DESTINATIONS | ALL OUR TRIPS | SPECIAL OFFERS | TAILOR MADE TOURS | RESPONSIBLE TOURISM | GUIDES & MAPS | TESTIMONIALS

Small Group Adventures: Walking with Friends!

If you’re looking for a small group adventure in Italy, you’ve come to the right place! Genius Loci Travel offers a large range of guided walking tours all over Italy.

Many of our group trips will operate with as few as four passengers. We have always strived to stay away from mass tourism, our groups are therefore never larger than 15 people (on most trips the actual maximum is 10-12 persons). All people with the same passions as you!

Many of these tours can be turned into Private Bespoke Adventures to accommodate private group travel. We can organise both “off the shelf” itineraries, as well as create custom itineraries to meet your special needs. Book the dates you want, with the family or friends you wish to bring along!

You will see, walking through Italy with a passionate guide and a group of friends will allow you to make a unique full immersion in our beautiful country!

WELCOME TO THE REAL ITALY !

Italy’s Coasts & Islands

The most beautiful coast of the Mediterranean !

The 'Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - the Amalfi & Sorrento Coast-to-Coast Trek

Small Group Adventure
Walking along the world’s most beautiful coast, from Amalfi to Positano, with visits of Ravello and Capri
  • Hike the 'Alta Via', the most spectacular part of the 'Sentiero Italia'
  • Hike one of the world’s most scenic trails, better than the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’!
  • Discover the unspoilt mountain scenery above Amalfi & Sorrento
  • Stay in some of the area's best agriturismo's
Days:8 days - inn-to-inn trek 
Starting from: 525 € 
Walking the Amalfi Coast - a Genius Loci Travel Original !

Small Group Adventure
Walking along the world’s most beautiful coast, from Amalfi to Positano, with visits of Ravello and Capri
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Walk a number of the world’s most beautiful footpaths, like the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’
  • Discover the secret corners of Amalfi, Ravello & Capri
  • Travel back in time, exploring the backstreets of Pompeii
Days:8 day - Centre based holiday. Good Hotel in Agerola 
Starting from: 1090 € 
Amalfi Coast Walking: with Vesuvius, Pompei & Capri - 'Best Value'

Small Group Adventure
Walking along the world’s most beautiful coast, from Amalfi to Positano, with visits of Ravello and Capri
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Walk a number of the world’s most beautiful footpaths, like the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’
  • Discover the secret corners of Amalfi, Ravello & Capri
  • Travel back in time, exploring the backstreets of Pompeii
Days:8 day - 3 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1790 € 
Luxury Amalfi Coast Walking: with Vesuvius, Pompeii & Capri

Small Group Adventure
Walking along the world’s most beautiful coast, from Amalfi to Positano, with visits of Ravello and Capri
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Walk a number of the world’s most beautiful footpaths, like the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’
  • Discover the secret corners of Amalfi, Ravello & Capri
  • Travel back in time, exploring the backstreets of Pompeii
Days:8 days - 3 different bases in charming hotels 
on request 
Island Hopping in the Bay of Naples: Hiking Capri, Ischia & Procida

Small Group Adventure
Mediterranean island hopping: exploring the three Jewels of the mythical Bay of Naples
  • Enjoy the hidden charm & island atmosphere of Capri, far from the crowds
  • Sleep in great historic locations (but with all the comforts)
  • Discover the spectacular extinct volcanoes of Ischia
  • Stroll through the coloured alleyways of Procida, setting for the movie ‘Il Postino’
Days:8-day - 3 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1590 € 
Campania Felix: The best of Naples, Capri & the Amalfi Coast

Small Group Adventure
Walking & Discovery tour through the Italian Paradise
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Stay two nights on the amazing island of Capri, discovering its secret corners
  • Walk the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, one of the world’s most beautiful footpaths
  • Travel back in time, exploring the backstreets of Pompeii
Days:8 days with 3 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1590 € 
Cultural & natural Highlights of Sicily

Small Group Adventure
A complete ‘full-immersion’ sightseeing & walking tour across Sicily, between highlights & hidden treasures
  • Discover the intriguing cities of Palermo, Erice & Cefalù, full of pleasant surprises
  • Be amazed be the immense cultural heritage, ranging from Greek temples to Norman & Arab architecture
  • Visit still pristine and quiet nature reserves, Zingaro, Mt. Etna and the Alcantara canyon
  • Stay in beautiful hotels and 'agriturismo's'
Days:8 day - 4 different bases in hotels and agriturismo 
Starting from: 1690 € 
The Coast of the Sirens: Along the Amalfi Coast & Cilento National Park

Small Group Adventure
Discovering the Amalfi Coast & the beautiful Cilento National Park, one of the most diverse of Italy
  • Visit the beautiful villages of the Amalfi Coast, Amalfi, Ravello & Positano
  • Walk the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, one of the world’s most beautiful footpaths
  • Visit the impressive Greek Temples of Paestum, among the best preserved in the world
  • Walk along deserted beaches, into isolated coves and stroll through charming fishing harbours
Days:8 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Wonders of Liguria: Cinque Terre, Portovenere & Portofino - GWON

Small Group Adventure
Discovering the highlights of the Ligurian Coast, walking between coloured fishing villages and terraced vineyards
  • Walk the famous ‘Sentiero dell’Amore’, full of poetry and romance
  • Explore the hidden Cinque Terre, along less crowded paths
  • Experience the Beauty that inspired Byron, Kelley and many Italian poets
  • Walk across the magical Portofino Peninsula, with beautiful villages and wonderful nature
Days:7 days walking tour - 2 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1190 € 
Genova & the Portofino Peninsula (Short Break)

Small Group Adventure
Discover the great City of Columbus and make some great short walks onto the amazing Portofino Peninsula
  • Explore the less-known city of Genoa, city of Colombus with Italy’s biggest historical centre
  • Hike along beautiful & easy paths of Monte Portofino Natural Park to the glamorous Portofino Harbour
  • Make a great boat ride to the famous Benedictine abbey of San Fruttuoso
  • Take the opportunity to swim in the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea.
Days:4 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Naples, Vesuvius & Campi Flegrei (City Break)

Small Group Adventure
An exciting trip full of vibrant city life, vibrant earth and great views over the Bay of Naples
  • Climb the world' s most famous volcano, and walk through its deserted valleys
  • Discover the intriguing metropolis of Naples, full of pleasant surprise
  • Visit the still active volcanic area of the Campi Flegrei, the holiday setting for Roman Emperors
Days:8 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Volcanoes of Sicily. Etna and the Aeolian Islands

Small Group Adventure
Exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sicily
  • Visit the volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian islands with its wild untamed nature
  • Climb the Stromboli, a still active volcano, and enjoy its laid back island atmosphere
  • Walk along the beautiful coastlines and through the quiet fields of Lipari
  • Climb Mount Etna, the highest still active volcano of Europe and experience the thrill of watching nature shape itself.
Days:4 different bases in good 3-star hotels 
Starting from: 990 € 
The Cinque Terre Explored

Small Group Adventure
The Cinque Terre (meaning ‘Five Lands’ in Italian) gets its name from the five picturesque villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The area has been proclaimed a major national park and is a unique part of Italy...
Days:8 days in Italy 
Starting from: 1343 € 
Spirit of Amalfi

Small Group Adventure
Set on the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean the Amalfi is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, offering wonderful views every step of the way...
Days:8 Days 
Starting from: 1271 € 
Spirit of Sicily

Small Group Adventure
Immerse in Sicily’s unique blend of scenery, culture, history and mouth-watering cuisine. Ancient civilisations, prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches, Baroque buildings and majestic landscape – the island has all these and more...
Days:11 days in Italy 
Starting from: 2410 € 
Colours of Amalfi (Family Adventure)

Small Group Adventure
The Amalfi Coast is one of the world's most beautiful playgrounds, with sparking azure seas and spectacular jagged peaks alive with the colour and fragrance of wildflowers. With its curving contours, the whole area offers stunning views at every turn and is dotted with small towns and villages, all with thousands of years of history...
Days:8 days in Italy 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Amalfi Coast: Walking & Painting

Small Group Adventure
Have the world’s most dramatic and beautiful coastline as your subject !
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Walk a number of the world’s most beautiful footpaths, like the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’
  • Painting sessions in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Capri
Days:8 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 

Divine countryside

Landscapes of outstanding beauty, scattered with history

Cultural & natural Highlights of Sicily

Small Group Adventure
A complete ‘full-immersion’ sightseeing & walking tour across Sicily, between highlights & hidden treasures
  • Discover the intriguing cities of Palermo, Erice & Cefalù, full of pleasant surprises
  • Be amazed be the immense cultural heritage, ranging from Greek temples to Norman & Arab architecture
  • Visit still pristine and quiet nature reserves, Zingaro, Mt. Etna and the Alcantara canyon
  • Stay in beautiful hotels and 'agriturismo's'
Days:8 day - 4 different bases in hotels and agriturismo 
Starting from: 1690 € 
Wonders of Liguria: Cinque Terre, Portovenere & Portofino - GWON

Small Group Adventure
Discovering the highlights of the Ligurian Coast, walking between coloured fishing villages and terraced vineyards
  • Walk the famous ‘Sentiero dell’Amore’, full of poetry and romance
  • Explore the hidden Cinque Terre, along less crowded paths
  • Experience the Beauty that inspired Byron, Kelley and many Italian poets
  • Walk across the magical Portofino Peninsula, with beautiful villages and wonderful nature
Days:7 days walking tour - 2 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1190 € 
Tuscany & Umbria: an amazing journey through the Heartland of Italy - GUMT

Small Group Adventure
A complete 'full-immersion' sightseeing & walking tour across central Italy, between highlights & hidden treasures
  • Overnight in one of the best ‘real Tuscan’ agriturismo’s and in a real 11th century abbey
  • Walk the best parts of the Via Francigena, Italy’s medieval pilgrim route
  • Visit Siena, San Gimignano, Val d'Orcia, Assisi & Spoleto
  • Discover Italy's greatest waterfalls and walk through St. Francis' 'Holy Forest'
Days:8 day in Italy 
Starting from: 1590 € 
The Abruzzo - Castles & Monasteries and incredible mountain scenery

Small Group Adventure
A grand tour through three National Parks in the green Heart of Italy, Abruzzo, Maiella & Gran Sasso
  • Walk through pristine nature, in the Maiella, Italy’s last wilderness
  • Hike the mountain range of Gran Sasso, the highest of central Italy
  • Discover the intriguing monasteries of Celestine V, the only Pope who addicted
  • Encounter amazing wildlife and great scenic medieval villages
Days:8 days walking tour - 4 different bases in charming hotels 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Campania Felix: an Archaeological Journey

Small Group Adventure
Walking & Discovery tour through the Paradise of ancient cultures, guided by a professional archaeologist
  • Walk along the Roman villas of Capri and visit the Roman villas of the Amalfi Coast
  • Travel back in time, exploring the backstreets of Pompeii & Herculaneum
  • Discover the immense Greek heritage, including Paestum and Velia
  • Explore the traces of the ancient civilisations in the amazing Campi Flegrei
Days:10 Days 
Starting from: 1995 € 
Amalfi Coast: Walking & Painting

Small Group Adventure
Have the world’s most dramatic and beautiful coastline as your subject !
  • Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
  • Walk a number of the world’s most beautiful footpaths, like the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’
  • Painting sessions in Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Capri
Days:8 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Rome & Tuscia – from the eternal city into the land of the mysterious Etruscans

Small Group Adventure
A stroll through history - easy walking with many cultural visits.
  • Make a great roundwalk through the Eternal City, discovering its hidden treasures
  • Discover the unknown Tuscia, heartland of the intriguing Etruscan civilization
  • Pleasant hill walking around the volcanic lakes of Bracciano and Vico
  • Visit the beautiful city of Viterbo and some amazing villas & stupendous gardens
Days:5 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Highlights of Southern Italy & Calabria

Small Group Adventure
From Naples, the ancient capital of southern Italy, we travel south to the magnificent Greek temples at Paestum. Standing for more than 2000 years, the three temples are quite simply spellbinding...
Days:10 days in Italy 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Spirit of Sicily

Small Group Adventure
Immerse in Sicily’s unique blend of scenery, culture, history and mouth-watering cuisine. Ancient civilisations, prehistoric caves, Byzantine churches, Baroque buildings and majestic landscape – the island has all these and more....
Days:11 Days 
Starting from: 2410 € 
Colours of Tuscany

Small Group Adventure
This journey takes you into the heart of the 'real,' Tuscany. The image so often lauded in film and print of a bucolic Tuscan paradise still genuinely exists and is the essence of this week long experience - so put on your rose coloured glasses!
Days:8 days in Italy 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Magical Tuscany & Portofino Peninsula

Small Group Adventure
Beginning in Florence, the city that gave birth to the Renaissance, we move southeast to the village in the sky – Montepulciano and it’s labyrinthine cobblestone streets lined by boutiques and wine cellars....
Days:10 days in Italy 
Starting from: 2195 € 
Splendours of Italy & southern France

Small Group Adventure
A unique itinerary that combines lauded landscapes and delightful towns and villages with history, wine, art and culture on 16-fabulous days of discovery. Beginning in Florence we move southeast to...
Days:16 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Cilento & Amalfi Trek

Small Group Adventure
Days:15 days in Italy 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
The ultimate Dolomites Experience

Small Group Adventure
Hiking through the world’s most beautiful mountains, from Trento to Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Explore the most beautiful parts of the spectacular Dolomites
  • Make the traverse of the Fanes-Sennes range, sleeping in a great Rifugio
  • Discover the amazing ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’ peaks & the great Marmolada glacier
  • Enjoy the best of Alpine & Italian culture in Trento, Val Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Days:7 days walking & tour - 4 different bases in great hotels 
Starting from: 2950 € 

Alpine & Lake Scenery

Alpine Scenery with an Italian flavour

The 'Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - the Amalfi & Sorrento Coast-to-Coast Trek

Small Group Adventure
Walking along the world’s most beautiful coast, from Amalfi to Positano, with visits of Ravello and Capri
  • Hike the 'Alta Via', the most spectacular part of the 'Sentiero Italia'
  • Hike one of the world’s most scenic trails, better than the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’!
  • Discover the unspoilt mountain scenery above Amalfi & Sorrento
  • Stay in some of the area's best agriturismo's
Days:8 days - inn-to-inn trek 
Starting from: 525 € 
The ultimate Dolomites Experience

Small Group Adventure
Hiking through the world’s most beautiful mountains, from Trento to Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Explore the most beautiful parts of the spectacular Dolomites
  • Make the traverse of the Fanes-Sennes range, sleeping in a great Rifugio
  • Discover the amazing ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’ peaks & the great Marmolada glacier
  • Enjoy the best of Alpine & Italian culture in Trento, Val Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Days:7 days walking & tour - 4 different bases in great hotels 
Starting from: 2950 € 
Lake Garda & the Dolomites - GGDO

Small Group Adventure
Discover Italy’s greatest Lake and the world’s most beautiful mountains, from Verona to Cortina d’Ampezzo
  • Explore the Alpine & the Tuscan side of Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest and most varied lake
  • Traverse the most beautiful parts of the spectacular Dolomites
  • Discover the amazing ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’ peaks & the great Marmolada glacier
  • Enjoy the best of Alpine & Italian culture in Verona, Trento, Val Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo
Days:11 days walking tour - 5 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 1790 € 
Mountains of Lake Garda - GGAR

Small Group Adventure
Hiking along the shores of Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest and most varied lake
  • Explore the Alpine & the Tuscan side of Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest and most varied lake
  • Traverse the amazing Monte Baldo, King of Lake Garda
  • Enjoy the best of Alpine & Italian culture in Verona, Garda, Riva e Trento
Days:5 days walking tour - 3 different bases in charming hotels 
Starting from: 790 € 
Lake Como & Switzerland

Small Group Adventure
Beautiful villa’s, tranquil lake atmosphere, alpine scenery & the world’s most amazing train rides
  • Walk along beautiful mountain trails, overlooking Como, Menaggio & Bellagio
  • Visit some of the most amazing villas & gardens, like Villa Melzi & Villa Balbaniello
  • Make two incredible train rides, including the spectacular ‘Bernina Express’
  • Discover the great mountain scenery & glaciers around famed St. Moritz
  • Stay in some of the most beautiful ‘Old World’ hotels on the lake shore
Days:7 days walking tour with 3 different bases in great hotels 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
The amazing Italian Lakes: Lago Maggiore & Lago d’Orta & Monte Rosa

Small Group Adventure
Beautiful villa’s, tranquil lake atmosphere, alpine scenery & the world’s most amazing train rides
  • Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Orta, the smallest ‘Great Lake’
  • Walk along beautiful mountain trails, in the shadow of Monte Rosa
  • Visit the stunning Isola Bella and the other Borromeo islands by boat
  • Make an incredible train ride, through hidden valleys to Locarno, Switzerland
Days:8 Days 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
The Great Mont Blanc Trek (on request)

Small Group Adventure
[Fill here the excerpt]
  • Do the classic alpine walk, the famous ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’,
  • Enjoy walking in three different countries
  • Have time to rest and make the most of your time in the villages
Days: 
Dates & Prices on request. Please contact us 
Italian Lakes Discovery

Small Group Adventure
In the shadow of the Swiss and Italian Alps, the Lake Como region is home to lavish villas and magnificent gardens – European nobility, seduced by its charm, have long flocked here for holidays...
Days:8 days in Italy 
Starting from: 2450 € 


Small Group Adventures: Walking with Friends

Genius Loci Travel has always strived to stay away from mass tourism. Our groups are therefore never larger than 15 people (on most trips the actual maximum is 12 persons), small enough to be able to select ‘small ‘boutique’ hotels, to avoid making a negative impact on the places you go, and small enough to travel to special places and immerse yourself in the real country, without having to follow an umbrella…

When you join a Genius Loci tour, you travel with fellow travellers from around the globe, Europeans, Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians, and others. People with different origins, but with a common interest in travel, culture & nature, history and gastronomy. Our groups ensure you to have a good time with other travellers from around the globe, sharing and exchanging ideas and interests and creating new friendships. Our local tour leaders make sure you’ll see the best of the country!

Small Group Adventures: Worry-Free & Fun

On our small group adventures we care about the logistics – you enjoy the journey!  Our experienced Tour Leaders, all expert local guides, take care of every detail, every step of the way.  From the moment you contact us to the moment you have your last breakfast together, we arrange and coordinate everything, so you can focus on the scenes around you, relax, and have all the fun.

All your accommodation and transportation is taken care of. The hotels we choose are always well located, have all private facilities (with the exception of some mountain huts) and offer the best price/quality ratio around. Transportation is done with the best possible means. Private buses are used on all longer road journeys to guarantee our freedom to explore and to increase your comfort, but if it’s a better option to use the public transport (train, boat or bus), the tour leader will buy your tickets and gets you on the right bus, boat or train. Most entrance fees are included as well, generally for all the sites, parks and activities listed in the itineraries (see separate tours for details).

Local Leaders

By working with a team of local tour leaders, we can help you get inside a destination. Our guides live in the regions you walk, leading the way and facilitating ‘insider access’ every step of the way.  They open doors wherever you travel and present a local’s perspective on the people, places, and regional cultures.

Our Tour Leaders come from a myriad of professional backgrounds, but all have a profound knowledge of the area where they guide our tours. All are professionals and adhere to one of the 3 national associations of ‘environmental walking guides’ (AIGAEAssoguide and LAGAP). Some are geologists, some are biologists or art historians, and can you tell all the details in their fields, but above all they all have the special ‘local knowledge’ about their country, Italy and their region. Including the best ice cream shop or the nicest restaurant in town, Italian soccer & politics…

Also, Genius Loci Travel Tour Leaders have two other things in common: the ability to ‘connect’ with each and every guest and the desire to facilitate the most unforgettable experience for each guest in their area, time after time. Their goal is to help provide a funsafe and unforgettable experience for our guests.

They can help you to understand the country in-depth, as they speak the language, can read the menus, understand the day to day world around them, offer insights into the history and culture, and are passionate about their homeland.

Guaranteed Adventures !

We require normally a minimum of four people to operate a guided trip at the advertised price. If, a month before the trip starts, there are fewer than four registrants, you will be given the following options:

1. Do the self-guided version of the same trip or a similar trip. You get all the necessary info plus a discount ! If more people sign up in time we can switch back to a guided tour.

2. Switch to another of our Active Italian Adventures in the same year.

3. Choose to do this trip as a ‘private adventure’. A 20% price premium will be requested.

4. Cancel for a full refund (no administration fees will apply).

Walking or Trekking ?

Most of our holidays are relatively relaxed walks, as the walking is seen as a means for discovery, not a goal by itself (see our grading system). We like to enjoy the outdoors and plenty of variety on our travels. Some areas – like the Dolomites – invite for a more challenging walk, others allow for easy strolling.

Your leader will always be able to inform you about easier / harder options for the day walk, and if you wish you could also opt out for a day.

The walking is not only fun, it is also generally the best way to discover the place we are visiting. Is there a better way to sense the silence and isolation of the Amalfi Coast, than walking along the wonderful trails, suspended between the sky and the sea? How can you enjoy Mount Etna more, than walking almost by yourself over the rim of a crater? And what about a full immersion in the superb Tuscan countryside?

We strongly believe walking is the ideal pace to meet people, absorb the countryside and make fascinating personal discoveries. Trains, ferries and all kinds of local transport are also used to vary the pace and perspective of your travels. The key difference between a Genius Loci Travel tour and most mainstream tours is that you, with the help of your local leader, immerse yourself more in the destination, get to know special places and local people.

N.B. Many group tours from Genius Loci Travel are organised in collaboration with other tour operators, all of them leading specialists in active tourism in their respective countries.

 
HOME | FAQ'S | TRAVEL AGENTS | PRIVACY POLICY              

© copyright, GLT 2001 - 2024 All rights reserved