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Matera & Alberobello

Experience Matera's ancient Sassi cave dwellings and Alberobello's iconic Trulli buildings. Wander through history, enjoying modern comforts in these unique accommodations. Explore nearby towns, savour exquisite vistas, and discover serene landscapes.

  • Italy

  • 7 nights
  • Half Board
  • Culture

    Landscape

  • Apr

    Jun

    Oct

  • Average group size: 12-14

Moderate

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Walking grade

Grade 4

This a Grade 4 walking holiday with a element of sightseeing in both Matera and Alberobello. Both towns are fascinating in different ways and reward exploration. The walking will be generally flat across barren limestone plains at Matera although and more gentle rural scenery around Alberobello. Most of the walks are half day and will be combined with sightseeing. The maximum altitude for this holiday is 500m.

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Meticulously curated, guided walking holiday itineraries that delve into the culture, wildlife, cuisine, and rich history of the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Indulge in Alberobello's iconic Trulli accommodations with conical roofs.
  • Explore Matera's Sassi caves and exquisite architectural wonders for an unforgettable experience.
  • Discover Gravina Valley's rock churches for an enriching addition to your walk.
  • Marvel at the elegance of Martina Franca and Locorotondo's charming ambiance.
  • Spot butterflies and wildflowers while strolling along Canale de Pirro in season.
  • Explore the captivating Castellana Caves for a unique underground adventure.

Immerse yourself in the allure of Sassi and Trulli, two of Italy's most captivating accommodations, steeped in rich history and folklore. Picture yourself embarking on an early morning stroll through Matera's enchanting Sassi district, greeted by the gentle warmth of the southern Italian sun as it rises over the skyline. Alternatively, envision waking up in a Trullo, marvelling at the unique conical ceiling above, a sight that transports you to another era.

Your journey begins on the picturesque high plains of Basilicata, just a short distance from Apulia. Matera, celebrated as the cultural capital of Europe in 2019, welcomes you with its elegant charm and centuries-old history. Explore the famous Sassi cave dwellings, which have been inhabited since ancient times and are now undergoing a fascinating transformation into hotels and private residences. To delve deeper into Matera's past, consider consulting Carlo Levi's renowned book, "Christ Stopped at Eboli." Extend your exploration beyond the town to the serene Gravina valley to the south, where tranquillity awaits.

Moving onward to Alberobello, you'll encounter one of Italy's most distinctive skylines, adorned with the iconic conical roofs of the trulli buildings. Your accommodations within these unique structures offer modern comforts, with each room boasting its own entrance onto the charming streets. Nearby, the café-restaurant Terre Madre awaits, where you'll indulge in delightful breakfasts and occasional dinners. Your immersive experience continues with guided tours of the town upon arrival, followed by three days of exploration encompassing nearby gems like Martina Franca and Locorotondo, renowned for their exquisite wines. Additionally, wander along the tranquil local canal, a haven for spotting seasonal butterflies and wildflowers.

In summary, your journey through Matera and Alberobello promises not only a glimpse into Italy's past but also an opportunity to savour its vibrant present and promising future. With each step, you'll unravel layers of history, culture, and natural beauty, creating memories that linger long after your adventure concludes.

  • Return flights from London to Bari
  • Airport transfers
  • En suite three star hotel accommodations on bed and breakfast basis
  • Half Board with dinners taken at local restaurants
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach/public bus/train
  • All entrances as noted in the itinerary
  • Local English speaking guides in Matera and Alberobello
  • All tips & local taxes
  • Services of a Discover Tour Leader
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

18330

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

You fly to Bari Airport and transfer approximately one hour to Matera by private coach.

Transfer Time = 1h 15m

Day 2

Matera with a Local Guide

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    150/120m

Today, you'll spend the day exploring Matera. Begin with a morning guided tour led by a local professional, unraveling the mysteries of the famed 'Sassi' caves once inhabited by the poorest 'Materani' until the 1960s. Marvel at the town's breathtaking perch above the Gravina River gorge, offering numerous viewpoints for stunning vistas. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to Madonna delle Virgini, an eighteenth-century church carved into the rock and still open for worship, providing a glimpse into Matera's rich history and spiritual heritage.

 

Day 3

Exploring Rock Churches

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2.5 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    150m

You'll stroll on the plateau above the Gravina Valley, savouring the ever-changing views and vibrant wildflowers in season. Pass by churches carved from the rock; though likely locked, bring a torch to glimpse their interiors.

Day 4

Onto Alberobello with a Local Guide

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

Today, you'll transfer to Alberobello, a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes by coach. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your accommodation nestled in individual trulli buildings, offering some of the most charming stays in the Ramblers Walking Holidays brochure. Following lunch, join a local guide to explore the town before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 5

Along the Canale de Pirro

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 hours

  • Distance

    8 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    Minimalm

In the local area, water supply issues due to limestone prompted the construction of irrigation canals in the early 20th century, bringing water from Basilicata. These covered canals, besides irrigating farmland, offer excellent walking routes. Explore the Canale de Pirro for a flat walk amidst nature, spotting birdlife, flowers, and butterflies. Later, enjoy a visit to the impressive Castellana caves (included in the holiday cost) known for their stunning beauty, offering a unique guided tour to depths of over 60 meters, showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and more in a mesmerizing underground world.

Day 6

Martina Franca to Locorotondo

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    4.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    70/100m

You'll have the option to spend the day walking in the local countryside or exploring Martina Franca and Locorotondo. Martina Franca, a historic baroque city south of Alberobello, derives its name from San Martino, its patron saint, and tax exemptions granted by Philip as Prince of Taranto ('franca' meaning free). Locorotondo, renowned for its wines, boasts a circular historical center, earning its name ('Round place') and recognition as one of Italy's most beautiful villages.

Day 7

Barsento Abbey

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3.5 hours

  • Distance

    8 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    100m

You'll further explore local walks and villages, with a standout option being the walk from Alberobello to Barsento Abbey. Traverse fields of olives, fruit trees, and vineyards to reach the 6th-century Barsento Abbey. The terrain is gentle, with minimal ascent and descent, ensuring an enjoyable stroll.

Day 8

Final day

Meals

Breakfast

Depending on flight times you may have some free time to spend in Alberobello before transferring back to Bari Airport for our flight back to the UK.

Departure dates for your selected tour

17th Apr 2025 - 24th Apr 2025 (7 Nights)

15th Jun 2025 - 22nd Jun 2025 (7 Nights)

19th Oct 2025 - 26th Oct 2025 (7 Nights)

Travel Details

  • Return flights from London to Bari
  • Arrival transfer by road c.1hr15mins
  • Upgrades are available on most flights. For scheduled flights this may be Premium Economy, Business or First Class. Most low-cost carriers also have extra legroom seats.
  • If direct regional flights are not available, we can often offer add-on flights to a London airport at a competitive rate. Please ask us for details and a competitive quote.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Hotel Sassi

The Hotel Sassi is truly unique, comprising a collection of dwellings scattered across Matera, some built as accommodation and others carved from the rock, dating back to the 1500s. Situated near Matera's main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it boasts panoramic terraces with views of the Cathedral and old quarter. With only 35 rooms, each equipped with heating/air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, telephone, minibar, hairdryer, and flat-screen TV, it offers a peaceful retreat from traffic in a pedestrianized area. 

Keep an eye out for the resident Kestrel nesting on the hotel's rooftop in April and September. Despite its spread-out layout, easily accessible via an indoor lift, some rooms overlook the outdoor courtyard, fostering a sense of community. While exploring Matera's landscape, expect to encounter a fair number of steps each day. Your stay at Hotel Sassi promises a truly novel experience, setting the stage for your next unique accommodation in Alberobello.

It is worth noting that due to the landscape of Matera, you can expect a fair number of steps to negotiate each day.

Trulli in Alberobello

...are truly a unique form of accommodation! Each room is actually its own little building so it really doesn't make any difference if you book a twin, double or have a room for sole use.

As you step out the room your hallway is actually the quiet streets of Alberobello, each room not being far from the next so no one will feel alone.

Every room is just as equipped as a hotel room but with a few extras. Each room has eu-suite a small sitting area, tea making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a hairdryer.

Breakfasts are taken at the nearby and atmospheric Terre Madre restaurant a Trullo conversion Il Trullo Antico aswell as one dinner the rest of our stay in Alberobello we will dine out at local restaurants sampling the local food and hospitality.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This a Grade 4 walking holiday with a element of sightseeing in both Matera and Alberobello. Both towns are fascinating in different ways and reward exploration. The walking will be generally flat across barren limestone plains at Matera although and more gentle rural scenery around Alberobello. Most of the walks are half day and will be combined with sightseeing. The maximum altitude for this holiday is 500m.

Walks & Excursions

Our walking programme is a pleasant mix of sightseeing with some gentle walking. Most days are a mix, predominantly sightseeing on foot with some very relaxed strolls. The walking pace is unhurried on generally on back roads. The area is particularly known for its many varieties of butterflies and small birdlife. In spring the flowers are plentiful with displays of cyclamen in the appropriate months.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Currency in Italy

The currency in Italy is the Euro.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Local Guides

To enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied in some centres by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.

Your Travel Details

We fly from London to Bari and back with British Airways. The transfer between Bari Airport and the hotel is by road and takes approximately 1 hour.

There is roughly a 10 minute walk from where our transfer vehicle drops us off in Matera to get to our first hotel. Matera although beautiful has many steps to be negotiated hence our transfer vehicle not being able to stop right outside our hotel, however not to worry your main baggage will taken to the hotel for you.

Should you be making your own flight arrangements the journey from Bari Airport to Matera can be made on public transport. There is a direct bus service operated by Pugliairbus. For details please see the following website: www.aeroportidipuglia.it/en/web/10181/bus-pugliairbus-

On the return there are direct trains from Alberobello to Bari and connections to the airport.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Hotel Transfers

When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passports and Visas

European Passport Advice

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.

Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.

Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.

Meals

Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday arrangements. While in Matera, we take breakfast at our hotel and dinners in local restaurants. In Alberobello, breakfasts are taken at the nearby and atmospheric Terre Madre restaurant. We also dine there one evening and at local restaurants on the other evenings, sampling the local food and hospitality.

In Italy, traditional meals may include primo, il secondo, and dolce, depending on the individual restaurant. Primo can be served as an appetiser and usually consists of rich pasta, soup or risotto. The main course is called il secondo and usually includes meat, fish or vegetarian. The dolce refers to the dessert and ends a traditional Italian meal.

Please note that in Italy it is customary to pay for water consumed at the dinner table estimating around €2-3 per 0.75cl bottle.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good, moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear & towel (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive, and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Traveling Light

You should be able to lift and carry and handle your own luggage. At some hotels, the coach may have to stop some distance short of the hotel entrance. Also, within some of the hotels themselves, there may be some long walks between the rooms and entrance area which could include some steps.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details' pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Electricity in Italy

Electricity in Italy is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Maps, Guidebooks & More

Many local libraries stock a good selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information on the region. Perhaps the most famous book concerning the area around Matera is 'Christ stopped at Eboli' by Carlo Levi. Levi was exiled to the area during fascist times and his description of the lives of local peasants is insightful.

You may find the following websites useful; Italian State Tourism: www.enit.it Basilicata  Tourism: http://discoverbasilicata.com and Apulia Tourism: www.viaggiareinpuglia.it/hp/en


The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for Italy

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Italy.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK. 

You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

EHIC & GHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Italian Laws & Customs

In some Italian towns and cities, you may be fined for dropping litter and in some towns or cities it’s an offence to sit on monument steps or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of main churches, historic monuments and public buildings. It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains.

In May 2019, the Municipality of Capri introduced a law forbidding the use of any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays, straws on the island of Capri. Violations can incur a fine of up to 500 euros.

Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence, Venice and Rome. Don’t buy from illegal street traders. You could be stopped by the local police and fined.

It is illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. Doing so may result in heavy fines. It’s also forbidden to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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Italy

  • Capital

    Rome

  • Currency

    Euro

  • Language

    Italian

  • Time Difference

    UTC +02:00

  • Flight duration

    2.5hrs from UK

Visas and Passports

No Visa Required

Average weather

  • January

    6°C

    Avg. Rain: 67mm

  • February

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 62mm

  • March

    9°C

    Avg. Rain: 63mm

  • April

    12°C

    Avg. Rain: 61mm

  • May

    16°C

    Avg. Rain: 56mm

  • June

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 47mm

  • July

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 35mm

  • August

    22°C

    Avg. Rain: 48mm

  • September

    20°C

    Avg. Rain: 64mm

  • October

    15°C

    Avg. Rain: 89mm

  • November

    10°C

    Avg. Rain: 96mm

  • December

    7°C

    Avg. Rain: 82mm

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Call for help or regional flights on 01707 817260

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