From immersive tours to relaxing cruises on Venetian waterways, these slow travel escapes allow you to enjoy Italy at your own pace.
In a world that rarely stops moving, slow travel in Italy offers something truly special – the chance to breathe, linger, and connect. It’s not about cramming in landmarks or racing through itineraries, but about tuning in to the rhythms of everyday life.
Slow travel invites you to trade hurried itineraries for lingering lunches, fleeting glimpses for immersive encounters, and the well-trodden path for quieter discoveries.
When we pause to explore at a more leisurely pace, we can truly take in the unique character of each region of Italy, along with the morning scent of fresh espresso, the long, laughter-filled lunches, and the quiet beauty of an olive grove at dusk.
With options including scenic railways, gentle cycle routes, or a peaceful cruise through lesser-known waterways, these curated slow travel escapes mean you can experience Italy at your own pace.
Jump to:
- Railbookers: Take in the beauty of scenic Italy by train
- European Waterways: Sail away on unhurried Venetian cruises
- Gusto Cycling: Cycle through Tuscany in style
- Magari Tours: Slow down and immerse yourself in Puglia’s history
- Citalia: Relax on a curated rail holiday
- Byway: Travel Italy flight-free and fuss-free
Railbookers: Tailor-made, tranquil tours of Italy by train
Discover the enchanting beauty of Sicily by train with Railbookers. Tailor-made itineraries by Railbookers offer independent travellers the freedom to explore this stunning island at their own pace.
Have a day in Milan before boarding the overnight train to Taormina, where you will stay for two nights. Then experience beautiful regional train rides through the Sicilian countryside to Catania and Palermo.
Encounter breathtaking landscapes, rich history and delicious cuisine as you travel through Sicily’s charming towns.
With the convenience of connections from any UK railway station, Railbookers provides the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making a Sicilian adventure just a train ride away!
Start your serene journey through Italy with Railbookers:
Book online through the Railbookers website.
Email: info@railbookers.com
Call: 020 3780 222
European Waterways: Luxury escapes on the water
Step aboard La Bella Vita and discover Venice and Veneto from a new perspective – one that embraces slow travel, elegance and authenticity.
Cruising between Venice and Mantua, this fully-inclusive luxury barge offers an intimate escape through tranquil canals, Renaissance cities and the peaceful Venetian countryside.
With space for up to 20 guests, you’ll enjoy personalised service, gourmet Italian cuisine, and exclusive excursions. From private villa tours to bustling local markets, every moment invites you to slow down and savour la dolce vita.
Available to book by the cabin or as a private charter, La Bella Vita is the perfect way to see Italy in style.
Unwind in Venice and Veneto with European Waterways:
Book online through the European Waterways website.
Email: sales@europeanwaterways.com
Call: 01753 598555
Gusto Cycling: Leisurely tours of Tuscany by bike
Gusto Cycling currently offers two eight-day cycling tours, Tuscany North and Tuscany South.
Both tours provide you with the opportunity to get close to the real Tuscany, leading you through its smaller towns, charming villages, and historically significant sites, alongside visits to select wine estates. You’ll enjoy exquisite lunches, dinners, and wine tastings, all integral parts of this immersive holiday experience.
Thanks to electric bikes, you don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy these tours, with routes typically ranging from 35-60km per day. Accommodation varies from high-quality three- and four-star hotels to unique stays such as renovated monasteries, traditional farmhouses, or more distinctive options like a wine estate or even a castle.
Tours can start on any day of the week, offering maximum flexibility.
See Tuscany on two wheels with Gusto Cycling:
Book online through the Gusto Cycling website.
Email: marco@gustocycling.com
Call: 07515 941879
Magari Tours: Immersive slow travel in historical Italy
Slow down on a Magari Tour and immerse yourself in the beautiful region of Puglia as you discover hidden gems of medieval villages and a local way of life with visits to agritourism farms. Watch focaccia being made under olive trees, and mozzarella being prepared from centuries-old recipes at a family-run masseria.
In UNESCO-listed Alberobello, stay in your own authentic trullo with all hotel comforts. Enjoy an exclusive pasta-making session amongst the fruit trees and a lunch using ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding garden.
See the beautiful baroque architecture in the captivating city of Lecce and the incredible palaeolithic cave dwellings in the Sassi quarter of UNESCO-listed Matera.
Seek hidden gems in Italy with Magari Tours:
Book online through the Magari Tours website.
Email: hello@magaritours.com
Call: 01732 879199
Citalia: Curated rail holidays for slow travel in comfort
Slow down and savour the beauty of Italy with Citalia’s tailor-made rail holidays.
Citalia’s Italy experts craft personalised itineraries that let you experience the country at a gentler pace, with seamless travel between cities, lakes, coastlines and countryside. Glide past olive groves, vineyards and historic towns as the journey becomes part of the adventure.
Whether you’re exploring Renaissance Florence, relaxing on the Amalfi Coast, or soaking in the charm of Lake Garda, every stop is handpicked to suit your interests. Travel in comfort, avoid airport hassle, and embrace the joy of discovery, one scenic route at a time.
With more than 95 years of expertise, you can trust Citalia to take you closer to the real Italy, slowly.
Tour the relaxing side of Italy with Citalia:
Book online through the Citalia website.
Email: italy@citalia.co.uk
Call: 01293 900934
Byway: Experience true slow travel with a flight-free holiday in Italy
Founded in 2020 by Cat Jones, Byway is the first 100% flight-free dynamic holiday planning technology, with customisable multi-stop journeys across the UK and Europe. Byway encourages travellers to feel the rumble of the rails and connect with landscapes, gaining a more gradual introduction to places.
Its ‘Ultimate Cinque Terre Line Holiday’ strings together the towns of the Cinque Terre by one of Italy’s most scenic train lines, tracing the craggy coast from La Spezia. Hop off to explore ports and villages between flashes of coastal views and cliff-carved tunnels.
Ride the Cinque Terre Line as part of a trip including Turin, Monterosso al Mare, Zurich and Chambery. Prices start at £2,192 per person.
Experience flight-free, fuss-free travel with Byway:
Book online through the Byway website.
Email: hello@byway.travel
Call: 020 4525 6215
Discover more of the best places to visit in our Puglia travel guide
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