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.
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.
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.
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
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.
This scenic walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene guides you along panoramic ridgelines, across terraced vineyards, and into storybook villages like Serravalle and Pieve di Soligo.
Along the way, you’ll encounter centuries-old landmarks such as the Molinetto della Croda and quiet valleys rich with natural beauty and cultural heritage. More than just a hike, it’s a deep immersion into a living landscape where the rhythms of nature and generations of winemaking tradition come together.
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 autumn(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. If you need assistance, our team is here to help you select the perfect itinerary.
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:
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.
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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.
Your walking holiday is just a few clicks away. To get started, please get in touch today.
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