Italy Walking and Driving Tours from National Geographic Traveler

When I’m visiting a place, I find that I prefer to get a feel for it by using my feet. In other words, walking around a new and unfamiliar city is the best way for me to get to know it – but aimless wandering isn’t always the most efficient way to do that. In fact, aimless wandering can get downright frustrating. So if you’re looking for a bit more of a directed wander, National Geographic Traveler has posted their favorite walking and driving tours in Italy. If you’ll be in any one of these places anytime soon, check them out:

• Rome – This medieval tour starts in Piazza Colonna and ends in the Trastevere, hitting some of Rome’s interesting back streets along the way.
• Rome – This tour covers a small area in the Campo dei Fiori district called the Campo Marzio. It is, according to the teaser, “a wealth of Renaissance and baroque detail.”
• Florence – With this tour you’ll get to see how the historic backdrop of medieval Florence mixes effortlessly with modern-day residents and tourists.
• Venice – This tour will take you in the opposite direction from most of the tourists flocking to St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

On the other hand, some places are more suited to having wheels beneath you – so here are a few driving tours in Italy as well:

• Amalfi Coast – The Amalfi Coast seems to have been made for a driving tour (if you’re not afraid of heights, that is), with its winding coastal roads and spectacular views.
• Langhe – This region of northwest Italy is an ideal driving tour for photographers, wine lovers and fans of Italian food, because there are lots of places along the way to eat and drink, and practically everywhere you turn would make a great photograph.
• Mount Etna – Get up close and personal with Sicily’s active volcano on this driving tour (or you can also take the train).

With any of these tours, you can download a PDF map as well as print the directions to take with you. There are not only instructions on where to turn but the tours also point out what’s important to look at along the way and sometimes even mention a spot or two to stop for something to eat.