Italy is a country made for walking. Its charming streets, rolling vineyards, ancient olive groves, and scenic mountain trails invite explorers to take their time and soak in the atmosphere. For lovers of authentic experiences, Italy’s walking tours offer a taste of local culture and flavors that you won’t find in guidebooks alone. We’re especially fond of the Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Puglia, where you can stroll through ancient groves and learn the secrets behind Italy’s most prized product, and the Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Vicenza, which combines fragrant vineyards with a cellar tour and tastings of native grapes. These tours aren’t just about the scenery—they’re about tasting history, tradition, and craftsmanship firsthand.
Whether you prefer olive groves, vineyards, or forest trails, Italy’s diverse landscape provides a perfect setting. Some tours focus on culinary delights, like saffron and wine, while others explore forests and mountain passes, such as the Nighttime Forest Walk in Sutrio. Good news: these experiences suit a variety of interests and fitness levels, offering options for food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 7 best walking tours in Italy, each with its unique appeal. Whether you’re after a quick, intimate tasting or a more extensive hike among vineyards, this guide will help you choose the perfect walk for your trip.
1. Puglia: Olive Oil Tasting Experience with Olive Grove Walk
Discover the secrets of extra virgin olive oil with this immersive experience in Puglia, a region renowned for its olive production. This tour combines a guided tasting with a walk through ancient olive groves, visiting an underground olive mill that’s been in use for generations. The experience begins at Agriturismo Masseria Valente, where an expert will explain the history and nuances of regional olive oil.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on learning to distinguish flavors and understanding the process of olive oil production firsthand. As you stroll past trees up to 1500 years old, you’ll hear stories about local traditions and the evolution of olive cultivation. The underground mill visit offers a glimpse into traditional pressing methods, making this a hands-on, authentic experience you won’t forget. The tasting includes high-quality oils paired with regional snacks, providing a genuine taste of Puglia.
Reviews highlight its engaging storytelling and the beautiful setting. One reviewer called it “memorable” and appreciated the stories and the quality of the oils. It’s perfect for foodies or anyone interested in regional craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an authentic dive into Puglia’s olive oil heritage, with a friendly pace and a focus on quality. Ideal for those wanting a short, yet enriching experience.
2. Castagnole delle Lanze: Saffron Walking Tour w/ Wine & Food
In the heart of Piedmont, this saffron walking tour celebrates the region’s “red gold” through a 4-hour guided hike among vineyards. Saffron, a spice that’s both rare and precious, is the star of this tour. You’ll learn all about how this spice is cultivated and used in regional dishes, tasting saffron-infused chocolates and grappas along the way.
The journey also includes visits to the Terre Bianche Farm, where you can sample local hazelnuts with scenic vineyard views, and the Criolin Farm, where wines are produced through traditional methods. The tour’s emphasis on aroma and flavor makes it a sensory adventure, perfect for those who love food and wine.
Although it has only received a single review, it’s rated a perfect 5/5, indicating a highly satisfying experience. If you’re intrigued by unique ingredients and regional wines, this tour offers a perfect blend of taste, sight, and smell.
Bottom Line: A concentrated, sensory-rich walk ideal for lovers of saffron, wine, and local delicacies. Suitable for those who want a shorter, immersive experience.
3. Sutrio: Nighttime Guided Forest Walk & Optional Tasting
Experience the magic of Sutrio’s forest after dark with this two-hour lantern-lit walk in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. As you follow a narrow, hidden trail guided by lanterns, you’ll listen to tales of ancient inhabitants and learn to recognize animal tracks, adding a dash of adventure to your evening.
What makes this tour special is its mysterious atmosphere—walking through a forest under the stars offers a different perspective than daylight. The guide shares legends and stories about local myths, making it an engaging experience for those interested in folklore. After the walk, you’ll have the option to taste traditional local products, rounding out the evening with regional flavors.
Reviews are limited, but the focus on nature and storytelling makes it suitable for those who enjoy quiet, contemplative walks, and a bit of storytelling charm. Be prepared for a walk that’s more about ambiance than strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and folklore enthusiasts, this tour offers a serene yet intriguing forest experience after sunset. Best suited for those comfortable walking in dim light.
4. Oltrepò Pavese: Walk Through the Vineyards and Wine Tasting
Just an hour from Milan, this vineyard walk offers an authentic taste of Lombardy’s wine country. The tour guides you through the vineyards, where you can observe the lush grapevines and learn about the local winemaking traditions. This experience combines a walk with a wine tasting in the actual cellars, giving you insight into the winemaking process.
The highlight is the opportunity to taste wines where they’re produced, paired with regional snacks. The relaxed, informal atmosphere makes it ideal for wine novices and enthusiasts alike. The guide’s knowledge about local grape varieties adds depth to the experience, and the tasting is designed to satisfy all five senses.
While reviews are not available, the tour’s focus on small group sizes and the chance to enjoy wine and scenery together makes it appealing. It’s a good choice for those seeking a laid-back, educational outing without a long travel commitment.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, engaging vineyard walk and tasting perfect for a day trip from Milan, offering insight into local wines and production.
5. Trentinara Wine Tasting and Walking Tour
In southern Italy’s Cilento region, this 1.5-hour walking tour combines a guided stroll through Trentinara’s historic streets with a tasting of three different wines. The tour begins at Villa Tredaniele, where you’ll learn about the Tredaniele wine and the local wine-making process, then continue to panoramic terraces overlooking the countryside.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of historic streets and spectacular views, including the famous “Via dell’Amore.” You’ll walk past ancient buildings, romantic pathways, and scenic overlooks, all while savoring white, red, and sparkling wines. The tasting is paired with local tapas, making it a complete culinary experience.
Reviews rate this tour a remarkable 4.9/5, with visitors praising the breathtaking scenery and the informative, friendly guide. It’s perfect for those looking to combine wine tasting with exploration of a charming Italian village.
Bottom Line: A delightful mix of history, scenery, and wine—ideal for wine lovers and travelers wanting a short but rich experience.
6. Valnerina: Nordic Walking with a Guide
If you’re after a healthy outdoor activity, this two-hour Nordic walking tour in Umbria’s Valnerina is a great pick. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the Sibillini Mountains and local trails, learning the technique of Nordic walking—a full-body workout that’s easy to pick up.
This tour is less about sightseeing and more about exploring nature actively. It’s suitable for those who want to stay fit while discovering the landscape’s natural beauty. The trail is designed to be accessible for most fitness levels, and your guide will share insights into the local flora and fauna along the way.
Reviews are not provided, but the focus on nature and exercise makes it ideal for active travelers. Plus, the fresh mountain air and scenic views can be a refreshing change from more cultural tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for fitness-minded travelers wishing to combine outdoor activity with scenic exploration.
7. Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in the Berici Hills of Vicenza
In the Veneto region, this 2-hour vineyard walk is a true in-depth experience. You’ll visit a local winery, walk among the vines, and tour the cellar with oak barrels, learning about the terroir—especially the unique “terrarossa” soil that influences the wines.
The highlight is tasting 4 wines, including white and reds made from native grapes like Carménère, paired with artisanal cheeses and meats. The winemaker will explain the careful process behind each bottle, making this a rich educational experience for wine lovers.
Rated 5/5, visitors rave about the quality of wines and the personable guide who makes the experience memorable. The vineyard walk adds a layer of authenticity and allows you to appreciate the local craftsmanship.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, delicious, and educational wine tour, perfect for enthusiasts eager to taste and learn about native Italian grapes.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Italy
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If you’re passionate about culinary traditions, the Puglia olive oil tasting or Vicenza vineyard walk offer rich insights into regional produce. For those curious about spices and wine, the Saffron Tour or Trentinara wine tasting are excellent picks. Nature lovers will appreciate the Sutrio forest walk or Valnerina’s Nordic walk, especially if you enjoy active exploration.
Budget-wise, shorter experiences like the olive oil and wine tours tend to be more accessible, while longer hikes or combined activities may require more time and planning. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the Vineyard Walk in Vicenza or the Olive Oil Experience in Puglia.
Consider your physical fitness and interests carefully: a leisurely tasting might suit a relaxed traveler, while an active Nordic walk is perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with exercise. Matching your expectations with the tour’s highlights will ensure a memorable Italian walking experience.
Final Thoughts
Italy offers a stunning variety of walking tours that go beyond just sightseeing—they’re about tasting, learning, and active exploration. For a quick, flavor-packed trip, the Olive Oil Tasting in Puglia or the Trentinara Wine Tour are excellent choices. If you prefer a more active day amid mountains and forests, the Sutrio Night Walk or Valnerina Nordic Walking won’t disappoint. For lovers of wine and scenic landscapes, the Vineyard Walk in Vicenza and Oltrepò Pavese tours provide in-depth, authentic experiences.
No matter your preference, booking early and choosing a tour that matches your interests will make your Italian trip truly memorable. Whether you’re after a short taste of local flavors or a full-day adventure, these tours are sure to enrich your visit to Italy.
I hope this guide helps you decide which walking tour best suits your travel style. Italy’s diverse landscapes, delicious foods, and fascinating stories await—so lace up your shoes and get ready to explore!
