5 Magical Activity Holidays In Italy

While many people want to laze on the beach, or spend time exploring the cities of Italy, others prefer to get out in the fresh air, while getting healthy exercise. A number of options exist for activity holidays in Italy, including horseback riding, cycling trips, Vespa tours, golf holidays and hiking. Let’s briefly explore each option for your next holiday in beautiful Italy.

1. Horseback riding in Italy

Horseback riding is a refreshing adventure wherever you go, but enjoying a winemaking tour on horseback in Tuscany is a truly wonderful experience. As you ride, admire the surrounding scenic landscape of vineyards and olive trees. Meanwhile, stop off along the way to visit local wine cellars to learn about the region’s winemaking tradition.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided horseback tour through Mt. Vesuvius National Park, visiting the fascinating ruins of Pompeii. Head up into the volcanic countryside at more than 1,600 ft above sea level. Along the way, learn about ancient Roman history from a knowledgeable guide and sample locally produced wines.

2. Cycling trips in Italy

Campania in the south with its gorgeous Amalfi Coast is one of many areas of Italy that are ideal for cycling tours of Italy. Heading south of Salerno to the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park is a wonderful place to explore. Heading to the plain of Paestum, impressive Greek temples are waiting to be found as you take in the lovely coastal scenery, including mountains, valleys, gorges, olive groves and vineyards.

Northern Tuscany is yet another perfect location for a cycling holiday through the Tuscan landscape of olive groves and vineyards. Along the way, visit iconic destinations like Pisa, with its Leaning Tower, lovely Lucca with its historic city walls and Florence. However, throughout Italy, opportunities for a cycling tour or holiday abound, with conditions suitable for energetic cyclists and more relaxed folk alike.

3. Italian Vespa tours

Everyone knows that old adage, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do,” but this actually does apply to Vespa tours in beautiful Italy. With its crazy, mazelike streets and difficulty parking, exploring Rome on a Vespa makes so much sense. Zip from attraction to attraction, with no problems parking, while enjoying the sights and smells of the city along the way.

Meanwhile, an evening tour of the city by Vespa is equally exciting, visiting the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps along the way. Either hire your own personal Vespa, or book a tour with an experienced guide and take the back seat on your journey.

4. Golf holidays in Italy

Up until recently, golf has been considered an elite sport in Italy. However, this is starting to change and it is becoming more of a family activity. Obviously, many international travelers love the game, which makes it worthwhile opening up golf courses in Italy to foreign golfers.

In total, Italy boats 264 golf clubs, with some of the best courses being Circolo Golf Villa d’Este, Circolo Golf Bogogno and Golf & Country Valcurone. Due to the beautifully diverse landscapes of the country, each golf course has its own style and surrounding views. Br

5. Hiking in Italy

As mentioned above, Italy has incredibly diverse landscapes and the sport of hiking is likely the best way to experience them. There are many long-distance walking trails to choose from throughout the country and with its pleasant Mediterranean climate all are enjoyable most of the year around.

Hiking between the hilltop towns and vineyards of Tuscany is a truly rewarding experience, as are the trails set high above the sea on the Amalfi Coast. Meanwhile, a visit to the Cinque Terre offers colorful fishing villages, each connected by footpaths along the cliff edges and through the olive groves. Experiencing the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail that stretches from the Swiss Alps to Rome, or the walking trails through beautiful Puglia, hikers are spoiled for choice.

Get out into the fresh air on your next visit to Italy, enjoying the country’s beautiful landscapes in a different way in 2022.