italy summary

Tamarillo's 10-day Italy walking tours take place in the beautiful regions of Liguria and Toscana (Tuscany).

The route follows ancient footpaths, country lanes, farm roads and wilderness trails, passing through villages, vineyards, forests and mountains ranges.

Five distinct environments are covered: urban, coastal, alpine, rural, and island.

The walks: Each day there are options ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks. Some of the walks are guided, and some are not. Some of the trails are just a few hours long, while others take two days to complete.

The accommodation: Boutique 3-star hotels and friendly guest-houses await weary walkers. Single, twin and triple rooms are available, all with ensuite bathrooms.

The cuisine: Sampling the food and wine of each region visited is an important part of the experience - and it all tastes even better after an active day in the fresh air.

The guides: Each tour is organised and guided by Marina Mantovani (from Ferrara, Italy) and Anthony Norris (from Pukerua Bay, New Zealand). Together Marina and Anthony own and operate Tamarillo Expeditions.

Freedom to choose: Each day you can decide whether to walk with others, or to go at your own pace - it's up to you. At meal-times you can join the guides and other group members or make your own arrangements. (For this reason not every meal has been included in the tour price.)

Support: As you walk you'll only need to carry a light day-pack. Your main luggage will be carried on the support vehicle. For each walk you'll be given detailedroute notes. If you're not with the guides you'll be able to call them by mobile phone for assistance and directions.

Like Tamarillo's Fiji sea-kayaking expeditions the Italy journeys are packed with experiences, yet never rushed.

Tamarillo's 'Walk like an Italian' tour combines fantastic walks, great food, good company, excellent accommodation, in some of the most beautiful places in Italy.

A recent guest summed it up this way: "What can I say? It was amazing. The food, of course, was fantastic, but what was brilliant was the apparent ease that Tamarillo seemed to have when finding the best restaurant in town.

"The walks were so different, some challenging physically, some mentally. The variety was the best part. It was part hike, part walk, and all fun. We always stayed in interesting and wonderful places. I dare say we were spoiled.

"It was one of the best trips I have ever been on, and definitely the most fun I have had in Italy." (Lucas, New Zealand.)