Experiential tourism is increasingly popular, in Italy and around the world. Having a real life experience as a tourist gives meaning to a vacation that would otherwise be just another relaxing holiday. Going to the beach isn’t enough anymore: today, you might love fishing on a boat. And instead of simply trekking in the mountains, why not accompany livestock from a farm? A vacation should be original, relaxing, but also leave a long lasting impression. And in Italy there are many ways to have a “real experience.” Each idea is suited to a particular type of traveler. Here are a few for you.
Barefoot in the woods
One of the most beautiful experiences during a vacation is feeling completely in touch with nature. Living in the woods is now a reality for many tourist accommodation options, especially in the Alps and the Dolomites. Trentino-Alto Adige region offers some of the most beautiful scenery if you’d like to experience this. Find valuable information on the parks’ official website: https://www.visittrentino.info/it/articoli/natura-benessere/percorsi-sensoriali-in-trentino.
In addition to traditional yoga in the woods, mindfulness trails and tree-hugging sensations, you can also try walking barefoot in nature. Feeling the grass, pebbles, and seeds under your feet as you advance through the fragrant shade of a forest might be uncomfortable, at first; but along the way, it surely becomes a pleasant massage. All this can be combined with experiences such as admiring the sunset, meditating, or even having a picnic.
The nearest airports for these areas are Bolzano (BZO) or Verona (VRN). Thanks to private transportation like ours, which allows you to reach every corner of the region, you can decide which forest is best for you to enjoy a similar experience.
Transhumance in Abruzzo
Abruzzo is a land of shepherds and ranchers. The beauty of its landscapes is enriched by the traditional experiences of the local people, and transhumance—the movement of livestock from one point to another in the region—is one of them. But … be careful! Transhumance is a very demanding experience, there are no discounts. Only undertake it if you are well-trained, strong, and without any particular physical or heart problems. A Google search reveals several tour operators that organize transhumance tourism experiences with Abruzzo’s shepherds. To reach the small provincial towns that are the starting points for this type of holiday, you’ll first need to land at Pescara Airport (PSR), the ideal arrival point for this region.
Spirituality in Umbria
Umbria is a green, tranquil region, far from the sea and the hustle and bustle of the beaches. A land of art and profound faith, it is often chosen for spiritual vacations—be they religious or meditative. Dotted with monasteries, churches, and country chapels, Umbria resonates with profound emotions.
Almost all of the region’s convents offer the experience of living, working, and praying with monks and nuns. Simply contact them and ask if and when you can book – if you’re looking for a spiritual vacation related to Christianity. Umbria also lends itself well to spiritual experiences of other faiths…Buddhism, Shintoism, or New Age philosophy. The meditation that all these practices have in common, and yoga as well, are experiences that travelers seeking regeneration and tranquility can enjoy.
Perugia Umbria Airport (PEG) is the ideal airport for reaching the region’s most beautiful and spiritual places.
Boating with fishermen in Sardinia and Sicily
They call it “fishing tourism,” and it’s the maritime version of farm-tourism. It’s usually an experience you can enjoy in places where fishing traditions are alive, far from the bustling nightlife and tourist crowds. By staying in seaside villages, you can go out on a boat with the fishermen and experience a day of work among the nets and waves. In Sardinia, some suggestions for this type of vacation can be found on the website https://www.holidoit.com/pescaturismo-in-sardegna .
Fishing tourism can also be enjoyed in the Strait of Messina, where the company https://imancusopescaturismo.com/ dominates the scene. However, it’s easy to find other fishing boats offering the same experience “between the Scylla and Charybdis points.”
Cagliari Airport (CAG) or Catania Airport (CTA) are the respective reference airports for the two islands.
Olive Harvest in Puglia
During olive harvest time, usually between October and November, Puglia offers several experiential tourism opportunities at its traditional farmhouses. Apulian olive oil is as famous as the culinary recipes associated with it, and experiencing the harvest of this precious raw material—olives—is a unique experience.
You can stay in a farmhouse, or a “trullo”, and then travel to the olive groves where the harvest takes place. You can also witness the process by which new oil is produced in just a few weeks.
You will land at Bari Airport (BRI).
