Surprising Sicily

Hi - I'm Nigel. I've been leading tours with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays since 2004. 

I don't think it's any one thing that makes a destination so special. It's the rich combination of the natural beauty, the history, the architecture, the food, the people; all the different layers contribute to the real spirit and personality of a place. There is such an incredible wealth of varied scenery and culture within Europe I think there's really almost no need to venture further afield!

My upcoming tour to Sicily is one of my favourites to lead, I love walking in Italy. The history is absolutely fascinating; successive Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Spanish, Neapolitan, British, Piemontese, Fascist, American and Mainland Italian occupations have all left their mark. I absolutely love the way that on a single walk, one can spot evidence of these periods scattered at random in the countryside.

Our tours look at the close intertwining of the surviving relics of radically different historic cultures in an awesome natural landscape. For example, on the morning of the first day at Francavilla, we head up the hill to the ruined Norman castle, from where there is a fabulous view across the Arab citrus orchards and the Greek citadel of Castiglione to the stately, smoking, snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna. It is truly magical.

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Amazing Volcanic Landscape Walking by Andrew Mundy

Highlights of Andrew Mundy's walking in Italy with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays in Sicily, including the formidable Mount Etna, still erupting..... 
He reports back; “I really enjoyed it. Really lovely weather, a pleasant group and lovely walks.” Read on for his highlights of walking this amazing volcanic landscape. Helen, Community Co-ordiantor for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.

The highlight of my holiday was visiting Mount Etna. Etna was visible from the plane from 500 miles away; a slightly brooding presence with its upper slopes cloaked in snow.

The hotel bus took us up a steep road with hairpin bends; the journey being an experience in itself. We passed through the village of Bronte with its Lord Nelson connections.

The extent of the 2001 / 2002 eruptions and lava flows were evident and made one aware of the sheer force of nature. Etna dominates the island at 3323 metres high. In March there was still snow around so the walk was always going to be interesting.

We started our climb fortified with hot chocolate. The walking was easy with the ground being a mixture of soft snow and volcanic ash.

We climbed to about 2000 metres and rested, taking in the views and just enjoying the fresh air tinged with a slight smell of sulphur. We all enjoyed pointing out where we had walked on other days. It was interesting walking past two craters and looking down into their depths.
We all enjoyed running down a steep path. It was a question of leaning back and just going for it. There was lots of boot emptying at the bottom with black volcanic ash being the main offender.

This holiday has everything: enjoyable walks, and a comfortable hotel with excellent food. It was Easter and the flowers were beautiful, we saw many orchids.
On the free day choices include Syracuse, Taormina or just chilling out. I explored a disused railway line but could have visited the Circumetnea railway which circles the base of Etna.

And every day the delightful chore of watching Carlo making your lunch, he made it into an art form.

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The Gargano Peninsula, Walking the Spur of Italy

Hi, I'm Nigel Shervey. “If our lives are dominated by a search for happiness, then perhaps few activities reveal as much about the dynamics of this quest – in all its ardour and paradoxes – than our travels” wrote Alain de Botton in “The Art of Travel”. I'm going to spend the next few paragraphs promoting the pursuit of happiness in an area of Italy that the British have yet to discover…


The Gargano Promontory in Apulia is the spur on the Italian heel. One of the privileges of being a Ramblers Worldwide Holidays leader is the opportunity to explore places that one would not normally visit and then make a holiday that is physical, good walking; mentally stimulating, a new environment and culture; and spiritual, an emotional uplift. I'm sure that the Gargano is going to offer all these and that it would be difficult to experience them without the planning and research put in by Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (try and find a walking map of the area). And the first two tours let you escape a general election campaign!

These also are the flower holidays when the orchids and irises should be at their best. Most of the flower knowledge that I have has come from clients on other tours. One of the pluses of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is the varied interests and enthusiasms amongst the group that enrich the enjoyment and appreciation for all. I always carry the Marjorie Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson flower book with me to cope if there is no ‘expert'!

Expect the unexpected and you shouldn't be disappointed. English patriots can celebrate St George's day in style at a palio (horse race) on the glorious sandy beach at our centre Vieste. Other surprises… well, come and find them! Whatever the time of year the Latin temperament prevails here in the European south. I think that Latin people show their joy of living more openly than (the more emotionally inhibited?) from northern climes. Who doesn't need a lift right now? Having done nearly all of the Ramblers Worldwide Holidays' Italian holidays, I know this should be one to remember and treasure.

If you're still not convinced, look at the price – come and feel the quality of walking in Italy with me!
Nigel Shervey

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Top walks in Le Marche

If you are looking for picturesque, breathtaking walks then Le Marche is the destination for you. There are walks suitable for all levels of fitness, from rolling hills to sandy beaches to mountains over 1500 metres high.

Just walking this landscape you'll discover hidden gorges, lush pastures and stunning valleys, which we believe make for some of the finest landscapes in Europe.

Even more exciting is the knowledge that when setting off on a walk you are more than likely to stumble across historic Italy, passing through prehistoric settlements as well preserved castles dating back to the Roman times and middle ages. Just don't forget your camera!!

We can highly recommend a specialist trekking company run by Daniele Petrucci, a man who knows the area like the back of his hand. He has a created a broad range of different hikes, so all you need to do is work out which one suits you best. Our favourite is the Torricchio Natural Reserve walk, an area of unmatched beauty (we think) and located amongst Mt Ferma, Mt Cetrognola and Mt Torricchio – the area is of scientific interest and will leave a permanent positive impression on all who explore it. Daniele shares historical facts and knowledge as you go.

Daniele has created 12 walks, all offering something different and all well worth looking at. He welcomes groups and prices vary dependent upon numbers, but are extremely reasonable.

If you are looking for more information and Italian holiday tips please check out the Vintage Holidays blog.

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