023

Alessandro Venice

Alessandro, our tour guide, was amazing. He was personable and so passionate. His knowledge of Venice was unbelievable. We had an amazing experience on the VIP tour when visiting The Doge’s Palace (secret itineraries) and Basilica. Would highly recommend it

Date of experience : April 22, 2023

Dear Gillian, Thank you for choosing our VIP tour of The Doge’s Palace and Basilica in Venice, and for sharing your positive experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time on the tour and that Alessandro, your guide, made the experience even more memorable. We take pride in our knowledgeable and personable guides, and we are pleased to hear that Alessandro's passion for Venice and his incredible knowledge of the city left a lasting impression on you. We agree that the secret itineraries of The Doge's Palace and the Basilica are truly fascinating and provide a unique glimpse into Venice's rich history and culture. Thank you for recommending our VIP tour, and for your kind words about Alessandro's outstanding performance as a guide. We appreciate your business and hope to welcome you back on another one of our tours in the future. Sincerely, Jhonas. Walks and Devour Tours.

Venice in a Day - a piece of heaven

Venice in a Day was like a dream come true. My best friend and I had to keep checking that it was actually real! A lovely experience made better by our friendly and very knowledgeable guide, Alessandro. I would recommend the tour very highly.

Date of experience : September 11, 2023

Like many others have suggested

Like many others have suggested, this company refuses to honor their cancelation policy. The website clearly states they will provide a full refund for cancelations made 72 hours prior to the tour. This is simply not true. I gave appropriate notice and am being told they will only give me a voucher. Would not use this company again. I had booked other tours with other companies such as viator and received my refunds without a problem.

Date of experience : August 31, 2020

Dear Karrie, We are terribly sorry to read how disappointed you were with us! We have always honored our policies and still have very flexible cancellations, but unfortunately our company suffered great losses during the pandemic and we were the first ones not be refunded hefty operational costs we had already sustained to offer the services(cancelled tickets and premium reservation fees are only some examples). As a result, the only thing we could do at the time was offer tour credits for values much higher than what had been originally paid as a first option, and refund only those who did not accept. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, the refunds were not processed in a timely manner, and sometimes it took months for us to credit the money back. But we did honor our word in the end, even though there were some delays. Again, we are terribly sorry about what happened, but beg you to understand the "emergency" we were under. We also hope that if you ever find yourself visiting any of our destinations, you will take up on our offer and give us another try. Kindest regards, Gaia

Our tour guide

Our tour guide, Maria c. 10, guided us on a tour of the islands, and a wine tasting, and glass blowing experience all by water ferry. She was kind and sweet and knowledgeable and it was last minute because the person supposed to take us on the tour did not show up. We had a good time and a few good laughs and enjoy the tour very much. The tour was right on schedule.

Date of experience : May 21, 2023

Our family of six

Our family of six, including two children, took a tour of London with Nick. He was the best tour guide I have had. He knows so much about the area and has a very genuine personality. He gave special attention to our grandchildren and made sure they were included.

Date of experience : September 03, 2022

Dear Shirley, Thank you so much for reviewing our London tour with Nick. We are thrilled to hear you had such an amazing time together and that he was able to engage your grandchildren by paying special attention to them:). We hope the rest of your holiday was equally lovely and that you will "take more walks" with us in the future. All the best, Gaia

Where is my refund?!

Sigh, like others here, I am having the same refund headaches. On 12/28/19 I booked a tour out of Florence with takewalks.com for October 2020 and prepaid in full as required. Due to the pandemic I decided to cancel the tour. On 06/11/20 I completed their cancellation form and emailed it to them. They acknowledged receipt of same by email that day. Per their cancellation policy, I am entitled to a full refund. However, I have not heard a word since I canceled despite several followup emails inquiring about the status of the refund. I am now contacting my credit card company to dispute the charge.

Date of experience : September 02, 2020

Dear D Davis, Thank you for posting on our page. We rely on our guests' s direct experiences to monitor our services, and are always grateful for their comments, especially negative ones, as they help us improve the most. First of all, let me apologize on the company's behalf for not issuing a refund for your tour immediately, even though you were well inside our cancellation policy. That is not something we are proud of, I can assure you. Unfortunately we were not at all prepared for a pandemic and its economical consequences. We had just expanded the business to include many new markets, when everything "crumbled". Many businesses were affected, but our category was among those who suffered the most. We pride ourselves in always putting the customer first, but we simply did not have the necessary funds for all our guests. That unfortunately is the honest truth. That's why we decided to offer future tour credits of a much higher value than what was originally spent as our first option, and refund only when necessary. This of course caused many delays, also because we had to cut down costs and were understaffed but eventually we did honor our word and refunded all those who did not accept the credit. We understand that was not great customer service, but it really was the most we could afford at the time. Again, we cannot apologize enough about what happened, but hope you understand the critical condition we were in. We would be very happy if you could give us a chance to make things right to you, so please contact us at [email protected]. We promise we will not disappoint you again! Sincerely, Gaia

Did the Louvre tour with Adam…

Did the Louvre tour with Adam yesterday. What an amazing experience! Super friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Got to see the Mona Lisa up close and personal however I discovered the Louvre is more than just this one piece. Thank you Adam!!

Date of experience : March 13, 2022

Dear Ben, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are glad to hear you had such a great time at the Louvre with Adam, and found him to be knowledgeable and fun, as that is exactly how we want our guides to be! We hope you had a wonderful time in beautiful Paris and that you will have the chance to join us again, perhaps in other locations, in the future. All our best, Gaia

Unprofessional and untrustworthy!

Although they seemed very professional at first, they did not honour their cancellation and refund policy. I cancelled more than a month before my tour for the Vatican and even though their policy clearly states that they would refund any cancellation that was made more than 72 hours before the tour, and they emailed me saying that they would process the refund, it has been one month after the tour and they haven’t refunded anything to date. Stay away from this company, it’s not trustworthy at all! Book via trusted website or you will lose your money. Very disappointed!

Date of experience : July 09, 2020

Dear Christina, We are very sorry to read about your experience with our company. We cannot apologize enough for our delay refunding you, but please believe us when we tell you it was completely out of our control. When Covid hit we were flooded with refund requests and just did not have enough funds for all our clients, which is why it took so long. We are not proud of this, but we had no other choice. We do hope however that if you ever find yourself in any location we serve, you will give as another try and take one of our tours. We are certain we will not disappoint you again. All our best, Gaia

Paris Ultimate Food Tour

Julia was a fabulous tour guide. She sprinkled in some history as we enjoyed delicious cuisine around Paris. Highly recommend!

Date of experience : January 17, 2023

Honesty and integrity is out the window for Walks of Italy

First and foremost everyone needs to know that this company, specifically Walks of Italy, is impossible to deal with. You can't talk to anyone and when you write an e-mail they take their sweet old time in getting back to you and then they continue to put you off. They clearly state that they have a liberal cancellation and refund policy as long as you cancel prior to 72 hours in advance. I cancelled almost 4 months in advance, they continually put me off saying that they had plenty of time to process my cancellation request and ultimately they refused to provide a refund. This company should be on everyone's "do not call list". They are not truthful, you cannot trust anything they say, and they do not honor their commitments.

Date of experience : August 28, 2020

Dear Lawrence, Thank you for reaching out to us. We strive to provide only the best possible experiences to our guests and feel terrible when we are not able to do so, like in your case. I am sure that by now the issue has been solved, but I would like to apologize for the delays you experienced to receive your refund back in 2020. The pandemic really hit us bad and we were flooded with refund requests and no income, so we had to let go most of our staff. That's one of the reasons we took our "sweet time" getting back to you. From a company of over 100 employees we became less than 20 in just 2 weeks. It was not easy. Nor was it simple for us to find all the funds for our clients, as we had incurred costs as well, which in turn had not been refunded. But we did manage in the end, although many of you had to wait a long time, which we are not proud of. Please believe us when we tell you this is not how we usually operate, and wish that if you ever get the chance, you will give us another try, as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed again. All the best, Gaia

Takewalks.com Venice

Susan of takewalks.com in Venice was excellent! She was very knowledgeable, entertaining and helpful. The walk made an excellent start to my holiday and I would highly recommend her. I was there on 19 March 2019. Joy

Date of experience : April 15, 2019

Dear Joy, Thank you so much for posting such a lovely review on our Venice tour with Susan, it really means the world to us. We hope the rest of your holiday was equally amazing and that you will have the chance to return again soon! Kind regards, Gaia

Best Things To Do in Florence Italy

A florentine love affair: best things to do in florence, italy.

I f you haven’t been to Florence , you haven’t been to Italy. It’s that simple. The “Athens of the Middle Ages”, Florence was once one of the world’s most important cities during the medieval times. It was the crux of several trade routes, bustling with activity and prosperity. This much is obvious to us until now — as the epicenter of the Renaissance, Florence is an ever-unfolding display of priceless art and architecture. It also has a rich history, with such literary figures as Dante Alighieri and Niccolo Machiavelli molding their literary wit amidst its affairs.

But this is just one of Florence’s facets. As part of the Tuscan region, Florence is the perfect jumping point for a sojourn to the countryside. Tuscany is famous for producing some of the best wines in Italy, with such products as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. This distinction is highlighted by the fact that the vineyards of Tuscany are also among the most scenic spots this side of the world!

So you see, Florence sights are for everybody. Let’s break down some of the best things to do in Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site !

Take a Walking Tour

Florence is a compact city, and it is best explored on foot. The thing is, there are so many things to see here that you’d probably get lost as you follow the artworks at every turn! The best way to go about this is through a walking tour (take a look of our suggestion of favorite walking tours in Florence here). Aside from having the benefit of a guide to explain to you why you should be looking at this particular piece of art over the dozens more around the corner, you also get the rare chance to slip past the hundreds in queue for the main attractions. If you pick the right tour, you could also get the chance to slip behind the scenes and view Florence from a different perspective.

Also, many places in Florence tours are best with a small group. The breathtaking Duomo, for example offers something via walking tours that you can’t get as a casual tourist. There are also certain walking tours that include within their itineraries places that only locals know. Whether this is an excellent cup of espresso in an out-of-the-way cafe, or the best aperitivo this side of Tuscany, tours can give you a much-needed local’s eye view of the place.

Being a very touristy area, there are lots of pretty good tour operators in Florence . Get Your Guide is a major one, with exclusive trips through the most iconic spots (and a lot of hidden places only Florentians see). They also have a personalized tour that puts you in step with a local, so you can see the ins and outs of your chosen neighborhood!

Walking Florence Tours to Consider

• Walking Florence Tour of Historical Center
• Renaissance City Walking Tour
• Uffizi & Academia Small Group Walking Tour
• 3-Hour Skip-The-Line City Highlights and David
• Florence: Secret History Tour

Major Attractions Included in Most Florence Tours

Santa maria novella church.

I’m going to take a guess and assume you’ll be rolling into Florence via train (which is among the most comfortable ways of travel). You’ll end up at the Santa Maria Novella Station (S.M.N). You’re in luck, because there’s a significant tourist attraction just across the street!

This is the Santa Maria Novella Church, located on the northern riverbank of the Arno. The white-and-green marble of the facade is famous in itself, but the real star here is Masaccio’s Trinity which is located in the church! It may not look like much, but it is the first ever painting in the history of art to utilize true perspective. Pretty sweet, huh?

Galleria dell’Accademia

After this bit of intro, let’s look at one of the most famous and most important sculptures of the Renaissance — Michelangelo’s David. There are many replicas scattered throughout history, but the original is housed in the Accademia Gallery. Aside from the imposing statue at the center, set aside an hour or so to look at the many other works of art inside.

It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance or book one of those skip-the-line tours as queues can get as long as an hour and a half during the busier periods! The Galleria is almost a kilometer (around 10 minutes away) from the Santa Maria Novella Church. On the way you will pass through some other famous spots like the San Lorenzo market, which we’ll save for later.

This is undoubtedly the most iconic and most outstanding piece of art in the whole of Florence. Officially, it is called the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, but everyone just knows it as the Duomo — the famous cupola is made by Brunelleschi, and is free to enter so you can admire it from the inside. There are also tours that allow you to climb to the towering structure’s very top with a small group. It’s a slight chore but you will be greatly rewarded with a magnificent vista of Florence.

Aside from the Duomo itself, the entire Piazza del Duomo has a set of other attractions. There’s Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistery with its magnificent “Gates of Paradise”. These other spots require another ticket (covering all of them), and you can buy them directly from the ticket office on-site.

To get to the Duomo from the Accademia Gallery, head down Via Ricasoli (about 500 meters).

Piazza della Signoria

Another cove of art in the historic center of Florence is just 500 meters away, through the Via dei Calzaiuoli. The Piazza della Signoria is known not just for being the city’s political center for most of its existence, but also for having a collection of notable sculptures. Don’t miss Neptune’s Fountain and the Equestrian Statue, both landmarks of the city.  There is also the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Orsanmichele, both nearby and both sporting multitudes of stunning statues

Boboli Gardens

We’re taking a long walk this time (or a short taxi ride, your pick). From your hotel, head over to the Boboli Gardens. It’s best to do this early in the morning, when you can get to enjoy an aspect of Florence too few people see: the green and pristine outdoor views. The gardens are connected to the Modern Art Gallery, so you may want to check those out, too. But even if you’re still full of art from the previous day, you’ll appreciate the well-trimmed greens and beautiful blooms around here.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge

From the Boboli Gardens, head on a stroll towards the Ponte Vecchio. This is around a kilometer away, and the winding route will take you through some of Florence’s oldest and most scenic alleyways — the same places where the ancestral families of the city have lived for centuries! At the end of the kilometer-long walk, the Ponte Vecchio looms calm and steady. Arguably the city’s most enduring landmark, the “Old Bridge” (as the name literally means) has bridged the Arno since the 12th century!

As a plus, the Ponte Vecchio is near one of the best pizza places this side of Italy. Make sure to try Gusta Pizza’s Napoli-style wood-oven pizza for lunch!

Uffizi Gallery

Not even 200 meters from the Ponte Vecchio is your next stop, and one that will probably take up a good 2 hours of your day. The Uffizi Gallery houses one of the world’s biggest and most expensive art collections, and the queues here can get really long! Buying your tickets beforehand (or better yet, getting a guided tour) is absolutely a must.

The place around the Uffizi is also pretty remarkable in its architecture, so don’t just hurry through it!

Fontana del Porcellino

If you think the surroundings are familiar, it’s because you’ve been here yesterday! You would have also passed by the Piazza della Signoria in your 5-minute walk to the Fontana del Porcellino. It’s also a great time to go on a last-minute shopping spree, as the route lies amidst some of Florence’s high-end shopping places.

Once you’re done, pass through Via Por Santa Maria and head straight until you get to Piazza del Mercato Nuovo. Turn left here, and you will be greeted with the sight of Florence’s famous bronze boar. It is said that rubbing the boar’s nose guarantees a return to Florence!

Piazza della Repubblica

We’re going to end our Florence tour with the Piazza della Repubb

lica, the place where the city was founded. Today, it is a great park surrounded by beautiful architecture… and it is also home to a really pretty carousel!

Go On a Wine Tour

The beauty of wine tours from Florence is that they also double as scenic day trips. There are lots of wine-producing areas in the Tuscan countryside. Most of them easily reachable from Florence (and the rest just a train transfer or two away).

For example, the classic Chianti Classico area produces some of the best wines in the world. It also houses some of the most raw vineyard sceneries anywhere. You can stop by a wine estate on your wine tour, to learn about the secrets of the earth and winemaking in general. San Gimignano is further away, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like a medieval town frozen in time. Aside from its iconic skyline, it is also famous for the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

The town also offers a special treat within its vineyards. The aesthetic marvel of “spiral vineyards” is breathtaking to behold! The Giachi family owns one at the San Gimignano. Don’t forget to ask around for the history of the wines here — you’ll be in for an intellectual treat.

Wine tours can also be arranged with a trustworthy tour operator. There are a variety of wine tours from Florence, with wine pairings for everything from history to a cooking lesson. Check out sites like Get Your Guide to learn more!

Consider These Food Tours

• Secret Food Tour in Florence
• Italian Food Market & Cooking Experience
• Florence Food Walking Tour
• Gourmet Food Tour Florence
• Carmignano Half-Day Wine and Food Tour from Florence
• Heart of Florence: Authentic Dinner and Concert
• Florence Night Tour by Electric Bike with Gelato Tasting

Market Day at the Mercato Centrale

Tuscany has many markets and Florence some of the best. This is the central market and the perfect shopping haven for all things truly Italian. It may be tempting to follow the tourist crowds into the San Lorenzo market outside, but ditch that plan and go here instead!

The cast-iron structure is perfect for both foodies and those looking for the farm-fresh produce that Italian cuisine is famous for. The ground floor, you’ll find all kinds of meats — from the basic seafood, pork, beef, and chicken, to the more exotic wild boar and rabbit. Cured meats, sausages, and more are also present. Of course, cheese and olive oil are everywhere!

At the second floor is a food court that gives you a perfect vantage point for a hefty breakfast. Some stalls even have made-to-order sandwiches. Don’t miss Da Nerbone, a local food institution that was founded in 1872. It is a cafeteria-style eatery with Tuscan delicacies. Make sure to come in early for their panino con bolito , as the place is completely swamped at lunch! This is located at the southern corner of Mercato Centrale. There are also many artisan food shops elsewhere, where you can see traditional Italian food made from scratch and using traditional processes.

And of course, a cup of Italian coffee or an aperitivo is just the perfect accompaniment to a meal here! The Mercato Centrale is located between Via Sant’Antonino and Via dell’Ariento.

Shop Til You Drop at the San Lorenzo Market

After you’ve absorbed the local glory of the Mercato, it’s now time to move towards the more touristy stuff. The San Lorenzo market is a large group of stalls surrounding the Mercato Centrale. It is known for its endless variety of leathercraft, which is one of the Tuscan region’s specialties (as it’s not always food-related). Here you can also buy lots of clothing items, and a few souvenirs to take home.

Pro tip — the place caters to the foreign crowd most often, so there are lots of tourist traps. Make sure you’ve made the rounds before even reaching for your wallet! Haggling and bargaining is also a norm here, so don’t be afraid to ask if you think the price can go down.

One cool thing here is that you may ask for a specific type of product and you may end up being brought to a warehouse where they stock these goods before they get to San Lorenzo. Some would just lead you somewhere nearby where they have extra stock, but who knows what you’d end up finding! The San Lorenzo Market is closed only on Sundays and Mondays.

Dine and Be Merry

The food stalls at the Mercato are perfect for those on a budget (trust me, they’re not all that pricey). But if you have some extra to splurge with, there are some places you should visit.

One of them is Caffe Gilli, which has been in business since 1733. That’s way back to the time the Medicis ruled Florence! Located at the Piazza della Repubblica, Caffe Gilli serves some really tasty pastries in an opulent and entirely traditional setting.

Another one is the Borgo San Jacopo, which is a Michelin Star stop on the banks of the Arno. Yes, that Arno River which has some of the most stunning Florentine views anywhere! The outdoor seating is magnificent. Don’t miss the potato spaghetti, whose pasta is made entirely of potatoes (no flour!). Indeed, this place specializes in creating magnificent dining experiences from simple (and often audacious) ingredients. Visit them at Borgo San Jacopo 62/R.

Get a Closer Look at the Local Florence Sights

When you’re in Florence, it’s very easy to get lost in all the architectural and artistic beauty that you may forget how local life is just as fascinating. For a quick look, head over to the Piazza Santo Spirito (16R) which is the center of the city’s artisan section. This bohemian plaza hosts a number of bars and restaurants, plus a street market, all under the gaze of the beautiful Basilica of Santo Spirito. Here you can find everything from antiques to produce, and of course you can find Florentians going about their lively daily business. Make sure to stay for the nightlife to get a different perspective of the place!

And if you’d like to see just how colorful Florence can get, go here on June 24 in time for the festivities of St. John the Baptist! He is Florence’s patron saint, and on this date everything happens in Florence. Everything — parades, games, marathons, fireworks, football matches, boat races, and more!

Getting To And Getting Around Florence

Italy has a very good train system, so if you’re starting from another Italian city you can just hop onto a train and look for the Florence station. If you’ll be coming from overseas, however, you’re most likely going to end up in Vespucci Airport. You might also be travelling via a rented car (as most European tourists) — if so you will take the A1 Motorway which links the northern and southern sides of Italy. This runs by Florence, so it’s easy to follow. If you’re coming from the west coast, the A11 Motorway is your friend.

Another convenient way to get to Florence is via coach, which is an option even if you’re from another country. Eurolines operates international buses from such notable cities as Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Prague, and more. The city is also littered with several drop-off and pick-up points, which also make coaches a good option for travelling around Florence (especially if you’re with your luggage).

That said, it is most advisable to travel around Florence on foot. It is the smallest among Europe’s famous cities, and you can literally walk to any famous work of art from the train station! There are places that require quite a bit of hike, sure, but there’s no better way to appreciate the unfolding displays here at the Cradle of the Renaissance than by walking.

Yes, Florence is a very colorful place, not just one in oil paints and stone reliefs, of history and art. Hopefully this has enlightened you to all the things to do in Florence. This list is but an appetizer — take each turn, travel each road, and you’re sure to find a section of Florence that is as romantic and yet as unique as the last.

A Florentine Love Affair: Best Things to do in Florence, Italy – Pin for Later