Tailormade Holidays in Italy

The Apennine Mountains stretch the length of Italy and provide a refuge for much of Italy’s most interesting natural history. The Abruzzo National Park, in the rural heart of the central Apennines, was established in 1923 by royal decree in recognition of the wildlife importance of the area. Extensive Beech forests harbour healthy populations of Marsican Brown Bear and Apennine Wolf, along with Wild Boar, Red and Roe Deer. Abruzzo Chamois and Alpine Chough inhabit the higher mountain slopes, where limestone peaks tower above valleys with fast-flowing streams, and attractive medieval villages cling to the hillsides. This is a working rural landscape of traditional sheep and cattle farming, where the local indigenous Maremma sheepdogs still protect the flocks (often in the absence of shepherds). May and September are considered the best months for viewing the region’s plethora of mammals, with dawn and dusk usually proving the most successful for sightings. Birds, too, are plentiful, with the forests being home to a number of species including Goshawk, Common Crossbill and the rare Lilford’s subspecies of White-backed Woodpecker, whilst the mountainous areas support Golden Eagle, Alpine Accentor and Red-billed Chough. Migrant species, too, are abundant, providing much variety, and butterflies and plants are also well represented; Abruzzo’s wild flowers are stunning and one of the highlights of a visit during late spring/early summer. It is possible to find 25+ orchid species during a week’s stay in the park, from the striking Adriatic Lizard and exotic-looking Lady's Slipper Orchids to the more subtle, yet delightful, Coralroot Orchid.

Combined with delicious traditional cuisine and aromatic local wines, a natural history holiday to Abruzzo offers a thoroughly well-rounded Italian experience, far from the tourist crowds.

The Alps are Europe’s greatest mountain range. Nowhere else on the continent can a visitor find such a variety of dramatic landscapes, and amidst their rugged crags, grassy meadows and river valleys is an equally spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. These remarkable mountains stretch for over 1,200 kilometres and encompass no fewer than seven countries, each of which provides its own singular experience of the region. Although justly famous as a winter skiing destination, it is in spring and summer that these peaks really come to life, when a cacophony of birdsong rings out over endless seas of wildflowers. From their superb butterflies and vivid blooms to their mountainous mammals and special birds, the Alps are sure to fascinate anyone with a love of the natural world.

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Located in north eastern Italy, many believe the Dolomites landscape to be amongst the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. The mountains take their name from the predominant mineral — dolomite — from which they are formed, a type of crystalline magnesium limestone. The range is characterised by towering pinnacles and castellations, with constant changes in colour as rock crystals catch and reflect the light. Here, one can follow in the footsteps of the turn-of-the-century alpine botanist, Reginald Farrier, exploring this fascinating landscape, which is home to some fabulous alpine specialities. Rich valley meadows, magnificent spruce forests, high pastures and rocky terrain are home to spectacular and varied displays of alpine flora, especially in spring, with some exciting rarities. The orchid list includes the Military, Dwarf, Marsh and Scented Orchids, with other flora including fine Pedicularis species, Pulsatillas, Lilium bulbiferum var. croceum, the ‘King of the Alps’ Eritrichium nanum, and many other flowering herbs besides. These, in turn, attract a vibrant array of Alpine butterflies and birds.