Italy - Kayak Into History

Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre National Park, the Italian Riviera, Alpi Apuane Mountains, Elba Island – guided kayak and walking tours, history, culture, food.

From the stylish streets of Florence and the option to paddle the Arno River passing under the four main historical bridges, from the sparkling seas of the Italian Riviera, to the natural beauty of Cinque Terre National Park, to the soaring peaks of the Alpi Apuane range and its exquisite villages and walking tracks, from the rugged coastline of Elba Island to a spectacular finale – paddling the famous canals and lagoon of Venice. Celebrate Italy on this unforgettable kayaking and walking tour. 13 nights, 7 paddles on Italy’s most beautiful waterways plus many walks.

Each place we visit has its own unique character and charm. All are quintessentially Italian, yet each is quite different from the others. Fully escorted by Freedom Outdoors, with expert local guides.

Rave reviews from our 2017 participants.

“I’ve been on most of Freedom Outdoors adventures. They’ve all been great but this surpasses them all. Few people will experience Italy in this unique way” – Martin Shanny.

“Travelling in style, treated to warm welcomes from the locals in historic towns and picturesque mountain villages, off the beaten tourist track, we were superbly cared for by our wonderful guides with their insider knowledge of the top spots to visit” – Sylvia Kinder and Wendy Pryor.

“Beautiful but different, stunning Italian waterways, it’s definitely a winner – with gourmet Italian food, all round it’s a must-do trip” – Sue Fagoago.

The kayaking and the hiking. Most days of the tour feature either a guided kayaking or hiking trip, each planned to lead you away from busy tourism centres to less-known areas, to give an insight into the local culture and an experience of a diverse range of environments. You can take a rest day at any time; the guides will be able to suggest alternative activities such as cooking classes, bike-rides, market visits, museums and art galleries.

The cuisine. As the landscape changes, so does the cuisine. Our meals will define our journey through Italy almost as much as the kayaking and hiking. Each region we visit has its own culinary style reflecting its climate and geography. From Venice to Florence, from the mountains to the sea, you’ll enjoy an incredible range of cheeses, breads, pastas, vegetables, meats, pastries, desserts and more – and as the food changes, so does the wine: prosecco, lambrusco, vermentino, chianti, brunello, all offering another way to experience each region’s unique culinary characteristics. The group meals will be planned by the guides to highlight all these local specialties.

Extra time in Florence. It’s everyone’s favourite Italian city. We’ve put together a special pre-trip add-on that will give you two extra nights and three days to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the National Library and other famous sites. The package includes a two-hour privately guided tour of the city led by historian-guide Alessia Rossini and a fantastic rafting trip on the Arno River, passing under its four main historical bridges and with Aperitivo under Pontevecchio’s arches!

Italy’s cuisine is justifiably worldrenowned.

Perhaps the best way to experience it is to arrive at the table hungry after a day in the fresh air kayaking and hiking. The activities are complemented by the meals, the meals are complemented by the wines, all adding to a rich sensory experience of Italy’s landscape and culture.