Walk Local is a unique private tour company offering travellers an unforgettable journey through Italy and also now in Australia, through the Barossa Valley. With several tours to choose from, either walking with backpacks, walking with an escort vehicle or completely escorted in the comfort of a spacious minivan, you will see Italy as only the locals do. We uncover the local delights – the incredible natural beauty, fabulous food and wine, art, history and unique culture. We cater for the mature traveller, singles or couples. You are given personal service and local experiences with a small group size of six. We make sure that all your needs are taken care of whilst on tour, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Carolyn Travers is passionate about travelling and a lover of all things Italian. She founded Walk Local Italy after an amazing journey walking with her fourteen-year-old son from Lucca to Rome on the pilgrimage trail, the Via Francigena and their subsequent move to the hills of Tuscany. Carolyn now divides her time between Tuscany and Adelaide, Australia and accompanies travellers on their journey through Italy. Her local knowledge – the hidden gems and off the beaten track Italian experiences, combined with her love of the outdoors and wonderful zest for life, ensures you will experience the very best of what Italy has to offer in a relaxed, informal and fun way.
- Escorted Italian experiences
- Tour group maximum 10 people, ensures we offer personalised tours where every member of the group receives the undivided attention they deserve
- Accommodation in an assortment of Rustic Tuscan farmhouses, Convents, Monasteries, B & B’s and small family-run hotels.
- Total immersion in the Italian way of life – history, culture, traditions, food, wine and the warm hospitality of the authentic Tuscan people.
- Spacious minivan and small groups with a fun Tour Manager eager to share the region’s history.
- See the very best of beautiful classic Italy. Rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, medieval hill towns, the glorious coastline of the Cinque Terre and the iconic sites of the cities of Florence, Pisa and Lucca, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Sien and so much more.
Come and see the real Italy with Walk Local Italy’s unique private tours.
Some other tours on offer, please contact us for dates and availability.
3 day/2 night Ten Castle Towns – “le Dieci Castella”
Immerse yourself in Italy of yesteryear. The ten castle towns above Pescia provide a haven of peace and tranquility. You will be guided along wonderful hiking trails through oak and chestnut forests passing streams with fresh mountain water. These trails traverse the whole valley linking all ten hill towns. Tours leave and return from Pescia Station. All meals and transport provided. Two nights, three day stay in well appointed apartment accommodation in one of the 13th century hill towns.
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5 days/4 nights Lucca and it’s Villas
This is a Garden Lover and History Lovers dream. This itinerary includes a walking tour of the wonderful walled town of Lucca, known for its history, architecture, birthplace of Puccini. Carolyn, a Garden Designer and Horticulturist accompanies guests on a garden tour of the Villa’s of Lucca. There are six villas in all to visit and these visits will be interspersed with delicious food experiences including picnic lunches made of local pecorino cheese, salamis, prosciutto, fresh pane and wine overlooking wonderful scenery. A visit to the fabulous Tenuta Di Valgiano for a wine tour and an exceptional sit down lunch with accompanying wines. Evening meals will be provided in local trattoria’s offering locally grown fresh produce. There will also be a lunch at Frattoria il Poggio in the wine region of Montecarlo, a cooking class in Lucca and a music concert.
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Day Walk – The Ten Castle Towns – “le Dieci Castella”
Immerse yourself in Italy of yesteryear. The ten castle towns above Pescia provide a haven of peace and tranquillity. Day tours leave and return from either Pescia Station or Piazza Mazzini. The hiking trails weave in and out of the whole valley linking ten beautiful 13th Century hill towns. The views are spectacular and its cool, walking under the canopy of chestnut and oak forests.
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Day Walk – Lucca and it’s Villa Gardens
This tour includes two wonderful Villa Gardens of Lucca. Carolyn, a Garden Designer and Horticulturist accompanies guests on a garden tour of Villa Torrigiani. This beautiful garden was originally laid out in the Italian Renaissance style but certain areas have been redesigned in a Baroque style. There are impressive trees planted in the 19th Century. A wonderful secret garden with topiary, pools, citrus and avenues with wide open lawned areas. A guided tour inside the Villa is also included.
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Day Walk – Collodi and Gardens walk
Starting in Pescia we walk up through the olive groves to the hill town of Collodi, home of Pinocchio. We visit the extraordinary Villa Garzoni garden. A picnic lunch made of local pecorino cheese, salami, prosciutto, fresh pane and wine overlooking the garden is provided.
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Day Walk – Wine Region of Montecarlo
A wonderful full day walking to the picturesque hill town of Montecarlo. We walk through spectacular wine growing country up to this beautiful hill town. Stop for a delicious gelato and a guided tour of the Fort before winding our way down to enjoy a typical delicious Tuscan lunch with accompanying wines under the trees at Il Poggio Trattoria followed by a slow leisurely walk back to Pescia.
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Day Walk – Abertone (Spring, Summer and Autumn only)
This is one of my favourite days of walking. We drive 1.5 hours into the mountains above Pescia, to the ski field of Abetone. Taking the ski lift to the summit we walk the many tracks that wind back down the mountain admiring the beautiful scenery through lush woodlands.
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More Walks…
Please contact me for more information about the following guided and self-guided walks:
The Cinque Terre – Fabulous walking on the beautiful trails surrounding the 5 hill towns
Florence to Bologna, walk like a Pilgrim “Way of the Gods”