The Albergo Diffuso is a relatively recent concept in Italy based around the idea of restoring old houses and buildings for the purposes of tourism. The phrase translates literally as "scattered hotel".

Every now and again we like to shine a light on some of the places we stay on our hiking tours, and to introduce you to the people who are at the heart of these wonderful hotels.

Il Patrignone

If you are ever looking for a base in Tuscany before or after a Hedonistic Hiking walking holiday in Italy then we might have just the place for you. Friends of ours Simon and Verity run a glorious Tuscan agriturismo right in the heart of the Chianti hills, halfway between Siena and Florence.

The Albergo Sextantio in the tiny village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the heart of Abruzzo's Gran Sasso National Park is a truly unique hotel experience.  Its owner, the visionary entrepreneur Daniele Kihlgren, calls it an "albergo diffuso" or a "scattered hotel" because all the bedrooms, the reception and dining areas occupy the original medieval dwellings and cottages in this remarkable little town.