Walking holidays have become more popular, and it certainly looks like they’re here to stay. In 2022 Mintel found that walking is the UK’s most popular active holiday, while in June 2023, the New York Times ran a headline that claimed 2023 as the year of the walk. Whether it’s setting off on a long walk or going walking for the day, it doesn’t get much better than doing it in Italy. Italy has it all: mountains, hilltop towns, medieval squares, olive groves, vineyards, Renaissance art, routes which speak the stories of people and places.

This is a book about walking that’s not necessarily for walkers. It’s for those who love walking and go regularly but it’s also aimed at beginners, those of us who enjoy a walk followed by lunch or dinner in a medieval square and a night at a cosy B&B. Maybe you’ll never actually go on any of the walks. This is also the book for you. It’s full of the history and stories of routes and places, so you can go on your own journey from the comfort of your living room. It gives you all the relevant links you’ll need such as up-to-date maps, detailed routes, GPS navigation, updates, further reading, and advice on the walking itself. Start reading, start dreaming and maybe you too could be walking through Italy soon.