Italy
Looking for adventure travel tours in Italy? Click link below to find more about the professional guided treks and tours we offer.
Country
Italy, the cult of beauty
At the center of the world for 700 years, the Italian peninsula has a glorious ancient past. The artistic centers have historically cultivated all that is "beautiful". Exalting itineraries take you on the trail of Italian culture! The influence of Italy continues to this day and, aside from art, Italian cuisine stood up to its reputation. The nature is also exceptional, from the peaks in the northern Alps to the southern volcanoes.
Perfumed trails dominate the clear waters down to their deep blue abysses. Their islands compete for beauty. We stop in their cities which captivate and charm. Time to enjoy the art of Italian living.
At the center of the world for 700 years, the Italian peninsula has a glorious ancient past. The artistic centers have historically cultivated all that is "beautiful". Exalting itineraries take you on the trail of Italian culture! The influence of Italy continues to this day and, aside from art, Italian cuisine stood up to its reputation. The nature is also exceptional, from the peaks in the northern Alps to the southern volcanoes.
Perfumed trails dominate the clear waters down to their deep blue abysses. Their islands compete for beauty. We stop in their cities which captivate and charm. Time to enjoy the art of Italian living.
Highlights
- A wide choice of travel by foot (3 across the peninsula without counting the other choices in the Alps), incorporation of a cultural dimension (visiting classified towns, historical and religious monuments, etc.).
- Routes of charm in the heart of the Italian soil, through our direct contacts with local artisans: fishermen, restaurateurs, hoteliers.
- The comfort and charm of accommodations at a competitive price.
Climate
Due to its geographical position, Italy has a temperate climate, with significant variations from north to south due to the differences in latitude, relief and the influence of the Mediterranean. Outside of the Alps and the mountain climate, the summer is very hot and less suitable for hiking. However, this season is ideal for swimming and the discovery of large lakes.
In spring and autumn, the conditions are perfect for discovering Italy on foot and for enjoying its beautiful scenery.
Temperatures
Average temperatures in main cities (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:
| March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept | Oct | |
| Milano (Lombardia) | 56/38 | 63/45 | 71/52 | 79/59 | 84/63 | 82/62 | 76/56 | 66/47 |
| Firenze (Toscana) |
59/41 | 66/46 | 74/52 | 81/58 | 88/63 | 87/63 | 80/58 | 70/50 |
| Napoli (Campania) |
60/43 | 65/47 | 73/54 | 79/60 | 85/64 | 85/64 | 79/59 | 71/53 |
| Palermo (Sicilia) |
61/52 | 65/55 | 71/61 | 77/67 | 83/73 | 84/74 | 80/71 | 73/64 |
Profile
| Population | 59 million habitants including Sicilia and Sardaigna |
| Surface | 116,346 square miles |
| Capital | Roma (3 million habitants) |
| Main Cities |
Milano, Firenze, Napoli, Pisa, Catane |
| Islands | Capri, Ischia, Eoliennes (Lipari) |
| Peaks |
Beside the Alps, Etna volcano (10,984 feet), Gran Sasso of Italia above Roma (9,560 feet) |
| Official Language |
Italian and many dialects |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Political Status | Parliamentary Republic |
| Time Shift |
Currencies
The currency is the €uro.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments that you can exchange with no problem in banks or exchange offices. Credit card use is widespread and you will find ATM machines in every city.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments that you can exchange with no problem in banks or exchange offices. Credit card use is widespread and you will find ATM machines in every city.
Travel Warnings
As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
For US citizens:
US department of State
Our Story
Solid experience on their territory.
Since the founding of Mountain World Travel, the first guides, Allibert Phil, Jeff Tripard and Jean Luc Poulat led groups to the summit of Gran Paradiso, an Italian mountain of more than 13,000 feet, easy and coveted. Mountain World Travel entered into Italy in a climbing kind of way! Since our arrival, fewer technical trips are now offered through our program. Grisha Kravtchenko, Mountain World Travel lead guide even belongs to the Italian Mountain Guide Association. Our guides, family ties or not, are passionate about this country. Many of our visited sites are part of the Unesco World Heritage.
Pat Boucherand is he who is responsible for this destination. He gave us a new impetus to travel to Italy by sharing his for this country to our guides. Originally from Sicilia, Patrick knows, by heart, the Italian "Boot". He is always keen to discover new routes; those which might be the most original or less frequented, to allow you to taste, the ever so real art of Italian living..... Because he is an epicurean and gourmet, he won't forget to allow you to discover the Italian gastronomy. Far from skipping the major sites, the circuits concocted by Pat borrow the more intimate routes, marked by the touch of Mountain World Travel, to visit these such desired and not to be missed places; in the image of the ascent of Chianti in Tuscany.
Since the founding of Mountain World Travel, the first guides, Allibert Phil, Jeff Tripard and Jean Luc Poulat led groups to the summit of Gran Paradiso, an Italian mountain of more than 13,000 feet, easy and coveted. Mountain World Travel entered into Italy in a climbing kind of way! Since our arrival, fewer technical trips are now offered through our program. Grisha Kravtchenko, Mountain World Travel lead guide even belongs to the Italian Mountain Guide Association. Our guides, family ties or not, are passionate about this country. Many of our visited sites are part of the Unesco World Heritage.
Pat Boucherand is he who is responsible for this destination. He gave us a new impetus to travel to Italy by sharing his for this country to our guides. Originally from Sicilia, Patrick knows, by heart, the Italian "Boot". He is always keen to discover new routes; those which might be the most original or less frequented, to allow you to taste, the ever so real art of Italian living..... Because he is an epicurean and gourmet, he won't forget to allow you to discover the Italian gastronomy. Far from skipping the major sites, the circuits concocted by Pat borrow the more intimate routes, marked by the touch of Mountain World Travel, to visit these such desired and not to be missed places; in the image of the ascent of Chianti in Tuscany.
Some Useful Words
Learning some key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with the Italian people.
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello : Salve - Good evening : Buona Sera - Good bye : Ciao (pronounced) ‘tchao')
Excuse me : Scusi
Please : Per favore - Thank you : Grazie (pronounced ‘gratcié')
Yes : Si - No : No
You are welcome : Prego
How are you ? Come stai ?
Water : Acqua
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello : Salve - Good evening : Buona Sera - Good bye : Ciao (pronounced) ‘tchao')
Excuse me : Scusi
Please : Per favore - Thank you : Grazie (pronounced ‘gratcié')
Yes : Si - No : No
You are welcome : Prego
How are you ? Come stai ?
Water : Acqua
Respect of Customs and Habits
Italy is a country very similar to France by way of its culture and way of life. However, a few clarifications are useful. We can observe in Italy a great religious fervor: it is not uncommon to attend processions, especially on Sundays. Just admire how the Italian priests dress, much more elaborately than in France.
When you visit places of worship, you are advised to adopt a dress code, long and ample.
The advice of Pat Boucherand, guide and head of our travels in Italy:
there is a real diversity between the north and south of Italy. My advice: sign up for more than one of our trips! The differences are very real from one region to the next...
When you visit places of worship, you are advised to adopt a dress code, long and ample.
The advice of Pat Boucherand, guide and head of our travels in Italy:
there is a real diversity between the north and south of Italy. My advice: sign up for more than one of our trips! The differences are very real from one region to the next...
Some Advice
How to make yourself understood?
The language barrier is not a problem in Italy. The Mountain World Travel guides, when they are not fully multilingual, have some knowledge of the language of the country which will enable them to adapt to all situations. Moreover, communication in Italian is often with your hands. This is no legend. With a smile and a few keywords, that you will learn before you leave (see preceding paragraph), you will win the respect of our Italian friends!
Can I swim easily in Italy?
Swimming is possible at your own risk. Lifeguards are located on some public beaches. In the spring, the cool water limits the opportunity for a dip in the sea, while in the summer; it is a real pleasure that one can take advantage of until the Fall.
US electrical devices are not compatible with Italian electrical plugs
The electrical outlets are of European standard. We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts.
Italian coffee is well reputable. Which one to choose?
Coffee is the national drink. The Italians drink it all day long. In Italy, coffee covers no more than the bottom of your cup! Ask for a coffee "lungo" if you want one that looks a bit like those in France. Italians drink theirs "ristretto" (short and strong). For those who love it with a touch of milk, request a "machiatto" or a cappuccino with foam milk.
The language barrier is not a problem in Italy. The Mountain World Travel guides, when they are not fully multilingual, have some knowledge of the language of the country which will enable them to adapt to all situations. Moreover, communication in Italian is often with your hands. This is no legend. With a smile and a few keywords, that you will learn before you leave (see preceding paragraph), you will win the respect of our Italian friends!
Can I swim easily in Italy?
Swimming is possible at your own risk. Lifeguards are located on some public beaches. In the spring, the cool water limits the opportunity for a dip in the sea, while in the summer; it is a real pleasure that one can take advantage of until the Fall.
US electrical devices are not compatible with Italian electrical plugs
The electrical outlets are of European standard. We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts.
Italian coffee is well reputable. Which one to choose?
Coffee is the national drink. The Italians drink it all day long. In Italy, coffee covers no more than the bottom of your cup! Ask for a coffee "lungo" if you want one that looks a bit like those in France. Italians drink theirs "ristretto" (short and strong). For those who love it with a touch of milk, request a "machiatto" or a cappuccino with foam milk.
Safeguarding the Environment
From north to south: cultivated terraces, vineyards, olive groves and citrus trees punctuate the landscape. Many species of trees are also present: pines, Mediterranean oak trees, strawberry trees, agaves, prickly pear and Indian fig trees. We trust you to leave natural areas as clean as possible. Remember to pick up your trash. In the mountains, the environment is strongly regarded. The bear and the wolf, species protected by a European directive, are part of the wildlife nature in the Abruzzo Parks, and they coexist nicely with the peasants. Please leave the flowers in their natural setting, especially the rare species, such as orchids: their collection is banned and severely punished.
