Tailormade Holidays in Italy

Tour Code: TITA

Italy casts its magical spell on many of its visitors, who find themselves returning again and again to explore different regions of this wonderful part of Europe.

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Sample Itineraries

Italy offers countless opportunities to enthral the naturalist, from Brown Bears, Wolves and Wild Boar of the Abruzzo National Park, to Mediterranean birding specialities along the coast. Create your own Tailormade holiday to Italy with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

The Wonders of Tuscany

5 Days

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Italy's Abruzzo National Park

5 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

April to October

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

The Dolomites
Tuscany
Abruzzo National Park

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Summary

Italy casts its magical spell on many of its visitors, who find themselves returning again and again to explore different regions of this wonderful part of Europe. The country's ancient cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence are breathtaking, but these are not the only places to find architectural and artistic masterpieces. The Colosseum, Grand Canal and Ponte Vecchio might be world renowned, but equally enchanting are the hundreds of small, fortified hilltop towns and villages scattered throughout the country containing a network of often deserted cobbled streets echoing to the sound of church bells, the church itself often hiding its own treasures. Italy’s landscape is also spectacular. The rolling hills of Tuscany outlined by dark cypress trees are perhaps many people’s perception of the country. However, over 75% of the country is mountainous with the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines being probably the most well-known and providing wonderful mountain walks. In addition, Italy offers the beautiful Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, the Amalfi coast, the wonders of Pompeii, volcanoes, mountains, ancient cities and some of the best food and wine in the world – the whole bathed in that wonderful light seemingly unique to Italy and so beloved of the Old Masters. Italy also offers countless opportunities to enthral the naturalist, from the Brown Bears, Wolves and Wild Boar of the Abruzzo National Park, to carpets of vibrant alpine wildflowers teeming with butterflies in the Dolomites, and Mediterranean birding specialties along the coast, and many more highlights besides!

Our Locations

Marsican Brown Bear, Italy shutterstock_1772214494.jpg

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.

Dolomites, Italy shutterstock_55492033.jpg

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.

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Sample Itineraries

Enjoy the birdlife, wild flowers, and butterflies of Tuscany, accompanied by superb cuisine

Day

Fly Pisa; transfer to Maremma

Days

2 - 4

A daily programme of natural history walks from our base at Maremma

Day

Return Florence and fly London

5 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Explore this spectacular region in search of the Marsican Brown Bear, amongst many other wildlife highlights

Day

Fly Rome

Days

2 - 4

Bear watching in the Abruzzo National Park and surrounding area

Day

Fly Rome to London

5 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Good local English-speaking naturalists are available as well as specialist birding guides.

When to Visit

Italy is a year-round destination with each season bringing its own special highlights. Whilst birders traditionally tend to favour Spring, lured to the arrival of the Summer migrants and the promise of sunny days and comfortable temperatures; September is also a wonderful time to visit Abruzzo for the best chances of Marsican Brown Bear. June is the best time for those with an interest in butterflies, and the flora of the Dolomites is spectacular at this time.

Getting Around

Most Tailormade guests will choose to travel around Italy in a private vehicle driven by their guide, although the country is served by an excellent road network so those preferring to self-drive will be well accommodated.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!