Italy walking and food vacation

Planet

As part of our Responsible Travel policy, we advise customers to take reusable water bottles with them on tour. Our local leaders actively do not distribute single-use plastic water bottles and encourage customers to refill their bottles from taps throughout the trip. The tap water in Italy is completely safe to drink, and bottles can be refilled at hotels and at various rest stops. Another way to reduce unnecessary waste is through advising customers to bring lunch boxes and cutlery for picnics.

Walking is arguably the greenest from of travel with no carbon footprint. On this walking vacation we explore the cities of Bologna, Ravenna and Parma on foot enabling us to explore the winding alleys and backstreets without contributing to traffic congestion. In the countryside our gentle walks allow us to explore with minimal impact on the natural world. Diverse environments range from the foothills of the Apennine mountains to the fragile ecosystem of the Po River Delta where bird species to be seen includes greater flamingo, little and giant egret, curlew, marsh harriers, and bee eater.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Throughout this trip we choose to eat out at local family-run restaurants which is both an opportunity to experience the traditional cuisine and specialities of Emilia Romagna and also helps support the local economy. Places such as the Hosteria Giusti in the middle of Modena's UNESCO-listed old center where tigelle (a type of local bread) and pasta fritta are served.

This trip also visits a number of small-scale producers which we'll have the chance to support through purchasing their various products. Places such as the Caseificio La Razza organic farm where local cheeses including the region's famous parmesan is made, the Acetaio di Leonardi cantina where balsamic vinegar of Modena is produced and lambrusco vineyards of Prati Vini.

We use local tour leaders, who know the country very well and who will help to give us a unique insight into its history, customs and culture and get us that bit closer to the local people. They also ensure that our customers are aware of the cultural norms that should be observed, dress code, gestures, etc. Our tour leaders are trained by us in the importance of responsible tourism with guidance given on how they can make a difference.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.