As Rome prepares for an unprecedented number of visitors in 2025 for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee 2025, and news of Pope Francis’ hospitalisation drawing additional attention to the Vatican, even more of the faithful are making their way to the Eternal City.
The Jubilee year began on Christmas Eve 2024 and continues until 6 January 2026, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica marking the start. According to Vatican News, an estimated 35 million pilgrims will visit during the Jubilee Year of Hope, attending religious ceremonies, processions, and cultural events. The expected crowds have many travellers looking for ways to avoid the congestion, whether for a brief respite or a more extended journey beyond the city.
“For those heading to Rome, adding a walking or cycling detour offers a much-needed break from the intensity of the crowds,” says UTracks General Manager, Kate Baker.
“Our tours provide an immersive way to experience Italy, whether for a short getaway or a longer journey beyond the city.”
From medieval pilgrimage routes to scenic coastal trails, these detours reveal some of Italy’s hidden gems, where history and nature intertwine.
Amalfi Explorer
Escape the crowds by following this ancient footpath high above the Amalfi Coast, with jaw-dropping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and charming local trattorias along the way. From the spectacular Amalfi coast to the ruins of Pompeii, the historic centre of Naples and the beautiful island of Capri, this trip offers the very best of this captivating region.
Walking In Puglia
Puglia is a land forged in history by a mixture of civilisations and cultures. This tour combines archaeological and architectural treasures, walking through valleys and along coastal paths surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. See the unique dry stone cottages known as Trulli in Alberobello and the cave houses known as Sassi in Matera. Explore the maze of narrow streets in the ‘white city’ Ostuni, the seaside village of Otranto facing the Adriatic and visit the elegant Baroque city of Lecce.
Cycle Bolzano to Verona
This cycling tour takes you through the historic Veneto region of north-east Italy. Starting from the mountains around Bolzano, passing Lake Garda and winding through pretty meadows to Verona, the city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Cycle from hotel to hotel, through varied landscapes soaking in the history of this inspiring pocket of Italy.
