7 short break to extend the summer – Italy edition
Here are 7 unusual weekends in Italy to extend the summer.
Back from vacation, do you still want to be outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful days to do something special? Here you will find our suggestions for spending a few days away from the routine, immersed in nature and in places where you can combine sports activities, special experiences and cultural visits.
1) San Fruttuoso di Camogli (Genova, Liguria)
The Path of Batteries from Portofino to Camogli crosses a complex of bunkers overlooking the sea that was built to defend the coastline in the Monte di Portofino Regional Park. At the end of the path you reach the bay where the Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Camogli stands. In the waters of this mystical place lies the Christ of the Abyss, a statue erected in memory of those who dedicated their lives to the sea. You can admire it diving.
From San Fruttuoso you can then reach Camogli by boat, a former fishing village where you can taste the typical specialties of these parts and then shop in the ethnic shops along the promenade. In the evening, aperitivo by the sea or in the bars overlooking the marina.
Christ of the Abyss
2) Resia Lake (Bolzano, Trentino – Alto Adige)
Evocative scenery and constant wind determine the ideal place for kitesurfing (but also snowkiting during the winter).
We are talking about Resia Lake, an artificial lake characterized by the presence of a 16th-century Romanesque bell tower that emerges from the water, the only visible trace of the submerged village of Curon, destroyed and rebuilt further upstream.
In winter, the bell tower can be reached on foot by crossing the frozen lake. Who wants to try?
Resia Lake
3) Valle del Chiese (Trento, Trentino – Alto Adige)
A place still authentic, far from mass tourism, where you can go trekking surrounded by woods, huts and meadows.
And there are also ancient villages to be discovered throughout the valley, including Brione and Bondone. In Brione, visit the church of San Bartolomeo, the characteristic barns and the farms of Valle Aperta and Malmarone. In Bondone admire the murals painted on the facades of the houses.
Medieval village
4) Oltrepò Pavese (Pavia, Lombardia)
Oltrepò is known for its wines. Numerous wineries will welcome you with glasses and dishes of salami of different kind. But first… you can spend your days visiting villages and walking through the hills, perhaps in the company of your dog.
Speaking of dogs, in the area you will also find a dog training center with a farmhouse where you can stay as a basis for your itineraries.
Vineyard
5) Ferrovia Vigezzina (Piemonte)
An historic railway that connects Domodossola to Locarno (Switzerland) passing through overhanging bridges, tunnels, woods, waterfalls …Its mountain track has gradients of up to 60%.
The amazing view from the window is worth the trip, but we suggest you to get off several times (it’s possible to make several stops and divide the route into stages) to discover the villages of the Vigezzo Valley, or “Valley of the painters” and some glimpses of Lake Maggiore.
Vigezzina railway
6) Capalbio (Grosseto, Toscana)
After an intense morning snorkeling, or walking on the ancient Via Aurelia under the sea, do not miss the Tarot Cards Garden. Inspired by the works of Gaudì (do you know Park Güell in Barcelona?) it’s dotted with sculptures depicting the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot Cards
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Tarot Cards Garden
7) Viterbo (Lazio)
On Bolsena Lake you can practice different sports and excursions: sailing boat, horseback, canoe, mountain bike (there is a beautiful archaeological itinerary to do by bike – archeobike – of about 50 km in total, for 70 % on unpaved roads, on the paths of the “route of the brigands”).
Diving in the lake is also interesting: it sometimes recalls a lunar landscape, some others the desert, sometimes you could encounter submerged ancient ruins.
Close to Bolsena Lake there is Narni (yes yes, Narnia takes inspiration from here), a village where you can take an underground itinerary to discover archaeological treasures such as frescoed underground churches, Roman cisterns and the aqueduct, up to a large hall used centuries ago as a torture site by the Inquisition Tribunal. The tour ends in the Lacus, a medieval cistern, where you could walk on a Tibetan bridge, flying with cableways and climb artificial walls.
Narni
If you’re curious, don’t hesitate to contact us to help you organize you custom tour, in line with your interests, suited to your physical preparation and your desire for adrenaline.
Get ready to live YOUR personal adventure in the world!
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Have fun!
