FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the walks like?

  The Hidden Italy walks are exactly that: walks, not hikes!  Most of the walks follow unsealed country roads and clearly marked trails, passing through inhabited farmlands.  They are usually between 10 to 12 kilometres, taking between 3 and 4 hours, and have been designed as half-day walks, leaving you plenty of time at the end of the walk to explore the places you will be staying in.  Please see the itineraries for each tour for the daily details of each walk.

  Vehicles support both the guided and self-guided walks, which gives you some degree of flexibility - with notice some of the walks can be shortened or, with notice, you can skip a day's walk altogether. 

• How fit do I have to be?

  Although we have vehicles supporting both the guided and self-guided walks, meaning you might be able to shorten or skip some walks, a good level of fitness is required  to really enjoy the tours.  The grades of difficulty vary from walk to walk but as a rule of thumb, being able to comfortably play an 18 hole round of golf is a good starting point although we strongly recommend you do some more training beforehand!

  We would suggest starting your training at least two months before your visit and doing at least two walks a week of between 10 and 12 kilometres, including some hill and steps, if possible. 

  Where possible, we’d also recommend that you do these walks in the clothes and with the equipment that you will be using during your visit eg with a day pack with water, food, camera, raincoat etc; walking stocks (if you decide to use these) and, very importantly, the shoes/boots you’ll be using on the visit nothing worse than walking in new boots!

• How safe are the self-guided walks?

  To guide you through these wonderful se;f-guided walks, you will receive the following support:

  • the Hidden Italy roadbook (an eighty-page A5 booklet that includes comprehensive daily walking notes accompanied by detailed maps, updated and revised each year)
  • access to the exclusive Hidden Italy App to complement the roadbook (the App is downloadable to Apple and Android devices and features information about the routes: maps, GPS tracks, altimetric profiles, etc; GPS navigation on all the routes; an alert function if you stray off the track; and an emergency function)
  • and you will have twenty-four-hour phone support from our Florence-based Operations Manager
• What is the accommodation like?

  This varies from tour to tour, however, as a policy, Hidden Italy uses the best accommodation available.  The accommodation is based on two-people sharing a room and all rooms have a private bathroom.

  
  In the guided tours, accommodation is generally in small, centrally located 4-star boutique style accommodation.  When we get off the beaten track, this level of accommodation might not always be available, however, we guarantee  that the accommodation will always be comfortable, clean and, above all, welcoming. 

  
  In the self-guided walks, accommodation in the larger towns is provided in  3-star  hotels (except where the ‘superior’ level is offered, where the accommodation is in 4-star hotels), usually based in the historical centres of the towns, often in buildings that are themselves part of the local history. 

  In the smaller, quieter villages, this level is not always available.  However, what we can guarantee is that the accommodation will always be clean and comfortable and welcoming. Please see the individual tours for details.

• What is the food like?

  Food must be a highlight of any visit to Italy - the history and character of each region is best captured in its unique cuisine, which has evolved over centuries and is based on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

  Guided tours:  All the restaurants you will visit on a Hidden Italy guided tour have been chosen to introduce you to the finest regional cuisine, from sophisticated ristoranti of the bigger towns to the simpler homecooking of the country trattorie.  Of course, some of the most memorable meals are the simplest - eg outdoor picnic lunches based on the best local produce.

  Self-guided tours:  Generous breakfasts are included each day (you'll need them for your walks).  Hidden Italy will provide you with a curated list with descriptions and locations of three to four restaurants for each town/village you visit (from fancy to more relaxed).  This information will be on the Hidden Italy walking App and you will be able to book your meals directly through the App.

  If you have any particular dietary needs please let us know beforehand and we'll be happy to make the appropriate arrangements.

• What do the walking grades mean?

  Below are the different gradings we use to describe the walks.  Please consider these carefully before booking, and contact us if you have any questions. Please note, your fitness is your responsibility!

  Grade 1:

    Self-guided:   Most of the walks on are less than 12 kms (three hours walking); follow even tracks; and there are no long, steep climbs.

  Guided walk:  This walk is less than 12 kms (three hours walking); it follows even tracks; and there are no long, steep climbs.  

  Grade 2:

  Self-guided:  Several walks on this tour are between 12 and 15 kms (three to four hours walking); you follow even tracks; and there are some long climbs.

  Guided walk:  This walk is between 12 and 15 kms (three to four hours walking); we follow even tracks and there are some long climbs.

  Grade 3:

  Self-guided:  Several walks on this tour are between 12 and 15 kms (three to four hours walking); parts of the trail have rough terrain; and there are some long, steep climbs.

  Guided walk:  This walk is between 12 and 15 kms (three to four hours walking); we cross some rough terrain; and there are some long, steep climbs.

  Grade 4:

  Self-guided:  Several walks on this tour are longer than 15 kms (four hours plus walking); you cross some rough terrain; and there are some long, steep climbs.

  Guided walks:  This walk is longer than 15 kms (four hours plus walking); we cross some rough terrain; and there are some long, steep climbs

  Grade 5:

  Guided walk:  Guided walk: while it follows well-marked trails this is a strenuous hike because of the weight you’ll be carrying; the daily distances walked; there are high ascents and long descent on several walks; the surfaces that you will encounter in sections in rough and there is some rock-hopping and scambling.

• How can I prepare for the walk?

  How long does it take to get into shape for the walks? That depends on you, though we would recommend getting started at least three months before you set off.  Be patient and listen to your body:  start gently and build up.  Aim to do some form of exercise at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time.

  Start walking.  Begin with shorter, less strenuous routes (nothing gets muscles ready for the trail better than the trail itself).  Gradually increase the length of your walks to around 10 to 12 kms; also gradually increasing the elevation of your walks as well (incorporating hills and steps, if possible) and start carrying a loaded daypack (ie with a litre of water, warm top, rain coat, camera and some snacks).

  Hit the gym.  Try stair-steppers, elliptical trainers and climbing machines.  Consider step aerobics and lifting weights (trained muscles are less susceptible to injury and strains).  Pilates is an excellent way to build body strength and balance.  Swimming is another great aerobic workout: it's good for the lungs and heart, and easy on the joints.  Use what's around you.  Take the stairs, walking (or running!) up and down stairs on a regular basis is terrific pre-trail training.  Walk instead of drive.  If you can perform routine chores by leaving your car keys in your pocket, do so.  If you have a bike, start pedaling, cycling is another good way to condition your legs and increase endurance. Gentle jogging is also a simple training option for getting in shape.