Green Team Building: Group experiences in nature and tradition

Traveling to Italy for an incentive or business trip can become a unique opportunity to discover and connect with the land sustainably. Read on to discover authentic and responsible ways to immerse yourself in the history and culture while also supporting local communities.

Fishing tourism offers the opportunity to spend a day aboard the boats of local fishermen, participating in their daily activities and discovering maritime traditions. These experiences promote responsible tourism and support fishing communities, highlighting a profession vital to the local economy.

In Italy, fishing can be enjoyed in various coastal locations. Among them is Burano, in the Venetian Lagoon, where visitors can immerse themselves in Venetian culture, admire the lagoon's landscapes, and experience the fishermen's daily routines.

Popular fishing locations in Sicily include Favignana, Trapani, and Catania, where participants can enjoy the sea in an engaging way, savoring Mediterranean flavors directly onboard. In Puglia, places like Monopoli and Gallipoli offer the chance to combine fishing with an authentic exploration of the local area and cuisine. In Liguria, ports like Riomaggiore and Sanremo allow visitors to explore the waters of the Ligurian Sea, promoting a more conscious approach to maritime tourism. Similarly, in Veneto, Burano provides opportunities for visitors to engage with local maritime culture. For a closer look at how this is done, check out Pescaturismo Burano to get a better understanding of what it's all about.

Craft workshops offer the chance to connect with the artistic traditions, learning directly from artisans and helping to preserve ancient crafts. These workshops reveal techniques passed down through generations, such as the creation of Venetian masks, a symbol of the Venice Carnival; in Puglia, workshops on Lecce stone showcase the art of sculpting this soft limestone used in architectural and sculptural decorations; in Sicily, puppet-making workshops introduce participants to the construction and decoration of the famous Sicilian puppets, icons of the Opera dei Pupi, a UNESCO World Heritage.

These activities educate and support local economies, offering artisans a platform to pass on their skills and promote regional culture. Participants take home unique items they’ve crafted themselves, experiencing the value of manual work and the historical identity of the area.

Sustainable food and wine experiences allow visitors to explore the connection between the land and cuisine, celebrating biodiversity and local traditions. In many farmhouses in Puglia and Tuscan agritourisms, zero-kilometer cooking classes involve participants in harvesting vegetables, fruits, and aromatic herbs grown directly on-site. During the classes, local chefs teach traditional recipes, emphasizing the importance of seasonality and short supply chains, thereby reducing environmental impact.

Organic wineries offer an immersive experience in sustainable winemaking practices, from pesticide-free cultivation techniques to low-impact vinification methods. Organic wineries offer an immersive experience in sustainable winemaking practices, from pesticide-free cultivation techniques to low-impact vinification methods. A great example of this can be seen in the Vajra family winery (read more about their story and sustainable practices in our interview here). Participants can stroll through vineyards, witness the grape harvest or pruning, and end with guided tastings of organic and biodynamic wines, accompanied by explanations of how ecological choices affect the taste and quality of the wine.

Additionally, some agritourisms organize workshops dedicated to foraging for wild herbs and medicinal plants. These activities teach participants how to identify edible herbs and use them to create teas, aromatic oils, or ingredients for traditional dishes, fostering a deeper awareness of local natural resources and their use in traditional cuisine, promoting a lifestyle in harmony with the environment.

Trekking and cycling tours are sustainable and active ways to discover Italy’s natural and cultural wonders. Around Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, trails offer spectacular views of water and mountains, ideal for hiking or biking. In Puglia, the Itria Valley and Salento feature routes through trulli, olive groves, and ancient villages, perfect for bike tourism. In Rome, Villa Borghese Park and the Appian Way offer historical bike tours that combine nature and archaeology (Explore the hidden wonders of Rome among off-the-beaten-path experiences).

For those interested in discovering less crowded paths along the coast, our guide to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula provides great trekking options beyond the usual tourist routes read more here.

In Tuscany, it's possible to explore the areas around Florence, San Gimignano, and the Val d'Orcia by e-bike, riding along white roads through vineyards and hills. In the Dolomites, valleys such as Val di Fiemme and Val Gardena offer trekking routes suitable for all levels, with breathtaking views of alpine peaks. In the Langhe, bike tours through wine roads cross vineyards and small villages, combining sport, nature, and food and wine culture.

Volunteering activities at FAI sites offer companies and groups the chance to actively participate in preserving Italy’s historical and landscape heritage. These volunteering days not only contribute to the maintenance of gardens, historic villas, and natural areas but also strengthen the sense of belonging and collaboration within teams. Through the restoration of dry stone walls, trail cleaning, or park maintenance, participants become key players in safeguarding unique places, experiencing an enriching and sustainable team-building opportunity.

To learn more about FAI’s role in preserving Italy’s heritage and its Corporate Golden Donor Program, read our article here.

Choosing sustainable experiences not only enriches the journey but also contributes to preserving traditions and the environment, promoting responsible and conscious tourism.