walkers on mountain side path in northern italy
walkers on mountain side path in northern italy

Hiking Northern Italy: Our Tours

Mountains and lakes in a World Heritage landscape

Unearth views of staggering beauty when walking the Italian Alps and Dolomites. The best hut-to-hut hikes are found in northern Italy.

But it's not just about the incredible mountains. Take St Bernard, the starting point of the Italian Via Francigena, or Como, where you'll find a treasure trove of opulent villas and luscious gardens, all surrounded by a bounty of walking trails.

 

If you love wine, Piedmont is the place to be. There, you'll walk among the rolling hills and vineyards that produce bottles with labels among the best Italy has to offer.

Our walking holidays in northern Italy delight the senses and capture your imagination.

Our best hikes in north Italy

Alta Via, through the Dolomites


The iconic Dolomites
An iconic landscape of the dolomites in northern Italy

A marvelous journey along one of the most beautiful routes in the Dolomites, the Alta Via. You'll walk from hut to hut, captivated by heavenly views and comforted by the warm hospitality of the refuges where you end your day's hiking in north Italy. Take in the iridescent peaks set against breathtaking views of the blue sky and lush green meadows.

The Alta Via of Fanes and Sennes in the Dolomites

The two sides of Lake Como


Two sides, two trips
Aerial view of Como Lake in northern Italy

One lake with two shores: we invite you to explore both, discovering two different sides.

On the west coast, an impressive journey takes you through the mountains and forests of Lario, but also to villages dotted along the shores. You'll follow the charming Via Claudia that leads to Porlezza, amidst the glamorous towns you'd expect to see on any north Italy coast holiday.

The Sentiero del Viandante, on the other hand, follows the lesser-known east coast. This route goes from the quaint town of Lecco up to Colico, at the gateway to Val Chiavenna, offering wonderful views of the lake.

 

Hike the West Shores of Lake Como

Hike the Wayfarer's Path

Italian Via Francigena


From the Alps to the plains
Spectacular peaks of the St. Bernard Pass northern Italy

On the Italian side, the Via Francigena begins at the Great St Bernard Pass. On this iconic journey, the first week-long section stretches from the alpine lake at the pass, on the border with Switzerland, to Ivrea.

This wonderful part of the route includes the Roman city of Aosta, peaceful mountain villages, wineries producing the most famous Valdostan wines, dreamlike castles, and ancient Gallic roads. This charming, once-industrial city is the birthplace of Olivetti and hosts the annual Orange Carnival.

The Via Francigena, from the Great St. Bernard Pass to Ivrea

Mountains and Vineyards in Piedmont


All sides of Piedmont
Barolo's Langhe vineyards unveil a stunning sunset Northern Italy

One of our favorite north Italy holiday destinations, Piedmont is a region with many possibilities. You can explore its vineyards or stroll from the hills to the mountains, discovering the enchanting Val Maira. Traverse the Piedmontese Via Francigena, passing through Lake Viverone and the Biellese area, or follow the Oropa Path up to one of the largest Marian sanctuaries in Europe.

Among the Vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco

North Italy Holidays: Highlights

  • Alpine Pilgrimage: Immerse yourself in spirituality and nature on the Cammino di Oropa, a pilgrimage route through forests and mountain landscapes.
  • Barolo and Barbaresco: Explore the hills of the Langhe, renowned for their Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards, combining rejuvenating walks with tastings of fine wines.
  • Peaceful Piedmont: Venture into Val Maira, an undisturbed area known for its high-elevation trails, historic villages, and wild nature.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Discover the variety of true alpine landscapes from vine-covered hills to ridgeline trails: a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and gastronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How challenging is walking in north Italy?

North Italy is a diverse and plentiful part of the world. It's home to the UNESCO Dolomites mountain range, a spectacular area of natural beauty through which many of our trails pass. If you're traversing this region, you should expect some difficult terrain and steep inclines. We recommend having a good level of fitness for walking the Italian Alps.

But we offer a great variety of hiking tours in Northern Italy, responding well to different needs and fitness levels. While some tours demand good stability and previous hiking experience, other routes and pilgrimages are perfect for beginners.

To learn more about any specific tour you're interested in, check out the page on our website. We've ranked each one for difficulty and distance, so you can get prepared now.

When's the best time to go hiking in northern Italy?

The most suitable time of year for your walking tour depends on your chosen tour.

If you're dreaming of wild trails with panoramic mountain views like those in the Alps and Dolomites, you should consider booking during the summer season, spanning from June to September.

In the rolling hills away from the mountain peaks, spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal times, thanks to the warm weather, cool breeze, and smaller crowds. November is generally still pleasant, with warm temperatures. We've mentioned the best time of year to undertake each tour on the specific trip pages.

Do you offer transfers to the start point?

On many of our north Italy holidays, you'll need to book your own transport to the starting location of the tour you've chosen. Luckily, that's made simple thanks to the fantastic public transport network in the region. There are plenty of direct bus connections between the mountains and cities like Venice and Bologna.

We offer transfers on request. Whether you'd like to reach the starting location or depart from your final stop on tour, please get in touch to start building your quote.

What are the views like when hiking in northern Italy?

We're proud to have a varied offering of north Italy holidays, each revealing a different side to the region.

Our hiking tours span from the lakes to the mountains, all the way to quiet rural paths and the vineyards of Piedmont. We recommend checking the description for each tour, as this will provide valuable information on the kinds of scenery to expect along the way.

How do I book a walking holiday in northern Italy?

If you've got your eye on one of our walking holidays in northern Italy, there are two ways to make a booking enquiry:

  • Send us an email at info@sloways.eu or call us on (+39) 0552340736. We'll ask you how many people you're going with, when you'd prefer to depart, and about any extra requests you have for your trip.
  • Use our online calculator to receive a quote for your chosen tour. You can find this tool on each tour page on our website. If you're happy with the provisional price, please send a request to our office. We'll respond to proceed – and then confirm the final price once we've checked hotel and refuge availability.

What kind of accommodation will I stay in?

Our north Italy holidays give you an authentic taste of life in the mountains. Whether you're hiking our heart of the Dolomites tour or the breathtaking Val Venosta, we'll arrange comfortable and friendly stays in local mountain refuges. Expect basic but cozy bedrooms and delicious, homemade meals to keep you fueled for the next day's adventure.

Away from the mountains, we book accommodation in B&Bs, farmhouses, and 3-star hotels, all including private rooms and bathrooms. These accommodations blend comfort with authenticity, allowing you to fully immerse in hiking northern Italy. 

Our North Italy Holidays

Hike northern Italy with SloWays

Our walking holidays in northern Italy mean truly connecting with nature, local communities, and yourself.

The innately beautiful surroundings make it easy to leave your worries behind and focus on the peace of the mountains.

 

Just a few more reasons to book include:

  • Happy customers: Our walking tours come highly recommended on Feefo, where you can find out more about the authentic adventures we offer.
  • Vacations experts: We've got over 20 years' experience in creating seamless walking tours across Europe, we'll help you to see the very best of north Italy.
  • Sustainable tours: We're proud to be Travelife Certified. and we handcraft every tour with the environment in mind.
  • Comfort first: We offer fully customizable walking holidays that combine modern hotel stays with traditional accommodation types.

Your exploration of the mountains is just a few clicks away. To get started, please get in touch today.


Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486
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