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by Erica Moody
Hiking the Grand Italian Trail
Nature vacations took off in 2020, with many of us discovering the wonders of spending time in the great outdoors. This appreciation for nature exploration isn’t going anywhere; with Europe opening up to Americans this summer, we’re shifting our travels from domestic destinations to international adventures. One such bucket-list travel trip is to walk the Grand Italian Trail, a countrywide scenic trek that passes six UNESCO Heritage Sites and 15 national parks.
The nearly 4,000-mile trail began as a dream by Associazione Sentiero Italia to join together all of Italy’s mountains on a single trekking path. Beginning in Trieste, a northeast port city where James Joyce penned his best works, the trail follows lesser-known Italian destinations. Rather than running through Italy’s major tourist centers, it takes you to hidden gems like historic Campobasso or the seaside town of Catanzaro. Want to take a year off and hike the entire trail? It’ll be a life-changing experience. Do you only have a few days or weeks free to travel? That’s also ok, as the path is divided into sections and therefore easy to maneuver for shorter treks.
Discover the Trail With This Interactive Map
To plan your Italian escape, contact your travel professional today.